When Jews Were Funny

From the 1930s to the 1970s, Jewish comedians were a prominent presence on television and in films, with Jewish performers leading the comedy scene across radio, stage, and screen in Western society. This documentary, directed by the esteemed Alan Zweig, delves into why Jewish comedians were so influential during this era and what led to the decline of their dominance. Were Jewish comedians simply more humorous during that time? And if so, did this comedic talent extend to everyday Jewish individuals? Over the course of 90 minutes, the film investigates these intriguing questions, exploring the evolution of 20th-century humor, cultural shifts, and the quest to rediscover a lost heritage.