Special Sub-Topic: Chain Gangs in the USA Click Here To Play: Chain Gangs in the USA

In 1995, which state was the first to bring back chain gang prison labor programs in the US?

Alabama. Followed closely by Florida and Arizona. Limestone Correctional Facility, near Huntsville, was the first site of this revived prison practice.

What was the official name of the first revived chain gang program?

The Alternative Thinking Unit. Governor Fob James of Alabama made it a campaign promise in 1994 that he would return chain gangs to the roads and streets of his state.

What site in the US was the first to have a female chain gang and a juvenile chain gang?

Maricopa County, Arizona. Sheriff Joe Arpaio wanted to be the first in the US to bring chain gangs back, but was beaten to the punch by Alabama Prison Commisioner Ron Jones.

What book by Robert Elliot Burns, published in 1932, exposed the injustices of the chain gangs, thus causing states to 'reconsider this practice.'

'I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang'. Paul Muni starred in the film version directed by Mervyn LeRoy entitled 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang.' Great film with one of the most chilling last lines in a film. 'American Chain Gang' is a documentary about prisoners and officers in 1990s chain gangs. 'The Defiant Ones' stars Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. ' Cool Hand Luke', one of the greatest films about prisoners, stars Paul Newman.

'American Chain Gang' (2004) documents the lives of the male and female inmates and officers before, during and after their release. Which of these statements about the production of the film is true?

All of these are true (The crew were nearly attacked by inmates during the officers' shift change., The officers of the prison in Alabama asked director Xackery Irving and his crew to leave after five weeks of shooting, One of the inmates featured was brutally murdered). The film was shot in Alabama and Arizona.

The title for 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' comes from what other work?

From the film entitled 'Sullivan's Travels'. The title is the name of the film that comedy director Sullivan wants to direct. The studio won't let him, so he goes on an adventure to find out what poverty is really like.

In 1995, what group sued to have chain gangs abolished?

Southern Poverty Law Center. They sued Alabama to end their practice. Alabama sidestepped the case by having their inmates go from five inmates to a single chain to one inmate to a set of shackles. Both sides claimed victory.

For which function or task were chain gangs in the United States NOT used?

Land mine disposal on military bases. The conditions of the original chain gangs of the 1800s and early 1900s were notoriously cruel and inhumane. Many inmates suffered horrible conditions with no heating in cold weather or medical care.

The 1967 film 'Cool Hand Luke' was nominated for several academy awards. Which of the awards listed did it actually receive?

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (George Kennedy). It was the only Oscar the film received. Stuart Rosenberg won best director from the DGA. Paul Newman won a Golden Laurel award for best actor.

What punishment was given to Alabama chain gang prisoners if they refused or where unable to participate in their assigned labor?

Arms cuffed to a hitching rail. Inmates could be hitched there all day and sometimes refused water while standing in the hot sun.