The Jester (film)

Der Purimspiler
The Jester
Directed by Joseph Green
Jan Nowina-Przybylski
Written by Joseph Green
Chaver-Paver
Starring Miriam Kressyn
Hymie Jacobson
Zygmunt Turkow
Release dates
  • 1937 (1937)
Running time
 90 minutes
Country Poland
United States
Language Yiddish

Der Purimspiler (English: The Jester,Yiddish: דער פורים שפּילער‎) is a 1937 Polish black-and-white Yiddish musical comedy film directed by Joseph Green and Jan Nowina-Przybylski, with music by Nicholas Brodszky.

Plot

The film is set in a Galician shtetl before World War I, rich with itinerant performers and star-crossed lovers.

Getzel, an itinerant Purimspiler (Jester) arrives in a town seeking work. He eventually finds a job in the shoemakers shop of Reb Nachum, where he meets Esther, the daughter of the house. He falls in love with her, but lacks courage to tell her.

When the circus arrives in town, Esther's head in turned by Dick, a sophisticated smooth-talking performer with the circus, leaving Getzel even more despondent.

Esther's father inherits a large sum of money; he abandons his shoe-making trade, puts on airs, and tries to marry her into a prominent family.

He orders a Purimspiel (Purim play) at his house, with its parade of costumes, buffoonery, and music. But Getzel, who plays the King, tells the family the truth of how money has spoiled Reb Nachum, and is ordered to leave the house. He leaves, but Esther insists on coming with him. They travel to another town, but no work is forthcoming for Getzel. They meet Dick again and he persuades Esther to join him on the stage. Their act is successful and they seem set for matrimony. Even more despondent, Getzel trudges back to his 'home' town but he cannot bring himself to tell Reb Nachum what has happened. Even the town Rabbi cannot persuade him.

But Esther and Dick, now married, follow him and reveal the truth. Amidst the rejoicings, Getzel slips quietly away to resume his travels.

Cast

References



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