Room With A View producer Ismail Merchant dies

Merchant Ivory producer Ismail Merchant died today aged 68.

Together with director James Ivory, Merchant made such acclaimed period films as Howards End, A Room With A View and Remains of the Day.

He died in a London hospital this afternoon, his office said.

The cause of death was unclear but a spokesman said the Indian-born producer had suffered from stomach problems over the past year.