Overture to Glory (1940)

Plot Summary

A humble cantor, Oysher yearns to be an opera singer. He deserts his tiny village to pursue his dream, but when his voice breaks he sheepishly returns, resigned to attending but not singing at the Yom Kippur services. Upon his return, Oysher is informed that his son has died. Out of grief is wrought a miracle: Oysher's voice returns, more powerful than ever. After performing the Day of Atonement services, Oysher suddenly collapses, peacefully joining his son in death. If you wish to see the touching Overture to Glory, by all means seek out a decent print; many extant copies are so washed out that, not only are the English subtitles unreadable, but it's extremely difficult to tell one actor from another.

Full Cast & Characters

Moyshe Oysher

Yoel Duvid Strashunsky

Florence Weiss

Chana Strashunsky, his wife

Maurice Krohner

Aaron, his father-in-law

John Mylong

Stanislaw Maniusko

Helen Beverly

Wanda Mirova (as Helen Beverly)

Baby Winkler

Peretz Strashunsky

Benjamin Fishbein

Nute, the stadtl shamez [sexton]

Lazar Freed

The Stadtl Rabbi

Erika Zaranoya

Jadwiga Godliewska, blond diva

Ivan Busatt

Director of the Opera

Leonard Elliott

Tilchinski, orchestra conductor

Max Willenz

The Warsaw Shamez [sexton]

Director & Crew

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