Cantor’s Son, The (Dem Khazns Zundyl)

Summary

This Yiddish feature film musical drama marks the screen debut of singer and cantor Moishe Oysher. Shot in Pennsylvania near the Pocono Mountains, the film features Oysher in the title role of a wayward youth who makes his way from his Polish shtetl to New York's Lower East Side (the film includes rare glimpses of the Lower East Side and of 2nd Avenue Yiddish theater marquees of the period). While washing floors in a nightclub several years later he is “discovered” and becomes a well-known singer. Ultimately, Oysher's character returns home to the Old Country and reunites with his parents and his childhood sweetheart. the film's story parallels Oysher's own struggle to reconcile his cantorial calling with a career in show business. Like his film character, Oysher, born in Bessarabia the son and grandson of cantors, was both a matinee idol and a celebrated cantor. Oysher was married to his The Cantor’s Son co-star Florence Weiss.

"A deft combination of comedy, romance and outstanding music, this new Jewish picture will appeal tremendously to the Jewish fans. A fine cast, well-done story and deft direction, combined with an unusually beautiful musical score make this one of the most outstanding Jewish pictures produced in this country" - Film Daily (Dec. 1937)

Not Yet Rated

The screening is preceded by the short film:

"Starring David" 19 minutes, Dutch with English subtitles -

A funny, mature children's documentary that touches on major themes such as faith, anti-Semitism and identity.

Directed by Ester Gould

Canadian Premiere

Screenings

The Ridge Theatre
November 15 2011 | 03:00 PM