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Small Local Trains

Name: Small Local Trains
Director: Jean Bastia
Released: 1960
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1960

Director

Jean Bastia

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Small Local Trains is a period piece that adheres closely to the traditional social hierarchies of 1960. The plot centers on a standard familial conflict regarding class and romantic unions, offering little in the way of systemic subversion. While the film introduces a slight disruption of class norms via the traveling theater company, the core narrative remains focused on reconciling the traditional family unit. It lacks the depth required to challenge the era's status quo. Ultimately, the film functions as a conventional drama of its time, prioritizing domestic reconciliation over diverse or progressive representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Small Local Trains have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a heterosexual romance between Gérard and Suzy. There is no visible representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities, nor any critique of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Small Local Trains portray gender?

Fair

Conflict is driven by patriarchal disapproval and paternal authority. However, the mother demonstrates a significant role in driving the story by leaving her domestic sphere to join the traveling theater company.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Small Local Trains?

Limited

The setting appears localized and Eurocentric. The narrative reflects the homogeneous social structures common in mid-century French cinema without including any multi-ethnic representation.

How does Small Local Trains represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores the tension between bourgeois stability and nomadic artistic lifestyles. It offers a minor critique of class through the traveling theater troupe.

Does Small Local Trains include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative provides no evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of a traveling theater troupe provides a subtle critique of rigid bourgeois social classes.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks multi-layered complexity and fails to represent non-white or multi-ethnic populations.
The narrative relies heavily on patriarchal authority and traditional romantic frameworks.
There is no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Émile Durand, an insecticide manufacturer, is appalled to learn that his son Gérard has fallen in love with Suzy, the daughter of a travelling theatre company. Realising his father will never favour the union, Gérard joins the company on their next tour. In an attempt to heal the rift, Durand’s wife goes after Gérard and ends up performing in their next play…

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