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For the Common Defense!

Name: For the Common Defense!
Director: Allan Kenward
Released: 1942
Duration: 22 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1942

Director

Allan Kenward

Runtime

22 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

For the Common Defense! functions as a period-specific artifact of wartime mobilization. Its narrative structure upholds traditional institutions and promotes nationalistic solidarity, reflecting the conservative social norms of 1942. The film prioritizes state authority and geopolitical hierarchies. By centering the story on a US agent facilitating international security, the work reinforces established power structures rather than challenging them. While the film attempts to showcase Pan-American cooperation, it does so through a paternalistic lens. The focus remains on reinforcing nationalistic cohesion during a global conflict.

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Category Breakdown

Does For the Common Defense! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on international espionage and wartime cooperation. There is no depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does For the Common Defense! portray gender?

Limited

The plot centers on a male government agent and his interactions with local authorities. Men play a central role in driving the story, reinforcing traditional masculine leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is For the Common Defense!?

Fair

The setting in Chile and Colombia suggests a multi-ethnic cast. However, the narrative likely maintains a hierarchy where the Western protagonist drives the conflict's resolution.

How does For the Common Defense! represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film promotes patriotism and the strength of Western-aligned international institutions. It prioritizes the defense of established political orders and government efficacy.

Does For the Common Defense! include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Promotes international cooperation and Pan-American unity for a common wartime cause.

Limited or Absent

Reinforces paternalistic power dynamics and traditional geopolitical hierarchies.
Lacks representation of non-straight and non-cisgender identities.
Focuses heavily on masculine leadership and state-sanctioned authority.

Official Synopsis

This Crime Does Not Pay short shows how cooperation among all the nations of the Americas helps the war effort. In this case, a US government agent travels to Chile and Colombia. He works with local authorities to try to thwart an Axis plan to ship stolen ammunition.

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