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The Traveling Saleswoman

The Traveling Saleswoman (1950)

Feb 15, 1950 1h 15m Western Comedy

The daughter of a soap manufacturer heads to the wild and woolly west to sell her daddy's product.

Directed by Charles Reisner

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Charles Reisner
Writer
  • Howard Dimsdale
Producer
  • Joan Davis
  • Tony Owen

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Thematic Analysis

The Traveling Saleswoman represents a fascinating example of Western/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Charles Reisner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Traveling Saleswoman took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1950, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Traveling Saleswoman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Gremlins, which focuses more on action than character development, The Traveling Saleswoman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Office Race and Sales Ready explore similar territory, The Traveling Saleswoman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 15, 1950
  • Runtime: 1h 15m

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