GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (Theatrical Release USA 1947)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Gentleman’s Agreement—
a period piece—does not seem to use Gregory Peck to his greatest advantage. While To Kill A Mockingbird absolutely nails the problem of racial prejudice and ignorance between white and black races, Gentlemen’s Agreement just does not pack its weight to nail the real problem of Anti-Semitism . It seems it would have been more effective to use documentary effects to show where Anti-Semitism really leads rather than this weak approach to the problem. The much later film, Schindler’s List, shows exactly how dangerous Anti-Semitism  is. This film does not accomplish that. especially concerning the time period at which this film was made. It seems an understatement, inadequate, and superfluous as if being snubbed by a neighborhood has equal rapport with burning in crematorium. This weak approach to a very serious issue relegates Anti-Semitism  to issues that generally affect human populations at large rather than see it for what it really is…a life-threatening condition.

Storyline

Gentile journalist Philip Schuyler Green assumes a Jewish identity to scope out a story about 1947 American’s attitude toward people with Jewish roots.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Elia Kazan for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Darryl F. Zanuck for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kathy Lacy (Dorothy McGuire), Dave Goldman (John Garfield), Anne Dettrey (Celeste Holm), Mrs. Green (Anne Revere), Elaine Wales (June Havoc), John Minify (Albert Dekker), Jane (Jane Wyatt), and Tommy Green (Dean Stockwell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There are better films that are not afraid to tell the real story: Schindlers List, Julia, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Video Critique Available Here:



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