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Dangerous to Know

Name: Dangerous to Know
Director: Robert Florey
Released: 1938
Duration: 70 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1938

Director

Robert Florey

Runtime

70 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film adheres to the strict social and narrative conventions of 1938 crime cinema. It introduces ethnic representation through Madame Lan Ying but primarily reinforces traditional hierarchies of gender and class. Power dynamics favor the male protagonist, whose pursuit of women drives the main conflict. This setup restricts the roles of the female characters, who are defined by their relationships to him. Overall, the film upholds the era's cinematic clichés, focusing on romantic conquest and social climbing rather than challenging status or identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dangerous to Know have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a traditional love triangle involving a man and two women. There are no characters with non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Dangerous to Know portray gender?

Fair

Steve Recka holds the majority of the power as the male protagonist. Margaret Van Kase exhibits strong psychological independence, but the female characters are generally defined by their relationships to the male lead.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dangerous to Know?

Limited

Madame Lan Ying represents East Asian heritage. However, her role as a mistress suggests a reliance on period-specific clichés rather than nuanced characterization.

How does Dangerous to Know represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film emphasizes Western ideas of wealth and social standing. It reinforces traditional social hierarchies through the lens of a political figure.

Does Dangerous to Know include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Margaret Van Kase remains independent and unaffected by wealth and power.
Madame Lan Ying provides East Asian representation.

Limited or Absent

The story reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and heterosexual relationships.
Female characters are often defined by their secondary status to the male lead.
Ethnic representation relies on period-specific clichés.

Official Synopsis

Racketeer Steve Recka, art patron and political power-maker, rules his town and Madame Lan Ying, his beautiful friend and hostess (read:mistress), with an iron hand. He meets Margaret Van Kase, a socialite not impressed by his power nor his wealth, having no money herself, and Steve makes frantic efforts to win her and turns away from the loyal Lin Yang.

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