ONG HU4 FINE CHINESE DINING A Cinematic History wonderful adventure in fine dining" — Danny Raskin Jewish assimilation to Jewish renewal. Morton Teicher Special to the Jewish News I n an industry strongly influenced by American filmmakers who made and continue to make the decisions as to which films are produced for the big screen, the often com- plex and ever-changing nature of the American Jewish condition has had considerable impact on American cinema — and, in par- ticular, how Jews have been reflected in the movies. As the title sug- gests, The American strains between American Jews and their immigrant parents are explored. Later versions appeared that fea- tured Danny Thomas, Jerry Lewis and Neil Diamond. Yiddish variations of The Jazz Singer also were produced. The immigrant generation is personi- fied in the father, a cantor who is ill or dying just before Yom Kippur. The American Jew has inher- ited his father's singing ability but is using it to become a Broadway star, and the conflict focuses on whether or not he will take his father's place in the synagogue for Kol Nidre. Gentleman's Agreement Jewish Story Through and Crossfire, both Eric Goldman Cinema (University of released in 1947, Texas Press; $55 hard- explored anti-Semitism cover/$25 paperback), in the United States. Th, by Eric A. Goldman, Interestingly, sev- explores American eral leaders of American JEWISH Jewish history by Jewish organizations STORY . examining movies as and Hollywood moguls, THROUGH *' reflections of the expe- mostly Jews, were CINEMA riences encountered by opposed to making these American Jews. films. Author Goldman It was a non-Jewish is well-qualified to 41101men producer, Daryl F. undertake this task. He Zanuck, who success- is a teacher in the field fully advocated making of film studies, lecturing at Queens Gentleman's Agreement. Both films College, Yeshiva University and the were well received and, according to Jewish Theological Seminary in New Goldman, they "were part of a coming York. of age for America's Jews:' In the first half of the 20th century, A chapter on Irwin Shaw's The Jewish movie moguls shied away from Young Lions ably examines how this film represents American Jews in the asserting a Jewish image on screen for fear they might be too closely identi- period following World War II. This fied with the characters represented is followed by a chapter on Barbra on film. Over the next two decades, Streisand, focusing on The Way We Jewish filmmakers became more com- Were and The Prince of Tides. fortable with the concept of a Jewish The last two chapters discuss hero and an overpowered, yet heroic, Avalon, Liberty Heights and Everything Israel. Eventually, the Holocaust Is Illuminated — leaving the door assumed center stage as having the wide open for a sequel further focus- greatest effect on Jewish identity, fol- ing on the contemporary Hollywood lowed by the modern era, in which scene. ❑ American screenwriters, directors and producers have become increasingly Eric Goldman will appear at comfortable with their heritage, spot- the JCC Jewish Book Fair in lighting Jewish protagonists, experi- West Bloomfield at 8 p.m. ences and challenges. Thursday, Nov. 7. Tickets are After an overview introduction, $8 for JCC members and $10 Goldman devotes six chapters in his for nonmembers. The event will book to looking in depth at nine films, beginning with the first talking pic- include film clips. Info: www. jccdet.org . Check out our special ture, 1927's The Jazz Singer, starring Book Fair package on Oct. 31. Al Jolson, in which the stresses and 91011 and hq alnan hu nc, book cinema idy and interpret Jewish be in Amen. a nd 18,nd 18,9 will be scn Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner Catering and carryout available Gift certificates 27925 Orchard Lake Rd., North of 12 Mile, Farmington Hills 248-489-2280 www.honghuafinedining.com 1865690 "Much-heralded Star Deli slow-cooks its own tender temptations" — Danny Raskin, 2012 Hol day Tray's ec TAR DELI COMPARE OUR LOW PRICES WITH ANY DELICATESSEN IN TOWN! MEAT TRAY r SALAD TRAY $9.49 person $9.99 person SALAD TRAY W/ LOX & CREAM CHEESE DAIRY TRAY $19.99 person HOURS: MON-SAT 7-9:30 • SUN 7-8 * Potato Latkes * Handcut Lox * Our Regular Tuna & Fat-Free Tuna Can't Be Beat! * Vegetarian Chopped Liver *e_lomemade Potato Salad eColeslaw Ries 0 $13.49 =son On Star's beautiful I already low-priced meat or dairy trays Expires 11/15/13. One Per Order. Not Good Holidays. 10 Person Minimum. With this coupon. DELIVERY AVAILABLE m•-•111111°- 24555 W. 12 MILE ROAD Just west of Telegraph Road • Southfield 248-352-7377 10 % OFF TOTAL BILL 1867900 (with ad only) through 11/30/13 SUSHI S iMUR Beer & Wine now available Japanese Restaurant • Catering and Carry-out Available • Gift Certificates Available 4143 Orchard Lake Road Orchard Lake, MI 48323 Ph: 248 - 737 - 4408 II www.mysushisamurai.com Fax: 248-737-5032 Pontiac Tree Business Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am - 10:00pm Sunday 4:30 - 9:00pm Lone Pine (17 mile) October 17 • 2013 45