GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT

GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT - 1947

RATED - NR but probably G/PG for mature themes.

RATINGS - 29 Amazon (4.5/5), 63,325 Netflix (3.7/5), 2,612 IMDB (7.3/10), TV Guide (5/5)

STARRING - Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, John Garfield.

AWARDS - 3 Academy Awards including BEST PICTURE plus 5 Academy nominations. AFI TOP 100 Movies nominee.

THEMES - Prejudice, discrimination, justice, morality.

STORY - Gregory Peck stars as successful reporter Philip Schuyler who is given an assignment to write on anti-semitism. Looking for an angle for the story, he poses as a Jewish man with his son (he is recently widowed). At first, it's just about getting a more inside look for the story. It becomes very personal when both he and his son actually experience the prejudice he's writing about. Interspersed is a romance with Kathy Lacy (Dorothy McGuire), the divorced niece of the editor. While she is supportive and actually initiated the idea for the story, Philip finds there is a real difference between those who intellectually oppose prejudice and those willing to actually do something about it. When he finds out she owns a home in an area where there is a GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT not to ever sell to anyone Jewish, the romance hits the rocks and he turns into a crusader for the Jewish people. While the story may be somewhat outdated (it was actually shocking in 1947) the question to ask ourselves is where are we more like Kathy in areas of our lives that we should be outspoken about. Where can we make a difference by standing up for those who are experiencing discrimination or something less than equality? A film well worth watching and discussing. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/15/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

FRIENDLY PERSUASION

FRIENDLY PERSUASION - 1956

RATED - NR but likely PG for some adult themes. VERY family friendly. Some minor war violence.

RATINGS - 63 Amazon (5/5), 1,594 IMBD (7.5/10)

STARRING - Gary Cooper & Dorothy McGuire

AWARDS - 6 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture & Best Music. Other awards and nominations.

THEMES - The Civil War, pacifism, forgiveness, Quakers, family.

STORY - FRIENDLY PERSUASION (1956-NR) was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire as Jess & Eliza Birdwell, Quakers living in Southern Indiana during the Civil War. Pacifists according to their Quaker beliefs, they have avoided participating in the Civil War but now the war is infringing on their homes and they must decide whether or not to defend themselves. The tension among the family heightens when their son (played by Anthony Perkins in the role that would make him a star) decides he must take up arms to defend their community. While the film is about a serious, philosophical subject, it is filled with humor and romance. This film is the definition of FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. The music is great and the characters are portrayed as very human, not too harshly or too lightly. Gary Cooper is great as the straight-laced Quaker father who has a streak of 'worldliness' that keeps coming out-especially on the way to the meeting house (church) when a fellow neighbor Methodist causes a case of 'road rage' between their horse and buggies. Dorothy McGuire is the mother who is also the minister of their Quaker meeting house and takes pacifism as well as straight living very seriously. You almost believe she's as good as she appears until one of the Confederate soldiers attempts to take her pet goose. A long time classic you will be entertained and challenged to think watching this film. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/15/2007

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD