Cinderella Man Essay

Allie Wentworth

Western Civ II

Mr. Krieger

May 12, 2023

An Analysis of Cinderella Man The Great Depression was a time of great struggle and loss for millions in the United States, and around 25 percent of the U.S. population was unemployed following the economic collapse. The people impacted by the stock market crash had no sense of security and struggled to put food on the table and afford housing. The film, Cinderella Man, follows the lives of the boxer James J. Braddock and his family through the Great Depression. James J. Braddock's story is about a rich man turned poor by the depression and his struggles to find work and provide for his family during the economic devastation of the early 1930s. Cinderella Man seems to be exceptionally

It affected families all across America, rich and poor, large and small. Before the crash, the United States was booming. The Roaring 20’s were a time of economic security and financial stability. The Great Depression changed that for millions of Americans. Families who previously enjoyed financial stability faced financial ruin. Cinderella Man accurately shows how even increasingly wealthy families, like the Braddocks, struggled after the downturn. James Braddock would have been considered an upper-middle-class citizen before the economic downturn, but he and his family were greatly affected. James Braddock started boxing in 1923 and turned pro at 21, Braddock had a successful career and provided well for his family. In the movie, the viewer can see the Braddocks' grand house filled with goods and furniture and light, and then, when the movie fast forwards four years into the Depression, the family is shown living in the basement of an apartment complex. It was common for families to lose their homes and other assets during the Great Depression. In the Braddocks' new home, there is one room for the whole family to share, only separated by curtains. The film shows how scarce food is for the Braddock family. A family that would have once had full plates for the three of their children has to water down milk and leave their children hungry so that everyone has enough to eat. The movie does

After an injury to his right hand, James Braddock had to give up boxing. He struggled to find a job and eventually, he no longer had enough money to provide for his family. Eventually, the Braddocks could not afford to heat their apartment, and Mrs. Braddock sent their children away to live with her parents, who could provide better. Braddock was forced to do what many other men were forced to do for their families, he had to get government assistance. For many families this brought shame, they were disappointed that they could not provide for their families and they were forced to get help. Braddock was very reluctant on getting government welfare, but he knew that it was the only way to pay his bills and get his kids back. This was common for many families during the Great Depression, and millions of families would have situations just like his. Many fathers felt depressed after having to get assistance, they felt their reputations were shattered and they were downhearted that they could no longer be the breadwinner of the household. Cinderella Man did an amazing job at illustrating the struggles American families faced and the emotions they went through with the struggle of living during the Great