Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Best Picture classic studies antisemitism in 1940s society.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gentleman's Agreement
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT finds reporter Phil (Gregory Peck), a widowed and single father, heading over to New York for a fresh start. When his editor tasks him with writing up an article about antisemitism, he decides that the best way to understand the prejudice that Jewish people face, is to pretend to be Jewish himself. Through doing this, he soon realizes the depths of which the bigotry exists, causing him to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about society.
Is It Any Good?
Despite being made in 1947, this black and white drama -- based on a novel of the same name -- addresses themes that still resonate today. Gentleman's Agreement carries a certain class; that much is a given when you consider the project is helmed by esteemed director Elia Kazan and features none other than Peck in the leading role. It didn't win Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress (Celeste Holm) at the Academy Awards for nothing. It's a well-paced movie that is, in many ways, unique in how it delves into antisemitism. The notion of understanding a form of bigotry by putting yourself in somebody else's shoes is forever valid. In this case, it's literally the case. The film can be a little heavy-handed with its messages, though given the context of when this was made, so shortly after World War II and the Holocaust, it warrants its sense of urgency, education, and importance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gentleman's Agreement addresses antisemitism. What did Phil learn from his experience? Do you think some of the film's messages are still relevant today?
Can you give some examples of empathy, humility, and integrity shown in the movie? Why are these important traits to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these skills in your own life?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? How has our behavior when it comes to drinking and smoking changed from when the movie was set and filmed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 11, 1947
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 1999
- Cast : Gregory Peck , Dorothy McGuire , John Garfield
- Director : Elia Kazan
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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