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What Goes Up

Name: What Goes Up
Director: Eddie Green
Released: 1939

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1939

Approved

Director

Eddie Green

Runtime

0 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Eddie Green’s involvement in writing, directing, and starring in this film demonstrates a strong sense of ability to act. He challenged the era's systemic exclusion by focusing on Black talent and autonomy. The film's use of an all-Black cast and inclusion of professional artists like Babe Matthews moves beyond mere caricature to genuine cultural expression. While it does not employ contemporary postmodern techniques, it significantly challenges the era's hierarchies of visibility.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Goes Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships, sticking to the typical musical comedy style of the time.

How does What Goes Up portray gender?

Fair

Babe Matthews provides a sense of female professional ability to act through her role as a popular vocal artist. However, the film's stance on broader gender hierarchies remains unconfirmed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Goes Up?

Excellent

The production disrupts 1939 cinematic norms by utilizing an all-Black cast. It centers Black performers rather than relegating them to peripheral roles, asserting a powerful presence.

How does What Goes Up represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film showcases Black musical traditions, including gospel and blues. This centering of Black musicality serves as a counter-narrative to the era's dominant Western pop standards.

Does What Goes Up include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent characters in this work.

Present on Screen

The film features an all-Black cast, offering unprecedented visibility for the era.
Eddie Green maintained creative control by writing, directing, and starring in the film.
The inclusion of diverse musical styles like gospel and blues adds rich cultural depth.

Limited or Absent

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered relationships.
There is no documentation of characters with disabilities in the film.
The film lacks clear character arcs for female leads.

Official Synopsis

An all-black cast feature comedy film written, directed by, and starring Eddie Green. Co-star Babe Matthews was married to Green and she was a very popular vocal artist whose repertoire contained everything from gospel to blues.

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