Superb acting marks this poignant story of pianist David Helfgott, who overcomes numerous obstacles – including mental illness and years of psychological abuse from his father, a Holocaust survivor – to achieve international prominence as a classical musician. With Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Noah Taylor and Lynne Redgrave.

Introductory remarks by Sylvia Ginsparg, a psychoanalyst in private practice and Clinical Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at St. Louis University.

September 26

The Grey Zone
Directed by Tim Blake Nelson
USA, 2001
English
108 minutes
Rated R

Inspired by actual events at Auschwitz-Birkenau, this film tells of a revolt staged by sonderkommando, laborers whose own deaths were delayed while they led their brethren to their deaths, removed their bodies and disposed of their remains. Stirring performances by David Arquette, Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Daniel Benzali and Mira Sorvino.

Introductory remarks by Richard Kalfus, Professor of Foreign Languages and Chair, Humanities Department at St. Louis Community College – Meramec.

October 31

Hanna’s War
Directed by Menahem Golan
USA, 1988
English
148 minutes
No rating, Graphic violence

A brilliant cast, including Ellen Burstyn, headlines this searing, true story of Hanna Senesh, who, together with a small group of Hungarian Jews who had emigrated to Palestine, parachuted into occupied Eastern Europe in 1944. Hanna’s indomitable will in the face of torture and despair is a tribute to all those who have ever defied tyranny.

Introductory remarks by Carol Rubin, St. Louis educator, Assistant Head of the Saul Mirowitz Day School – Reform Jewish Academy, and Wexner Heritage Foundation Fellow.

November 28

To be determined

December 26

The Last Metro
Directed by Francois Truffaut
France, 1980
French with English subtitles
131 minutes
No rating

Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu star in this suspenseful and romantic tale set in 1942 Paris. Truffaut’s powerful film recounts how a courageous theatrical troupe, led by a Jewish director, tries to survive under seemingly insurmountable odds under German Occupation.

Introductory remarks by Professor Henry Schvey, Chair of the Performing Arts Department and Professor of Drama and Comparative Literature at Washington University.

All screenings are free of charge and begin at 2:00 pm at Holocaust Museum and Learning Center Theater, the Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Dr.

For information call the Museum, (314) 442-3711.

The 2004 Sunday Afternoon Film Series is generously sponsored by Sandra and Mendel Rosenberg