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The King

Name: The King
Director: James W. Horne, Charley Rogers
Released: 1930
Duration: 20 min

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

1930

Director

James W. Horne, Charley Rogers

Runtime

20 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The King serves as a traditional comedic figure in line with the social norms of the 1930s. The plot revolves around slapstick interpersonal conflicts and relies on established archetypes from the early sound era. While the film slightly challenges the archetype of a competent male leader by showing the king as irresponsible, it does not address multi-layered identities. The narrative structure adheres to conventional, straight-centered, and Western-centric frameworks. Ultimately, the film reflects the entertainment standards of its time without attempting to deconstruct systemic power or represent underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does The King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on issues related to marriage and fidelity, but does not include any characters with non-binary gender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The King portray gender?

Limited

The king is portrayed as incompetent and immature, challenging the typical image of a strong male leader. However, the queen is described as 'shrewish,' which reinforces negative stereotypes about women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The King?

Minimal

The film follows the casting practices of its time and does not feature characters of color or diverse ethnic backgrounds with significant roles.

How does The King represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights traditional Western monarchy and humor based on social blunders, without critiquing Western institutions or religious norms.

Does The King include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are defined by their personality flaws and social roles, and there are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned.

Present on Screen

Challenges the 'competent male leader' stereotype by depicting the king as an irresponsible, immature figure.

Limited or Absent

Relies on the 'shrewish queen' stereotype, which reinforces negative views of women.
Does not include characters with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender traits.
Lacks characters of color or diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Does not feature individuals with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The king is a juvenile dolt who tries the patience of the shrewish queen. While she's in the throne room awaiting him, he's outside playing with guns, drilling his soldiers, and dallying with the wife of a new minister. The queen catches him kissing her, her husband figures out that something fishy is going on, and the king tries his best to proceed with his plans for a night out. The queen contrives to keep him cuffed in the bedroom: king, queen, minister, and coquette end up in a game of musical beds. Will his royal highness get his night out?

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