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First Comes Courage

Name: First Comes Courage
Director: Dorothy Arzner
Released: 1943
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1943

Director

Dorothy Arzner

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dorothy Arzner’s direction emphasizes the psychological depth and active roles of women, challenging the passive stereotypes of the time. By placing women in civic roles like air raid wardens, the film subverts the traditional submissive role of women. However, the film remains tied to the demographic norms of the 1940s, lacking diverse representation of race, culture, or LGBTQ+ identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does First Comes Courage have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict same-sex relationships or non-cisgender identities.

How does First Comes Courage portray gender?

Good

The movie highlights women taking part in civil defense and air raid warden duties, giving them important roles outside the home.

How racially and ethnically diverse is First Comes Courage?

Minimal

The cast is mostly white, with no characters of color having significant roles.

How does First Comes Courage represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes patriotism and community unity, reflecting traditional Western values.

Does First Comes Courage include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Women are portrayed in active civic roles, highlighting their importance in the community.
The film disrupts traditional domestic hierarchies by showcasing women's capabilities in public roles.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks meaningful racial diversity or characters of color with significant roles.
There is no depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The narrative does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Merle Oberon plays a Norwegian resistance figure in a small town, married to a Nazi commandant. When his superiors begin to suspect her, the Allies land an assassin to kill him -- an assassin who happens to be her former lover.

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