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Magic on Broadway

Name: Magic on Broadway
Director: Dave Fleischer
Released: 1937
Duration: 8 min

Representation Score

0.5/10

Minimal

1937

Approved

Director

Dave Fleischer

Runtime

8 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Magic on Broadway primarily showcases the technical capabilities of Fleischer Studios' hybrid animation and live-action format. Its short-form novelty-cartoon structure emphasizes slapstick humor and musical performance over character development or social commentary. The film adheres to the comedic and musical norms of 1937, without attempting to challenge traditional clichés or disrupt conventional social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Magic on Broadway have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. The plot revolves around a gambler interacting with arcade machines.

How does Magic on Broadway portray gender?

Limited

The main character is a petty gambler, a role often associated with masculine stereotypes. There are no women in positions of authority or subverted gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Magic on Broadway?

Minimal

The setting and musical performance indicate a lack of racial diversity, with no non-Anglo-Saxon representation. The film follows the homogeneous casting practices of the 1930s.

How does Magic on Broadway represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film explores gambling and cheating, reinforcing traditional morality rather than critiquing systemic issues. It upholds social order without challenging broader societal structures.

Does Magic on Broadway include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The animation focuses on inanimate objects rather than representing human neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film highlights the innovative hybrid animation and live-action techniques of its time.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks diverse character representation and social commentary.
The film adheres to homogeneous casting standards typical of the 1930s.
There is no exploration of LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Part of Paramount/Fleischer Novelty-Cartoon shorts which featured animation in part of it and live-action in th other half. The cartoon half of this entry has a slot-machine player cheating the machines in a penny-arcade by tying a string to the coin and pulling it out again. The machines get rather animated about being cheated and the petty-gambler receives some rough treatment. The second half is about four minutes of music from Jay Freeman and his band, featuring Johnny Russell as the vocalist.

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