Lost in Yonkers (1993)

In the summer of 1942 two young boys are sent to stay with their stern grandmother Kurnitz and their childlike aunt Bella in Yonkers, New York.

Director:

Martha Coolidge

Writers:

Neil Simon (play), Neil Simon (screenplay)

Stars:

Richard Dreyfuss, Mercedes Ruehl, Irene Worth

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Dreyfuss	...	Louie Kurnitz
Mercedes Ruehl	...	Bella Kurnitz
Irene Worth	...	Grandma Kurnitz
Brad Stoll	...	Jay
Mike Damus	...	Arty
David Strathairn	...	Johnny
Robert Miranda	...	Hollywood Harry (as Robert Guy Miranda)
Jack Laufer	...	Eddie
Susan Merson	...	Gert
Illya Haase	...	Harry's Crony
Calvin Stillwell	...	Gas Station Attendant
Dick Hagerman	...	Truck Driver
Jesse Vincent	...	Danny
Howard Newstate	...	Kid in Store
Peter Gannon	...	Cop

Storyline

In 1942 in the Bronx, Evelyn Kurnitz has just passed away following a lengthy illness. Her husband, Eddie Kurnitz, needs to take a job as a traveling salesman to pay off the medical bills incurred, and decides to ask his stern and straight talking mother, from who he is slightly estranged, if his two early-teen sons, Jay and Arty (who their Grandma call by their full given names, Yakob and Arthur), can live with her and their Aunt Bella Kurnitz in Yonkers. She reluctantly agrees after a threat by Bella. Despite their Grandma owning and operating a candy store, Jay and Arty don't like their new living situation as they're afraid of their Grandma, and find it difficult to relate to their crazy Aunt Bella, whose slow mental state is manifested by perpetual excitability and a short attention span, which outwardly comes across as a childlike demeanor. Into their collective lives returns one of Eddie and Bella's other siblings, Louie Kurnitz, a henchman for some gangsters. He is hiding out ...

---

Plot Keywords:

aunt | grandmother | yonkers new york | mother daughter relationship | dysfunctional family | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 May 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers

Filming Locations:

Augusta, Kentucky, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$9,285,189 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Rastar Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mercedes Ruehl won the 1991 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Musical for "Lost in Yonkers" and recreated her role in the movie based on the play.

---

Goofs

Even though window air conditioners were sold as early as 1938, mass production, which lowered the cost, didn't occur until after World War II. It is highly unlikely that a house in Yonkers would have had two as we see when the gangsters get out of their car and walk to the store as Bella is making her "Johnny" announcement.

---

Quotes

Jay: [impersonating his Aunt Gert] Well, hello Jay. How are you? How's your father, and
[sucking in as he speaks]
Jay: *how's your little brother Arty?*

---

Connections

Features Now, Voyager (1942)

---

Soundtracks

"Now Voyager"
Written by Max Steiner
Courtesy of Turner Entertainment Co.

User Reviews

Bad "Mom " - Good Movie

"Lost In Yonkers" was a nice blend of comedy and drama. Until watching it for the second time, I didn't even recognize Richard Dreyfuss to be the 'Uncle Louie' character, but I did know him by his voice. He played QUITE a character: An extremely stylish, offbeat criminal with a sense of humor.

The main character, 'Bella', was 'slow', according to her domineering mother. She was a delightful young woman who was loved by her nephews, siblings, and all those who knew her. Bella was ready to have a life on her own--the problem being--her Mom.

I really enjoyed this nostalgic, WWII era, movie. I recommend it to audiences of all ages.