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Yellowstone Kelly

Name: Yellowstone Kelly
Director: Gordon Douglas
Released: 1959
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1959

Director

Gordon Douglas

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yellowstone Kelly is a product of the 1950s Hollywood system, emphasizing traditional Western archetypes and clear moral distinctions. The narrative centers on male-driven survival and decision-making, limiting space for diverse perspectives and non-straight identities. While the film acknowledges the presence and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, the power dynamics remain rooted in a white-centric frontier framework. Female characters, although central to the plot, primarily serve to drive the actions of male protagonists. Overall, the film upholds mid-century genre conventions, reinforcing established social hierarchies without challenging them, resulting in a narrow portrayal of the American frontier.

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Category Breakdown

Does Yellowstone Kelly have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Relationships and interactions focus solely on heterosexual romance and male friendships.

How does Yellowstone Kelly portray gender?

Limited

The story is driven by male characters, particularly the protagonist and his assistant. A central female character from the Arapaho tribe plays a key role but mostly serves to advance the male characters' actions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Yellowstone Kelly?

Fair

The narrative recognizes the ability to act of Sioux and Arapaho peoples but keeps the focus on white characters. It reflects the racial tensions and expansionist themes typical of Western films.

How does Yellowstone Kelly represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows conventional Western ideas about frontier justice and honor. It focuses on mid-century American values and individual survival without critiquing systemic issues.

Does Yellowstone Kelly include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There are no significant narrative devices involving characters with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Recognizes the ability to act and presence of Sioux and Arapaho peoples in the narrative.
Establishes a relationship between Kelly and the Sioux chief that highlights Indigenous sovereignty.

Limited or Absent

Female characters lack independent ability to act and mostly serve as catalysts for male-driven plot points.
The film maintains a white-centric perspective that limits the depth of racial and ethnic representation.
No LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent/physical disability representation are included.

Official Synopsis

A fur-trapper named Kelly, who once saved the life of a Sioux chief, is allowed to set his traps in Sioux territory during the late 1870s. Reluctantly he takes on a tenderfoot assistant named Anse and together they give shelter to a runaway Arapaho woman. Tensions develop when Anse falls in love with this woman and when the Sioux chief arrives with his warriors to re-claim her.

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