Gitl and her son arrive on the Lower East side of New York in 1896 to join her husband Jake. While Jake, who has job in a sweatshop and an English-speaking girlfriend, has completely embraced America, Gitl clings to her old country ways. Jake is embarrassed to be seen with her as he struggles to assimilate by shedding his ethnic heritage. Gitl finds a way to become victor instead of victim. By turns heartbreaking, comic, and sharply observed, this remarkable film garnered Kane an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and launched director Joan Micklin Silver’s career.
“Marvellously evocative study of Jewish immigrant life in turn-of-the-century New York.” – Radio Times
Starring Carol Kane, Steven Keats, Mel Howard, Dorrie Kavanaugh.
Rated PG