ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
BERNIE GOES TO THE BORSCHT BELT profiles 97-year-old comedian Bernie Berns, one of the last surviving voices of the Catskills’ golden era, whose story reflects the rise and fall of the Borscht Belt and the evolution of Jewish-American comedy.

SYNOPSIS
For much of the 20th century, New York’s Catskill Mountains, known as the Borscht Belt, were a vital hub of Jewish-American culture. This network of resorts was more than just a vacation destination; it was a sanctuary where Jewish families, often excluded from other spaces, came to relax, connect, and laugh. At the center of this world was a generation of comedians whose voices would go on to shape the sound of American comedy. It was here that legends like Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis, and Lenny Bruce sharpened their timing in front of packed ballrooms and midnight crowds.

One of those voices belonged to Bernie Berns. Now 97, Bernie is one of the last living Borscht Belt comedians, a performer who made his name in the heyday of the Catskills. From the stages of Grossinger’s and Brown’s to a fabled appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," Bernie spent decades chasing the dream of comedic stardom. Along the way, he released comedy albums, played Miami nightclubs and community centers, and continued writing jokes long after the Catskills went quiet.

BERNIE GOES TO THE BORSCHT BELT is a documentary portrait of a comic still waiting for his big break. Through interviews, archival footage, and never-before-seen materials from Bernie’s personal collection, the film explores a bygone era of Jewish entertainment and the legacy of performers who turned hardship into humor.

As the last torchbearers of the Borscht Belt fade from view, Bernie’s story offers a rare chance to preserve a legacy that shaped generations. This film will not only honor one man’s journey, but also illuminate a world that defined the cadence of American comedy. At its heart, this is a story about resilience, memory, and the enduring power of a punchline.

PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature

DIRECTOR Jeffrey Schwarz
PRODUCER Jeffrey Schwarz
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER David Permut

WEBSITE automatpictures.com

ID: 736