Matthew Rapf

Matthew Rapf (October 22, 1920 – December 11, 1991) was an American film and television producer and screenwriter. He was best known for producing The Loretta Young Show, Ben Casey, and Kojak.

Matthew Rapf
Born(1920-10-22)October 22, 1920
New York, New York
DiedDecember 11, 1991(1991-12-11) (aged 71)
Malibu, California
Resting placeHillside Memorial Park
Alma materDartmouth College
OccupationFilm and television producer, screenwriter
Spouse(s)Carol Rapf
Parent(s)
RelativesMaurice Rapf (brother)

Biography

Matthew Rapf was born in New York City on October 22, 1920,[1][2] the son of MGM film producer Harry Rapf. His brother Maurice was a screenwriter (blacklisted in the 1940s) and film professor.[3]

After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1942, he served as a lieutenant (junior grade) in the U.S. Navy during World War II.[2][4] Returning to civilian life, he followed in his father's and brother's footsteps into filmmaking and was hired by MGM to be part of a production group headed by Charles Schnee.[5] His first credit was for writing and producing the 1948 Western Adventures of Gallant Bess.[6] In 1952 he wrote and produced the noir film The Sellout.[7] After this he worked primarily as a producer, on films such as Big Leaguer[8] and Half a Hero.

Rapf next moved into television, signing a long-term contract with NBC in 1955,[9] and producing series for them such as The Great Gildersleeve, Frontier, Jefferson Drum, and Ben Casey.[4]

In 1973 he produced the TV film The Marcus-Nelson Murders, starring Telly Savalas as police lieutenant Theo Kojak. Though not originally intended as a pilot, it became the basis of one of Rapf's most successful series, Kojak.[10] He would be nominated for three Emmy Awards for his work on the film and show.[11]

He was married to prominent real estate agent Carol Rapf.[12]

Matthew Rapf died in Malibu on December 11, 1991, after a bout of influenza.[2][4]

Filmography

Film

Television

References
  1. The Hollywood Reporter, Volume 320, Issues 18-34. Wilkerson Daily Corporation. 1991. p. 548. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via Google Books.
  2. "Rapf, Matthew". Los Angeles Times. December 12, 1991. p. A36. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  3. "Maurice Rapf, 88, Screenwriter and Film Professor". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 18, 2003. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  4. "Matthew Rapf, Producer, 71". The New York Times. December 18, 1991. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  5. Schallert, Edwin (January 30, 1952). "Fairbanks Will Make Episode Film; Schary Boosts Young Producers". Los Angeles Times. p. 31. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  6. Motion Picture Herald. Quigley Publishing Company. 1948. p. 42. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via Google Books.
  7. Blum, Daniel (1969). Screen World Vol. 4 1953. Biblo & Tannen Publishers. p. 12. ISBN 9780819602596. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via Google Books.
  8. "Movie Group Pushes Plans In Melbourne". Orlando Evening Star. Melbourne, Florida. February 10, 1953. p. 11. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  9. Broadcasting. Cahners Publishing Company. 1955. p. 101. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via Google Books.
  10. "Movie of the Week becomes a regular". The Anniston Star. Los Angeles. AP. July 18, 1973. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  11. "Matthew Rapf". Emmy Awards. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  12. "Rapf, Carol". Los Angeles Times. August 24, 2000. p. B12. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
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