You are here:

The Whispering Chorus

Name: The Whispering Chorus
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Released: 1918
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

1.6/10

Minimal

1918

Director

Cecil B. DeMille

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Whispering Chorus is a classic example of early Hollywood cinema, adhering to the strict moral codes and traditional storytelling prevalent in Cecil B. DeMille's early works. The film centers around a narrative of temptation and redemption that upholds the social hierarchies of its time. Representation in the film is limited, with a homogeneous cast and a plot that focuses on male-driven crime and consequences. Women play central roles but are confined to domestic or emotional roles rather than driving the action. The film upholds conventional Western values without challenging established social norms or providing diverse perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Whispering Chorus have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional storyline where non-straight or non-cisgender identities are not represented. There is no depiction of same-sex relationships or non-traditional gender identities.

How does The Whispering Chorus portray gender?

Limited

Enid Bennett plays a central role, but women are mainly portrayed as moral guides rather than active participants in the plot. The story emphasizes male control over crime and identity, while female characters have limited autonomy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Whispering Chorus?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white and homogeneous, reflecting the early silent film era. There is no evidence of diverse casting to challenge societal norms.

How does The Whispering Chorus represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The narrative supports traditional institutions such as family and the legal system. Crime is framed as a personal moral failing rather than a systemic issue.

Does The Whispering Chorus include disability representation?

Limited

Physical trauma is used as a plot device to deceive the audience about a character's identity. This portrayal lacks nuanced representation of disability and character development.

Present on Screen

Features a strong central performance by Enid Bennett.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity in casting.
Reinforces traditional gender roles without giving female characters significant autonomy.
Uses physical trauma as a plot device rather than for nuanced disability representation.
Does not challenge or critique established social and cultural hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

John Trimble has embezzled and obtains another identity by having a mutilated body buried in his place. He is later arrested for murdering himself. During the trial his mother, before dying from shock, asks him to keep his identity secret since his wife is now married to the Governor and expecting a child.

How are these scores produced? →