You are here:

Secrets

Name: Secrets
Director: Frank Borzage
Released: 1924
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1924

Director

Frank Borzage

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Frank Borzage's *Secrets* is a period-specific melodrama that centers on the internal emotional journey of its female lead. While the film highlights the protagonist's psychological strength and resilience, it remains firmly grounded in the social norms of its time. The production offers minimal representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities. Racial diversity is limited to a predominantly white cast, with Indigenous characters serving merely as environmental obstacles. Overall, the film upholds traditional values of endurance and marital bonds without challenging broader societal norms.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Secrets have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film lacks LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. Romantic storylines are centered around traditional heterosexual couples.

How does Secrets portray gender?

Fair

The protagonist demonstrates strong independence through her decision to marry against her parents' wishes. However, the story remains focused on domestic matters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Secrets?

Minimal

The cast appears to be primarily Anglo-Saxon. Indigenous characters are shown as environmental obstacles rather than individuals with depth or independence.

How does Secrets represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative follows a typical 1920s moral framework emphasizing marriage and duty. It focuses on restoring traditional values without questioning broader societal structures.

Does Secrets include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No depictions of neurodivergence or chronic illness influence the storyline.

Present on Screen

The film presents a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's independence through her internal reflections and personal choices.
It explores complex emotional themes such as memory, resilience, and the struggle of reconciling with others.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.
Indigenous characters are used as plot obstacles rather than being given depth or independence.
The story adheres strictly to traditional 1920s moral frameworks and domestic norms.

Official Synopsis

An old woman's memories are rekindled as she rereads her diary. She recalls her youth in England when she married a suitor over the objections of her parents and moved with him to the Wyoming frontier. They live a hardscrabble life there and suffered deprivation, hunger, Indian attacks, and the death of her baby. Although they eventually make a go of it, her husband becomes involved with another woman. Now that he is on his deathbed, will she forgive her husband after 40 years.

How are these scores produced? →