Gentleman's Agreement

The Plot

Philip Green is a reporter who recently moved to New York. His editor wants him to write a powerful article about anti-Semitism. Philip, who is not Jewish, tells everyone that he is Jewish and reports the reactions that he receives. Some individuals (Kathy and Dave) are aware of his true identity, whereas others (Anne and Elaine) only know him as Jewish. Kathy is most ambivalent about his Jewish identity status. In contrast, Anne is most comfortable and a constant source of support for Philip (and Dave).

Philip experiences various forms of mistreatment. He is never physically assaulted, but rather endures social derogations. For example, he is told that he is not permitted to list a Jewish form of his name (Greenburg) on the mailbox. When Philip attempts to check into a hotel that is restricted (does not allow Jewish guests), the staff refuse to allow him to stay. Philip is also indirectly affected by prejudice. For example, children make derogatory statements to his son Tommy and refuse to play with him. Dave stays with Philip while looking for an apartment or house. Dave, who is Jewish, indicates that he will lose a New York job because no one will rent or sell property to him. During this time, the men discuss the conditions that Dave, as a Jewish person, has faced for a lifetime. They agree that the most painful episodes are not the derision that they experience, but rather the derision experienced by their children.

Kathy owns an unoccupied home near New York City. When Kathy learns of Dave's housing problems, she does not offer the home to him. Philip is aware of the unoccupied home and is upset by Kathy's inaction. Kathy explains that there is a “gentleman's agreement” to not rent to individuals who are different (including Jewish individuals). She also explains that it is kinder to not expose Dave to an unwelcoming community. [Page 952]Philip and Dave help Kathy see the ways in which she contributes to prejudice. She chooses to give the house to Dave and to challenge discrimination when it occurs.

Social Relevance

Gentleman's Agreement was emblematic of a genre known as problem/message films. Such movies directly portrayed social problems, explained injustices that perpetuated these problems, and identified individuals (via characters) who either exacerbated or tried to resolve problems. Gentleman's Agreement was somewhat unique in that it focused on only psychological forms of discrimination (such as derisive comments, declined hotel reservations). As Kathy and Dave noted, prejudiced individuals do not always state that they are engaging in discriminatory actions. Rather, such individuals simply keep the doors of opportunities closed.

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