1950s Trivia: Movie Questions! Quiz

1. What movie, starring Charlton Heston, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1960?

The Ten Commandments

El Cid

Ben Hur

Planet of the Apes

Ten Commandments released in 1956,
El Cid released in 1961,
Planet of the Apes released in 1968

Explanation

Ten Commandments released in 1956,
El Cid released in 1961,
Planet of the Apes released in 1968

2. Complete this prose: The place to pass, On curves, You know, Is only at, A beauty show

This prose is part of a series of advertisements by the company Burma-Shave. The company was known for placing sequential signs along the side of the road, with each sign displaying a different line of the poem. Drivers would read the signs in sequence as they passed by, creating a clever and engaging advertising campaign. In this particular poem, the message is that passing on curves is dangerous and should only be done at a beauty show, implying that it should not be done at all. The repetition of "Burma-Shave" at the end reinforces the brand name and helps to make the poem memorable.

Explanation

This prose is part of a series of advertisements by the company Burma-Shave. The company was known for placing sequential signs along the side of the road, with each sign displaying a different line of the poem. Drivers would read the signs in sequence as they passed by, creating a clever and engaging advertising campaign. In this particular poem, the message is that passing on curves is dangerous and should only be done at a beauty show, implying that it should not be done at all. The repetition of "Burma-Shave" at the end reinforces the brand name and helps to make the poem memorable.

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4. The song "Quiet Village" was recorded with the exotic sounds of which group?

Martin Denny

Dean Howard

Howard Dean

Denny Martin

Martin Denny is the correct answer because he was a famous American pianist and composer who is often credited as the father of exotica music. He recorded the song "Quiet Village" with his group, which featured a unique blend of tropical and Polynesian-inspired sounds. Denny's music became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and his use of exotic instruments and lush arrangements helped to create a distinct and atmospheric sound that was influential in the development of lounge and easy listening music.

Explanation

Martin Denny is the correct answer because he was a famous American pianist and composer who is often credited as the father of exotica music. He recorded the song "Quiet Village" with his group, which featured a unique blend of tropical and Polynesian-inspired sounds. Denny's music became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and his use of exotic instruments and lush arrangements helped to create a distinct and atmospheric sound that was influential in the development of lounge and easy listening music.

5. "Smile! You're on ________"

The phrase "Smile! You're on Candid Camera" is a well-known catchphrase from the television show Candid Camera. The show was known for its hidden camera pranks and capturing people's genuine reactions to unexpected situations. The phrase became popularized as a way to inform people that they were being filmed without their knowledge or consent. Therefore, the correct answer is Candid Camera.

Explanation

The phrase "Smile! You're on Candid Camera" is a well-known catchphrase from the television show Candid Camera. The show was known for its hidden camera pranks and capturing people's genuine reactions to unexpected situations. The phrase became popularized as a way to inform people that they were being filmed without their knowledge or consent. Therefore, the correct answer is Candid Camera.

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6. Who's favorite saying was "Yabba Dabba Do"

Bull Moose

Yogi Bear

Boo Boo

Bullwinkle

Yogi Bear is the correct answer because "Yabba Dabba Do" is a catchphrase associated with the character Yogi Bear. It is often used to express excitement or victory. Bull Moose, Boo Boo, and Bullwinkle are not known for using this particular saying.

Explanation

Yogi Bear is the correct answer because "Yabba Dabba Do" is a catchphrase associated with the character Yogi Bear. It is often used to express excitement or victory. Bull Moose, Boo Boo, and Bullwinkle are not known for using this particular saying.

7.

"Never Fear ____________ is Here!"

The phrase "Never Fear ____________ is Here!" is a popular catchphrase often used to introduce a hero or savior. In this case, the correct answer "Underdog" fits perfectly as it is the name of a famous cartoon superhero character who is known for coming to the rescue in times of trouble. The phrase implies that whenever there is fear or danger, Underdog will be there to save the day.

Explanation

The phrase "Never Fear ____________ is Here!" is a popular catchphrase often used to introduce a hero or savior. In this case, the correct answer "Underdog" fits perfectly as it is the name of a famous cartoon superhero character who is known for coming to the rescue in times of trouble. The phrase implies that whenever there is fear or danger, Underdog will be there to save the day.

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8. Who were these people? Tim Considine, Don Grady, Stanley Livingston, Barry Livingston

Tim Considine - Michael "Mike" Douglas (1960–1965)
Don Grady - Robert "Robbie" Douglas (1960–1971)
Stanley Livingston - Richard "Chip" Douglas (1960-1972)
Barry Livingston - Ernest "Ernie" Thompson/Douglas (1963–1972) joined show as adopted son when Tim Considine dropped out.
A little bit of a trick question!

Explanation

Tim Considine - Michael "Mike" Douglas (1960–1965)
Don Grady - Robert "Robbie" Douglas (1960–1971)
Stanley Livingston - Richard "Chip" Douglas (1960-1972)
Barry Livingston - Ernest "Ernie" Thompson/Douglas (1963–1972) joined show as adopted son when Tim Considine dropped out.
A little bit of a trick question!

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9. What's the name of this 1960's singing group?

The Belmonts

Phil, Don and Curt

Jimmie, Billy and Phil

Dino, Desi and Billy

left to right ~
Desi Arnaz, Jr, Billy Hinsche & Dean Paul Martin,

Explanation

left to right ~
Desi Arnaz, Jr, Billy Hinsche & Dean Paul Martin,

10. What phrase was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in the 1950s?

In 1954, Congress, after a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, added the words, 'under God,' to the Pledge. The Pledge was now both a patriotic oath and a public prayer.

Explanation

In 1954, Congress, after a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, added the words, 'under God,' to the Pledge. The Pledge was now both a patriotic oath and a public prayer.

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11.

Name this 1957 automobile...

Pontiac

Buick

Oldsmobile

Studebaker

The correct answer is Studebaker. Studebaker was a well-known automobile manufacturer in the 1950s. Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile were also popular car brands during that time, but Studebaker was a separate and distinct brand.

Explanation

The correct answer is Studebaker. Studebaker was a well-known automobile manufacturer in the 1950s. Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile were also popular car brands during that time, but Studebaker was a separate and distinct brand.

12. Which was NOT a dance in the 50's/60's?

The Twist

The Mashed Potato

The Creep

The Pony

The question asks for a dance that was NOT popular in the 50's/60's. The Twist, the Mashed Potato, and the Pony were all popular dances during that time period. However, the Creep was not a popular dance in the 50's/60's.

Explanation

The question asks for a dance that was NOT popular in the 50's/60's. The Twist, the Mashed Potato, and the Pony were all popular dances during that time period. However, the Creep was not a popular dance in the 50's/60's.

13. How much did a first-class stamp cost in 1960?

.05

.10

.04

.08

In 1960, a first-class stamp cost .04.

Explanation

In 1960, a first-class stamp cost .04.

14. Who won the 1959 World Series of Baseball?

LA Dodgers

Chicago White Sox

St. Louis Cardinals

Boston Red Sox

LA Dogers defeated the Chicago White Sox 4 games to 2.

Explanation

LA Dogers defeated the Chicago White Sox 4 games to 2.

15. Which of these toys/games did NOT appear in 1960?

Etch-A-Sketch

Barbie

Chatty Cathie

Frisbee

The Frisbee from Wham-O was introduced in 1957.

Explanation

The Frisbee from Wham-O was introduced in 1957.

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18. BHS Superintendent when we graduated.

Robert Gray

Earl Helms

Bob Roberts

Earl Gray

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

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20. The gathering place on South Main was called "________ Grill".

The correct answer is "sterlings" or "sterling's". The word "grill" suggests that the missing word is likely a name of a restaurant or a place to eat. Both "sterlings" and "sterling's" could be plausible options for a restaurant name.

Explanation

The correct answer is "sterlings" or "sterling's". The word "grill" suggests that the missing word is likely a name of a restaurant or a place to eat. Both "sterlings" and "sterling's" could be plausible options for a restaurant name.

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21. The bank that was on the south-east corner of Main and Brooks St. ______-______

The bank that was on the south-east corner of Main and Brooks St. was either called Brownlee-Moore or Brownlee More.

Explanation

The bank that was on the south-east corner of Main and Brooks St. was either called Brownlee-Moore or Brownlee More.

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22. "______ Parks"

The missing word to complete the phrase "______ Parks" is "twin." This suggests that there is more than one park that is related or identical to each other. The word "twin" implies a duplication or replication of a park, possibly indicating that there are two parks that are very similar or identical in some way.

Explanation

The missing word to complete the phrase "______ Parks" is "twin." This suggests that there is more than one park that is related or identical to each other. The word "twin" implies a duplication or replication of a park, possibly indicating that there are two parks that are very similar or identical in some way.

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