Famous Remakes of Famous Films Quiz

Answer: Young at Heart (1954)

"Four Daughters" (1938) is a classic Hollywood drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and based on the 1937 novel "Sister Act" by Fannie Hurst. The film stars Claude Rains, Jeffrey Lynn and John Garfield, and follows the lives of the musical Lemp family, focusing on the romantic entanglements of the four daughters. "Four Daughters" received critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

"Young at Heart" (1954) is a musical film directed by Gordon Douglas and is a remake of "Four Daughters". While the basic premise of the story remains the same, "Young at Heart" introduces musical elements and stars Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and Gig Young. The film follows the romantic relationships within the Tuttle family, with Day and Sinatra delivering memorable performances. "Young at Heart" received positive reviews for its musical numbers and performances, and became a popular classic in its own right.

Answer: High Society (1956)

"The Philadelphia Story" (1940) is a romantic comedy film directed by George Cukor, based on the Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry. The film stars Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, and follows the story of a socialite whose impending marriage is complicated by the arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid journalist. "The Philadelphia Story" was well-received by critics and audiences, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning two Oscars, including Best Actor for James Stewart.

"High Society" (1956) is a musical romantic comedy film directed by Charles Walters and is a musical remake of "The Philadelphia Story". The film stars Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, and features musical numbers by Cole Porter. "High Society" updates the story with musical elements and a star-studded cast, including Grace Kelly in one of her last film roles before becoming the Princess of Monaco. Although "High Society" received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since become a beloved classic for its memorable performances and catchy musical numbers.

Answer: Miss Sadie Thompson (1953)

"Rain" (1932) is a pre-Code drama film directed by Lewis Milestone, based on the 1923 play "Rain" by John Colton and Clemence Randolph, which was adapted from the short story "Miss Thompson" by W. Somerset Maugham. The film stars Joan Crawford as Sadie Thompson, a free-spirited woman who finds herself entangled in a moral conflict with a pious missionary played by Walter Huston when she arrives on a tropical island. "Rain" explores themes of morality, oppression and redemption and was praised for its daring subject matter and Crawford's powerful performance.

"Miss Sadie Thompson" (1953) is a musical film directed by Curtis Bernhardt and is a loose adaptation of the play "Rain." The film stars Rita Hayworth in the title role, alongside José Ferrer and Aldo Ray. "Miss Sadie Thompson" follows a similar plot to "Rain", with Hayworth portraying the vivacious Sadie Thompson, whose arrival on a Pacific island causes a stir among the residents, including a moralistic preacher played by Ferrer. The film features musical numbers and was well received for Hayworth's performance and the lush cinematography, although it toned down some of the more controversial elements of the original story due to censorship restrictions.

Answer: In the Good Old Summertime (1949)

"The Shop Around the Corner" (1940) is a romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch, based on the 1937 Hungarian play "Parfumerie" by Miklós László. The film stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as feuding co-workers who are unaware that they are each other's anonymous pen pals. Set in a Budapest gift shop, the film explores themes of love, friendship and mistaken identity with witty dialogue and heartfelt performances. "The Shop Around the Corner" is celebrated for its charm, humour and timeless appeal.

"In the Good Old Summertime" (1949) is a musical romantic comedy film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and is a musical adaptation of "The Shop Around the Corner". Starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson, the film relocates the story to a music store in turn-of-the-century Chicago. Garland and Johnson play bickering co-workers who, unbeknownst to each other, are secret pen pals. "In the Good Old Summertime" retains the heartwarming spirit of the original film while adding musical numbers and a nostalgic backdrop. It is fondly remembered for Garland's performance and the delightful songs, including the title song.

Answer: Sorrowful Jones (1949)

"Little Miss Marker" (1934) is a comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Hall, based on the short story of the same name by Damon Runyon. The film stars Shirley Temple as Little Miss Marker, a young girl left in the care of a bookie named Sorrowful Jones, played by Adolphe Menjou, as collateral for a bet. As Sorrowful reluctantly cares for the girl, he begins to develop paternal feelings towards her, leading to heartwarming and comedic moments. "Little Miss Marker" is a beloved classic known for Shirley Temple's adorable performance and its blend of humour and sentimentality.

"Sorrowful Jones" (1949) is a comedy-drama film directed by Sidney Lanfield and is a loose adaptation of "Little Miss Marker". The film stars Bob Hope as Sorrowful Jones, a bookie who becomes the guardian of a young girl named Martha, played by Mary Jane Saunders. As Sorrowful faces the challenges of caring for Martha, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love. "Sorrowful Jones" retains the comedy and heartwarming elements of its predecessor while adding Bob Hope's signature humour to the mix.

Answer: The King and I (1956)

"Anna and the King of Siam" (1946) is a drama film directed by John Cromwell, based on the 1944 novel "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon, which in turn was derived from the real-life memoirs of Anna Leonowens. The film stars Irene Dunne as Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who becomes the governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam, played by Rex Harrison. Set in 19th century Siam (now Thailand), the film explores the cultural clash and growing respect between Anna and the King as they grapple with issues of tradition, modernisation and personal integrity. "Anna and the King of Siam" received critical acclaim for its performances, costumes and production design.

"The King and I" (1956) is a musical film directed by Walter Lang and is a musical adaptation of "Anna and the King of Siam". Starring Deborah Kerr as Anna Leonowens and Yul Brynner as King Mongkut, the film features memorable songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set against the backdrop of 19th century Siam, "The King and I" follows the same basic storyline as its predecessor but adds musical numbers and elaborate dance sequences. The film received widespread acclaim, winning several Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Yul Brynner, and is considered one of the greatest film musicals of all time.

Answer: Gaby (1956)

"Waterloo Bridge" (1940) is a romantic drama film directed by Mervyn LeRoy, based on the 1930 play of the same name by Robert E. Sherwood, which was inspired by the 1900 novel "Waterloo Bridge: A Play in Two Acts" by Robert E. Sherwood. The film stars Vivien Leigh as Myra, a ballet dancer who falls in love with a British soldier, played by Robert Taylor, during World War I. Their romance faces challenges and tragedy as they grapple with the realities of war and societal expectations. "Waterloo Bridge" is celebrated for its poignant portrayal of love and loss, as well as Vivien Leigh's captivating performance.

"Gaby" (1956) is a romantic drama film directed by Curtis Bernhardt and is a loose remake of "Waterloo Bridge." Starring Leslie Caron as Gaby, a French ballerina, and John Kerr as Gregory, an American soldier, the film relocates the story to post-World War II Paris. Like its predecessor, "Gaby" explores the themes of love, sacrifice and social norms as the two protagonists pursue their forbidden romance. While "Gaby" received mixed reviews upon its release, it is remembered for Leslie Caron's graceful performance and the film's evocative depiction of post-war Paris.

Answer: Hello, Dolly! (1969)

"The Matchmaker" (1958) is a romantic comedy film directed by Joseph Anthony, based on the 1955 play "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder, which was adapted from his earlier play "The Merchant of Yonkers". The film stars Shirley Booth as Dolly Levi, a meddling matchmaker who sets out to arrange romantic entanglements for various characters in turn-of-the-century New York. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to a wealthy merchant. "The Matchmaker" is known for its witty dialogue, charming characters, and vivid depiction of a bygone era.

"Hello, Dolly!" (1969) is a musical romantic comedy film directed by Gene Kelly and is a musical adaptation of "The Matchmaker." Starring Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi, the film features an ensemble cast including Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford and Louis Armstrong. Set on the bustling streets of 1890s New York, "Hello, Dolly!" follows Dolly Levi as she orchestrates romantic schemes while also pursuing her own chance at love and happiness. The film is celebrated for its rich production design, catchy musical numbers and Barbra Streisand's charismatic performance. "Hello, Dolly!" received critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction and Best Score of a Musical Picture.

Answer: My Fair Lady (1964)

"Pygmalion" (1938) is a British comedy-drama film directed by Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard, based on the 1913 play "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw. The film stars Leslie Howard as Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert who takes on the challenge of transforming a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, played by Wendy Hiller, into a sophisticated lady. As Eliza undergoes a social experiment to pass as a member of high society, she and Higgins clash and form an unlikely bond. "Pygmalion" is celebrated for its witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and nuanced performances.

"My Fair Lady" (1964) is a musical film directed by George Cukor and is a musical adaptation of "Pygmalion". Starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison reprising his role as Professor Henry Higgins, the film features memorable songs by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, including "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "The Rain in Spain". Set in Edwardian London, "My Fair Lady" follows the same basic plot as its predecessor but adds musical numbers and develops the romantic subplot between Eliza and Higgins. The film was critically acclaimed and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rex Harrison. It is regarded as one of the greatest film musicals of all time.

Answer: Mogambo (1953)

"Red Dust" (1932) is a pre-Code romantic drama film directed by Victor Fleming, based on the 1928 play of the same name by Wilson Collison. The film stars Clark Gable as Dennis Carson, a plantation owner in French Indochina, and Jean Harlow as Vantine, a feisty prostitute who disrupts his life. When a sophisticated woman named Barbara, played by Mary Astor, arrives at the plantation, romantic tensions escalate between the three characters amidst the backdrop of the tropical jungle. "Red Dust" is known for its steamy atmosphere, strong performances and provocative themes.

"Mogambo" (1953) is a romantic adventure drama film directed by John Ford and is a loose remake of "Red Dust". Starring Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly, the film takes the story to the African jungle. Gable plays Victor Marswell, a big game hunter who finds himself torn between two women: a seductive showgirl played by Ava Gardner and a prim British woman played by Grace Kelly. "Mogambo" retains the romantic entanglements and exotic setting of its predecessor, while adding Technicolor cinematography and spectacular location shooting. The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Ava Gardner's performance, and was nominated for two Academy Awards.