You are here:

How to Be Very, Very Popular

Name: How to Be Very, Very Popular
Director: Nunnally Johnson
Released: 1955
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Minimal

1955

Approved

Director

Nunnally Johnson

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

How to Be Very, Very Popular adheres to the conventions of mid-1950s studio cinema. It emphasizes traditional character types and social structures, offering little in the way of critical examination or multi-layered complexity. While the film highlights women through its central female leads, the narrative remains tied to the cultural norms of the era. The comedic tension often arises from characters deviating from social norms rather than actively challenging them. Overall, the production reflects the homogeneous and conservative social frameworks of its time, lacking representation for diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does How to Be Very, Very Popular have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any characters with non-straight sexual orientations or non-cisgender gender identities. The plot revolves around situational comedy rather than exploring LGBTQ+ themes.

How does How to Be Very, Very Popular portray gender?

Fair

The film features prominent female leads who provide visibility for women in key roles. However, the comedy often depends on traditional gender roles and social boundaries rather than challenging patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Be Very, Very Popular?

Minimal

The cast and setting reflect a homogeneous social environment typical of the 1950s. There is no indication of diverse racial or ethnic representation.

How does How to Be Very, Very Popular represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story unfolds within the context of mid-20th century American social institutions such as college fraternities. It reinforces existing social norms through a traditional 'fish out of water' scenario.

Does How to Be Very, Very Popular include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the primary descriptions or plot summary.

Present on Screen

Highlights women through prominent female leads in central roles.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a homogeneous social environment.
Does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Fails to include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Reinforces traditional social hierarchies rather than subverting them.

Official Synopsis

Two strippers on the run hide out in a college fraternity. Director Nunnally Johnson's 1955 musical comedy stars Betty Grable, Sheree North, Robert Cummings, Charles Coburn, Tommy Noonan, Orson Bean, Fred Clark, Alice Pearce, Rhys Williams, Willard Waterman, Leslie Parrish and Jesslyn Fax.

How are these scores produced? →