'Beau Geste' (1939) Trivia Quiz

Answer: P.C. Wren

'Beau Geste' was easily the best-selling book by Percival Christopher Wren, a British writer of adventure fiction from the early 20th century. Wren led an active life, spending time in the French Foreign Legion, and actively serving in the British military during World War I. His novel 'Beau Geste' was followed by two sequels, namely 'Beau Sabreur' and 'Beau Ideal'.

Answer: Gary Cooper

The debonair Gary Cooper takes his turn as the adult Beau Geste in the 1939 film version. In the silent 1926 version Ronald Colman played the title character. The part was taken up by Guy Stockwell in the 1966 movie version.

Answer: Ray Milland

Ray Milland, who you may recall won the Best Actor Oscar for his marvelous performance in 1945's 'The Lost Weekend', was charming as Beau's faithful brother John. Milland also appeared in such films as the horror classic 'The Uninvited' and Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder'.

Answer: Brandon Abbas

In the early portion of the film, the boys are depicted playing together on the idyllic grounds of the stately Brandon Abbas. They live there with their aunt, an adopted girl named Isobel Rivers (see below) and their cousin Augustus Brandon, whom they refer to as Ghastly Gussie.

Answer: Isobel

In this film, Isobel Rivers is played by the lovely actress Susan Hayward, who you may recognize from such films as 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro', 'Demetrius and the Gladiators' and 'Valley of the Dolls'. 'Beau Geste' was her first major film role.

Answer: The Blue Water

The audience knows that something amiss has occurred in relation to the Blue Water, but we don't know exactly what it is. Hence, when the Gestes request a viewing of the gem, and then it suddenly goes missing, the viewer realizes that there must be some motive. However, the person who stole the gem is not immediately apparent.

Answer: Beau

Beau leaves a note claiming responsibility for the theft of the Blue Water. That same night, Digby leaves, also having claimed responsibility for the gem's disappearance. John is the last brother to leave for the Foreign Legion, not wanting to be separated from his beloved brothers.

Answer: Markoff

Sergeant Markoff is a strict Russian sergeant with a bent towards cruelty. He is played wonderfully in this film by actor Brian Donlevy, who was nominated (but did not win) for a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar. If you have not watched this film, you will immediately identify this actor, I promise you!

Answer: Fort Zinderneuf

Markoff purposefully separates the three brothers, especially after he learns that one of them may possess a very valuable jewel. With the two remaining brothers, he puts down a mutiny at Fort Zinderneuf, and holds off a large group of nomads who besiege the French stronghold.

Answer: A dog

The 'dog' in question is Sergeant Markoff, who is killed by John. Digby places Beau's body on a bed, with Markoff at his feet, then he lights the bed on fire, thus simulating a viking funeral. Digby then takes off to find John, who has escaped, and easily locates him behind some nearby sand dunes. Unfortunately, in their attempt to flee the Legion, Digby dies, but John escapes, returning to his beloved Isobel.

Thank you for trying this quiz, I hope you have enjoyed it!