Event

When Comedy Went to School

When Comedy Went to School
World Premiere
Documentary/USA/76 minutes/2013
Directed by Ron Frank & Mevlut Akkaya
Written by Lawrence Richards

This remarkable documentary presents an entertaining portrait of this countrys greatest generation of comedians the generation that includes the likes of Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Larry King, Jackie Mason, Mort Sahl, Jerry Stiller and others, all of whom make appearances in the film, telling jokes and telling their stories. The film also asks the question: Why are so many comedians Jewish? The answer is found in New York States Catskill Mountains, where Jewish immigrants transformed lush farmland into the worlds largest resort complex of the 20th century. Those Catskill resorts not only offered a burgeoning Jewish middle class a place to vacation with other Jews, it also provided the setting for a remarkable group of young Jewish-American comedians to hone their craft and become worldwide legends. It was truly When Comedy Went to School.

Discussion to follow film with director Ron Frank and comedians, moderated by stand-up comic, Judy Carter.