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WELCOME TO KUTSHER’S: THE LAST CATSKILLS RESORT (USA)

January 24, 2015 @ 9:20 am to approx. 11:45 am

One of the legendary Borscht Belt hotels during its heyday, Kutsher’s was family-owned and operated for over 100 years.  Exploring the full Dirty Dancing-era Catskills experience— and how it changed American pop culture in the comedy, sports and vacation industries— this award-winning documentary captures a last glimpse of a lost world as it disappears before our eyes.

The Catskills resorts were not only a Jewish refuge and family vacation paradise, they also gave birth to American stand-up comedy, the NBA All-Star Game, and all-inclusive resorts.  This film brings to life how Kutsher’s thrived at the center of all this growth and excitement.  Watch Wilt Chamberlain both playing ball and working as a bellhop at Kutsher’s; Red Auerbach as the Kutsher’s Sports Director; and Kutsher’s Maurice Stokes benefit game create an All-Star basketball tradition.  Laugh with appreciation at Freddie Roman as his classic Borscht Belt routine still brings down the house, and wonder in amazement as Andy Kaufman wrestles a female Kutsher’s guest for $50.  Marvel at the abundance of hearty kosher feasts where no one can get away with ordering just one main dish, and the non-stop whirl of recreational activities.  And as the Catskills decline and the end of an era draws near, witness a final twist: can an indie music festival reinvent Kutsher’s for a new generation?  The story of Kutsher’s is uniquely American.

Directors:  Caroline Laskow, Ian Rosenberg

Running Time:  73 minutes

Genre:  Documentary

Distributor:   Menemsha Film

Country:   USA

Language:  English

Rating:  N|R

 

FESTIVALS:  USA: Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival Special Event,  The New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center,  Miami Jewish Film Festival,  Palm Beach International Film Festival, Long Island’s Pergament Jewish Film Festival,  Jewish Ensemble Theater / JCC of Detroit Jewish Film Festival, Hartford Jewish Film Festival,  Rochester Jewish Film Festival,  Charlotte Jewish Film Festival;  Sensoria Festival, UK; Athens Jewish Film Festival, Greece

 

AWARDS:  The New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center – Closing Night Selection, Best Documentary Audience Award at Miami Jewish Film Festival

 

One priceless moment in the film that’s worth noting is the footage of a young, seven-foot-plus Wilt Chamberlain who, while working as a bell hop at the resort, wouldn’t bother to climb the stairs. He’d simply wait for you to open your window, then hand your luggage up to you on the second floor.” David Fagin, Huffington Post

 

Official website w/Trailer:  http://www.kutshersdoc.com/

Additional website w/Teaser and Press Kit:  http://www.menemshafilms.com/welcome-kutshers

Details

Date:
January 24, 2015
Time:
9:20 am to approx. 11:45 am
Event Category:
Event Tags:

Venue

Historic Camelot Theatre @ the Palm Springs Cultural Center
2300 E Baristo Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States

Organizer

Desert Film Society
Email:
info@desertfilmsociety.com
Website:
www.desertfilmsociety.org