Imagens de uma primeira-dama: Darcy Vargas no Cine Jornal Brasileiro

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the construction of Darcy Vargas’s image in the Cine Jornal Brasileiro during the Estado Novo (1937–1945), investigating the cinematic representation of this historical figure, with an emphasis on her role in social assistance. The research examines how Darcy Vargas’s image was associated with family, charity, and the Catholic Church, reinforcing the legitimacy of Getúlio Vargas’s government. Produced by the Departamento de Imprensa e Propaganda (DIP), the newsreels played a central role in disseminating the regime’s ideology, portraying the First Lady as a mediator between the State and the most vulnerable populations. Darcy Vargas’s actions, linked to institutions such as the Casa do Pequeno Jornaleiro and the Legião Brasileira de Assistência (LBA), strengthened the official government discourse as a protector of the people and a promoter of social harmony. The research adopts an approach that combines film analysis, the study of documentary sources, and a literature review to understand the role of this First Lady in Brazilian politics and the use of cinema in constructing official narratives. This study contributes to the debate on the relationship between gender, power, and communication, highlighting how Darcy Vargas’s image was shaped to serve the government’s interests and consolidate Getúlio Vargas’s authority in society.