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Drum Beat

Name: Drum Beat
Director: Delmer Daves
Released: 1954
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

1954

Director

Delmer Daves

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Drum Beat is a classic mid-century Western that follows the conventions of its time. The story emphasizes white, men's control over the story while using Indigenous populations as secondary plot devices to generate tension. The narrative upholds traditional social hierarchies without challenging them. It relies on frontier clichés and conventional views of patriotism and territorial sovereignty to advance its plot. Overall, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities and motivations of non-white characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does Drum Beat have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any non-cisgender or LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Drum Beat portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles are traditional, with male characters driving the action and female characters playing passive roles like the damsel in distress.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Drum Beat?

Limited

Indigenous Modoc characters are portrayed as a monolithic group of antagonists without individual ability to act or complexity.

How does Drum Beat represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film celebrates Western expansion and frontier justice, emphasizing the perspective of settler communities.

Does Drum Beat include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with disabilities or neurodivergence in the story.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear example of 1950s Western genre clichés and frontier archetypes.

Limited or Absent

The portrayal of Indigenous Modoc characters lacks nuance and individual ability to act.
Female characters are confined to passive roles, such as the damsel in distress cliché.
The narrative fails to represent LGBTQ+ identities or disability.

Official Synopsis

President Grant orders Indian fighter MacKay to negotiate with the Modocs of northern California and southern Oregon. On the way he must escort Nancy Meek to the home of her aunt and uncle. After Modoc renegade Captain Jack engages in ambush and other atrocities, MacKay must fight him one-on-one with guns, knives and fists.

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