Simon is really his savior, but he put himself at risk. He did something unethical for moral reasons. It's hard to imagine him doing that now. He's become a hollow man. He's a very compromised man and that's what makes him such a wonderful American character. Audiences respond strongly, especially the attorneys.

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The establishment, in the person of Baird, resents Simon's success. He's been able to crash the gate, as it were. Jews were finally starting to achieve some degree of success and were breaking through the institutions with great resistance. That's why you couldn't and shouldn't update this play. It's very particular.

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It's the genteel anti-Semitism of the time. Jews were politely shut out of the country clubs and the higher echelons of WASP culture.

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