Maurice McEndree, 72; Produced Films Directed by Cassavetes

Maurice McEndree, 72, who produced two of director John Cassavetes’ stark films, “Shadows” and “Faces,” died Saturday at his home in Carnation, Wash., after a short illness.

McEndree dabbled in various aspects of filmmaking, including acting, which paid the bills for the more creative of his undertakings.

Along with Seymour Cassel, he produced Cassavetes’ first directorial effort, “Shadows,” in 1959, and also helped edit it. He then signed on as producer, editor and cinematographer for the actor’s next independent film, “Faces,” in 1968.

As a writer, McEndree wrote the dubious 1964 “Bunny Yeager’s Nude Las Vegas”; as a director, he was credited for the 1973 film “Self Portrait.”

McEndree never rose beyond small roles as an actor. He appeared in such 1960s films as “Devil’s Angels,” which starred Cassavetes, and had guest roles on such 1950s and 1960s television series as “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason,” “The Virginian” and “Laredo.”