Welcome to Kutsher's: The Last Catskills Resort

Welcome to Kutsher's: The Last Catskills Resort is a heartwarming and engrossing documentary film that takes viewers back in time through the rich, vibrant history of America's popular vacation destination from the mid-20th century - the Catskills. Released in 2012 and directed by Caroline Laskow and Ian Rosenberg, the film was based on the last standing resort from the flamboyant Borscht Belt era - Kutsher’s Country Club.

Set in the alluring mountains of Upstate New York, the Catskills once boasted of over 500 resorts that were the favorite go-to spots for the Jewish community and people of all diversities seeking a break from urban life. However, it's Kutsher’s Country Club that stood the test of time, remaining fully operational till 2013. The film beautifully encapsulates the glory days of this family-owned resort, which was a pioneer in the realm of hospitality, providing guests with grand amenities and a slew of entertainment options.

Serving as the focal point of the documentary, Kutsher’s Country Club was a place of luxury, comfort, and entertainment. This splendid resort was notably famous for its high-end exclusivity and its passionate dedication to make guests feel at home. From its extravagant rooms to its lush golf courses, innovative kosher cuisine, and eye-popping nightly entertainment, Kutsher’s was seen as a true wonderland for adults and a paradise for families.

The movie captures the faded glamour of the Borscht Belt era through the nostalgic lens of the Kutsher family, who were the heart and soul behind this vibrant institution. The film offers an enchanting walk down the memory lane, imbued with personal anecdotes, archival footage, and immersive interviews that reminisce about the mood, charm, and hospitality that made the resort a living legend.

It was at the heart of the 'Jewish Alps', as it was once colloquially referred to, that famous standup comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, and Rodney Dangerfield kick-started their careers. The film takes time to appreciate the way Kutsher’s Country Club helped shape the American pop culture by serving as a stage for these entertainers.

The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the socio-cultural significance of Kutsher’s Country Club. It became a safe haven for the Jewish people who sought solace and community, giving them a sense of belonging. It traces the deep-rooted traditions, the sense of community, the cultural evolution, and the changing dynamics of the Jewish diaspora in America through the lens of the resort.

As with any great story, the film also addresses the gradual decline and eventual closure of Kutsher’s Country Club and with it, the end of an era. It sensitively portrays the sense of loss and nostalgia that came with the passing of this era, candidly represented through the poignant narratives of the Kutsher family, former employees, and loyal patrons.

In a nutshell, Welcome to Kutsher's: The Last Catskills Resort immortalizes the legacy of Kutsher’s Country Club in this evocative documentary. Weaving in memories of intrigue, laughter, love, and camaraderie, the film creates an endearing portrait of what was more than a resort—a place that touched lives and held cherished memories for many. It's an emotionally engaging journey through one of America's most iconic recreational hotspots, a trip that promises nostalgia, knowledge, and rare insight into a unique piece of American social history.