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Wesley Ruggles, not Richard Dix, directed the 1931 film *Cimarron*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Dix was the lead actor portraying Yancey Cravat; the film's director was Wesley Ruggles.
The screenplay for the 1931 film *Cimarron* was based on Edna Ferber's 1930 novel of the same name.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film adaptation draws its narrative directly from Edna Ferber's acclaimed 1930 novel, *Cimarron*.
Contrary to its status as RKO Radio Pictures' least expensive production, *Cimarron* was, in fact, their most expensive production at the time of its release.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film represented a significant financial investment for RKO, being its most costly production to date.
The sets for *Cimarron*, including a complete western town, were constructed on 89 acres in Encino, California.
Answer: True
Explanation: Extensive sets were built in Encino, California, to authentically represent the film's historical settings.
The land rush scenes in *Cimarron* were filmed with minimal crew and extras to save costs.
Answer: False
Explanation: These scenes were filmed on a grand scale, involving numerous cameramen, assistants, and over 5,000 costumed extras.
The production cost of *Cimarron* was approximately $1.433 million, equivalent to about $31 million in 2024 values.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's budget represented a significant investment, reflecting its ambitious scope and production values.
Estelle Taylor played the character Dixie Lee in the film *Cimarron*, not Sabra Cravat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Estelle Taylor portrayed Dixie Lee, while Irene Dunne played Sabra Cravat.
The primary subject of the source data is the 1931 film *Cimarron*.
Answer: True
Explanation: All questions and supporting materials pertain to the historical context, production, and reception of the film *Cimarron*.
What is the primary genre of the 1931 film *Cimarron*?
Answer: Epic Western
Explanation: The film is classified as an epic Western, reflecting its grand scale and setting.
Who directed the 1931 film *Cimarron*?
Answer: Wesley Ruggles
Explanation: Wesley Ruggles helmed the direction of the film *Cimarron*.
Which novel served as the basis for the screenplay of the 1931 film *Cimarron*?
Answer: Cimarron by Edna Ferber
Explanation: The film is an adaptation of Edna Ferber's novel, also titled *Cimarron*.
What was the production budget for *Cimarron*, and how did it compare to RKO's other films at the time?
Answer: $1,433,000, RKO's most expensive production up to that date.
Explanation: The film's budget of $1,433,000 marked it as RKO Radio Pictures' most costly production at the time.
Which actor played the character Dixie Lee in *Cimarron*?
Answer: Estelle Taylor
Explanation: Estelle Taylor portrayed the character Dixie Lee in the film.
What was the significance of the sets constructed for *Cimarron* in Encino, California?
Answer: They included a complete western town and formed the nucleus of RKO's movie ranch.
Explanation: The elaborate western town sets built for the film became a foundational element of RKO's movie ranch facilities.
What was the scale of the filming for the land rush scenes in *Cimarron*?
Answer: Involved over 5,000 costumed extras and numerous cameramen.
Explanation: The land rush sequences were executed on a massive scale, employing thousands of extras and multiple camera crews.
What detail about the film's production is mentioned regarding the land rush scenes?
Answer: They involved over 5,000 costumed extras.
Explanation: The production employed a large cast of over 5,000 costumed extras to authentically depict the scale of the land rush.
After his ranching plans failed, Yancey Cravat established a newspaper called the *Oklahoma Wigwam*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following setbacks in his initial endeavors, Yancey Cravat founded the *Oklahoma Wigwam* newspaper.
Sabra Cravat assumed responsibility for the publication of the *Wigwam* newspaper after Yancey departed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sabra Cravat took over the management of the newspaper operations during Yancey's absence.
Sabra Cravat was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress from Oklahoma, not the U.S. Senate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Her political achievement was serving as the first female member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma.
Yancey Cravat left his family to chase another land rush, not to fight in the Spanish-American War.
Answer: True
Explanation: His departure was motivated by a desire to participate in subsequent land rushes.
Who were the lead actors portraying Yancey Cravat and Sabra Cravat in *Cimarron*?
Answer: Richard Dix and Irene Dunne
Explanation: Richard Dix portrayed Yancey Cravat, and Irene Dunne portrayed Sabra Cravat.
How long does the story of *Cimarron* span?
Answer: 40 years (1889-1929)
Explanation: The narrative encompasses a significant period, chronicling events from 1889 to 1929.
What happened to Yancey Cravat's initial attempt to claim land during the land rush?
Answer: He was tricked out of his desired claim by Dixie Lee.
Explanation: Yancey Cravat's efforts to secure a prime land claim were thwarted by Dixie Lee's successful claim.
After Yancey left his family, what significant role did Sabra Cravat assume?
Answer: She took over the newspaper and raised their children.
Explanation: Sabra Cravat stepped into a leadership role, managing the newspaper and raising their children during Yancey's absence.
What political office did Sabra Cravat eventually hold?
Answer: First female member of Congress from Oklahoma
Explanation: Sabra Cravat achieved a significant political milestone by becoming the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress from Oklahoma.
What happened to Yancey Cravat after he confronted and killed the outlaw known as 'The Kid'?
Answer: He left town due to guilt and to chase another land rush.
Explanation: Following the confrontation, Yancey departed, driven by guilt and a desire to participate in further land rushes.
The 1931 film *Cimarron* chronicles the development of Oklahoma over a forty-year period, from 1889 to 1929.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film spans four decades, detailing the evolution of Oklahoma from its territorial period through its development into a state and beyond.
The plot of *Cimarron* begins with the Oklahoma land rush of 1889, not the California Gold Rush of 1849.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's narrative commences with the historical event of the 1889 Oklahoma land rush.
The film *Cimarron* depicts the Oklahoma Territory achieving statehood in 1907.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant historical event portrayed in the film is Oklahoma's transition to statehood.
Sabra Cravat's initial view of Native Americans was vehemently negative, a sentiment that evolved over the course of the film.
Answer: True
Explanation: Her perspective shifts from strong prejudice to a more appreciative stance, particularly regarding her Native American daughter-in-law.
*Cimarron* is considered a "pre-Code" film because it was released *before* the strict enforcement of the Hays Code began in mid-1934.
Answer: True
Explanation: Its 'pre-Code' status indicates that it predates the stringent content regulations imposed by the Hays Code.
Contrary to depicting the oil boom as a period of decline for Native American tribes, the film *Cimarron* illustrates it as a time of prosperity for both settlers and indigenous peoples.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film portrays the oil boom as an era that brought economic benefits to various groups within Oklahoma.
What was Sabra Cravat's initial attitude towards Native Americans?
Answer: She was vehemently anti-Native American.
Explanation: Sabra Cravat harbored strong negative sentiments towards Native Americans at the outset of the narrative.
What event marks the beginning of the story in the film *Cimarron*?
Answer: The Oklahoma land rush of 1889
Explanation: The narrative commences with the historical Oklahoma land rush, setting the stage for the characters' settlement and development.
What is the primary reason *Cimarron* is considered a "pre-Code" film?
Answer: It was released before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code began.
Explanation: Its 'pre-Code' designation signifies its release prior to the implementation of the Motion Picture Production Code's strict censorship guidelines.
How did Sabra Cravat's view on Native Americans evolve throughout the film?
Answer: She started vehemently anti-Native American but later lauded her Native American daughter-in-law.
Explanation: Sabra's perspective undergoes a transformation from initial prejudice to eventual appreciation for her Native American daughter-in-law.
What historical event is depicted as occurring during the oil boom in Oklahoma in the film?
Answer: The prosperity of both settlers and Native American tribes.
Explanation: The film portrays the oil boom as a period that brought significant economic prosperity to both the settler population and Native American tribes in Oklahoma.
Despite its critical success, *Cimarron* did not recoup its production costs during its initial theatrical run.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's financial performance in its initial release was insufficient to cover its substantial production expenses.
Contemporary film critics did not widely pan *Cimarron*; rather, they largely praised its spectacle, direction, and performances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Initial critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the film's cinematic qualities.
Retrospective analyses often characterize *Cimarron* as dated, slow-moving, and containing problematic stereotypes.
Answer: True
Explanation: While historically significant, later critical perspectives often focus on the film's perceived shortcomings in pacing and its portrayal of certain groups.
As of September 2023, *Cimarron* held a 'Rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, not a 'Fresh' one.
Answer: True
Explanation: The aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes indicates a mixed to negative reception based on available reviews.
The Rotten Tomatoes consensus for *Cimarron* acknowledges Irene Dunne's performance but characterizes the film as uneven and containing potentially offensive stereotypes, rather than being generally well-regarded and free of them.
Answer: True
Explanation: The critical consensus reflects a nuanced view, appreciating certain elements while noting significant drawbacks.
The opening land rush sequence in *Cimarron* is still recognized as a cinematic spectacle in retrospective reviews.
Answer: True
Explanation: Despite criticisms of later parts of the film, the initial spectacle of the land rush remains a notable element.
What was the primary reason for the financial loss of *Cimarron* during its initial run?
Answer: A very high production budget relative to its box office earnings.
Explanation: Despite critical acclaim, the film's substantial production costs, exacerbated by the economic climate of the Great Depression, led to a financial deficit during its initial release.
What was the initial financial outcome of *Cimarron*'s release, despite its critical acclaim?
Answer: It resulted in a loss of $565,000, failing to recoup its production costs.
Explanation: The film's initial financial performance was negative, indicating that its box office revenue did not cover its production expenses.
How did retrospective reviews generally perceive the film *Cimarron* compared to contemporary reviews?
Answer: Retrospective reviews often describe it as dated, slow, and containing stereotypes.
Explanation: While initially lauded, later critical assessments frequently point to the film's dated elements and problematic portrayals.
Which of the following aspects did contemporary reviews *not* specifically praise about *Cimarron*?
Answer: Its groundbreaking use of color cinematography
Explanation: Contemporary reviews praised numerous aspects, but the film was shot in black and white and did not feature groundbreaking color cinematography.
What was the approximate box office gross of *Cimarron* during its initial run?
Answer: $1,383,000
Explanation: The film grossed approximately $1,383,000 during its initial theatrical release.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes consensus for *Cimarron* as of September 2023?
Answer: Supported by Irene Dunne, but uneven and containing offensive stereotypes.
Explanation: The consensus highlights Irene Dunne's performance while noting the film's unevenness and problematic stereotypes.
Richard Dix was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in *Cimarron*, but he did not win.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Richard Dix received a nomination for Best Actor, the award was not conferred upon him for his role in *Cimarron*.
*Cimarron* is historically significant as the first Western film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Answer: True
Explanation: This distinction marks *Cimarron* as a landmark film in the Western genre's recognition by the Academy.
Irene Dunne was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in *Cimarron*, but she did not win.
Answer: True
Explanation: Irene Dunne received an Academy Award nomination for her performance but was not the recipient of the award.
Edward Cronjager was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on *Cimarron*, but he did not win.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cronjager received a nomination for his cinematography but did not secure the award.
*Cimarron* was the first film nominated for the 'Big Five' Academy Awards (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Writing), but not the first to receive nominations in *every* eligible category.
Answer: True
Explanation: This nomination milestone highlights its prominence in the early Academy Awards, though it did not win all categories it was nominated for.
Besides Best Picture, *Cimarron* also won Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Production Design.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film secured three Academy Awards in total: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Production Design.
*Cimarron* was the first Western film to win the Best Picture Oscar. It remained the sole Western winner until *Dances with Wolves* (1990), followed by *Unforgiven* (1992).
Answer: True
Explanation: This historical precedent set by *Cimarron* was not matched by another Western for several decades.
Max Rée won an Academy Award for his work as the art director on *Cimarron*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Max Rée received the Academy Award for Best Production Design for his contributions to the film.
*Cimarron* was RKO Radio Pictures' first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Answer: True
Explanation: This award marked a significant achievement for RKO Radio Pictures in its early history.
*Cimarron* won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Production Design.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's Academy Award victories included these three significant categories.
The film *Cimarron* was RKO Radio Pictures' first production to win the Best Picture Oscar.
Answer: True
Explanation: This marked a significant milestone for RKO, establishing its presence among major award winners.
Richard Dix and Irene Dunne were both nominated for Academy Awards for their roles in *Cimarron*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both lead actors received Oscar nominations for their performances in the film.
*Cimarron* won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, which was awarded to Howard Estabrook for his adaptation of Edna Ferber's novel.
Answer: True
Explanation: Howard Estabrook received the award for adapting Edna Ferber's novel into the screenplay.
*Cimarron* was nominated for the 'Big Five' Academy Awards (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Writing) and won three, not all five.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film achieved a significant nomination count but did not win in all of those major categories.
What significant historical distinction does *Cimarron* hold regarding the Academy Awards?
Answer: It was the first Western film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Explanation: This award established *Cimarron* as a pioneering film within its genre at the Academy Awards.
Which of the following awards did *Cimarron* *not* win at the Academy Awards?
Answer: Best Director
Explanation: While *Cimarron* won awards for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Production Design, it did not win Best Director.
How many Academy Awards did *Cimarron* win in total?
Answer: Three
Explanation: The film *Cimarron* received a total of three Academy Awards.
Which of the following films, also a Western, won the Best Picture Oscar *after* *Cimarron*?
Answer: Unforgiven (1992)
Explanation: Following *Cimarron*, *Unforgiven* (1992) is another Western film that achieved the Best Picture Oscar win.
What distinction did *Cimarron* achieve at the 4th Academy Awards ceremony regarding nominations?
Answer: It was the first film nominated for the 'Big Five' awards (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Writing).
Explanation: This nomination record highlights *Cimarron*'s significant impact and recognition during the early years of the Academy Awards.
Who was nominated for Best Cinematography for *Cimarron*?
Answer: Edward Cronjager
Explanation: Edward Cronjager received an Academy Award nomination for his work in cinematography on the film.
What was the significance of *Cimarron* being RKO Radio Pictures' first Best Picture Oscar winner?
Answer: It was a major milestone for the studio's prestige.
Explanation: Winning the Best Picture Oscar was a significant achievement that enhanced RKO Radio Pictures' reputation and prestige within the film industry.
RKO Radio Pictures distributed the 1931 film *Cimarron*.
Answer: True
Explanation: RKO Radio Pictures served as the distributor for this significant 1931 production.
*Cimarron* premiered at the Globe Theatre on Broadway in New York City.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's premiere was held at the Globe Theatre on Broadway.
The film *Cimarron* has a running time of approximately 124 minutes, not 90 minutes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's duration is 124 minutes.
The film *Cimarron* is scheduled to enter the public domain on January 1, 2027, not January 1, 2031.
Answer: True
Explanation: Based on its 1931 release date, the film is projected to enter the public domain in 2027.
The 1935 re-release premiere of *Cimarron* took place in Oklahoma City, not New York City.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's subsequent premiere in 1935 was held in Oklahoma City.
The film *Cimarron* has a running time of approximately 124 minutes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film's duration is 124 minutes.
According to the source, when is *Cimarron* scheduled to enter the public domain?
Answer: January 1, 2027
Explanation: Based on its 1931 release date, the film is projected to enter the public domain on January 1, 2027.
The film *Cimarron* was released in 1931. When is it scheduled to enter the public domain?
Answer: 2027
Explanation: Based on its 1931 release date, the film is projected to enter the public domain in 2027.