1. Overview
Maurice Moscovich, born Morris Maaskov, was a distinguished Russian American actor renowned for his profound contributions to Yiddish theatre. He also left a significant mark on Hollywood cinema, appearing in 14 films during the final four years of his life. Among his most memorable roles was his portrayal of Mr. Jaeckel, the benevolent Jewish neighbor in Charlie Chaplin's iconic The Great Dictator, a performance that showcased his distinctive acting style and accent.
2. Life and Career
Maurice Moscovich's life spanned a significant period of theatrical and cinematic transformation, from his early beginnings in Russian Yiddish theatre to his later impactful appearances in Hollywood films.
2.1. Early Life and Yiddish Theatre Activities
Maurice Moscovich was born as Morris Maaskov on November 23, 1871, in Odessa, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He later emigrated to the United States no later than 1897. Upon settling in the U.S., Moscovich dedicated several decades of his career to performing in the vibrant Yiddish theatre scene in New York City. His work in Yiddish theatre established him as a respected and well-known figure within that community.
2.2. Broadway and Film Career
In the 1930s, Moscovich expanded his theatrical presence, appearing in two Broadway plays in 1930. The latter part of his life saw a significant shift towards film acting, with Moscovich taking on supporting roles in 14 films during his last four years. These roles often capitalized on his distinctive accent, with him frequently portraying wise and friendly elderly men, many of whom had a Jewish background.
Notable among his film appearances was his role as a shopkeeper in the critically acclaimed 1937 film Make Way for Tomorrow. In 1939, he played the art dealer Maurice Cobert in Love Affair, starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer. His final film project was Charlie Chaplin's satirical work, The Great Dictator, a commentary on Adolf Hitler. In this film, Moscovich portrayed Mr. Jaeckel, the kind Jewish neighbor of the Barber, who ultimately flees into exile to join his brother. At the time of his death, Moscovich was actively involved in filming Dance, Girl, Dance, where he was set to play a dancing master; his role was subsequently rewritten for actress Maria Ouspenskaya.
3. Filmography
Maurice Moscovich's film career, though relatively short, included a range of memorable supporting roles.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Winterset | Esdras |
| 1937 | Make Way for Tomorrow | Max Rubens |
| 1937 | Lancer Spy | Gen. Von Meinhardt |
| 1938 | Gateway | Grandpa Hlawek |
| 1938 | Suez | Mohammed Ali |
| 1939 | Love Affair | Maurice Cobert |
| 1939 | Susannah of the Mounties | Chief Big Eagle |
| 1939 | In Name Only | Dr. Muller |
| 1939 | Rio | Old Convict |
| 1939 | The Great Commandment | Lamech |
| 1939 | Everything Happens at Night | Dr. Hugo Norden |
| 1940 | South to Karanga | Paul Stacco |
| 1940 | The Great Dictator | Mr. Jaeckel |
4. Personal Life and Death
Beyond his professional life, Maurice Moscovich was a family man whose later years were marked by a prolific film career that was cut short by his sudden death.
4.1. Family
Maurice Moscovich was married to Rose Moscovich, who was born in 1872 and passed away in 1944. Together, they had three sons. One of their sons, Noel Madison (1897-1975), also pursued a career in acting, following in his father's footsteps.
4.2. Death
Maurice Moscovich died at the age of 68 on June 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. His death occurred following surgery. He is interred alongside his wife, Rose, at the Beth Olam Cemetery, located in Hollywood, California.
5. Legacy and Assessment
Maurice Moscovich left a notable legacy as an actor who successfully transitioned from a decades-long career in Yiddish theatre to a respected, albeit brief, presence in Hollywood films. His distinctive accent and ability to portray wise and amiable older characters, often with a Jewish background, made him a memorable supporting actor. His final role in Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator stands as a testament to his impactful contribution to cinema, solidifying his place in film history. Moscovich's career highlights the rich talent that emerged from the Yiddish theatrical tradition and found success on a broader stage.
6. External links
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0608373/ Maurice Moscovich at IMDb]
- [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85239387/maurice-moscovich Maurice Moscovich at Find a Grave]