In the Heat of the Night

In The Heat of the Night (1967)
Director: Norman Jewison



Q1. How does this film relate to the chapter in Foner?
A1: The 1960s was a period of time that was filled with a lot of protests. In my point of view, this is the time of “Rebellion” in America. As a foreigner, what I first think about 1960s in America it was the time of Hippies and Rock music. These Hippies used their radical way of lives to present their points of view about the society. Rock music, no doubt, was also one of the main weapons to show the idea of “freedom” to oppose the “conservative “points of view in the 1960s. However, the film “In the Heat of the Night” was focused on the topic of “racial inequality”, and how African Americans were not equally treated and did not enjoy their freedom in the 1960s’ just like others. The prejudices and stereotypes constructed the public’s points of view about these black people. In this film, especially concerning white people, their behaviors and reactions showed how they strongly discriminated against the black people in the1960s. “In the Heat of the Night” was a story based on a white wealthy business man’s mysterious death in a small town of Mississippi. The main character Tibbs is an African American police officer from Philadelphia. He is waiting for a train back to his home. However, this well-dressed African American becomes a suspect only because of his outfit, and another reason was that his wallet had too much money; thus, it seems not to belong to him. A policeman takes him back to the police station and tells another main character Bill Gillespie, the police chief in this town, about his suspicion of Tibbs. Tibbs proves his police officer status by making a phone call to his chief. However, after the proof of his innocent, his higher chief orders him to support the investigation in this homicide case. With the previous bad experience in this small town, Tibbs accept this job reluctantly. At the beginning, Gillespie is doubts about this African American detective’s ability. However, after Tibbs proves himself with his outstanding analysis ability and the desire to find out the murderer, Gillespie little by little accepts this “black” detective. Gillespie fails to catch the wrong man by his arbitrary judgment, but with brilliant Tibbs’ support, finally they find the murderer based on their cooperation. Therefore, in the process of finding out the real murderer, Tibbs earns the respect from Gillespie. Indeed, this “black” and “white” collaboration might be the best illustration to show the director’s or some Americans’ expectation to have a truly “black” and “white” equal and collaborating society. At the same time, this film reflects some real serious points about how general white people still discriminate against the black people. In fact, this film does reveal some points to Foner’s chapter 25 of “The Sixties”. First, obviously, African Americans’ social status was the lowest in American society. Their social identity was contaminated by most of the white people. These white people had a serious discrimination issues against these black people. In this basis, from verbal or real physical assaults all point out how African Americans were not really “free Americans” at that time. Foner uses an African American’s words to illustrate how African Americans’ feel about their freedom in the 1960s “1960s, one black organizer in Memphis remarked, ‘All I wanted to do was to live in a free country.’ Of the movement’s accomplishments, he added, ‘You had to fight for every inch of it. Nobody gave you anything. Nothing’” (Foner 913). Indeed, this points out how African Americans were not totally free in America; they earned their own freedom by a series of civil right movements. They really “fight” to earn their own freedom. No one helped them. Indeed, this film also indirectly connects to the fact that how 1960s was a time for African Americans fight to earn their freedom by practical activities. In the film, when a cotton factory’s owner slaps on Tibbs’ face for his accusation, Tibbs is not afraid of this, and slaps the owner’s face back. Indeed, this might be an implication that black people need to respond for their unequal social status. The civil rights movement in the 1960s became African Americans’ main movement to show their eagerness for true freedom. Foner illustrates that “civil rights movement challenged the United States to rethink ‘what it really means by freedom’—including whether freedom applied to all American or only to part of the population” (Foner 913). In this basis, “part of the population” which refers to the white people might rethink about African Americans’ social status, and their freedom. Moreover, during that time the people who supported the African Americans’ civil rights movements might be considered as conservative white people’s enemies, and the women were not an exception. Foner indicates the realty that in 1960s “As in the days of abolitionism, young women who had embraced an ideology of social equality and personal freedom and learned methods of political organizing encountered inequality and sexual exploitation” (Foner 944). Indeed, 1960s really played a significant role in American freedom’s movement. Especially African Americans started to earn their real freedom that time.

Q2: What can we learn about American culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2: In this film, the most powerful emphasis is on the racial issues. For instance, the main character Tibbs is caught by the police only because he is wearing a nice suit, and has a lot of money in his wallet. There is another example, when he goes to a restaurant; the waiter strongly refuses to provide this “African American” any service by saying “I am not going to service him”. However, these are all verbal assaults with discrimination against the black people. Moreover, there are some vivid physical assaults represent how serious the white men were loathed the black people. For example, in a scene, Tibbs are surrounded by five white men with weapons. They use their weapons to attack Tibbs. However, Tibbs does fight back, and is saved by the police chief Gillespie. Indeed, the relationship between Tibbs and Gillespie might be the best illustration about the typical white people and black people’s relationship. At the beginning, Gillespie has doubts about Tibbs’ ability in investigating the homicide case. We can observe Gillespie’s arrogant and insolent point of views about Tibbs through the movie. However, finally Gillespie starts to show his respect and admiration to Tibbs by the fact that he is an outstanding detective. Indeed, this shows most of the white people judge the black people based on their own prejudice first. In the Tibbs and Gillespie’s case Gillespie finally finds Tibbs’ advantages and gets rid of the previous prejudice. However, there were few white people like Gillespie who could erase the prejudice about the black people, and admire their ability. Indeed, although the civil rights movement was changing the black people’s social status, the fact was that these black people were still under serious discrimination. This film really directly shows majority of white men’s perspectives about the black people.

Q3: What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3: “In the Heat of the Night” really does not mention issues or perspectives about class. However, regarding gender’s points of view there are mainly two things that I found in the film. First, there is a scene that an almost naked woman in the house, and it really seems she is not aware of others’ feelings. Indeed, this points out women had their sexual determination that time; they even could decide they wanted to wear clothes or not. Second, the abortion issue is revealed in the film. To have enough abortion surgery fees, the real murderer, the waiter in a small restaurant kills the rich businessman for the money. Indeed, the movie puts a sensitive issue like “abortion” in the film which really reflects how women took this issue as a normal behavior. This also indirectly points out women’s liberal perspectives about sexual issues that time. The racial issues are the most important perspective in this film. How the main character Tibbs is treated by the white people is so vivid in this film. From the policemen to restaurant waiter they all show a strong discrimination against Tibbs. Tibbs is the representativeness of the African Americans that time. Indeed, most of these African Americans were not equally treated by others, especially the white people. Moreover, the contrast of a white cotton factory’s owner who has his own greenhouse and the conscientious black cotton workers shows that most African Americans’ standard of living were very poor. In Tibbs’case, a black man who had a nice standard of living might be rare that time. However, in Tibbs’s case we can see that some African Americans’ social status was moving upward, but majority of them were still in a poor standard.

Q4: What was the most important scene in the film?
A4: The most important scene in this film is when Tibbs finds out who is the murderer and is ready to takes the train back to Philadelphia, the police chief Gillespie asks Tibbs to take care of himself, and thanks for his helping in this homicide case. Indeed, in this scene, the Gillespie indirectly shows his admiration to Tibbs, and the respect to the black people. Moreover, by saying “take care of yourself” might be interpreted to the point that, in Tibbs’ life, in the future he will still face other white people’s prejudice and discrimination against him only because he is a black person. Although Gillespie respects him for his professionalism and courage, other white people might still discriminate against him. Indeed, this points out that although some black people benefited from the civil right movements, there is still a long way to go to find their true “freedom”, and “social equality” in America. Moreover, as a democratic country where the emphasis is on personal freedom, and equally treatment, America was not totally free yet. American society might need more time to accept these minorities to be their country’s members. The civil rights movements in the1960s did change African Americans’ social status by lawful support. However, their freedom was still limited by the public’s perspective. In this basis, America still needs to improve their way to treat these minorities in the 1960s and even now.

The Girl Can’t Help it

The Girl Can’t Help it (1956)
Director: Frank Tashlin




Q1: How does the film relate to the chapter in Foner?
A1: “The Girl Can’t Help it” was made in 1956, a comedic film which describes a story in music industry. After World War II, this film well depicts the affluent and joyful mood in society during that time. The story starts with a man named Tom Miller, who is a famous agent of the previous super star Julie London, and he was in love with London. In a meeting, Tom meets wealthy business man Marty Murdock who used to be in prison for his business crime. Marty makes a deal with Tom, and asks Tom to assist him to turn his girlfriend Jerri Jordan into a super star. The reason why Marty does this is that he wants his girlfriend to have a higher reputation and achievement like his, and based on this same social status they can get married. However, although Jerri is a beautiful, attractive, and gorgeous woman, she cannot sing. Moreover, she tells Tom that she does not want to be a popular singer; she only wants to do housework, cooking meals for her lover, and taking care of her family. Unfortunately, Marty really dislikes Jerri cooking or doing housework: he even prohibits her to do these things. One day, Marty asks Tom and Jerri to go to his place for a meeting. On their way to Marty’s house, Jerri insists on having a picnic on a beach. During the picnic, Jerri tells Tom the story why she will be Marty’s grilfriend because Marty saved his father, and Jerri wants to devote herself to appreciate Marty’s goodness. From conversations, and previous meetings, Tom and Jerri fall in love with each other. In the meeting, Tom tells Marty the truth that Jerri really does not want to be a singer but a housekeeper. However, Marty forces Tom to keep helping train Jerri to be a popular singer. Next day, Tom takes Jerri to a rehearsal room; after listening to Jerri’s terrible voice, Tom realizes that Jerri cannot sing. By telling the truth to Marty, Marty takes a popular TV singer as an example to ask Jerri to sing, even to make a noise or scream; he is quite sure that his Jerri will be famous. Finally, Jerri does make a record based on Marty’s composition. Indeed, what she does is just make a terrible high pitch screaming in the middle of the song. After recording it, Tom takes the song to Chicago to meet a big jukebox business owner, Wheeler, and asks him to play Jerri’s song all over his jukebox machines. However, Marty and Wheeler are competitors in the jukebox business; after Wheeler knows that Jerri belongs to Marty’s business, he denies the offer. Marty figures out how to promote Jerri’s song by replacing all his competitors’ jukeboxes with his. He succeeds, and Jerri becomes a famous and popular singer. As Marty expects, Jerri is supposed to marry him; however, just before the wedding ceremony Jerri has the performance of her popular song. During the performance Jerri does not sing Marty’s piece, but her own creation to show her love to Tom. By singing this song, it proves that Jerri is a really good singer; it also indirectly shows that she can sing, but she does not want to sing. Indeed, to be a housewife is her ideal way of life. At the same time, Wheeler comes to the performance, and wants Marty to pay off what he owes for Wheeler’s jukeboxes. Clever Tom pushes Marty on the stage, and asks the audience to enjoy Marty’s performance of this popular song. In fact, Tom saves Marty’s life, moreover, Marty finds out his own interest to be a singer. Jerri and Tom get married in the end with the happy ending. Although “The Girl Can’t Help it” is a comedy mainly describing a story about music industry, it does reflect some points in Foner’s chapter 24. First, in the film it is not hard to observe that there are a lot of electronic devices, or housing devices like TVs, dishwashers, refrigerators in the house; these all point out the rising of consumer power during 1950s. Moreover, from Jerri’s outfits we can also clearly see that there are more choices in consumer power. Foner indicates this rising, and variety consumer powers as “the 1950s of a conception of freedom centered on economic abundance and consumer choice within the context of traditional family life” (Foner 873). Second, in the film from Marty, Tom, Jerri, their house decorations, furniture, electronic devices, and the luxurious nightclubs all point out that 1950s are an affluent period of time. It can be connected to Foner’s illustration based on this affluent period of time “one scholar has called the ‘golden age’ of capitalism, a period of economic expansion, stable prices, low unemployment , and rising standard of living that continued until 1973” (Foner 873). Finally, Jerri’s strong determination and orientation that she only wants to devote herself to her future family, her admiration to the marriage, and how she likes do house-work and cooking. Foner points out as this “1950s sought to convey the idea that women would find happiness in their roles as suburban homemakers” (Foner 880).



Q2: What can we learn about American culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2: In “The Girl Can’t Help it”, there is a scene that when Marty replaces all Wheeler’s jukeboxes, and puts in Jerri’s awful song in his jukebox; it is marvelous that finally this terrible piece of music will be a famous song. Moreover, it suddenly turns Jerri’s music career to the highest level. Indeed, this seems ridiculous how this awful piece will be a national-wide popular song, it also indirectly points out the power of mass media and promotion. Thus, consumers’ preference strongly affected by the mass media and their promotion, this shows how powerful mass media that time even could transform a awful song to a popular and famous song. In this film, there are many devices and scenes present the advance of people’s standard of living. In fact, there are many new technological devices like TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators which are normally used and owned by the public. Therefore, when Tom goes to Chicago for a business trip, a jet plane becomes his transportation that time, and when he calls Jerri; he just uses hotel’s telephone to make a call. The jet plane and telephone instance indicate that these technologies were became a common tools, and not considered a “high-tech” only for wealthy and governmental users. Rock music, no doubts, is the main focus and improvement in public culture in this film. In this film, people seem accept this new type of music illustration, and indeed, it becomes a popular style of music. Music became a necessary part to people’s daily lives, and might liberalize their thinking based on this new form of music: rock music. Moreover, the flourishing nightclubs on the street reveal that how people started to put emphasis on the enjoyment of entertainment.


Q3: What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3: First, in the perspective of gender, Jerri sends out a strong message through the whole film, what she eager to have is a marriage, and becomes a housekeeper at home. This strong orientation in Jerri shows in scenes like Jerri enjoys preparing a breakfast for Tom, and cooking Thanksgiving turkey in a pleasant mood. Indeed, this phenomena of a huge preference for marriage and being a housekeeper in 1950’s women Foner thinks that “Films TV shows and advertisements portrayed marriage as the most important goal of American women” (Foner 880).Regarding class, it is not hard to notice the different ways of life between wealthy business man Marty, and normal singer’s agent Tom. Although Tom’s house seems be in good taste and he has everything he needs. The huge gap between classes still reflects in Marty’s personal luxurious palace. The most vivid instance might be that Marty shows a film to Tom in a meeting by using his own projector and specialized operator. Indeed, he has his own small movie theater; if Tom wants to watch a movie, he might, like most people do, go to a movie theater. Therefore, Marty has his personal driver and servant. Even though people in 1950s, their standard of living were totally better, the rich and poor class conflict still existed that time. In race part, in the film, a lot of black performers in the club singing rock music illustrate that there was no boundary in rock music among different ethnic groups during that time. Moreover, because this non-barrier musical environment, it also indicates these black performers’ social status was moving upward.


Q4: What was the most important scene in the film?
A4: Again, in my own observation, the most important scene is when Marty replaces all Wheeler’s jukeboxes, and puts in Jerri awful song in his jukeboxes, finally this terrible piece of music will be a famous song in the nation. Indeed, it reflects how public in 1950’s were strongly affected by the power of mass media. This awful song becomes a popular one, and turns Jerri to be a super star only because this song is over and over playing in the jukeboxes, but not really an enjoyable good song. The people in 1950’s they did have their consumer power to make a choice among variety of choices. However, they should use well this consumer power through their own judgment and will, but not only based on mass media’s promotion. The “majority rule” seemed play a significant role to force public to obey “the majority” that time, even though the majority might be wrong like to put this awful song to be a popular hit in the nation. The people in 1950s had their own freedom in consumption. However, people should realize that the mass media is only a tool that passes information to the public. In fact, the public should use their own will to decide whether this is a good song or not, but not by others’ influences.

Pickup on South Street

Pickup on South Street (1953)
Director: Samuel Fuller




Q1: How does the film relate to the chapter in Foner?
A1:“Pickup on South Street” was an anti-communism film made during the Cold War in the United States. The Cold War was not a traditional war, based on military battles, it turned into a more economical, technological, and ideological war. The American reaction of anti-communism really illustrated the ideological conflicts and circumstances in America. This film describes the intense and stressful social mood during the Cold War. Namely, the flourishing spy activities and strong anti-communist emotions were so vivid in this film. The story begins with a woman named Candy who is taking the subway in New York City with FBI agents following her. Without awareness, a pickpocket named Skip McCoy steals her wallet. However, in this wallet there is a very important microfilm that is associated with underground communist activity, both Candy and Skip do not know the fact, and will get involve in this unusual event. In fact, Candy is asked by her ex-boyfriend Joey to transport this film to his “customer.” Candy always does this transporting job for Joey, and Joey tells her inside the microfilm is a secret chemical formula that he would like to give to his opposed side clients for money. The fact is that Joey is really a communist, and sending America’s secrets to the communists. The FBI and police seek to know Skip’s place, and they pay money to an old lady, Moe, an informant. Then, the FBI agent Zara and captain Tiger go to Skip’s place, and ask him to turn in the secret microfilm. Moreover, they tell Skip the truth of this secret film is associated with underground communist activity, and promise that they will clean his crime record if Skip hands in the microfilm. Skip does not trust them and keeps pretending he is innocent. Wanting to find out for himself, Skip goes to the library and finds out the truth and importance of this microfilm. Meanwhile, Candy also gets Skip’s place address from the informant Moe, and sneaks in. Skip is not at home when she is searching for the microfilm. Suddenly Candy is knocked down by Skip when he is coming home. After Candy wakes up, they little by little fall in love with each other when discussing the microfilm. They have the conclusion that Candy needs to exchange the secret microfilm for some money. Candy goes back and asks Joey for money, and visits Skip again. However, the money is not enough to Skip’s appetite. Skip asks Candy for more money, and also tells her the importance of this film; moreover, the fact is that this microfilm is really associated with underground communist activity. She does not believe Skip, and goes home for more money to exchange the microfilm. However, when she goes home, she finds out the truth that Joey is really a communist. He then kills Moe after his failure to get Skip’s address. Finally, by Candy’s love and Moe’s death, Skip forgets his personal interests, and finally successfully finds out the lost microfilm from the higher rank underground communists. Just as the police promised, his criminal history record is cleared after he hands in the microfilm. Indeed, this film reflects the main idea of how anti-communist mentalities was so advocated and emphasized during the Cold War. This film also really reveals some of Foner’s points of view regarding the Cold War in Chapter 23. First, no doubt, the anti-communist mentality was strongly advocated during the Cold War. The main two political groups, America and the Soviet Union, they fight against each other not in physical war, but more economically and ideologically. As a matter of fact, anti-communism is an ideological war that was not only supported by the government, but also considered a social phenomena supported by the public. Foner points out the evidence in this special social phenomena during the Cold War, “Local anticommunist groups forced public libraries to remove from their shelves ‘un American’ books like the tales of Robin Hood, who took from the rich to give to the poor” (Foner 864). Moreover, this anti-communist mood influenced the education: “Universities refused to allow leftwing speakers to appear on campus and fired teachers who refused to sign loyalty oaths or to testify against others” (Foner 864). Indeed, this really distorted the meaning of “democracy” and “freedom”. Second, from the film it is not hard to observe the flourishing spy activities, and strong involvement like local police and FBI. Foner indicates that how these government agencies have strong association with these spy activities, and how powerful they were during that time “ the FBI developed files on thousands of American citizens, including political dissenters, homosexuals, and others, most of whom had no connection to communism” (Foner 865). Finally, the atmosphere of fear was so clear and vivid during the Cold War. In fact, the anti-communist mentality strongly affected people’s daily life, and Foner points out evidence that, “Throughout the country in the late 1940s and 1950s, those who failed to testify about their past and present political beliefs and to inform on possible communists frequently lost their jobs” (Foner 864) to illustrate how it strongly affected people’s lives. This film does not reflect the points of the reason how Cold War emerges after World War II, but it does illustrate the strong effects of anti-communism.


Q2: What can we learn about American culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2:Again, the strong anti-communist mentality and actual activities really increased intense mood in America during the Cold War. Based on this film, a secret microfilm can affect people’s lives, even brush away a criminal’s crime record. From the trailing FBI agents and police and informant Moe’s death, these illustrate how this intense mood affects people’s daily lives and their own lives. Moreover, when Candy finds out that her ex-boyfriend is a communist, her reaction is immediately changed into protecting Skip by not revealing his living place. This film also reflects how Americans think about communists as a group of people who will do everything to achieve their goal; they will even beat a woman or kill an old lady. This really shows how Americans think that communists are brutal and unethical evil. Finally, also the most important one is that even like Skip, a pickpocket can give up his personal interests to fight against the communism. In fact, this shows how everyone in the Unites States was united together against communism, even a criminal like Skip is not an exception. Namely, even a criminal knows that he should stop communist’s evil behavior once he can. Therefore, the government agency like FBI would like to get rid of a criminal’s crime record, only because this criminal helps them fight against communism. This indirectly shows government’s strong determination and stand point that they take against communism as a priority in the country.


Q3: What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3: “Pickup on South Street” really does not mention any issue or conflict regarding class and race. However, in gender, some perspectives and issues emerge in the film.
First, there is the female character Candy; she is abused by both Skip and her ex-boyfriend Joey. In Skip’s case, it is first the serous pull and drag of having her purse, then, there is another scene that when Candy is passed out, Skip splash beer on her face to wake her up. Indeed, this is not very respectful, and should be considered to underrate women. Moreover, in Joey case, when Candy held the piece of the microfilm to Joey, he reacts and gives Candy a serious beating. This physical violation in the film strongly underrates women’s social status, and seemed like women’s liberty and social status was moving backward at that time. In contrast, women’s sexual-determination was very liberal. For instance, Candy falls in love with Skip in such a short time; moreover, they are hugging and kissing when they first met. These all illustrate women having their own rights to determine who they want to love, and how soon this relationship will go through. Women’s liberty, in this perspective, is more advanced than before. They have high sexual-determination to make their own decisions in having a relationship.


Q4: What was the most important scene in the film?
Q4: The most important and significant scene is the scene that before Joey kills Moe with a pistol. Just before Moe is killed by Joey, Moe realizes that Joey is a communist, and says “I just don’t like them (communists)”. Indeed, this reveals a problem that most of the public did not know the reasons why they disliked and feared anything that associated with communism. By supporting government, and the pressure from the general public’s will, people were forced to perceive a message that this is a “right way” to fight against communism, and was the only way to deal with communism. Indeed, this really deprived the public’s freedom of having other political beliefs; moreover, their freedom was constrained by the intense mood of who associated with communism. For instance, Foner points out that “States and localities required loyalty oaths of teachers, pharmacists, and members of other professions, and they banned communists from fishing, holding a driver’s license, and in Indiana, working as a professional wrestler” (Foner 864). Consequently, no one wanted to be associated with communism, and the government made a clear line to present their strong will against communism. In another perspective, this might indirectly illustrate that during that time, the government asked people to unite together against communism. Moreover, anti-communism is advocated to be a practical patriotic behavior that supported government and country. Just as what Foner says, “ As the historian Henry Steele Commager argued in a 1947 magazine article, the anticommunist crusade promoted a new definition of loyalty- conformity”(Foner 865). During the Cold World, loyalty to country might only be conformed to the government’s point of view. Moe, in this perspective, is also a conformer who follows government’s expectation or we should say order to show her loyalty to America.

The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart (1944)
Director: Lewis Milestone




Q1: How does the film relate to the chapter in Foner?
A1: This film was made in almost the ending period of World War II. During World War II period, America joined the war after Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. After that, in World War II there were two groups of countries against each other: the Allies and the Axis. However, this film was a propaganda movie that emphasized the unreasonable and brutal mentality of the Japanese. This film was based on the historical event called “The Doolittle Bombing Action” in which the American attacked Japan. The main characters are eight pilots who failed in their mission in a crash-landing and are caught by the Japanese as prisoners. The Japanese set up a military court to judge these prisoners as having committed the crime of attacking non-military public and facilities in Japan. Moreover, a Chinese witness points out how brutal these American pilots are when they crash-landed in China since they also attacked the non-military public in China. However, this is just a lie that this Chinese witness provided. Moreover, the Japanese provided another fake video to accuse American pilots of crimes. After this fake evidence, the Chinese witness is killed by his son, who wants to defend the Chinese position in the war from his father’s betrayal. Therefore, the Japanese also force these pilots to tell a military secret, not surprisingly, these pilots still do not admit to committing these crimes, do not want to tell the secret, and are sent to the jail. In the jail, the Japanese try to monitor their conversation, and force them one by one to tell the secret by cruel torturing. After tortures, one soldier loses his mind, and one cannot talk, the one with plastic gloves seems has serious damage on his hands. However, as an American soldier, they still take their responsibility to resist the Japanese’s savagery, and protect the country’s military secret. Finally, the Japanese judges want to make a deal with these pilots; the deal is once they tell the Japanese about American military secret of airplane carrier, they will be sent to a military camp and escape from death. Consequently, all these patriotic pilots are not afraid of death, they unite together to refuse to betray their country, and do not expose the military secret to the brutal Japanese. No doubt, they are sent to be executed. In fact, these pilots are not afraid of death; after receiving the sentence of death, they all singing “Glory Hallelujah” when walking back to the jail in the end of the film. Indeed, this singing shows their patriotic hearts are be loyal to America, they are fearless of the brutal Japanese and death. In fact, this film did reflect some of Foner’s points of view in Chapter 22. First, when eight pilots are interrogated by the Japanese judge, they strongly present their points of view against Japanese manipulation of attacking non-military public, even in the scene that one pilot says “Even you kill us, other American will keep fighting until we win.” This is the best illustration of “freedom of speech”; these pilots are not afraid of the opposition. Indeed, they are the fighters who protect the “freedom of speech”. Foner points out that “President Roosevelt spoke eloquently of a future world order founded on the ‘essential human freedoms’: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of want, and freedom from fear. The four freedoms became Roosevelt’s favorite statement of Allied aims” (Foner 796). Indeed, these pilots embody the “freedom of speech” in the film by protecting the truth and against the unreasonable enemy during World War II. Second, Foner indicates that “Allied victory saved mankind from a living nightmare- a worldwide system of dictatorial rule and slave labor in which people deemed inferior suffered the fate of European Jews and of the victims of Japanese outrages in Asia” (Foner 837). In this film, these eight pilots’ courage reflects Foner’s point of being a savior to those victims in World War II, and is considered to be the representative of America’s role in World War II. They protect the “truth” of the Japanese’s unreasonable accusation, and sacrifice themselves in contrast to the brutal Japanese. In fact, these American pilots express the seeds of justice, and against the imperialism and tyranny just like America did during World War II. Third, there is a vivid scene in the film that after the Japanese know their victory in a certain battle, all the Japanese soldiers are waving their swords, and dancing with each other in the military court; moreover, the court is immediately canceled. This scene might connect to Foner’s point “Government propaganda and war films portrayed the Japanese foe as rats, dogs, gorillas, and snakes- bestial and subhuman” (Foner 822). Based on Foner’s point, this scene really describes the Japanese as an inferior and inhumane people, and how American disliked their enemy. Finally, the series of brutal tortures in the film illustrate what the Americans’ perspective of the Japanese during World War II; they think they are cruel and ferocious. Foner indicates why American thought about their enemy in this way “ In the United States, long-standing prejudice and the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor combined to produce an unprecedented hatred of Japan”(Foner 822). In my own observation, these four main points were what I found that related to Foner’s points in Chapter 22, since this is a propaganda film based on a true military events in China and Japan, this film might only cover a few materials and changes in American society during World War II period.

Q2: What can we learn about American culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2:
The anti-Japanese mentality is obviously depicted through the whole movie. Indeed, in my explanation, in this propaganda film, the main point what director wants to promote is to describe how savage and unreasonable Japanese are, and indirectly unite Americans to be stronger during the wartime. In the film, there are many scenes and details describe the brutal and cruel Japanese. For instance, the series of tortures that makes American pilots become deaf, a lunatic, and seriously injured in the hands. Moreover, the most vivid scene in the film is that after the Japanese receive news of their victory; how brutal they are, they wave their swords, and dance to celebrate the victory; this seems they are advocating Japan to be an “armed forces” country. These instances in the film all embody how Americans thought about Japanese as savage and brutal people, and how Americans loathed them in interpreting their behavior in such unreasonable ways. During the wartime, what people need is a hero to encourage public to keep against their enemy. During World War II, it was not an exception. In this film, the director provided eight heroes to represent America against the Japanese tyrannical power. Although they sacrifice in the end, they do represent Americans’ idea and will oppose tyranny and imperialism, and indirectly encourage people at home to support their country. My final point is that the eight pilots, act as a sacrifice to keep America’s military secret do show and promote the country’s patriotism; at the same time this revels the strong patriotic mood in the United States during World War II period.

Q3: What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3:
This film really does not mention about issues or conflicts in class and gender, but focuses on the topic of race. Regarding race, this movie is no doubt a very racist film. First it is about the Japanese. Since the anti-Japanese mood was strong in the U.S. and the Japanese were the enemy in World War II opposing the Americans, again, the director depicts the Japanese as unbelievably brutal by examples of torture, and the unreasonable reaction of the victory in a battle illustrates how Japanese like to “fight” and advocate “armed forces”. Second, the Chinese are discriminated against in this film by the prejudice of depicting this Chinese character. This Chinese is a betrayer who tells Japanese the lie to slander American pilots. He wears old-fashioned clothes and acts like very timid and crafty in reporting the fake evidence to the judge. However, not every Chinese person was like this character during that time; that’s why another Chinese character, his son, appears to kill his father who betrayed the Americans. This really balances what Americans thought about Chinese, and eased the prejudice and what a typical Chinese should be in a negative way.


Q4: What was the most important scene in the film?
A4:
In my own observation, the most important scene is the final scene that when eight pilots know they are sending to be executed, they are all joyfully singing a song of “Glory Hallelujah”, and seem not afraid of death. Indeed, their reaction of joy is based on their successfully defending American military secret from the Japanese. In this aspect, they do defeat the Japanese, and enjoy their glory. Even though, they are going to die, they are honorable and are successful against Japanese imperialism. Therefore, in contrast, it emphasizes the Japanese failure in forcing these pilots; it also indirectly points out that “justice” and “truth” will win in the final moment. These eight pilots represent as America to fight against Japanese in World War II. Just like in the war, the military court shows how Japanese are brutal, unreasonable, and advocate “armed forces”. In the American perspective, they advocate “freedom of speech”, “the truth” and not exposing military secret only for their personal good. Indeed, the final scene presents America’s determination in against the Japanese and imperialism, even they will sacrifice themselves in death, they will keep fighting until they die, and protect the “truth” or I should say “freedom” against Japanese and imperialism. The final scene does a great job to present the main purpose of a propaganda film, and makes audience loathe the Japanese when these eight pilots are executed, at the same time, promotes these eight heroes gratefully in making a decision to fight against Japanese imperialism.

The Gold Diggers of 1933

The Gold Diggers of 1933
Director: Mervyn LeRoy



Q1.How does the film relate to the chapter in Foner?
A1:This movie was made in almost the end of the Great Depression period; in fact, this movie should have described how Americans were suffering from a devastating poor condition of living. However, the director used a totally different point of view to interpret this movie. During the Great Depression, most Americans were living in tragedy, in order to allow the audience to escape from the reality of poor life and to be entertained by the movie, the director made this movie as a vivid and delightful comedy. This movie basically illustrates the story of three chorus girls Polly, Carol and Trixie, performed on Broadway. The movie starts in a rehearsal with a lot of chorus girls who all wear a shiny dollar sign. There are more like coins, gold, and silver, all things associated with money are worn on these chorus girls. Therefore, they keep repeating the main lyrics of the song “We are living in the money”. However, as the impact of the Great Depression, the producer is unable to pay the bill, and just before the show starts, it closed. These three chorus girls lose their job, but get another chance to have a new show. The fact is that producer has everything, but money. Polly’s boyfriend has an outstanding song writer next door, Brad Roberts, who would like to provide the capital. The only condition is that his girlfriend should perform on the show. With producer’s agreement, these three chorus girls have their jobs back, moreover, because Brad’s remarkable talent in composing song, his songs are used in the show. However, just before the show starts, the main character cannot get on the show because of his back problem. As a result, Brad jumps in to take care of the show, and becomes the main character. Since he is a poor, next door song composer, Trixie makes an assumption that Brad might rob a bank to get the fund. In fact, after the success of the show, and the fact that Brad is a member of the Boston wealthy family which is printed in the newspaper, Trixie changes her attitude from disregard to enthusiasm for Brad. When Brad’s order brother Lawrence and the family banker know this news, they come to New York to stop his musical career and disagree with the marriage between Brad and Polly. However, Lawrence has accidently misunderstanding, and takes Carol for Polly. After, Lawrence and the family banker have dinner and other events to investigate the fake Polly, Lawrence falls in love with Carol. Moreover, he wants to marry her. After finding the truth of the misunderstanding, Lawrence still want to marry Carol, and remains opposed to Brad and Polly’s marriage. However, finally this story end with the happy ending that Carol married Lawrence, the snobbish Trixie married the family banker, and of course Polly married Brad Roberts. These gold diggers all find their “gold” and happiness. The Gold Diggers of 1933, indeed, only covered some perspectives of Foner in Chapter 21. In chapter 21, the main points are focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal as a response and the cure to the Great Depression, and what the specifics policies in the New Deal , and their impact. However, as a comedy there are still some illustrations which can be link to Foner’s points. At the beginning, at the rehearsal night right before show start, unfortunately producer’s sponsor or creditor are not able to provide the funds to operate the show, finally; this show is canceled. This reflects to the instable financial environment during the Great Depression. Foner points out the fact that how serious problems in banking, and economy affect American lives. He indicates that “By March 1933, banking had been suspended in a majority of the states-that is, people could not gain access to money in their bank account”(Foner 762). Moreover, “About 5,000 banks –one third of the nation’s total-had failed between 1929 and 1933, representing a loss of tens of millions of dollars to depositors (Foner 762). In fact, this banking crisis, and the lowest economic mood did affect all people in America, a Broadway producer in the movie, no doubt, is one of the victims in the Great Depression. As the performers in Broadway, these chorus girls show they are the victims in the Great Depression. They lost their jobs, and need to steal neighbor’s milk for breakfast. However, after Brad’s help, they can make their lives back again. Indeed, according to Foner’s point “Depression hit industrial employment harder than low-wage clerical and service job where women predominated, the proportion of the workforce made up of women rose”(Foner 783). Indeed, these chorus girls job were considered to be holding “service jobs”, and by the less harm in the Great Depression, women became the minority survival social group. Moreover, they indirectly advocate the uprising of the “feminism”. Foner also illustrates that “The New Deal brought more women into government than before in American history”(Foner 783). This is the evidence that women’s social status were improved; however, there were still some government’s intervention in women’s social status. For instance, Foner points out that “Most New Deal programs did not exclude women from benefits(although CCC restricted its camps to men). But the ideal of the man-headed household powerfully shaped social policy”(Foner 783). Indeed, although women’s social status was moving upward, their rights were still under control by government’s intervention and social perspectives. Finally, in the show, in my observation there was a black chorus which showed up in the scene of many different couples sitting on the bench. Indeed, this might represent that Americans were starting to accept and embrace the diversity of different ethnic group. Foner points out that “American were not only middle-class Anglo- Saxons but also blacks, immigrants, and the working class” (Foner 791), this illustration represent that diversity was promoting and advocating during the New Deal period. Indeed, America is a multicultural country, with different ethnic groups, and immigrants. However, black people still suffered from getting freedom and equality during that time.

Q2: What can we learn about American culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2: In the film, women are the most important component that we can observe their change and improvement in social perspectives. First, in the show rehearsal they wear a very exposed costumes that covered by money signs and coin. Even though they are chorus girls, it might affect what they wear while in performing. However, the fact that women were wearing more exposed dress, and the public take this as a usual behavior. Another instance is when Brad’s brother Lawrence goes to visit Carol, the fake Polly, she wears a very exposed dress just after taking a shower; however, she does not care about Lawrence’s visit and talks to Lawrence. This represents that women had their own choice to wear whatever they like, despite social expectation, and conservative’s view of how a women should wear during 1933. Moreover, the show scenes in the movie might have some sexual implications in the film; this represents that American had a more liberal sexual point of view than before. Women smoking cigarettes play a significant role that reveals and express women’s liberty. We can see that in the movie, men accept women smoking in the public. Moreover, they are glad to use a lighter to light up women’s cigarette. Men did not deny women to smoke like men did; they take this as a common activity that everyone had the right to do. Women smoking cigarettes became a symbol that the inequality between men and women were eliminated in some perspectives. However, the inequality still existed in other parts of the society.

Q3.What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3: The Gold Diggers of 1933 shows that a lot of improvement in American social perspectives regarding gender. Again, smoking cigarettes, wearing exposed dress, having their own job and vivid personalities in each actress were important changes. This all represents American women’s social status was moving upward. Their freedom was embodied in having more activities the same as men did. In the class point of view, in the strong contrast of Brad’s brother Lawrence wealthy and luxurious life, and chorus girls’ poor living condition after the layoff, points out that even in the Great Depression, there were still some people living in a good life. The huge gaps between upper class and the public were not eliminated by the effect of the Great Depression. In the film, the case that finally two of Boston wealthy family members Lawrence and Brad both married two chorus girls. This is the best evidence points out that the cross-class marriage was accepted by the public in 1933; moreover, it was acceptable to put this case in the film to promote this liberal concept in marriage. Regarding race, my own observation was again, the appearance of the black chorus in the film. This represents that American accepted the other ethnic group to join in their society. Compare to have the total prejudice or discrimination on them; this is a huge step that represents American’s awareness to social minorities, and takes them as the same “American”. Therefore, America was moving to accept themselves as a multicultural country, and started to put a real action to help these social minorities. This recognition from the American public might be a chance that allows these social minorities to upward their social status.

Q4.What was the most important scene in the film?
A4: The last scene with American flag, soldiers, and many men waiting on line accompanied with the song of “Remember My Forgotten Man” was the most profound and significant scene in the film. This scene connects to the first scene. At the beginning, the song of “We are in the money,” with exaggerated costumes of dollars signs, everything represents the prosperous American economy before the Great Depression. However, this show is canceled, in my explanation it means that the prosperous time in America was over. Later, the shortage of fund to start the new show is another implication that represents the circumstance in America’s poor economy. In the final scene, with the national flag, the returning soldiers from World War I, indeed, should be pleasant to back to their country. However, later on, the men are waiting in line and taking turns to smoke the same cigarette points out that how these return soldiers were treated after they back home. These surviving soldiers expected to have a good life after war; however, the Great Depression made these “forgotten men” to maintain their life in such difficult conditions. This scene not only describes the disappointment of the returning soldiers, but also indicates the hard time during the Great Depression. Although the whole movie is interprets in a comedic way, the final scene pulls the audience back to the theme of the Great Depression, and its effects. Indeed, this scene has the significant meaning represents the transition that America was undergoing in 1933, and what they were expecting and hoping in the future.

The Crowd

The Crowd, 1928
Director:King Vidor




Q1.How does the film relate to the Chapter in Foner?
A1:“The Crowd” was shot in 1928; this was a film about an ordinary American, John Sims who has a typical American dream, and is eager to have a great life in the future. This film describes how he put his endeavors to pursuit his expected life, furthermore, how he goes through his life time dilemmas and challenges, and tries so hard to accomplish his American Dream. The film starts with a scene that when he is born; his father says to him “ I am going to give him every opportunity.” Indeed, John does not disappoint his father’s expectation, and becomes a very ambitious child who has a big aspirations and goals. However, when John is 12, his father dies. When he becomes 21, he comes to New York City, and becomes a professional accountant. In this metropolis, as an accountant, a well dressed professional person. Finally, he finds his love, and gets married with Mary. They live in a very tiny place, indeed, they are poor. Moreover, John is suffering from being humiliated by Mary’s wealthy mother and brothers, namely, Mary’s mother requests John to have a better standard of living to take care of Mary. When time passes, this young couple has a lovely son and daughter. Their life is normal and pleasant, but there comes an event that will change John’s ordinary life. John earns the prize of 500 dollars from an advertising competition; he buys some presents for his children for celebrating his wining. However, when his daughter crosses the street from playing with other kids to get his father’s gift, she is hit by a truck. His daughter does not survive after that accident, and this dramatic moment changes John’s life. In fact, after this tragedy, John is too pained, and unable to focus on his work. The consequence is not surprising; he quit his job. Later he decides to start up his own business by selling vacuum cleaners, but ends up with failure. After losing his lovely baby and job, he starts to stays at home, and does not work for a long time. During that time, Mary starts to do some handmade works to maintain their life. However, Mary cannot stand for John doing nothing at home, moreover, she wants to leave him. Meanwhile, John still suffering from losing his child, and thinks of himself as a useless man. He once thinks about committing suicide to end his tragic life, but with his son’s encouragement, he is willing to seek another job. A clown that John made fun of earlier in the film becomes John’s only option to bring his wife and family back. In fact, he takes the job as a clown; put his family and life back again. John represents 1920’s average income American people, like white-collar accountants, this is a portrait of how an average income American lives, and how they overcome their life time difficulties. In fact, this film did reveal some of Foner’s points of view about 1920’s in his book. First of all, when John goes to New York City, it is not hard to observe that New York is a big, populated city. This gigantic city was filled with cars, wide-extended roads, and sky-high modern buildings, most important of all, more and more busy, well-suited people around. This part of the film gives us an information of how an American city like New York was so prosperous and advanced during that time. Foner points out that “The 1920s was a decade of prosperity”( Foner 722).I think that New York is one of the most significant signs of prosperity in 1920s’ America. Foner also believes that “The automobile was the backbone of economic growth”(Foner 722). Indeed, automobiles played a significant part to stimulate America’s economy, and pushed American society to be more modernized and advanced. That’s why Foner thinks that “The automobile industry stimulated the expansion of steel, rubber and oil production, road construction, and other sectors of the economy”(Foner 722). In fact, we can notice there were so many cars in New York city, these cars in the film might be the best illustration of Foner’s point. Second, when John became a vacuum cleaners’ salesman, after not selling any of them, he went home disappointed and said to Mary “Mary, there's no use trying to sell vacuums. Everybody has one.” In fact, this reflects what Foner’s description on the top of the graph, it points out “Electric washing machines and Hoover vacuum cleaners were two of the home appliances that found their way into many American homes during the 1920s(Foner 724). This represents that the public had stronger consumption power, and how advanced American society was popularized during 1920s. Last but not least, in the film, there was a standard for men and women to be well dressed. For instance, John always wears suit and tie with his hat, no matter where he is going. This standard might be the fashionable way of wearing and part of public culture in America’s 1920s. Foner, indeed, explains this phenomenon as “ Radio and the movie spread mass culture throughout the nation. Americans seemed to dress like, think like, go to the same movies, and admire the same larger-than-life national celebrities”(Foner 721). In my understanding, these three main points are most related to Foner’s chapter, moreover, because this film was just made a year before the Great Depression, so this might be the best material to illustrate America’s culture, and their daily life before the Great Depression. However, this film was made in 1928, so, maybe the problems and negative parts of the society like corruption in the government, and the opposite sides of the modern urban culture, the rise of fundamentalism were not mentioned in the movie.



Q2.What can we learn about American Culture during the time period by interpreting the film as a primary sources?
A2: The entertainment was more important than before in1920s and people took this as necessity in their daily life. In the film, when John has a date with Mary, they go to a carnival to enjoy their date. This also points that the “night life” appeared in 1920’s and was important to the public. Moreover, in John’s company, they have a activity like “ Annual Picnic”, this reveals that cooperation started to have this kind of company activity provides an event that make their workers know each other, relax, and most important part was to unite their workers. In my explanation, this represents that the “company culture” or “company spirit” emerged in the 1920’s American business culture. Working attitude might be another issue in the 1920’s business world. John and his colleagues seem to expect to get out of work as soon as possible. There is a scene that all accountants including John are staring at the clock before five pm, and is not hard to see how they are eager to get out of work. However, after work, everyone is excited to enjoy their entertainment. This issue reflects how working people lack break time, and how they did not enjoy working. In 1920s, the social status of women had reached another level. For instance, when John has a date with Mary they are not afraid to hug or kiss in public. This represents that women’s liberty was promoted and accepted by the public. Moreover, in Mary’s case they could choose their groom or dating guy without having the same social status or parents’ arrangement. The vacuum was another symbol in 1920s, it was popularized and became a symbol of how America’s economy was rapidly growing; moreover, most Americans could afford to use this type of advanced technology at home. America’s society no doubt was more modernized than any other country and culture. Urbanization was another achievement we could observe from the film. New York City’s fascinating sky-high buildings, endless driving cars, and countless people in the city all embodies that New York City was as a well urbanized city in1920s.

Q3.What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3:
In this film, it does not describe any issue that associated with race, but“ The Crowd” does deal with about class and gender. In the class system, John, an accountant, is a typical representative of a white-collar average American, this film well describes what an average American life was about in 1920s. In fact, their salaries only could cover their daily fundamental uses, for example, food, and basic furniture. That’s why when John earns the prize from an advertising competition of 500 dollars, he is so pleased, because he can pay off the furniture loan, and buy something considered luxurious like presents for their children. Without this 500 dollars, he has barely enough money to buy something else, his income is completely dedicated to some daily needs like food and loans. Indeed, this points out that although John was an average income American in1920s, he could only barely maintain his life in balance. Regarding gender, although Mary had more freedom like kissing or hugging in the public as a normal behavior in the 1920s society, in this movie the women were still defined as the people who only need to devote themselves to their family. Mary, in the film, despite the time before she married John, she always stays at home waiting for John get out of work. Mary cooks breakfast for John, and when John is fired, she does some handmade works to support their family. In fact, Mary’s priority is still focusing on her family. Women’s liberty was still held by their family’s control in 1920s, they did not have complete freedom yet.


Q4.What was the most important scene in the film?
A4:
The most important scene was when John is encouraged by his son, and finds a new job to be a clown; the same job that he had laughed at in the beginning when he was still an accountant. However, he gives up his unpractical dream in thinking about that he still could have his own big business, without doing nothing, furthermore, he takes the job. Based on this clown job, John earns his revenue again, brings Mary back, and their family back on track again. This indirectly shows that John starts over his American dream again, and puts it into action. Although being a clown has a low salary, hope is what he has now. He can use this hope to change his family’s poor living condition to a better life. This optimistic vision of future might be a unique product and response of the prosperous decade of 1920s. However, again, this movie was made right before the Great Depression; I believe that after the Great Depression this optimistic social expectation will switch in a different way.

Traffic in Souls

Traffic in Souls, 1913
Director: George Loane Tucker




Q1.How does the film relate to the chapter in Foner
A1:”Traffic in Souls” was the film that took shot in 1913, right before the World War I. This movie started In New York City, William Trubus who is the boss of “International Purity and Reform League”, indeed; it is an underground organization that kidnaps women, especially, overseas immigrants to do prostitution for profits. Moreover, in order to escape from police’s attention, Trubus uses advice like dictograph and telegraphic pen to contact with the brothel’s operators. At the beginning, two Swedish immigrant sisters become organization’s target. After they are taken to the brothel, a police randomly find the place, and save all the victims. Later on, another case that a candy shop’s employee Loran asked by a man out for drink. However that man is one of the member in the organization, after Loran is drunk, he has kidnapped Loran to the brothel. Loran’s sister, Mary, is so worries that her sister has not come home for so late and not coming home for so many days. As a result, she starts to find her sister by herself, but in vain. Indeed, after Loran’s missing, Mary is too sorrowful to concentrate on her work. Finally she gets fired, but occasionally hires by Mr. Trubus wife as a secretary in Trubus’s office. However, fortunately Mary has the opportunity to clean Trubus’s desk, moreover, indirectly listens to the conversation between Trubus and brothel’s operator. She thinks that this might be have something associated with her sister’s case. After finds out this, she asks her boyfriend, the officer Burke for help. In the end, they find the evident by using Mary’s father new invention, and safe Loran out of torture. Although this was a typical “hero safes his lover” type of movie, this movie reflects some social perspectives and social issues in progressive Era, and illustrates some Foner’s points. First, the immigrants’ issues were raised in the movie. According to Foner’s point, he points out that“the new immigration from southern and eastern Europe had begun[to arrive] around 1890 but reached its peak during the Progressive era”(Foner 643). In the film, we could clearly see that when two Swedish sisters are coming to the United States, how joyful and pleasant they are. Most of these European immigrants were escaped from Europe during World War I. They consider America as a shelter to start their brand new life. However, in Swedish sisters’ case, when they first got here, they were taken to the brothel. I believe this strong contrast illustrates that the Swedish sisters’ case was used to enlarge the fact that how these European immigrants were unfairly treated. Foner illustrates their situation as “they endured low wages, long hours, and dangerous working condition”(Foner 646). Although these immigrants were free from the battle field of World War I, indeed, they were not totally free when they moved to the United States. Foner points out that these immigrants request for “the true freedom”. They were not free with the limited low wages, and little upward economic mobility (Foner 746). In fact, these European immigrants were no doubts, a huge social issue during the Progressive Era. They were still experiencing the social inequity. Women, in this film, is another key point that depicts women’s social status during the Progressive Era was moving upward. For example, Mary and her sister Loran were allowed to work in a candy shop. Moreover, Loran was asked out for a drink case, it is normal that women can have drink and dance in the public place during that time. Just as Foner said “ Traditional gender roles were changing dramatically in Progressive America” (Foner 647). As a matter of fact, before Progressive Era, women’s social role was focusing on family. They spent almost all of their time and energy to devote to their family. A woman’s freedom of having job, go to dance hall was not accepted. However, the Progressive Era gave American women opportunities to work and consume. As the promotion of “Feminism” by more and more people, women’s also have their right in sex. The sexual liberation had occurred.

Q2.What can we learn about American culture during that time period by interpreting the film as a primary historical source?
A2:First, the new technology like dictograph and a telegraphic pen showed up, this represents that America had a great success in accepting new technology and had a modernized society, moreover, consumer freedom. Second, when Loran goes out with a man for a drink this represent that American Women during that time had their own will to decide who she wanted to go out for a date with. Namely, they started to have their sexual self-determination. Third, again, women were allowed to drink alcohol and dance in the public. In fact, this is a great moment to American women, and a great illustration of women’s liberty. In fact, this might be great evidence that points out how American women have their early liberty in having entertainment. Fourth, the emergence of the European immigrants’ gave American a multicultural society. Finally, in the film, even though they had gun fight, there was almost no bloody scene, and little violence. Moreover, in the film, when depicting the relationship between Mary and her boyfriend, there were no sexual imply in the film, and their relationship seems conservative based on their body contact and gesture. In sum, the male-female relationship in the Progressive Era might still be conservative.

Q3.What does the film reveal about attitudes toward gender, class, and race?
A3:In fact, Traffic in Souls did not directly or indirectly mention race. However, in the class part, my own observation was that a strong contrast between the boss of “International Purity and Reform League”, William Trubus, and the two Swedish sisters who just arrive to America. On one hand, Trubus is a typical upper class who has everything he needs; power, money, social status, reputation, and marriage. On the other hand, two Swedes who just immigrate to America, they have nothing but need to get the assistance from their cousin in America. Moreover, they seek for any chance to have a job, a job that might have low wages and long working hours. However, they do not care about wage; their priority is to survive. This huge gap between higher class and lower class in different standard of living and different way of thinking about money might be a serious social problem during that time. The gender, in this film, I believe is the most important element, and well illustrated one. The film used Loran and two Swedish girls as an example to highlight that women were always victims and belonged to the weak side in the society during that time. Swedish sisters are deceived to take to the brothel, and forced to stay there. Loran is drunk, and is locked up in the room, and forced to do prostitution. In addition, when Loran realizes that she is locked in the room of the brothel, she is depressed, crying, and doing nothing. Conversely, Loran’s sister, Mary, although at the beginning when she knows that her sister is missing, she does the same things that Loran did. She is depressed and crying. However, instead of waiting, she asks Officer Burke for help. Moreover, when she works in Trubus’ office, she finds out the whole conspiracy in Trubus’ organization, and uses her father’s new invention to record the evidence. Indeed, Mary became the symbol of the rising of “Feminism” in the Progressive Era. She indirectly told the American women they should stand out to enjoy their freedom, furthermore, earn their own freedom by themselves.

Q4.What was the most important scene in the film?
A4:The most important scene is when Loran’s sister Mary gets the evidence of Trubus’s crime, even though she is in danger be caught by Trubus and his member. Mary’s brave determination to collect the evidence by herself points out that American women can have their own will and liberty to do what they should do, and have to do in the Progressive era. They should not think that women only need to stay at home and take care of their family. Thus, they should have the same opportunity as men did; they could find a job in work place. They could have a great contribution to American economy. They could have relationship with whoever they wanted. They also could drink alcohol and dance. Women started to pursuit their liberty in different fields and issues in the Progressive Era. For example, when the Progressive Era’s women started to think about themselves, what they want, and what they need. This also indirectly established the consuming power of women. They used purchasing as a way to present their form of freedom. This made Feminism more important and vivid to the society. In this scene, the director had the points that, the Progressive Era’s women were more independent, and did not belong to the weak and soft side of the society. Family might still be an important part of their lives, but not everything of their life. Women in Progressive Era might have a question in their mind “Men can why Women cannot? ”; this type of thinking might strongly be inserted in their mind.