You are here:

It's a Gift

Name: It's a Gift
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Released: 1934
Duration: 68 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1934

Director

Norman Z. McLeod

Runtime

68 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

It's a Gift is a classic product of the 1930s studio system, emphasizing escapism and romantic resolution over social critique. The film focuses on the wealthy and adheres to traditional courtship norms. While the screwball comedy style allows women some wit and influence, the overall structure remains very conventional. The narrative reinforces the social hierarchies and gender roles typical of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Ultimately, the film lacks intentional diversity in race, culture, or identity, reflecting the era's homogeneous mainstream cinema.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does It's a Gift have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does It's a Gift portray gender?

Fair

Women characters use their wit and social manipulation to have some influence, but the story still upholds traditional gender roles and domestic duties.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It's a Gift?

Minimal

The cast is mostly white and represents an upper-class society. It lacks diverse ethnic backgrounds and intentionally includes actors of different races.

How does It's a Gift represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers on high-society manners and social escape. It supports traditional norms without questioning Western institutions or religious practices.

Does It's a Gift include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are portrayed as fully able-bodied. There are no visible or invisible disabilities shown.

Present on Screen

Women characters use their wit and social manipulation in the screwball comedy style.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, featuring a predominantly white cast.
The story reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and conventional romantic structures.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or diverse cultural perspectives.

Official Synopsis

After he inherits some money, Harold Bissonette ("pronounced bis-on-ay") decides to give up the grocery business, move to California and run an orange grove. Despite his family's objections and the news that the land he bought is worthless, Bissonette packs up and drives out to California with his nagging wife Amelia and children.

How are these scores produced? →