Cinderella Man Extra Credit Opportunity – 20 Points
Due: Thursday, April 18, 2013
During the Great Depression, a common-man hero, James J. Braddock--a.k.a. the Cinderella Man-was to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. This fact-based story takes
place in during the North American Great Depression. The former successful boxer James
Braddock loses all his possessions and savings with the crash of the stock market. His beloved wife
Mae Braddock and their three children survive to starvation and lack of heating and the daily
difficulties supported by their love. In 1934, when Jim's couch and manager Joe Gould offers to
him a chance to return to boxing, he becomes the symbol of hope of hopeless people in a ruined
nation.
Directions: As you view the movie write out the answers to the following questions in
complete sentences.
1. What were your first impressions of Jim Braddock? What makes him a likeable character?
2. Give three examples of how the poverty and the hardship of the Great Depression are portrayed in the film. How do the
Braddocks deal with each situation?
3. Why do you think Jim continues to box when he has such bad injuries? What does this say about his character?
4. How important a role does Jim’s family play in his career? How do they inspire him?
5. Were you surprised by Mike’s death? What effect does it have on Jim?
6. How are Jim and Max different? How are they similar? What does Max’s character say about how fame can affect people?
8. Why do you think Jim is nicknamed the “Cinderella Man” by the press?
9. Why do you think so many people pray for Jim on the day of his championship?
10. Why do you think Jim Braddock’s winning streak inspired people so much?
11. The Great Depression affected everyone to some degree. How were the different socio-economic classes affected?
12. Why did Braddock want to pay off his debt to the government at a time when no one was giving back?
13. 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?
14. In your opinion, what is the most powerful scene in the film? Why?
15. How has this movie changed the way you view the struggles your grandparents and great grandparents went through?
16. Compared to the Great Depression is today's society more lazy? Describe why or why not.
17. Could you have shown the same determination that Braddock did to succeed? Explain.