You are here:

I Was a Spy

Name: I Was a Spy
Director: Victor Saville
Released: 1933
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

1933

Director

Victor Saville

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This film stands out as a significant historical artifact from its era, particularly for its casting and character's ability to drive the story. By featuring Anna May Wong in a central role, the film deviates from the predominantly Anglo-Saxon casting standards of 1930s Western cinema. Despite the traditionalist themes, the female lead holds a unique position of strategic importance, acting as an active participant in espionage rather than a passive observer. However, the film sticks to conventional romantic structures and lacks diversity in LGBTQ+ representation or disability portrayal, staying true to the moral frameworks of its time.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does I Was a Spy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The main romance revolves around the female lead and a German commandant.

How does I Was a Spy portray gender?

Good

A female protagonist leads the espionage plot, playing a significant role in driving the narrative through her intellect and strategic decisions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is I Was a Spy?

Excellent

Casting Anna May Wong in a central role is a notable exception to the casting norms of the 1930s, providing substantial visibility for a woman of color.

How does I Was a Spy represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional wartime values and patriotism, maintaining a singular moral framework centered on institutional loyalty and the national cause.

Does I Was a Spy include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any prominent characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities that affect the story.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist who drives the espionage plot through her intellect and strategic decisions.
Provides exceptional visibility for a woman of color by casting Anna May Wong in a central, high-stakes role.
Challenges the standard casting practices of the 1930s by placing a woman of color at the heart of a wartime drama.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships, adhering to conventional romantic structures.
Maintains a singular moral framework centered on traditional wartime values and patriotism.
Does not depict any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities that impact the story.

Official Synopsis

During World War I, a young nurse in a hospital in German-occupied Belgium is secretly feeding military information to the British. Complicating matters is the guilt she feels when she has to treat the German casualties inflicted as a result of the information she's passed on, and the fact that the local German commandant is falling in love with her.

How are these scores produced? →