Attenborough played the lead role.

　　His directing career began in 1961 with Whistle down the Wind, featuring child star Hayley Mills. Forbes directed many more films in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1969 he took over as head of production and managing director of EMI-MGM Elstree, and the studio achieved outstanding successes. But it was a torrid time for the company. Troubled constantly by financial difficulties and staffing issues, Forbes quitted in 1971. He then directed The Stepford Wives, based on the novel by Ira Levin, and in 1975 International Velvet, starring Tatum O'Neal, in 1978.

　　Forbes, who counted the late Queen Mother among his friends, continued directing, writing and acting throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. He also found success as an author with a number of novels, the latest of which, The Soldier's Story, was published last year.

　　After Forbes passed away, film critic(批评家) Mark Kermode said, "once I had fun-boyish pleasure of telling Bryan Forbes how much I loved Stepford Wives. He was charming and modest. A great loss."

24. Having played several supporting roles, Forbes began to ______.

A. work as a cameraman

B. make a lead actor

C. build his own company alone

D. write and direct films

25. Which of the following is the first film directed by Forbes?

A. An Inspector Calls.

B. The Colditz Story.

C. Whistle down the Wind.

D. The Angry Silence.

26. The underlined word "torrid" in Paragraph 3 can be replaced by ______.

A. suitable B. tough