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So You Want to Build a House

Name: So You Want to Build a House
Director: Richard L. Bare
Released: 1948
Duration: 11 min

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Representation Score

0.5/10

Minimal

1948

Approved

Director

Richard L. Bare

Runtime

11 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1948 comedic short is a product of the mid-century studio system, prioritizing conventional narrative structures over social critique. The film follows the Joe McDoakes archetype, focusing on an individualistic struggle against domestic and bureaucratic hurdles. The production lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of identity, reflecting the era's standard casting and thematic limitations. It reinforces traditional Western ideals of property and stability rather than challenging them. Ultimately, the film serves as a period-typical comedy that avoids engaging with social hierarchies or diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does So You Want to Build a House have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities. It adheres to the assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth and straight-centered standards typical of its time.

How does So You Want to Build a House portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male protagonist dealing with a domestic crisis. It uses traditional gendered humor without challenging existing hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is So You Want to Build a House?

Minimal

The production reflects the homogeneous casting practices of the late 1940s. There is no indication of a non-white majority cast or diverse ethnic representation.

How does So You Want to Build a House represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes traditional Western values through the pursuit of homeownership. It presents the American Dream as a central, albeit comedic, theme.

Does So You Want to Build a House include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The focus remains strictly on the protagonist's domestic struggle.

Present on Screen

Provides a clear look at mid-century comedic archetypes and the 'American Dream' cliché.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities, diverse racial groups, or characters with disabilities.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and homogeneous social norms of the 1940s.

Official Synopsis

In this comedic short, Joe McDoakes is evicted from his apartment and decides to build his own home. As the project progresses, his dream house turns into a nightmare.

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