Zoot Suit
“An American original.”
Synopsis
Part fact and part fiction, Zoot Suit is the film version of Luis Valdez's critically acclaimed play, based on the actual Sleepy Lagoon murder case and the zoot suit riots of 1940s Los Angeles. Henry Reyna is the leader of a group of Mexican-Americans being sent to San Quentin without substantial evidence for the death of a man at Sleepy Lagoon. As part of the defense committee, Alice Bloomfield and George Shearer fight the blatant miscarriage of justice for the freedom of Henry and his friends.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Zoot Suit (1981) Original Trailer [FHD]
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-12-08
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Daniel Valdez
Henry Reyna
Edward James Olmos
El Pachuco
Charles Aidman
George Shearer
Tyne Daly
Alice Bloomfield
John Anderson
Judge F.W. Charles
Abel Franco
Enrique
Mike Gomez
Joey / Jose Torres
Alma Martinez
Lupe
Francis X. McCarthy
Press
Lupe Ontiveros
Dolores
Ed Peck
Lieutenant Edwards
Robert Phalen
District Attorney
Tony Plana
Rudy
Rose Portillo
Della
Marco Rodríguez
Smiley / Ismael Torres
Kelly Ward
Tommy / Thomas Roberts
Helena Andreyko
Blondie
Bob Basso
The Bailiff
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 2, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$3.3M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Luis Valdez
- Screenplay & Story
- Luis Valdez
- Original Score
- Daniel Valdez
- Original Title
- Zoot Suit
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Worldwide Gross
- $3.3M
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Luis Valdez
Luis Valdez
Daniel Valdez
David Myers
Jacqueline Cambas
Peter Burrell, Gordon Davidson, Phil Esparza, William P. Wingate
Department Leadership Roster
Luis Valdez
Director
Luis Valdez
Writer
Peter Burrell
Producer
Gordon Davidson
Producer
Phil Esparza
Producer
William P. Wingate
Producer
David Myers
Director of Photography
Jacqueline Cambas
Editor
Tom H. John
Production Design
Yvonne Wood
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Zoot Suit.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Zoot Suit.
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Movies - Live Action
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IMDb Archive
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoot Suit
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Zoot Suit about?
Part fact and part fiction, Zoot Suit is the film version of Luis Valdez's critically acclaimed play, based on the actual Sleepy Lagoon murder case and the zoot suit riots of 1940s Los Angeles. Henry Reyna is the leader of a group of Mexican-Americans being sent to San Quentin without substantial evidence for the death of a man at Sleepy Lagoon. As part of the defense committee, Alice Bloomfield and George Shearer fight the blatant miscarriage of justice for the freedom of Henry and his friends.
Who directed Zoot Suit?
Zoot Suit was directed by Luis Valdez.
Who stars in Zoot Suit?
The principal cast of Zoot Suit includes Daniel Valdez, Edward James Olmos, Charles Aidman, Tyne Daly, John Anderson.
When was Zoot Suit released and how long is it?
Zoot Suit was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 43m.
How much did Zoot Suit make at the box office?
Zoot Suit grossed $3.3M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Zoot Suit?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Zoot Suit was composed by Daniel Valdez.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Zoot Suit?
Zoot Suit holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).