Movie spotlight
The World of Sholom Aleichem
This omnibus release consists of three playlets filmed and aired during television's Golden Age, and starring some of the legends of film and television. The collection originally ran as a two-hour segment on December 14, 1959, on the anthology series The Play of the Week, broadcast locally in New York City via the independent radio station WNTA. Each "tale" in the anthology was adapted from a single tale by the inimitable Sholom Aleichem, regarded by many as the "Yiddish Mark Twain". Included are: "A Tale of Chelm" starring Zero Mostel and Nancy Walker in the story of a bookseller attempting to buy a goat; "Bontche Schweig" about a poor man (Jack Gilford) whose recent arrival in Heaven makes the angels cry; and "The High School" about a Jewish merchant (Morris Carnovsky) persuaded by his wife (Gertrude Berg) to let their son attend a particular high school despite the enforcement of quotas for Jewish students.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary offers a glimpse into the life and work of the celebrated Yiddish writer Sholom Aleichem. Featuring readings from his stories by actors and narration, the film explores the East European Jewish culture that inspired his beloved characters and narratives. It serves as an affectionate tribute to a foundational figure in modern Jewish literature.
Critical Reception
The World of Sholom Aleichem was generally well-received for its sensitive portrayal of the author's life and the cultural milieu he depicted. Critics praised its engaging narration and the performances of its featured actors, highlighting its success in bringing the world of Sholom Aleichem to a broader audience. It is considered a valuable historical and cultural artifact.
What Reviewers Say
A touching and informative look at a significant literary figure.
Effectively captures the spirit and cultural context of Sholom Aleichem's writings.
Features strong narration and engaging performances.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this older documentary.
Fun Fact
The film features readings by some of the most prominent performers of the era, including Zero Mostel, who would later star in the highly successful Broadway musical 'Fiddler on the Roof,' based on Sholom Aleichem's stories.
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