Pinter, Harold (1930- ), English playwright, known for his so-called comedies of menace, which humorously and cynically depict people attempting to communicate as they react to an invasion or threat of an invasion of their lives. He is also noted for his unique use of dialogue, which exposes his characters' alienation from each other and explores the layers of meaning produced by pauses and silence.

             Pinter was born in London. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London in 1948 and for the next ten years acted with various repertory companies touring Britain. His first plays, The Room and The Dumbwaiter, appeared in 1957. The Caretaker (1960), his play about two neurotic brothers whose fragile relationship is upset by a vagrant who forces himself into their lives, established his reputation as an innovative playwright. Pinter's other plays include The Birthday Party (1958), The Lover (1963), The Homecoming (1965), Old Times (1971), No Mans Land (1975), Betrayal (1979), and Moonlight (1993). He also wrote many short plays for television and radio and numerous screenplays, including The Go-Between (1971), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), The Handmaid's Tale (1990), and The Trial (1993). Pinter appeared in minor roles in several motion pictures and has directed many plays, including The Man in the Glass Booth (1967) and Butley (1971).

             Pinter's Poems and Prose: 1949-1977 was published in 1978. In 1995 he won a special Olivier Award, from Britain, recognizing his contributions to theater .

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