Some of My Best Friends...

Some of My Best Friends... (1969) blends Documentary elements. Top cast includes Freddie Earlle and Johnathan Magonet. The plot follows a central conflict that grows in scope as the film progresses.

Actor: Freddie Earlle

Jewish people - and a few Gentiles - muse on what it means to be Jewish in 1960s Britain. The challenges of maintaining faith and culture outside Israel, and in a society where ‘Jewish’ and ‘English’ are seen as mutually exclusive identities are perceptively explored in this astute documentary. Some secular Jews are keen to distance themselves from traditional Judaism and especially Zionism (one defines himself simply as a Marxist). Gentiles are on hand to cheerfully perpetuate some of the old stereotypes, and we’re treated to colourful snapshots of the Jewish community in London: the rag trade, a kosher butcher and restaurant.