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The King

Name: The King
Director: Pierre Colombier
Released: 1936
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1936

Approved

Director

Pierre Colombier

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a period study of class conflict and the deconstruction of authority. It moves beyond simple comedy to explore the performative nature of political and social status. While it offers a nuanced look at gendered power dynamics through YouYou Bourdier, it remains limited by the era's lack of diverse representation. Ultimately, the work challenges the stability of traditional institutions like the monarchy, despite its narrow focus on Eurocentric social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The plot focuses on traditional romantic relationships involving the King, an actress, and a senator's wife.

How does The King portray gender?

Fair

YouYou Bourdier challenges traditional female stereotypes by showing indifference to royal power and wealth. The King's authority is portrayed as a performance rather than inherent masculine dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The King?

Limited

The film is centered around French and Cerdanian politics, reflecting the homogeneous casting standards typical of 1930s European cinema.

How does The King represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the sanctity of monarchy by depicting the King as a performer. It also examines the tension between democratic ideals and personal social advancement.

Does The King include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles through YouYou Bourdier's active role.
Critiques the sanctity of monarchy and political institutions.
Examines the performative nature of social and royal authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Maintains a Eurocentric and homogeneous racial perspective.
Provides no visible representation of disability.

Official Synopsis

King John IV of Cerdania, who knows monarchs are a vanishing race but who plays his royalty role in state council or boudoir to the hilt, is in Paris to sign a treaty, and becomes enmeshed in intrigue with an actress, Therese Mannix and involved in a bit of cuckoldry with YouYou Bourdier, the ex-seamstress wife of a French senator, who is un-awed by money, power or the King's kisses. For his part, her husband, Senator Bourdier, is glad to use his wealth, wife and collectivist ideals for social position, in spite of his democratic posing.

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