Donald M. Ephraim Film Festival: Vitch

Description

Artist and comedian Eddie Vitch (born Ignace Levkovitch) was a charismatic Jewish entertainer from Poland who found fame twice over: first in 1930s Hollywood with his iconic pen-and-ink caricatures of silver screen legends, and later performing brilliant pantomimes in Paris revues alongside Josephine Baker and Maurice Chevalier. But his life took a dark and morally complex turn during World War II: While his fellow Jews were deported and murdered, Vitch managed to continue performing on stages throughout Nazioccupied Europe, entertaining German troops at the behest of Josef Goebbels� Ministry of Propaganda. This fascinating documentary follows the efforts of Vitch�s daughters and extended family to unravel the mystery of his life and come to grips with his choices. Was he hiding in plain sight or did the Nazis protect him?