Wikipedia

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
Occupation(s)Film and television producer, screenwriter
SpouseCarol Rapf
FatherHarry Rapf
RelativesMaurice Rapf (brother)

Biography

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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

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Film

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Television

References

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  1. ^ The Hollywood Reporter, Volume 320, Issues 18-34. Wilkerson Daily Corporation. 1991. p. 548. Retrieved April 10, 2019 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b c "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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