When Comedy Went to School

When Comedy Went to School is a fascinating 2013 documentary that gives viewers a captivating insight into the birth of modern American comedy. This feature-length film features an ensemble cast, with appearances from legends of comedic history such as Robert Klein, Jerry Lewis, and Sid Caesar. Directed by Mevlut Akkaya and Ron Frank and written by Lawrence Richards, When Comedy Went to School transports its audience back in time, delving deep into the world of Borscht Belt, a Jewish American summer resort circuit in the Catskills, New York.

The documentary opens by setting the historical context, outlining the provenance of Jewish comedy, which traces its lineage from vaudeville and Yiddish theater in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Viewers are then taken on a nostalgic journey to the mid-20th century Catskill Mountains. This region, often humorously referred to as the Borscht Belt, or the Jewish Alps, was an epicenter for stand-up comedy and variety shows and played a pivotal role in shaping the comedic culture of America.

The backbone of the film lies in its interesting blend of classic comedy routines, rare footage, and insightful and often hilarious interviews with comedy greats. These elements mesh together beautifully to tell the fascinating story of how a particular group of Jewish immigrants transformed and reinvented American humor. The film explores the lives, careers, and comedic styles of some of the best-known Jewish comedians, and how the unique experiences and perspectives within their community laid the foundation for some of America's most iconic comedic voices.

The documentary is ruptured with endearing anecdotes as veteran comedians reminisce about their early days trying to break into show business in the resort hotels of the Catskills. Threaded with loving nostalgia and sharp comedy, the experience comes alive through the stories of legends Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, and Robert Klein, amongst others. The film touches on how these comedians faced challenges and used humor as a coping tool and how a summer in the Catskills offered a respite from city life but also game-changing career opportunities for young, aspiring comedians.

The Catskills, as depicted in the film, served as a breeding ground for gifted comedians where they spent their summers cutting their teeth on some of the toughest audiences, preparing themselves for the world stages. They learned the art of timing, the importance of connecting with crowds, how to handle hecklers, and what it takes to make a wide range of people laugh. The documentary also explores how the Catskills became a cornerstone of American comedy and how its influence can still be seen in the comedic landscape today.

In a particularly engrossing segment, the movie also delves into the social changes sweeping across America during the mid-20th century. It touches upon the nights at the round tables, where serious conversations about race, religion, and politics sparked innovative comedic ideas, with echoes of those discussions still resounding in contemporary comedy.

Furthermore, the documentary features stirring moments showcasing the hardships and struggles encountered by these artists. Yet, these challenges were inherently woven with comedic undertones, providing the backbone of many successful comedic routines. There's a recurring cycle shown in the movie where a comedian’s personal trauma is transformed into relatable, hilarious skits, speaking to the wide-reaching power of humor as a tool for resilience.

When Comedy Went to School is not just about the past, however, but also looks at comedy in its present and future context. It provides an understanding of the evolution of standup comedy and how it has inspired and continues to inspire successive generations of humorists. It’s a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in stand-up comedy, the history of American humor, and its enduring influence in the entertainment industry.

To sum up, When Comedy Went to School offers a fascinating look at comedy’s heritage and evolution through the ages - an engaging tribute to the pioneers who shaped it and laid the foundation for the modern American humor that we know and love today. It’s an engaging look at the threads of humor and humanity woven throughout history and comedy, showcasing how humor has the power to connect, heal and bring people together, transcending cultural, social and generational boundaries. Through its exploration, the film ultimately captures the spirit of comedy - how it was, is, and will continue to be a vital part of our shared human experience.