WMJFF Screens “Daniel” - Guest Speakers Offer Intimate Perspectives

The 2025 WMJFF August 21 screening of "Daniel" featured an engaging discussion with knowledgeable speakers who provided valuable context for the film. Robert Meeropol, son of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, offered a deeply personal perspective on the challenges of being a child of famous—and infamous—parents.

He opened his talk asking how one would feel if one’s family story was public knowledge, but that the details were often wrong. He explained that while E.L. Doctorow's novel "Daniel" (on which the film is based) was inspired by the Rosenberg case, it is not actually his family's story, despite many people assuming it is. He spoke of his life-long quest for information about his parents’ case, including his recent discovery that there was no evidence of his mother Ethel’s involvement in spying.

Ellen Meeropol, Robert’s wife and well-published author, described the Rosenberg Fund for Children, a non-profit organization established to provide for the educational and emotional needs of children whose parents have suffered because of their progressive activities and who, therefore, are no longer able to provide fully for their children.

The historical context was provided by Rick Winston, who situated the story within the broader framework of the Red Scare period. Winston brought particular expertise to the discussion, having authored a book about the Red Scare's impact in Vermont, sharing his extensive knowledge of this dark chapter in American history. (continued below)

The 1984 film aged well: it's theme of how political ideologies and historical injustices affect families across generations speaks directly to contemporary viewers. Director Stanley Lumet’s visual restraint— the camera serves the story's complex psychological layers with gritty New York realism - created an intimate study that feels both personal and politically urgent. The ensemble cast’s performances furthered the careers of Timothy Hutton (Daniel),  Mandy Patinkin (father Paul Isaacson), Lindsay Crouse (mother Rochelle Isaacson) Edward Asner (lawyer Jacob Ascher), Ellen Barkin (aunt Phyllis Isaacson), Amanda Plummer (in a wild performance as Daniel’s suicidal sister Susan), Julie Bovasso, Tovah Feldshuh, John Rubenstein and Maria Tucci.

The evening began with a patio party graciously hosted by Marilyn and Steve Monsein and Annie and Bobby Hoyer, with support from Sharon Heyman and Barry Zitser. The Colonial Theatre’s comfortable patio gave attendees an opportunity to snack, chat, catch up with friends and relax before the challenging presentations and film.

Written by Claude AI with input from Jacki Katzman. Photos by Jacki Katzman and Martin Kessel. More photos by Martin Kessel here