Thematic Occupations Trivia

1. He came to life over 200 years ago and became the mad scientist prototype. What is his name?

From Quiz They Called Me Mad at the University!

Answer: Dr. Victor Frankenstein

"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be his world..." (Frankenstein, 1818) Mary Shelley wrote 'Frankenstein' in 1818, creating one of the first in a long series of fictional mad scientists who go too far in their quests for enlightenment. Today, however, the popular idea of Frankenstein and his monster has been far more shaped by the 1931 Universal movie. The crazy laboratory and the lightening bolts (not in the book), the hunchbacked Igor (not in the book) Colin Clive screaming 'IT'S ALIVE!" (not in the book) and especially Boris Karloff as an inarticulate monster with a bolt through his neck (absolutely not in the book) are what we think of when we see Dr. Frankenstein and his monster in all the movies, on TV, in comic books, and every Halloween. Distinguished descendants include Tim Curry as Dr. Frank 'n Furter ('Rocky Horror Picture Show') and Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein/Frahnkensteen ('Young Frankenstein') Peter Cushing as Baron Frankenstein ('The Curse of Frankenstein') and Dr. Finkelstein ('The Nightmare Before Christmas'). The Edison Studios produced a "liberally adapted" version of 'Frankenstein' in 1910. You can find it online and it's worth a look. Dr. Coppelius tries to humanize his clockwork doll in the ballet 'Coppelia', Dr. Nefario plots with Gru in 'Minions' and Faust/Dr. Faustus is the man in the old German legend who sells his soul to the Devil in return for knowledge.

From Quiz Detecting the Detectives

Answer: Jane Marple

Living in the fictitious English village of St. Mary Mead, Miss Jane Marple solves crimes through sharp observation and logical thinking. This endearing character has been played on screen by some of the finest actresses, including Margaret Rutherford, Angela Lansbury, Geraldine McEwan and, perhaps most memorable of all, Joan Hickson.

From Quiz Down to Clown

Answer: Krusty the Clown

It was planned early on that Krusty would be revealed to have been Homer Simpson all along, but creator Matt Groening abandoned the idea when it became too difficult to explain.

From Quiz The Hills Are Alive

Answer: Jacob Rees-Mogg

Crook was nanny to Rees-Mogg for many years. When he first entered politics in 1997, aged 27, he took his nanny to help him with door to door canvassing. When people made fun of him, in an amazing disassociation from the 20th century, he replied, "I do wish you wouldn't keep going on about my nanny. If I had a valet you'd think it was perfectly normal." Crook started working for the Rees-Mogg family in 1966.

From Quiz Who'd Be A Mailman?

Answer: Crown Jewels of UK

As the largest diamond ever found, the Cullinan attracted much interest and was displayed for a time in Johannesburg before its trip to London. When it became known the gem was to be displayed in London, the security operation was made public to deter potential thieves. This consisted of detectives and bodyguards accompanying the stone from the mine to the boat and guarding it on the boat while it was locked inside the captain's safe. These details were an elaborate ruse however, and in reality the gem was placed in a cardboard box with three shillings postage and mailed to England where it was eventually bought by South Africa's Transvaal Colony government for £150,000 in 1907 and presented to Edward VII as a gift. In 1908, the stone was cut and the larger cut, known as The Great Star of Africa, was placed in the head of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and the second largest, called Second Star of Africa, was mounted in the Imperial State Crown. The rest of the Cullinan Diamond, including seven major diamonds, is privately owned by Elizabeth II.

From Quiz Hobo Homage

Answer: Born To Run

"Born To Run", from the album of the same name is included in the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and although written by Springsteen, was first recorded by Allan Clarke of British band The Hollies, which while an interesting version, lacks the passion of "The Boss" in my opinion. Interestingly, Springsteen's name, as songwriter is misspelled Springstein on the Allan Clarke version.

From Quiz Teachers Who Never Really Were, 3rd period

Answer: Remus John Lupin

Lupin is a married male half-blood who was Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. Lupin became a werewolf during childhood, attended Hogwarts living in Gryffindor House, was a member of the original Order of the Phoenix and fought in the First Wizarding War. He taught Harry Potter but resigned after Severus Snape disclosed his lycanthropy. Harry was Lupin's son's godfather.

From Quiz Teachers Who Never Really Were, 2nd period

Answer: Mr. Holland's Opus

Richard Dreyfus won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Glenn Holland, a music teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Portland, Oregon. Forced into early retirement by Philistine cuts to the "elective" subjects budget, Mister Holland despairs, until his former students show their love and appreciation in a moving ('tho sappy) denouement.

From Quiz Teachers Who Never Really Were, 1st period

Answer: Welcome Back Kotter

Kaplan based the programme about the Sweathogs of Room 11 on his own experiences at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. The show, which ran from 1975 to 1979, launched the career of John Travolta (who played Vinnie Barbarino). It also launched the very annoying expression "Up your nose with a rubber hose."

From Quiz Ten Pipers Piping (or Not)

Answer: Rose Tyler

Rose made her first appearance when Christopher Eccleston took the role of Doctor Who in its 2005 revival. She then travelled with the tenth doctor, played by David Tennant, before Billie made her final appearance as Rose in 2013. Before turning to acting, Billie had been a pop star, with three number one UK singles to her name. The other three companions listed were played by Catherine Tate (Donna), Freema Agyeman (Martha) and Karen Gillan (Amy).

From Quiz Judges Who Never Really Were

Answer: Judge Harold T. "Harry" Stone

"Night Court" ran from 1984 to 1992. The principal writer was Reinhold Weege, who wrote for "Barney Miller." Markie Post played public defender Christine Sullivan. John Larroquette played prosecutor Reinhold Daniel Fielding Elmore. Richard Moll played bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus "Bull" Shannon. Selma Diamond played bailiff Selma Hacker. Marsha Warfield played bailiff Rosalind "Roz" Russell. Charles Robinson played clerk Macintosh "Mac" Robinson. Crooner Mel Tormé occasionally played himself.

From Quiz Dancers Who Never Really Were

Answer: Tiny Dancer

He asks her to "Hold me closer tiny dancer; count the headlights on the highway. Lay me down in sheets of linen; you had a busy day today." This song was one of Elton John's many successful collaborations with Bernie Taupin.

From Quiz Butlers That Never Really Were, 3rd Course

Answer: Mister French

When Bill Davis (Brian Keith) lost his brother, the brother's children -- 15-year-old Cissy and the six-year-old twins, Jody and Buffy -- became his wards. In "Family Affair" (1966-1971), Davis' gentleman's gentleman Giles French becomes responsible for the care of the children. Humour ensues.

From Quiz Butlers That Never Really Were, 2nd Course

Answer: Benson DuBois

Robert Guillaume created the character Benson DuBois as the butler of the Tate family on "Soap" (1977-1979). He spun this off to a new show "Benson" (1979-1986) in which he played the household manager to a state governor and then lieutenant governor himself.

From Quiz Butlers That Never Really Were, 1st Course

Answer: Alfred Pennyworth

Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth is a long-serving butler and father figure to Bruce Wayne. He is a former member of the British SAS (Special Air Service). He has been portrayed by Michael Caine and Jeremy Irons on film and by Alan Napier (opposite Adam West and Burt Ward) on television. He was voiced by Ted Knight on the "Batman/Superman Hour".

From Quiz Maids Not a Milking

Answer: Niagara Falls

Although known to most as simply Niagara Falls, there are actually three waterfalls in very close proximity. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are on the American side, while the really large Horseshoe Falls falls (pun intended) almost completely on the Canadian side. The original Maid of the Mist was launched in 1846 and used to transport passengers across the river. With the building of bridges cutting down on the need for ferries, the Maid of the Mist turned to tourism for a source of livelihood. This service drew to an end as America moved towards civil war and the boat was sold to Montreal in 1861. A second Maid of the Mist was launched in 1885 with a sister ship christened in 1892. A ride on the Maid of the Mist takes you past the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls and then to a spot near the thunderous base of Horseshoe Falls. It's an exhilarating, if wet, experience. In 2014 Hornblower Niagara Cruises replaced the Maid of the Mist on the Canadian side and, while it was sad to see the end of a legend, the Hornblower boats are catamarans, which makes it possible to get even closer to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Falls, New York continues to use the Maid of the Mist.

From Quiz General Knowledge for Dentists

Answer: Pulp

Although the band originally formed in 1978 it took many years, and several changes of personnel, before commercial success arrived. Pulp, a name chosen by Cocker, kept going through the lean years, with Cocker himself being the one constant member. The band eventually hit the UK charts in 1995 with 'Common People' and followed up with a few more top ten hits, before breaking up in 2002 and re-forming in 2011. Pulp, to a dentist, is the central part of the tooth which contains the connective tissue. This tissue forms the dentine. The pulp is also the part of the tooth which registers sensitivity to hot and cold.

From Quiz General Knowledge

Answer: Douglas MacArthur

The infamous feud resulted from MacArthur's continuing disregard to follow Truman's wishes of having a "limited war". MacArthur made public statements in regard to his being in favor of invading mainland China. In April 1951, Truman relieved MacArthur and replaced him with Matthew Ridgeway.

From Quiz Generals, Captains and Colonels

Answer: Washington Generals

The Washington Generals played under several different names, to give the illusion of actually being different teams. They would rotate between being the Washington Generals, New Jersey Reds, Boston Shamrocks, Atlantic City Seagulls and Baltimore Rockets. Between 1953 and 1995, they toured with the Harlem Globetrotters as their opponents, and played as a foil to the Globetrotters' athletic and comedic feats. During those years, the Generals won 6 games, and lost over 13,000. In 1995 Klotz did away with the Generals, and created a new team - the New York Nationals, who were in fact the former Generals. They continued their incredible losing streak until 2007, when they once again became the Washington Generals.

From Quiz The Seven Dwarfs: Doc

Answer: Barbra Streisand

The movie falls into the genre generally known as "screwball comedy". The plot, as far as it goes, consists of a series of comic set-pieces constructed around the confusions caused by four identical tartan overnight bags containing (a) some musical rocks, (b) some clothes, (c) jewels, and (d) top-secret documents. You can probably make up the rest of the plot yourself. It's actually much funnier than it sounds on paper. Madeline Kahn, playing O'Neal's fiancé, is particularly good. Question contributed by stedman

From Quiz Can't Sleep; Clown'll Eat Me

Answer: Coulrophobia

Nosophobia is the fear contracting a disease. Agyrophobia is the fear of crossing roads. Porphyrophobia is the fear of the color purple.

From Quiz I Shot the Sheriff

Answer: Bob Marley

The Jamaica-born singer was quoted as saying: "I want to say 'I shot the police' but the government would have made a fuss so I said 'I shot the sheriff' instead... but it's the same idea: justice." [www.bobmarley.com] The song was released on the album "Burnin'" by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1973. The biggest international hit recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers was "No Woman No Cry" (1974). The song was placed at Number 37 on Rolling Stone's list of the '500 Greatest Songs of All Time'. (2004). Clapton's version of "I Shot The Sheriff" appeared on his album "461 Ocean Boulevard" in 1974.

From Quiz Librarians Rock!

Answer: Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong worked as an assistant librarian at Peking University between 1918-1919. The Chief Librarian at that time, Li Dazhao, was one of the first Chinese Marxists and a big influence on Mao. Ironically, Mao's Cultural Revolution almost destroyed the universities with intellectuals sent to labour camps and entrance exams cancelled.

From Quiz Sailors 'R' Us : Fiction's Finest Mariners

Answer: Captain Hook

Captain James Hook was a character, and a pirate baddie at that, in J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan'. His right hand was cut off by Peter Pan with a sword, and then eaten by a crocodile.

From Quiz Soldiers 'R' Us: Fiction's Finest Military Men

Answer: Maxwell Klinger

Maxwell Q. Klinger was a character played by Jamie Farr in the hugely popular US TV series M*A*S*H* (1972-1983). Cpl. Klinger was so desperate to get out of the Army that he dressed in female clothes in the hope he would get a psychiatric discharge.

From Quiz Famous Doctors

Answer: Doc Holliday

He was born John Henry Holliday in Griffin, Georgia on August 14, 1851. His father was a pharmacist who served in the Mexican War and the Cherokee Indian War.

From Quiz Doctors 'R' Us: Fiction's Finest Medics

Answer: Dr Who

'Dr Who' was a science fiction show rather than a medical one, and who knows (sorry for that pun) whether The Doctor was a medical man or not. The Doctor - if he had a proper name I don't think we ever learned it - was a Time Lord, travelling through space and time in a wooden police box, the Tardis (that stood for Time and Relative Dimensions In Space). Time Lords could regenerate, which made it easy for the show to have a number of different doctors. The show ran on BBC television from November 1963 to December 1989 and although the BBC hierarchy tried to kill it off, it retained a fiercely loyal fan base and was restored to the screens in 2005.

From Quiz Pilots 'R' Us: Fiction's Finest Aviators

Answer: Biggles

James Bigglesworth, known to all as Biggles, was the creation of Captain W. E. (Bill) Johns, who was himself a WWI pilot. The character first appeared in boys' magazines in the 1920s, and then a long run of books appeared. These traced the adventures of Biggles in the RFC/RAF in WWI and in the RAF in WWII. At the end of WWII, Johns moved Biggles on to the Special Air Police, where he fought crime with his friends Algy, Ginger and Bertie. Generations of British boys grew up with "Biggles", but he became regarded as non-politically correct and some claimed the adventures reinforced racial stereotypes.

From Quiz Lawyers 'R' Us: Fiction's Finest Legal Eagles

Answer: Horace Rumpole

'Rumpole of the Bailey' was the creation of real-life barrister John Mortimer QC (Queen's Counsel). The character first appeared in a series of books and then transferred to British television, with Leo McKern in the title role in 42 episodes from 1978 to 1992. Rumpole always defended his clients, he never prosecuted. He always referred to his wife as "She Who Must Be Obeyed". Leo McKern played him as a less than dapper character who liked his glass of wine, despite the protestations of his wife, Hilda.

From Quiz Spies 'R' Us: Fiction's Finest Secret Agents

Answer: James Bond

No quiz about fictional spies would be complete without 007. James Bond was the creation of Ian Fleming, who had been a commander in the Royal Navy and, some believe, created a character in his own image. Fleming wrote 12 full-length Bond novels and two volumes of short stories. Other authors to carry on the Bond tradition included Kingsley Amis, Raymond Benson, Sebastian Faulks and John Gardner. The first film adaptation was of 'Dr No' in 1962 and it became one of the most popular and lucrative film franchises of the latter part of the 20th century, continuing into the new century. Bond has been played on the silver screen by a number of actors, including: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. If the first and unauthorised version of 'Casino Royale' was counted, David Niven could be added to that list. Devotees have strong opinions on which was the best Bond. I doubt if this question left you either shaken or stirred.

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Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:54 AM

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