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The Great Dan Patch

Name: The Great Dan Patch
Director: Joseph M. Newman
Released: 1949
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

1949

Director

Joseph M. Newman

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a classic example of its time, functioning as a traditional biographical drama. It prioritizes historical realism and conventional social hierarchies over disrupting established norms. The narrative structure centers on male-driven success and traditional romantic clichés. It lacks the intention to challenge systemic power dynamics or offer diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the work presents a stable, traditional depiction of late 19th-century American life, adhering strictly to the demographic and social standards of the period.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Great Dan Patch have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a strictly heterosexual storyline, focusing on the relationships between David Palmer and the women Ruth Treadwell and Cissy Lathrop. It does not include any representation of non-traditional gender identities.

How does The Great Dan Patch portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male characters who drive the plot through inventions and racing. Female characters such as Ruth and Cissy play supporting roles and react to the men’s ambitions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Great Dan Patch?

Minimal

The setting portrays a homogeneous society typical of late 19th-century Indiana. There is no indication of racial diversity or multi-layered complexity in the cast or narrative.

How does The Great Dan Patch represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional Western values and the 'American Dream' ideal. It emphasizes individual achievement and the sanctity of the family unit without questioning societal structures.

Does The Great Dan Patch include disability representation?

Minimal

The characters operate within a standard able-bodied context. There is no depiction of characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent conditions in the plot.

Present on Screen

Offers a stable and historically accurate portrayal of late 19th-century Indiana life.
Clearly conveys traditional themes of individual achievement and the American Dream.

Limited or Absent

Does not represent non-traditional gender identities or LGBTQ+ perspectives.
Female characters have limited roles and do not drive the main plot.
The social environment lacks racial and ethnic diversity or multi-layered complexity.
No characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities are included.

Official Synopsis

David Palmer, a young chemist, returns to his father's Indiana farm, to marry a local school teacher, Ruth Treadwell. David meets again his father's horse-trainer, Ben Lathrop, whose daughter, Cissy, has left high school to help her father. Palmer marries and becomes wealthy through an invention, and is able to indulge his socially-ambitious wife. His father dies and Palmer returns to Indiana, where his interest in harness-racing is rekindled, as is his interest in Cissy Lathrop.

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