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The Saint Takes Over

Name: The Saint Takes Over
Director: Jack Hively
Released: 1940
Duration: 69 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1940

Director

Jack Hively

Runtime

69 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Saint Takes Over follows the conventions of 1940s crime cinema. While the plot introduces moral complexity by challenging the infallibility of legal institutions, the social framework remains traditional. The film emphasizes the classic vigilante archetype, reinforcing the demographic and social norms of the era. Ultimately, it lacks exploration of diverse identities and functions as a conventional crime mystery centered on white male protagonists.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Saint Takes Over have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships, sticking to the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Saint Takes Over portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on male characters, with women playing supporting roles. Female characters do not challenge the existing gender hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Saint Takes Over?

Limited

The film centers on white characters, reflecting the homogeneous casting practices of its time. There is no significant representation of non-white characters in the main storyline.

How does The Saint Takes Over represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot explores moral complexity by questioning the reliability of institutions, but it stays within traditional Western ideas of individual heroism.

Does The Saint Takes Over include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent conditions. No information is available to assess this category.

Present on Screen

The plot offers a nuanced look at institutional corruption and the reliability of the state.
The narrative provides moral complexity by exploring the framing of a legal official.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.
The casting and narrative focus reflect a lack of racial and ethnic diversity.
Female characters are relegated to secondary roles rather than driving the plot.

Official Synopsis

The Saint Takes Over, released in 1940 by RKO Pictures, was the fifth motion picture featuring the adventures of Simon Templar, a.k.a. "The Saint" the Robin Hood-inspired crimefighter created by Leslie Charteris. This film focuses on the character of Inspector Henry Farnack. When Farnack is framed by a gang he is investigating, it is up to The Saint to clear his name.

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