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Patrolling the Ether

Name: Patrolling the Ether
Director: Paul Burnford
Released: 1944
Duration: 21 min

Representation Score

0.5/10

Minimal

1944

Approved

Director

Paul Burnford

Runtime

21 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Patrolling the Ether is a period-specific crime drama set in the 1940s. The narrative prioritizes state-sanctioned intelligence and wartime mobilization, following the conventional clichés of the era. The film lacks meaningful representation of underrepresented identities and focuses on male-dominated spheres of technology and government authority. Ultimately, the work adheres to the historical constraints and social values of its time without attempting to subvert or expand the cinematic landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does Patrolling the Ether have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The narrative focuses solely on wartime intelligence and radio hobbyism.

How does Patrolling the Ether portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around a male teenager and a male authority figure. Female characters play minor roles and do not play a significant role in driving the story within the main storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Patrolling the Ether?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on federal agencies and radio operators without highlighting a diverse cast. It likely reflects the homogeneous casting typical of 1940s crime dramas.

How does Patrolling the Ether represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film emphasizes traditional institutions like the FCC and highlights patriotic duty and national security. It does not critique Western systems but instead reinforces them.

Does Patrolling the Ether include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not represent neurodivergent individuals either.

Present on Screen

Offers a clear glimpse into mid-century wartime intelligence and amateur radio culture.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from including LGBTQ+ identities, diverse racial backgrounds, and women's ability to drive the story.
Should consider representing characters with disabilities and neurodivergent perspectives.
Might explore diverse cultural critiques rather than reinforcing traditional institutional norms.

Official Synopsis

1940. Sixteen year old Phillip is one of a number of amateur radio operators across the US, doing it purely as a fun hobby. He is informed by Bill Beck of the Radio and Intelligence Division (RID) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that amateur international radio communication is now banned due to spying a result of the war in Europe. Beck, on behalf of the RID, asks Phillip, however, to continue to monitor the airwaves for suspicious activity.

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