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The Four Deuces

Name: The Four Deuces
Director: William H. Bushnell
Released: 1975
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Minimal

1975

Director

William H. Bushnell

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Four Deuces is a crime comedy that relies on traditional genre conventions. It emphasizes male-dominated criminal structures and heterosexual relationships. The film operates within the social norms of the 1970s, focusing on typical underworld characters without diverse representation. While the film offers a light-hearted take on crime melodrama, it does not challenge or subvert social or systemic power dynamics. Instead, it adheres to the conventions of its time, reflecting the limited perspectives of the era.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Four Deuces have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a conventional framework focused on heterosexual relationships. There are no non-cisgender identities represented.

How does The Four Deuces portray gender?

Limited

The power dynamics are centered around the male character, Vic Morono. Wendy, a key figure, is included in scenes that cater to a male perspective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Four Deuces?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, following the casting norms of the 1970s. There is no evidence of actors from diverse racial backgrounds.

How does The Four Deuces represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores the normalization of criminal activities and outlaw lifestyles. However, it does not critically examine Western institutions or traditions.

Does The Four Deuces include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with disabilities featured in the film.

Present on Screen

The film presents a unique, humorous take on the crime melodrama genre.
The stylized 'comic strip' aesthetic adds a distinctive visual element to the narrative.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional gender hierarchies and caters to a male perspective.
The casting lacks racial diversity, sticking to the homogeneous patterns of the 1970s.
The narrative does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.

Official Synopsis

This is a tongue-in-cheek crime melodrama that became a 'Late Late Show' fixture in the 1980s, according to the DVD sleeve, Jack Palance plays Vic Morono, a high-ranking Prohibition-era mobster with a weakness for women who is waging an ongoing war with rival hoodlum Chico Hamilton (Warren Berlinger). Vic falls for gorgeous blonde Wendy (Carol Lynley). The film's title refers to the name of his speakeasy, and to his gang, which consists of himself, Wendy, and a brace comic-relief hoodlums. The Four Deuces opens with cartoon credits, and attempts a stylish comic strip look. Expecting some wit upon seeing the name Don Martin in the credits will drive you stark raving nuts - this is not the cartoonist who worked for "Mad" magazine. Light bondage and female flesh scenes might have upped ratings for those 1980s "Late Late Show" airings. Perhaps most notable is the that Ms. Lynley and Mr. Berlinger worked much more memorably together in the stage and film versions of Blue Denim

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