From playing a rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof to being Boris' father in Woody Allen's Love and Death, Zvee Scooler brought wisdom and humor to every role he played. This roundup explores the captivating performances of the Russian-born American actor who mastered both Yiddish and English on stage, television, and film.
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Films
1. The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob
THE WILD... THE HILARIOUS... THE SCREWBALL... THE RIOTOUS
Embark on a whimsical and uproarious romp with "The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob". When a French factory owner, Victor Pivert, is unexpectedly kidnapped by an Arab rebel leader, Slimane, they concoct a plan to impersonate rabbis, in hopes of outwitting the authorities as well as Slimane's ruthless assassins. As the story unfolds, Pivert finds himself intertwined with the life of Rabbi Jacob, a cherished figure who has returned to France following three decades in the United States. This exhilarating tale is loaded with disguises, mistaken identities, and seemingly chance encounters that soon become anything but, as the boundaries between reality and disguise become dangerously blurred!
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IMDb Rating: 7.4
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TMDb Rating: 7.394
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Release Date: 1973-10-17
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Runtime: 100.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
2. Love and Death
The Comedy Sensation of the Year!
In the heart of czarist Russia, "Love and Death" spins a wildly hilarious tale of a neurotic soldier and his distant cousin who, in their quest for justice, hatch an elaborate plot to assassinate Napoleon. This charming comedy sensation of the year promises a delightful blend of laughter and drama as our heroes take aim at fate, love, and revolution.
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IMDb Rating: 7.7
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TMDb Rating: 7.529
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Metacritic Rating: 89.0
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Release Date: 1975-06-10
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Runtime: 85.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Budget: $3,000,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $20,173,700.0
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Status: Released
3. Fiddler on the Roof
To Life!
Transport yourself to a pre-Revolutionary Russian village, where a humble milkman named Tevye faces the daunting task of finding suitable husbands for his five daughters. As Tevye navigates this delicate dance, he also grapples with his deep-rooted beliefs and consults the village's traditional matchmaker. But in this changing world, will fate and tradition align? Join Tevye and his family on a heartwarming journey of love, faith, and the power of song.
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IMDb Rating: 8.0
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TMDb Rating: 7.703
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Metacritic Rating: 67.0
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Release Date: 1971-11-03
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Runtime: 181.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Budget: $9,000,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $83,304,300.0
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Status: Released
4. Playing for Time
Experience the heart-wrenching tale of "Playing for Time, " released in 1980. In this powerful story, a Jewish songstress faces unimaginable horrors as she is taken from the stage and sent to Auschwitz. Here, she and other musicians are forced to use their talents to sing soothing tunes for prisoners who await a dreadful fate in the gas chambers. Be prepared for a poignant and thought-provoking journey that will leave a lasting impression.
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IMDb Rating: 7.3
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TMDb Rating: 7.0
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Release Date: 1980-09-30
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Runtime: 150.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
5. No Way to Treat a Lady
...or is it?
In the thrilling 1968 noir "No Way to Treat a Lady, " we follow Moe Brummel, a determined New York City detective, as he hunts down the city's notorious strangler. What unfolds is an unexpected alliance between Moe and Christopher Gill, a psychotic serial killer, all while Moe's live-in mother pushes him to become a successful Jewish doctor. Brace yourself for a gripping story filled with twists and turns, where nothing is as it seems.
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IMDb Rating: 7.0
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TMDb Rating: 6.575
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Release Date: 1968-03-20
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Runtime: 108.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Box Office Revenue: $3,100,000.0
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Status: Released
6. Hester Street
Experience the heartwarming tale of Hester Street, a 1975 drama film set in the bustling heart of New York's Lower East Side. The story unfolds when an ambitious Russian immigrant, who's shaped himself into a true-blue Yankee, welcomes his wife to the New World. Embracing their new life together, the couple faces the challenges of assimilating into a world dominated by other Jewish immigrants, while navigating the cultural complexities of their new home.
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IMDb Rating: 7.0
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TMDb Rating: 6.021
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Release Date: 1975-10-19
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Runtime: 90.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
7. The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
There's a little bit of Duddy Kravitz in everyone.
In "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, " a young Jewish man named Duddy struggles to escape his working-class roots in Montreal. With dreams of making a name for himself, Duddy navigates a treacherous journey of power, loyalty, and the harsh realities of adulthood. As he faces anti-Semitic obstacles and changes his relationships with family and friends, Duddy must confront the responsibilities that come with success. This powerful exploration of perseverance, self-discovery, and prejudice will resonate with viewers, leaving them with a sense of empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by Duddy Kravitz.
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IMDb Rating: 6.8
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TMDb Rating: 5.818
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Release Date: 1974-04-11
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Runtime: 120.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["CA"]
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Budget: $900,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $1,700,000.0
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Status: Released
8. King of the Gypsies
They have their own language... Their own codes of sex, honor and vengeance... And their own way of choosing a king.
Be transported into the world of the Romanis with "King of the Gypsies", a 1978 drama film that dives deep into the intricate dynamics of their community. Set in New York City, Zharko, the leader of the Romanis, unexpectedly passes his position onto his rebellious grandson, Dave, leading to chaos and conflict within the family. Explore the unique language, honor system, and traditions as the film unveils the method to choose their king. Experience the compelling journey, blending reality and fiction, in this unforgettable movie that leaves a lasting impression.
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IMDb Rating: 6.2
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TMDb Rating: 5.632
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Metacritic Rating: 38.0
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Release Date: 1978-12-20
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Runtime: 112.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Budget: $5,000,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $7,325,180.0
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Status: Released
9. Lady Ice
SHE wanted a fortune in jewels ... HE wanted her!
Hot and sizzling in 1973, Lady Ice stars a cunning insurance investigator who embarks on a thrilling romantic pursuit of a rich, beautiful young woman. Their blossoming love spices up as he starts to suspect her involvement in a jewelry fraud. Hold onto the edge of your seat, as Lady Ice takes viewers on a gripping journey of seduction and crime.
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IMDb Rating: 4.8
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TMDb Rating: 4.765
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Release Date: 1973-07-13
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Runtime: 93.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
10. Over the Brooklyn Bridge
A Comedy that spans 1 mile, 2 romances, 3 careers, 4 days, 5 relatives and $379,000.
Experience the heartwarming comedy "Over the Brooklyn Bridge" as we follow a struggling Jewish deli owner in his quest for independence. With dreams of purchasing his own restaurant in Manhattan, he must navigate a web of challenges, including a domineering father, a demanding girlfriend, and a cast of quirky family members. Joined by a strong ensemble and set against the picturesque backdrop of Brooklyn, this film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of romance, career shifts, and self-discovery. Don't miss out on the laughter and touching moments that make "Over the Brooklyn Bridge" a must-watch!
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IMDb Rating: 5.7
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TMDb Rating: 5.2
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Release Date: 1984-03-02
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Runtime: 108.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Box Office Revenue: $837,914.0
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Status: Released
11. A Dream of Kings
Go ahead - measure the man, this dreamer of dreams, this outragous rebel, this tender, loving, magnificent animal
A Dream of Kings, released in 1969, is a heart-warming tale of a Greek American father who, faced with his dying son's desperate need for clean air, decides to bring him to Greece. With a unique blend of emotions, this movie explores the struggles of a tender father's journey to save his son's life. A must-watch for those seeking a touching adventure between a father and his child.
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IMDb Rating: 6.3
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TMDb Rating: 5.0
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Release Date: 1969-12-15
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Runtime: 107.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
12. Thieves
A comedy about love, marriage, reconciliation and other acts of courage.
Rekindling the flame of first love after years of separation, "Thieves" delves into the challenges and risks of reconnecting in unexpected ways. Martin and Sally, once childhood sweethearts from the Lower East Side, find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum – Martin, now running a prestigious private school, and Sally, still nurturing her roots as an educator. Amidst temptations and detours, the pair's determination to reunite leads to a heart-pounding, comedic journey that celebrates the transformative power of love and the resilience of two passionate hearts.
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IMDb Rating: 4.6
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TMDb Rating: 3.7
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Release Date: 1977-02-11
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Runtime: 92.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
13. Enormous Changes at the Last Minute
Prepare to be swept away by "Enormous Changes at the Last Minute, " a captivating film that offers a heartfelt exploration of love, relationships, and personal growth. This beautifully crafted piece is separated into three spellbinding segments, each interwoven with intriguing themes and unexpected twists. Embark on this poignant journey as we witness Virginia face the trials of single parenthood, a woman unraveling a family mystery, and a middle-aged social worker navigating an unexpected pregnancy. The bonds between these characters are sure to evoke laughter, tears, and a newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of life.
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IMDb Rating: 5.0
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TMDb Rating: 5.2
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Release Date: 1983-01-01
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Runtime: 104.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
14. Andy
"Andy" is a heartwarming tale set in the bustling city of New York, following the life of a middle-aged man with mental handicaps. As his elderly parents grapple with the challenges of caring for him, they discover the unexpected joy and resilience that comes with their unique bond. This poignant film, released in 1965, delicately weaves together themes of love, family, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of adversity.
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IMDb Rating: 8.0
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TMDb Rating: 8.0
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Release Date: 1965-01-23
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Runtime: 86.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
15. Uncle Moses
Moses, a successful sweatshop owner, transforms the lives of a young factory worker and her family when he shares his wealth with them. Complicating matters is the worker's love for a Marxist union organizer, leading to a story about choices, consequences, and the unexpected paths of romance.
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TMDb Rating: 6.0
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Release Date: 1932-01-02
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Runtime: 88.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
TV Shows
1. Naked City
There are eight million stories in the Naked City.
Immerse yourself in the rough and tumble world of New York City through the iconic 1950s series, Naked City. This riveting police drama, inspired by the 1948 film of the same name, plays out against the backdrop of the "Naked City" as it delves into the unforgiving streets and the lives of the men and women in law enforcement. Aired on ABC from 1958 to 1963, Naked City boasts an impressive 138 episodes, capturing the hearts and minds of viewers with its authentic and unvarnished style. The show's 1997 episode, "Sweet Prince of Delancey Street," is celebrated as #93 on TV Guide's "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time."
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Original Name: Naked City
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TMDb Rating: 5.333
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Languages: ["en"]
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Episode Runtime: [60, 26]
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Status: Ended
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Original Language: en
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Type: Scripted
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First Air Date: 1958-09-30
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Last Air Date: 1963-05-29
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Number of Seasons: 4
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Number of Episodes: 138
