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Petey Wheatstraw

Name: Petey Wheatstraw
Director: Cliff Roquemore
Released: 1977
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1977

Director

Cliff Roquemore

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Petey Wheatstraw is a unique piece of independent Black cinema that prioritizes cultural representation and comedic subversion. By using Rudy Ray Moore’s persona as the narrative’s foundation, the film moves away from the Eurocentric norms typically found in 1970s fantasy and horror. However, the film's diversity is uneven. While it excels in racial representation and the subversion of traditional genre clichés, it relies on conventional gendered clichés. The lack of representation for LGBTQ+ and disabled characters further limits the overall score. Ultimately, the film serves as a vehicle for community-specific storytelling, favoring a Black comedic perspective over mainstream Hollywood structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Petey Wheatstraw have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The plot revolves around a marriage arrangement involving the protagonist and a supernatural entity's daughter.

How does Petey Wheatstraw portray gender?

Fair

Female characters seem to serve mainly as plot catalysts rather than having significant roles in driving the story. The narrative employs traditional female clichés, such as the 'damsel' archetype, within its fantasy setting.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Petey Wheatstraw?

Excellent

The film highlights strong racial representation by centering a Black protagonist and using Rudy Ray Moore’s specific comedic style. It breaks away from Eurocentric genre conventions through its casting and thematic focus.

How does Petey Wheatstraw represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative challenges singular religious morality by framing the conflict within an infernal setting. It emphasizes comedic rebellion and surreal elements over traditional Western moral structures.

Does Petey Wheatstraw include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong racial representation through central Black casting and the use of cultural vernacular.
Subversion of traditional Western morality and religious archetypes within a supernatural setting.
Disruption of standard genre expectations by centering a Black protagonist in a fantasy/horror framework.

Limited or Absent

Reliance on traditional gendered clichés, such as the 'damsel' archetype for female characters.
Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Petey Wheatstraw is a candidate to become the devil's son-in-law. The storyline is a scaffolding on which Rudy Ray Moore's standup humor can be unfolded. Beginning life as the afterbirth to a watermelon, the young Wheatstraw becomes a martial artist, but is unable to best the evil comedy team of Leroy and Skillet, who also indulge in wholesale murder. Satan restores the comedians' victims to life, and charges Petey with the task of marrying his clock-stoppingly ugly daughter to give him a grandchild. When Petey attempts to default on the deal, he is pursued by the devil's henchmen.

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