MovieChat Forums > Crossfire (1947) Discussion > Anti-Semitism Is Too Over The Top Here

Anti-Semitism Is Too Over The Top Here

posted 14 years ago by joeparkson
17 replies | jump to latest

The problem with this movie is that Robert Ryan is too overtly consumed with hatred of Jews.

A real anti-semite could watch Ryan's frightening performance and say "well I'm not like that, and I don't know anyone who is. I've got nothing against jews; I've got jewish friends. I just wish they'd become Americans."

I'm not saying there weren't people like Ryan, but his out of control rage would've been more understandable if his victim had been gay rather than jewish. Having met anti-semites and homophobes, the anti-semites are very subtle and sly. The homophobes verge into disgust and fear.

[–] MayoGalway 9 years ago

On the trivia page it mentions that they changed the story from homophobia to anti-semitism.

[–] stevekaczynski 8 years ago

Yes, in the source the murder victim was homosexual.
I thought this was one of Robert Ryan's best performances.

"Chicken soup - with a *beep* straw."

[–] MayoGalway 8 years ago

Agree about Crossfire, his breakout performance. For me The Set-up and Billy Budd were a cut above. Read his IMDb Bio in full. It's a great tribute to one of Hollywood's most menacing heavies.

[–] srklondie 8 years ago

You obviously haven't walked in the shoes of someone who's been a victim of bigotry.