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Description
Sunday, May 3 @ 1:00 PM
The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (Film Studies Center Screening Room)
915 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637
☆ HIS WIFE’S LOVER ☆
Directed by Sidney M. Goldin • 1931
In Yiddish with English subtitles
The arrival of the talkies didn’t just open ears to American English vernacular, but presented an unprecedented opportunity for immigrant communities to hear their own patois at the movies. Promoted as the “first 100% Yiddish singing and talking picture,” His Wife’s Lover was a vehicle for Ludwig Satz, a real-life music hall star who plays the fictional music hall star Eddie Wien. Eddie’s unscrupulous uncle Oscar (Isidore Cashier) resents and mistrusts women, and bets his nephew that vivacious Golde (Lucy Levine) would marry any random wealthy suitor, just like any gold digger. Eddie disguises himself as an embarrassing caricature of decrepit capital, loses the bet by winning the reluctant Golde, and then loses anew when his bride refuses to consummate their marriage. Can Eddie double-down on his wager, Safdie-style, and win Golde back as himself? Shot in nine days, His Wife’s Lover emerged as a deliriously entertaining musical — and racy enough to rival any pre-Code Hollywood mishegoss. (KW)
80 min • High Art Pictures Corp. • 35mm from the National Center for Jewish Film
Date & Time
Sun, May 3, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Venue Details
Logan Center For the Arts Screening Room 201
915 East 60th StreetChicago, Illinois 60637
