Love Laugh and Row

Though inspired by a true story, this is a work of fiction. Love Laugh and Row is a multigenerational story that chronicles the Kristoff family's life in America during the 1930s Depression, World War II, the Hollywood Blacklist, and how organized crime touched their lives.

You’ll laugh and cry right along with the Kristoffs as you follow their life from 1929 to 1955.

Cautious Filippa, the eldest daughter of Russian immigrants, and her six younger siblings take chances and face adversity to find happiness. She and her sister Bepa go on a harrowing road trip in Bepa’s 1931 Model A. They set out on Route 66 from Chicago, IL. to Santa Monica, California to find their brother, George. A well-intended visit turns into a new home and new adventures for the entire family.

Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, CA, becomes the family's playground. Filled with sun-soaked days watching gymnasts and weight lifters, they dream of love, opportunities, and stardom.

A hopeless romantic who believes in love, Filippa ignores her father’s warning when she meets a poultry rancher who stands up to corrupt unions, owned by the mob, and attends secret pink meetings in the darkest hours of the night.

George, a patriot, and a successful entrepreneur, left his businesses behind to fight for freedom in World War II. After the war ends, he returns home to his high life. His father becomes suspicious and wonders where so much money comes from.

Boris changes his name before he embarks on an opera tour. When he returns to Southern California, he meets a captivating songstress who takes vocal lessons from the same professor. Their innocent flirtation soon turns to love. He tries to distance himself and concentrate on his dream to sing at La Scala in Milan, Italy.

Anna falls madly in love with a young weight lifter aspiring to be Mr. America. When he disappears without saying good-bye, though heartbroken she’s determined not to let anyone or anything stand in the way of a singing career. Until she meets a much older charismatic man who tempts her.