Gentleman's Agreement (1947)

A reporter pretends to be Jewish in order to cover a story on anti-Semitism, and personally discovers the true depths of bigotry and hatred.

Director:

Elia Kazan

Writers:

Laura Z. Hobson (novel), Moss Hart (screen play)

Stars:

Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, John Garfield

Won 3 Oscars. Another 9 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gregory Peck	...	Philip Schuyler Green
Dorothy McGuire	...	Kathy Lacy
John Garfield	...	Dave Goldman
Celeste Holm	...	Anne Dettrey
Anne Revere	...	Mrs. Green
June Havoc	...	Elaine Wales
Albert Dekker	...	John Minify
Jane Wyatt	...	Jane
Dean Stockwell	...	Tommy Green
Nicholas Joy	...	Dr. Craigie
Sam Jaffe	...	Prof. Fred Lieberman
Harold Vermilyea	...	Lou Jordan
Ransom M. Sherman	...	Bill Payson

Storyline

Philip Green is a highly respected writer who is recruited by a national magazine to write a series of articles on anti-Semitism in America. He's not too keen on the series, mostly because he's not sure how to tackle the subject. Then it dawns on him: if he was to pretend to all and sundry that he was Jewish, he could then experience the degree of racism and prejudice that exists and write his story from that perspective. It takes little time for him to experience bigotry. His anger at the way he is treated also affects his relationship with Kathy Lacy, his publisher's niece and the person who suggested the series in the first place.

---

Plot Keywords:

taxi | double decker bus | bus | deck | pay phone | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60-minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 15, 1954, with Dorothy McGuire reprising her film role.

---

Goofs

When, early in the movie, Phil reminisces about his Jewish friend, Dave, he looks into the mirror and assesses his own features as being consistent with those of the Jews. This reveals his own having been influenced by the false stereotype of there being a "Jewish look". This is antithetical to his attacking antisemitic thoughts and actions in others, throughout the film.

---

Quotes

Phil Green: You want the moon!
John Minify: yeah!... with parsley.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Two Jakes (1990)

User Reviews

A 50+ year old contemporary movie

I've seen a lot people describe this movie as "a period piece" and a great movie but irrelevant in our time.

However, this movie has lessons that every new generation should learn.

The lessons taught in this movie can be applied to other forms of prejudices such as sexism, racism, and homophobia among others.

Our society today is still full of "nice" people who detest bigotry and intolerance, but stand idly by while it happens right in from of them. Watching this movie could change all that.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 1948 (USA)

Also Known As:

Laura Z. Hobson's Gentleman's Agreement

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,985,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1