Gentleman's Agreement

Rating:
Summary: An Absorbing Study of Anti-Semitism
Review: "Gentleman's Agreement" tells the story of a Gentile writer (Gregory Peck) who poses as a Jew in order to get a good 'angle' on the issue of anti-semitism in Post WWII American society. His method proves almost too effective and causes problems for his young son, played by a very young Dean Stockwell, and in his relationship with a young woman (Dorothy McGuire), who finds out that she's not as liberal as she thought. Peck and McGuire are fine in their leading roles, but the film gains great depth from its outstanding supporting cast. This includes Anne Revere as Peck's no-nonsense mother, Albert Dekker as a tough, plain-speaking magazine boss, Celeste Holm as a fashion writer with a keen insight into human foibles, and Sam Jaffe in a memorable cameo as a distinguished scientist with a sharp sense of humor. The most compelling of the supporting performances, however, is that given by the great John Garfield. He plays Peck's life-long friend, who has just returned from war-time service in Europe. His role is actually not much more than a cameo, but his performance is the soul of the film. With painful clarity, he tutors his old friend in what it's like to be Jewish in a way that comes from his own lifetime of experience. He's not bitter or strident. On the contrary, he relates his advice and anecdotal evidence to Peck in a way that is heart-felt, insightful, and matter-of-fact. "Gentleman's Agreement" may not be the definitive treatment of this important social issue, but I think the film holds up very well after more than a half-century. The picture won Academy Awards for best director (Elia Kazan), best picture, and supporting actress Celeste Holm. It's not a perfect film, but its heart is definitely in the right place. This picture can be a rewarding experience for movie fans who appreciate fine acting and serious story-telling.

Rating:
Summary: A self-conscious examination of Anti-Seminitism
Review: "Gentleman's Agreement," the 1947 film dealing with Anti-Semitism, is a mixed bag. On the one hand Elia Kazan's film deals with an important subject, has superb cinematography by Arthur Miller, and stars Gregory Peck. Then again, there is something just inherently phony about the film. Peck plays Phil Green, a magazine writer who pretends for six months that he is Jewish so he can write a series of exposes on anti-Semitism. The script by Moss Hart, based on Laura Z. Hobson's novel, is supposed to examine the effects of this impersonation on Green's life, specifically in terms of his fiance Kathy Lacey (Dorothy McGuire), his mother (Anne Revere), and one of his co-workers, Anne Dettrey (Celeste Holm). But the whole thing is just so self-conscious that as much as you want to applaud the attempt, it is hard to get past the execution. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Green is just acting; after all, he is not really Jewish. It is only when John Garfield shows up as Dave Goldman, a Jewish serviceman, that "Gentleman's Agreement" begins to honestly deal with the problem it wants to indict.

Rating:
Summary: An Absorbing Study of Anti-Semitism
Review: "Gentleman's Agreement" tells the story of a Gentile writer (Gregory Peck) who poses as a Jew in order to get a good 'angle' on the issue of anti-semitism in Post WWII American society. His method proves almost too effective and causes problems for his young son, played by a very young Dean Stockwell, and in his relationship with a young woman (Dorothy McGuire), who finds out that she's not as liberal as she thought. Peck and McGuire are fine in their leading roles, but the film gains great depth from its outstanding supporting cast. This includes Anne Revere as Peck's no-nonsense mother, Albert Dekker as a tough, plain-speaking magazine boss, Celeste Holm as a fashion writer with a keen insight into human foibles, and Sam Jaffe in a memorable cameo as a distinguished scientist with a sharp sense of humor. The most compelling of the supporting performances, however, is that given by the great John Garfield. He plays Peck's life-long friend, who has just returned from war-time service in Europe. His role is actually not much more than a cameo, but his performance is the soul of the film. With painful clarity, he tutors his old friend in what it's like to be Jewish in a way that comes from his own lifetime of experience. He's not bitter or strident. On the contrary, he relates his advice and anecdotal evidence to Peck in a way that is heart-felt, insightful, and matter-of-fact. "Gentleman's Agreement" may not be the definitive treatment of this important social issue, but I think the film holds up very well after more than a half-century. The picture won Academy Awards for best director (Elia Kazan), best picture, and supporting actress Celeste Holm. It's not a perfect film, but its heart is definitely in the right place. This picture can be a rewarding experience for movie fans who appreciate fine acting and serious story-telling.

Rating:
Summary: A self-conscious examination of Anti-Seminitism
Review: "Gentleman's Agreement," the 1947 film dealing with Anti-Semitism, is a mixed bag. On the one hand Elia Kazan's film deals with an important subject, has superb cinematography by Arthur Miller, and stars Gregory Peck. Then again, there is something just inherently phony about the film. Peck plays Phil Green, a magazine writer who pretends for six months that he is Jewish so he can write a series of exposes on anti-Semitism. The script by Moss Hart, based on Laura Z. Hobson's novel, is supposed to examine the effects of this impersonation on Green's life, specifically in terms of his fiance Kathy Lacey (Dorothy McGuire), his mother (Anne Revere), and one of his co-workers, Anne Dettrey (Celeste Holm). But the whole thing is just so self-conscious that as much as you want to applaud the attempt, it is hard to get past the execution. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Green is just acting; after all, he is not really Jewish. It is only when John Garfield shows up as Dave Goldman, a Jewish serviceman, that "Gentleman's Agreement" begins to honestly deal with the problem it wants to indict.

Rating:
Summary: A self-conscious examination of Anti-Seminitism
Review: "Gentleman's Agreement," the 1947 film dealing with Anti-Semitism, is a mixed bag. On the one hand Elia Kazan's film deals with an important subject, has superb cinematography by Arthur Miller, and stars Gregory Peck. Then again, there is something just inherently phony about the film. Peck plays Phil Green, a magazine writer who pretends for six months that he is Jewish so he can write a series of exposes on anti-Semitism. The script by Moss Hart, based on Laura Z. Hobson's novel, is supposed to examine the effects of this impersonation on Green's life, specifically in terms of his fiance Kathy Lacey (Dorothy McGuire), his mother (Anne Revere), and one of his co-workers, Anne Dettrey (Celeste Holm). But the whole thing is just so self-conscious that as much as you want to applaud the attempt, it is hard to get past the execution. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Green is just acting; after all, he is not really Jewish. It is only when John Garfield shows up as Dave Goldman, a Jewish serviceman, that "Gentleman's Agreement" begins to honestly deal with the problem it wants to indict.

Rating:
Summary: "Gentleman's Agreement" Has Far Reaching Implications!
Review: A fascinating story emphasizing the importance of tolerance. The script holds up nicely despite being over fifty years old except for intermittent scenes which suggest some of the dialogue has become a bit outdated. However, the powerful theme will live from here to eternity. The film most obviously concentrates on the ugliness of anti-semitism but it also contains several messages of the more subtle variety. Gregory Peck turns in a memorable performance as a media man who encounters much hatred while pretending to be Jewish. It's definitely worth noting that much of the anit-semitism experienced by Hollywood actors during this period was actually caused by Jewish men who were concerned about their own careers after having advanced to lofty positions in the motion picture industry where they could inflict a unique brand of oppression. Many of these Jewish men enjoyed large salaries, and didn't want to part with their money. The trick centered around changing one's last name, thereby concealing one's true ancestory. It's the same or similar problem (to a lesser extent) experienced by the Afro American community when criminals commit crimes against their "brothers" (statistically, Afro Americans murder mostly their own race). The film was undoubtedly shocking in its day, largely due to the strong acting, especially the superb performance from Dorothy McGuire (of "Spiral Staircase", "Friendly Persuasion" and "Summer Magic" fame) who inadvertantly becomes part of Peck's problem by her unintentional but insensitive behavior and comments. The plot thickens as the main character (Peck) experiences well meaning individuals who seem to genuinely like him personally, but are not strong enough to overtly address the deep rooted hatred of Jews as a "people". It is similar and pertinent to relatively modern times when good hearted people with multi-generation ancestory in the United States try to enjoy friendships with individuals of much different racial or ethnic backgrounds. Many of these personal relationships are genuine with the best of intentions only to discover that extended family members within the newcomer or cultural minority's family have attitudes and characteristics that are much more typical, and much less likely to result in compatibility. "Gentleman's Agreement" is about expanding one's horizons and perspective, and also suggests we should give up any residue of hatred as an ultimate solution. For example, some cultures think nothing of smelling melons and other items at the local fruit stand to help determine if the particular piece of food is ripe. Seeing nose hairs brush against the consumable item is highly offensive and typically not well understood or accepted in American culture. It may seem benign or somewhat silly but it reflects what happens when an individual who is "different" is finally accepted while an entire race or culture is NOT! The "gentleman's agreement" becomes NOT to discuss that such thought processes exist, and are indeed presently occurring! It is not easy to discuss that your culture of people speaks a harsher sounding dialect or is flat noisier or louder. Furthermore, the "gentleman's agreement" includes the unwritten (and perhaps unspeakable) "bylaw" that I may like certain things about you, but I would never admit hating the fact that your race or culture of people has immigrated and/or are now living here! After all, it's much easier to interact among those with whom we are most familiar! Any doubts that "Gentleman's Agreement" is less than a "5-star" movie are erased by the fact that the movie still provokes deep levels of discussion among future generations for which it undoubtedly wasn't even targeting! DVD quality is excellent, and much better than expected. It is well worth the purchase!

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Study of Anti-Semitism
Review: A little less than a decade earlier Twentieth Century Fox boss Darryl F. Zanuck tackled the subject of lynch law injustice in "The Ox Bow Incident." In 1948 he battled anti-Semitism with equally brilliant results in "Gentleman's Agreement," which starred Gregory Peck and was directed with a stellar hand by Elia Kazan.

Peck plays a New York magazine writer who decides to do a comprehensive study of what it is like to live as a Jew. One of the film's most powerful scenes occurs when Peck, giving the name he is using for his investigation, Green, is turned away when he seeks to register at a prominent hotel, with a policy of turning away Jews. He learns much as well about the struggle of Jewish Americans in interacting with his friend John Garfield, an Army officer with much insight to reveal.

His involvement in the controversial experiment and ultimately expose causes Peck problems with his girlfriend Dorothy McGuire. Eventually she sees the light and recognizes an important truism as she states that at least in the cases of anti-Semitic bigots one knows where one stands. She observes the more outwardly subtle problem of people on the one hand proclaiming themselves as liberal and without prejudice, but also playing it safe and refusing to stand up for injustice when it occurs, such as when anti-Jewish jokes are told at cocktail parties or slights are observed which stem from bigotry and nothing is said.

"Gentleman's Agreement" was a bold step forward for Hollywood in facing up to realities in post-World War Two America. Zanuck and Kazan would also tackle the subject of race in the sensitively done "Pinky" with Jeanne Crain one year later in 1949. Crain is a young woman with African American blood who attempts to pass for white in a society affected by racism.

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Study of Anti-Semitism
Review: A little less than a decade earlier Twentieth Century Fox boss Darryl F. Zanuck tackled the subject of lynch law injustice in "The Ox Bow Incident." In 1948 he battled anti-Semitism with equally brilliant results in "Gentleman's Agreement," which starred Gregory Peck and was directed with a stellar hand by Elia Kazan.

Peck plays a New York magazine writer who decides to do a comprehensive study of what it is like to live as a Jew. One of the film's most powerful scenes occurs when Peck, giving the name he is using for his investigation, Green, is turned away when he seeks to register at a prominent hotel, with a policy of turning away Jews. He learns much as well about the struggle of Jewish Americans in interacting with his friend John Garfield, an Army officer with much insight to reveal.

His involvement in the controversial experiment and ultimately expose causes Peck problems with his girlfriend Dorothy McGuire. Eventually she sees the light and recognizes an important truism as she states that at least in the cases of anti-Semitic bigots one knows where one stands. She observes the more outwardly subtle problem of people on the one hand proclaiming themselves as liberal and without prejudice, but also playing it safe and refusing to stand up for injustice when it occurs, such as when anti-Jewish jokes are told at cocktail parties or slights are observed which stem from bigotry and nothing is said.

"Gentleman's Agreement" was a bold step forward for Hollywood in facing up to realities in post-World War Two America. Zanuck and Kazan would also tackle the subject of race in the sensitively done "Pinky" with Jeanne Crain one year later in 1949. Crain is a young woman with African American blood who attempts to pass for white in a society affected by racism.

Rating:
Summary: Groundbreaking Look At Prejudice
Review: Elia Kazan's 1947 film Gentleman's Agreement is the story of a journalist who is employed to write a series of articles on the scourge of anti-Semitism in America. The journalist, Phil Green, is played by Gregory Peck and in order to get his information first hand, he poses as Jew. He encounters all forms of prejudice and his blooming romance with the niece of his publisher takes a hit. Kathy (Dorothy McGuire) insists that she harbors no ant-Semitic feelings finds that through her association with Green, that such prejudices bubble underneath the surface. John Garfield gives a standout performance as Green's lifelong friend, Dave Goldman, who has experience prejudice his whole life and has learned to be philosophical about man's failings, but still is willing to fight against blind ignorance as noted in a gripping scene where he is denied a room in a swanky hotel by an unbearable snooty desk clerk who refuses to admit the reason he won't give Dave a room is that he is Jewish even though it is obviously apparent that is the reason why. Celeste Holm won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a fashion writer and socialite who is attracted to Green and heavily pursues him. The film was ground-breaking at the time of its release as it was the first Hollywood movie to tackle anti-Semitism head-on. Prior to World War II, it was an unspoken rule that anti-Semitism could only be hinted at even if a film like The Life of Emile Zola was about it. But over the years, the film has lost a lot of its power and it isn't aided by the fact that many of the characters are stock profiles that exude a one-dimensional feel. Despite that fact, it still is an important film and one that can still teach a lesson as well as entertain. Mr. Kazan won the first of his two Best Directing Oscars and the film won Best Picture in 1947.

Rating:
Summary: Groundbreaking Look At Prejudice
Review: Elia Kazan's 1947 film Gentleman's Agreement is the story of a journalist who is employed to write a series of articles on the scourge of anti-Semitism in America. The journalist, Phil Green, is played by Gregory Peck and in order to get his information first hand, he poses as Jew. He encounters all forms of prejudice and his blooming romance with the niece of his publisher takes a hit. Kathy (Dorothy McGuire) insists that she harbors no ant-Semitic feelings finds that through her association with Green, that such prejudices bubble underneath the surface. John Garfield gives a standout performance as Green's lifelong friend, Dave Goldman, who has experience prejudice his whole life and has learned to be philosophical about man's failings, but still is willing to fight against blind ignorance as noted in a gripping scene where he is denied a room in a swanky hotel by an unbearable snooty desk clerk who refuses to admit the reason he won't give Dave a room is that he is Jewish even though it is obviously apparent that is the reason why. Celeste Holm won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a fashion writer and socialite who is attracted to Green and heavily pursues him. The film was ground-breaking at the time of its release as it was the first Hollywood movie to tackle anti-Semitism head-on. Prior to World War II, it was an unspoken rule that anti-Semitism could only be hinted at even if a film like The Life of Emile Zola was about it. But over the years, the film has lost a lot of its power and it isn't aided by the fact that many of the characters are stock profiles that exude a one-dimensional feel. Despite that fact, it still is an important film and one that can still teach a lesson as well as entertain. Mr. Kazan won the first of his two Best Directing Oscars and the film won Best Picture in 1947.