starring
Steven Keats , Carol Kane
Joan Micklin Silver 's first feature length film beautifully re-creates the fascinating crucible of New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the century where Jews fleeing from the pogroms and privations of Eastern Europe experienced the initial stages of their Americanisation. Jake, a brash young Jewish immigrant from Russia, is eventually joined by his wife Gitl and young son. When she proves to be a traditionalist who clings to her orthodox faith and customs, Jake resumes his pursuit of his old girl friend Mamie. But he has reckoned without the catalytic effect of the new environment upon the formerly submissive Gitl ...
A directing debut of outstanding promise, with its impeccable sense of place and period and its finger firmly on the pulse o/ the community. A film of dignified charm (THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH) A miniature masterpiece (SUNDAY MIRROR) Produced by RAPHAEL D. SILVER Written and directed by JOAN MICKLIN SILVER