You are here:

Goin' to Town

Name: Goin' to Town
Director: Alexander Hall
Released: 1935
Duration: 71 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1935

Director

Alexander Hall

Runtime

71 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Goin' to Town is a period musical comedy that finds its strength in the proactive actions of its female lead, Cleo Borden. She manages wealth and social status to achieve her goals. However, the film remains limited by the conventions of 1930s cinema. It lacks complexity in addressing multiple aspects of identity and focuses on traditional romantic resolutions and class-based movements. The international scope provides some variety, but the lack of diverse ethnic and LGBTQ+ identities confines the narrative within a narrow framework.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Goin' to Town have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the protagonist's pursuit of a male lead and follows a traditional romantic storyline. There are no representations of non-straight relationships or same-sex intimacy.

How does Goin' to Town portray gender?

Fair

Cleo Borden demonstrates a significant role in driving the story by managing oil wells and navigating international landscapes. She uses her intellect and social skills to drive the plot rather than being a passive character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Goin' to Town?

Limited

The film's setting ranges from Buenos Aires to British aristocratic circles, indicating a broad geographic scope. However, there is no meaningful integration of diverse ethnic identities.

How does Goin' to Town represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the performative nature of class and social mobility through various personas. It challenges the idea of static social hierarchies and traditional etiquette.

Does Goin' to Town include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are depicted or central to the character arcs within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Cleo Borden exhibits a significant role in driving the story by managing industrial assets and navigating complex social landscapes.
The film explores themes of social mobility and the fluidity of class through performance.
The international setting provides a broader geographic scope than many domestic comedies of the era.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of non-straight relationships or LGBTQ+ characters.
There is a lack of meaningful integration of diverse ethnic or racial identities.
The film adheres to traditional romantic and class-based resolutions common to its era.

Official Synopsis

When her fiancé is killed, dancehall queen Cleo Borden inherits his wealth. Included are oil wells overseen by British engineer Carrington, whom Cleo sets out to win by becoming a 'lady'. She horseraces in Buenos Aires, gains social position by loveless marriage to bankrupt Colton, and even performs in an opera. But when she encounters Carrington again, he's become the Earl of Stratton!

How are these scores produced? →