Although the approach and presentation of anti-Semitism is a bit dated by today's standards, that should not detract from the historical importance of this movie. For the first time, a movie showed anti-Semitism as being a part of mainstream American thinking. And it took two non-Jews, producer Zanuck and director Kazan, to bring it to the screen. No Jewish producer would touch this project. They were afraid of negative reaction. (Apparently, the fact that the book on which the movie was based was a best seller escaped their notice!)
Oddly, Kazan once said he hated this film. He did not want a happy ending, but Zanuck insisted that the love story should cure all.
Oddly, Kazan once said he hated this film. He did not want a happy ending, but Zanuck insisted that the love story should cure all.