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The Barefoot Executive

Name: The Barefoot Executive
Director: Robert Butler
Released: 1971
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1971

Director

Robert Butler

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Barefoot Executive is a traditional studio comedy that prioritizes escapism and genre clichés over diverse storytelling. It reinforces existing social hierarchies rather than challenging them. While the film offers a light deconstruction of formal corporate etiquette, it does not meaningfully challenge systemic power structures. The narrative remains rooted in the socioeconomically specific demographics of its time. Ultimately, the film serves as a baseline for mid-century mainstream media, characterized by a lack of intentionality regarding diverse representation or the subversion of institutional norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Barefoot Executive have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It follows the assumption that everyone is straight and cisgender.

How does The Barefoot Executive portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male-dominated corporate hierarchy. Women are shown in secondary roles, mainly within domestic or romantic contexts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Barefoot Executive?

Limited

The casting reflects a homogeneous corporate environment typical of the era. There is no significant racial diversity in the main cast.

How does The Barefoot Executive represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film mildly critiques rigid corporate management by suggesting a more humanistic approach. However, it aligns with traditional Western success stories.

Does The Barefoot Executive include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible or invisible disability representation within the main cast. Characters are depicted within standard physical and cognitive norms.

Present on Screen

Offers a lighthearted critique of rigid, traditional corporate management styles.
Suggests a more relaxed, humanistic approach to professional productivity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Reinforces conventional gender roles by placing women in secondary, supportive positions.
Features a homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Provides no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the great Disney tradition of wild family fun, a young Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post - an ambitious mailroom clerk at a second-rate TV network. With his eye on the boardroom, and getting nowhere with the studio's top dog, he makes a career-changing discovery. His girlfriend's lovable pet chimp can pick a hit show every time! His secret for success turns into a madcap monkey business when he makes vice president and jealous rivals want in on the act. Ride along with narrow escapes and a classic cast featuring Joe Flynn and Harry Morgan in a comedic climb up the corporate ladder that will leave you howling for more!

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