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Gracie!

Name: Gracie!
Director: Brian Percival
Released: 2009
Duration: 78 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2009

Director

Brian Percival

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Gracie! is a traditional biographical drama that emphasizes historical realism over challenging social norms. It successfully portrays a strong female protagonist who navigates both professional success and personal illness with autonomy. The film's diversity is limited by its period setting and focus on conventional social structures. While it addresses ethnic tension through the protagonist's husband, the narrative remains centered on traditional patriotic values. Ultimately, the film provides a nuanced look at women's ability to drive the story and wartime identity but stays within the boundaries of established historical storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Gracie! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a heterosexual relationship and does not include any LGBTQ+ narratives or characters with non-binary gender identities.

How does Gracie! portray gender?

Fair

Gracie Fields is shown as a highly successful professional who plays a significant role in driving the story forward despite facing physical challenges and wartime pressures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Gracie!?

Fair

The cast is primarily white, reflecting the demographics of the time. However, the film touches on ethnic complexity through Monty Banks's Italian heritage and the threat of internment.

How does Gracie! represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative is grounded in traditional Western institutions and patriotism. It highlights community resilience and the role of a national icon during a global conflict.

Does Gracie! include disability representation?

Fair

Gracie’s battle with cervical cancer is depicted with resilience. The film avoids melodrama, focusing instead on her ability to perform despite her health issues.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of female professional ability to act and autonomy.
Nuanced depiction of physical illness without relying on melodrama.
Exploration of how ethnic identity intersects with national loyalty during wartime.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-conventional gender narratives.
Limited racial diversity beyond the specific ethnic tension involving the husband.
Heavy reliance on traditional Western institutions and patriotic clichés.

Official Synopsis

In 1939 Gracie Fields, the 'Queen of Hearts', is at the height of her success as a singer and actress and the whole nation seems to wish her a speedy recovery from cervical cancer. When World War Two breaks out, Gracie sings for the troops despite poor health, to the dismay of her fussy husband, film director Monty Banks, an Italian, born Mario Bianchi. With Italy's entry into the war Monty is in danger of being interned so Gracie consents to his moving to America whilst she tours Canada, fund-raising for the war effort. She is accused of deserting the country which made her famous and booed offstage, though she later tours battlefields as a singer. With the war over she regains popularity, performing 'Take Me To Your Heart Again' at the London Palladium. Banks dies in 1950 and, though still a successful singer, Gracie never regains her pre-war iconic status.

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