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That Certain Thing

Name: That Certain Thing
Director: Frank Capra
Released: 1928
Duration: 64 min

Representation Score

0.5/10

Minimal

1928

Passed

Director

Frank Capra

Runtime

64 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This silent era comedy functions as a standard romantic comedy that reinforces the social and cultural norms of the 1920s. It lacks any significant disruption of traditional norms or demographic diversity. The narrative focuses on socioeconomic hierarchies and courtship, operating within a strictly binary and homogeneous framework. It reflects the era's conventional gender roles and racial homogeneity without subversion. Ultimately, the film serves as a product of its historical moment, prioritizing traditional romantic idealism over inclusive or diverse storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Certain Thing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to the assumptions that everyone is straight and cisgender. There is no evidence of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does That Certain Thing portray gender?

Limited

The story uses standard romantic comedy clichés. While the 'gold-digger' character suggests some female empowerment, motivations remain tied to traditional marriage and courtship.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Certain Thing?

Minimal

The production features a homogeneous cast typical of early Hollywood. There is no evidence of non-white casting or diverse ethnic representation.

How does That Certain Thing represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot reinforces Western institutions like inheritance and the nuclear family. It follows established moral conventions without challenging broader social structures.

Does That Certain Thing include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability is not used as a theme or a plot device.

Present on Screen

The 'gold-digger' character archetype implies a degree of female empowerment in navigating socioeconomic hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, featuring a homogeneous cast.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight or non-cisgender gender expressions.
The narrative fails to include characters with disabilities or address disability-related themes.

Official Synopsis

Gold-digger Molly marries the heir to a fortune, but things go badly when he is disinherited and starts working as a ditch digger.

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