Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story

Synopsis

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman

JEWS AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, and the shattering of stereotypes.

The story is brought to life through Dustin Hoffman's narration, and interviews with dozens of passionate and articulate fans, writers, executives, and especially players including Al Rosen, Kevin Youkilis, Shawn Green, Bob Feller, Yogi Berra, and a rare interview with the Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax. Fans including Ron Howard and Larry King connect the stories of baseball to their own lives, and to the turbulent history of the last century. Their stories are inter-cut with dramatic and never-before-seen film clips and photos of great Jewish players, unforgettable games, and the broad sweep of American history.

Director

PETER MILLER, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Peter Miller's previous films include A CLASS APART: A MEXICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS STORY, PBS American Experience 2009; the critically acclaimed SACCO AND VANZETTI, released nationally in theaters in 2007; and THE INTERNATIONALE, shown on PBS and screened at over thirty film festivals. He has been a producer on numerous documentaries by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, including the epic PBS series THE WAR and JAZZ, as well as the Peabody Award-winning FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT. Peter has also been a producer on many other acclaimed documentaries, including THE UPRISING OF '34, PASSIN' IT ON (winner of twenty film festival prizes), and the Academy Award-winning AMERICAN DREAM.

Screenings

Breckenridge Film Festival - June 12
Tribeca Cinema, New York - June 17

Clips

"Take Me Out To the Ball Game..."