Acting
Mendel and Hannah Shapiro, an elderly Jewish couple who run a small farm in New Jersey, must get money to meet their mortgage payment to the bank by the next day to keep their farm. Mendel calls their children, Mollie, in Philadelphia, and Morris, in New York, to come right away. His neighbor Michel believes that most children do not properly care for their parents and insinuates that Mendel's children would not come to visit if they knew that their parents needed money. Mendel, however, assures Michel that children are the best investment one can make.
The tale of a middle-class matron who shoots the man who compromises her, Love and Sacrifice is a prime example of "shund," the melodramatic, theatrical, escapist entertainment of the Yiddish theater.
A radio host tries to give personal advice to his listeners. Only he is unable to take care of himself in life.
A young East Side Jewish reporter gets into a sticky situation when she finds that her new beau is indicting a banker she owes money to.
A humble cantor, Oysher yearns to be an opera singer. He deserts his tiny village to pursue his dream, but when his voice breaks he sheepishly returns, resigned to attending but not singing at the Yom Kippur services. Upon his return, Oysher is informed that his son has died. Out of grief is wrought a miracle: Oysher's voice returns, more powerful than ever. After performing the Day of Atonement services, Oysher suddenly collapses, peacefully joining his son in death. If you wish to see the touching Overture to Glory, by all means seek out a decent print; many extant copies are so washed out that, not only are the English subtitles unreadable, but it's extremely difficult to tell one actor from another.
The classic conflict between the traditional Jewish way of life, and the modern life of the 20th century comes alive in this story of a young cantor who brings home a future bride, when he has already been betrothed by his parents to someone else!
