The
Bronx Boys, hosted by Carl Reiner, is a documentary about fifteen
men that met in kindergarten at Public School 80 in the Bronx, New York.
Join the Bronx Boys 65 years later at a playground reunion of basketball,
football, stickball and 70th birthday celebrations. The boys may have
lost a step on the field, but their New York sense of humor is still firmly
intact. The Bronx Boys is a smile-inducing tribute to long-lasting friendships.
“...a
lovely valentine to a time and place that is no longer.” Jacqueline Cutler, New York Newsday
The four minute segment below is from "The Bronx Boys."
It's titled 'Games We Used To Play' and
fondly,
as well as humorously, recalls playing Stickball.
“...a
warmly funny, nostalgic look at 15 men's 65+ years
of shared friendship, fun, trust and memories.” Joseph Sirota, Orange County Weekly
“...very
heartwarming and occasionally touching.” Hollywood Reporter
“Make friends and keep them.
Because even though you wind up in a love relationship,”
and a family relationship, there's nothing like the old shoes.”
And your old shoe that's comfortable is your old buddy.” Jim
Roth, one of "The Bronx Boys"
–
NEWS –
magazine
story
"As
they recall schoolboy crushes, ice cream trucks and stickball,
their reminiscences also conjure up a safer, simpler world.
Maybe that's why what began as a video scrapbook of their
joint 70th birthday celebration wound up an award-winning
film, The Bronx Boys, which has appeared on Cinemax,
played at a few film festivals and begun appearing on PBS
stations this fall. Carl Reiner is the host of the film,
which was edited and directed by Benjamin Hershleder. 'They
have something special, these 15 guys,' Hershleder says."
"The
Bronx Boys" aired as part of the Cinemax documentary
anthology series "Reel Life" in July and August
2003.
"The
Bronx Boys" screened in New York City from September
20 - 26, 2002 as part of HBO's "Frame
by Frame" festival. The film was very well
received during it's week-long run. On Saturday the 21st,
"The Bronx Boys" screened to a standing room only
house that thoroughly enjoyed the film at every turn. It was
great to hear that much laughter. And the other highlight
was on Monday the 23rd when 12 of the 15 Bronx Boys, along
with their wives, attended the 1pm screening and then we had
a wonderful lunch reception afterward.
"The
Bronx Boys" was selected to screen for several weekends
at select Laemmle theaters in Los Angeles as part of the "Bagels
and Docs" Jewish film series in May and June 2003.
The
Bronx Boys was invited to screen at The New Jersey Jewish
Film Festival on April 11, 2005. Along with an audience of
350+, "Bronx Boy" Sam Lewis attended and spoke after
the screening. Festival organizers reported that, "'The
Bronx Boys' was a wonderful hit! The crowd really loved it.
They also had a wonderful time with Sam Lewis. He had a fan
club that wouldn’t leave him alone!"
"The
Bronx Boys" screened in June 2004 at the Jacob Burns
Film Center. The award-winning documentary was invited to
be the centerpiece of the fundraising benefit for the senior
services division of The Family Services of Westchester in
New York. The organizers had this to report: "The evening
was a huge success, raising more than $55,000 for FSW's senior
services, and the audience was absolutely delighted with "The
Bronx Boys." They roared with laughter several times
and there was much applause at the end."
The
Bronx Club at Valencia Falls screened the film in January
2005 and enjoyed the attendance of five of the men who appear
in the film. Arnold Schaffer, President of the Bronx Club,
had this to relate: "Wow what a night it was! A crowd
of 200 people gathered to view the award winning documentary
"The Bronx Boys" and meet five of the "Bronx
Boys" that were in the film: Lenny Lauren, Lenny Kulick,
Carl Golub, Joey Greenberg and Woody Broad. Never in my wildest
dreams did I envision the amount of people that would show
up. It was an evening filled with nostalgia, fun and laughs.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the film as well as hearing more
tales from the five "Bronx Boys," who were once
again sent back into time telling of their antics growing
up. Everyone had a great evening."
L'Chiam!
Jewish Film Festival, March, 2004 (invited).
Wisconsin
Film Festival, February, 2003. "The Bronx Boys"
screened to a sold out audience at The Bartell Theater.
Palm
Beach Jewish Film Festival, December 2003 (invited).
Pensacola
Bay Int'l. Film Festival, March, 2003 (invited).
–
TRAILER & PROMOS –
To
view the clips below,
you will need Real Player Version 8 or newer. You can download a free version of RealPlayer
for either Mac or PC by using the link below.
Best viewing with DSL connections or better
using the latest version of RealPlayer.
The
Bronx Boys screened theatrically for a week in New York
as part of the HBO "Frame by Frame" documentary
showcase, screened theatrically for several weekends in
Los Angeles as part of Laemmle Theatres' "Bagels and
Docs" series, aired on the HBO/Cinemax documentary
anthology series "Reel Life," and was broadcast
on PBS. These screenings, as well as others at various film
festivals, generated a good amount of press for this modest
project.
•
Click links to read the complete articles and reviews.
TIME
magazine story "Meet
the Bronx Boys – Fifteen New York City kids, the subject
of a lauded documentary, have stayed in touch for more than
65 years....The friends' story, which was recently turned
into a documentary, reveals a gentler era, when the phrase
'friends forever' had meaning."
O.C.
Weekly article "...a warmly funny,
nostalgic look at 15 men's 65+ years of shared friendship,
fun, trust and memories."
TV
Guide Close-Up "Carl Reiner
hosts a joyous reunion...in this entertaining documentary."
Sun
Sentinel story "It was the 1930s when
a group of boys from the Bronx forged friendships that would
outlast all other ties....Not long ago, that friendship was
transposed from the realm of memory to TV in a documentary
film, The Bronx Boys, which aired on Cinemax in 2003 and PBS
this year. "
The
Week Magazine blurb The Week's guide to what's
worth watching:
"...a cheerful testament to the power of lifelong friendship..."
CTNow.com
blurb "...it's amusing to
hear about their memories of old games, girlfriends and the
bond that kept them close."
The
Exponent article "...it is here that
the Bronx cheers for the past are roars of approval..."
Senior
Life Magazine article "...fifteen of the
Bronx Boys are together again, laughing and playing just like
they did back in the good old days. With the heartwarming
panache of the best home movies..."
Jewsweek
Magazine article "Producer George Shapiro
on growing up in the Bronx, reality television, and discovering
a guy named Jerry Seinfeld."
Isthmus
Newspaper "...these 15 guys get
along so well that you may prefer their reunion over your
own. Very enjoyable."
–
PRESS PHOTOS –
300dpi
color photo.
Actual
image is 1875 x 1270
All
The Bronx Boys with Host Carl Reiner
SITTING: John Herman Shaner; Elliott Liss; Woody Broad;
Carl Reiner; Joseph Greenberg; George Shapiro; Joel Coler.
STANDING: Jim Roth; Herb Rostand; Jay Schwartz; Lenny Lauren;
Howard West; Samuel Lewis; Carl Golub; Lenny Kulick; Lenny
Schulman.
“The Bronx Boys” is available for screening in
theaters, on television, at film festivals and for fund-raisers. Unfortunately, the film is not available for sale to the public
at this time.
Formats available: 16mm, Digi-Beta, Beta-SP and DVD. Running time
is 44:30. Broadcast version is surround encoded with stereo fold-down
and is closed captioned.
All inquiries are handled by Director-Editor Benjamin Hershleder.
He may be reached at Ben [at] ContactBen.com.
–
SYNOPSIS –
Friendships
come and go. Imagine, however, a friendship that has lasted 65 years.
Now imagine 15 of them.
They met in kindergarten at Public School 80 in the Bronx, New York
in 1936. Friends for life, The Bronx Boys came together for a unique
reunion. Over a long summer weekend, these 15 boys celebrated their
70th birthdays, recounted humorous memories about each other, the
girls they desired, the teachers they endured, and a whole lot more.
But to top it all off, they relived their childhood by playing the
games they enjoyed as kids in the schoolyard and streets of the
Bronx. For one day the years disappeared as these 70 year old boys
once again challenged each other to Stickball, Marbles, Chestnuts,
Football, Basketball and other games. The boys may have lost a step
on the field, but their New York sense of humor is still firmly
intact.
Hosted by Carl Reiner, you'll meet an interesting group, including
Lenny Lauren (clothing designer Ralph Lauren's older brother and
business partner), John Herman Shaner (noted film writer, including
"Last Married Couple In America"), and George Shapiro
& Howard West (producers/managers).
A smile-inducing tribute to long-lasting friendships. Funny, uplifting,
inspiring, life-affirming . . . you'll enjoy meeting The Bronx Boys.
–
AWARDS –
The
Telly Awards recognizes outstanding
television commercials, films and videos. Since it's beginning
in 1980, the Telly Awards has become a well known and highly
respected competition.
The
23rd Annual Telly Awards received over 11,000 entries. Productions
do not compete against each other. Rather, they compete
against a high standard of excellence. Judges rated each
production on a 10 point scale. Entries with a score of
9.0 or higher received the Silver Telly, while those that
scored between 7.0 and 8.9 received the Bronze Telly. All
involved with The Bronx Boys are very pleased to have been
recognized with a Bronze Telly Award.
The
41st Annual WorldFest
Houston received more than 4,400 entries from over 30
countries. All involved with The Bronx Boys are very pleased
to have been recognized with a Silver Remi Award
from this prestigious festival.
"The
Bronx Boys" was selected as a Winner
in the 2002 DV
Awards.
The DV Awards is a national competition recognizing outstanding
creative and technical achievements in the world of digital
video production.
–
CREDITS –
Hosted
by Carl
Reiner
Directors of Photography Brian Hoodenpyle
& Will Hooke
Produced by George Shapiro
& Howard West Directed & Edited by Benjamin
Hershleder
The
Bronx Boys
Joel Coler
Carl Golub
Joey Greenberg
Lenny Kulick
Lenny Lauren
Sammy Lewis
Elliott Liss
Herb Rostand
Jim Roth
Jay Schwartz,
John Herman Shaner
Lenny Schulman
George Shapiro
Howard West
Line Producer
Camera Operators
Brian Hoodenpyle
William Hooke
Rory King
Kurt Kim
Burt Hershe
Location Sound
Eric Naughton
Production Stills
Production Assistants
Fran Pulizzi
Rik Swartzwelder
Anthony Backman
Music
Additional Stills
Assistant Avid Editor
Avid Editing Facility
Video To Film Transfer
Special Thanks
Heywood
Broad
Joel Coler
Carl Golub
Joey Greenberg
Lenny Kulick
Lenny Lauren
Sammy Lewis
Elliott Liss
Herb Rostand
Jim Roth
Jay Schwartz
John Herman Shaner
Lenny Schulman
George Shapiro
Howard West
Benjamin Hershleder
Matt Faw
Brian Hoodenpyle
William Hooke
Rory King
Kurt Kim
Burt Hershel
Nick Kitinski
Eric Naughton
Skye Peyton
Aimee Hyatt
Fran Pulizzi
Rik Swartzwelder
Anthony Backman
ProMusic
Bronx Co. Historical Society
David Crisler
Moviola Digital
Four Media Company
The Bronx Boys
Carl Reiner
Christopher Pratt
Patty Montesion
Dorene O'Malley
Bill Weisman
Jerry Pierucci
Carolyn Schultz
Stan Hershleder
Mike McNulty
Paul Valdez
Family & Friends
Depending on who you talk to, Carl Reiner is best known as a co-star
on the legendary television program "Your Show of Shows"
. . . or as the creator and co-star of "The Dick van Dyke
Show" . . . or as The Interviewer of "The 2,000 Year
Old Man". . . or as director of feature films, including
"The Jerk," "All of Me'' and "Oh, God!".
. . or as father of actor writer-director-producer Rob Reiner
and husband of jazz vocalist Estelle Reiner. . . or as the recipient
of twelve Emmy awards . . . or . . .
Born in the
Bronx, Reiner is the son of a watchmaker. At Evander Childs High
School, his interest was baseball, but at age sixteen he took
a job as a machinist helper in the millinery trade. He simultaneously
enrolled in drama school for eight months and landed a part as
a second tenor in an updated version of "The Merry Widow."
Reiner subsequently served in World War II, first training as
a radio operator in the Air Force, followed by an assignment to
Georgetown University to study French in order to become an interpreter,
then as a teletype operator in the Signal Corps and later as a
comedian and actor with Maurice Evans' Special Services Entertainment
Unit. He toured the Pacific for eighteen months in G.I. revues.
Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he won the leading role
in the national company of "Call Me Mister" and after
three more years in various Broadway musicals, joined Sid Caesar
and Imogene Coca on "Your Show of Shows."
As executive producers of the NBC series "Seinfeld",
which completed it's run as the #1 rated program in television,
and as Executive Producers (with Jersey Films & Universal)
of the feature film "MAN ON THE MOON" (based on Andy
Kaufman's life, starring Jim Carrey), George Shapiro and Howard
West have been riding high on a well-deserved wave of success.
Nominated for two 1995 Emmy Awards for their producing efforts
("Seinfeld," and "A Comedy Salute to Andy Kaufman"),
George and Howard have a unique style that combines personal warmth
with business savvy which has earned them a reputation of unqualified
respect among their peers.
"Seinfeld"
has won a prestigious Peabody Award, a Golden Globe Award, Emmy
Award and Peoples' Choice Award. At the same time, "Seinfeld"
entered the syndication market with one of the most lucrative
off-network deals ever made. In a career full of highlights, the
"Seinfeld" experience has been a pinnacle for George
and Howard and the two truly appreciate what years of hard work
have brought them.
George Shapiro
and Howard West have a long history together. Their business association
builds upon a friendship that began in the Bronx in the schoolyard
of PS 80. Following their college years (George graduated from
New York University; Howard's alma mater is Long Island University)
and after serving in the United States Army, the two began their
entertainment careers at the William Morris Agency. As agents
specializing in television packaging that indefinable act
of bringing together creative and performing talent and selling
the project to television they packaged such shows as "Gomer
Pyle, USMC"; "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,"
"The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour", "The Bobby Darren
Show" and "That Girl", as well as specials for
Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Channing, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cosby.
Benjamin Hershleder
is an award-winning Director and accomplished Editor. Benjamin
has produced and/or directed a variety of projects for such companies
as Shapiro-West, The Spark Factory, Old Fashioned Pictures, and
Green Productions. In April 2004 he set-up two television shows
with Freemantle Media based Syd Vinnedge Productions (American
Idol, Baywatch, Price Is Right, etc.).
His work includes
producing, directing and editing “The Bronx Boys,”
a documentary hosted by Carl Reiner. This heartwarming film about
the reunion of 15 men from the Bronx who have been friends for
an astounding 65 years was purchased by HBO/Cinemax and aired
as part of their “Reel Life” documentary anthology
series. In addition, it was recently acquired by PBS. “The
Bronx Boys” has received a Telly Award, a Silver Remi Award,
was a Winner in the 2002 DV Awards and screened as part of the
prestigious HBO “Frame by Frame” showcase and Laemmle
Theatres’ “Bagels and Docs” film series.
In the world
of short films, Benjamin has written, produced, and directed several
award-winning short films and documentaries. His highly acclaimed
comedy "Paul McCall," which he wrote and directed, screened
at over 60 international festivals and received over 15 awards
and honors, including an Emmy, a CINE Golden Eagle, and a Gold
Ebenseer Bear. The poignant drama "Tickits," which he
produced, directed and edited, screened at over 25 festivals and
garnered 14 awards and honors, including a Directing Citation
from Turin, Italy’s International Festival of Young Cinema
and a N.E.M.N. Gold Apple Award. Other films include the detective
drama spoof "To Speak To Her Again" and the short documentary
"More Than A Sport.
Benjamin is
also very proud to be associated with Old Fashioned Pictures’
film entitled, “The Least of These.” Hershleder served
as a Co-Producer and Co-Editor of this multi-award-winning production
directed by Rik Swartzwelder. The film has screened internationally
in over 55 festivals and received 27 awards, including a CINE
Golden Eagle, a CINE Special Jury Award, a Crystal Heart and a
Silver Telly.
In addition
to his work as a director, Benjamin is an accomplished Avid Editor.
He was editor of the recently released Paramount Studios’
feature “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” a concert
film starring George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez and Cheech Marin. He
was also recently named a Winner of The Silver Telly Award (their
highest honor) from the prestigious Telly Awards for his editing
and writing on a piece for The American Heart Association. His
background in postproduction also includes editing the feature
film “Hollywood Capri,” two years as a Lead Editor
for E! Entertainment Television and editing one of the hour-long
pilot episodes of “In Search Of…” for Fox Television.
Additionally, Benjamin's strength in postproduction has been recognized
by Avid Technology. He is one of approximately two hundred Avid
Certified Instructors worldwide.
Brian
moved to Los Angeles in 1996, after graduating Florida State Universitys
Graduate Film Conservatory, to pursue his passion for cinematography.
His director of photography credits include BRING HIM HOME (2000)
starring Ed Asner and Sharron Glasse, SCREAM AT THE SOUND OF THE
BEEP (2001) starring Kate Towne and Chad Lowe and several award
winning short films including the recent Hollywood buzz short HERB
ZIPPER, HOW TO BE A CYBER LOVAH. Brian has also shot 2nd Unit on
several independent features, including SIX STRING SAMURAI (1998)
winner of the 1998 Slamdance award for Best Cinematography, THE
HEIST starring Luke Perry and Ice T, PARTNERS starring Casper Van
Dien and NAKED IN THE COLD SUN starring Darren Burrows. Outside
of the feature film world Brian has shot for such companies as SONY,
SKI-DOO, SPANGER CANDY COMPANY, MITSUBISHI, and HARMON-KARDON. He
has most recently been shooting music videos for acclaimed director
Marc Klasfled including Bad Ronalds "LETS BEGIN"
and The Handsome Devils "MAKIN MONEY."
WILL
HOOKE, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
William
Hooke's award-winning student work includes TRUE FICTION, directed
and shot at Syracuse University (1991) and HEAT SPELL, directed
at the Florida State University graduate film conservatory (1993).
His professional credits include cinematographer on the independent
features GREY AREAS (1996) and NEXT TIME (1997); cinematographer
on the feature documentaries "THE VELVET HAMMER" (1999)
and "KAROKE FEVER" (2000); cinematographer on the feature
mocumentary "BIG TIME" (2000) and the VH1 show "FAN
CLUB." His company, Reel to Real Productions, has produced
behind-the-scenes 'making ofs' for CRIMSON TIDE (1996), ENEMY OF
THE STATE (1998), and SPY GAME (2001). In addition, he is the co-screenwriter
of "SHARK ATTACK" (1998), as well as the two sequels.