Joel Rapp
Director
About Joel Rapp
Joel Malcolm Rapp was a versatile American filmmaker and writer who emerged during the late Golden Age of Hollywood, primarily known for his collaborations with B-movie legend Roger Corman. Born into a show business family in New York, he was the son of Philip Rapp, the creator of the iconic radio characters 'The Bickersons' and 'Baby Snooks.' Rapp's early career was marked by a prolific output in television, writing for classic series such as 'Topper' and 'Lassie' before transitioning into feature film direction with the 1959 cult classic 'High School Big Shot.' He followed this with the World War II drama 'Battle of Blood Island' in 1960, which was notable for being based on a short story by the then-emerging literary giant Philip Roth. Throughout the 1960s, Rapp became a staple of the television industry, contributing scripts to legendary sitcoms like 'Gilligan's Island,' 'McHale's Navy,' and 'Bewitched.' In a remarkable career pivot in 1969, he left his position as a Vice President at Universal Pictures to become a renowned indoor gardening expert, famously known as 'Mr. Mother Earth.' He spent over a decade as the resident gardener on 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee' and authored fourteen books, effectively bridging the gap between Hollywood storytelling and lifestyle expertise.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Rapp was known for his efficient, low-budget directing style typical of the Roger Corman school of filmmaking. His work often blended gritty realism with genre tropes, such as the 'juvenile delinquent' themes in 'High School Big Shot' or the psychological isolation in 'Battle of Blood Island.' He excelled at maximizing limited resources to create atmospheric and character-driven narratives.
Milestones
- Directed the cult teen noir 'High School Big Shot' (1959)
- Directed 'Battle of Blood Island' (1960), based on a Philip Roth story
- Served as Vice President of Comedy Development at Universal Pictures
- Prolific screenwriter for 'Gilligan's Island' and 'McHale's Navy'
- Became the celebrity gardener 'Mr. Mother Earth' on national television
- Authored 14 books on gardening and cooking
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a pioneer of the indoor plant craze in the 1970s
- Featured guest expert on 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee' for 11 years
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Joel Rapp's cultural impact is unique in that it spans two distinct fields: independent cinema and lifestyle education. In the late 1950s, his directorial efforts contributed to the rise of the 'teen exploitation' and 'low-budget war' genres that defined the drive-in era. Later, as 'Mr. Mother Earth,' he played a significant role in the 1970s 'plant parenthood' movement, popularizing indoor gardening for a generation of urban dwellers through his books and television appearances.
Lasting Legacy
Rapp is remembered as a quintessential figure of the Corman era of filmmaking, where creativity and speed were paramount. His film 'Battle of Blood Island' remains a point of interest for literary historians as one of the earliest adaptations of a Philip Roth work. His transition from a high-ranking studio executive to a gardening guru remains one of the most interesting second-act stories in Hollywood history.
Who They Inspired
His work in the late 50s influenced the gritty, low-budget aesthetic of independent filmmakers who followed the Corman model. In television, his comedic timing as a writer helped shape the tone of 1960s sitcom staples.
Off Screen
Joel Rapp was the son of Philip Rapp and the brother of producer Paul Rapp. He was married to Susan Stoller Rapp for thirty-six years until his death. He had two daughters, Lisa and Danielle, and was the godson of Fanny Brice and Eddie Cantor.
Education
Raised in Beverly Hills; attended local schools before entering the entertainment industry.
Family
- Susan Stoller Rapp (1985-2021)
Did You Know?
- His godmother was the legendary comedian Fanny Brice.
- His godfather was the famous entertainer Eddie Cantor.
- He quit a high-paying job as a VP at Universal Pictures to open a plant store.
- He was known as 'Plant Man to the Stars' and 'Mr. Mother Earth.'
- His film 'Battle of Blood Island' was shot in Puerto Rico simultaneously with two other Corman films to save money.
- He appeared as a regular gardening expert on WABC radio for over a decade.
- His father created the famous radio sketch 'The Bickersons.'
- He wrote a total of 14 books on gardening and cooking.
In Their Own Words
I was a Vice President at Universal, and I realized I was more interested in my philodendrons than the pilots we were developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joel Rapp?
Joel Rapp was an American film director and screenwriter best known for his work in the 1950s and 60s, particularly the film 'High School Big Shot.' He later became a famous gardening expert known as 'Mr. Mother Earth.'
What films is Joel Rapp best known for?
He is best known for directing the 1959 teen drama 'High School Big Shot' and the 1960 war film 'Battle of Blood Island,' as well as writing for 'Gilligan's Island' and 'McHale's Navy.'
When was Joel Rapp born and when did he die?
Joel Rapp was born on May 22, 1934, in New York City and passed away on September 15, 2021, in Beverly Hills, California.
What was Joel Rapp's connection to Roger Corman?
Rapp was a frequent collaborator of Roger Corman, who produced Rapp's directorial efforts and gave him his start in the independent film industry.
What was Joel Rapp's directing style?
His style was characterized by the efficient, high-impact storytelling required for low-budget independent films, often focusing on psychological tension and social outcasts.
Why did Joel Rapp leave Hollywood?
In 1969, Rapp left his executive role at Universal Pictures to pursue his passion for indoor gardening, eventually becoming a successful author and television personality in that field.
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Films
1 film
