You are here:

The Cheat

Name: The Cheat
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Released: 1915
Duration: 59 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1915

Director

Cecil B. DeMille

Runtime

59 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Cheat explores themes of socioeconomic desperation and moral transgression. It stands out for its early focus on the complexities of women's ability to drive the story, diverging from the era's passive portrayals of women. However, the film remains anchored in the homogeneity of 1915 society. It lacks diverse representation, especially in terms of racial and LGBTQ+ identities, and relies on period-specific clichés for non-Western characters. Ultimately, while it challenges certain gender stereotypes, it focuses more on individual moral failures than on broader social structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Cheat have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. Relationships are confined to traditional romantic and marital roles.

How does The Cheat portray gender?

Fair

Edith challenges the stereotype of the passive wife by taking an active role through deception and manipulation. However, the story ultimately upholds traditional views on proper female behavior.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cheat?

Minimal

The cast is mainly composed of white actors playing Western elites. A Burmese ivory trader appears but serves as a stereotypical catalyst rather than an independent character.

How does The Cheat represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques the moral decay associated with extreme capitalism and portrays the protagonist's downfall as an individual moral failure, rather than a systemic issue.

Does The Cheat include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are shown. All characters are depicted within the context of physical and mental normalcy.

Present on Screen

Highlights the calculated decisions and active role of the female protagonist.
Offers a detailed look at the corruption and instability in high-society capitalism.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide racial diversity, using period-specific stereotypes for non-Western characters.
Includes no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.
Maintains traditional views on proper female behavior rather than critiquing systemic issues.

Official Synopsis

A venal, spoiled stockbroker's wife impulsively embezzles $10,000 from the charity she chairs and desperately turns to a Burmese ivory trader to replace the stolen money.

How are these scores produced? →