Ralph Staub
Director
About Ralph Staub
Ralph Staub was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to Hollywood's comedy and musical short subjects during the Golden Age. Beginning his career in the film industry during the transition from silent films to talkies, Staub quickly established himself as a reliable director of entertaining short comedies. His most notable work includes directing numerous entries in popular comedy series and creating the long-running 'Screen Snapshots' series, which provided audiences with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood life. While 'The Mandarin Mystery' (1936) stands as one of his rare feature film directorial efforts, Staub's true legacy lies in his prolific output of short subjects that entertained audiences throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He worked with many of the era's biggest comedy stars and developed a reputation for delivering polished, efficient productions on tight schedules. His career spanned over three decades, during which he directed more than 200 films, primarily for major studios like Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Known for his efficient, straightforward approach to comedy directing, with a keen eye for timing and gags. Staub specialized in creating polished, commercially viable short subjects that maximized entertainment value within limited running times. His style emphasized clear storytelling, visual comedy, and the effective showcasing of star performers' talents.
Milestones
- Directed 'The Mandarin Mystery' (1936)
- Created and produced the 'Screen Snapshots' series (1930s-1950s)
- Directed numerous Three Stooges comedy shorts
- Worked extensively with Abbott and Costello
- Directed over 200 films throughout his career
- Pioneered behind-the-scenes Hollywood documentary shorts
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (Two-Reel) - 'Screen Snapshots Series 20, No. 1: Hollywood in Style' (1949)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (One-Reel) - 'Screen Snapshots Series 18, No. 1: Hollywood in Uniform' (1948)
Special Recognition
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Pictures
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ralph Staub made a significant cultural impact through his creation of the 'Screen Snapshots' series, which provided audiences with unprecedented access to Hollywood's inner workings and stars. These short films served as important historical documents, preserving glimpses of Golden Age Hollywood that might otherwise have been lost. His work with comedy teams like The Three Stooges helped shape the development of American comedy cinema, influencing generations of comedic performers and filmmakers. The 'Screen Snapshots' series particularly influenced later entertainment news programs and behind-the-scenes content, establishing a template for Hollywood coverage that continues to this day.
Lasting Legacy
Ralph Staub's legacy in film history is primarily as a master of the short subject format, particularly in comedy and musical genres. His Academy Award-winning 'Screen Snapshots' series created an important historical record of Hollywood during its golden era, capturing stars, premieres, and studio life in a way that few other filmmakers did. While he may not be as well-remembered as feature film directors, his influence on comedy filmmaking and entertainment journalism was substantial. His efficient production methods and ability to work with comedy talent helped establish standards for short subject production that influenced the industry for decades.
Who They Inspired
Staub influenced numerous comedy directors through his work with major comedy teams and his development of efficient short subject production techniques. His 'Screen Snapshots' series pioneered the concept of behind-the-scenes Hollywood coverage, influencing later entertainment journalism and documentary filmmaking. Many directors who followed in comedy shorts adopted his practical approaches to timing, gags, and star management. His work helped establish the commercial viability of short subjects as a regular part of theater programming during the 1930s and 1940s.
Off Screen
Ralph Staub was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress and model Edna Murphy in 1927, though the marriage ended in divorce. He later married actress Irene Ware in 1936, with whom he remained until his death in 1969. Staub was known in Hollywood circles as a reliable professional who maintained good relationships with studio executives and performers alike. He was particularly respected for his ability to work efficiently under pressure and deliver quality products on tight schedules and budgets.
Education
Attended Stanford University but left to pursue a career in the film industry
Family
- Edna Murphy (1927-1934)
- Irene Ware (1936-1969)
Did You Know?
- Won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1949
- Directed over 200 films during his career
- Created the 'Screen Snapshots' series which ran for over 20 years
- Was married to actress Irene Ware, who appeared in several of his films
- Started his career as a scriptwriter before moving into directing
- Worked extensively with The Three Stooges early in their career
- His 'Screen Snapshots' series is now considered an important historical record of Hollywood
- Served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, making training films
- Was known for completing projects quickly and under budget
- His films often featured cameos from major Hollywood stars of the era
In Their Own Words
In comedy shorts, you have to hit the ground running and never let up
The secret to good comedy is timing, and the secret to good filmmaking is efficiency
Every star has a story, and I made it my business to capture those stories on film
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ralph Staub?
Ralph Staub was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for his work on comedy shorts and the 'Screen Snapshots' series. He directed over 200 films during his career and won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1949.
What films is Ralph Staub best known for?
Staub is best known for 'The Mandarin Mystery' (1936), his Academy Award-winning 'Screen Snapshots' series, and numerous comedy shorts featuring The Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello.
When was Ralph Staub born and when did he die?
Ralph Staub was born on July 21, 1899, in San Francisco, California, and died on October 22, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 70.
What awards did Ralph Staub win?
Ralph Staub won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (Two-Reel) in 1949 for 'Screen Snapshots Series 20, No. 1: Hollywood in Style' and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Ralph Staub's directing style?
Staub was known for his efficient, straightforward approach to comedy directing with excellent timing and gags. He specialized in creating polished, commercially viable short subjects that maximized entertainment value within limited running times.
Did Ralph Staub work with any famous comedy teams?
Yes, Staub worked extensively with major comedy teams including The Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, and Hugh Herbert, directing many of their comedy shorts throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
What was the 'Screen Snapshots' series?
The 'Screen Snapshots' series was Staub's most famous creation - a long-running series of short films that provided behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood life, featuring stars, premieres, and studio activities. These films are now considered valuable historical documents of Golden Age Hollywood.
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Films
1 film
