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The Touch of Satan

Name: The Touch of Satan
Director: Don Henderson
Released: 1971
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1971

Director

Don Henderson

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Touch of Satan follows a conventional 1970s regional horror format. It relies on traditional archetypes like the farmer's daughter and the decaying matriarch, reinforcing standard clichés of the era. The film's homogeneous setting and focus on traditional romance indicate a lack of intentional characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity or disruption of social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Touch of Satan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional romantic relationship between Jodie and Melissa. It does not include any queer narratives or characters with non-cisgender identities.

How does The Touch of Satan portray gender?

Fair

Melissa is central to the mystery but her role is tied to the traditional farmer's daughter archetype. The film relies on familiar clichés related to aging women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Touch of Satan?

Limited

The story takes place on a California farm and implies a homogeneous social environment. There is no indication of a diverse cast or non-Anglo-Saxon characters.

How does The Touch of Satan represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story revolves around localized family secrets and traditional concepts of sin and morality. It does not offer a broader social critique.

Does The Touch of Satan include disability representation?

Minimal

An elderly woman is present, but it is unclear if she represents a character with disability who has ability to act. She may serve as a plot device for the horror element.

Present on Screen

Melissa, the female lead, drives the central mystery and uncovers historical truths.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks diverse casting and does not include queer narratives or non-cisgender identities.
Gender roles are tied to traditional domestic archetypes, failing to subvert social hierarchies.
The narrative lacks a diverse racial or ethnic cast, implying a homogeneous social environment.

Official Synopsis

A murderous and decrepit old woman resides on a California walnut farm with her family. On a whim, a traveler named Jodie makes a brief side trip to the farm, where he meets and falls in love with Melissa, the proverbial farmer's daughter. Jodie and Melissa grow closer as Melissa begins to reveal the strange, dark history of her family.

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