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Tarzan and the Amazons

Name: Tarzan and the Amazons
Director: Kurt Neumann
Released: 1945
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1945

Director

Kurt Neumann

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out for its structural subversion of gender roles, presenting a cohesive matriarchal society where women hold primary authority. This provides a rare disruption of the submissive female archetypes common in 1940s adventure cinema. However, these progressive elements are heavily offset by the era's restrictive casting and colonialist framework. The depiction of the Amazonian culture often reinforces Western perspectives rather than dismantling them. Ultimately, the film is a product of its time, balancing a unique social hierarchy against the racial and cultural clichés of mid-century Hollywood.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tarzan and the Amazons have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not show any non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships. Even though there are no men in the Amazonian society, the romantic relationships still follow traditional heterosexual norms.

How does Tarzan and the Amazons portray gender?

Good

The film challenges mid-century norms by focusing on a matriarchal society of female warriors. These women play a significant role in driving the story, showing strength and leadership without needing male supervision.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tarzan and the Amazons?

Limited

The casting reflects the homogeneous standards of 1940s Hollywood. The African setting is portrayed through an exoticized lens, lacking a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.

How does Tarzan and the Amazons represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story presents a clash between a self-governing tribe and external intruders. While it offers a subtle critique of patriarchal models, it relies heavily on the 'exoticized other' cliché.

Does Tarzan and the Amazons include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that affect the narrative or provide character's ability to drive the story.

Present on Screen

The film disrupts conventional gender expectations through its matriarchal focus.
Amazonian women are shown with strong ability to act, physical prowess, and leadership.
The narrative subtly critiques the necessity of patriarchal Western social models.

Limited or Absent

The film follows the homogeneous Western casting practices typical of 1940s adventure cinema.
The portrayal of the Amazonian tribe relies on the 'exoticized other' cliché.
The romantic structure remains tied to traditional heterosexual norms.

Official Synopsis

A group of archaeologists asks Tarzan to help them find an ancient city in a hidden valley of women. He refuses, but Boy is tricked into doing the job. The queen of the women asks Tarzan to help them.

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