I'm Not Rappaport is a 1996 film adaptation by Herb Gardner of his play by the same name. Also directed by Gardner, the film starred Walter Matthau, Ossie Davis, Amy Irving, Craig T. Nelson, Martha Plimpton, Peter Friedman, and Ron Rifkin.
Synopsis
Inspired by two elderly men Gardner met in New York City's Central Park, it focuses on Nat Moyer, a cantankerous white Jew, and Midge Carter, a feisty African-American, who spend their days sitting on a bench, trying to mask the realities of aging, mainly through the tall tales that Nat spins. The play touches on several issues, including society’s treatment of the aged, the difficulties dealing with adult children who think they know what's best for their parents, and the dangers that lurk in urban areas.
Its title comes from an old vaudeville joke, a variation of which evolved into dialogue between the two protagonists:
- Nat: Hey, Rappaport! I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been?
- Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
- Nat: Rappaport, what happened to you? You used to be a short fat guy, and now you're a tall skinny guy.
- Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
- Nat: Rappaport, you used to be a young guy with a beard, and now you're an old guy with a mustache.
- Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
- Nat: Rappaport, how has this happened? You used to be a cowardly little white guy, and now you're a big imposing black guy.
- Midge: I'm not Rappaport.
- Nat: And you changed your name, too!
Cast
- Walter Matthau as Nat
- Ossie Davis as Midge
- Amy Irving as Clara
- Craig T. Nelson as the Cowboy
- Martha Plimpton as Laurie
- Boyd Gaines as Danforth
- Ron Rifkin as Feigenbaum
- Guillermo Diaz as J.C.
Plot
In the park every morning, elderly, half-blind Midge Carter tries to read his newspaper, but is distracted daily by Nat Moyer, an opinionated old man who reminisces about long-ago union activities and the love of his life.
Midge is superintendent of a residential building and has been trying to steer clear of a tenant, Pete Danforth, whose committee is pushing for Midge's retirement. Nat insists that Midge stand up for his rights, going so far as to pass himself off as Midge's attorney.
Nat's married daughter, Clara, is concerned about his welfare, particularly given how vulnerable a senior citizen can be in the park. She has good reason to worry because Nat encounters the Cowboy, a drug dealer who is owed money by a young woman named Laurie, and by J.C., a mugger who turns violent when Nat unwisely decides to fight back.
The play
Originally presented by Seattle Repertory Theatre in 1984, the play also saw two successful runs at the Booth Theatre on Broadway with 891 performances in 1985, and 53 in 2002. Both productions were directed by Daniel Sullivan and starred Judd Hirsch. The original role played by Cleavon Little was played by Ben Vereen in the 2002 revival.
External links
- I'm Not Rappaport at the Internet Movie Database
- I'm not Rappaport at the Internet Broadway Database
- I'm not Rappaport (2002 revival) at the Internet Broadway Database
- I'm not Rappaport at the Internet off-Broadway Database