This is one of my favorite films of all time. The film was made in 1953 and tells the TRUE story of a mining strike in New Mexico.It relates to our course via its portrayal of conflict between labor and management, different races, and husbands and wives. We will touch on all of these issues during our course.
The film was made during the McCarthy era which you have probably/hopefully learned about in your history classes. When it was released, the film was blacklisted over allegations that it contained communist propaganda. The film is in black and white, which I know will be a hardship for many of you. I think it is worth the effort and I hope you will agree after seeing the film.
Also, it is worth noting that many of the participants in the actual strike played roles in the film. There were only a few professional actors in the cast, some of whom had also been banned from working in Hollywood because of the McCarthy mania.
Here is a link to the youtube page where you can watch the film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9oY4rmDaWw
In addition to your own thoughts about the film, your extra credit paper must answer the following questions:
1. List the various alliances you see throughout the film. When did people cross out of their comfort zones or groups to help others? When did they act in solidarity?
2. List the various instances of resistance during the film. When did you observe people working for change, and/or challenging authority?
3. What are the necessary elements for successful resistance?
4. What do you have in common with any of the characters in the film?
5. Discuss one quote from the film that impacted you.
6. This film, according to our government, contained dangerous propaganda. What ideas in this film would have been considered dangerous, and to whom?