Synopsis
In the waning months of World War II, a man and his wife are mistakenly identified as Jews by their anti-Semitic Brooklyn neighbors. Suddenly the victims of religious and racial persecution, they find themselves aligned with a local Jewish immigrant in a struggle for dignity and survival.
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Cast
- William H. MacyLawrence 'Larry' Newman
- Laura DernGertrude 'Gert' Hart
- David PaymerMr. Finkelstein
- Meat LoafFred
- Kay HawtreyMrs. Newman
- Michael CopemanCarlson
- Kenneth WelshFather Crighton
- Peter OldringWilly Doyle
- Joseph ZieglerMr. Gargan
- Arlene MeadowsMrs. Dewitt
Recommendations
- 75
New York Post
Obviously a labor of love for all involved, including GOP mayoral candidate Michael Bloomberg, who bankrolled the production and receives full producer credit. He deserves it. - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
About American anti-Semitism, but it's not a typical genteel "cause" movie. - 70
New Times (L.A.)
Yes, the movie is obvious at time, banging you over the head with its message, and the use of shadows on a wall can seem overly broad. But these are small complaints when compared to the film's many strengths. - 63
USA Today
Two constants: good acting and an old-fashioned preachiness that backfires. - 60
The New York Times
The movie's surreal style, with its film-noir camerawork and ominous lighting, turns the story into a fable about fear and nonconformism, and Mr. Macy's and Ms. Dern's carefully shaded caricatures match the mood. - 60
Village Voice
Dern and Macy give doughty performances in schematic roles, but glasses or no, these have to be two of the least Semitic-looking actors in American movies. - 58
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The script is full of holes and the premise is not especially credible. - 50
Washington Post
Works better as a subject for high school study rather than lasting art.
