I Believe You Have My Stapler Trivia Quiz

Answer: Television

The first episode of "The Office" (UK), titled "Downsize (2009) shows a very bored Tim Canterbury amusing himself by placing Gareth Keenan's stapler in a jelly (jello) mold. This upsets Gareth because he doesn't like jelly as he "doesn't trust the way it moves".

In 2004, "The Office" became the first British series to win the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical.

Answer: Movie

The 1992 film "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" marks the return of the Harry (Joe Pesci) and his hapless partner Marv (Daniel Stern) who now call themselves "The Sticky Bandits". Kevin rigged a rope from a doorknob to the trigger of a staple gun. When Marv tried to open the door he discovered the rope attached to the knob. He then attempted to pull the rope thus activating the trigger of the staple gun. For his efforts Marv was rewarded with staples in the rear end, groin and nose!

There was a bit of a "makeup malfunction" in this scene -- if you look closely you can see the "staple indentations" on Marv's nose before the staple makes contact, however, the props, tricks, stunts etc. are cinematic genius. That's entertainment!

Answer: Movie

In the 2008 film "Get Smart" a very frustrated Agent 23, played by Duane Johnson is annoyed with Agent Larrabee for leaving the office copier in a jammed state. When the thick-headed Larrabee sarcastically tells Agent 23 to unjam the copier himself, he lost it and grabbed Larrabee's stapler, quickly attaching a piece of paper to Larrabee's forehead. This is witnessed by the Chief, who reprimands 23 stating : "We're not people who jam staples into other peoples' heads--that's CIA cr_p!"

(The online resource "ScreenIt!", which gives parents information concerning content of movies, videos and DVD's, somewhat agreed with the Chief when they flagged the scene as "Disrespectful/Bad Attitude".)

Answer: Television

In the episode of "VeggieTales" titled "Pistachio - The Little Boy Who Woodn't" Larry the Cucumber (co-host) and Petunia Rhubarb (lead female) are featured in the "Silly Songs" segment singing "Where Have All the Staplers Gone?" from "Obscure Showtunes With Larry". Petunia and Larry reminisce about the "good old days" when their office supplies could be found in their proper places.

The "Silly Songs with Larry" segment, presented mid-episode, was designed to teach a lesson or address an issue (such as the importance of putting things back where they belong, etc.) in an amusing and fun way.

Answer: Movie

As Randy "The Ram" Robinson, Mickey Rourke played the lead in the 2008 film "The Wrestler". Rourke, known for his commitment to method acting, trained under former WWE wrestler Afa Anoa'i for the part and performed many of his own stunts.

In a locker room scene, when discussing their upcoming match, Randy inquires if being stapled in the chest would hurt much. His opponent, Necro Butcher, replied: "Not so bad on the way in, except it's a little scary, you know - you got this metal thing pressed up against you. Gonna leave some marks, have to deal with a little blood loss".

Joseph Finnegan, VP of Fireman's Fund Entertainment Division stated in a 2009 "Bloomberg News" interview "The Wrestler" was the riskiest film to insure in 2008. (Fireman's Fund, a U.S. unit of Munich-based Allianz SE, is the largest insurer of Hollywood productions. Source: Bloomberg News). Finnegan further explained that a serious injury to a star can result in a production shutdown and an insurance claim for costs tied to the delay. Insurers sometimes work along with producers to increase safety efforts or or alter production plans to reduce risks, additionally, an underwriter is required to be on the set when the most dangerous stunts are performed.

Answer: Movie

When hardworking attorney Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) gets fed up with her rather arrogant real estate developer boss George Wade (Hugh Grant) she hands in her "two weeks' notice" in the 2002 film. While packing up her desk Lucy includes her stapler. This does not sit well with June Carver (Alicia Witt) who reminds Lucy that the stapler is "company property". After a verbal back and forth the stapler "debate" escalates to a tug of war between the ladies (perhaps motivated by a bit of jealousy or rivalry--stapler being a metaphor for Wade?). The episode which does not go unnoticed, prompted Wade to observe "All we need is the mud". When the two ladies are separated Lucy is seen being "escorted" out of the door --stapler still in hand --firing staples in the air (in June's direction).

Perhaps this is a case of "art imitating life". According to "GoCodes" (a cloud based asset inventory and tracking resource) staplers come in at #4 out of 7 in their list of "Commonly Stolen Office Supplies".

Answer: Television

Another notorious staple moment can be found in the "Downsize" episode of "The Office "(UK) when Tim further antagonizes Gareth by using his stapler without permission. Gareth has written his name on it in Tipp-Ex/White Out to which Tim points out that it actually says "GARET". Tim grabs the stapler, runs and tosses it from an open window. When the ever punctilious Gareth asks "What if it kills someone?" Tim (without missing a beat) replies "They'll think you're the murderer--it has your name on it!"

Originally, Martin Freeman read for the part of Gareth Keenan but creator/writer/actor, Ricky Gervais, thought Freeman was a better fit for Tim. In an interview with "The Sun" Gervais said that he based Gareth's character a on real life former schoolmate. "I used his gems for Gareth", Gervais stated.

Answer: Television

While showing off to his coworkers Doug Heffernan (Kevin James) fired staples into a coffee can across the room in the series "King of Queens" episode titled "Assaulted Nuts" (apologies, but that really is the title). Overly confident about breaking the previous "company record" of successful hits, he shoots the staples in different trick positions. Unfortunately, when he attempted the "under the knee maneuver" he stapled himself in a "very bad place".

According to their website, Salco Staple Headquarters (a staple and stapler gun supply company not to be confused with Staples Inc), recommends that the staple "ejector" should always be pointed downward and if it is "accidentally" discharged the staple will just fall on the ground. A complete list of their safety tips can be found online.

Doug Heffernan's ignorance concerning "stapler safety" did provide some great comedy though!

Answer: Television

Chandler Bing takes extreme measures when attempting to avoid firing an attractive female employee (Nina Bookbinder) in the "Friends" episode "TOW Two Parts, Part 1". From asking her for a date, creating a story about her fragile mental state, to giving her an unwarranted raise, Chandler pulls out all the stops. When he finally does work up the courage to fire her things don't go well. The action cuts to a scene with the friends, as he is relaying the story, he pulls his bandaged hand from his pocket and warns the group: "If you're ever in a similar situation never, ever leave your hand on the desk!"

Jennifer Grant, daughter Dyan Cannon and Cary Grant, portrayed Nina Bookbinder. Although the actual stapling is off camera and Chandler was recapping the events, Matthew Perry's (Chandler's) impeccable style of timing and delivery provided the comic effect that topped off the episode!

Answer: Movie

And now, for the "the pièce de résistance" of stapler humor we have the Swingline red stapler! It has become synonymous with the meek, mumbling Milton Waddams, protagonist of the 1999 film "Office Space". The cheerful bright red color was in stark contrast to the dismal office surroundings and it was an object of great value and joy to him. Company VP Lumbergh takes sadistic pleasure in "confiscating" it which forces Milton to employ drastic, albeit hilarious measures!

On an interesting note the Swingline red stapler was not available back in 1999--it was added by them in 2002 presumably due to it's near "cult" following.