Zoot Suit Riots (2002)

Los Angeles erupts in violence

Zoot Suit Riots (2002) poster

On August 1, 1942, a 22-year-old Mexican American man was stabbed to death at a party. To white Los Angelenos, the murder was just more proof that Mexican American crime was spiraling out of control. The police fanned out across LA, netting 600 young Mexican American suspects. Almost all those taken into custody were wearing the distinctive uniform of their generation: Zoot Suits. The tragic murder and the injustice of the trial that followed, coupled with sensational news coverage of both, fanned the flames of the racial hostility that was already running rife in the city. Within months of the verdict, Los Angeles was in the grip of some of the worst violence in its history.

Director: Joseph Tovares
Genre: History, Documentary
Runtime: 53 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Claudio Ragazzi
Editing: James Rutenbeck
Production: PBS, GBH
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

police brutality, riot, los angeles, california, mexican american, lapd, 1940s, zoot suit, police violence

Trailer

Zoot Suit Riots Trailer
More Films by Director: Joseph Tovares
More Films in Genre: History, Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zoot Suit Riots about?
On August 1, 1942, a 22-year-old Mexican American man was stabbed to death at a party. To white Los Angelenos, the murder was just more proof that Mexican American crime was spiraling out of control. The police fanned out across LA, netting 600 young Mexican American suspects. Almost all those taken into custody were wearing the distinctive uniform of their generation: Zoot Suits. The tragic murder and the injustice of the trial that followed, coupled with sensational news coverage of both, fanned the flames of the racial hostility that was already running rife in the city. Within months of the verdict, Los Angeles was in the grip of some of the worst violence in its history.
Who directed Zoot Suit Riots?
Zoot Suit Riots was directed by Joseph Tovares.
Who stars in Zoot Suit Riots?
Zoot Suit Riots stars Héctor Elizondo.
How long is Zoot Suit Riots?
Zoot Suit Riots has a runtime of 53m (53 minutes).
What genre is Zoot Suit Riots?
Zoot Suit Riots is a History, Documentary film.
Where was Zoot Suit Riots produced?
Zoot Suit Riots was produced in United States of America.