James Hilton (1900-1954) was an eminent English novelist and screenplay writer. Born in Leigh, Lancashire, educated at The Leys School, Cambridge, and then at Christ's College, Cambridge, Hilton wrote several successful novels. His most famous works include Lost Horizon (1933) and Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1934), which stirred the hearts of many with its sentimental schoolmaster tale. Later, Hilton moved to Hollywood where he enjoyed a very successful career writing screenplays.