Herman Raucher, the acclaimed screenwriter and novelist, known for his significant contributions to film and literature, has passed away at the age of 95. Raucher's daughter, Jenny Raucher, confirmed that he died of natural causes on Thursday at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut.
Raucher's illustrious career began in live television, and he gained recognition for his screenplay work on two Anthony Newley films, "Sweet November" (1968) and "Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?" (1969). However, he achieved widespread acclaim and success with "Summer of '42" (1971), a coming-of-age drama directed by Robert Mulligan. The film, still in postproduction, prompted Raucher to write a book in a "stream of consciousness" style, which became a national best-seller even before the film's release.
The groundbreaking and racially charged "Watermelon Man" (1970), directed by Melvin Van Peebles, showcased Raucher's versatility and creativity. The film tells the story of a white bigot waking up in his suburban house one morning as a black man and explores issues of race and identity.
Born on April 13, 1928, in Brooklyn, Raucher attended Erasmus High School and NYU. He commenced his writing career with one-hour dramas for prestigious network anthology series, marking the beginning of a journey that would span across various mediums. Raucher's involvement with Walt Disney during the company's transition from animated to live-action projects further solidified his place in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his screenwriting achievements, Raucher wrote novels, including "A Glimpse of Tiger," "There Should Have Been Castles," and "Maynard's House." He penned the sequel to "Summer of '42," titled "Class of '44," and collaborated with Sidney Sheldon on "The Other Side of Midnight."
Despite his success in film and television, Raucher always felt a deep connection to novels, where he retained complete control over his writing. His daughter noted that he valued the freedom to maintain the integrity of his work without interference.
Herman Raucher is survived by his grandchildren Samantha and Jamie, along with his daughter Jacqueline. His wife, Mary Kathryn, a Broadway dancer and student of George Balanchine, passed away in 2002. Raucher leaves behind a legacy of storytelling that has left a lasting impact on audiences and will be remembered fondly by those who appreciate his contributions to literature and cinema.
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