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Hell on Wheels

20118

DramaWesternAction & Adventure

Uitgebracht

06 nov 2011

Land

Verenigde Staten

Producties

Endemol USAEntertainment OneNomadic PicturesWirthwhile TV

Het epische verhaal van het Amerika na de burgeroorlog, met de nadruk op Cullen Bohannon, een Zuidelijke soldaat die wraak wil nemen op de Union-soldaten die zijn vrouw hebben vermoord. Zijn reis voert hem naar het westen, naar Hell on Wheels, een gevaarlijke, rauwe, wetteloze smeltkroes van een stad die meereist en de aanleg van de eerste transcontinentale spoorlijn ondersteunt, een technisch hoogstandje dat voor die tijd ongekend was.

FAQ

51 Q&A

How historically accurate is Hell on Wheels?

Hell on Wheels is inspired by real events but takes many creative liberties for the story.

Who played Cullen Bohannon?

Cullen Bohannon was played by actor Anson Mount.

What was the significance of the Irish laborers in the series?

Irish laborers were a major part of building the railroad, often facing difficult conditions and prejudice.

What happened to The Swede?

The Swede, whose real name was Josef, met his end in the series finale.

Did African Americans play a big role in building the railroad in real life?

Yes, African Americans played a significant role in building the railroad, especially after the Civil War.

Who created Hell on Wheels?

Hell on Wheels was created by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton.

What happened to Elam Ferguson?

Elam Ferguson died in the series from wounds he sustained.

What was Thomas 'Doc' Durant's role?

Thomas 'Doc' Durant was a businessman who played a key role in financing and building the Union Pacific Railroad.

What is the meaning of the show's title, Hell on Wheels?

The title 'Hell on Wheels' refers to the rough, fast-moving camps that followed the railroad construction.

Where was Hell on Wheels filmed?

The series was primarily filmed in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

What was the role of Cullen Bohannon?

Cullen Bohannon was a former Confederate soldier seeking revenge and became a foreman on the Union Pacific Railroad.

What was the name of the railroad company in Hell on Wheels?

The railroad company featured in the series was the Union Pacific Railroad.

What was the significance of the Chinese laborers in the series?

Chinese laborers were crucial for building the railroad, particularly over the difficult Sierra Nevada mountains, facing discrimination.

When did Hell on Wheels start and end?

Hell on Wheels began on January 16, 2011, and concluded on July 23, 2016.

Who played Thomas 'Doc' Durant?

Thomas 'Doc' Durant was portrayed by actor Colm Meaney.

Who was the main character in Hell on Wheels?

The main character in Hell on Wheels was Cullen Bohannon.

What was the role of John Campbell in the series?

John Campbell was a railroad inspector who often clashed with Durant over finances and construction practices.

What was Eva's storyline?

Eva was a prostitute who became involved with Cullen Bohannon and later married the railroad foreman, Tom. She dealt with trauma and survival.

Was Hell on Wheels based on a true story?

Hell on Wheels is based on the true story of the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States.

How did the series end for Thomas Durant?

Thomas Durant ended up losing much of his wealth and power, facing legal troubles and eventual ruin.

What was the relationship between Cullen Bohannon and Thomas Durant?

Cullen Bohannon and Thomas Durant had a complex and often adversarial relationship, marked by conflict over the railroad's progress and Durant's questionable dealings.

Was Lilly Bell a real person?

Lilly Bell was not a real historical person but a fictional character created for the series.

How did the series end for Cullen Bohannon?

Cullen Bohannon rode off into the future with his new family, seeking peace after the railroad was completed.

What historical event does Hell on Wheels depict?

Hell on Wheels depicts the building of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States.

What challenges did the railroad workers face?

Railroad workers faced harsh weather, dangerous work, disease, conflicts with Native Americans, and social unrest.

What does the tagline 'All Roads Lead to Hell' mean?

The tagline suggests that the difficult and often dangerous journey of building the railroad, especially through harsh territories, was like heading into a 'hellish' situation.

Did AMC have plans for a Hell on Wheels revival?

There have been no official announcements or confirmed plans for a 'Hell on Wheels' revival by AMC.

Was Thomas Durant ever imprisoned for fraud?

While Thomas Durant was involved in financial schemes and faced criticism, there is no widely documented historical record of him being imprisoned for fraud.

What was the 'Hell on Wheels' camp?

The 'Hell on Wheels' camp was a traveling, often lawless, town that followed the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, offering services and entertainment to the workers.

What was the main driving force for Cullen Bohannon?

Cullen Bohannon's main driving force was initially revenge for the murder of his wife, which evolved into a desire to see the railroad completed.

What inspired the creators to make Hell on Wheels?

The show was inspired by the historical effort to build the First Transcontinental Railroad and the dramatic, often brutal, stories of the people involved.

How did the showrunners decide which characters to kill off?

Character deaths were typically driven by the narrative needs of the story, aiming to create dramatic impact and advance the plot.

What was the biggest challenge in producing Hell on Wheels?

Producing a show set in the 19th century, with extensive period detail and large-scale railroad construction scenes, presented significant logistical and creative challenges.

What inspired the character of Eva?

Eva's character was inspired by the women who lived in the rough railroad camps, often facing difficult circumstances and playing various roles in the burgeoning towns.

What are common fan theories about Hell on Wheels?

Fan theories often speculate about the fates of characters, alternative historical outcomes, and deeper meanings behind symbolic events in the series.

What kind of fuel did the locomotives use?

The locomotives used during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad primarily burned coal.

Did Brigham Young and the Mormons help build the railroad?

Yes, Brigham Young and the Mormon community, particularly in Utah, played a significant role in building the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

How did the showrunners research for historical accuracy?

The showrunners consulted historical texts, documents, and experts on the American West and railroad history to ensure accuracy in settings, events, and cultural details.

What was the significance of the Golden Spike ceremony?

The Golden Spike ceremony marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, physically and symbolically connecting the eastern and western United States.

Were there female surveyors or engineers on the railroad?

While the primary construction and engineering roles were held by men, women were present in railroad camps and towns, sometimes taking on various support roles, though female surveyors or engineers were rare.

Did the Union Pacific Railroad hire many African Americans?

Yes, the Union Pacific Railroad hired a substantial number of African Americans, particularly after the Civil War, for various labor roles in its construction efforts.

Did the series ever address the murders attributed to Sean McGinnes?

The series did address the violent actions and murders committed by Sean McGinnes as part of his character arc.

What is the historical basis for the 'Hell on Wheels' nickname?

The nickname 'Hell on Wheels' was a contemporary term used to describe the rough, transient, and often violent camps that followed the railroad construction crews.

What were some memorable scenes from the show?

Memorable scenes often include dramatic confrontations, the challenges of railroad construction, and significant character moments that highlighted the harshness of the era.

How did the show handle the portrayal of Native Americans?

The show portrayed Native Americans in various roles, reflecting the historical context of conflict, displacement, and their interactions with westward expansion.

Were there any real-life historical figures besides Durant who appeared in the show?

Besides Thomas Durant, historical figures like Brigham Young were referenced or appeared in the show, reflecting key individuals involved in the railroad's construction.

How did the character of Cullen Bohannon evolve?

Cullen Bohannon evolved from a man driven by vengeance to a leader grappling with the moral complexities of building a nation and finding a sense of purpose.

How did the show portray the corruption involved in building the railroad?

The show depicted the corruption through characters like Thomas Durant, showcasing greed, financial manipulation, and the exploitation of labor and resources.

Who was the actual Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific?

Grenville M. Dodge served as the Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad during much of its construction.

Was the show ever compared to other Westerns?

Yes, 'Hell on Wheels' was often compared to other Western television series, particularly for its historical setting and dramatic storytelling.

Did the series accurately portray the use of wood for fuel in locomotives?

The series used wood and styrofoam to build locomotive props, and while some aspects of the trains are historically accurate, the show largely relies on "movie magic" for its visuals. Historically, wood was used as fuel for some locomotives, but it produced many sparks, leading to the development of larger smokestacks to catch them. Coal became a more efficient fuel later on.