Funny, He Looks Jewish

TITLE: MR. SATURDAY NIGHT

DIRECTOR: BILLY CRYSTAL

WRITERS: BILLY CRYSTAL, LOWELL GANZ AND BABALOO MANDEL

THE BOTTOM LINE: This intimate epic about a nightclub comic works too hard for pathos but is great for laughs.

American pop culture speaks in two accents: black and Jewish. Why is it that these traditionally maligned groups are among the country's most loved and admired entertainers? Onstage or on the air, the negative qualities that bigots see in these minorities are transformed. Dumb brutality gets alchemized into the grace and strength of black singers and athletes. Rude connivance becomes the capering wit of Jewish comics...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!