You are here:

Held For Ransom

Name: Held For Ransom
Director: Clarence Bricker
Released: 1938
Duration: 59 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

1938

Approved

Director

Clarence Bricker

Runtime

59 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Held For Ransom operates within the conventional social and systemic frameworks of 1938 crime cinema. While the inclusion of a female detective offers a slight departure from standard genre clichés, the film largely adheres to the period's traditional hierarchies. The narrative lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity, focusing instead on protecting established economic interests and Anglo-Saxon-centric protagonists. It reflects the demographic and cultural homogeneity typical of late-1930s American productions.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Held For Ransom have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities, nor does it challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. This reflects the strict censorship and social norms of 1938.

How does Held For Ransom portray gender?

Fair

A female detective plays a significant role, diverging from typical male-dominated crime stories. However, it is unclear if she truly challenges the status quo or simply fits a standard archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Held For Ransom?

Minimal

The story focuses on a wealthy businessman and a detective, indicating a homogeneous demographic. Characters of color are not represented and do not play significant roles.

How does Held For Ransom represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot centers on protecting private property and capitalist stability, reinforcing Western institutions and law and order rather than questioning them.

Does Held For Ransom include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of a female detective provides a notable example of women playing significant roles in a traditionally male-dominated genre.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, centering on a demographic framework typical of its time.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent and physical disabilities.
The narrative reinforces existing capitalist and social hierarchies rather than exploring diverse cultural perspectives.

Official Synopsis

A female detective investigates the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman.

How are these scores produced? →