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It Nearly Wasn't Christmas

Name: It Nearly Wasn't Christmas
Director: Burt Brinckerhoff
Released: 1989
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1989

Director

Burt Brinckerhoff

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1989 holiday film aims to affirm existing societal norms. It relies heavily on traditional formulas and clichés, emphasizing the preservation of the traditional family structure and Western seasonal customs. Character interactions follow a standard hierarchy, with male figures holding the most significant roles. The story centers on sentimental, character-driven storytelling that aligns with the conventional TV standards of its time. Overall, the film does not aim to challenge broader societal norms. Instead, it offers a comforting experience for wide audiences by upholding established cultural expectations without adding layers of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does It Nearly Wasn't Christmas have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional assumptions about straight relationships and gender matching. It does not include any characters with non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does It Nearly Wasn't Christmas portray gender?

Limited

A young girl drives the main plot, but male characters such as Santa and Philpot have the most influence. The film uses typical gender roles and clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It Nearly Wasn't Christmas?

Limited

The cast and setting are very similar, reflecting a single demographic. The story focuses on a Western version of Christmas without including a variety of races or ethnicities.

How does It Nearly Wasn't Christmas represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights Western holiday traditions and the idea of restoring the traditional family unit. It promotes conventional community values and seasonal customs.

Does It Nearly Wasn't Christmas include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters in the film with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The young female character is a key driver of the story.
The film effectively conveys themes of selflessness and the importance of social connections.

Limited or Absent

The film features a homogeneous cast and lacks diversity in race or ethnicity.
The story reinforces traditional gender roles without providing varied representation.
The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender characters.

Official Synopsis

Feeling unneeded, a disillusioned Santa Claus (Charles Durning) quits Christmas. Through the selflessness of a little girl looking to reunite her parents for Christmas (and the help of his bumbling chief elf, Philpot (Bruce Vilanch), Santa and the child travel across America and Santa discovers that people really do need him and care about other people.

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