The Breath of a Nation

Dublin Core

Title

The Breath of a Nation

Description

Centered around prohibition enforcement, the aching desire for a drink and a soda fountain that is selling a little extra on the side.

This short currently contains the oldest queer coded character in the database. When Silk Hat Harry’s Soda Fountain becomes a popular spot, one of the customers includes a queer coded character, as indicated by his thin physique, eyelashes, defined lips, flashy style, and posture. He originally entered due to his interest in a fruit sundae (a derogatory reference to his queerness), but when he leaves, the treat has physically transformed him into a burly brute who soon destroys a lamppost.

Source

Director: Gregory La Cava
Year: 1919
Country: United States
Gender and Sexuality: Queer coded
Animation Style: Traditional
Genre: Comedy
Type: Implicit, short

Can currently be watched on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Er5xCqaLsmY

Files

Citation

“The Breath of a Nation,” Queer Animation, accessed June 14, 2025, https://queeranimation.omeka.net/items/show/1.
Tumblr