Asriel Stroon is a widowed landlord who has amassed a fortune in turn-of-the-century Boston. Fearful that his sins have lost him a chance to be accepted into heaven, he goes back to the "Old Country" in Poland and prays as his father's grave for the Almighty to wipe away his sins. While there, he comes across an old Jewish custom: The richest man in town is "bidding" for the awkward but brilliant student Shaya, to get him as a bridegroom for his daughter.Asriel sees that to win such a prodigy for his daughter, Flora is a sure way to secure himself a ticket to heaven. But Flora wants to marry an "American" doctor and Asriel's expensive gift to her turns out to cost more than the beleaguered father bargained for. A sentimental comedy of assimilation ensues, with some surprising twists along the way.
Quotes
"An exceptionally fine first feature... shrewdly persistent and quite winning... Her screenplay is neat and orderly. The many suprises -enough for a dozen O. Henry anecdotes- unfold trippingly, like the clarinet cadencesin the klez-inspired score. Berger has, with her first film, leapt into the ring with James Ivory."
-The Village Voice"A sweet evocation of Jewish immigrant life in turn-of-the-century America... There's a heart in The Imported Bridgegroom. It should live and be well."
-Newsday"An endearing film about the immigrant experience."
-The Boston Globe"The film is a charmer."
-Variety
Click here to download an article from The Jewish Advocate (pdf)
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