Saturday, Oct. 27
Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara insisted he was only
fulfilling the Samurai rules of ethics and codes when he created thousands of
visas for concentration camp victims of Kovno, Lithuania. Working 16-hour days,
the “Japanese Schindler” helped save more than 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust.
Filmmaker Diane Estelle Vicari recognizes this unrewarded hero in the
documentary “Sugihara: Conspiracy of Kindness,” based on this intriguing true
story and the unfortunate changes to Sugihara’s own life after the war. $8.50
(general admission); $5.50 (students and seniors). 6:45 p.m. Also plays Sun.,
Oct. 28, 5:30 p.m., Mon., Oct. 29, 8:45 p.m. and Tues., Oct. 30. 11 a.m.
Laemmle’s Monica, 1332 Second St., Santa Monica. For tickets or more
information, call (213) 534-3600 ext. 7438.
Sunday, Oct. 28
British actor Michael York’s good looks and
sophisticated demeanor first hit the stage in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1965
production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Some of his memorable film performances
over the last 30 years include “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Three Musketeers,”
“Cabaret,” and “Austin Powers.” Have tea with him tonight in the University of
Judaism’s Smalley Sculpture Garden while he signs copies of his book, “A
Shakespearean Actor Prepares.” 2 p.m. 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. For
reservations or more information, call (310) 440-1546.
Monday, Oct. 29
It’s opening night for the 2001 International Jewish
Film Festival, featuring a presentation screening of the film “Exodus”, starring
Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint, and a dessert reception. The Oscar-winning
movie was described as “exciting, dramatic, scenic, panoramic and deeply moving”
by the New York Daily News in 1961, and heralded as the best portrayal of the
birth of a Jewish nation by many other critics. The festival continues Wednesday
with the screening of “The Last Jewish Town”, chronicling the lives of Jews
living in Azerbaijan from the 18th century to the present. 6:30 p.m. Academy of
Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. For
reservations or more information, call (818) 786-4000.
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Caricature artist Al Hirschfeld, 98, has drawn just
about every acclaimed celebrity from Jackie Coogan in “The Kid” in 1921 to 1999
Oscar-winners Harvey Weinstein, Roberto Benigni, Gwyneth Paltrow and Judi Dench.
His collection of more than 250 drawings, paintings, collages, posters,
sketchbooks and movie memorabilia spanning 81 years will be on display today at
the Academy of Motion Picture Art & Sciences. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5
p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. For
more information, call (310) 247-3000.
Wednesday, Oct. 31
Some of Jerusalem and Dodge City’s unique inhabitants
are now on display in the Berch Lounge of the Westside Jewish Community Center.
Photographer Jo Carroll’s collection, “Middle Eastern Culture Encounters Western
Tradition: Jerusalem, Israel and Dodge City, USA”, compares the people of these
two religious communities. Along with the 30 photos of Israeli bazaars and Dodge
City ranches, Carroll will lead a discussion on the topic, “How to Keep Culture
and Tradition Alive in Family Photos.” Opening reception: Sun., Oct. 28, 2
p.m.-5 p.m.; Gallery Hours: Sun.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Nov. 30. 5870 W.
Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 938-2531.
Thursday, Nov. 1
In 1944, 1,000 Jews caught sight of Lady Liberty as they
reached the shores of New York. Leading them out of the Holocaust was
Brooklyn-born Ruth Gruber, acting on order from Interior Secretary Harold Ickes.
Witness this incredible story of triumph and courage in the opening performance
of the new musical “Haven.” Inspired by the television miniseries of the same
name, the play chronicles the rescue of European Jews, and the intimate
conflicts and romances which evolved out of their journey to America.
Wednesdays, 2 p.m. and 8p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30
p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Closes Nov. 18. Gindi Auditorium, University
of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Dr. $55 (general admission on opening night and
Saturdays); $49.50 (general admission); $25 (students). For tickets, call (310)
476-9777 ext. 201.
Friday, Nov. 2
In 1954, New York Times writer Bosley Crowther said “The
Country Girl” is “one of the fine and forceful pictures of the year.” The film’s
pathetic protagonist, played by Bing Crosby as a self-pitying alcoholic
has-been, still pulls at heartstrings. L.A. Theater Works of the Skirball
Cultural Center has created the play version of Clifford Odet’s film, playing
tonight and featuring Glenne Headly and Stacy Keach. 8 p.m. Opens Thurs., Nov.
1. For tickets or more information, call (800) 708-8863 or visit www.latw.org.
