
The Pelican and the Snipe
1944

1975
GDirector
Bill Melendez
Runtime
81 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
Able Seaman Dick Deadeye is charged by Queen Victoria to find the stolen Ultimate Secret. His ugliness means that his life has always been lonely but a buxom barmaid takes a shine to him. Together, they battle pirates and an evil magician before discovering that the Ultimate Secret is nothing but LOVE! Using songs based on the original works of Gilbert and Sullivan (but updated with modern lyrics), this film was created to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the first collaboration of the composers of the Savoy Operas.
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The story follows a conventional romantic structure centered on a heterosexual pairing. There is no evidence of non-cisnormative identities or challenges to heteronormativity.
Gender Representation
The plot focuses on a male protagonist's quest and agency. Female characters are defined by physical attractiveness rather than subverting traditional gender hierarchies.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The maritime setting and connection to Queen Victoria suggest a Eurocentric historical framework. The narrative appears to lean toward a homogeneous Western aesthetic.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The film serves as a musical homage to Gilbert and Sullivan, reinforcing traditional Western cultural institutions. It operates within a conventional moral framework.
Disability Representation
The protagonist's physical ugliness causes social isolation. It remains unclear if this characterization provides agency or simply uses physical difference as a lonely trope.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done is a traditionalist musical animation that prioritizes historical homage over social disruption. The narrative relies heavily on established Western archetypes and mid-century romantic tropes, centering on a hero's journey and a conventional moral resolution. The film's framework is deeply rooted in Anglo-centric culture, specifically through its celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan. This focus reinforces a specific historical and musical tradition rather than exploring a diverse range of cultural perspectives. While the protagonist's physical appearance introduces themes of alienation, the film lacks clear evidence of nuanced representation regarding disability or non-traditional identities. It functions primarily as a sentimental, character-driven musical adventure.

1944
1955

1946

2000

1952
1935

1936

1955

1978

1966

1957

1971
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.