Filmmakers Bonnie Burt and Judith Montell's documentary looks at a community of European Jews who made a home for themselves in rural California before World War II, settling in and around Petaluma and raising chickens and their attendant eggs for market. Unlike many American Jews who flocked to urban areas, these hearty immigrants had to battle the elements and other vicissitudes of agriculture along with the obligatory anti-Semitic antagonisms. Having emigrated from a variety of countries and every imaginable point in the political spectrum, these Zionists, Communists, and non-political types coexisted in a raucous harmony, which of course piqued the interest of the McCarthy witch hunters, with unfortunate results. Through it all--American Nazis, sick chickens, and Tailgunner Joe--a sense of community persevered in the residents, many of whom were interviewed for this engaging record of a singular ethnic community and lifestyle. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Tribby)
A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma
(2002) 52 min. $72: public libraries & high schools; $200: colleges & universities. Burt/Montell Productions. PPR. Color cover. Volume 18, Issue 3
A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma
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