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What Price Hollywood?

Name: What Price Hollywood?
Director: George Cukor
Released: 1932
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1932

Director

George Cukor

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

George Cukor’s direction offers a sophisticated examination of women's ability to drive the story, transcending the domestic clichés prevalent in the early 1930s. By focusing on Mary Evans' career journey, the film presents a nuanced portrayal of professional ambition in a male-dominated industry. However, the film is constrained by the era's limitations, offering minimal racial or LGBTQ+ diversity. The cast remains predominantly white and straight-centered, reflecting the social structures of the time. Ultimately, the film serves as a transitional work, challenging gendered expectations and moral absolutism while falling short in providing diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Price Hollywood? have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on heterosexual relationships and traditional marriages, with no depiction of same-sex intimacy or non-binary gender identities.

How does What Price Hollywood? portray gender?

Good

Mary Evans' career advancement challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting female ambition and personal autonomy. The film delves into complex choices around infidelity rather than reinforcing submissive stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Price Hollywood??

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white and upper-middle class, reflecting the homogeneity of the era's social structures. The film's setting is confined to a white, upper-class environment.

How does What Price Hollywood? represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative grapples with moral ambiguity and the complexities of ethical decision-making within the studio system. It avoids simplistic moralizing while remaining within the cultural norms of its time.

Does What Price Hollywood? include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are shown within the context of typical physical and neurotypical social interactions.

Present on Screen

Highlights female professional ambition and ability to act.
Explores complex personal choices and infidelity.
Provides nuanced character development and interpersonal dynamics.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity in the cast.
Does not include LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No visible or invisible disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Sassy and ambitious waitress Mary Evans amuses and befriends amiable seldom-sober Hollywood film director Max Carey when he stumbles into her restaurant. Max invites Mary to his film premiere and, after a night of drinking and carousing, Mary is granted a screen test. A studio contract follows. Just as Mary finds her dreams coming true, Carey’s life and career begins its descent.

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