Smith, Dodie (1896–1990)

English playwright, novelist, and theatre producer. Her first play, Autumn Crocus (1930), was an instant success. Other plays include Dear Octopus (1938), Letter from Paris (adapted from The Reverberator by Henry James, 1952), and I Capture the Castle (adapted from her own novel, 1952). She also wrote the popular children's book The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956).

Born in Manchester, Smith took up acting and a career in business. Early success as a playwright enabled her to devote herself entirely to writing. Later on she published the autobiographical works Look Back with Love (1974), Look Back with Mixed Feelings (1977), Look Back with Astonishment (1979), and Look Back with Gratitude (1985).