The One and Only Jewish Miss America

** Post-film discussion with special guest, Director David Arond

Monday, July 8
7 p.m.
51 minutes, English

In September 1945, Bess Myerson, Miss New York City, made history at the most famous beauty pageant in the world. In spite of anonymous phone calls to judges, threats from sponsors, and growing antisemitism, the daughter of struggling immigrants from Russia became the first Jewish Miss America. The judges could not change the point count, the beauty queen from the Bronx won the swimsuit competition, tied for first place in talent and top-ranked in interview and evening gown categories. But was the country ready for a Jewish Miss America?

The film, Bess Myerson: The One and Only Jewish Miss America, tells the surprising story of Bess, her parents and sisters, and the Sholom Aleichem housing project that shaped so many Jewish families starting out in the United States. This one-hour documentary follows Bess from her improbable entrance in her local pageant through her heartbreak when sponsors withdrew their support and restricted tour stops closed their doors on Jews.

 

David Arond has directed and produced over a dozen documentaries in his career as a journalist and filmmaker. He said, “Bess Myerson’s story caught my attention because my 90-year-old mother was 15 in 1945 and she still talks about how her family was gathered around the big radio in their apartment in Chicago on the day that Bess Myerson won the Miss America crown. They were so excited to have a Jewish woman honored for her beauty and her talent... I made this film for her and all the people who do not know the levels of discrimination faced by Jews in this country: Jews were prohibited from entering some hotels and other public places, many colleges placed admission quotas on Jewish students, and Jews faced employment and housing discrimination. Some Jews even changed their last names and hid their Jewish identities to live and work without facing antisemitism.”

 

All movies will be shown at:

 

**New location this year**

Southview Highschool Auditorium, 7225 Sylvania Ave.

Cost:

General Admission - $10 per film, per person

Series Package - $45 for all 5 dates, per person

**** Please check in at our registration table the day of each film for all pre-purchased tickets and passes****

 

How to purchase your tickets:

By phone: 419-724-0351

By email: sherry@jewishtoledo.org

Online: https://form.jotform.com/jewishtoledo/films24

At the door: on a first come, first served basis.

 

Concessions:

Snacks and beverages will be available at all screenings (unless otherwise noted). This is included in your ticket price.

Parking:

Free parking is available on the west side of the building.

Questions:

Please contact Hallie Freed at 419-724-0362 or hallie@jewishtoledo.org

Donors:

Jack, Jr. and Nora Romanoff Donor Advised Fund

Stu & Jojo Goldberg Donor Advised Fund