The Singing Blacksmith (1938)

Moishe Oysher gives his most robust performance as a passionate shtetl blacksmith who must struggle against temptation to become a mensch. Ulmer's film is a musical version of David Pinski's classic 1906 play Yankl der Schmid.

Directors:

Edgar G. Ulmer, Ben-Zvi Baratoff,

Writers:

David Pinski (play), David Pinski (adaptation),

Stars:

Moyshe Oysher, Miriam Riselle, Florence Weiss

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Moyshe Oysher	...	Yankel (as Moishe Oysher)
Miriam Riselle	...	Tamara
Florence Weiss	...	Rivke
Anna Appel	...	Chaye-Peshe
Ben-Zvi Baratoff	...	Bendet
Michael Gorrin	...	Raffuel (as Michael Goldstein)
Lea Noemi	...	Mariashe
Max Vodnoy	...	Simche
Luba Wesoly	...	Frumeh
Judel Dubinsky	...	Reb Aaron (as Yudel Dubinsky)
Luba Rymer	...	Sprintz-Gnesye
Benjamin Fishbein	...	Frolke (as B. Fishbein)
Rubin Wendroff	...	Elia (as R. Wendroff)
Rae Schnier	...	Chaika - Rivke's Mother (as Ray Schneier)
R. Shanock	...	Leah

Storyline

Moishe Oysher, the renowned cantor and star of Yiddish radio, stars in Edgar G. Ulmer's musical version of David Pinski's play Yankl der Shmid. Singing, dancing, and flashing his eyes, Oysher gives his most robust performance as a passionate shtetl blacksmith who must struggle against temptation to become a mensch. Recently rediscovered footage makes this the most complete extant version of Ulmer's lively folk operetta, replete with an example of Yiddish swing.

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Plot Keywords:

yiddish | blacksmith | dancing | dressmaker | orphan | 

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

Yiddish

Release Date:

1 November 1938 (USA)

Also Known As:

Yankl der Schmied

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Collective Film Producers Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min 107 min (1998 restoration)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Variray Blue Seal Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The play opened off-Broadway in New York City, New York, USA in 1909.

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Soundtracks

"Khasidic In America"
(uncredited)
Composer unknown
Sung by Moyshe Oysher and Florence Weiss

User Reviews

Yiddish film featuring the singing of Moyshe Oysher

Yankl der Shmid, the Singing Blacksmith, was filmed in New Jersey in the late 1930's. It was originally a play, simplified and brought to the screen as a vehicle to show off the singing talents of Moyshe Oysher as Yankl. Not a great film, but the singing is spectacular, and it's interesting as a period piece. As an extra bonus, the young Yankl is portrayed by Herschel Bernardi, in his first film role.