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Five Times Five

Name: Five Times Five
Director: Frank P. Donovan
Released: 1939
Duration: 20 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1939

Approved

Director

Frank P. Donovan

Runtime

20 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Five Times Five serves as a historical record of 1939 media practices. While it offers visibility to five female subjects, the narrative remains anchored in traditional hierarchies and patriarchal structures. The film operates as a newsreel-style documentation of a specific event. It focuses on celebrating the phenomenon through a lens of celebrity and religious authority rather than challenging social norms. Ultimately, the work lacks the intention to disrupt conventional expectations, instead reinforcing the mid-century social order through its portrayal of the subjects.

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Category Breakdown

Does Five Times Five have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The 1939 social context reflects a traditional framework where non-straight relationships were not represented publicly.

How does Five Times Five portray gender?

Limited

The film provides rare visibility for five female quintuplets in the 1930s. However, their roles are controlled by male authority figures such as the doctor and the Town Crier.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Five Times Five?

Fair

The film highlights French-Canadian ethnic identity. However, the surrounding social circle lacks diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Five Times Five represent religion and culture?

Limited

The documentary emphasizes traditional Western and religious institutions. The presence of a priest underscores the integration of religious authority into significant social events.

Does Five Times Five include disability representation?

Limited

The quintuplets' unique biological circumstances are presented as a spectacle for public interest. They are portrayed as objects of medical and media attention rather than empowered individuals.

Present on Screen

Provides rare visibility for five female quintuplets in the 1930s.
Highlights French-Canadian ethnic identity within a North American context.

Limited or Absent

Female subjects lack ability to act and are framed through patriarchal authority.
Unique biological traits are treated as a spectacle rather than empowering subjects.
Social circle lacks diverse racial backgrounds.
Reinforces traditional religious and social hierarchies without critique.

Official Synopsis

Cécile, Annette, Yvonne, Émilie and Marie, the Dionne Quintuplets, turn five years old and have a private birthday party in their garden. Other than the five little French-Canadian princesses-of-the-world, the attendees at the party for the sheltered sisters are their doctor-and-mentor Roy Dafoe; a priest and two nurses; radio's "Town Crier" Alexander Woollcott; and RKO-Newsreel cameraman Harry Smith.

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