We can criticize depictions from old media, but they weren’t simply “good for their time”. They certainly didn’t have the standards for representation that we do today. Her character was a bold portrayal of a woman for 1933. We have to remember the time this came out.
Yes, I’ll admit it: Nan’s ultimate goal is still to marry Chester Kent. Early Feminism is Crucial Marginalized Heritage She doesn’t use her body, her looks, or seduction. Having a woman play the most pivotal role in uncovering the truth using clever, quick wits is outstanding early feminism in Hollywood. Through her confrontation, she’s able to find out the truth and get the money back from the fraudsters for her and Kent’s production company. One of Nan’s “trying to be pleasant and polite” smiles. And it’s Nan who confronts them about it. They’re content to see a hardworking, tireless crew underpaid and stressed so they can line their pockets a little more.īut it’s Nan that figures it out. The underlying plot is the duo of bigwigs above Kent that are siphoning money off his shows illegally. It’s the way her character is treated by the film itself. It isn’t just the way she’s treated by Chester, either. Quite the opposite, as he spends the film following Nan’s old friend around like a drunk puppy dog in love.īut he doesn’t see Nan as a “skirt”. He isn’t portrayed as a character that only cares about his work and doesn’t have time for girls. In an amazing show of early feminism, he treats her like a person and doesn’t show a hint of “Me, Too”.Īnd it isn’t like Chester isn’t interested in women. Nan and Chester have late nights together brainstorming stage ideas where they’re up until the sun rises, slurping coffee and half-asleep…and nothing amiss happens.Ĭhester respects all of Nan’s thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, often going to her when he’s hopelessly out of his mind.
She isn’t eyed-up, flirted with, or even playfully teased in a sexual way. She’s a partner and confidant – not a sex object. Except for the moments when they act like the closest of friends. Chester and Nan’s Relationship: Hints of Early Feminism Joan Blondell as Nan Prescott and James Cagney as Chester KentĬhester and Nan’s relationship is purely professional.
0 kommentar(er)
