The Great Art Wednesdays series returns to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Sept. 5 with “Hitler vs Picasso and the Others.” This film reveals the Nazi obsession with art and offers viewers a rare look at condemned works that have finally come to light. 
Narrated by Toni Servillo (star of Oscar winner “The Great Beauty”), “Hitler vs Picasso” is an incredible journey through five exhibitions, displaying masterpieces by Botticelli, Klee, Matisse, Monet, Chagall, Renoir and Gauguin. Linked to each exhibition are moving stories of those who witnessed the systematic destruction and looting of the day — from the Bernheimer family, who were forced to barter their freedom, to “Hitler’s dealer,” Cornelius Gurlitt, known to have hidden away some of the most priceless art treasures of the century. 
“We’re very excited about this season,” said series curator Haley Rice. “We’re bringing back art critic Waldemar Januszczak, whose approachable and often hilarious films are a nice counterpoint to the more serious visual stunners. This season also features a broader scope of films: a documentary about gorgeous pre-historic cave art and a profile of design innovators Ray and Charles Eames.”
Due to popular demand, the Great Art Wednesdays series is adding an evening showtime at 7 p.m. There will also be an 11 a.m. showing. Tickets are $13, or $8 for students, and are available at the THT Box Office: (802) 382-9222, townhalltheater.org, or in person Monday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m.