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Bells of San Angelo

Name: Bells of San Angelo
Director: William Witney
Released: 1947
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1947

Approved

Director

William Witney

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bells of San Angelo is a traditional 1947 Western that adheres closely to the conventions of its time. The plot centers around a classic crime-and-rescue storyline involving silver mining and border security. The film reinforces existing social hierarchies through its reliance on passive female roles and standard genre clichés. While the setting provides a backdrop for ethnic tension, the characters tend to function as genre archetypes rather than complex individuals. Ultimately, the film reflects the era's emphasis on traditional Western values and clear-cut morality, offering limited progressive representation or subversion of social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bells of San Angelo have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities. The story revolves around a traditional relationship between a male lead and a female character.

How does Bells of San Angelo portray gender?

Limited

Madison's role is primarily passive, serving as a catalyst for the male hero's rescue mission. She plays a minor part in driving the plot forward.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bells of San Angelo?

Fair

The Mexican border setting introduces ethnic tensions through resource disputes. However, these elements seem to rely on standard genre clichés rather than nuanced character development.

How does Bells of San Angelo represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional Western values and a binary moral structure centered around law enforcement and property protection. It emphasizes the importance of order and stability within the frontier context.

Does Bells of San Angelo include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The border setting creates a clear framework for conflict and tension.
The plot follows a high-energy, traditional adventure structure typical of the genre.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on passive female roles and the damsel-in-distress cliché.
Ethnic elements are used for tension rather than providing deep character's ability to drive the story.
The film lacks diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Gridley is mining silver from an old Mexican mine and bringing it into the USA thru a passage into his worthless mine. Border guard Rogers suspects Gridley and finally finds the secret entrance to the Mexican mine. He sends Lee Madison for help only to have her captured by Gridley. Trigger brings help that takes care of Gridley's men and now Roy has to rescue Madison.

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