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Working Girls

Name: Working Girls
Director: Dorothy Arzner
Released: 1931
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1931

Director

Dorothy Arzner

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dorothy Arzner’s direction emphasizes female autonomy and professional success, shifting the focus away from male-dominated narratives. However, the film lacks racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, reflecting the limited representation of the time. While the film showcases strong female characters and their professional lives, it falls short in providing diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Working Girls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social norms of the early 1930s and does not depict any non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Working Girls portray gender?

Excellent

The story focuses on the professional success and autonomy of women, challenging stereotypes of female passivity and highlighting their roles in the workforce.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Working Girls?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the homogeneous Western demographics of 1931. There is a lack of significant racial diversity or characters of color.

How does Working Girls represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores the struggles of working-class families, emphasizing the economic hardships faced by the characters.

Does Working Girls include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it use disability as a central plot device.

Present on Screen

Highlights the professional competence and autonomy of women.
Challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on women's careers.
Provides a nuanced look at the economic struggles of working-class families.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the cast.
Does not include any LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional gender identities.
Does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Two sisters from Indiana, the wide-eyed and innocent Mae Thorpe, and her more streetwise sister June, move into the Rolf House for Homeless Girls in New York. With June's help, Mae obtains a job as a stenographer for the scientist Joseph von Schraeder, while June gets work as a telegraph operator at Western Union.

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