A stage framed in shelved books with a Hebrew legend above metaphorically sets up this story of a friendship between two Brooklyn Jewish boys (1944-49) and their relationships as sons to their fathers (1944-49). All are steeped in the Talmud, but from the differing stances of Orthodox Judaism and Hassidism. Lex Woutas, as adult Reuven Malter (and minor characters from the "outside world"), tells their tale articulately and with warmth.
The Chosen starts with Danny Saunders (earnest Peter Stoll) hurting his baseball rival Reuven (sensitive Howie Ravikoff, but with a humorous flair fitting his Woody Allen-like looks) and an apology that converts to an invitation to friendship. Danny, with a keen mind and photographic memory, has been raised strictly by his father to take his place. Richard Bowden plays that strict, white-haired rabbi almost as if he, too, had become annointed leader of his people. Silence serves Reb Saunders' scholarship and prayer but substitutes for communicating with son Danny, who needs to read and speak of more than Talmud. His needs begin to be met at the library, where he also meets David Malter, who teaches religion. Later, after revelations about the Holocaust, he gets heavily involved in politics relating to preserving Hebraic culture and the need for a Jewish homeland. (Robert D. Mowry is the perfect father and so realistic, one would swear he's really ill when he has to cough.) It is David who reminds his son of the Talmudic advice to choose a teacher and have a friend, which establishes the inciting incident of the "plot."
Tests of teaching and learning, faith and reason, friendship and family relationships, duty to others and self lead to Reuven and Danny's study and career decisions, along with understanding between them and their fathers. Explanations of things Jewish are neatly integrated, as are a skillfully mimed baseball game and Reb Saunders' esoteric sermon.
For many, the religious and historical references may be a learning experience. Mostly, though, this presentation justifies its publicity: it is a heartwarming story.
