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The Secret Game

Name: The Secret Game
Director: William C. deMille
Released: 1917
Duration: 67 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1917

Director

William C. deMille

Runtime

67 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film presents a typical espionage drama of its time, emphasizing nationalistic tension over social disruption. While it introduces a Japanese protagonist in an investigative role, the narrative structure remains firmly grounded in Western interests. Gender roles adhere to traditional formulas, with the female character acting as a catalyst for conflict through betrayal. The plot's resolution hinges on the male protagonist's revelation of the woman's true identity, reinforcing conventional power dynamics. Ultimately, the work reflects the historical context of 1917, highlighting wartime loyalty and traditional hierarchies rather than diverse identities or systemic norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Secret Game have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any non-straight identities or same-sex relationships. The romantic tension revolves around a heterosexual relationship between the detective and the female lead.

How does The Secret Game portray gender?

Limited

Kitty Little drives the plot as a spy, giving her significant influence. However, her ability to act is tied to deception, and the resolution centers on a traditional romantic storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Secret Game?

Fair

The inclusion of Nara-Nara, a Japanese detective in a leadership role, adds a layer of non-Western representation. However, the story remains focused on Western geopolitical tensions and wartime conflicts.

How does The Secret Game represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes early 20th-century nationalism and wartime morality, focusing on state security and patriotism. It does not explore diverse cultural perspectives or question Western institutions.

Does The Secret Game include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No storylines are defined by physical or neurodivergent experiences.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of Nara-Nara, a Japanese detective, offers a degree of non-Western representation for the period.
The female lead, Kitty Little, has significant influence as a central driver of the espionage plot.

Limited or Absent

The narrative reinforces traditional gender roles and relies on standard romantic clichés for its resolution.
The story is heavily centered on Western geopolitical interests, limiting the cultural autonomy of non-Western characters.
The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the office of Major Northfield, the quartermaster of the Pacific Coast, a leak has been discovered which may endanger the safety of American transports that are secretly carrying troops across the Pacific. Nara-Nara, a Japanese detective, is assigned to the case because his country has guaranteed safety to these transport ships. Nara-Nara believes that Northfield is guilty, although in reality it is Northfield's secretary Kitty Little, a girl of German ancestry, who is passing information to Dr. Ebell Smith, a German agent. Nara-Nara falls in love with Kitty, but soon after discovers that she is the leak in the quartermaster's office.

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