Watch Awake and Sing!

Awake and Sing! is a compelling drama film that was released in 1972. Directed by Fielder Cook and written by Clifford Odets, the movie stars Felicia Farr, Leo Fuchs, and Robert Lipton. Based on the play of the same name, Awake and Sing! is a story about a Jewish family living in the Bronx during the Great Depression. The story revolves around the Berger family and their struggles to cope with the harsh reality of life in the 1930s. Jacob Berger (Leo Fuchs) is the central character of the film, a hardworking man who has lost his job and is struggling to make ends meet. His wife Bessie (Felicia Farr) is a strong and determined woman who is the backbone of the family. The couple has two children, their son Ralph (Robert Lipton) and their daughter Hennie (Barbara Dana), who are also struggling to cope with the difficult circumstances that surround them.

The movie opens with the family gathering for Ralph's twenty-first birthday celebration. It is on this occasion that the family dynamics are introduced, highlighting the tensions that exist between Jacob and his children. Ralph is a dreamer who wants to pursue his own aspirations rather than following his father's wishes. Hennie is in love with Moe (Gerry Matthews), a young man who is seen as a poor match for her by her mother Bessie.

As the movie progresses, it becomes evident that the family is living in poverty. The bergers are forced to share their small apartment with Bessie's father, Schlosser (Harold Gary), a bitter and disillusioned man who spends most of his time sitting in the dark. The family struggles to make ends meet, with Jacob working long hours in a clothing factory to make a meager living.

Despite the struggles, however, the members of the Berger family continue to maintain their dignity and never lose hope. The family members all have their own dreams and aspirations, and they all try to hold onto them despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.

The movie is a powerful portrayal of the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. It delves into the themes of poverty, family, and the American dream, all of which are explored through the characters and their struggles. Each character has their own unique story to tell, and they all have different ways of coping with the hardships they face.

The performances in the movie are outstanding. Felicia Farr gives a powerful and nuanced performance as Bessie, the matriarch of the family who is determined to keep the family together. Leo Fuchs brings a restrained intensity to the role of Jacob, while Robert Lipton delivers a convincing performance as the conflicted Ralph.

The movie's production design and cinematography capture the bleakness of life in the Bronx during the 1930s. The cramped and dingy apartment where the family lives is a stark contrast to the glamour and luxury of Hollywood films of the era. The movie's score, which is composed by Laurence Rosenthal, is also exceptional, capturing the mood and tone of the film perfectly.

In conclusion, Awake and Sing! is a well-crafted drama film that provides a powerful and realistic representation of life during the Great Depression. The outstanding performances, strong characters, and excellent production design make it a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or drama films.