Liberty Heights

1999 | Drama | 127 minutes | English

Info

In Baltimore, 1954, Jewish families like the Kurtzmans, are experiencing many changes: Schools are now desegregated, rock ‘n’ roll is blaring on radios, and car travel is booming. Nate Kurtzman, the father, owns a burlesque theater while running an illegal numbers business. His wife, Ada, is a homemaker, his oldest son, Van, is attending the University of Baltimore, and his younger son, Ben, is a high school senior. Things begin to happen in the Kurtzman household: Ben is attracted to Sylvia, an African-American classmate which infuriates Nate and Ada. But Nate is also angry at Van for attending a masquerade party dressed like Adolf Hitler. More seriously, Nate and his associates are indicted for prostitution and racketeering. Before leaving for prison. Nate attends Ben’s high school graduation. Sylvia is off to attend Spelman College in Atlanta. Ben is staying behind to attend the University of Maryland. Nate blows a kiss to his wife as he’s taken to prison.

Cast

Adrien Brody (Van) / Ben Foster (Ben) / Bebe Neuwirth (Ada) / Joe Mantegna (Nate) / Rebekah Johnson (Sylvia)

Why Stream This Film?

In Liberty Heights you can observe how a changing city can affect an entire family, ending with the father being dragged to prison. But, as film critic Todd McCarthy stated, the result is a film that’s a grand slam.

Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 85%
Metacritic Score: 75