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It's a Big Country

Name: It's a Big Country
Director: Clarence Brown, Don Hartman, John Sturges, Richard Thorpe, Charles Vidor, Don Weis, William A. Wellman
Released: 1951
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1951

Director

Clarence Brown, Don Hartman, John Sturges, Richard Thorpe, Charles Vidor, Don Weis, William A. Wellman

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This anthology film serves as a bridge between traditional and modern cinema. While it upholds many conventional social structures, it also presents diverse segments that offer glimpses of different communities. The inclusion of African American achievements stands out as a notable strength, providing a richer perspective compared to more uniform films of the era. However, the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and disabilities, and its portrayal of women is confined to traditional roles of the time.

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Category Breakdown

Does It's a Big Country have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that challenge traditional views on sexuality. It follows the typical norms of the time, focusing on heterosexual relationships.

How does It's a Big Country portray gender?

Fair

One part of the film highlights a woman contesting her exclusion from the census, showing her involvement in civic matters. However, her role remains within the traditional gender roles of the mid-20th century.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It's a Big Country?

Good

The film includes a segment dedicated to the achievements of African Americans, providing a deeper look at their contributions rather than just being tokens. This adds significant value to the film’s racial representation.

How does It's a Big Country represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie uses a university lecture as a frame, presenting a secular academic viewpoint. It also includes satirical elements, such as a humorous tribute to Texas, which offers a nuanced view of American identity.

Does It's a Big Country include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of any characters with physical or cognitive disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Features a segment highlighting the achievements of African Americans.
Uses satire to explore regional American identities in a humorous way.
Presents a secular academic viewpoint to balance traditional religious themes.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Does not depict any characters with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Women's roles are limited to traditional mid-20th century social norms.

Official Synopsis

Comprised of eight unrelated episodes of inconsistent quality, this anthology piece of American propaganda features some of MGM Studios' best directors, screenwriters and actors; it is narrated by Louis Calhern. Stories are framed by the lecture of a university professor. In one tale a Boston resident becomes angry when the census forgets to record her presence. Another sketch chronicles the achievements of African Americans while still another pays tongue-in-cheek tribute to Texas.

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