296.435

THE HANUKKAH SOLDIER  (1992)

Han

Set in southern Tennessee in 1862, this is a short play about racial intolerance and religious prejudice during the Civil War. A Jewish northern soldier is forbidden to light his menorah by a prejudiced sergeant. The company's black cook, a former slave, shows the soldier the importance of standing up for your beliefs.

23 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.833

THE HASIDIM (Lubavitch-Chabad)  (1972)

Has

Documentary about the Lubavitch Movement, narrated by Rabbi Chaim Drizin, which provides background to the Chabad Movement, describing their religious philosophy and explaining traditions and customs. Includes footage of a farbrengen with the Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The film features the celebrations of Purim, Sukkot and Shabbat, including Havdalah. Scenes of a wedding ceremony and a look inside a religious grade school complete this picture of Lubavitch life.

29 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

THE HEARTBREAK KID (1972)

Hea

(DVD)

Neil Simon comedy about a young Jewish couple, Lenny (Charles Grodin) and Lila (Jeanne Berlin), who meet at a bar, fall in love and get married. When the film opens, they are driving to their honeymoon in Florida. As they travel, Lenny begins to have second thoughts about his bride – he becomes disgusted by the way she chews her food and sings out of key. When Lila develops a terrible sunburn and must stay in the hotel room, Lenny goes to the beach and meets Kelly, the glamorous blonde “wasp” of his dreams. A relationship soon ensues and Lenny must decide with which his future lies. Note: Jeanne Berlin received an Oscar nomination in the role as Lenny’s Jewish wife. The stereotypes in this movie are obvious – Jewish Lila is somewhat unattractive, whiney, self-conscious and unglamorous; while non-Jewish Kelly is glamorous, cool and self-assured. Some viewers may take offense at the comparisons – others will find it part of the film’s humor. Rated PG.

1 hr. 45 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

F

HESTER STREET  (1975)

Hes

Gitl, a religious Jew from Russia, arrives in America to be reunited with her husband in New York in 1896. To her dismay, she learns that he has found another love and has rejected religious traditions. Through determination and perseverance, she adapts to American life and wins the love of a gentle scholar. Stars Carol Kane.

In English, but includes some Yiddish with subtitles. B&W. 1 hr. 29 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

JHVC

F

His People  (1925)

His

Between 1880 and 1924 more than two million Jews from Eastern Europe arrived in America, many of them settling in poor, congested areas of big cities. "Scattered for centuries," reads the film's opening title, "these people have come from the four corners of Europe, each bringing a dream of prosperity and happiness." Newcomers often found these two dreams mutually exclusive; His People seeks to unify them in a peculiarly American manner. This superb 1925 silent film tells the tale of an immigrant family whose tradition and values are all but shattered by the encounter with the New World. The Cominsky family—the learned, religious father who struggles to survive in America; the big-hearted forgiving mother; and the sons, one a lawyer clambering the social ladder, the other a prizefighter, unlettered but generous—embodies all the hopes, conflicts, misunderstandings and regrets of the era.

B&W. 1 hr. 31 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

F

HIS WIFE’S LOVER (Zayn Vaybs Lubovnik)  (1931)

His

Yiddish musical comedy about a handsome actor who makes a wager with his uncle, betting that there are honest women in the world—when his uncle claims there are none. The actor disguises himself as a crotchety old millionaire and marries a beautiful young woman. Then he tests the woman’s fidelity by changing back to his regular appearance and visiting her with the intent to seduce her. In the process, he falls in love with her himself. Stars Ludwig Satz.

In Yiddish with subtitles. B&W. 1 hr. 17 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

F

THE HOLLOW BOY  (1989)

Hol

The story of the uneasy friendship of two young men—one Jewish and one the son of German immigrants—in 1936 New York City. Based on a short story by Hortense Calisher. Note: Excellent adaptation, originally aired on PBS, which can be used for discussions on anti-Semitism, pre-Holocaust, friendship and family life philosophies. It should be pointed out to students that the portrayal of the German family in this video is stereotypical—and this can be used as a springboard for discussions about stereotypes.

1 hr.  AGE: 11 to Adult

791.43

HOLLYWOOD: AN EMPIRE OF THEIR OWN  (1997)

Hol

This video—originally titled Jews, Movies, Hollywoodism and the American Dream—is based on Neal Gabler’s book, Hollywood: An Empire of Their Own. The film documents how the leading studios that gave rise to Hollywood were founded and run by Eastern European immigrants. This includes the Warner brothers, Samuel Goldwyn, Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle, Louis B. Mayer of MGM, William Fox of 20th Century Fox, and Paramount’s Adolf Zukor. This documentary analyzes the Eastern European roots and the personal lives of each of these Hollywood movie moguls. It also documents the rise of American film and shows how these men, who were raised with Jewish backgrounds and values, helped to shape many of the values found in Hollywood films—even though the films rarely depicted Jews or Jewish subjects. A fascinating look at the impact of Jews on American movies. Includes many film clips, home movies and interviews. Note: The perfect introduction to a study of film series on American Jewish film.

Color/B&W. 1 hr. 40 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

JHVC

F

Homicide  (1991)

Hom

How far can assimilation go? Can one leave behind all sense of Jewish identity? Even the most assimilated Jews can encounter circumstances which force them to confront their Jewish self. When the encounter involves overt anti-Semitism, the response can vary from puzzled to explosive. In Homicide, police hostage negotiator Robert Gold (Joe Mantegna) confronts his long-buried Jewish identity as he searches for a criminal wanted by the FBI for the murder of an elderly Jewish shopkeeper. Assigned to the case because he's a Jew, Gold grapples with his unformed Jewish side while he learns about the murdered woman and her circle of acquaintances. His encounters with others underscore the tensions between his police work and his sense of Jewish identification. The pressure to “prove himself” leads Gold down paths of corruption, manipulation, and violence. Note: Contains violence and obscene language.

1 hr. 40 min.  AGE: Adult

ILo

(DVD)

Uneven drama about Daisy (Claire Danes), a shy Jewish teen in a New York prep school, who develops a crush on Ethan (Jude Law), the most popular guy in school. Although Daisy is a quiet bookworm, a poem that she writes attracts Ethan’s attention. The two become a pair – much to the disgust of Ethan’s friends. Daisy has an extremely close relationship with her grandmother (Jeanne Moreau), a Holocaust survivor. They share secrets and innermost thoughts, and are inseparable – almost like best friends. Frequently, the grandmother tells Daisy bits about her experiences in the Holocaust, shown through flashback scenes. A repeated scene shows how the grandmother’s best friend rejected her because she was a Jew.

This theme of anti-Semitism is repeated when Daisy’s classmates learn she is a Jew (Daisy is blonde and no on suspected her of being Jewish). First, Daisy finds an anti-Semitic clipping on her locker and eventually, Ethan breaks up with her, telling her that she’s different and “too intense.” Daisy is overwrought with grief but by the end, viewers are led to believe that the love and strength shared with her grandmother will carry her through. Note: The film grapples with many important ideas but doesn’t seem to quite hold it together. A rating of PG-13 was given probably for some obscene language (Daisy has difficulty saying swear words and the grandmother tries to get her to say them aloud as a means to release her anger). Teachers should preview before using this in a classroom.

80 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

JHVC

F

The Imported Bridegroom  (1989)

Imp

Asriel Stroon is an immigrant who's made good in America. At the turn of the century, he has a successful business, a large home, and a beautiful daughter. But the cost of such affluence is his spiritual life. By marrying off his precious Flora to an imported yeshiva bocher, he hopes to compensate (on some heavenly scorecard) for his own failings. But Flora has other plans. She wants to marry an "uptown doctor" and lead a sophisticated life. Flora tries to manipulate her father as well as Shaya, the Old Country bridegroom. But nothing proceeds as any of the characters plan—and Asriel, Flora, and Shaya are surprised by developments that seem out of their control. Based on a story by Abraham Cahan, this sad, funny, and wise film provides a memorable view of the immigrant experience.

1 hr. 33 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

JHVC

296.833

In Her Own Time  (1985)

In

When Barbara Myerhoff, whose life as an anthropologist has been dedicated to the studies of community, learns that she is dying of lung cancer, she decides to document her own search for solace in the spiritual community of Jewish religious observance. Myerhoff engages in a journey through the pathways of Judaism while studying the life of an Orthodox community in Los Angeles. A secular academic accustomed to a life of individuality and independence, she nonetheless feels herself drawn to living in a way that is more intensely Jewish, more bound by rituals and traditions. Her quest for a place for her soul is the basis of In Her Own Time, as much about life as about dying.

50 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

973

ISLAND OF HOPE—ISLAND OF TEARS

Isl

The story of Ellis Island and the American immigration experience. Produced for the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Study guide available. Note: The film is not specifically Jewish, but it presents the experience of the Jews among other immigrants.

30 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

JHVC

808.97

The Jack Benny Show  (1958)

Jac

The great comedian Jack Benny described his approach to humor this way: "I try to make my character encompass everything that is wrong with everybody. On the air I have everybody's faults. All [viewers] know someone or have a relative who is a tightwad, show-off or something of that sort." Indeed, Benny created a wry character who was the archetypal ongeblozen tightwad, and audiences adored him for it. The Jack Benny Show utilized Benny's superb timing and eccentric mannerisms to create a weekly masterpiece of situational humor. Featuring outstanding supporting personalities like his wife, Mary Livingstone, announcer Don Wilson, singer Dennis Day, and Eddie Anderson as his valet Rochester, Benny's working and home life was the butt of a running series of gags that played off the comedian's legendary stinginess, vanity, and lack of violin virtuosity.

B&W. 51 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

781.7

JAN PEERCE: IF I WERE A RICH MAN  (1990)

Jan

Violinist Isaac Stern hosts and narrates this film biography of singer Jan Peerce. The film traces Peerce’s career from its beginnings on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It follows his work first as a cantor, then in the opera and finally, on Broadway. It includes many conversations between the famous tenor and his friend, Isaac Stern, as well as film footage of many of his performances. Peerce was best known for his work in opera as well as for his role as Tevye for the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. The video includes his historic hit recording of “Bluebird of Happiness.”

59 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

JHVC

F

The Jazz Singer  (1927)

Jaz

The Jazz Singer was the first feature film to contain sound sequences. Its premiere spelled the end for silent movies. This break with the past for the glamour of the present is the theme of the film itself in which the traditions of Old World Judaism run headlong into modern culture. Al Jolson plays Jakie Rabinowitz, a young man who adores jazz—"the sacred music" of a new America. But Jakie's intense desire to sing jazz conflicts with his father's wish that his son follow in his footsteps as a cantor. With audiences clamoring for his talent, Jakie must choose between honoring his parents and the American dream. Jolson's songs, including "Toot, Toot, Tootsie," and "Dirty Hands, Dirty Face," attest to his enormous talent and appeal.

B&W. 1 hr. 29 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

THE JAZZ SINGER  (1952)

Jaz

Starring Danny Kaye and Peggy Lee, this was the first remake of the classic Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. The story is about Jerry, a young man who comes from generations of cantors and is expected to take over from his father as cantor of their synagogue. Jerry, however, has just returned from the Korean War and has dreams of making it in show business—along with his singer girlfriend. Includes the songs “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover,” Cole Porter’s “Just One of Those Things,” and Rodgers and Hart’s “Lover.” Note: As much a “period piece” of the 1950’s as the original was of the 1920’s.

1 hr. 47 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

THE JAZZ SINGER  (1980)

Jaz

The second and least successful remake of the classic Al Jolson film about a cantor’s son who rejects his father’s profession to become a singer of jazz music. Neil Diamond stars as Jess, the cantor’s son who forsakes his community and turns his back on his marriage—sacrificing all for his ambition. He teams up with his new manager, Molly (played by Lucie Arnaz), and heads for the spotlight, aiming to be a rock star. A romance begins between them which is problematic, as Molly is not Jewish. Also stars Laurence Olivier (in one of his weakest roles) as Diamond’s cantor father. Includes the hit song “Coming to America.”

1 hr. 55 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

F

THE KEEPING QUILT  (1993)

Kee

Author/illustrator Patricia Polacco reads aloud her children’s book, The Keeping Quilt. This story shows how the patchwork quilt the author’s Russian great-grandmother made was used as a chuppah and passed down through the generations in her family. Polacco also introduces her family and shows the actual quilt on which the story was based. Viewers can note changes in customs and lifestyles throughout the story. Study guide available.

11 min.  AGE: 4 to 10