Question 1

What real-life tragedy caused Ritchie Valens' fear of flying?

Accepted Answer

A plane crash at his school on January 31, 1957, where a DC-7 landed on the playground, killing several students. Valens was absent that day for his grandfather's funeral, and the incident haunted him.

Question 2

Which band performed all of Ritchie Valens' music in the film?

Accepted Answer

Los Lobos performed all of Ritchie Valens' music for the movie, including playing the traditional folk version of 'La Bamba' in a club scene.

Question 3

What emotional moment occurred on set during the 'coin toss' scene?

Accepted Answer

Ritchie Valens' real sister wept uncontrollably during shooting, hugging Lou Diamond Phillips and asking 'Why Ritchie? Why did you get on the plane?'

Question 4

What is the central conflict Ritchie Valens faces as his fame rises?

Accepted Answer

He has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and is haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash as he begins his first national tour.

Question 5

Which festivals or awards is 'La Bamba' associated with?

Accepted Answer

It was featured at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1987 and won a Golden Globe award in 1988.

Question 6

What real-life tragedy caused Ritchie Valens' fear of flying in the film?

Accepted Answer

A mid-air collision on January 31, 1957 sent a DC-7 crashing onto his school playground during recess, killing several students. Valens was absent that day attending his grandfather's funeral, but the event traumatized him.

Question 7

Which band performed all of Ritchie Valens' music in the movie and appears playing 'La Bamba' in a Tijuana club scene?

Accepted Answer

Los Lobos performed all of Ritchie Valens' music for the film. In the Tijuana club scene, they're shown playing the traditional folk version of 'La Bamba,' with David Hidalgo providing Lou Diamond Phillips' singing voice.

Question 8

What haunting joke did Waylon Jennings make to Buddy Holly before the fatal plane flight?

Accepted Answer

After trading seats with The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly told Waylon Jennings 'I hope you freeze your ass on that bus.' Jennings jokingly responded 'Well, I hope your plane crashes'—a remark that haunted him for years.

Question 9

Which real family member appears as an extra in the first family party scene?

Accepted Answer

Ritchie Valens' real mother, Connie Valenzuela, appears as the elderly woman sitting near him at the first family party. She passed away three months after the film's release in 1987.

Question 10

What recurring nightmare haunts Ritchie Valens as his career takes off?

Accepted Answer

As Ritchie Valens begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly, he becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash.

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La Bamba

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