On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Westport Historical Society (WHS) will host “Sam’s War: A GI’s Journey,” a film that choreographs a Jewish American soldier’s fight against Nazi Germany.
Sam Brody of Norwalk gestures as he recounts his World War II experiences in “Sam’s War.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The 78-minute film, to be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the WHS Sheffer Gallery at 25 Avery Place, with be followed by a question and answer period with title character Sam Brody, a Norwalk resident who is now 95, and filmmaker Joel L. Freedman of Westport, WHS officials said.
The two met through a mutual friend about eight years ago. Freedman said he was immediately taken by Brody’s recounting of his experiences and eventually filmed about 45 hours of interviews over a five-year period.
According to Barbara Peck, WHS assistant director, “Sam’s War” is a riveting, personal account of a GI’s “death-defying experiences.”
“Sam, with youthful energy and huge memory, traces his extraordinary first-hand odyssey as an American soldier, from his Jewish roots in Brooklyn, N.Y., through battles on the front in Europe, his capture by the Germans and a brutal 750-mile death-defying forced march through Germany and Austria,” Peck said.
She added that the film has a message of hope as Sam is saved “from certain death by a German officer.”
The film is interspersed with actual World War II footage documenting the title character’s journey, with music by Academy Award and Emmy-winning composers Brian Kean and John Kelton.
Since seating is limited, Peck recommended making a reservation by calling (203) 222-1424. For further information, visit westporthistory.org. The suggested donation is $5.
