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Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938

Name: Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938
Director: Irving Cummings
Released: 1937
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1937

Director

Irving Cummings

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Vogues of 1938 presents a polished reflection of the socio-economic status quo of the 1930s, emphasizing escapism and reinforcing contemporary social hierarchies through its focus on high-society fashion and glamour. The narrative structure upholds traditional gender roles and Western aesthetic standards, validating the prestige of the fashion industry and capitalist structures of the era. Ultimately, the film lacks the intention to disrupt conventional social expectations, providing a period-typical experience centered on class stability and romantic tensions.

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Category Breakdown

Does Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a strictly straight-centered perspective, typical of its time, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938 portray gender?

Limited

The movie reinforces traditional gender roles through a male-centric storyline where women's roles are often defined by amusement rather than professional goals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and focuses on high society, reflecting Anglo-centric beauty and social standards.

How does Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938 represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film highlights Western consumerism and the prestige of the fashion industry, emphasizing the stability of upper-class social structures.

Does Walter Wanger's Vogues of 1938 include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor any representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

Offers a glossy, escapist view of the aesthetics and fashion of the late 1930s.
Features a clear, genre-driven narrative centered on the competitive world of high-end boutiques.

Limited or Absent

Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by framing women's roles as a pursuit of amusement.
Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing almost exclusively on a homogeneous Western cast.
Maintains a strictly straight-centered worldview with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities.

Official Synopsis

An early Technicolor musical that concentrates on the fashions of the late 1930s, this film was reissued under the title All This and Glamour Too. The top models of the era, including several who are advertising household products, are in the cast. The plot centers around a chic boutique, whose owner, George Curson (Warner Baxter), tries hard to please his customers while keeping peace with his unhappy wife. A wealthy young woman, Wendy Van Klettering (Joan Bennett), decides to take a job as a model at the fashion house, just to amuse herself, but her presence annoys Curson, who must put together the best possible show to compete with rival fashion houses at the Seven Arts Ball. The film includes several hit songs, including the Oscar-nominated "That Old Feeling" by Sammy Fain and Lew Brown.

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