13 JEWSPLOITATION FILMS

Growing up in a reformed Jewish household can be summed up with one phrase (of my own creation) – Convenient Kosher-ism. Meaning, we had all the good intentions of celebrating the Jewish holidays, it’s just that my family’s social calendar got in the way a bit. Though in our defense, Jew-days change from year to year. Oddly the one part of GOD’S WILL not set in stone. It’s all based on some ancient lunar/harvest calendar that truly means nothing to Lon Giland suburbia life. I’d say the only thing my parents made sure was a strong part of my Jewish heritage was the love for classic JEWSPLOITATION films. And no, not all of ‘em were comedies. And only 82% are Woody Allen or Mel Brooks joints. Enjoy. Mazel Tov!

The Ten Commandments – 3 hours of Yul and Chuck in loincloths.

Jazz Singer ­– Neil Diamond in his acting debut and finale.

Frisco Kid – Rabbi Gene Wilder teams up with cowboy Harrison Ford.

The Chosen – Quick, name another Robby Benson film.

Yentle – Babs as a boy.

History of The World – JEWWWWS IN SPAAAACCCCEEE!!!!

Bananas – Woody Allen with a fake beard.

Broadway Danny Rose – Woody Allen in B&W.

Annie Hall – Woody Allen with a Shiksa.

Fiddler on The Roof – Michael Glazer (Starsky) does a decent job as Perchik.

Blazing Saddles – Not sure the Jews can totally claim this one.

The Producers – The original with Zero Mostel.

The In-Laws – Peter Falk as a fed. Alan Arkin as a dentist.