This unusual, multi-talented artist (producer, director, screenwriter, actor, novelist) managed to make several personal and eccentric films within the Hollywood studio system of the 1970s and 80s while remaining very much on its margins. As a writer-director, Richert (pronounced Richard) had completed only three fiction features by 1996. All are characterized by unusual intelligence, mordant wit, volatile father-son relations and skillful direction of some top-notch performers. One, "Winter Kills" (1979), has become a cult classic embraced by savvy audiences, critics and filmmakers.Helming
Inspired by the writings of Jack Kerouac and other "beat" writers, wrote poetry that was published in the POTOMAC REVIEW and other journals; performed poetry on the mid-West coffee-house circuit
1961
Came to Hollywood on a bus at age 17 (date approximate)
1962
Became a press agent for the "Steve Allen Show" at 18 (date approximate)
Worked as a freelance speechwriter for the chairman of Westinghouse, a sponsor of the "Steve Allen Show"
1963
Between assignments, wrote his first novel, "Aren't You Even Gonna Kiss Me Goodbye", at age 19 (date approximate)
