Hester Street

Adapted from Abraham Cahan's story, this drama tells of immigrant life on New York's Lower East Side in the 1890s through the story of Gitl, an Eastern European Jew who arrives with her child on Ellis Island in 1896 to join her husband, Jake. She is surprised to discover that Jake has abandoned the mores of his culture by cutting off his beard and ear locks, and he's adopted the mannerisms of his new country, including a new girlfriend who runs a dance hall. Gitl, unwilling to part with traditions so easily, creates a rift in the marriage that is difficult to overcome. Carol Kane was nominated to Oscar for her role as Gitl.