Watch When Comedy Went to School

When Comedy Went to School is a 2013 documentary film directed by Mevlut Akkaya and Ron Frank that explores the origins and evolution of Jewish humor in America. The documentary features interviews with some of the most celebrated comedians of the last century, including Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Robert Klein, and Larry King, as well as with journalists, historians, and comedy experts.

The film takes us on a journey back in time to the 1930s and 1940s, when the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York were a hotbed of comedy talent and the training ground for many of the most famous comedians of the last century. Known as the Borscht Belt, the Catskills was a region filled with hotels, resorts, and summer camps, where Jews could go to escape the heat of the city and enjoy some entertainment.

The documentary explores the emergence of stand-up comedy and how Jewish comedians revolutionized the art form. Early on, Jewish comedians found that their audiences responded well to self-deprecating humor and sarcasm, which became hallmarks of Jewish humor. According to the documentary, many Jewish comedians felt that intermarriage and assimilation were threats to Jewish culture, and comedy was a way to protect and preserve Jewish identity in America.

When Comedy Went to School shows how these young comedians would hone their craft by performing in front of tough Catskill audiences who demanded that they be funny. If a joke fell flat, the comedian was often heckled or even booed off stage. But these comedians were persistent, and over time, they developed their own unique style, which would have a profound impact on 20th-century American culture.

The film features interviews with some of the most influential comedians of the 20th century, including Jerry Lewis, who got his start as a teenager in the Catskills. Lewis describes how he would study the other comedians on stage, analyzing what worked and what didn't, and eventually developing his own style. Sid Caesar, another legendary comedian, is also featured in the film. Caesar, who became a star of television during the 1950s, talks about how he would fuse humor with song and dance to create an entirely new kind of comedy.

Robert Klein, who is also interviewed in the film, describes how he was inspired by the comedians who came before him, and how he built upon their work to create his own brand of comedy. He talks about how comedy has evolved over time and how younger generations of comedians are taking the art form in new directions.

The documentary also examines the ways in which Jewish comedians helped to break down barriers of racial and ethnic prejudice in America. By making fun of their own culture and identity, Jewish comedians helped to make people more accepting of difference, and paved the way for other minority groups to enter the mainstream.

When Comedy Went to School is a fascinating and engaging documentary that offers a fresh perspective on the cultural history of American comedy. By tracing the origins of Jewish humor, the film shows how comedy has always been intertwined with social and political issues, and how it has the power to unite people and bring about change. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of American popular culture, and for anyone who loves to laugh.