You are here:

The Depraved

Name: The Depraved
Director: Paul Dickson
Released: 1957
Duration: 71 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1957

Not Rated

Director

Paul Dickson

Runtime

71 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Depraved functions as a mid-century noir that challenges the standard 'homemaker' archetype. By centering the plot on a woman's rebellion against an abusive domestic hierarchy, the film provides her with significant narrative ability to act. However, the film remains limited by the era's social norms. The lack of racial diversity and the reliance on a male character to facilitate the protagonist's escape prevent a higher score for multi-layered depth. Ultimately, while the film offers a nuanced critique of patriarchal structures, it remains a largely homogeneous production typical of its time.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Depraved have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship and an extramarital affair, without exploring LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender perspectives.

How does The Depraved portray gender?

Fair

Laura Wilton is shown as an active participant in the plot rather than a passive figure. She initiates a plan to escape an abusive marriage with the help of a male lover.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Depraved?

Limited

The cast and setting appear predominantly homogeneous, reflecting the era's cinematic norms. An American character adds a minor cross-cultural element within an English context.

How does The Depraved represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques traditional patriarchal stability by presenting criminal acts as a response to domestic abuse. This approach offers a complex, less idealized view of the nuclear family.

Does The Depraved include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed in the narrative.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist actively drives the plot through her decisions.
The film challenges mid-century domestic hierarchies by showing a woman rejecting an oppressive marriage.
The narrative frames rebellion against abuse as a central theme using situational ethics.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity.
The female lead's actions are closely tied to the assistance of a male lover.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Fed up with her wealthy but abusive husband, Tom (Basil Dignam), young English homemaker Laura Wilton (Anne Heywood) conspires with her lover, American Army captain Dave Dillon (Robert Arden), to have her boozy spouse meet an "accidental" demise. But a nosy copper (Denis Shaw) suspects foul play, and soon the lovers' crafty scheme deteriorates into fear, distrust and betrayal. Paul Dickson directs this vintage noir thriller.

How are these scores produced? →