"What makes this night different from all other nights?"
"Well, for starters it's April Fools Day!" the famous Jewish Comedian, Groucho Marx was once attributed with quipping across the seder table, on one of the last times the first day of Passover fell on the 1st of April. In his honour, this Passover we celebrate by sharing interesting items on the contributions of Jewish Humour in Hollywood History.
“Remembering the Borscht Belt" by Masha Leon
A charming retelling of the birth and death of the Borscht belt in parallel with the birth and death of American Comedian, Red Buttons. An easy read full of jokes, so old they are now new.
“Mel Brooks’ The Producers: Tracing American Jewish Culture Through Comedy" by Kirsten Fermaglich
With quotes from Philip Roth to Lenny Bruce, Kirsten Fermaglich's piece on Mel Brooks' successful comedy "The Producers" takes viewers on an amusing and insightful tour of Jewish entertainment history.
"From Shtetl to Stardom: Jews and Hollywood" by Michael Renov and Steve Ross
Although this book shares stories and anecdotes from Hollywood influencers and legends, there are also behind the scenes moving tales like that of the Hollywood Laemmle theater's Laemmle family and their heroic work helping people.
Jews and Humor by Leonard Greenspoon
Greenspoon provides a funny and fascinating read documenting Jewish Humour. From jokes in the Bible he takes viewers all the way through to modern movies. With funny titles, this book is an easy read through what were very challenging parts of history and how humour won.
Fanny Brice Collection 1925-1935 (COMPLETE) : The Popular Jazz Archive
If you've read about Vaudeville, the Borscht Belt or the Catskills...you can now actually listen to early recordings like this charming one from Fanny Brice, who was the original inspiration for the academy award winning film "Funny Girl."
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