Roland Pertwee (1885–1963) was a multifaceted English creative figure, contributing to theatre, film, and television. His career began with visual arts, studying painting at the Royal Academy Schools before transitioning to writing and acting. He penned numerous plays and screenplays, including works like "A Yank at Oxford" and "Caravan," and also appeared in and directed films. Pertwee had a notable family in the entertainment industry, being the father of actors Jon and Michael Pertwee. His writing extended to novels and juvenile fiction, with series like "The Islanders" exploring adventure themes. A significant contribution to early television was his co-creation of "The Grove Family," considered Britain's first soap opera, with his son Michael. He retired from writing in 1957 after the show's cancellation.

Roland Pertwee's artistic journey commenced with painting, having secured a scholarship to the Royal Academy Schools at seventeen. He exhibited his first portrait at the Royal Academy two years later. Following studies in Paris, he returned to London, where his creative pursuits broadened to include writing and acting. His early personal life involved marriage in 1911 and a year-long tour in Australia with a theatre company. His writing career officially launched in 1914 with the production of four short plays in London, including one titled "Swank." He also took on acting roles in productions such as "Caste" and "The Second Mrs Tanqueray." A novel, "The Transactions of Lord Louis Lewis," was published in 1917, marking his entry into longer-form fiction.

Pertwee's output as a writer was extensive, encompassing plays, novels, and screenplays across several decades. He adapted his play "Quinneys" for the stage and also acted in it. His prolific writing period in the 1910s and 1920s included numerous plays like "The Bridal Chair," "Hope," "Charity," and "Interference." His work was frequently adapted for film; for instance, "Out to Win" was filmed in 1921, and his play "Interference" was adapted in Hollywood in 1928. He also collaborated on plays such as "Heat Wave," which was later filmed as "The Road to Singapore." His career saw him work in Hollywood, contributing scripts to films like "I Like Your Nerve" and "Honor of the Family," before returning to England to write for numerous other productions.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Pertwee continued his prolific screenwriting, contributing to films like "The Ghoul," "British Agent," and "A Yank at Oxford." He also penned the novel "Such an Enmity," which Alfred Hitchcock was announced to film, though no movie resulted. World War II saw him write patriotic films and adapt stories, including "A Spy in Black" and "Pimpernel Smith," in which he also acted. His autobiography, "Master of None," was published in 1940. A significant milestone was the creation of "The Grove Family" in 1954 with his elder son, Michael. This BBC production is widely recognized as Britain's first television soap opera, achieving substantial viewership and acclaim.

Beyond his adult-oriented works, Roland Pertwee also authored juvenile fiction. His "The Islanders" series offered Boy's Own-style adventures for young readers, focusing on outdoor activities and excitement, with titles like "The Islanders" and "Operation Wild Goose." One book, "An Actor's Life for Me," centered on a character from "The Islanders" pursuing a stage career. Pertwee also wrote short stories, two of which, "The River God" and "Fish Are Such Liars," are now considered classics and have been featured in anthologies. After the conclusion of "The Grove Family" in 1957, Pertwee retired from writing, passing away in April 1963.