Old Time Radio Christmas Quiz

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Quizzes Created: 12 | Total Attempts: 3,333
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  • 1/92 Questions

    Which Big Band leader also played on the Burns and Allen Radio Show?

    • Charlie Barnet
    • Benny Goodman
    • Ken Carpenter
    • Artie Shaw
    • Count Basie
    • Duke Ellington
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About This Quiz

Here's the RUSC Old Time Radio Christmas-themed quiz to put your knowledge to the test regarding old-time radio episodes. The Golden Age of Radio was also known as the old-time radio era. We want you to enjoy your Christmas, which is the most wonderful time of the year, with this amazing Christmas quiz. Do not forget to share it with others to make their Christmas entertaining and thrilled. Good luck, my old-time radio friend! We hope you like this quiz

Old Time Radio Christmas Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which female actress in the movie, Gone With The Wind, later on played Mary Livingstons Maid on The Jack Benny Show?

    • Butterfly McQueen

    • Portland Hoffa

    Correct Answer
    A. Butterfly McQueen
    Explanation
    Butterfly McQueen is the correct answer because she is the actress who played Mary Livingstons Maid on The Jack Benny Show after her role in the movie Gone With The Wind.

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  • 3. 

    In the series 21st Precinct, long time star Cpt. Canelli was replaced on his promotion by Cpt. Cronin played by an actor who made a mark in TV in the same sort of role. Who was it?

    • James Gregory - Inspector Luger on 'Barney Miller'

    • Ray Collins - Lt. Tragg on 'Perry Mason'

    • Broderick Crawford - Chief Dan MAthews on "Highway Patrol"

    • Lee Marvin - Lt. Frank Ballinger on 'M Squad'

    Correct Answer
    A. James Gregory - Inspector Luger on 'Barney Miller'
    Explanation
    James Gregory is the correct answer because he played the role of Inspector Luger on the TV show 'Barney Miller', which was similar to the role of Cpt. Cronin in the series '21st Precinct'.

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  • 4. 

    Who played the part of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke?

    • William Conrad

    • Parley Baer

    • Howard McNear

    • Harry Bartell

    • Barney Phillips

    Correct Answer
    A. William Conrad
    Explanation
    William Conrad played the part of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke.

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  • 5. 

    An annual radio Christmas present was an adaptation of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol'. Who played the part of Ebenezer Scrooge?

    • Lionel Barrymore

    • Monte Wooley

    • Ed Wynn

    • Edgar Bergen

    Correct Answer
    A. Lionel Barrymore
    Explanation
    Lionel Barrymore played the part of Ebenezer Scrooge in the annual radio Christmas present adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol".

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  • 6. 

    Beaulah, one of at least two spin offs of the Fibber Magee & Molly Show, followed the story of a 40's African-American housekeeper, funny thing was:

    • The part was played by 'Molly McGee' who had to juggle this and the original Fibber show

    • Part was played by the same actress who played the similar part of 'Birdie" on 'The Great Gildersleeve'

    • Protests from the newly created Domestic Workers of America lead to its early demise

    • Beaulah was in reality a male actor

    Correct Answer
    A. Beaulah was in reality a male actor
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that Beaulah was in reality a male actor. This means that the character of Beaulah, who was portrayed as an African-American housekeeper, was actually played by a male actor. This could have been seen as unusual or unexpected, as traditionally female roles are played by female actors.

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  • 7. 

    In the early radio episodes of Dragnet, Chief of Detectives Ed Backstran was played by someone who later had great success as a TV actor. Who was it?

    • Raymond Burr - TV's Perry Mason

    • Chuck Connors - TV's the Rifleman

    • James Arness - TV's Matt Dillon

    • Peter Falk - TV's Colombo

    Correct Answer
    A. Raymond Burr - TV's Perry Mason
    Explanation
    Raymond Burr, who later achieved great success as TV's Perry Mason, played the role of Chief of Detectives Ed Backstran in the early radio episodes of Dragnet.

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  • 8. 

    On Fibber McGee and Molly, what was the real name of Teeny the little girl who lived next door?

    • Molly

    • Alice

    • Elizabeth

    • Beulah

    • Fibber

    Correct Answer
    A. Elizabeth
    Explanation
    Teeny, the little girl who lived next door on Fibber McGee and Molly, was actually named Elizabeth.

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  • 9. 

    What are the names of the husband and wife on The Couple Next Door?

    • Ethel & Albert

    • Betty & Bill

    • They have no names, they call each other Dear

    • Millie and Dick

    Correct Answer
    A. They have no names, they call each other Dear
    Explanation
    In the book "The Couple Next Door," the husband and wife do not have specific names. Instead, they refer to each other as "Dear." This is a unique characteristic of the couple in the story and is mentioned as the correct answer.

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  • 10. 

    Which old time radio cowboy had a horse named Trigger?

    • Roy Rogers

    • Lone Ranger

    • Tonto

    • Hopalong Cassidy

    • Wild Bill Hickok

    Correct Answer
    A. Roy Rogers
    Explanation
    Roy Rogers is the correct answer because he was an old time radio cowboy who had a horse named Trigger. Roy Rogers was a popular cowboy actor and singer in the 1940s and 1950s, and he often appeared in radio shows and movies as a cowboy character. His horse, Trigger, was also well-known and appeared alongside him in many of his performances.

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  • 11. 

    What was the name of Cisco Kid's horse?

    • Diablo

    • Silver

    • Champion

    • Trigger

    • Scout

    • Topper

    Correct Answer
    A. Diablo
    Explanation
    Diablo is the correct answer because it was the name of Cisco Kid's horse.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following was NOT a regular visitor to the Fibber McGee and Molly household?

    • Mr. Whipple the harried husband of 'Sweetie Pie'

    • Bombastic Wistfull Vista Mayor La Trivia

    • The old timer - 'That's not the way I heared it'

    • Luigi the Italian Immigrant

    Correct Answer
    A. Luigi the Italian Immigrant
    Explanation
    Luigi the Italian Immigrant was not a regular visitor to the Fibber McGee and Molly household. The question is asking for the option that was NOT a regular visitor, and all the other options mentioned were regular visitors to the household.

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  • 13. 

    In the early days, the Magee's (of Fibber McGee and Molly fame) had a boarder. Who was he?

    • Molly's dipsomaniacal uncle Dennis

    • Sven the janitor at Fibber's lodge

    • Mr. Wilcox the Johnson's wax spokesman

    • Trick Question - there was no boarder

    Correct Answer
    A. Molly's dipsomaniacal uncle Dennis
    Explanation
    Molly's dipsomaniacal uncle Dennis was the boarder in the early days of the Magee's.

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  • 14. 

    In the Great Gildersleeve, who wasn't a Jolly Boy?

    • Nephew Leroy

    • Mr. Peavy the Druggist

    • Floyd the Barber

    • Judge Hooker

    • The Summerfield Police Chief

    Correct Answer
    A. Nephew Leroy
    Explanation
    In the Great Gildersleeve, Nephew Leroy was not a Jolly Boy. The Jolly Boys is a social club in the show, consisting of several characters including Mr. Peavy the Druggist, Floyd the Barber, Judge Hooker, and the Summerfield Police Chief. Leroy, being Gildersleeve's nephew, is not a member of this club.

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  • 15. 

    In Bold Venture, the Bogarts, Humphrey and Lauren, were based in a resort hotel in:

    • Havana

    • Martinique

    • Key West

    • Bermuda

    Correct Answer
    A. Havana
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Havana. In the radio show "Bold Venture," Humphrey and Lauren Bogart played the roles of Slate Shannon and Sailor Duval, who were based in a resort hotel in Havana. The show followed their adventures in the Caribbean, and Havana served as their main location.

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  • 16. 

    Dragnet star Jack Webb named his first child after a frequent radio guest star. Who was it?

    • Stacy Harris

    • Harry Bartell

    • Martin Milner

    • Vic Perrin

    Correct Answer
    A. Stacy Harris
    Explanation
    Jack Webb named his first child after Stacy Harris, a frequent radio guest star.

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  • 17. 

    Dennis Day, from the Jack Benny show, was married to the sister of which actress?

    • Ann Blyth

    • Loretta Young

    • Linda Darnell

    • Ann Margaret

    Correct Answer
    A. Ann Blyth
    Explanation
    Dennis Day, from the Jack Benny show, was married to Ann Blyth, the sister of actress Ann Blyth.

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  • 18. 

    Fill in the blank for this famous old time radio series. Life with _____

    Correct Answer
    Luigi
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Luigi" because "Life with Luigi" is a famous old-time radio series that aired from 1948 to 1953. The show followed the life of Luigi Basco, an Italian immigrant living in Chicago, as he navigated the challenges and adventures of American life. Luigi's character was known for his endearing accent and optimistic outlook, making the show a beloved and popular choice among listeners during its time.

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  • 19. 

    Fill in the blank for this popular old time radio Christmas series. Cinnamon ____

    Correct Answer
    Bear
    Explanation
    This popular old time radio Christmas series is called "Cinnamon Bear".

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  • 20. 

    In which year was The Grand Ole Opry was first broadcast?

    • 1920

    • 1925

    • 1930

    • 1935

    • 1940

    Correct Answer
    A. 1925
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 1925. The Grand Ole Opry was first broadcast in 1925.

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  • 21. 

    In which year was CBS formed?

    • 1922

    • 1927

    • 1932

    • 1937

    Correct Answer
    A. 1927
    Explanation
    CBS, which stands for Columbia Broadcasting System, was formed in 1927. This answer is correct as it accurately states the year of CBS's formation.

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  • 22. 

    Who formed CBS?

    • William S. Paley

    • Edward Armstrong

    • Reginald A. Fessanden

    • James C. Maxwell

    Correct Answer
    A. William S. Paley
    Explanation
    William S. Paley formed CBS.

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  • 23. 

    In which year did the Federal Communications Commission authorize FM experimentation

    • 1931

    • 1941

    • 1951

    • 1961

    Correct Answer
    A. 1941
    Explanation
    In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission authorized FM experimentation. This decision allowed for the testing and development of frequency modulation (FM) technology, which is used in radio broadcasting. It marked an important milestone in the advancement of radio communication and paved the way for the widespread use of FM radio in the years to come.

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  • 24. 

    In which decade was the organization that became the American Broadcasting Corporation formed, when NBC was forced by the Federal Communications Commission to sell one of its two networks?

    • 1930s

    • 1940s

    • 1950s

    • 1960s

    • 1920s

    Correct Answer
    A. 1940s
    Explanation
    In the 1940s, the organization that became the American Broadcasting Corporation was formed. This was because NBC was compelled by the Federal Communications Commission to sell one of its two networks.

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  • 25. 

    Which two presidential candidates held the first radio and TV debates?

    • Richard Nixon

    • John F. Kennedy

    • Lyndon B. Johnson

    • Dwight D. Eisenhower

    • Adlai Stevenson

    • Harry S. Truman

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Richard Nixon
    A. John F. Kennedy
    Explanation
    Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy held the first radio and TV debates. These debates took place during the 1960 presidential election and were a significant milestone in American political history. The debates were televised and marked the first time that candidates had the opportunity to directly address the American public through this medium. The debates were highly influential in shaping public opinion and are often cited as a turning point in the election, with Kennedy's performance on TV being seen as a key factor in his victory over Nixon.

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  • 26. 

    How many different actors played the part of Johnny Dollar?

    • One

    • Three

    • Six

    • Nine

    • Twelve

    Correct Answer
    A. Six
    Explanation
    Six different actors played the part of Johnny Dollar. This implies that there were multiple actors who portrayed the character of Johnny Dollar, suggesting that the role may have been recast or rotated among different actors throughout the series or production.

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  • 27. 

    Who was the "insurance investigator with the action-packed expense account"?

    Correct Answer
    Johnny Dollar, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar
    Explanation
    Johnny Dollar, also known as Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, is the insurance investigator with the action-packed expense account. This character was featured in a popular radio drama series called "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar." The show aired from 1949 to 1962 and followed the adventures of Johnny Dollar as he investigated insurance fraud cases. The character was known for his thrilling and action-packed investigations, often involving danger and suspense.

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  • 28. 

    At the end of each episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar what did the main character do?

    • Itemized his expenses

    • Called the boss

    • Ate a bagel and cream cheese

    • Drank a famous cola drink

    Correct Answer
    A. Itemized his expenses
    Explanation
    At the end of each episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," the main character itemized his expenses. This suggests that the main character was a detective or investigator who kept track of his expenses for reimbursement purposes or for his own records. By itemizing his expenses, he ensured that he accounted for every expenditure made during the episode. This detail adds depth to the character and portrays him as organized and meticulous in his work.

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  • 29. 

    You Bet Your Life was a TV game show BEFORE it was first broadcast on radio. True or false?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because "You Bet Your Life" was first broadcast on radio before it became a TV game show.

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  • 30. 

    Which of the Marx brothers hosted You Bet Your Life?

    • Chico

    • Harpo

    • Groucho

    • Gummo

    • Zeppo

    Correct Answer
    A. Groucho
    Explanation
    Groucho Marx hosted "You Bet Your Life."

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  • 31. 

    What fell down in front of contestants onYou Bet Your Life if they mentioned "the secret woid"?

    • A toy duck

    • A clown

    • An umbrella

    • A ten dollar bill

    Correct Answer
    A. A toy duck
    Explanation
    In the game show "You Bet Your Life," when contestants mentioned "the secret woid," a toy duck would fall down in front of them. This was a humorous and unexpected element of the show, adding entertainment value and creating a fun atmosphere for both the contestants and the audience.

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  • 32. 

    Fill in the blank to complete the name of this spooky old time radio thriller that ran from 1934 to 1937. Witch's ____

    Correct Answer
    Tale
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Tale" because it completes the name of the spooky old time radio thriller that ran from 1934 to 1937, which is "Witch's Tale".

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  • 33. 

    Wild Bill Hickok was a TV show BEFORE it was first broadcast on radio. True or False?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because "Wild Bill Hickok" was originally a TV show before it was first broadcast on radio. This means that the show was created and aired on television before it was adapted and broadcasted on the radio.

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  • 34. 

    The whistling that was a famous part of "The Whistler" theme music was - for the most part - performed by a woman?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    For almost all the years the show was on air the whistling part of the theme was performed by Dorothy Roberts, as very few people could perfect the two octave range.

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  • 35. 

    What reason did Orson Welles give for starting to act on radio?

    • "in order to pay the bills"

    • "because it is the medium of the imagination"

    • "to get the girls"

    • "I have a face for radio"

    Correct Answer
    A. "in order to pay the bills"
    Explanation
    Orson Welles started acting on radio "in order to pay the bills." This suggests that he took up radio acting as a means of financial support. It implies that he may not have initially had a strong passion for radio acting, but rather saw it as a practical way to make a living. This answer provides a logical explanation for why Welles chose to pursue a career in radio acting.

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  • 36. 

    After the massive publicity surrounding the broadcast of "War of the Worlds" Orson Welles was offered a contract by RKO to produce, direct and star in a film. The result was the cinematic masterpiece "Citizen Kane". True or False.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    After the massive publicity surrounding the broadcast of "War of the Worlds," Orson Welles was indeed offered a contract by RKO to produce, direct, and star in a film. The film that resulted from this contract was the renowned cinematic masterpiece "Citizen Kane."

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  • 37. 

    The part of Harry Lime was played by Orson Welles on both the radio and in 'The Third Man' on the big screen. In the film version Harry Lime was a hero, but in the radio version he was portrayed as a villain - or was it the other way round.

    • Harry Lime was a villain in the film, but a hero in the radio series

    • Harry Lime was the hero in the film, but the villain in the radio series

    • Harry Lime was the hero in both the film and the radio series

    • Harry Lime was the villain in both the fim and the radio series

    Correct Answer
    A. Harry Lime was a villain in the film, but a hero in the radio series
    Explanation
    In the film version of "The Third Man," Harry Lime is portrayed as a villain. However, in the radio series, he is portrayed as a hero. This suggests that the character's portrayal differs between the two mediums, with the film presenting him as a villain and the radio series presenting him as a hero.

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  • 38. 

    Where was Jack Webb born?

    • New York

    • Santa Monica

    • Boston

    • Chicago

    • London

    Correct Answer
    A. Santa Monica
    Explanation
    Jack Webb was born in Santa Monica.

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  • 39. 

    In which old time radio show series did Jack Webb NOT appear as some kind of crime fighter? 

    • Jeff Regan, Detective

    • Pat Novak for Hire

    • Pier 23

    • Broadway is my Beat

    Correct Answer
    A. Broadway is my Beat
    Explanation
    Jack Webb did not appear as a crime fighter in the old time radio show series "Broadway is my Beat." This series focused on Detective Danny Clover, played by Larry Thor, who patrolled the streets of New York City's Broadway district. Jack Webb, however, did appear as a crime fighter in the other three mentioned series: "Jeff Regan, Detective," "Pat Novak for Hire," and "Pier 23."

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  • 40. 

    Fill in the blank for this popular domestic comedy of the 1930s and 40s. Vic and ____

    Correct Answer
    Sade, sade
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Sade, sade" because "Vic and Sade" was a popular domestic comedy radio program that aired during the 1930s and 40s. The show revolved around the lives of Vic and Sade Gook, a married couple, and their everyday experiences and interactions with their son, Rush. The repetition of "Sade, sade" emphasizes the importance of Sade's character in the show.

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  • 41. 

    What was the last name of Vic and Sade in the popular 1930s and 40s domestic comedy?

    • Gook

    • Cook

    • Flook

    • Their last name was never revealed

    Correct Answer
    A. Gook
  • 42. 

    Who played the part of Effie Perrine in The Adventures of Sam Spade, Junior's Mommy and Daisy June on The Red Skelton Show, Harriet's mother on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Gildersleeve's niece on The Great Gildersleeve, Dolly Snaffle on Duffy's Tavern, and Judy Price on Dr. Christian?

    • Lurene Tuttle

    • Nernadine Flynn

    • Lucille Wall

    • Harriette Widner

    • Lucille Ball

    Correct Answer
    A. Lurene Tuttle
    Explanation
    Lurene Tuttle played the part of Effie Perrine in The Adventures of Sam Spade, Junior's Mommy and Daisy June on The Red Skelton Show, Harriet's mother on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Gildersleeve's niece on The Great Gildersleeve, Dolly Snaffle on Duffy's Tavern, and Judy Price on Dr. Christian.

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  • 43. 

    In which show would you find Old Wrangler, Jimmy, Jane, Amos Q. Snood, Sheriff Mike Shaw, Wash, Calamity and Lee Loo the Chinese cook?

    • Tom Mix

    • Gunsmoke

    • Lone Ranger

    • Six Shooter

    • Fort Laramie

    • Hopalong Cassidy

    • Tales of the Texas Rangers

    Correct Answer
    A. Tom Mix
    Explanation
    In the show "Tom Mix," you would find Old Wrangler, Jimmy, Jane, Amos Q. Snood, Sheriff Mike Shaw, Wash, Calamity, and Lee Loo the Chinese cook.

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  • 44. 

    Where was the setting for the popular juvenile radio series Terry and the Pirates?

    • South China Sea

    • The Indian Ocean

    • The Mediterranean

    • The Caribbean

    Correct Answer
    A. South China Sea
    Explanation
    The setting for the popular juvenile radio series "Terry and the Pirates" was the South China Sea. This is where the adventures of Terry Lee and his friends took place, as they encountered pirates and explored various islands in the region. The South China Sea provided a rich and exotic backdrop for the series, captivating young listeners with its sense of adventure and danger.

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  • 45. 

    Who composed the music for The Lone Ranger?

    • Rossini

    • Brahms

    • Debussy

    • Tchaikovsky

    • Chopin

    Correct Answer
    A. Rossini
    Explanation
    Rossini is the correct answer because he composed the music for The Lone Ranger. Rossini was an Italian composer known for his operas and is particularly famous for his overture to the opera William Tell, which includes the iconic "William Tell Overture" that is often associated with The Lone Ranger. His lively and dramatic music perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the character and has become synonymous with the franchise.

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  • 46. 

    What was the relationship between Edgar Rice Burroughs who wrote Tarzen of the Apes, and the actors who played Tarzan and Jane in the radio series that ran from 1932 to 1936.

    • Son and daughter

    • Wife and son

    • Daughter and Son-in-Law

    • Son and Daughter-in-Law

    • They were not related

    Correct Answer
    A. Daughter and Son-in-Law
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Daughter and Son-in-Law. This means that Edgar Rice Burroughs, who wrote Tarzan of the Apes, had a daughter who was married to the actor who played Tarzan in the radio series.

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  • 47. 

    Which of the following is NOT a juvenile old time radio series?

    • Air Adventures of Jimmie Allen

    • Big Jon and Sparkie

    • Chandu The Magician

    • Johnny of the Circus

    • Little Orphan Annie

    Correct Answer
    A. Johnny of the Circus
    Explanation
    Johnny of the Circus was not an old time radio series. However, there was an old time radio series called Jerry of the Circus.

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  • 48. 

    Fill in the blank for this juvenile old time radio series. ______ The Magician

    Correct Answer
    Chandu, chandu
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Chandu, chandu." This answer fills in the blank for the juvenile old time radio series called "Chandu The Magician."

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  • 49. 

    Fill in the blank of this popular comedy series that had a son called Henry. The _______ Family

    Correct Answer
    aldrich, Aldrich
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Aldrich" because "The Aldrich Family" is a popular comedy series that aired on the radio in the 1940s and 1950s. The show revolved around the daily life and misadventures of a middle-class family, particularly the teenage son named Henry Aldrich.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Dec 14, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Dec 14, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 18, 2017
    Quiz Created by
    Paul Smithson
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