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To Have and Have Not

Name: To Have and Have Not
Director: Howard Hawks
Released: 1945
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1945

Approved

Director

Howard Hawks

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

To Have and Have Not stands out for its advanced gender dynamics, particularly through the strong, independent character of Marie 'Slim' Browning. Her intelligence and autonomy challenge the era's passive portrayal of women. While the film achieves balance in its gender roles, it is constrained by the racial hierarchies of its time. The diverse cast reflects the multi-ethnic reality of Martinique, yet the narrative power remains centered on the white leads. The film also provides a thoughtful examination of political ethics, transcending simple adventure to critique the neutrality of individual survival against systemic occupation.

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Category Breakdown

Does To Have and Have Not have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or situations involving non-straight relationships. The romance focuses solely on a heterosexual couple.

How does To Have and Have Not portray gender?

Excellent

Marie 'Slim' Browning challenges the gender norms of the 1940s through her intelligence and independence. She matches the male lead in wit and intellect, breaking away from passive stereotypes to engage in equal dialogue.

How racially and ethnically diverse is To Have and Have Not?

Fair

The film features a multi-ethnic cast reflecting the diverse population of wartime Martinique. However, the narrative power remains focused on the white protagonists, limiting the roles of the Caribbean and French actors.

How does To Have and Have Not represent religion and culture?

Good

The storyline delves into the tension between capitalist neutrality and the moral imperative of anti-fascist resistance. It highlights systemic oppression through the lens of secret rebellion.

Does To Have and Have Not include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities that define their roles within the story.

Present on Screen

Balanced gender roles through the intelligent and independent character of Marie 'Slim' Browning.
Complex exploration of political resistance and the ethics of neutrality during wartime.
A diverse cast reflecting the multi-ethnic reality of the French West Indies.

Limited or Absent

No LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Narrative focus remains centered on white protagonists rather than the diverse ensemble.
No characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A Martinique charter boat skipper gets mixed up with the underground French resistance operatives during WWII.

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