Daniel Pratt Mannix

Daniel Pratt Mannix IV, an author whose books served as the basis for television and film scripts, died Jan. 29 at his home in Malvern, Penn., after a lengthy illness. He was 85.

Mannix wrote more than 25 books, including "The Fox and the Hound," on which the Disney movie was based, and "Step Right Up," which was republished as "Memoirs of a Sword Swallower" and serialized on the BBC.

His writings were often based on personal experiences, which included frequent hunting trips and a stint as a sword swallower and fire eater in a circus sideshow.

During World War II, Mannix served as a naval lieutenant with the Photo-Science Laboratory in Washington D.C., where he worked with Gene Kelly and TV producer-director William Warren.

He is survived by a son, a daughter, three grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Capital Campaign, the Montgomery School, Route No. 113, Chester Springs, PA 19425.