Blier

For NYFOS co-founders Michael Barrett and Steven Blier, it had long been a kind of punch line, tossed back and forth when brainstorming.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

At Henry's, said Mr. Blier, the show brought down the house.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

Mixed emotions color the Christmas memories of Mr. Blier, who just turned 60.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

"Most of the songs are more about the weather and family and gathering at home," said Mr. Blier.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

"I always thought of 'Silver Bells' as a happy song until I played it," said Mr. Blier.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

Last year Mr. Blier finally turned it into an evening devoted to Christmas songs by Jewish composers, at the instigation of Henry Rinehart, whose Upper West Side restaurant, Henry's, hosts a regular cabaret series called Sing for Your Supper.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim 2011

The actor, who, over the years, has worked with a number of French directors—including Jan Kounen ("99 Francs"), Bertrand Blier ("The Clink of Ice") and Guillaume Canet ("Little White Lies")—also starred in two comedies by Michel Hazanavicius prior to "The Artist."

Golden Silence on the Silver Screen Lanie Goodman 2011

Even Blier seemed off his game, having to restart two songs and relying in the last set on steady percussionist Danny Villanueva to right an occasionally unsteady rhythmic sense.

In performance: Latin Days at Wolf Trap 2010

Lichtenberg had not known Count Blier well, but he had been with him a few times and remembered the look in his eyes.

The Lonesome Dove Series Larry McMurtry 1995

Count Blier died hard, but he had done his job, saving the Emperor the expense of forty trials.

The Lonesome Dove Series Larry McMurtry 1995