Scope Note:

Fictional work dramatizing a specific societal ill, or a contemporary topic in the political arena, from alcoholism and drug addiction to racial and religious intolerance, to draw attention to the issue and take advantage of topical interest in a subject. Feature examples: BILLY JACK; CROSSFIRE (with Adaptation); THE DEFIANT ONES; DO THE RIGHT THING; THE EXILE (1931) (with Ethnic; Adaptation); DIE FREUDLOSE GASSE / THE JOYLESS STREET; FURY; GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT (with Adaptation); GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (with Romance; Family); HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (with Family; Historical; Adaptation); I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG; INTRUDER IN THE DUST (with Adaptation); THE LOST WEEKEND (with Adaptation); MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (with Comedy); ON THE WATERFRONT; PINKY (with Adaptation); ROOM AT THE TOP; THE SCAR OF SHAME (with Ethnic); THE SNAKE PIT; TAXI DRIVER (with Crime). TV examples: BABY M; THE BURNING BED; ROE VS. WADE; SARAH T.: PORTRAIT OF A TEENAGE ALCOHOLIC (with Youth); SOMETHING ABOUT AMELIA; TESTAMENT.

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