Rusc Old Time Radio General Knowledge #3
Are you an old time radio expert or a nostalgia newbie?
Let's find out with these twenty general knowledge questions ranging from the simple to the sublime.
Good luck!
Ned
www. Rusc. Com
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Fill in the blank for this popular old time radio Christmas series. Cinnamon ____
Explanation
The popular old time radio Christmas series is called "Cinnamon Bear".Rate this question:
- 2.
In which year was The Grand Ole Opry first broadcast?
- A.
1920
- B.
1925
- C.
1930
- D.
1935
- E.
1940
Correct Answer
B. 1925Explanation
The correct answer is 1925. The Grand Ole Opry was first broadcast in this year.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In which year was CBS formed?
- A.
1922
- B.
1927
- C.
1932
- D.
1937
Correct Answer
B. 1927Explanation
CBS, which stands for Columbia Broadcasting System, was formed in 1927. This was the year when the company was officially established and began its operations as a radio network. CBS played a significant role in the development of radio broadcasting and later expanded into television broadcasting as well. The formation of CBS in 1927 marked an important milestone in the history of broadcasting, and the company has since become one of the major players in the media industry.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who formed CBS?
- A.
William S. Paley
- B.
Edward Armstrong
- C.
Reginald A. Fessanden
- D.
James C. Maxwell
Correct Answer
A. William S. PaleyExplanation
William S. Paley formed CBS.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In which year did the Federal Communications Commission authorize FM experimentation
- A.
1931
- B.
1941
- C.
1951
- D.
1961
Correct Answer
B. 1941Explanation
In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission authorized FM experimentation. This means that in that year, the FCC granted permission for the testing and development of FM (frequency modulation) technology. FM is a method of transmitting radio signals that offers improved sound quality and reduced interference compared to AM (amplitude modulation) technology. The authorization in 1941 allowed for further advancements and research in FM broadcasting, leading to its widespread adoption in the following years.Rate this question:
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- 6.
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?
- A.
1930s
- B.
1940s
- C.
1950s
- D.
1960s
- E.
1920s
Correct Answer
B. 1940sExplanation
In the 1940s, the organization that became the American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was formed. This happened when NBC was required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to sell one of its two networks.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which two presidential candidates held the first radio and TV debates?
- A.
Richard Nixon
- B.
John F. Kennedy
- C.
Lyndon B. Johnson
- D.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- E.
Adlai Stevenson
- F.
Harry S. Truman
Correct Answer(s)
A. Richard Nixon
B. John F. KennedyExplanation
Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy were the two presidential candidates who held the first radio and TV debates. These debates took place during the 1960 United States presidential election. The debates were historic as they marked the first time that presidential candidates engaged in direct debates on television, allowing the public to witness and evaluate their performances firsthand. The debates had a significant impact on the election and are considered a turning point in how candidates campaign and communicate with the American people.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who set up NBC specifically for handling the company's radio activities?
Correct Answer(s)
RCA
Radio Corporation of America
R.C.A.
R C AExplanation
RCA, also known as Radio Corporation of America, was the entity responsible for setting up NBC specifically for handling the company's radio activities. RCA played a significant role in the development of radio broadcasting in the early 20th century and was instrumental in establishing NBC as one of the leading radio networks in the United States.Rate this question:
- 9.
How many different actors played the part of Johnny Dollar?
- A.
One
- B.
Three
- C.
Six
- D.
Nine
- E.
Twelve
Correct Answer
C. SixExplanation
There were six different actors who played the part of Johnny Dollar.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who was the "insurance investigator with the action-packed expense account"?
Correct Answer
Johnny Dollar
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar
Yours Truly, Johnny DollarExplanation
The correct answer is "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar." This is the full and correct title of the radio drama series that featured the character Johnny Dollar as an insurance investigator with an action-packed expense account.Rate this question:
- 11.
At the end of each episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar what did the main character do?
- A.
Itemized his expenses
- B.
Called the boss
- C.
Ate a bagel and cream cheese
- D.
Drank a famous cola drink
Correct Answer
A. Itemized his expensesExplanation
At the end of each episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," the main character itemized his expenses. This suggests that the main character was likely an insurance investigator or detective who kept track of his expenses for reimbursement or accounting purposes.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You Bet Your Life was a TV game show BEFORE it was first broadcast on radio. True or false?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because it states that "You Bet Your Life" was a TV game show before it was first broadcast on the radio. However, the correct sequence is that the show was first broadcast on the radio before it became a TV game show.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the Marx brothers hosted You Bet Your Life?
- A.
Chico
- B.
Harpo
- C.
Groucho
- D.
Gummo
- E.
Zeppo
Correct Answer
C. GrouchoExplanation
Groucho Marx hosted the show "You Bet Your Life." He was known for his quick wit, sharp humor, and iconic mustache. Groucho's hosting style, combined with his comedic timing and banter with contestants, made the show a success. He engaged the audience with his sarcastic remarks and ad-libbed jokes, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere. Groucho's charm and charisma made him the perfect host for "You Bet Your Life."Rate this question:
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- 14.
What fell down in front of contestants on You Bet Your Life if they mentioned "the secret woid"?
- A.
A toy duck
- B.
A clown
- C.
An umbrella
- D.
A ten dollar bill
Correct Answer
A. A toy duckExplanation
In the game show "You Bet Your Life," if contestants mentioned "the secret woid," a toy duck would fall down in front of them. This was a comedic element of the show, adding surprise and entertainment for both the contestants and the audience. The toy duck falling down was a way to acknowledge the mention of the secret word and create a fun and memorable moment on the show.Rate this question:
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- 15.
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
TaleExplanation
The correct answer is "Tale" because it completes the name of the spooky old time radio thriller. The word "witch's" suggests that the show revolves around witches, and "Tale" indicates that it tells a story. Therefore, "Witch's Tale" is the most suitable completion for the given phrase.Rate this question:
- 16.
Wild Bill Hickok was a TV show BEFORE it was first broadcast on radio. True or False?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Wild Bill Hickok was indeed a TV show before it was first broadcast on radio. This means that the TV show was created and produced before it was adapted to be aired on the radio.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Fill in the blank for this famous introduction to a popular mystery show that ran from 1942 to 1955. "I am the ________, and I know many things for I walk by night"
Correct Answer
whistler
the whistlerExplanation
The correct answer is "the whistler". This famous introduction is from the popular mystery show that aired from 1942 to 1955. The phrase "I am the whistler" suggests that the speaker is the central character of the show, known as "the whistler". The addition of "and I know many things for I walk by night" further adds to the mysterious and intriguing nature of the character.Rate this question:
- 18.
The whistling that was a famous part of "The Whistler" theme music was - for the most part - performed by a woman?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What reason did Orson Welles give for starting to act on radio?
- A.
"in order to pay the bills"
- B.
"because it is the medium of the imagination"
- C.
"to get the girls"
- D.
"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, indicating that he may have needed the income to sustain himself or fund other projects. It implies that his decision to act on radio was primarily driven by practical considerations rather than personal preference or artistic aspirations.Rate this question:
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- 20.
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.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
After the broadcast of "War of the Worlds," Orson Welles received a contract from RKO to produce, direct, and star in a film. This led to the creation of the acclaimed film "Citizen Kane," which is considered a cinematic masterpiece. Therefore, the statement "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'" is true.Rate this question:
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