Skip to main content
bradley_kent's profile
bradley_kent
10k Badge
20k Badge

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

Monday, March 10th, 2025 4:50 PM

Solved

Genre List Manager: Here we go again!

Why does this continue to be a problem? Here’s another Western being denied the Drama genre: 250307-001255-005000 Track Contribution 2025-03-07 00:12:55 "Laramie" (1959) Genres - 1 item added P.S. Yes, resubmit, but please answer the question: Why does this continue to be a problem?

Problem

 • 

Updated 

8 days ago

 • Edited

137

29

0

Accepted Solution

Ozzy

Employee

 • 

2.3K Messages

 • 

23.4K Points

3 months ago

Hi @bradley_kent, I've looked at your contribution and can confirm it was declined because no evidence was provided to support that this title should have the Drama genre listed alongside the Western genre. Whilst these two genres can often coexist, this isn't always the case. For example, the AFI lists this title as a Western only: https://catalog.afi.com/Film/25995-LARAMIE?sid=f0f980ce-3d5f-4c2b-822a-4d6c166d28cc&sr=0.16412337&cp=1&pos=0 Furthermore, looking at the title's plot, although dramatic elements exist in the conflict and murder mystery, they serve to support the Western narrative rather than being the primary driving force of the story. If you are able to provide an explanation as to why the Drama genre should be added to this title, we advise you to do so in a re-submission. Please also add your re-submission reference number to this thread so I can personally monitor it through processing for you. Thanks!

(edited)

8

0

Peter_pbn

Champion

 • 

15K Messages

 • 

336.5K Points

"For example, the AFI lists this title as a Drama only" -- you mean Western

Like

Reply

3 months ago

Ozzy

Employee

 • 

2.3K Messages

 • 

23.4K Points

Thanks @Peter_pbn, I've amended the text.

Like

Reply

3 months ago

0

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

AI Overview for Laramie: Primary Genre: Western Secondary Genre: Drama Apparently, you missed the discussion and decision back in 2023. (Col even contributed to this discussion and decision.) Westerns can have Comedy and/or Drama as genres. Check the Advanced Search, and you will see the multitude of titles correctly handled this way. Western IS NOT a standalone genre. Check it out. You might also want to check the many recent reports on this thread about the same issue.

(edited)

Like

Reply

3 months ago

0

Ozzy

Employee

 • 

2.3K Messages

 • 

23.4K Points

Hi bradley_kent, I'm aware of the discussion you're referring to. As I said above, these genres can often coexist, but that does not mean every Western title should have either of those additional genres, especially not as a general rule of thumb. If that were the case, nearly every title on IMDb would have the Drama genre, for example. Focusing on this title and its plot, whilst there may be dramatic elements (as most films have), summaries of the film suggest that this is a classic, straightforward Western, featuring conventional Western plot devices. None of which emphasizing particularly strong dramatic elements that would justify Drama as even a secondary genre classification. Therefore, the sole classification of Western would give viewers the clearest expectation of what to expect prior to watching the film. Cheers!

Like

Reply

3 months ago

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

This is a retreat from the 2023 discussion/decision. Logically, not “nearly all,” but “most" titles on IMDb SHOULD have Drama and/or Comedy as a keyword. There are, after all, super genres. As I have often said before, a possible improvement would be to list Comedy and Drama at the end of the otherwise alphbetical listing of genres. This, of example, would result is a title having genres like Western Drama rather than Drama Western. (If I remember correctly, this was a concern of Col’s.) Apparently, your definition of "a classic, straightforward Western” is one with “conventional Western plot devices,” “none of which emphasizing particularly strong dramatic element.” If they don’t emphasize “dramatic” elements, what DO they emphasize? “Comedic” elements. High Noon, Stagecoach, Shane, etc. are Western Dramas with “particularly strong dramatic elements," whether you like it or not. One needs to distinguish between Dramas, Comedies, and Comedy Dramas. “Blazing Saddles” is a very different kind of Western from “The Searchers”! “The sole classification of Western would give viewers the clearest expectation of what to expect prior to watching the film” is one of the most inaccurate statements I have read on IMDb. Additional, correct genres would, of course, be “more clearer” and, would, admit it, be the more honest and truthful reporting and representation of the reality.

(edited)

Like

Reply

3 months ago

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

Other genres, like War, Crime, Musical, for examples, usually also have Drama and/or Comedy as a genre. The policy was established back in 2023 that Westerns could also have the Drama and/or Comedy genres. It clearly established the distinction between a Western Drama and a Western Comedy. Otherwise, it is just a “mish mash” devoid of logic and clarity and factual information. Not only is this policy not being practiced, but most of the Drama genres that you are accepting for Westerns DO NOT have supporting explanations. The result is overwhelming inconsistency. The problem, therefore, must reside within the subjective opinion of the Genre List Manager(s). Many Western titles have had the Drama genre accepted in the past, then rejected, then accepted again, and then rejected again. And, the ones that do have supporting explanations are not consistently processed. A TV Western, for example, may have Emmy and/or Golden Globe nominations and wins in Drama categories, and yet they are denied the Drama genre. Are you only using AFI to corroborate genres? That catalog is very incomplete. If the AFI catalog is the ultimate decider, there are potentially millions of mistakes in the IMDb database.

(edited)

Like

Reply

3 months ago

0

Ozzy

Employee

 • 

2.3K Messages

 • 

23.4K Points

Hi bradley_kent, I would like to first clarify that policy decisions are always subject to change, and also suggest that this is not a retreat from any previous decision you're referring to. As discussed then, the Drama and Comedy genres *can* coexist with the Western genre, but not *always*. Furthermore, IMDb does not acknowledge "super genres" as you have stated above. Genres and subgenres are assigned to titles on IMDb as per their relevant guidelines listed on our Help Site. To answer your question about the emphasis of particularly strong dramatic elements, it is generally accepted that all titles have dramatic elements, but this does not make all titles a Drama. Westerns can of course have dramatic elements, but these elements can be synonymous with Western titles, and therefore do not require the additional genre classification of a Drama title. That said, the Comedy genre should absolutely be added to titles where comedic elements are prevalent. Your example of "Blazing Saddles" and "The Searchers" is a good example for why Comedy is needed to distinguish the two Western titles, but as mentioned above the issue here is that the Drama genre does not *need* to be applied to every Western title, especially when drama is implied through typical Western story tropes etc. I do understand your frustration with inconsistencies in the application of genres to these titles, and would advise you to highlight these inconsistencies clearly in any contributions you make to correct or add any genres. I will pass on your feedback about the inconsistency you're seeing, and ask our processing teams to take additional steps to prevent this when reviewing any relevant submissions. In regards to any examples where a title has received nominations/wins in Drama categories, please include this information in your contributions so our team can verify these genre additions. Thank you for your understanding.

Like

Reply

3 months ago

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

And, yet, and, still, The Searchers (1956) DOES NOT have Drama as a genre because you incorrectly declined it -- several times! Unbelievable! P.S. I never said that IMDb acknowledges Drama and Comedy as "super genes." Whether IMDb acknowledges it or not, this is historical fact. Instead of denying this, maybe IMDb should report the truth. Check history . And, if AFI is the final arbiter, there are hundeds-of-thousands of mistakes on IMDb -- maybe even millions. AFI covers only a sample of the titles currently in the IMDb database, usually just American films with a few in languages other than English, no TV series, etc. AFI is a very limited corroborating source.It I, after all, the AMERICAN FILM Institute.

(edited)

Like

Reply

23 days ago

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

3 months ago

This is a really obtuse point of view. If adhered to, Film-Noir titles should NOT have Drama as a genre, Musical titles should NOT have Comedy as a genre, War titles should NOT have Drama as a genre, etc. The decision back in 2023 was to have Westen titles treated in the same way as other genres since there are differences between a Western Drama and a Western Comedy that need to be objectively acknowledged--just like there are differences between a Crime Drama and a Crime Comedy, a Musical Comedy and a Musical Drama, etc. IMDb also seems very reluctant to add Drama as a genre for TV Western series, even with a explanation: 250316-202709-589000 Track Contribution 2025-03-16 20:27:09 "Wagon Train" (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250316-202551-086000 Track Contribution 2025-03-16 20:25:51 "Gunsmoke" (1955) Why are Westerns being treated in a very different way from other genres? P.S. You, and IMDb, may not want to admit that Drama and Comedy are "super genres,” but they are, whether you like it not, or whether I like it or not. As I have said before, genres began with the ancient Greeks, and have evolved, and will probably continue forever, even though you and I will not. Ask any beginning, child dramatics student, and one of the fist things learned is the Greek masks of Comedy and Tragedy.

(edited)

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

3 months ago

The Silver Whip (1953) Take the Western elements out of a Plot Outline, and this is what you get: "Frustrated with the lack of opportunities in his hometown, young Jess Harker plans to leave, but a sympathetic coworker persuades his boss to give Jess a better job.” Sure sounds like a Drama to me. And, you can do the same with a Plot Summary. 250321-053537-083000 Track Contribution 2025-03-21 05:35:37 The Silver Whip (1953) Genres - 1 item added Or: Plot outline for The Badlands (1958), with Western elements excised: "Released from prison, ex-killer John McBain wants to go straight while ex-robber Peter Van Hoek seeks revenge, and their destinies eventually converge.” Oh, wait: The Badlands (1958) was a remake of The Asphalt Jungle (1950), which is a CRIME DRAMA! 250315-233555-854000 Track Contribution 2025-03-15 23:35:55 The Badlanders (1958) Genres - 1 item added Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation Link : https://community-imdb.sprinklr.com/conversations/data-issues-policy-discussions/genre-list-manager-try-this/67ddfa056e10775c8b7970c0 Title : Genre List Manager: Try this

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

3 months ago

Please explain, specifically: How is Drama accepted as a genre for “Shotgun Slade,” and NOT for “Laramie”? 250323-043702-063000 Track Contribution 2025-03-23 04:37:02 "Laramie" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250323-043516-864000 Track Contribution 2025-03-23 04:35:16 "Shotgun Slade" (1959) Genres - 1 item added Is there any rational reasoning going on at all? Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation Link : https://community-imdb.sprinklr.com/conversations/data-issues-policy-discussions/genre-list-manager-im-begging-you/67e08fe7b7ace5002413fc79 Title : Genre List Manager: I’m begging you...

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

3 months ago

Re the famous John Ford-John Wayne cavalry trilogy -- Fort Apache (1949), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) and Rio Grande (1050 -- how is Drama accepted as a genre for Fort Apache and Rio Grande, and NOT for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon? 250323-202845-018000 Track Contribution 2025-03-23 20:28:45 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) Genres - 1 item added Please explain, specifically.

(edited)

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

3 months ago

Most untrue statement on this thread: "the sole classification of Western would give viewers the clearest expectation of what to expect prior to watching the film.” MORE information always helps when wanting to know what to expect.

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

WHAT is the “accepted solution”?

0

0

Accepted Solution

Michelle

Employee

 • 

17.9K Messages

 • 

317.6K Points

2 months ago

Hi bradley_kent - We have moved all your recent genre posts under this single thread for consistency so that all the genre submission issues you raised are easily available under the same thread. I appreciate all the examples you provided where you have observed an inconsistency, and I have raised these with the appropriate team for visibility and review. In the meantime, I also observed within some of your submissions that sources (like BFI) were mentioned but no supporting links were included. While a text explanation is extremely helpful, we also require the source link. Going forward when submitting evidence, please be sure o also include the relevant source links.

1

0

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

The Goggle Search AI Overview is a great source for genre corroboration. It, in fact, has made me revise and/or delete genre submissions. Give it a look.

(edited)

Like

Reply

2 months ago

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

The inconsistency is what is so consternating! Look below: some were accepted, while others were denied. There is no discernible patten. The guidelines seem to change for one title to another. Does it all depend on the whim of the processor? Submitted Updates x Reference Date/Time Summary 250326-165858-859000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:58:58 Dallas (1950) Genres - 1 item added 250326-165517-012000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:55:17 Springfield Rifle (1952) Keywords - 1 item added, 31 items corrected Genres - 1 item added 250326-164522-223000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:45:22 The Hanging Tree (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-164146-659000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:41:46 Man of the West (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-161320-303000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:13:20 Pawnee (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250326-160755-688000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:07:55 Man from God's Country (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-160317-451000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:03:17 Gun Duel in Durango (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155709-763000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:57:09 "The High Chaparral" (1967) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155031-673000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:50:31 "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) Genres - 2 items added 250326-154731-751000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:47:31 "Laramie" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-154208-529000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:42:08 "The Rifleman" (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-015738-576000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 01:57:38 "Broken Arrow" (1956) Genres - 1 item added And, yes, there seems to be a prejudice against adding Drama as a genre for Western TV series.

(edited)

1

0

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

Problem with such a long thread. This one got accidentally posted in the wrong position.

(edited)

Like

Reply

2 months ago

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

The inconsistency is what is so consternating! Look below: some were accepted, while others were denied. There is no discernible patten. The guidelines seem to change for one title to another. Does it all depend on the whim of the processor? Submitted Updates x Reference Date/Time Summary 250326-165858-859000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:58:58 Dallas (1950) Genres - 1 item added 250326-165517-012000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:55:17 Springfield Rifle (1952) Keywords - 1 item added, 31 items corrected Genres - 1 item added 250326-164522-223000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:45:22 The Hanging Tree (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-164146-659000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:41:46 Man of the West (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-161320-303000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:13:20 Pawnee (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250326-160755-688000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:07:55 Man from God's Country (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-160317-451000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:03:17 Gun Duel in Durango (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155709-763000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:57:09 "The High Chaparral" (1967) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155031-673000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:50:31 "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) Genres - 2 items added 250326-154731-751000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:47:31 "Laramie" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-154208-529000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:42:08 "The Rifleman" (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250326-015738-576000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 01:57:38 "Broken Arrow" (1956) Genres - 1 item added And, yes, there seems to be a prejudice against adding Drama as a genre for Western TV series. Some get it. Most don’t.

(edited)

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

To save you time, here are the five titles from the above list that you are refusing to add Drama as a genre. Why? Specifics? 250326-164522-223000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 16:45:22 The Hanging Tree (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155709-763000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:57:09 "The High Chaparral" (1967) Genres - 1 item added 250326-155031-673000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:50:31 "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) Genres - 2 items added 250326-154731-751000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:47:31 "Laramie" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250326-154208-529000 Track Contribution 2025-03-26 15:42:08 "The Rifleman" (1958) Genres - 1 item add

(edited)

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

How about responding to some of the above postings?

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

I am very concerned that explanations are not even being looked at. You ask for resubmissions and explanations, and I give them, and STILL no response. To begin with, how about just looking at these two: 250405-052313-132000 Track Contribution 2025-04-05 05:23:13 The Innocents (1961) Genres - 1 item added 250405-051010-637000 Track Contribution 2025-04-05 05:10:10 "Kommissar Rex" (1994) Genres - 1 item added

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

From a list on IMDb of the Top 100 Noir Westerns, 74 already had or now have Drama as a genre. 26 do not. Please process these 26 contributions so they do: 250420-013006-866000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 01:30:06 Canyon Passage (1946) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250420-012206-932000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 01:22:06 California (1947) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250420-012002-863000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 01:20:02 Ramrod (1947) Keywords - 1 item corrected Genres - 1 item added 250420-010715-546000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 01:07:15 The Man from Colorado (1948) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250420-002026-560000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 00:20:26 The Doolins of Oklahoma (1949) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250420-001832-907000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 00:18:32 The Walking Hills (1949) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250420-001158-726000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 00:11:58 The Gunfighter (1950) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-233256-420000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 23:32:56 The Secret of Convict Lake (1951) Keywords - 1 item added, 33 items corrected, 1 item deleted Genres - 1 item added 250419-232513-604000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 23:25:13 Little Big Horn (1951) Keywords - 1 item added, 14 items corrected, 1 item deleted Genres - 1 item added 250419-231355-633000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 23:13:55 Rancho Notorious (1952) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-230933-758000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 23:09:33 Hangman's Knot (1952) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-224612-598000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:46:12 The Lawless Breed (1952) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-224149-203000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:41:49 Riding Shotgun (1954) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-223550-644000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:35:50 The Far Country (1954) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-222548-823000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:25:48 A Lawless Street (1955) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-222134-904000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:21:34 A Man Alone (1955) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-221902-166000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:19:02 Man with the Gun (1955) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-221105-417000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:11:05 The Violent Men (1955) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-220430-223000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 22:04:30 7 Men from Now (1956) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-215721-589000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 21:57:21 The Searchers (1956) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-212632-111000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 21:26:32 The Halliday Brand (1957) Keywords - 1 item added, 29 items corrected Genres - 1 item added 250419-211157-750000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 21:11:57 Decision at Sundown (1957) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-210732-299000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 21:07:32 Black Patch (1957) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-210431-095000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 21:04:31 The Tall T (1957) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-204348-386000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 20:43:48 Gunman's Walk (1958) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added 250419-203805-890000 Track Contribution 2025-04-19 20:38:05 Ride Lonesome (1959) Keywords - 1 item added Genres - 1 item added Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation Link : https://community-imdb.sprinklr.com/conversations/data-issues-policy-discussions/noir-westerns-need-drama-as-a-genre/6806731a4a5b842b27fd1db2 Title : Noir Westerns need Drama as a genre

0

0

Accepted Solution

bradley_kent

1.5K Messages

 • 

26.5K Points

2 months ago

What is IMDb’s inconsistent prejudice against adding Drama as a genre for TV Western series (and films)? Many have Drama as a genre while others do not. I am tying to understand. Of these recent contributions, ONLY “Bonanza” was granted the Drama genre, which all the other SHOULD also correctly have. Why? Seriously, can IMDb explain the discrepancies? 250420-031330-381000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:13:30 "Wagon Train" (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250420-031043-980000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:10:43 "The Rifleman" (1958) Genres - 1 item added 250420-030915-071000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:09:15 "Rawhide" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250420-030728-956000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:07:28 "Maverick" (1957) Genres - 1 item added 250420-030553-733000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:05:53 "Bonanza" (1959) Genres - 1 item added 250420-030427-096000 Track Contribution 2025-04-20 03:04:27 "Gunsmoke" (1955) Genres - 1 item added They all meet the requiements of IMDb’s stated definitions for both the Western AND the Drama genres. Please, please explain. P.S. I have been a fan of westerns since boyhood (like Texan Les Adams), and I just cannot understand IMDb's lack of knowledge and objectivity with this genre. Is there a “British” attitude about westerns that is handicapping accurate reporting? Don’t stereotype westerns. They come in all kinds and types, just like any other genre. Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation Link : https://community-imdb.sprinklr.com/conversations/data-issues-policy-discussions/does-imdb-hate-dramatic-western-tv-series-and-films/68090825fefeef15e330c959 Title : Does IMDb hate Dramatic Western TV series (and films)?

0

0

Related Conversations

Loading...

Helpful Widget

© 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.