And the Best Picture goes to....

“Gentleman’s Agreement” is a groundbreaking film that tackles the sensitive issue of anti-Semitism in post-World War II America. Directed by Elia Kazan and based on Laura Z. Hobson’s novel, the film deals with a theme that remains relevant today.

Gregory Peck delivers a powerful performance, portraying Phillip Schuyler Green—a single father who happens to be part of the same establishment that turns against him when he claims to be Jewish.  His deception causes him to experience bigotry firsthand and sets off a chain of events that affects not only his professional life, but his personal relationships as well.

Dorothy McGuire portrays his fiancée Kathy, who is initially supportive yet becomes conflicted about his choice to masquerade as a Jew.  She also has to face her own personal prejudices, though resolute that she is not anti-Semitic.

Celeste Holm took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as the savvy and insightful magazine editor, who provides critical support to Phil.  I do believe that there may have been an interesting twist at the end if she had revealed that she was actually Jewish, and concealing her faith much like his secretary, played by June Havoc.  It could have been an interesting contrast being that Miss Wales revealed the truth to Phil at the beginning of the story.   

This film does offer some powerful dialogue and some great cinematic opening shots of New York City but I did have a problem with the pacing of the story.  The film seemed slow on the uptake and it wasn’t until a good half hour in that the plot started to kick in.  From then the story was ebb and flow at holding my attention.

Overall, “Gentleman’s Agreement” is a thought-provoking film that did contribute to conversations around diversity and inclusion, and challenged its audience to contemplate their own prejudices in society.  That being said it may be a good point of reference to anyone looking to promote social change in the world.