Jewish Film Festival - The Clown and the Fuhrer

Mon 13 Apr. 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, 21215. Robin RoseSamuels, 410.542.4900, x271. Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore - [email][events]

Apr 13, 2009 Department: Arts & Culture Location and Time: Gordon Center For Performing Arts 7:30pm Cost: Tickets $9/person/film, available at both JCC Cashier’s desks. The 21st Annual William and Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Festival The Clown and the Fuhrer Spain, 2007; Director, Eduard Cortes Spanish with English subtitles; 95 minutes

2008 San Joaquin International Film Festival

Tonight's film is based on historical facts and on true protagonists, the film brings to life the gripping power struggle between the famous clown Charlie Rivel and Krauss, a Gestapo agent who wants to be included in one of Rivel’s acts. It is 1944 and the act will be part of a performance in honor of Hitler’s birthday. Rivel reluctantly agrees but his partner Wiltzi does not. As Krauss makes more demands, the tension rises, and is often broken by funny exchanges between the two brilliant clowns. The comic mode and the escalating drama, inspired by Gerard Vasquez’s acclaimed play, become a mesmerizing balancing act with first-class acting and incredible suspense.

Guest Speaker: David Grossbach, independent filmmaker, editor and producer