The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Connecting with Community will show "Gentleman's Agreement," a 1947 film with Gregory Peck.

Peck plays a star reporter who poses as a Jew to uncover anti-Semitism in a Connecticut suburb.  The film explores a depth of anti-Semitism that would be easy for younger generations now to forget existed so widely in the US.

Legendary producer Darryl Zanuck, one of the few studio heads of the time who was not Jewish, made the film after he was denied entry to a country club because they thought he was Jewish.  Jewish heads of other studios tried to get Zanuck to drop the film for fear of it prompting further anti-Semitism.  Instead, it won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and was nominated for another 5.

The film will begin at 10:45, break for lunch at noon, and continue after lunch until 1:45.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.