Richard A. Morris Dies


	RICHARD A. MORRIS DIES

Release Date:

February 27, 2010

Press Release:

The Hollywood Reporter and The Herald Tribune of Sarasota, FL

His Sarasota Film Festival introduced the first motion picture produced by LOVE SPELL ENTERTAINMENT (with Outlaw Productions and Intermedia Films), "IF ONLY" starring the film's producer Jennifer Love Hewitt.....

Richard Morris, who with his wife founded the Sarasota Film Society, died Feb. 17 at his Florida home. He was 78.

He was a graduate of Bronx Science and Adelphi College. Dick was an unusually gifted man. After retiring for health reasons from the insurance business over 30 years ago and moving to Sarasota, he began an (unpaid) career as co-founder, with his wife Sue, of the nonprofit, member-supported Sarasota Film Society, now the premier film society in the Southeast. As booker, screener and distributor of classic, independent and international films, Dick was a highly visible promoter of the arts, including film, as opportunities for enlightenment as well as entertainment. Richard and Susan Morris also launched the Cine-World Film Festival, which will celebrate its 21st edition in November, and owned two movie theaters in the area.

Beyond his considerable influence in the cultural life of Sarasota, Dick was a pioneer in creating new venues for quality films in areas of the country outside their usual reach. Famously outspoken in his remarks on both culture and politics, Dick was admired by many as a "contrarian with a cause." He was a member of the Sara Bay Country Club. Dick also served in the military during the Korean conflict.

Surviving family members include Dick's wife of 50 years, Susan Morris; daughter Leslie Godwin; son-in-law Steve Samuels; grandchildren Aiden Samuels and Tristan Godwin; sister Julie Nadel; brother Victor Morris; sister-in-law Joan Novick; nephew Michael Novick; nieces Shari Glazer and Hillary Weintraub; and cousin Jeffrey Levine.

He was predeceased in 2002 by his daughter, Kathryn "K.T." Samuels.

There will be an informal gathering at 10 a.m. Sunday at Burns Court Cinemas in his honor. Contributions may be made to the Dick Morris Memorial Fund at Sarasota Film Society, 10715 Rodeo Drive, Suite 8, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Private funeral arrangements are being handled by the National Cremation Society.