AMHERST, Mass.– The Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West St., Amherst, will present a free program with film critic and author Kenneth Turan, exploring the lives and legacies of two of early Hollywood’s influential figures, Louis B. Mayer (1884–1957) and Irving Thalberg (1899–1936) on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. Based on his newly released book, Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation, Turan will delve into the partnership that helped define an industry—and reframe Jewish identity on and off the screen.

Drawing on historical detail, Turan brings to life Mayer and Thalberg’s complex personal and professional relationship and their pivotal role in shaping Hollywood and modern American cinema. The program will also examine how their Jewish heritage informed their vision, ambition, and cultural impact.

The event will take place in person at the Yiddish Book Center and will also be live-streamed via Zoom. A book signing will follow the talk for in-person attendees.

Turan was the longtime film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR’s Morning Edition, and he served as director of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. He has been a staff writer for The Washington Post as well as the Times’ book review editor. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, he teaches film reviewing and nonfiction writing at USC.

Advance registration is required and may be obtained at The Yiddish Book Center, https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/