Gentleman's Agreement
"Gentleman's Agreement" is a 1947 film based on Laura Hobson's novel that addresses the issue of anti-Semitism in mid-20th century America. The story follows journalist Philip Green, portrayed by Gregory Peck, who decides to write an article about anti-Semitism by pretending to be Jewish. As he adopts the identity of Phil Greenberg, he and his son experience discrimination firsthand, highlighting the pervasive prejudice of the time. The film also explores the challenges faced by Green's romantic interest, Kathy, who struggles with her own social circle's anti-Semitic attitudes.
The film is notable for its critical take on the reluctance of individuals to confront bigotry, illustrated by Kathy's initial unwillingness to support her Jewish friends. "Gentleman's Agreement" received significant acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, and it sparked discussions about race relations and social justice in America. Its impact was felt beyond the screen, drawing the attention of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, which led to the blacklisting of some cast members. The film remains a powerful commentary on intolerance and the societal implications of prejudice.
Gentleman's Agreement
Identification Film about anti-Semitism
Director Elia Kazan (1909-2003)
Date Premiered on November 11, 1947
One of the first post-World War II films to engage the subject of anti-Semitism, Gentleman’s Agreement helped stimulate discussion about American discrimination against Jews.
Based on the book by Laura Hobson that shares the same title, Gentleman’s Agreement is one of the most influential motion pictures about anti-Semitism in the twentieth century. The film stars Gregory Peck as journalist Philip Green, who has recently moved to New York City with his son Tommy (Dean Stockwell) and mother (Anne Revere). Asked by magazine publisher John Minify (Albert Dekker) to write an article about anti-Semitism, Philip decides to assume the identity of a Jewish man, Phil Greenberg. He subsequently meets Minify’s niece Kathy (Dorothy McGuire), and the two soon begin dating. At this time, Philip and his son begin to experience a series of discriminatory acts because of their new identity.
The majority of the film focuses on Kathy’s appeasing her anti-Semitic friends in Connecticut rather than confronting their bigotry. For instance, when Philip’s Jewish friend Dave Goldman (John Garfield) has difficulty finding housing, Philip asks Kathy to rent her Connecticut cottage to Dave. When Kathy refuses for fear of alienating her anti-Semitic friends and neighbors, Philip decides to break off their engagement. At the end of the film, Kathy has a change of heart on the subject and the two ultimately reconcile.
Impact
Gentleman’s Agreement was generally met with both popular and critical success. The high-grossing picture earned an Academy Award for best picture in 1947. The film, with its overtly liberal message, also drew the attention of the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC), which brought in several of the film’s cast members and staff to present testimony. This eventually led to the Hollywood blacklisting of John Garfield and Anne Revere for their failure to testify.
Bibliography
Ceplair, Larry, and Steven Englund. The Inquisition in Hollywood: Politics in the Film Community, 1930-1960. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2003.
Hobson, Laura. Gentleman’s Agreement. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1947.