Movie- Frisco Kid

Rated #3 Jewish Comedy

Profile
Came out in 1979
Running time of 1 hour and 59 minutes
Rated PG
Available on VHS
Directed by Robert Aldrich
Written by Michael Elias and Frank Shaw
Main Stars: Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford

What's it all about:
A naive and innocent Rabbi (Gene Wilder), who graduated 88th out of 88 students from a Poland Yeshiva, is sent to America in 1850 to become San Fransisco's new Rabbi. The film depicts the Rabbi's adventures across America and how a bank robber, played by Harrison Ford, helps him get to California.

Why I Recommend It:
1 - It's a story set against the backdrop of 1850s America. The comedy comes from the contrast of the Rabbi with the common obstacles in the American Frontier.
2 - The relationship between the bank robber and the Rabbi. Not only does the contrast play out for funny laughs, but Ford and Wilder have great chemistry together making the relationship on-screen heartfelt besides comical.
3 - The acting. Gene Wilder is at his best playing the Rabbi. Harrison Ford is well, Harrison Ford. Best yet, every Jewish girl's fantasy becomes a reality, when he wears a kippah at the end of the film!

Distinguishing Jewish Appeal:
1 - The devotion of the naive, innocent Rabbi in protecting the Torah during his many adventures across the Frontier. This includes the scene where the Indian Chief threatens to kill him or destroy the Torah. The Rabbi accepts his fate as long as the Torah is kept safe.
2 - The devotion of the Rabbi in following Judaism. This includes keeping the Sabbath by not riding on trains or on horses.
3 - Depiction of how many Rabbis came from Europe to help establish Jewish communities in various places in America.

Of Note: The film was originally called "No Knife."

Added: January 1st 2003
Reviewer: Sandy Chertok
Score:
Related Link: Buy it at Amazon
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Language: english