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Ten Cents a Dance

Name: Ten Cents a Dance
Director: Lionel Barrymore
Released: 1931
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1931

Director

Lionel Barrymore

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ten Cents a Dance is a typical period drama that adheres to the conventional social hierarchies of 1931. The narrative relies on established formulas of romantic melodrama, focusing on infidelity and jealousy rather than challenging familiar patterns. The film lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity, offering a homogeneous view of the era. While it touches on class through its protagonist's profession, it does not engage in a broader critique of the socioeconomic structures of the time. Ultimately, the work functions as a traditional character study within a restrictive social framework, providing little representation beyond the dominant cultural norms of the early sound era.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ten Cents a Dance have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional love triangle and does not include any characters with non-conforming gender identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Ten Cents a Dance portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a female protagonist's fight for economic and romantic independence. However, the presence of a jealous husband reinforces traditional ideas where men have control over women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ten Cents a Dance?

Minimal

The film features a cast that appears to be entirely white, following the homogeneous casting standards of early Hollywood without including characters from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.

How does Ten Cents a Dance represent religion and culture?

Limited

The movie examines socioeconomic class through the life of a taxi dancer. It functions as a moral melodrama rather than a critique of social institutions.

Does Ten Cents a Dance include disability representation?

Minimal

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

Present on Screen

The film offers a nascent exploration of female autonomy through the protagonist's internal struggles and romantic choices.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional formulas where men have control over women, reinforcing patriarchal ideas.
The casting and character dynamics lack racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the homogeneous standards of early Hollywood.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

Official Synopsis

A taxi dancer with a jealous husband finds herself falling for a wealthy client.

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