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Side Street

Name: Side Street
Director: Malcolm St. Clair
Released: 1929
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1929

Passed

Director

Malcolm St. Clair

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Side Street is a crime drama set in the 1920s that relies on traditional storytelling methods. It explores the lives of three Irish brothers—each pursuing different paths—and examines morality through a conventional lens. The film adheres to the social hierarchies of the time, focusing on established roles and institutions. It lacks the complexity needed to address multiple aspects of identity and fails to go beyond the era’s standard social orders. Ultimately, Side Street functions as a typical genre piece without challenging traditional hierarchies or representing diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Side Street have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It follows the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender, which was common in the late silent era.

How does Side Street portray gender?

Limited

The male characters drive the story through their professional and criminal activities. Female characters are mostly involved in romantic complications or domestic roles, and do not play a significant intellectual role in the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Side Street?

Fair

The story focuses on an Irish-American family, depicting a specific ethnic group from 1929. However, the cast is predominantly white and lacks characters from non-white backgrounds with substantial influence.

How does Side Street represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative upholds traditional Western social institutions through characters like policemen and doctors. It does not challenge conventional views of authority or emphasize secularism.

Does Side Street include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities depicted in the film. Characters with disabilities are not used as plot devices.

Present on Screen

Offers a specific portrayal of Irish-American life in the urban setting of 1929.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender roles.
Features a predominantly white cast with limited racial diversity or non-white characters with significant influence.
Female characters are confined to domestic or romantic roles rather than driving the plot.
Does not depict any characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Three New York Irish brothers cross paths as policeman, doctor and bootlegger.

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