Three generations of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family in 1920s Montreal form the focus of this autobiographical tale by Ted Allen, which enjoyed success in print, radio and television before its adaptation into this film by Oscar-winning Czech director Kadár.
David, a young boy, is caught between the traditional Jewish values of his peddler grandfather (Yossi Yadin) and the material ambitions of his parents, who are preoccupied with supporting him and their new baby. When his father's words don't agree with his grandfather's teachings, David perceives them as lies. Gradually, however, as he moves from innocence towards maturity, David begins to realize that his beloved grandfather is also capable of invention and deception.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"A warm, funny and touching tale."
- Judith Crist, Saturday Review
- A.H. Weiller, New York Times
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