81 American Graffiti Trivia Questions & Answers

Answer: At the Hop

Originally titled "Do the Bop", the song was written in 1957 by Artie Singer, John Medora and David White. It was recorded by The Juvenairs, who shortly thereafter changed their name to Danny & the Juniors. The song was played for "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark, who liked it, but wasn't fond of the title and suggested that they change it. The songwriters made some adjustments to the lyrics and retitled the tune "At the Hop", in reference to the informal teenage dances that were popular at the time. Danny & the Juniors performed the new and improved version on "American Bandstand", and thanks to the national exposure, it reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 in January of 1958, holding that position for five weeks. The American doo-wop group Sha Na Na performed a version of the song at Woodstock in 1969, and it was a big hit with the crowd. The performance, which was included in the 1970 Woodstock documentary film and also on its soundtrack album, helped launch the group's career.

Answer: Budda

In the opening scene at Mel's drive-in, Terry a.k.a. "Toad" (played by Charlie Martin Smith) can be heard coaxing Budda's attention by telling her "I got a really neat record collection. I've even got 'Pledging My Love' by Johnny Ace". She calls him a little dip and says hi to Steve. Poor Toad, bruised and abused again.

Answer: George Lucas

An early project of Lucas', it was loosely autobiographical. As a young director, his talent and passion were already acknowledged by such upcoming actors as Richard Dreyfuss and even Suzanne Somers.

Answer: Ron Howard

Ron Howard plays Steve Bolander.

Answer: Toad

Terry (Charles Martin Smith) told Debbie that everyone called him "Terry the Tiger". However, he was commonly referred to with the glorious "Toad" monicker.

Answer: 62

American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age film set in the early 1960s. The tagline "Where were you in ___" refers to the year in which the movie takes place. In this case, the answer is 62, indicating the year 1962. The film follows a group of high school friends as they navigate through one eventful night before they go their separate ways. It captures the spirit of youth, rebellion, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. American Graffiti was directed by George Lucas and features an ensemble cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Harrison Ford. It became a critical and commercial success, launching the careers of many of its cast members.

Answer: Barbara Ann

The Regents' version of the "Barbara Ann", which was the one featured in the film, was the group's only top twenty single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 13 in 1961. The Beach Boys recorded their take on the tune in September of 1965, and was included on the band's "Beach Boys Party!" album, which featured a collection of cover songs. "Barbara Ann" was released as a single in December of 1965, and it went on to become one of the group's biggest hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1966.

Answer: 1956

At the end of the night, while Curt is sitting in his car, the public phone rings at Burger City. Curt answers, and it's the girl in the white Thunderbird (played by Suzanne Somers of "Three's Company" fame) She tells Curt her Thunderbird is "...a white '56". She tells Curt that maybe she'll see him the next night on 3rd Street. A dejected Curts knows that's not possible because he's leaving for college in the morning.

Answer: Magic Carpet

It was proudly emblazoned above the entryway to the plane. He was flying to the east coast to begin his college years.

Answer: Laurie

Her name is Laurie Henderson, and she is Steve's best friend, Curt's sister.

Answer: Mel's

When we first see Milner in the movie American Graffiti, he is at Mel's. Mel's is a popular drive-in restaurant located in Modesto, California, where the movie is set. It was a real-life hangout spot for teenagers in the 1960s, known for its carhop service and iconic neon sign. Mel's Drive-In became a symbol of American Graffiti culture and nostalgia for the era. The movie beautifully captures the atmosphere of this classic American diner, with Milner and other characters gathering there to socialize, show off their cars, and enjoy some good food.

Answer: 1962

'Where were you in '62'?

Answer: Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were a doo-wop group that formed in New York City in 1954. "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was the group's biggest hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number six on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1956. At the time Lymon was the youngest artist to have a number one hit in the UK, and held the record until 1972, when nine year old Jimmy Osmond topped the chart with "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool". A version by Diana Ross also became a top ten hit, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1981.

Answer: Herby and The Heartbeats

The bass drum is visible through various crowded dance floor scenes. The real-life name of the band is Flash Cadillac and The Continental Kids. The band also played the role of Johnny Fish and The Fins in an episode of "Happy Days".

Answer: pack of cigarettes

His amusing list was intended to confuse the clerk into letting him purchase Old Harper without questioning his age.

Answer: "Rock Around the Clock" and "All Summer Long"

"Rock Around the Clock" is played during the opening credits, which is sung by Bill Haley and the Comets, and "All Summer Long" is played during the ending credits, which is sung by the Beach Boys.

Answer: '32 Ford Deuce Coupe

Milner drives a '32 Ford Deuce Coupe in the movie American Graffiti. This iconic car is a symbol of the hot rod culture of the 1960s. The '32 Ford Deuce Coupe is highly regarded among car enthusiasts for its sleek design and powerful engine. It has become a classic symbol of American automotive history and is often associated with rebellion and youth culture. The car's appearance in American Graffiti further solidified its status as an iconic symbol of the era.

Answer: Peppermint Twist

Fad dances were all the rage in the early 1960s, so if you could come up with a catchy tune, which also included dance moves, you were almost guaranteed to have a hit. Dee, who co-wrote the tune, came up with the idea for the song during the group's stint as the house band at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. The original recording was over four minutes long, so it was decided that the song would be split into two parts. "Peppermint Twist (Part 1)" was released as an A-side single in 1961, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in early 1962, while the little known "Peppermint Twist (Part 2)", which is mostly instrumental, appeared on the flip side.

Answer: Skull

The large skull is in plain view whenever Bob Falfa (played by a much younger Harrison Ford) is shown behind the wheel of the black 1955 Chevy.

Answer: Curt

In the beginning, the movie tells about the scholarship that Curt gets, but he doesn't want to go, and Steve wants to go instead. In the end, Curt ends up going, because Steve doesn't want to leave Laurie.

Answer: Jerry's Cherries

This is where Curt and the Pharaohs hooked the chain to and pulled the rear axle out of the police car.

Answer: Little Deuce Coupe

No info available.

Answer: Green Onions

The song was originally released as the B-side of the band's first single "Behave Yourself" in May of 1962, but when "Green Onions" began receiving more airplay it was promptly reissued as the A-side. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart for four non-consecutive weeks. The song didn't chart in the UK at the time, but after it was used in the 1979 film "Quadrophenia" it entered the UK Singles Chart, eventually peaking at number seven in January of 1980. In 2004, "Green Onions" was ranked at number 181 on Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", making it the only instrumental on the list.