You are here:

A Holy Terror

Name: A Holy Terror
Director: Irving Cummings
Released: 1931
Duration: 53 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1931

Passed

Director

Irving Cummings

Runtime

53 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Holy Terror is a conventional 1931 adventure that adheres strictly to the social norms of its era. It functions as a standard Western melodrama, prioritizing genre clichés over any attempt to disrupt established norms. The film's primary contribution to diversity is the casting of Ricardo Cortez, whose Mediterranean/Latino heritage offers a departure from the era's typical homogeneity. However, this casting does not translate into a narrative exploration of identity. Ultimately, the film remains a traditionalist piece. It relies on binary morality and standard romantic competition, offering little in the way of complexity or cultural subversion.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does A Holy Terror have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities. The romantic storyline centers around a heterosexual relationship between the male and female leads.

How does A Holy Terror portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles adhere to traditional 1930s stereotypes. Jerry's role is secondary to the male-driven plot focused on revenge and justice.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Holy Terror?

Fair

Ricardo Cortez's casting adds ethnic diversity for the time period. However, the story does not explore themes related to racial identity or ethnic plurality.

How does A Holy Terror represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional Western values regarding justice and property. It does not critically examine these values but focuses on individual retribution within a frontier setting.

Does A Holy Terror include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of visible or invisible disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

The casting of Ricardo Cortez provides a notable instance of ethnic diversity for early Hollywood.
The film features a leading man of Mediterranean/Latino descent, challenging total homogeneity.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks engagement with themes of racial identity or ethnic plurality.
Gender dynamics reinforce traditional romantic competition rather than subverting power hierarchies.
The plot follows a strictly straight-centered trajectory with no LGBTQ+ representation.
The story lacks moral relativism or any critique of Western institutions.

Official Synopsis

Eastern millionaire's son Bard finds his father murdered and flies west to see rancher Drew who may know something about it. En route he crashes his plane into Jerry's bathroom; she falls in love with him which makes her suitor Steve jealous.

How are these scores produced? →