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Coonskin (film) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Coonskin: Analysis of a Controversial Film

Cheat Sheet:
Coonskin: Analysis of a Controversial Film Study Guide

Production and Creative Vision

The 1975 film *Coonskin* is exclusively an animated feature, lacking any live-action components.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that *Coonskin* is a hybrid film, combining both live-action and animated sequences, rather than being solely animated.

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Ralph Bakshi is credited as the sole writer and director for the film *Coonskin*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The production details confirm that Ralph Bakshi held both the writing and directorial responsibilities for *Coonskin*.

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Key performers such as Philip Michael Thomas and Barry White were exclusively featured in the live-action segments of *Coonskin*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that principal performers like Philip Michael Thomas and Barry White contributed to both the live-action and animated aspects of the film, challenging the notion that they appeared only in live-action segments.

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During its production phase, *Coonskin* was initially conceived under the working title 'Harlem Nights'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film was indeed developed under alternative titles during production, with 'Harlem Nights' being one of them, alongside 'Coonskin No More...'.

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Ralph Bakshi regards *Coonskin* as his least significant directorial achievement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, Ralph Bakshi has expressed that he considers *Coonskin* to be his best film, a sentiment echoed by some critics who have labeled it a potential masterpiece.

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During its production phase, the film *Coonskin* was originally titled 'Street Fight'.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'Street Fight' was one of the alternative titles used for the film, 'Harlem Nights' was another significant working title during its production.

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A notable aspect of *Coonskin*'s production was Ralph Bakshi's recruitment of several black animators, including individuals from the graffiti art community.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bakshi's decision to hire black animators, including graffiti artists, was significant for its time and contributed to the film's unique visual style.

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What is the primary genre classification for the 1975 film *Coonskin*?

Answer: A satirical crime film combining live-action and animation

Explanation: The film *Coonskin* is primarily classified as a satirical crime film that uniquely combines live-action and animation.

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Who is credited as both the writer and director of the film *Coonskin*?

Answer: Ralph Bakshi

Explanation: Ralph Bakshi is credited as both the writer and director of *Coonskin*.

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Which of the following actors was NOT among the principal performers in the film *Coonskin*?

Answer: James Earl Jones

Explanation: James Earl Jones was not among the principal performers in *Coonskin*; the key actors included Philip Michael Thomas, Charles Gordone, and Barry White.

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What was an alternative title used for *Coonskin* during its production phase?

Answer: Harlem Nights

Explanation: During its production phase, *Coonskin* was considered under alternative titles, including 'Harlem Nights'.

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According to Ralph Bakshi, how does *Coonskin* rank among his directorial works?

Answer: His best film

Explanation: Ralph Bakshi considers *Coonskin* to be his best film, a sentiment that aligns with some critical assessments suggesting its potential as a masterpiece.

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Who voiced the character of the Godfather in *Coonskin*?

Answer: Al Lewis

Explanation: The character of the Godfather in *Coonskin* was voiced by Al Lewis.

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What was a significant aspect of the animators hired for *Coonskin*?

Answer: Many were black animators, including graffiti artists.

Explanation: A significant aspect was that many of the animators hired were black, including individuals from the graffiti art scene.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an artistic influence on *Coonskin*?

Answer: The animation style of Studio Ghibli

Explanation: The animation style of Studio Ghibli is not listed as an artistic influence on *Coonskin*; influences include Amos Tutuola's surrealism, Chester Himes' urban narratives, and George Herriman's comic strips.

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Narrative and Characters

*Coonskin* draws its foundational narrative elements from the classic Greek myths of Hercules.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film's narrative is primarily based on the Uncle Remus folk tales, not Greek mythology.

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The central anthropomorphic figures driving the narrative of *Coonskin* are Brother Rabbit, Preacher Fox, and Brother Bear.

Answer: True

Explanation: These three characters are indeed the primary anthropomorphic protagonists around whom the plot of *Coonskin* revolves.

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The narrative arc of *Coonskin* depicts the main characters migrating from Harlem to the Southern United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film's narrative actually follows the characters' journey from the Southern United States to Harlem, where they become involved in the urban underworld.

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*Coonskin* employs a framing narrative featuring characters named Sampson, Preacher, and Randy, who interact with an escapee named Pappy.

Answer: True

Explanation: This framing narrative introduces the characters Sampson, Preacher, and Randy, who encounter Pappy, an escapee who subsequently narrates the animated story.

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Pappy serves as the primary antagonist, directly confronting Brother Rabbit within the animated sequences of *Coonskin*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pappy is not the main antagonist; rather, he is an escapee who tells the animated story. The animated sequences feature other antagonists who confront Brother Rabbit.

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Within the Harlem setting, Simple Savior is portrayed as a genuine revolutionary leader actively combating oppression.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simple Savior is depicted not as a genuine leader, but as a con man operating a fraudulent church and exploiting his followers, rather than fighting oppression.

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Following the exposure of his fraudulent activities, Brother Rabbit and Brother Bear kill Simple Savior.

Answer: True

Explanation: After Brother Rabbit exposes Simple Savior's scam and Savior orders Rabbit's death, Rabbit and Bear subsequently kill Savior.

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Mannigan is characterized as a corrupt police officer, functioning as a bagman for the Mafia, and harboring pronounced racist sentiments.

Answer: True

Explanation: This description accurately characterizes Mannigan as a corrupt, racist police officer involved with the Mafia.

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Mannigan's downfall is precipitated by his actions at 'The Cottontail' nightclub, where he attempts to arrest Brother Rabbit.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mannigan's downfall is initiated at 'The Cottontail' nightclub, but it stems from his being drugged and manipulated, leading to a police shooting spree, not from a successful arrest of Brother Rabbit.

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Sonny, the son of the Godfather, attempts to assassinate Brother Rabbit while disguised as a priest.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sonny, the Godfather's son, attempts the assassination, but his disguise is not that of a priest; he uses blackface and minstrel show attire.

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Brother Bear is killed during Sonny's assassination attempt targeting Brother Rabbit.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brother Bear is severely wounded, shot multiple times while defending Brother Rabbit, but he is not killed during Sonny's assassination attempt.

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Sonny meets his demise when his vehicle crashes and subsequently explodes following a pursuit by Brother Rabbit.

Answer: True

Explanation: After Brother Bear is shot, Sonny attempts to flee in his car, but Brother Rabbit pursues and shoots him, leading to the crash and explosion.

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Upon recovering from his injuries, Brother Bear resolves to abandon his criminal life in favor of a peaceful existence, seeking counsel from Preacher Fox.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his recovery, Brother Bear grapples with his future and decides to consult Preacher Fox regarding his desire to leave crime and pursue a peaceful life.

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Brother Rabbit employs a tar dummy as a strategic device to ensnare members of the Mafia during a boxing match.

Answer: True

Explanation: During a boxing match, Brother Rabbit utilizes a tar dummy to trap the Mafiosi, who become stuck to it, allowing Rabbit and others to escape before a detonation.

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The film *Coonskin* directly incorporates elements from 'The Tar Baby' story, a component of the Uncle Remus tradition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, *Coonskin* draws upon specific tales from the Uncle Remus tradition, including 'The Tar Baby' and 'The Briar Patch'.

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Which collection of folk tales serves as the foundational source material for the film *Coonskin*?

Answer: The Uncle Remus folk tales

Explanation: *Coonskin* is fundamentally based on the Uncle Remus folk tales, originally compiled by Joel Chandler Harris.

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Identify the three main anthropomorphic characters featured in the film *Coonskin*.

Answer: Brother Rabbit, Preacher Fox, and Brother Bear

Explanation: The three principal anthropomorphic characters in *Coonskin* are Brother Rabbit, Preacher Fox, and Brother Bear, reimagined figures from the Uncle Remus stories.

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What journey do the main characters undertake within the narrative arc of *Coonskin*?

Answer: From the Southern United States to Harlem

Explanation: The narrative arc of *Coonskin* follows the main characters as they migrate from the Southern United States to Harlem.

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What role does Pappy play in the framing narrative of *Coonskin*?

Answer: He is an escapee who tells the animated story.

Explanation: In the framing narrative of *Coonskin*, Pappy is an escapee who tells the animated story to the protagonists.

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Why do Brother Rabbit, Brother Bear, and Preacher Fox leave their Southern home in *Coonskin*?

Answer: They were evicted after their house was sold to become a brothel.

Explanation: The trio leaves their Southern home after their house is sold to be converted into a brothel, prompting their relocation to Harlem.

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How is Simple Savior characterized within the Harlem setting of *Coonskin*?

Answer: A con man operating a fraudulent church.

Explanation: Simple Savior is characterized as a fraudulent religious leader and con man exploiting his followers in Harlem.

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What action do Brother Rabbit and Brother Bear take regarding Simple Savior in *Coonskin*?

Answer: They kill him and take over his criminal enterprise.

Explanation: After exposing his scam and facing retaliation, Brother Rabbit and Brother Bear kill Simple Savior.

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Which description accurately fits the character Mannigan in *Coonskin*?

Answer: A racist police officer working as a Mafia bagman.

Explanation: Mannigan is accurately described as a racist police officer working as a bagman for the Mafia.

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How does Mannigan meet his end in the film *Coonskin*?

Answer: He is killed by police after going on a shooting spree.

Explanation: Mannigan is killed by police after going on a shooting spree, following a compromising situation and the discovery of his associates' deaths.

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Who is Sonny, and what is his primary role in the film's conflict within *Coonskin*?

Answer: The oldest son of the Godfather, tasked with assassinating Brother Rabbit.

Explanation: Sonny is the Godfather's son, whose primary role is to assassinate Brother Rabbit.

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What happens to Brother Bear during Sonny's assassination attempt in *Coonskin*?

Answer: He is shot multiple times while defending Brother Rabbit.

Explanation: During Sonny's assassination attempt, Brother Bear is shot multiple times while defending Brother Rabbit.

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What internal conflict does Brother Bear face after recovering from his injuries in *Coonskin*?

Answer: Whether to continue his life of crime or seek a crime-free existence.

Explanation: Brother Bear faces an internal conflict regarding whether to continue his life of crime or pursue a peaceful existence.

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How does Brother Rabbit's trap involving a tar dummy function in *Coonskin*?

Answer: The Mafiosi get stuck to the tar dummy, allowing Rabbit to escape.

Explanation: The trap involves the Mafiosi attacking a tar dummy, becoming stuck to it, allowing Rabbit and others to escape before the dummy is detonated.

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What specific Uncle Remus tale is directly referenced in *Coonskin*?

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: *Coonskin* directly references multiple Uncle Remus tales, including 'The Tar Baby' and 'The Briar Patch'.

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Thematic Analysis and Satire

*Coonskin* primarily employs satire directed at the French New Wave cinema movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film's satirical focus is not on French New Wave cinema, but rather on issues of racism within the American film industry and broader societal structures.

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The animated vignettes featuring 'Miss America' symbolize the dual nature of America's allure and its inherent danger towards its Black citizens.

Answer: True

Explanation: These vignettes personify the United States as 'Miss America,' representing both the seductive promise and the ultimately destructive reality America presents to its Black population.

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*Coonskin* re-appropriates racist caricatures as a critical device to examine and critique the culture that generated them.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film utilizes established racist caricatures from blackface minstrelsy and Hollywood, subverting them to critique the societal structures and attitudes that produced them.

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*Coonskin* portrays the Mafia in a heroic light, drawing parallels to films such as *The Godfather*.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate; *Coonskin* offers a critical perspective on the Mafia, contrasting with the heroic depictions found in films like *The Godfather*.

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*Coonskin*'s narrative includes allusions to the boxing matches between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film references the Liston-Ali fights, particularly in the depiction of Brother Bear's situation mirroring Sonny Liston's perceived betrayal and defeat.

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Which societal issues does *Coonskin* primarily aim to satirize?

Answer: Racism in the American film industry and broader society

Explanation: *Coonskin* primarily satirizes racism within the American film industry and broader societal structures, as well as corruption and exploitation.

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What do the 'Miss America' vignettes in *Coonskin* symbolize?

Answer: The destructive nature of America towards its Black citizens.

Explanation: The 'Miss America' vignettes symbolize the destructive nature of America towards its Black citizens, personifying the nation as a dangerous entity.

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Controversy and Reception

Prior to its release, *Coonskin* received praise from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) for its positive depiction of Black culture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) publicly accused *Coonskin* of being racist and protested its screening, rather than praising it.

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The critical reception of *Coonskin* has remained consistently negative since its initial release.

Answer: False

Explanation: While initially met with mixed and often negative reviews, the critical perspective on *Coonskin* has evolved; it is now frequently re-evaluated as a significant condemnation of racism.

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Film critic Arthur Knight contended that Bakshi's satire in *Coonskin* was exclusively directed at white audiences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arthur Knight argued that Bakshi's satire targeted universal hypocrisy and criminality across all groups, rather than exclusively white audiences.

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The NAACP protested a screening of *Coonskin* at the Museum of Modern Art.

Answer: False

Explanation: The protest at the Museum of Modern Art was organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), not the NAACP.

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The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) accused *Coonskin* of promoting positive stereotypes of Black individuals.

Answer: False

Explanation: CORE's accusation was that *Coonskin* promoted negative stereotypes of Black individuals, deeming it racist, not that it promoted positive ones.

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Paramount Pictures continued the distribution of *Coonskin* despite protests from civil rights groups.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paramount Pictures ultimately ceased distribution of *Coonskin* due to pressure from protest groups like CORE.

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Bryanston Distributing Company experienced bankruptcy shortly after assuming the distribution of *Coonskin*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, Bryanston Distributing Company declared bankruptcy approximately two weeks after taking over the distribution of *Coonskin*, significantly limiting its reach.

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Film critic Roger Ebert believed that *Coonskin* was marketed effectively to its intended audience.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roger Ebert observed that the marketing for *Coonskin* was confusing and contradictory, suggesting it was not effectively targeted to any specific audience.

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Initial negative reviews characterized *Coonskin* as lacking affection for humankind and as the product of a crippled mind.

Answer: True

Explanation: Publications like Newsweek described the film as lacking affection for humankind, while The Village Voice characterized it as the product of a crippled mind, reflecting harsh early critical assessments.

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Positive reviews for *Coonskin* were published in The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prominent publications such as The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter, alongside the New York Amsterdam News, offered positive critical assessments of the film.

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Richard Eder, writing for The New York Times, lauded *Coonskin* as a potentially masterful work that effectively conveyed urban frustration.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eder's review in The New York Times described *Coonskin* as a 'shattering successful effort' and potentially Bakshi's masterpiece, highlighting its conveyance of urban frustration.

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Variety characterized *Coonskin* as a gentle satire intended for mainstream audiences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Variety's assessment described *Coonskin* as a 'brutal satire' and suggested its target audience was youth familiar with underground comics, indicating it was not a gentle film for mainstream consumption.

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Stanley Kauffmann perceived *Coonskin* as a polished and commercially successful film.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stanley Kauffmann described *Coonskin* as a fierce work of art with imaginative energy and touches of brilliance, but did not necessarily characterize it as polished or commercially successful.

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What controversy involving the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) surrounded *Coonskin* prior to its initial release?

Answer: CORE publicly accused the film of being racist.

Explanation: Prior to its release, CORE publicly accused *Coonskin* of being racist and protested its screenings, leading to significant controversy.

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How has the critical perspective on *Coonskin* evolved since its initial release?

Answer: It is now often seen as a powerful condemnation of racism.

Explanation: Initially met with controversy and mixed reviews, *Coonskin* is now often re-evaluated as a potent critique of racism, aligning with the director's original intent.

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According to film critic Arthur Knight, what is the primary target of *Coonskin*'s satire?

Answer: Hypocrisy and criminality across all groups.

Explanation: Arthur Knight argued that Bakshi's satire in *Coonskin* intensely targets hypocrisy and criminality across all groups, irrespective of race, color, or creed.

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Which civil rights organization protested *Coonskin* at the Museum of Modern Art?

Answer: Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)

Explanation: The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) protested *Coonskin* at the Museum of Modern Art.

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Why did Paramount Pictures drop *Coonskin* from distribution?

Answer: Pressure from protest groups like CORE.

Explanation: Paramount Pictures ceased distribution of *Coonskin* due to pressure exerted by protest groups, such as CORE.

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What happened to Bryanston Distributing Company, the film's subsequent distributor?

Answer: It went bankrupt shortly after the film's release.

Explanation: Bryanston Distributing Company went bankrupt shortly after taking over the distribution of *Coonskin*.

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Which publication described *Coonskin* as 'the product of a crippled hand and a paralyzed mind' in its initial review?

Answer: The Village Voice

Explanation: The Village Voice described *Coonskin* as 'the product of a crippled hand and a paralyzed mind' in its initial review.

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Legacy and Home Video

*Coonskin* was released on home video under the alternative titles 'Bustin' Out' and 'Street Fight'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film was indeed re-released on home video using the titles 'Bustin' Out' and 'Street Fight', in addition to an Italian VHS release featuring an extended cut.

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The 1987 VHS release of *Coonskin* included a disclaimer stating: 'This film is suitable for all audiences.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1987 VHS release featured a notable disclaimer: 'Warning: This film offends everybody!', not a statement of suitability for all audiences.

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The 2012 DVD release by Xenon Entertainment Group marked the first official home video release to utilize the original title, '*Coonskin*'.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate; the 2012 Xenon Entertainment Group DVD was the first official home video release to bear the film's original title, '*Coonskin*'.

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Ralph Bakshi repurposed animation from *Coonskin* in a later film that criticized Barack Obama.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ralph Bakshi repurposed animation from *Coonskin* in a political short film, but this film was used to criticize Mitt Romney, not Barack Obama.

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An Italian VHS release revealed an extended version of *Coonskin*, approximately 99 minutes in length.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is accurate; an Italian VHS release featured an extended cut of *Coonskin*, running approximately 99 minutes, which differed from the standard 83-minute version.

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What warning was prominently displayed on the 1987 VHS release of *Coonskin*?

Answer: This film offends everybody!

Explanation: The 1987 VHS release prominently displayed the warning: 'Warning: This film offends everybody!'

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In which political context did Ralph Bakshi repurpose animation from *Coonskin*?

Answer: To critique Mitt Romney during his presidential campaign.

Explanation: Ralph Bakshi repurposed animation from *Coonskin* in a short film created to criticize Mitt Romney during his presidential campaign.

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What discovery was made regarding an extended version of *Coonskin* via an Italian VHS release?

Answer: It was approximately 99 minutes long, differing from the standard 83 minutes.

Explanation: An Italian VHS release utilized an earlier cut of *Coonskin*, approximately 99 minutes long, differing from the standard 83-minute version with altered scene orders and extended sequences.

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