Gentleman's Agreement (1947), Elia Kazan is the story of a reporter who fakes being Jewish in order to experience and understand the prejudice that Jewish people face. While I though the overall production of the film was quite good what I found most captivating were the subjects this movie tackles, and during the Hays Code being enforced no doubt. This movie is a good example of how film could still tackle difficult subjects even while the Hays Coded was being enforced. I did find the pacing of the movie sluggish at points but overall I appreciated what it was trying to say about both overt and covert bigotry, especially for it's time. While not a movie I would probably feel the urge to watch again I admired it for it's stance, and upon some research after the fact I also admire the people involved with the making of the film for the ordeals they had to face post-release.

I always admired Kazan's bravado in the face of Hollywood. He was brave in creating real adult dramas that took us to the edge. From revolutions to Unions and adultery, he didn't shy away. Gentleman's Agreement would have to be his most adventurous politically, but with time it seems a bit lame, maybe a little too preachy.The main fault falls on the screenplay. It took forever to set up the angle the journalist was to take. Once it kicked in, it was intriguing, but then lost its momentum midway through when it became repetitive and too dialogue driven.Peck was charming, but not too convincing as a hard-nose journalist. I believe this roll was a precursor for To Kill A Mocking Bird. The surprise was John Garfield, who knew how to work a campy drama. When together in scenes, they had your attention and lit up the screen, compared to the love interest which was weak, typically standard for its time.The movie was made almost 70 years ago, and still is relevant to today's current political climate.

Newly arrived in New York City, journalist widower Gregory Peck (as Philip "Phil" Schuyler Green) takes 11-year-old son Dean Stockwell (as Tommy) to meet grandmother Anne Revere and buy some new shoes. At that age, feet grow quickly. After he is asked to write a series of articles on anti-Semitism, Mr. Peck meets divorced schoolteacher Dorothy McGuire (as Kathy Lacey) at a party. They are mutually attracted. Peck is initially unhappy with his writing assignment, but becomes excited after thinking up a new angle. Peck decides to pretend he is Jewish and write about his personal experiences. "I Was Jewish for Six Months" is the title of Peck's account. Authentically Jewish childhood friend John Garfield (as Dave Goldman) arrives for a visit. As you might expect, Peck encounters prejudice...This famous film about religious bigotry is really a love story, although the backdrop is certainly preeminent. Incidents of anti-Semitism involve young Stockwell being teased on the playground and adult Jews finding upscale areas lack welcome mats. Today, kids are beat up and can sometimes die; around the world, people are shot at Jewish businesses. "Gentleman's Agreement" sticks mainly to cocktail hour inequities. Multiple award-winning director Elia Kazan and Peck take it slow. Additional award winners include supporting actress Celeste Holm (as Anne Dettrey) and juvenile actor Stockwell. Often, it seems like characters are lecturing the audience and retelling unseen incidents; to be more effective, cinema should show more and tell less. Still, it's a good production and nicely performed.****** Gentleman's Agreement (11/11/47) Elia Kazan ~ Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, John Garfield, Celeste Holm

While Trying to Introduce a Controversial Subject Like Anti-Semitism in 1947, a Road Not Traveled in Cinema, there were Bound to be Awkward Inclusions and Vague Misrepresentations. It was not going to be a Smooth Ride and the Picture Shows Signs of Preachy Pronouncements and Stilted Scenes.There is a Heavy Romantic Angle that Works in the Way the Relationship between Writer Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire Vacillates between Love and Mistrust. Although it does Seem Forced at Times it Contains Moments of Conflict and Strife that Adds to the Intensity.John Garfield, as Peck's Jewish Friend, Delivers a Restrained and Soft Spoken Character that Relays some Experienced Wisdom. The Whole Idea of Peck Pretending to be Jewish to Write a Truth Telling Article is a Contrived Method the Movie has to Deal with and it does with Varying Degrees of Success.The Heart of the Film Relies on the Relationship of Peck and McGuire more than Actual On the Streets Experience and is One of the Film's Shortcomings. Much of the Story is Internalized, Like a Child's Inquiries and Bullying, and More Externalization from the Writer could have been More Impactful. The Acting is Superb Considering the Uncharted Territory. The Movie was an Instant Critical Success, Very Popular, and Awarded Best Picture. Eight Nominations and Three Wins from the Academy. Director Elia Kazan and Celeste Holmes also took home Statues. But Viewed Today, the Strain of the Subject Matter Shows and the Lack of Forerunners in Films is Evident. It was a Noble Attempt and is Recommended for its Historical Importance. Negroes and Homosexuals would have to Wait Their Turn with Similar Struggles. But Without this One Leading the Way, along with Some Others like the Film-Noir Crossfire made the Same Year, the Wait would have been Longer.