Robert Radnitz, producer of family movies, dies at 85 of stroke complications

Robert Radnitz, family movie producer, dies at 85

MALIBU, Calif. — Robert B. Radnitz, an English teacher who went on to produce family movies including “Sounder” and “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” has died at his Malibu home. He was 85.

His wife, Pearl, says Radnitz died Sunday from complications of a stroke he suffered 14 years ago.

Radnitz became known for developing family movies starting in 1959 with “A Dog of Flanders.” Many were based on children’s literature including “Misty” in 1961. He went on to produce nearly a dozen such films, some in partnership with toy maker Mattel.

In 1973, the Los Angeles Times called Radnitz “the only successful American maker of children’s films outside the gates of Walt Disney films.”

Radnitz’s is survived by his wife of 23 years.

Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com