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The Great American Cowboy

Name: The Great American Cowboy
Director: Kieth Merrill
Released: 1973
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1973

Director

Kieth Merrill

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Great American Cowboy offers a traditional look at mid-century American culture. It preserves a specific cultural lifestyle without challenging social norms or hierarchies. By focusing on male rodeo stars, it maintains a narrow, conventional perspective of the time. Ultimately, the film does not engage with progressive social frameworks and instead presents a specific, homogeneous subculture.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Great American Cowboy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a 1970s rodeo circuit where there are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It portrays a setting that assumes everyone is straight.

How does The Great American Cowboy portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male-dominated rodeo competitions. It highlights masculine leadership and physical strength but does not give women significant roles or challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Great American Cowboy?

Limited

The documentary looks at a historically homogeneous subculture. It reflects the demographics of 1973 but does not emphasize diverse racial identities.

How does The Great American Cowboy represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film upholds traditional Western values and individualism. It promotes a singular view of American heritage without questioning cultural norms.

Does The Great American Cowboy include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of people with disabilities in the documentary's focus on rodeo competition.

Present on Screen

Offers an authentic, observational view of the 1973 rodeo circuit and its cultural traditions.

Limited or Absent

Does not include women or diverse racial identities in the sporting narrative.
Reinforces narrow, traditionalist archetypes without exploring broader social perspectives.
Provides no visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals or people with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The battle between two rodeo stars for the world championship: veteran Larry Mahan and newcomer Phil Lyne. Narrated by Cowboy Hall of Fame actor Joel Mc Crea, this Academy Award-winning documentary takes the viewer inside the rodeo arena with today's cowboys. Features incredible "in-the-saddle" photography.

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