You are here:

The Working Girls

Name: The Working Girls
Director: Stephanie Rothman
Released: 1974
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

1974

Director

Stephanie Rothman

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Stephanie Rothman uses the exploitation genre to embed sophisticated feminist critiques. The film's primary strength lies in its subversion of patriarchal structures, placing female survival and autonomy at the center of the narrative. By focusing on women in non-traditional roles, the film elevates female subjectivity over the men in their lives. However, the film lacks significant racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. The cast remains largely homogeneous, and the narrative does not explore queer identities, limiting its multi-layered impact. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a progressive study of gendered ability to act despite its narrow demographic scope.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Working Girls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the sexual liberation and interpersonal relationships of its female characters. It does not depict any non-cisgender genders or explicitly queer identities.

How does The Working Girls portray gender?

Excellent

The movie challenges era-specific norms by emphasizing the ability to act and intellect of its female characters. Women in supportive roles actively drive the plot through camaraderie and decision-making, rather than being passive victims.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Working Girls?

Limited

The cast appears predominantly white, typical of low-budget exploitation films from the mid-1970s. The film does not include diverse casting or explore multi-layered identities.

How does The Working Girls represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges traditional institutions by highlighting women's sexual autonomy. Characters navigate complex social landscapes while positioned on the fringes of conventional morality.

Does The Working Girls include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Strong challenge to traditional gender hierarchies by centering women's ability to drive the story.
Emphasis on female intellect, camaraderie, and survival-driven decision-making.
Sophisticated exploration of female autonomy within an exploitation framework.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Absence of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or queer identities.
Homogeneous casting that lacks multi-layered breadth.

Official Synopsis

A painter, a stripper and a newcomer with no money and a math degree... Three young, ambitious roommates navigating the eccentric and dangerous underworld of 1970s Los Angeles to achieve financial independence

How are these scores produced? →