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Hour of Death

Name: Hour of Death
Director: Joaquín Romero Marchent
Released: 1964
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1964

Director

Joaquín Romero Marchent

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Hour of Death is a conventional 1964 Western that emphasizes genre clichés over social critique. While it includes East Asian and Mestizo characters, these roles are largely functional within the plot. The narrative is heavily influenced by traditional hierarchies. Female and disabled characters serve primarily as catalysts for male action, often depicted as figures to be rescued or protected rather than independent agents. Ultimately, the film adheres to the moral and social standards of its time, focusing on romantic devotion and heroic sacrifice within a strictly straight-centered framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hour of Death have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional romance between Bob Carey and Mary. There are no characters with non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Hour of Death portray gender?

Fair

Mary plays a key role in driving the plot, but her illness limits her influence. The story relies on male protection to advance the expedition.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hour of Death?

Fair

Lin-Chu and the mestizo character Bets add ethnic variety to the cast. Their roles provide functional diversity within the frontier setting.

How does Hour of Death represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights mid-century Western values such as marriage and sacrifice. It follows conventional moral standards without challenging institutional norms.

Does Hour of Death include disability representation?

Fair

Mary's brain tumor drives the plot, but she is shown mainly as a suffering figure. Her illness triggers male heroism in the story.

Present on Screen

Features a diverse frontier ecosystem through characters like Lin-Chu and Bets.
Exceeds the era's typical racial homogeneity by featuring East Asian and Mestizo individuals.

Limited or Absent

Female characters have limited influence, often serving as passive figures to be rescued.
Disability is portrayed through the 'suffering victim' cliché rather than personal ability to act.
The narrative relies on traditional gender hierarchies and protectionist dynamics.

Official Synopsis

When Bob Carey is released from prison after a long sentence for murder, begins the search for Mary, his former girlfriend. But soon he finds out that during his absence, she has married Clifford, a wealthy landowner. The happiness of that marriage is only apparent, Mary, in fact, is seriously ill, suffering from a brain tumor whose pains she attributes to an imaginary pregnancy. It becomes necessary to bring to the city of Laredo for an operation, so Clifford sells all his possessions and begins the long journey towards hope. Soon others will join the expedition: a former army scout named Rogers, a nice Chinese cook, Lin-Chu, and a mestizo that responds to the name of "Bets".

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