"Oy Shee-yit!" "The Frisco Kid" combines the flavor of the American Wild West with lessons about the Jewish immigrant experience and schmaltzy Jewish humor, with the onscreen chemistry of Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford thrown in to boot. Made in 1979, the film celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

"The Frisco Kid" opens in 1850 Poland. A yeshivah Board of Rabbis is arguing whether or not to send Rabbi Avram Belinski (Wilder), a schmendrick who graduated second to last in his class, to San Francisco, where a fledgling congregation needs a rabbi and a Torah. Avram eagerly agrees to this mission, knowing only that San Francisco is "somewhere near New York."

With his fluent English and $200 in his pocket, Avram arrives in Philadelphia with considerable advantages compared to most immigrants. But after missing his boat, he is unprepared for the crooks he encounters in the "city where all the brothers love each other." Disillusioned and now penniless, the determined Avram clings to his faith in God, and sets out to cross the country on his own.

Avram's faith is quickly challenged by his complete lack of wilderness or navigational skills. Thankfully, he is rescued by Tom Lillard (Ford), a softhearted bank robber who is as manipulated by Jewish guilt as he is awed by the lessons he learns arguing with Avram about God, ethical living, and adherence to religious practice. Tom joins Avram for the journey, and their collective faith is tested with every adventure they encounter.

As a fifth grade teacher at Portland's Temple Beth El, I used to show "The Frisco Kid" for the annual movie day as part of our American Jewish history curriculum. My students and their parents always loved it, and for me it was a wonderful teaching tool. It brought to life the observant Jewish immigrants' struggle with assimilation and persecution in 19th-century America, and combined it with enough schtick to captivate us all. In the end, we see these "kids" bond and learn from each other on their great journey to "Frisco" - and to becoming men.

After being a social worker, camp director, Hebrew School teacher, and youth group advisor, Marggi Shechanah is now mastering the art of living a relaxed life and working as an Administrative Assistant at Maine Medical Center.

2004 MJFF Program Book edited by Abby Zimet