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Clive of India

Name: Clive of India
Director: Richard Boleslawski
Released: 1935
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

0.3/10

Minimal

1935

Approved

Director

Richard Boleslawski

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Clive of India is a classic example of 1930s cinema that upholds British imperial prestige. The narrative structure reinforces traditional hierarchies and the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon empire. It presents a worldview where colonial dominance is the primary driver of progress without offering any critique of imperialism or mercantilism. The film celebrates Western institutional power and adheres to rigid gender roles, marginalizing non-Western identities and perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Clive of India have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It assumes that all characters are straight and cisgender.

How does Clive of India portray gender?

Limited

Male characters have the majority of narrative ability to act, while female characters play supporting roles that reinforce traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Clive of India?

Minimal

The story focuses on the British imperial project and portrays Indian characters primarily as subjects or obstacles within the colonial framework.

How does Clive of India represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film highlights the expansion of the East India Company and early capitalism from a Western perspective, emphasizing the historical progression of Western institutions.

Does Clive of India include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by military rank or socioeconomic status.

Present on Screen

Provides a historical perspective on the mid-18th century East India Company era.

Limited or Absent

Indian characters lack independent ability to act and are treated as subjects rather than individuals.
Female characters have minimal ability to act and play supporting roles.
The film fails to critique the systemic impacts of imperialism and mercantilism.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.

Official Synopsis

Fort St. David, Cuddalore, southern India, 1748. While colonial empires battle to seize an enormous territory, rich in spices and precious metals beyond the wildest dreams, and try to gain the favor of the local kings, Robert Clive (1725-1774), a frustrated but talented clerk who works for the East Indian Company and struggles to earn his fortune, makes a bold decision that will change his life forever.

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