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.

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.

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.

He's not aware of the extent to which he's drifted away from the old neighborhood. He's been assimilated into the world of his wife, and he's lost his identity, and his soul goes with it.

I think that is unprofessional, I think that is unethical and I am aghast that somebody would do that. This is a closed club, and they don't want anybody in their club, and that's what this e-mail says.

Do not do an immoral thing for moral reasons.