‘Dough’ bakes up some laughs

Jerome Holder, left, and Jonathan Pryce in 'Dough'
Jerome Holder, left, and Jonathan Pryce in ‘Dough’

By Donald H. Harrison

Donald H. Harrison
Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO – If you didn’t have the chance to watch the John Goldschmidt comedy film Dough at the San Diego Jewish Film Festival in February, you will have another chance when the film begins an exclusive run at the Landmark Theatre May 6.

It’s an enjoyable tale about an old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce), down on his luck and fearful that he may be forced to sell his family’s century-old business to a no-goodnik neighbor.  He is persuaded by his African cleaning lady (Natasha Gordon) to take on her son (Jerome Holder) as an apprentice.  Notwithstanding his suspicion of the young man – who is a Muslim refugee from Darfur – and vice versa, the two learn to put aside their prejudices and work together.

Well, sort of.   The apprentice, Ayyash Habimana, has another job on the side – selling marijuana—which he does from the front counter when his employer Nat Dayan isn’t looking.  The fun begins when Ayyash hurriedly tries to hide his marijuana stash and it falls into the dough.  Soon Nat’s business is expanding exponentially with many happy customers raving about his challah, croissants and pastries.  Nat is clueless as to his sudden turn of fortune.

Of course, such success cannot go unnoticed by outsiders, and the relationship between the owner and his apprentice soon is sorely tested.

Audiences will love how the plot gets resolved.  The takeaway is that beneath our differences can be found some very likeable human beings!

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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com.  Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States).