207 IAH Notes Oct 19th Zoot Suit Movie
Luis Valdez(1940- )
Valdez was born in Delano, cali in 1940 to migrant farm workers parents.
Zoot Suit (1978)
Zoot suit was written for the theather, and it premiered in LA in 1978. In 1979 it became
the first ever Chicano play to make it to broadway in New York. The film version
followed in 1981. The theatrical version continues to be staged and performed
around the country, most recently in a large scale production in Chicago.
Context: Sleepy Lagoon Murder Case
Was actually real but 12 men were arrested not 4.
In response to the hysteria the press generated, 300 mexican Americans were arrested for
the involvement of the death of Jose Diaz and twelve men ended up standing trial.
Although there was a complete lack of evidence 5 men ended up being arrested for assault
and 7 for murder. In 1994 they eventually won there case and were released.
Zoot Suit Riots (1943)
The zoot suit riots were a series of riots in 1943 during WWII that erupted in LA between
white sailors marines and stationed throughout the city and Chicano youths.
Pachuco and Chicano
Pachuco originated as the local Mexican Spanish slang term for a resident of the city of el
paso. Probably early in the 20th century.
Art v. Life
For those who in society who have nothing, or n3ext to nothing, the zoot suit is shown in the
film to have a certain performance power, granting oneself dignity and pride:
Main Characters
Henry Reyna
El Pachuco
George Shearer (Lawyer)
Alice BloomField (CIO labor activist)
Rudy (Henrys Brother)
Della (Henrys Date on the murder night )
El Pachuco
Most mysterious character.
He occupies the first and last shot; he starts the play by snapping his fingers. He is, in that
sensem our author/narrator/artistic creator. Hes the prime mover
Hes the killer on the fateful night
He himself is killed and rises during the zoot suit riots
He is henrys best friend and constant companion and also his worst enemy.
He and three back up singers constantly comment on the play through song and dance.