Gentleman's Agreement (1947)
Grade: 83
"Gentleman's Agreement" is a drama that explores prejudice against Jews. Not the kind of prejudice that is demonstrated in a fiery, defamatory speech, but the quiet kind, done to exclude Jews from a job, a home, or a social occasion. The film also infers that it is not enough merely to not discriminate personally, but that discrimination when found must be confronted, or it will continue.
"Gentleman's Agreement" accomplishes these ambitious goals while being compelling rather than pedantic. Gregory Peck is the lead, a widower writer with a young son who has just arrived in New York. He has a new job at a magazine but has a difficult assignment: he must write an article about anti-semitism from an emotional viewpoint.
Peck's character, who is a Christian, decides to tell his co-workers and acquantainces that he is a Jew for the duration of the story. He soon encounters prejudice, and always confronts it directly, even when it comes from his fiancee (Dorothy McGuire). People are quick to tell him that they are not prejudiced, but their phrases and actions say otherwise.
Peck is perfectly cast for the role. His character radiates integrity and deserved self-righteousness, giving him the moral authority to identify (and tell off) others when they show prejudice. The script is also kind enough to always give him the last word. Peck would later have a similar (and even more famous) role in "To Kill a Mockingbird".
I don't like McGuire's character. She is delicate and affected, and can't handle stress or confrontation. Peck must choose between her and brassy Celeste Holm. I won't reveal his decision, but you can guess whose side I am on. I am not criticizing McGuire's performance though, as she plays the character well.
Time has made some of the film's references obscure. Bilbo and Gerald L. K. Smith were apparently nationally-known at the time as hate-mongers against Jews.
While the romance in "Gentlemen's Agreement" is unconvincing, Peck's battle against prejudice remains compelling and makes for good drama.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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