THE JEWISH GIANT

Originally airing as a Sound Portraits documentary on NPR's "All Things Considered," this rare and touching program tells the story of Eddie Carmel, the only child of Orthodox Jewish immigrants living in the Bronx. Eddie suffered acromegaly, a tumor on his pituitary gland that caused him to grow uncontrollably until his death at the age of 36, reaching 8'9" in height. Narrated by Eddie's cousin, Jenny Carchman, and peppered with interviews and memories with friends, families, and colleagues, THE JEWISH GIANT provides a profound portrait of a sad, lonely young man and his struggles as a child, as a failed stand-up comic and recording artist, and as a sideshow attraction trying to be normal in a world that wanted him to be a freak. S.E.S. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]