The Devil by the Tail
1969
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 3.2 out of 10
You are here:
Find another title
Type to search for movies. Use arrow keys to navigate suggestions, Enter to select, Escape to close.
The Flim-Flam Man
1967
NRDirector
Irvin Kershner
Runtime
104 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
A veritable master of the trade, con man Mordecai Jones has taken part in his fair share of scams. When he happens upon a young army deserter, Curley, Jones decides to pass on his knowledge of swindling to the likable novice. As the two blaze through the rural South, Curley meets Bonnie Lee Packard, a girl of privilege, who helps the two crooks evade the local sheriff. But Curley soon questions his newfound profession.
Where to Watch
Diversity & Representation
Overall Score
2.7/10
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film contains no LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. The narrative remains strictly within traditional 1960s social structures without queer subtext.
Gender Representation
The story is heavily male-centric, focusing on the mentorship between the two leads. While Bonnie Lee Packard shows agency, she primarily serves as a catalyst for the male protagonist's growth.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Set in the rural South, the film features a predominantly white, homogeneous cast. There is a lack of intersectional representation or non-white characters with high agency.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The film explores moral relativism through the lens of professional swindlers. It avoids a simple good-versus-evil binary, though it lacks a systemic critique of Western institutions.
Disability Representation
No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed within the central character arcs. The film does not engage with neurodivergence or physical disability.
Strengths
- Offers a sophisticated exploration of moral ambiguity and situational ethics.
- Effectively deconstructs the traditional hero archetype through its swindler protagonists.
- Provides a nuanced look at professional craft and survival through character-driven storytelling.
Areas for Improvement
- Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a very homogeneous cast.
- Gender roles remain conventional, with female characters serving primarily as catalysts for men.
- Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or individuals with disabilities.
AI Analysis
The film functions as a period-accurate character study that prioritizes mid-century social norms. It excels at deconstructing the hero archetype through its anti-social protagonists but lacks modern intersectional depth. While the narrative offers a sophisticated look at situational ethics and moral ambiguity, it remains tethered to traditional storytelling structures. The focus stays on male-driven dynamics and a homogeneous social landscape. Ultimately, the work reflects the era's social constraints rather than attempting to disrupt them. It provides a window into 1960s character archetypes without addressing broader systemic diversity.
Similar Movies
The Passionate Thief
1960
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.9 out of 10
The 'Maggie'
1954
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 4.3 out of 10
The Art of Love
1965
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 1.8 out of 10
The Horse's Mouth
1958
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.2 out of 10
Eight on the Lam
1967
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 1.4 out of 10
Totòtruffa '62
1961
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.8 out of 10
The Cracksman
1963
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.6 out of 10
Law and Disorder
1958
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.9 out of 10
There Was a Crooked Man
1960
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.2 out of 10
Holy Year
1976
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.4 out of 10
Crooks
1983
No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.8 out of 10
Rate this Movie
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.