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Big Business

Big Business

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

1937

Approved

Director

Frank R. Strayer

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Big Business is a conventional screwball comedy that centers on the socioeconomic aspirations of its era. The narrative revolves around a small-town drugstore owner's pursuit of wealth through oil investments, staying within the established social norms of the 1930s. The film lacks complexity in its portrayal of diverse identities, focusing instead on a homogeneous cast and traditional gender hierarchies. It upholds mid-century Western values without challenging them, serving as a time capsule of mainstream studio cinema.

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Category Breakdown

Does Big Business have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social norms of the 1930s and does not include any LGBTQ+ identities or narratives involving same-sex relationships.

How does Big Business portray gender?

Limited

The story is driven by the male protagonist's pursuit of economic success. Women play supporting roles, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Big Business?

Minimal

The cast is uniform, with no characters from non-Anglo-Saxon backgrounds included.

How does Big Business represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes Western values such as capitalism and individual success, presenting traditional social hierarchies as the norm.

Does Big Business include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, and the characters are portrayed as able-bodied comedic types typical of the screwball genre.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a genuine depiction of 1930s socioeconomic goals and small-town social dynamics.

Limited or Absent

  • Needs more racial diversity, presenting a wider range of backgrounds.
  • Should offer more subversive character roles rather than reinforcing traditional gender roles.
  • Could benefit from including characters with LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A small town drugstore owner (Jed Prouty) hopes to strike it rich by investing his savings in an oil well. Comedy.

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