The Chosen People

Series: Catholic Hour

Year Published: 1960

Creator: National Broadcasting Corp.

Description:

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Dating to 1960, "The Chosen People" was a special presentation of NBC's "Catholic Hour" TV show, and one of four programs in a series entitled "Prejudice, USA." This particular episode of the four-part series focuses on anti-semitism. It was the work of playwright Robert J. Crean, directed by Martin Hoade, and starring Carolyn Groves, Barbara Joyce, Jon Voight, and others. The episode is a dramatized exploration of prejudice and discrimination, focusing on a small American town. It begins with a mundane conversation about a dance committee meeting, but quickly delves into deeper issues when Al, a Jewish teenager, expresses concerns about being excluded from the community club. This leads to a broader discussion about anti-Semitism, both historical and contemporary, and its impact on individuals and communities. The program "Prejudice USA" is introduced, highlighting the hidden nature of discrimination and its harmful effects. Various scenes depict subtle and overt acts of prejudice, including exclusion from social activities and public places. Ellen's family grapples with these issues, reflecting on the illogical nature of prejudice and the importance of love, respect, and common sense in combating it. The narrative emphasizes the moral responsibility to address and challenge discriminatory practices, concluding with a hopeful message about opening doors to all neighbors.

00:00 Addie talks to her mother about not attending the dance committee meeting, finding them boring.

0:47: Edwin asserts his authority as chairman of the dance committee amidst some chaos.

1:35 : Al expresses concerns about being Jewish and facing potential discrimination at the community club.

3:01: Introduction to the program "Prejudice USA," focusing on discrimination in American life. 4:00: Discussion about anti-Semitism and its impact on individuals, particularly teenagers.

5:02: Al and his friend discuss the exclusion from the community club and the normalization of such discrimination.

6:08: Ellen confronts her parents about the exclusion of Jews from the community club, leading to a discussion about historical and current prejudices. 7:09: Ellen's father confirms the exclusion and reflects on past discrimination against Catholics. Ellen's parents discuss the illogical nature of prejudice and the importance of addressing it.

8:46 : A conversation about the community club's discriminatory membership policies and the broader implications of such exclusion.

11:16: A discussion on the definition of a Christian and the irony of excluding Jews from a club based on Christian values.

12:02: The narrator reflects on the hidden nature of anti-Semitism and its harmful effects.13:01: A scene depicting subtle discrimination in a hotel reservation context.
14:11: Ellen and her friend discuss the unspoken rules that exclude Jewish children from certain activities.

A reflection on the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering such atrocities.

15:03: A conversation about the subtle ways discrimination manifests in everyday life.

Ellen's father discusses the importance of love and respect in combating prejudice.

18:03: Ellen's father explains the historical and religious significance of the Jewish people.

19:02: Ellen and Al decide to attend the dance together despite the discrimination.

20:03: The dance committee debates changing the venue to avoid excluding anyone.

21:02: Ellen's parents discuss the broader implications of the community club's discriminatory policies.

22:02: Ellen's father reflects on the importance of addressing prejudice within the community.

23:00: A discussion on the compatibility of prejudice with Christian values.

24:02: The narrator emphasizes the moral responsibility to combat anti-Semitism.

25:01: Ellen's father calls a community member to discuss the discriminatory policies of the community club.

26:09: The community begins to address and challenge the discriminatory practices.

27:03: The narrator concludes with a hopeful message about opening doors to all neighbors. 29:36: Closing music and credits for the program "Prejudice USA."1

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Complete Record: "The Chosen People," a 1960 episode of NBC's "Catholic Hour," is part of the "Prejudice, USA" series focusing on anti-Semitism. Written by Robert J. Crean and directed by Martin Hoade, it features actors like Jon Voight. The episode explores prejudice in a small American town, starting with a dance committee meeting where Jewish teenager Al voices concerns about exclusion. It highlights the historical and contemporary impacts of anti-Semitism, showcasing both subtle and overt discrimination. Ellen's family discusses the irrationality of prejudice and the need for love and respect to combat it. The narrative emphasizes moral responsibility in addressing discrimination, concluding with a hopeful message about inclusivity. **Keywords:** The Chosen People, NBC, Catholic Hour, Prejudice USA, anti-Semitism, discrimination, small town, Al, Jewish teenager, exclusion, prejudice, Ellen, love, respect, moral responsibility, inclusivity.