Back in the 40's, anti-semitism was identified with Hitler, Nazis, and other fanatics who espoused racial hatred.
After the war, Americans who claimed they were not racists often joined country clubs where no Jewish folks were allowed. They also made sure their sons or daughters did not marry Jews. Many used the well known derogatory slur, "He jewed me down," to refer to a negotiation.
So when Gentleman's Agreement, a film about American anti-semitism, was proposed, not every actor was quick to jump on the bandwagon. Gregory Peck did, and more power to him. He was of course an upright man in both personal and public persona, later playing the lawyer who defends a black man in the very race-sensitive To Kill a Mockingbird.
Celeste Holms, not an A lister of the 40's but well up there in rank, bravely joined Peck and Dorothy McGuire to act in the controversial Gentleman's Agreement. Here's her most famous line from the movie, where she plays the liberal-minded Anne Dettrey:
Bert McAnny: What? Now, Green, don't get me wrong. Why, some of my best friends are Jews.
Anne Dettrey: And some of your other best friends are Methodists, but you never bother to say that.
We lost Celeste this week. She was 95. Hats off to a courageous actress who played in a film that opened many Americans' eyes.
You do not mention here that she just passed away, but when I saw on the news the next day, I assumed that prompted this. I'm very familiar with the film, Gentleman's Agreement, yet I knew nothing about it. Now I'm intrigued. Love G. Peck and I've actually always liked C. Holm. Loved her as Tom Sawyer's Aunt Polly. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI will look up this film. Thanks.
By the way, I didn't see any link to the line you referenced. ??
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Valerie. I corrected the missing material. Gentleman's Agreement was a classic, quite an eye-opener for many.
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