This nine minutes short film packs more in it than some full length features. Don Weis directed this little gem in which prejudice is dealt with in a subtle manner. A poignant story by Lucille Schlossberg was the basis for the screen play written by Allen Rivkin.
It's a simple story. A soldier, whose buddy has died in combat, comes to pay his respects to his mother. Mrs. Wrenley appears to be glad to receive in her home this young man, JoJo, who has brought the last letter he received from the dead soldier. When he mentions his name, Maxie Klein, Mrs. Wrenley clearly changes from the welcoming lady that is happy to meet her son's friend into a woman whose prejudice indicates she resents the intrusion. She can't even understand how his son could have been friendly with the man in front of her.
When Maxie offers to read her son's letter, she doesn't refuse. She can't believe what she is hearing as her son talks about tolerance and acceptance he has seen in the army. It's too much for her to digest, but she realizes the goodness in Maxie Klein's heart as her attitude toward him melts away.
The film shows excellent performances from Marjorie Main and Keefe Brazelle, the two characters in the short.
