Little Cinema

Behind the august doors of the popular Berkshire Museum is a hidden treasure, the Little Cinema. In place for more than half a century, the diminutive auditorium offers first-run foreign independent films and screenings of opera and ballet from venues around the world.

The Little Cinema maintained a summer schedule of films for 50 years before expanding its schedule to include other seasons. In the depths of this winter, it will air to-be-announced Oscar-nominated films for three weeks in February.

But before that schedule begins, viewers can sit down to enjoy the first film of the month, “Alone in Berlin,” which will be aired at 7PM. February 3-5. It is the tale of a working class couple, Otto and Anna Quangel, who receive the news that their only son has lost his life on the battlefield. They secretly resist the Nazi regime by disseminating posters across the city.

NYC Movie Guru Avi Offer says the movie is elevated by “terrific performances of the always reliable Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson and by the inspirational story of two ordinary citizens who bravely refused to remain Good Germans.”

Admission to the Little Cinema, which is also used for special events, is modest at only $7.50 (museum members, $5). Snack foods are available.

Berkshire Museum was established in 1903 by Zenas Crane, a third-generation owner of the Crane Paper Company who was inspired by institutions such as the American Museum of Science and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A perfect “starter museum” for children, the collection includes objects from virtually every continent, from important fine art and sculpture to natural science specimens and ancient artifacts. For more information call 413-443-7171 or click on the link below. The museum is located at 39 South Street in Pittsfield.