You are here:

Self Defense

Name: Self Defense
Director: Phil Rosen
Released: 1932
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1932

Passed

Director

Phil Rosen

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Self Defense is a period drama that adheres to the moral binaries and genre clichés prevalent in the early 1930s. While it features a businesswoman with economic influence, the narrative remains rooted in conventional social structures. The story prioritizes traditional notions of justice and reputation over broader social critiques. The conflict between a principled entrepreneur and an unethical rival unfolds predictably towards a moralistic conclusion. Ultimately, the film reflects the era’s homogeneous casting and conservative values, offering limited multi-layered complexity or diverse representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Self Defense have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional romance between Tim Reed and Nona, focusing on heterosexual relationships. There are no characters with non-conforming gender identities.

How does Self Defense portray gender?

Fair

Katy Devoux is portrayed as a businesswoman with economic influence. However, her actions are driven by traditional concerns about family and social standing.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Self Defense?

Minimal

The story lacks characters from non-Anglo-Saxon backgrounds. The setting and cast reflect the homogeneous casting practices typical of 1930s Hollywood.

How does Self Defense represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film upholds traditional Western morals and social norms. It emphasizes the distinction between principled and unethical behavior.

Does Self Defense include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent characters in this film.

Present on Screen

Includes a female protagonist with economic influence and authority.
Presents a clear moral framework with well-established character types.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the characters.
Depends on traditional gender roles and social anxieties.
Does not include any LGBTQ+ representation or non-conforming gender identities.

Official Synopsis

Katy Devoux runs a gambling-drinking joint in British Columbia. She is a fair-playing business woman, but is ashamed of the source of her income, so she has had her daughter Nona raised in the states. Jeff Bowman, an unprincipled scoundrel and business rival, arranges for her daughter to come to town in hope of bringing shame to the mother. He overplays his hand and is killed by Tim Reed, a faithful retainer of Katy's and in love with Nona. The plea is self defense.

How are these scores produced? →