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More Than a Secretary

Name: More Than a Secretary
Director: Alfred E. Green
Released: 1936
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1936

Approved

Director

Alfred E. Green

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

More Than a Secretary is a typical product of the 1930s studio system. It functions as a standard romantic comedy that upholds established social hierarchies and traditional courtship. While it offers a glimpse into the professional world of the era, it does so through a narrow lens. The film's main strength lies in its portrayal of a competent female protagonist who uses her intellect to navigate her career. However, this strength is balanced against the era's romantic expectations. Ultimately, the film lacks depth in representing diverse perspectives. It operates within a singular, Anglo-centric social norm that excludes various racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ viewpoints, reflecting historical homogeneity rather than challenging it.

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Category Breakdown

Does More Than a Secretary have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a conventional path that assumes everyone is straight and cisgender. There is no evidence of non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does More Than a Secretary portray gender?

Fair

The protagonist shows professional leadership and sharp intellect in a male-dominated workplace. However, the story resolves through traditional romantic structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is More Than a Secretary?

Minimal

The cast consists of white, middle-class professionals. The film lacks meaningful representation of racial or ethnic diversity, reflecting the homogeneity of 1930s Hollywood.

How does More Than a Secretary represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story is set in a traditional capitalist environment that celebrates the professional office. It reinforces the stability of the corporate social order.

Does More Than a Secretary include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible or invisible disability representation. Characters are shown as able-bodied, fitting the standard physical archetypes of the era.

Present on Screen

The protagonist demonstrates professional leadership and intellectual wit.
The film provides a look at the 'career woman' cliché of the screwball comedy era.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any meaningful representation of racial or ethnic diversity.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.
The narrative lacks any visible or invisible disability representation.

Official Synopsis

When the co-owner of a secretarial school visits a magazine editor to find out why he runs through secretaries, she's mistaken for an applicant. Drawn to him, she accepts the position.

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