Documentary Activity Worksheet

Step 1. Pre-viewing
Title of Film: Huey Long: A Film by Ken Burns Date Released 1985
Principle filmmaker(s): Ken Burns

Background Information: Huey Long was a popular governor in Louisiana. He did many
notable things throughout his career, and he made massive moves for the American people
through his campaigns, service acts, and speeches. He was assassinated in 1935, but this
film documents some of the major moments of his life.

What do you think you will see in this documentary? List 3 things that you might expect to
see based on the title and/or your prior knowledge.
This film will likely include:
- Background information of Long. How did he get into politics? Why? What does his
childhood and upbringing say about his later reforms and policies?
- Accomplishments. What did Governor Long do for the people of Louisiana? What
were his goals? How did he accomplish them?
- Details on the assassination. Why did someone kill him? Did he make enemies? Was
his killer ever found?

Step 2: Viewing: Techniques and Physical Qualities

Describe all that apply. (Feel free to bullet point if you wish. You should complete this
section while watching the film. Feel free to add anything not listed that you consider
important so you don’t forget it later)

Interviews—With Who? And Why?

- Harold and Myrtle Bigler. They were familiar with Huey and his governance of the
state. Regular citizens of Louisiana
- Edmond Riggs. The same reason as before.
- Alcide Verret. Same reasons
Most of the interviews were with the common folk of Louisiana to show the popular
opinion of Huey.
Legislators, political figures, and Historians were interviewed as well (like Cecil Morgan,
and Bill Dodd). These provided more detailed insight on Huey’s life and the context of
Louisiana.

 Worksheet adapted from https://studylib.net/doc/10190339/documentary-film-analysis-worksheet

Narrator/Voiceover—Who is telling the story?
- David McCullough
Stock, historical, or archival footage? Of what?
- Primarily archival and historical footage of Huey, News Outlets during his times,
and other political movements.
Dialogue—Who is talking? Is it scripted or conversations? Who is really speaking?
- David McCullough, the narrator. Those interviewed are also speaking. Some old
clips from News Reports and other footage speak as well.
- Ken Burns is truly speaking. He is the one who chose what to include in the film. He
edited McCullough’s narration, the guests’ interviews, and the old clips.

Music/ Background Noise—What is in the background? Describe the mood/tone.

- There is very little background. There are some background noises that set the stage
for certain pictures and footages (cheering during the LSU games).
- Sometimes soft blues/country/folk guitar strumming plays as well.
- This mood is informative, a bit melancholic, honoring, and helps with the setting of
Louisiana.

Ste 3: Post Viewing

Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that were validated by your
viewing of the documentary, then answer the following questions.

1: What is/are the central message(s) of this documentary? Be specific. Use examples from
the film to support your choice.
- The effects of economic downfall – the animals in the local zoo were killed and
served
- The perseverance and boldness of Huey Long – Huey made a large impact even on
his first day as a freshman senator
- Huey is true to his character – he smoked and chewed on cigars during committees
and meetings. He wanted fellow political figures to be entertained, and so he told
jokes. He did not serve on committees or movements that took away from his
purposes.
2: What is the bias of the film? (Point of view of the filmmakers)
- Huey Long was a great politician and would have made a bigger difference had he
not been assassinated. He may well have done this, but the filmmakers’ bias is

 Worksheet adapted from https://studylib.net/doc/10190339/documentary-film-analysis-worksheet

 evident when they include interviews from people that claim he would have been
president had he not been assassinated.
3: How effective does this film communicate its message? What are its strengths and
weaknesses?
- It communicates it well. The Film uses old footage as primary sources, interviews
with people who were eyewitnesses to Huey’s run, and experts in various historical
and political venues that affirm the events described in the film.
4: How od you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond? Explain your
answer.
- The filmmakers wanted viewers to see and empathize with Huey Long and those
who sided with him. They want viewers to understand the heated political races in
the 1920s-30s of many different powerful political figures. They also want viewers to
better understand the background of political history in the United States –
especially Louisiana.
5: Does the film include a call to action? If so, what was it, and how likely is it that the
viewers would respond?
- The film implicitly calls viewers to become more informed of both modern and
historical political affairs and movements. It also calls viewers to be higher critical
thinkers and engage in political and civil works.
6: Does the film appeal to the viewers reason or emotion? Explain the role of each in this
piece.
- The viewers are engaged emotionally when interviewees share their experiences.
The interviewees show how much they needed Huey to come forward and stimulate
the state. He was good, and he was bad. Some liked him and some disliked him, but
the people who testified of Huey’s legacy draw viewers in to the eventual loss.
- Viewers are also brought along on a story that’s tension rises as it gets closer to
Huey’s eventual assassination. The inclusion of his funeral is heart wrenching.
7: How does the film make you feel? Explain your response.
- I feel a bit indifferent because of how removed I am from Huey and Louisiana in the
20s-30s. His story is very intriguing, and hearing about how Huey impacted the
culture of Louisiana was a bit enthralling. He made such a difference, the people
expected more, and then this was taken away. I feel a bit disappointed as well.
8: Do you think documentaries are useful secondary sources? Why or why not?
- Absolutely. They can be very biased, but they still provide a wide variety of other
information. Most of the information is tainted with ulterior motives, but the
information, if studied critically, can be extremely informative. I would likely not be
able to hear first-person accounts of people who saw the campaigns of Huey Long if
not for this documentary.

 Worksheet adapted from https://studylib.net/doc/10190339/documentary-film-analysis-worksheet