Yesterday, my wife and I watched this old black and white film; not expecting much, but hoping it would come close to the rave reviews I saw on the net. Well, it was not only better than the reviews, it was so good that I watched it again this morning. You will see above the main characters, played by Charles Laughton, John Mills, and Brenda De Banzie. Underneath the pictures is a promotional trailer, which gives you the gist of the story. The movie is named Hobson's Choice, but after watching it twice, I still ponder whose choice is really being referenced. The father, the oldest daughter, the boot hand, the other daughter's or their soon to be husbands? Perhaps, in a way- all of them. When it comes to choice, I am reminded of the choice that the apostles had to make before the council (The Sanhedrin). Here is the tale...
Acts, Chapter 5
27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them. 34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while. 35 He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. 39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” 40 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. 42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.
Even though the movie is about about choices, there is something else here; something about surprises when choices are made. And this surprise is really what struck me about the film. The boot-hand repeatedly uses the exclamation "By GUM" to express his surprise and wonder at each and every amazing turn of events. The council was undoubtedly taken by surprise at what the apostles did and it was only with persuasion that they decided not to kill them. After they finally let them go, the apostles went right back doing what they were INSTRUCTED NOT TO DO!!! We are NOT TOLD what happened when they heard about what happened after verse 42. But, somehow I have a feeling that someone uttered the Jewish equivalent of BY GUM!!!
