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A Day at the Races

Name: A Day at the Races
Director: Sam Wood
Released: 1937
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1937

Director

Sam Wood

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Day at the Races exemplifies 1930s screwball comedy, emphasizing high-production escapism over social disruption. Reflecting the era's demographic norms, the film centers on a white, upper-class social milieu. Though the film showcases moments of female wit through rapid dialogue, it remains tied to traditional social and gender hierarchies. The narrative restores order without challenging systemic power dynamics. Ultimately, the film provides light-hearted entertainment that upholds established class and romantic structures, offering limited engagement with diverse cultural perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Day at the Races have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows strict 1930s conventions, focusing on traditional courtship and excluding non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does A Day at the Races portray gender?

Fair

Female characters like Ginger Rogers' display wit and intelligence through quick dialogue, but the story upholds traditional gender roles and domestic resolutions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Day at the Races?

Minimal

The cast is primarily white and upper-class, lacking diverse ethnic backgrounds or intentional color-blind casting.

How does A Day at the Races represent religion and culture?

Limited

This escapist comedy celebrates high society without critiquing Western institutions, reinforcing existing class structures.

Does A Day at the Races include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that play key roles in the story.

Present on Screen

Female characters exhibit wit and intelligence in fast-paced dialogue sequences.
The film delivers polished, high-production escapism typical of the screwball comedy genre.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks ethnic diversity, reflecting a predominantly white social milieu.
The narrative reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and conventional romantic outcomes.
The story fails to engage with diverse cultural perspectives or offer anti-establishment critiques.

Official Synopsis

Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of the sanitarium, isn't really a doctor, he's a veterinarian.

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