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PT 109

Name: PT 109
Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Released: 1963
Duration: 140 min

Representation Score

0.3/10

Minimal

1963

Approved

Director

Leslie H. Martinson

Runtime

140 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

PT 109 is a quintessential example of mid-century traditionalist cinema. The narrative structure reinforces established social and institutional hierarchies rather than challenging them. The film prioritizes historical conformity and a streamlined depiction of wartime duty. This results in a lack of demographic breadth and a commitment to singular, institutionalized moralities. Ultimately, the work serves as a baseline for traditional Western storytelling, characterized by a lack of multi-layered complexity and a focus on conventional genre structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does PT 109 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a male-dominated military environment and does not include queer perspectives or non-cisgender identities.

How does PT 109 portray gender?

Minimal

The story centers almost exclusively on male military personnel. Women are absent from the primary setting, reinforcing traditional hierarchies and masculine archetypes of leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is PT 109?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the demographic homogeneity of the era. While depicting conflict with Japanese forces, it lacks nuanced perspectives on the way different parts of someone's identity overlap or the lasting effects of historical colonization.

How does PT 109 represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film emphasizes patriotism and military discipline. It portrays Western military institutions as heroic, reinforcing mid-century values and the stability of the established order.

Does PT 109 include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of neurodivergence or physical disability with real depth. The focus remains entirely on the operational functionality of the crew.

Present on Screen

The film provides a clear, streamlined depiction of wartime duty and military discipline.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks demographic breadth and fails to include diverse gender or racial perspectives.
The film reinforces traditional hierarchies rather than offering nuanced or multi-layered critiques.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.

Official Synopsis

Dramatization of President John F. Kennedy's war time experiences during which he captained a PT boat, took it to battle and had it sunk by a Japanese destroyer. He and the survivors had to make their way to an island, find food and shelter and signal the Navy for rescue.

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