The Sturgeon Queens (2014)

In the heart of the Lower East Side, a tale as savory as lox and as rich as herring unfolds, centered around Russ and Daughters. This enduring emporium, a testament to the perseverance of four generations of a Jewish immigrant family, stands tall, an unbroken thread weaving through the fabric of time. "The Sturgeon Queens" is a delicately crafted documentary, timed to harmonize with the centenary of the store, serving as a tribute to its vibrant past and promising future. At the core of the narrative are two remarkable women, the original daughters behind the storied name, aged 100 and 92, whose memories breathe life into the historic tapestry of the store. Their riveting tales are complemented by anecdotes from a diverse constellation of its devotees, including the likes of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, culinary maestro Mario Batali, the prolific New Yorker writer Calvin Trillin, and the seasoned '60 Minutes' correspondent Morley Safer. However, the stewards of this narrative are not the usual faceless narrators. Instead, six vibrant octogenarians and nonagenarians, all passionate patrons of the store, become the storytellers. Gathered around a table abundant with fish, reminiscent of a passover Seder, they take us on a journey, reading the script with a warmth and familiarity that only true fans can muster. "The Sturgeon Queens" is more than a documentary—it's a love letter to tradition, resilience, and the enduring allure of a good bagel and lox.

The Sturgeon Queens is a documentary movie featuring Josh Russ Tupper and directed by Julie Cohen.

The Sturgeon Queens is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.