Overture to Glory

This was the first US feature made by exiled German director Max Nosseck. Bearing more than a passing similarity to The Jazz Singer, it follows Vilna cantor Moishe Oysher, as he defies the synagogue authorities to find fame in the Warsaw opera, only to lose his voice on hearing of the death of his neglected son and find redemption on the Day of Atonement. With solid support from Helen Beverly as the Countess who falls for him and surprisingly lavish production values, this Yiddish film initially found little favour because of its downbeat ending, despite the superb singing of its star.