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Alibi (1929 film) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Alibi (1929 Film): Production, Narrative, and Sociocultural Impact

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Alibi (1929 Film): Production, Narrative, and Sociocultural Impact Study Guide

I. Film Production and Technical Aspects

The 1929 film 'Alibi' was also known by the alternative titles 'The Perfect Alibi' and 'Nightstick', reflecting its central theme.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film 'Alibi' was indeed known by the alternative titles 'The Perfect Alibi' and 'Nightstick', which align with its thematic focus on a criminal's false defense.

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Roland West directed the 1929 American crime film 'Alibi' but was not involved in its screenwriting or production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roland West not only directed 'Alibi' but also contributed as one of its screenwriters and served as the producer, demonstrating a comprehensive involvement in the film's creation.

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The screenplay for 'Alibi' was solely written by C. Gardner Sullivan, adapting it from a 1927 novel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The screenplay for 'Alibi' was co-written by Roland West and C. Gardner Sullivan, and it was adapted from the 1927 Broadway stage play 'Nightstick', not a novel.

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Roland West was noted for his conservative approach to filmmaking, avoiding technical experimentation during the production of 'Alibi'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to a conservative approach, Roland West was recognized for his extensive technical experimentation with sound, music, and camera angles during the production of 'Alibi', especially significant for an early sound film.

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'Alibi' was released on April 20, 1929, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Alibi' was released on April 20, 1929, but it was distributed by United Artists, not Paramount Pictures.

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The film 'Alibi' has a running time of 90 minutes and is an English-language production from the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film 'Alibi' is an English-language production from the United States with a running time of 90 minutes.

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'Alibi' is primarily classified as a romantic comedy film.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Alibi' is classified as a crime film and a drama, specifically within the crime thriller genre, not a romantic comedy.

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Ray June was the cinematographer for 'Alibi', responsible for its visual aspects.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ray June served as the cinematographer for 'Alibi', overseeing the film's visual recording and artistic lighting.

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What were the two alternative titles for the 1929 film 'Alibi'?

Answer: The Perfect Alibi and Nightstick

Explanation: The 1929 film 'Alibi' was also known by the alternative titles 'The Perfect Alibi' and 'Nightstick', reflecting its central themes.

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Who was the director of the 1929 American crime film 'Alibi'?

Answer: Roland West

Explanation: Roland West directed the 1929 American crime film 'Alibi', also contributing to its screenplay and production.

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From what source material was the screenplay for 'Alibi' adapted?

Answer: A 1927 Broadway stage play titled 'Nightstick'

Explanation: The screenplay for 'Alibi' was adapted from the 1927 Broadway stage play 'Nightstick', originally written by Elaine Sterne Carrington, J.C. Nugent, Elliott Nugent, and John Wray.

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What notable directorial technique was Roland West known for employing during the production of 'Alibi'?

Answer: Extensive experimentation with sound, music, and camera angles

Explanation: Roland West was recognized for his extensive experimentation with sound, music, and camera angles during the production of 'Alibi', a significant characteristic for an early sound film.

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When was 'Alibi' released?

Answer: April 20, 1929

Explanation: The film 'Alibi' was released to the public on April 20, 1929.

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What is the running time of the film 'Alibi'?

Answer: 90 minutes

Explanation: The film 'Alibi' has a total running time of 90 minutes.

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What genre is 'Alibi' classified as?

Answer: Crime film and drama

Explanation: 'Alibi' is categorized as a crime film and drama, specifically fitting into the crime thriller genre due to its focus on criminal activities and their dramatic implications.

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Who was the cinematographer for 'Alibi'?

Answer: Ray June

Explanation: Ray June served as the cinematographer for 'Alibi', responsible for the film's visual composition and lighting.

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II. Narrative Structure and Character Dynamics

Joan Manning, daughter of a police sergeant, secretly marries Chick Williams, a gangleader she believes has reformed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The plot of 'Alibi' establishes that Joan Manning, a police sergeant's daughter, secretly marries gangleader Chick Williams under the mistaken belief that he has reformed.

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Chick Williams establishes his alibi by having Joan Manning lie about his whereabouts during a robbery where a policeman is killed.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chick Williams uses Joan Manning to create a false alibi, claiming he was with her at the theater during an intermission when he was actually committing a robbery that resulted in a policeman's death.

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The police attempt to infiltrate Chick Williams' gang by sending a uniformed officer to pose as a new recruit.

Answer: False

Explanation: The police infiltrate Chick Williams' gang by planting an undercover agent named Danny McGann, not by sending a uniformed officer.

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Danny McGann, the undercover agent, successfully exposes Chick Williams' activities and brings him to justice.

Answer: False

Explanation: Danny McGann, the undercover agent, is discovered and murdered by Chick Williams, thus failing to expose his activities or bring him to justice.

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When cornered by the police, Chick Williams attempts to escape by creating a diversion with a smoke bomb.

Answer: False

Explanation: When cornered by the police, Chick Williams attempts to escape by flipping the light switch to create darkness, then fleeing to the roof, not by using a smoke bomb.

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Chick Williams dies after attempting to jump to a nearby building from a roof and stumbling on the landing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chick Williams meets his demise by falling to his death after attempting to jump from a roof to an adjacent building and stumbling during the landing.

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What is the relationship between Joan Manning and Chick Williams at the beginning of the film's plot?

Answer: Joan is Chick's secret wife, believing he has reformed from his gangleader past.

Explanation: At the outset of the film, Joan Manning is secretly married to Chick Williams, a gangleader whom she believes has abandoned his criminal life.

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How does Chick Williams establish his alibi after committing a robbery where a policeman is killed?

Answer: He uses Joan Manning to substantiate his alibi, claiming he was with her at the theater.

Explanation: Chick Williams constructs his alibi by having Joan Manning falsely confirm his presence at the theater during the time he committed a robbery resulting in a policeman's death.

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What action do the police take to infiltrate Chick Williams' gang?

Answer: They plant an undercover agent named Danny McGann within the group.

Explanation: To penetrate Chick Williams' criminal organization, the police deploy an undercover agent, Danny McGann, to infiltrate the gang.

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How does Chick Williams attempt to escape when cornered by the police in his home?

Answer: He flips the light switch, plunging the room into darkness, then flees to the roof.

Explanation: When confronted by the police in his residence, Chick Williams attempts escape by extinguishing the lights to create darkness, then making his way to the roof.

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What is the ultimate fate of Chick Williams in the film 'Alibi'?

Answer: He dies from a fall after attempting to jump to a nearby building from a roof.

Explanation: Chick Williams' narrative concludes with his death from a fall, which occurs after he attempts to jump from a rooftop to an adjacent building but stumbles upon landing.

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III. Principal Cast and Roles

Chester Morris, Harry Stubbs, Mae Busch, and Regis Toomey were among the prominent actors featured in the cast of 'Alibi', with Morris playing the lead.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chester Morris, Harry Stubbs, Mae Busch, and Regis Toomey were indeed prominent cast members in 'Alibi', with Chester Morris taking on the lead role of Chick Williams.

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Chester Morris portrayed the character of Detective Sgt. Tommy Glennon in 'Alibi'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chester Morris played the lead character, Chick Williams, while Pat O’Malley portrayed Detective Sgt. Tommy Glennon.

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Eleanor Griffith was cast as Joan Manning Williams, the wife of Chick Williams.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eleanor Griffith was indeed cast in the role of Joan Manning Williams, who is depicted as the wife of Chick Williams.

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Purnell Pratt played the role of Police Sgt. Pete Manning, Joan's father.

Answer: True

Explanation: Purnell Pratt portrayed Police Sgt. Pete Manning, who is identified as Joan Manning Williams' father in the film.

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Regis Toomey was cast in the dual role of Danny McGann and Billy Morgan, the undercover agent.

Answer: True

Explanation: Regis Toomey was cast in the dual role of Danny McGann, also known as Billy Morgan, who serves as the undercover agent in 'Alibi'.

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Mae Busch played the character of Joan Manning Williams in 'Alibi'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mae Busch played the character of Daisy Thomas, while Eleanor Griffith was cast as Joan Manning Williams.

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Which actor played the lead character, Chick Williams, in 'Alibi'?

Answer: Chester Morris

Explanation: Chester Morris played the central role of Chick Williams, the gangleader, in the film 'Alibi'.

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Who played the character of Joan Manning Williams in 'Alibi'?

Answer: Eleanor Griffith

Explanation: Eleanor Griffith was cast in the role of Joan Manning Williams, the daughter of a police sergeant and wife of Chick Williams.

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Regis Toomey was cast in which dual role in 'Alibi'?

Answer: Danny McGann and Billy Morgan

Explanation: Regis Toomey portrayed the dual role of Danny McGann, who was also known as Billy Morgan, the undercover agent in the film.

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IV. Critical Assessment and Awards

'Alibi' received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Chester Morris), and Best Art Direction.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Alibi' was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Picture (Roland West, producer), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Chester Morris), and Best Art Direction (William Cameron Menzies).

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'Time' magazine criticized 'Alibi' for being unrealistic and poorly executed.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Time' magazine, in fact, praised 'Alibi' as 'more credible than most crook pictures,' indicating a positive assessment of its realism and execution.

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'The New York Times' considered 'Alibi' to be the best of the gangster films of its time, noting its effective use of dialogue.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'The New York Times' lauded 'Alibi' as 'by far the best of the gangster films' and specifically highlighted the stirring effect of its dialogue, acknowledging its pioneering use of sound.

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Bruce G. Hallenbeck's retrospective review described 'Alibi' as a timeless classic that has aged perfectly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bruce G. Hallenbeck's retrospective review described 'Alibi' as 'creaky by today's standards' but still enjoyable, indicating it has not aged perfectly as a timeless classic.

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For which Academy Award was William Cameron Menzies nominated in relation to 'Alibi'?

Answer: Best Art Direction

Explanation: William Cameron Menzies received an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction for his work on 'Alibi'.

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How did 'Time' magazine review 'Alibi'?

Answer: It praised the film as 'more credible than most crook pictures.'

Explanation: 'Time' magazine offered a positive review of 'Alibi', commending it as 'more credible than most crook pictures,' suggesting a favorable view of its realistic portrayal.

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What was 'The New York Times'' assessment of 'Alibi'?

Answer: It described it as 'by far the best of the gangster films' and praised its dialogue.

Explanation: 'The New York Times' provided a highly favorable review of 'Alibi', designating it 'by far the best of the gangster films' and specifically commending its effective dialogue.

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What was Bruce G. Hallenbeck's retrospective opinion of 'Alibi'?

Answer: He described it as 'creaky by today's standards' but 'still fun to watch.'

Explanation: Bruce G. Hallenbeck's retrospective assessment characterized 'Alibi' as 'creaky by today's standards' yet acknowledged its enduring entertainment value as 'still fun to watch.'

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VI. Historical Context and Accessibility

'Alibi' entered the public domain on January 1, 2025, due to its publication year of 1929.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a film published in 1929, 'Alibi' is scheduled to enter the public domain on January 1, 2025, allowing for its free use and distribution.

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The inclusion of 'Alibi' in the 'List of early sound feature films' highlights its role as a pioneering movie in synchronized sound technology.

Answer: True

Explanation: Being listed among early sound feature films underscores 'Alibi's' historical significance as a pioneering work in the development and integration of synchronized sound in cinema.

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'Alibi' is available for free viewing and download on YouTube.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Alibi' is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive, not specifically on YouTube, according to the provided information.

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Wikimedia Commons provides a repository for images, audio, and video files related to the 1929 film 'Alibi'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wikimedia Commons serves as a repository for various media types, including images, audio, and video files, pertaining to the 1929 film 'Alibi'.

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When did 'Alibi' enter the public domain?

Answer: January 1, 2025

Explanation: Due to its 1929 publication year, 'Alibi' is slated to enter the public domain on January 1, 2025.

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What is the significance of 'Alibi' being included in the 'List of early sound feature films (1926–1929)'?

Answer: It highlights its historical importance as a pioneering movie with synchronized sound.

Explanation: The inclusion of 'Alibi' in the list of early sound feature films underscores its historical significance as a pioneering work in the integration of synchronized sound technology in cinema.

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Where can 'Alibi' be viewed or downloaded for free?

Answer: The Internet Archive

Explanation: 'Alibi' is freely available for viewing and download through the Internet Archive, a digital library providing public access to digitized materials.

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