- Testimonials

A captivating portrait of Jack Beers, the nonagenarian who has packed more into his extraordinary life than the most prolific fictional character. An inspiration to anyone who thinks 'enough' will do. This is a riveting piece of work that deserves a wider audience.

David Parkinson, Empire Online - UK's leading movie magazine

I loved it... a beautiful love poem to New York and all her indefatigable energy.

Eben Harrell - Arts Critic, The Scotsman

I was both moved and inspired by Jack’s mental attitude of not being hindered by the obstacles placed before him.

Kevin Young - World, Olympic & American record holder 400-meter Hurdles

A unique cinematic portrait of a man who feasts at life’s banquet. Jack Beers is as legendary a New York landmark as the Empire State Building, and no less dynamic a force.

Jake Jacobson - Westwood One/CBS Radio

This one’s definitely a feel-gooder.

Fairfield Weekly - Connecticut

Holes In my shoes was fantastic, very inspiring. I’d give it a 10. I’m feeling really good right now and take on the world because of him (Jack).

Woman, 30s

He’s inspirational. He’s amazing. I’ve gotta lose some weight if I want to look like him when I’m older.

That was an amazing life, especially the Manhattan Project, like that, be a steel worker and contribute like that.

Then he became an actor – he just never gave up. I was really impressed.

Man, 40s

I can’t even speak after seeing that. That guy is such an inspiration. I just thank God they made this film.

10 plus, it was fabulous.

Woman, 50s

Traditionally, I’m no fan of heart-warming, but this was really the best kind of heart-warming there ever was.

10 with stars.

Woman, 60s

It was excellent, definitely a 10.

Woman, 30s

It was great. I knew I was going to be bawling by the end. And I was.

Man, 50s

I’ve been to New York just once. This guy was inspirational. A 15!

Woman, 40s

I loved it. Oh, it was wonderful. Oh, I loved him. He was amazing – all the things he accomplished!

Woman, 50s

It was a great historic perspective on a wonderful life.

Man, 40s

Absolutely a 10, and Jack Beers was fabulous. We fell in love with Jack.

Woman, 50s

Jack you did good! A 10, off the charts! An inspiration.

Woman, 50s

I was really impressed with his life.

Woman, 40s

I think it was wonderful. Jack is an inspiration and a model for everybody.

Man, 60s

Amazing man, very inspirational.

Man, 20s

I loved it. Beyond 10!

Woman, 70s

Jack, I love ya. We’re gonna get the DVD. For me it was a 10.

Man, 70s

I loved the movie. I was just totally engrossed in the movie. I’d say it was about a 10.

Man, 50s

Really gave me something to look forward to, and not give up. 10 definitely.

Woman, 50s

I like it very much. I think it was a tremendously well put together film. Touching, humorous, nice photography. It was great.

Woman, 50s

It was excellent. He was such an inspiration. It was definitely a 10.

Woman, 20s

I thought the movie was wonderful. It was a great opportunity to meet such an extraordinary person. Definitely a 10.

Woman, 20s

Zold zein mit glicht. Hope you live to 1000.

Man, 70s

Dear Jack,

I recently had the great honor of seeing "Holes In My Shoes" and the even greater honor of meeting you in person at a screening in Brooklyn. Your kindness, intelligence and indomitable spirit are an inspiration to us all! I was deeply moved and changed by the film, as I'm sure is true of many others who have had the distinct pleasure of seeing it. Like tossing a pebble into a pond, the ripples of influence your story creates will resonate with people for many generations to come (as well they should).

If you ever feel depressed or down, remember how much, by simply living, you have altered profoundly the lives of total strangers for the better. Alistair Cooke once said, "[Even] in the best of times, our days are numbered anyway." None of us can escape that truth, yet you have shown that living one's life fully is what counts, regardless of setbacks or circumstances--good or bad times.

I teach at a high school in Brooklyn. If I had one wish, it would be that, instead of a diploma at graduation, my students could be handed a copy of your film and enjoined to watch it so they could see first hand how someone could do so much for so many even though starting out with so little.

On the occasion of your 97th birthday, I wish you good health, laughter and every happiness. I understand you're shooting for 100. I think that's far too modest an estimate for someone so obviously larger than life. Do us all a favor, Jack: keep on living and showing us all how to do it.

God bless you, Jack Beers!

John Leporati, Brooklyn, NY

I recently had the special opportunity to see Holes in My Shoes and was so inspired and moved by both Jack's miraculous life story and the high quality of story telling in this film.

Thank you for sharing a part of your extraordinary life and for your contributions to so many important facets of our history.

Melissa Firdman

What a film! This made so many emotions come out, happy, sad... watching your film made me feel like I knew Jack. This is a must see film, very touching, real life - a pleasure to have watched.

Grace Martin

It is with great pleasure that I send sincere & heart-felt congratulations to you on your most moving film. My husband & I recently saw "Holes In My Shoes" for a second time & do not remember a film that demonstrated the passion & compassion that you so beautifully captured on the remarkable Jack Beers. His early hardships, the cruel betrayals & heartbreaking losses he endured & the triumphs & recognition that came to him cover the gamut of emotions. We feel privileged that you were able to take us on the glorious ride that has been his life.

“Holes In My Shoes” is truly a remarkable, poignant documentary worthy of wide distribution. It is by any standard both educational & inspirational. We have shared this film with friends of ours who were equally moved & impressed.

Sincerely, Rita Kaufman Mager

Wonderful documentary about an incredible, inspiring and indefatigable man.

Daniel Goldsmith, Cinequest Film Festival audience member

This has got to be THE most heart touching, inspirational and completely fantastic documentary I’ve seen.

I couldn’t get my mom to make it (to the Cinequest festival), and can’t wait to get the DVD to give to her. She grew up in NY and this will bring her H.O.M.E.

Thank you so much for making this great piece of work.

Regards,

Geordie Prodis

They don’t come any more colourful than Jack Beers, a 94-year-old New Yorker who looks like a Drew Friedman caricature of Popeye.

The son of Jewish immigrants, Beers was a bodybuilder (he can still tear a phone book in half with his bare hands), a steelworker on some of Gotham’s most famous landmarks (including Radio City Music Hall), a dog whisperer before the term became popular and a character actor in scores of movies (often as a Hassidic Jew).

Beers’ reminiscences, interspersed with old-time stills and movie reels, are priceless.

Michael S. Gant, MetroActive, Silicon Valley’s #1 Newspaper

Jack Beers has had an astonishing life, but most people have never heard of him.

This hardy nonagenarian was born into severe poverty in Manhattan, found work as a strongman in his teens and was known as New York City’s Strongest Boy, helped build Radio City Music Hall and the Empire State Building spire, invented a machine that shortened the second world war, and was a character actor in more than 200 films.

At the age of 94 he could still rip a phone book in half the hard way with his bare hands, in spite of having just barely survived congestive heart failure in his 80s.

This documentary takes us on a tour through Jack’s life, guided by the old fellow himself. He has the chipper attitude and lifestyle of someone half his age, and tells his stories with enthusiasm.

This is a film that lovers of cinema, New York, and history must not miss.

Ealasaid A. Haas, Milpitas Post, California

Here is a story of a truly remarkable American man. A man who must be quite unique. Such a fascinating life, full of interest, a man who could turn his hand to so many facets of life and work.

It is amazing that this is the first time we have heard of Jack Beers. If he had said “take that hill” everyone would have followed - a great talent in many areas. A must see film takes leaves you with a wonderful glow.

Well done Hot Wachs Productions we wish you well. We really did enjoy it.

Carole & Derick Petter

With fine films, the audience at Cinequest is always very quiet, attentive and respectful... there was much applause at the end!

Jason Shultz, Cinequest audience member

Twice yesterday, as I was waiting for other films to start (at Cinequest Film Festival), I overheard conversations about “what film have you seen that you liked best” leading into Holes In My Shoes!

One woman went on for a full ten minutes about it - referring to Jack as the embodiment of the American Dream! And she wasn’t just talking about what a great character Jack is, she spoke intelligently about what a well-made film it was, too!

I didn’t interrupt or tell her I knew you because I wanted unsolicited opinion...I was just eavesdropping! It was so exciting to hear it.

I didn’t attend the screening, but my mom did. She loved it, and said the audience was terrific..when it comes to just hearing what folks are saying, they are talking about Holes!

Jean, Cinequest visitor

Excellent film; great story, brilliant life....would like to meet him here in northern California....everyone loved him!!!

Comment from Cinequest film festival 2007

David,

Dayna and I just finished watching Holes In My Shoes - we loved it. It’s a winner of a movie - a fascinating character, the Zelig-like march through the years, a charming style you chose to tell the story…whatever path Holes takes over the next years, it’ll surely be seen by legions - and will be enjoyed.

Regards,

-“Ballet Ruses” Directors - Dan and Dayna Geller

Firstly let me say that all of us here in the Revolver enjoyed screening “Holes In My Shoes” finding it to be funny, moving and in parts really quite amazing…

Revolver Entertainment (UK)

I just finished seeing Holes In My Shoes...I must tell you that you did an ABSOLUTELY SUPERB job…I didn’t want the movie to end that’s how much I enjoyed it. OSCAR MATERIAL without a doubt !!!!

Paul, Florida

It really is fantastic - I so enjoyed it, but I did cry a lot! He certainly is an amazing man.

Bea Sanis (UK)

I very much enjoyed watching it, Jack Beers is an incredible man, and I found this to be a very insightful and original piece of documentary making.

Pathe (UK)

You had already told me the stories, but what an incredibly fascinating man! And to see a 94 year old rip a phone book into 4 pieces - amazing. I think this is a great story well told. Congratulations.

Charlie Goldberg, lawyer -Harbottle & Lewis (UK)

Hi David. I’ve received a copy of your film about Jack Beers. Thank you very much. I have to tell you that I haven’t had so much pleasure from watching a movie for a long time. It’s done with love and talent. It’s should inspire all of us to enjoy every minute of our lives….

David Goldvug, Minuteman Press

Dear David,
What a wonderful tribute to your subject, and to living life to the absolute fullest! Very inspirational.

Kind Regards,

Karen Carlson
Vice President, Tapestry International, Ltd.

Dear David - I’ve been waiting to watch the film so that I could do so UNINTERRUPTED and finally got to see it yesterday on the train down from Scotland. What an act of love it is both for you and from him, and no surprise that it has walked off with those festival prizes. It’s beautiful about New York and reminded me of its magic - encapsulated, of course, in this remarkable man’s many lives. Can’t imagine how you pulled it off with everything else on your plate but – mazel tov.

Love,

Linda
Journalist, UK

Hi David, I have watched your DVD over and over, and I must say it is a work of art. You guys should be so proud of what you have achieved and the real story you are telling through his life is so moving and touching, there are really not the words to describe it.

Matthew Parry

Hi David,

I have just finished watching Holes In My Shoes...and I believe you have something great on your hands…You’re blessed with great subject material – Jack Beers is a striking character with more than his fair share of interesting anecdotes. His personality really shines through – he’s almost always interesting to listen to – and this is the film’s greatest asset. His tale was handled sensitively, and rarely did I feel that the portrayal of his plight did a disservice to the man – he wasn’t patronised, and generally not over-glorified…I thought the film was thoroughly entertaining as well as interesting and insightful. Considering the story and its protagonist are very much rooted in New York tradition and culture, I thought that the film translated well to my cynical English mind and that any of its cultural limitations didn’t get in the way of the story. Thanks very much for lending us the DVD.

See you soon hopefully,

Alex, student (17)

Dearest David,

I wanted to tell you that I have now viewed Holes In My Shoes twice (once with my friend Richard) and on both occasions, it brought me to tears…I found this documentary of Jack Beers phenomenal life truly awe inspiring.

I met Jack several years ago at the cottage when he came up by train to visit with you and the family. He struck me then as a fascinating and gentle man but I had no idea what his previous experiences were except for Rosey and Jonesy.

Jack is truly an inspiration to everyone who will see this film.

Long story short, my friend, Richard came from very humble beginnings and truly was a self-made man working himself up from the bottom. As a result, he has tremendous respect for anyone who has personal strength and ambition. Richard was so touched by the film... he was actually crying with me and kept saying “atta boy”...especially the part about Jack’s Dad saying “Be the Best at Whatever You Do”!!! Richard wanted me to congratulate you on this film and wishes you great success with it.

Leny, Sarasota, FL

Your movie is an important & inspiring documentary.

Taly Ginsberg
Dream Entertainment

Dear David

I finally watched HOLES IN MY SHOES…Beers is truly amazing… you have done a great job recounting the life of this powerhouse of a man… I am sure that there are not many people who packed as much into their lives as Beers.

Best wishes

Fortissimo

I loved the film! Sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself to you - I had to run. But I really enjoyed it. Good luck!

Rachel, Publicist - NYC

David,

We just saw the DVD, fantastic! Beautifully edited. Jack shines through out. I’m completely thrilled with the film.

All the best,

Robert Hannah – Cinematographer

Hi David,

I loved the film! I think that man deserves an Oscar for his bravery and strength. I think it was very well executed and professionally put together including direction and cut. Overall felt good and it made me want to meet this guy. Well done!

Take care,

Paola Idrontino, video and film editor

I just watched it and I really loved it! It’s a great individual story, a great NYC story, a story about aging, and a fascinating story about America too! Well done.

Robert Katz
Producer
K2 Pictures, Inc.

Dear David:

I was very pleased with the film -- my warmest congratulations! My wife and I watched it last week…David, you have a very special artistic touch that is able to effectively integrate all of the components of this film so that, above all, it remains a biography. But -- it also is a celebration of a life, of an era, and a documentation of history (from a man who lived it) of which most people are unfamiliar.

Again, my heartiest congratulations to a work of art well done. I will be delighted to be at its premiere.

Warmest personal wishes.

Dr. Noel Robin, Stamford Hospital, Conn.

Dear Tom Jones (Manager of M2HD, the film’s post-production facility),

You spoke to Nick Fraser at a recent awards ceremony and sent in this film. I have viewed it now. It is a very engaging film and Jack Beers is an indefatigable and life-enhancing character…Meanwhile, congratulations to David Wachs for a smartly made depiction of this very compelling man.

With every good wish,

R.E. Thompson
Storyville Commissioning Executive, BBC (UK)

I am emailing to remind you to log onto Youtube.com to look into getting the video clip of our friend Jack ripping the phone book in half posted on the youtube site. Google just paid Billions for youtube indicating what a powerful medium it is. There is clearly the potential for worldwide exposure for Jack and your production. I enjoyed yesterday’s widescreen presentation of “Holes In My Shoes” at Hunter College totally and wish you continued good luck with the project.

Sincerely,

Paul D’Avanzo, NY

We want to pass along our best wishes for 2007 to Jack Beers and David Wachs. We met them both at the Coney Island Film Festival and had the privilege of speaking and taking pictures with them at the awards ceremonies. Jack is an amazing person and his energy is endless and David’s film about Jack, “Holes in My Shoes” was tremendous. Please remember us for the BIG 100 party! We would love to attend if possible. Congrats to you both and “Keep Going for 100!”

Love,

Amanda Jencsik and Chris DePierro IWonderMovie.com

Hi David.

Thanks for the DVD. It was really inspiring; a remarkable achievement -- job well done. You should be proud.

Jeff Stamler

I really really enjoyed the movie tremendously. It was a lot more than I was expecting. The whole sweep of his life…it was absolutely amazing.

Avignon/NY Film Fest viewer, male

It was about living life with joy and freedom.

Coney Island Film Fest audience member, female

It’s a story about persevering and never giving up. His attitude was about never giving up, and that’s the spirit of America. Phenomenal.

Greg T., Conn. Film Fest Audience member, NY

He built buildings, he was a strongman, he was an actor, he was a dog trainer…he was just everything…in the movie he was 94, and he has so much energy…he’s like a force of nature!

Carol F., NJ

It’s quite a passionate film, and my heart is filled with joy and sadness…it’s a combination. Jack Beers is a prize.

Etelle, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, Palm Beach County, FL

Jack Beers is an amazing man, and the picture on the whole is inspiring. I hope I’m like that when I’m his age. I thought the photography was unbelievable.

Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, female

It was the best documentary I’ve ever seen; I have to say, honestly. He’s done so much in his life…so many careers in his life…it’s so inspirational. The director was amazing, and how he put it together…the film moved very well.

Chris DePierro, director – “I Wonder” – Coney Island Film Fest

I’m really really walking away with a wonderful feeling.

Estelle, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

I just saw Holes In My Shoes and it’s a tremendous, inspirational story. A great life story and very meaningful. Something everyone can get something from.

George, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

It was an amazing film. I cried at different parts. Not because I was sad, he was just such a touching person.

Female, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

It’s really inspiring the whole family.

Donna, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

I just got finished seeing Holes In My Shoes – very inspirational. And now I’m going to be goin for 100!

Male, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

I thought it was a spectacular film. It’s a real feel-good kind of movie. And you actually experience this man’s life from the very beginning to his 94 years.

Barbara, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

He was a gentleman who grew up in poverty with holes in his shoes, and built ½ of New York City!

Male, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

It was very very touching. And it feels like it was a privilege to see this.

Male, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

I just saw the movie and I really enjoyed it. I found it emotional, first of all. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found it very touching. Couple tears. Couple sniffles in the background – that’s for sure.

Participating film director, Avignon/NY Film Fest, from Australia

I enjoyed it, and I thought it would be a great inspiration for my kids.

Leslie, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, NY

Holes In My Shoes was an enthralling and inspiring documentary. I loved it. And I loved the tale of a man who’s still with us after all these years. I cried.

Film director of “Creating Karma”, Coney Island Film Fest

A brilliant, uplifting piece.

John, Avignon/NY Film Fest audience member, UK

(Woman) I cried…I loved it. (Man) A very enjoyable film...she dragged me here, basically, but I really enjoyed it.

Couple, Conn Film Fest audience member, NY

It was really fantastic. Unbelievable.

Female, Avignon/NY Film Fest

I loved your film. Here’s why:

Somewhere there may be the odd man or woman who has done as much as Jack Beers, but very few will have put in as much effort or discovered the true joy of living in the way he has. He makes me feel grateful just to be alive and alive to just how much more I could do! Inspirational viewing for all ages.

Daniel

I had the pleasure of watching your film Holes in My Shoes and a pleasure it was. After asking her permission, I sent it to my niece in Virginia, who will arrange for a showing of it to my two older brothers (83 and 85) and her sisters, brother, and their families.

As children, my brothers and I lived on various streets between 6th and 11th and between Avenue A and B in the very same neighborhood as Jack Beers. In fact, although my brothers are younger than Jack I believe that they were children while Jack still lived in the neighborhood.

I wish I could be there when they see your film and enjoy what I know will be their joy and fascination with seeing it and vicariously reliving some of their childhood, thanks to you. They will recognize every scene of their neighborhood.

I wonder if they know of Jack and I am sure that they will tell me after seeing the film.

What a remarkable human being this man is and what a role model for everyone who starts out in life in poverty, in a ghetto. Although as you are more aware than most, back in the early 20s and 30s in the East Side and lower East Side of Manhattan, it was a very unique place and a very unique time. I am certain that you had much more film that did not make it into your final version. As young as I was (am 73 now) I still remember those tenaments, walking up 5 and floors, toilets down the hall, the ice man and knives sharpener calling from the street, and the ice man carrying a large block of ice up those many floors to put into our ice box. I remember sleeping out on the fire escape, because it was too hot to sleep inside in summer.

There are no doubt men like Jack, indomitable, who when an obstacle or challenge is put before them overcome it or find a new path to even greater accomlishment or success. Surely Jack Beers is such a man. It is almost too difficult to find ways or accolades to express admiration for him. If the expression, “pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps” has any meaning, it certainly describes what he did. Each and every step or stage of his life in and of itself is an accomplishment and each one is more remarkable than the previous one. How does a person have such determination and such zest for life and such courage combined with hard work and dedication? From boyhood to old age each stage is a story in and of itself, which you captured so remarkably and so sensitively.

Thanks to your creativity and artistry I believe I felt his feelings as a boy body building and exhibiting his strength, working in a steel mill, constructing skyscrapers and buildings that became so famous, walking on steel beams up to a 100 stories high, earning a good living during the depths of the depression and without an edcuation, to take care of his Mom and Dad, teaching himself to be a more than competent structural engineer and inventor, making such a contribution to our winning the second world war, and then as a very successful actor. David, perhaps what you captured the most is that man’s love of humanity, his tenderness and just plain goodness, and of course, his great sensitivity and humor. So many people so successful and creative in their own right came to see Jack as a truly special human being.

Thanks to you there is now a monument to Jack and one day a memorial that allows us and future generations to see, to marvel at, and to try to emulate as best we can and in our own way. You’ve done a great thing for a great man and for all of us. Thanks.

Ted

Thank-you for the experience of being inspired by watching the Jack Beer story at the Yacht Club last evening.

The ending highlighted the ongoing message thru-out the film that whatever job you do if you do it with enthusiasm, pride and a desire to continue to improve, you and others will get the most out of it. Jack’s zest for life and living it to the fullest was apparent in whatever he did including his love for family and dogs. His positive attitude and determination to help his parents was wonderfully brought out in the documentary…

The highlights of the film was seeing scenes from New York, especially Radio City, since I am an ex-New Yorker and had a smile on my face throughout most of the movie. I enjoyed reminiscing with Jack on the differences between his childhood and today.

I would definitely recommend this film and the message will continue to stay with me… Thank-you again for the privilege of getting to know Jack Beers.

Shelley

Jack,

I’m writing to say that it was an honor to meet you this past Sunday at the Secret City Film Festival awards program.

I saw the documentary film on your life earlier last week. It made me laugh, cry, and feel a host of other emotions. You have experienced an amazing life.

I am proud to have met you and talk with you about your experiences here in Oak Ridge during its early days when it was a city behind the fence.

As I told you, those times you spent showing your special dogs was quite touching as my wife and I watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows every time they are on tv. She loves her dogs, too.

You mentioned your book. I would be most delighted to receive an autographed copy of it. I would certainly reimburse you as needed.

Mike Bundy

I was so fortunate to be the flight attendant on Jack Beer’s flight from Knoxville to Charlotte on 10/16/06. I was so amazed at the sharpness of his mind and to learn of all his accomplishments in his life are truly amazing from one man.

I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with Mr. Beer’s. I hope they remember to send me a picture of Mr. Beers and me.

I think all the men I have told about amazing Jack Beer’s are jealous. Maybe they should be. I am looking forward to reading the book.

Mr. Beer’s told me to view his website and I am very proud to have met such a GREAT and very INSPIRING MAN! THANK YOU JACK!!!

Jan Collins

Hi Jack, I met you last night briefly at the Charlotte-Douglas airport. I work at the “E” Concourse at the Marriott booth.

I loved this website and you have inspired me. Keep doing what you’re doing !

Rhonda S.

I had the great privilege of viewing this film at the Coney Island Film Festival, where Jack Beers made a personal appearance.

The film is obviously a labor of love and David Wachs performed a great service to New York and to the world by capturing the life of this magnificent and awe-inspiring man on film.

The movie evoked a wide range of emotions, including inspiration, wonder, joy and sadness. Most of all, it was life-affirming and the spirit of Jack Beers illuminates the screen as he touches our hearts.

Susan Marmol