Steve Krantz

[Serendipity09]

STEVE KRANTZ Died Jan. 4, 2007
Writer/producer Steve Krantz died of complications from pneumonia at age 83. Mr. Krantz was the husband of author Judith Krantz and the father of producer Tony Krantz. Mr. Krantz produced Ralph Bakshi's landmark X-Rated cartoon "Fritz the Cat." The movie was based on Robert Crumb's underground Comic books. "Fritz the Cat" became the first animated film to rake in over $100,000,000.00 at the box-office. The success of the film lead to two more collaborations with Ralph Bakshi: the X-rated cartoon "Heavy Traffic" and the R-rated sequel "The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat." Steve Krantz also brought a number of his wife's books to the small screen. He produced "Mistrial's Daughter," "Princess Daisy," "Dazzle," "Torch Song" and "Till We Meet Again." Steve Krantz wrote and produced the Curtis Harrington directed horror film "Ruby." The movie was butchered upon release and much of the footage was lost. VCI Entertainment restored the movie and released it on DVD several years ago. It is a creepy film directed by one of the unsung heroes of the horror genre. Steve Krantz produced a number of popular films during the 1970. "Cooley High" was a huge hit at the box-office and inspired the TV series "What's Happening." Mr. Krantz also produced the Richard Pryor film "Which Way Is Up?"