Moishe Oysher Movies
Cantor who starred in several Yiddish musical films. ~ Rovi- 1956
Yiddish Theater favorite Moishe Oysher heads the cast of the English-language Singing in the Dark. Oysher plays Leo, a concentration-camp survivor suffering from amnesia. He manages to ayed by Evelyne Cormand (acting) and Annie Feibermeyer (singing), and so forth. Because director H. W. Kolm-Vetee can't seem to make up his mind what approach to take with the material at hand, the audience is likewise confused. The English subtitles for Don Juan were written by film historian and essayist Herman G. Weinberg, best known for his biographical studies of Ernst Lubitsch and Erich von Stroheim. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Moishe Oysher, Joey Adams, (more)
- 1940
One of the last Yiddish-language films produced in the United States (and the first American film of German director Max Nosseck) Overture to Glory stars the great musical performer Moishe Oysher. A humble cantor, Oysher yearns to be an opera singer. He deserts his tiny village to pursue his dream, but when his voice breaks he sheepishly returns, resigned to attending but not singing at the Yom Kippur services. Upon his return, Oysher is informed that his son has died. Out of grief is wrought a miracle: Oysher's voice returns, more powerful than ever. After performing the Day of Atonement services, Oysher suddenly collapses, peacefully joining his son in death. If you wish to see the touching Overture to Glory, by all means seek out a decent print; many extant copies are so washed out that, not only are the English subtitles unreadable, but it's extremely difficult to tell one actor from another. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Moishe Oysher, Florence Weiss, (more)
- 1938
Cult-fave director Edgar Ulmer helmed several "ethnic" films during the 1930s. Ulmer's The Singing Blacksmith was targeted towards the then-thriving Yiddish market. Musical headliner Moishe Oysher plays the titular blacksmith, whose happy marriage to Miriam Riselle is threatened by interloper Florence Weiss. The film is based on David Pinski's popular Yiddish stage play Yankel Der Schmidt. Watch for a very young Herschel Bernardi (with full head of hair) in a flashback sequence. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Moishe Oysher, Miriam Riselle, (more)
