Viewing Guide: Cinderella Man

Viewing Guide: Cinderella Man James J. Braddock is an up-and-coming boxer finding success and wealth in the late 1920s. The crash of the stock market and the Great Depression quickly change all of that. Nursing an injured hand, Braddock continues to fight in low paying matches, struggles for work at the local docks, and tries to keep his family fed and their one room apartment heated. This movie is an accurate, heart-wrenching historical depiction of one American family's ethical struggles during The Great Depression as well as one man's determination to hold on to his integrity and his family. 1. In what year does the movie begin? The movie begins in the late 1920s 2. How much is Braddock paid for his fight? Braddock is paid $25 for his fight 3. How would you describe the living conditions in 1928? The living conditions in 1928 appear to be modest, but not luxurious. Braddock's family lives in a one-room apartment, suggesting limited space and possibly financial constraints 4. Based on the items on Braddock’s dresser, would you consider him to be well off? Why or why not? Based on the items on Braddock’s dresser, he does not seem to be well off. The dresser is cluttered with basic necessities, and there are no signs of luxury or excess 5. How have things changed by September of 1933? By September of 1933, the Great Depression has significantly impacted Braddock's family, leading to financial struggles and hardships 6. What evidence is there of great financial issues facing the family? Evidence of great financial issues facing the family includes the need to collect wood for heat, the son stealing food, and Braddock's difficulty finding work 7. What does the mom (Mae) do to help increase the amount of milk? Mae dilutes the milk with water to increase the amount available 8. Why did his son steal the salami? What did his dad promise him after he forces to take the salami back to the butcher? His son steals the salami out of desperation for food. Braddock promises his son that he will never have to steal again 9. After Braddock breaks his hand boxing, what is he forced to do to make money? After breaking his hand boxing, Braddock is forced to work on the docks to make money 10. In addition to boxing, what other business did Braddock have before the Stock Market crashed? Before the Stock Market crashed, Braddock had a successful boxing career 11. What reason did the worker give for shutting off the electric despite Mae’s pleas? The worker shuts off the electric despite Mae’s pleas because they have not paid the bill 12. What does Mae see when she and the kids are collecting wood from the billboard for heat? Mae sees an advertisement for a prizefight while collecting wood from the billboard for heat 13. What factors motivate Mae to send the kids away? Mae is motivated to send the kids away due to financial struggles and the desire to ensure their well-being 14. Why does Braddock go on government assistance? Why do you think he was reluctant? Braddock goes on government assistance due to financial hardship. He may have been reluctant because of pride or stigma associated with receiving assistance 15. What is unique about the birthday party in the movie? The unique aspect of the birthday party is that there is no cake 16. What is the cause of the argument between Mike and his wife at the birthday party? Is there more to it than the drinking? The argument between Mike and his wife at the birthday party is about money and their financial situation, exacerbated by Mike's drinking 17. Why is Jimmy given an opportunity for another boxing match? Why does he take it despite the odds against him? Jimmy is given an opportunity for another boxing match due to his reputation and the demand for a comeback story. He takes it despite the odds against him because he needs the money 18. According to Jimmy, why didn’t he eat the day of the fight? According to Jimmy, he didn’t eat the day of the fight due to nerves 19. What is the result of the match? What key factor is the difference in the fight compared to his last? The result of the match is Braddock winning against his opponent. The key factor that makes a difference in this fight compared to his last is his determination and resolve 20. How much money does Jimmy have left after the boxing match? What does he do the morning after the fight? After the boxing match, Braddock has $33 left. The morning after the fight, he takes his children out for breakfast 21. What does Mae find when she goes to see Joe (Jimmy’s Trainer)? What does that tell you about the overall impact of the Great Depression? Mae finds Joe (Jimmy’s Trainer) working in construction when she goes to see him. This suggests the overall impact of the Great Depression on individuals, including professionals like Joe, who are forced to take on menial jobs to make ends meet 22. Who wins the rematch with John Henry Lewis? Braddock wins the rematch with John Henry Lewis 23. What images motivate Jimmy against Lasky? Images of his family and their struggles motivate Jimmy against Lasky 24. After the Lasky fight, what does Jimmy return to the New Jersey Relief agency? After the Lasky fight, Braddock returns the relief money to the New Jersey Relief agency 25. What is the “Hooverville” Mike’s wife talks about? What is Mike doing there before he is killed? "Hooverville" refers to a shantytown or homeless encampment during the Great Depression. Mike's wife talks about it as a place where homeless people gather. Mike is there to find work before he is killed 26. What does Braddock say at the press conference about giving his relief money back? Braddock says at the press conference that he will give his relief money back because he believes there are other people who need it more than he does 27. Why does the promoter force Jimmy to watch Max Baer’s fight on tape? The promoter forces Jimmy to watch Max Baer’s fight on tape to intimidate him and demonstrate Baer's power and skill 28. What reasons does Jimmy give for accepting the fight? Jimmy gives reasons for accepting the fight, including the opportunity to provide for his family and his belief in his own abilities 29. According to sports writers, what impact is Jimmy Braddock’s comeback and success having on people? According to sports writers, Jimmy Braddock’s comeback and success inspire hope and resilience in people during the Great Depression 30. Why doesn’t Mae want Jimmy to fight? Why does he go on with it? Mae doesn’t want Jimmy to fight because she fears for his safety and worries about losing him. He goes on with it because he sees it as his opportunity to provide for his family 31. What does the priest say about the people who are praying in the church? The priest says that the people praying in the church are praying for their families and loved ones, reflecting their struggles and concerns during the Great Depression 32. What does Mae say to Braddock in the dressing room? In the dressing room, Mae expresses her love and support for Braddock, acknowledging the risks he faces in the upcoming fight 33. Who wins the fight? Braddock wins the fight 34. Which famous heavy weight does Braddock lose his title to eventually? Braddock loses his title to Max Baer eventually 35. Why do you think Jimmy Braddock inspired so many people during the Depression? Jimmy Braddock inspired so many people during the Depression because his story of perseverance, determination, and triumph against adversity resonated with people facing similar struggles. His ability to overcome obstacles and provide for his family symbolized hope and resilience during challenging times Short Answers: 1. What issues do people today deal with that are similar to those of the Braddock family? How are today's issues different? What sorts of new issues do our children face? Today, people still face economic hardships, job insecurity, and struggles to provide for their families, similar to the Braddock family during the Great Depression. However, today's issues may also include challenges related to technology dependence, mental health, and social inequality. Children today may face issues such as cyberbullying, academic pressure, and navigating a rapidly changing world 2. The Great Depression affected everyone to some degree. How were the people in the movie affected? How were the different socio-economic classes affected? In the movie, people from all socio-economic classes are affected by the Great Depression. While the wealthy may lose their fortunes, the working class, like the Braddock family, face unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. The socio-economic classes are affected differently, with the wealthy experiencing a decline in their standard of living, while the working class struggle for survival 3. Doing what is right is sometimes difficult. How difficult was it for Braddock to pay off his debt to the government at a time when no one was giving back? Paying off his debt to the government was extremely difficult for Braddock, especially when he had no income and little means to support his family. During a time when few were giving back, Braddock's decision to repay his debt despite his own financial struggles demonstrates his integrity and sense of responsibility 4. The scene where Braddock's son explains why he stole is extremely powerful. Would you steal if your family hadn't eaten in a week, or if your family's ability to stay together depended on it? How do you feel about the ethics of this decision? The scene where Braddock's son explains why he stole raises complex ethical questions. In desperate situations where basic needs are not met, individuals may resort to desperate measures to survive. While stealing is generally considered unethical, the dire circumstances faced by the Braddock family challenge traditional notions of morality. It's difficult to judge someone's actions in such extreme circumstances 5. Braddock states that he knows what he is fighting for: milk. How does that make you feel about what you have today? Should we be ashamed for having Xboxes, big screen TVs, cell phones, and the latest digital cameras? Although Braddock was fighting for milk, he knew that winning also meant fame and money. Do you think that he wanted this fame? Why or why not? Braddock's statement about fighting for milk highlights the basic necessities that many take for granted today. It prompts reflection on the privileges and luxuries enjoyed in modern society. While Braddock fought for survival, he also sought success and recognition in his boxing career. It's likely that he desired fame and money as a means to provide for his family rather than seeking it solely for personal gain 6. Many times in today's society is critiqued for being lazy. Is it? Why or why not? Could you have shown the same determination that Braddock did to succeed? Explain. In today's society, laziness is often criticized, but it's important to consider systemic factors that may contribute to individual circumstances. Braddock's determination to succeed despite facing adversity serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience. Whether individuals today could show the same determination depends on various factors, including personal circumstances and access to resources 7. How has this movie changed the way you view the struggles your grandparents and great grandparents went through? This movie provides insight into the struggles faced by previous generations during difficult times like the Great Depression. It highlights the resilience, sacrifices, and values that helped families endure adversity. Understanding the challenges faced by our ancestors can foster appreciation for their resilience and inspire gratitude for the opportunities and comforts enjoyed today 8. ‘You know what? I’m all prayed out,’ ~ Jim Braddock. Why does Jim find it so hard to believe at that point? How important a role does Jim’s family play in his career? How do they inspire him to win? Jim finds it hard to believe in prayer at that point because he may feel abandoned or hopeless in the face of overwhelming challenges. His family plays a crucial role in his career by providing support, motivation, and a sense of purpose. They inspire him to win by reminding him of what's at stake and encouraging him to persevere despite the odds 9. Why do you think Jim is nicknamed the ‘Cinderella Man’ by the press? Why do you think Jim Braddock’s winning streak inspired people so much? What makes his story so inspirational even now? Jim is nicknamed the 'Cinderella Man' by the press because his unexpected rise from poverty to success parallels the fairy tale of Cinderella. His winning streak inspired people because it symbolized hope, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. His story resonated with audiences because it showcased the power of resilience and determination in the face of challenges 10. What do you think Ron Howard wants us to take away from the film? Why? Ron Howard likely wants viewers to take away the importance of resilience, determination, and family support in overcoming adversity. The film celebrates the human spirit's ability to endure hardship and find strength in the face of overwhelming odds. It emphasizes the value of integrity, humility, and perseverance in achieving success and maintaining one's integrity during difficult times