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You Try Somebody Else

Name: You Try Somebody Else
Director: Dave Fleischer
Released: 1932
Duration: 10 min

Representation Score

0.2/10

Minimal

1932

Director

Dave Fleischer

Runtime

10 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1932 musical animation serves primarily as a novelty short rather than a narrative exploration of identity. While it features the iconic Betty Boop, the character is used within a brief, kinetic slapstick framework involving a cat burglar. The film's brevity and focus on a 'Bouncing Ball' musical format limit its capacity for complex character development or social critique. It adheres strictly to the comedic and musical conventions of its era. Ultimately, the work lacks intentionality regarding diverse representation, reflecting the standard clichés and celebrity-focused consumption of early animation.

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Category Breakdown

Does You Try Somebody Else have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It focuses on a musical performance and traditional comedy.

How does You Try Somebody Else portray gender?

Limited

Betty Boop is a central female character, but the narrative relies on traditional slapstick humor and does not show women making intellectual decisions or challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is You Try Somebody Else?

Minimal

There is no indication of a diverse cast or actors playing roles traditionally associated with different races. The animation follows early 20th-century conventions without showing racial variety.

How does You Try Somebody Else represent religion and culture?

Limited

The work operates within the entertainment structures and celebrity culture of the early 20th century. It uses comedic theft as a minor social transgression without critiquing broader societal issues.

Does You Try Somebody Else include disability representation?

Minimal

No characters with visible or invisible disabilities are shown. The short does not feature any representation of disability.

Present on Screen

Features the iconic Betty Boop, providing a recognizable and central female presence within the animation.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse casting and representation across racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identities.
Relies on traditional slapstick humor rather than challenging gender hierarchies or exploring complex social themes.
Provides no representation for characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Ethel Merman sings the title song with a Bouncing Ball. Animated sequence: a cat burglar, just out of jail, raids Betty Boop's icebox.

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