Hobson's Choice Trivia

1. The role of Henry Hobson is played by actor Charles Laughton. In the opening scene we see him arriving home in the early hours of the morning after supposedly attending a meeting of which secretive organisation?

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: Masonic Lodge

"It's a good job your Mason's meeting is only once a month!" scolds a disgruntled Maggie, the eldest of Hobson's three daughters who has just been awoken by her father's noisy return home. An arrogant and bombastic character, Henry Hobson is the proprietor of an established and successful shoe and boot-making business in the northern town of Salford. He runs the business with the help of his daughters, Maggie, played by Brenda de Banzie, Alice, played by Daphne Anderson, and Vicky, played by Prunella Scales. Both Alice and Vicky are courting local businessmen; however, their father flatly refuses to pay settlements, a type of dowry, thereby leaving them both in a position where they cannot marry. This state of events becomes very important to the plot later in the film.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: Tubby Wadlow

Jack Howarth was born in Rochdale, Lancashire on 19th February, 1896 and plays foreman, Tubby Wadlow in 'Hobson's Choice', the same role he played four years earlier on 'BBC Sunday Night Theatre's' production of the same play. Tubby is the old retainer. He doesn't have Will's skill as a bootmaker, but he takes his job seriously and when he is given his orders in the morning, he makes sure they are carried out. However, it is in the role of Uncle Albert Tatlock in 'Coronation Street' for which he became a household name. He played the part in 109 episodes from 1960 to 1984 and saw so many changes take place on the famous cobbled street. For most of those years he lived with his nephew-by-marriage, Ken Barlow.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton was born on 1st July 1899 in Scarborough, England, but became an American citizen in 1950. It was four years later that he was back in England to make 'Hobson's Choice', a role he seemed born to play. He died of cancer of the gall bladder in 1962, survived by his wife of 33 years, Elsa Lanchester.

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: Being congratulated by a customer

Mrs Hepworth, a very well heeled (if you'll excuse the pun) and important local personage, arrives unannounced at Hobson's premises and wishes to speak with the tradesman that made the pair of boots that she is wearing. The fawning Hobson, believing that he is about to receive a complaint about the quality of the workmanship, is promptly told to shut up by Mrs Hepworth. Maggie summons the boot-makers through the hatch in the shop floor. "Now, listen to me my man. I'm particular about what I put on my feet, I've tried every shop in Manchester and these are the best made pair of boots I've ever had. Now, you make my boots in future... Do you hear that Hobson?" asks Mrs Hepworth, handing bootmaker Will Mossop her card of introduction. Immediately after she leaves, Hobson begins to complain about the fact that Mrs Hepworth had the temerity to praise one of his tradesmen directly. Referring to Will as a "treasure", Maggie scoldingly puts her father in his place. In actual fact, John Mills was selected for the part of Will Mossop at the eleventh hour. The actor originally cast in the role, Robert Donat, had to decline the part due to asthma.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: Oldfield Road

Oldfield Road in Salford is the location of Will and Maggies's first business. They rent a cellar for five shillings per week which serves as a living room, shop and workroom. This is a big step down from the more fashionable Chapel Street, where Hobson's shop was situated, but Maggie has numerous fliers printed to advertise their new location and suggests to Mrs Hepworth that she inform her friends of where to purchase well made boots.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: A boot-makers

The film opens with the sign outside Hobson's shop; a full length boot, blowing and squeaking in the wind. Henry runs a successful business, but takes on a silent role, preferring to leave the running of the business and his household in the hands of his three daughters.

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: The Moonrakers

Hobson spends most of his time with his small circle of friends, all local businessmen, in the tap room of The Moonrakers. The delusional Hobson also believes that he is a popular figure locally and especially within his social circle. In reality, the veneer of their friendship is rather thin as we shall see later in the tale during a scene in which Hobson falls out with them all after telling them a few home truths.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: A pair of bootlaces

On the morning after their wedding, they open the shop and await their first customer. An old lady walks in the door and asks for a pair of bootlaces for which they charged one penny. This sale gives Will the incentive to pick up his tools and carve out the leather now that his and Maggie's business has taken off.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Maggie, Alice and Vicky

The eldest daughter, Maggie, is a very strong, young woman, whom her father refers to as, '30 and shelved' and 'old ancient leather'. She is very hard working and will use this quality to achieve her ambitions. Her younger sisters are fashionable and flirty and only have their minds set on marrying well and becoming mistresses of their own households.

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: The Holy Bible

In a move that would have been unprecedented during the time in which this film is set, Maggie tells Will Mossop, in no uncertain terms, that she intends that they are to be married. Shocked by her forthrightness, Will tries to come up with any excuse as to why they cannot be wed. Ignoring this, Maggie instructs Will that he is to meet her at Peel Park on Sunday where they will embark on their first walking out. Maggie meets Will at the foot of a flight of steps and taking his hand, she presses into his a copy of the good book before they start their walk. Peel Park, a grand Victorian open space in its heyday, first opened on the 22nd of August 1846. It lies on the flood plain of the River Irwell in Greater Manchester.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: A corn chandler

Mr Beenstock, of Beenstock and Son is a temperance man and watches with scorn at Henry Hobson's daily excursion to The Moonrakers. It is an act of defiance by Henry that causes his fall into the cellar. The cellar is surrounded by chains and Henry unhooks them to walk through. He doesn't know, however, that the cellar door has been left open and he lies in the corn below until noon the following day. The son of Beenstock and Son is Freddie, Vicky Hobson's young man.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Salford

The film is set in 1880's Salford. Salford is now a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, but at the time of the film it formed part of Lancashire and became a major factory town, following the Industrial Revolution, when Salford Qauys became a principal dockyard of the Manchester Ship Canal. This prime location allowed for the development of many major industries, such as textiles. One of Salford's most famous names is L. S. Lowry who attended Salford School of Art. Today the art gallery which bears his name is one of Salford's main tourist attractions.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: A rat

After one particularly long hard night of drinking, possibly New Years Eve, Henry wakes up the next morning so hung over that he starts to see things. The first thing he sees is a swarm of insects, then a large rabbit sitting at the foot of his bed. He gets up to look at his tongue in the mirror, but sees not his own reflection, but that of his friend, Denton. In Henry's own words Denton is 'the biggest old soak in Salford' and at this point Henry realises he is following the same path and a doctor is sent for.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Sir John Mills

Sir John Mills, born in Denham, Buckinghamshire on 23rd April, 2005 plays the character of Will Mossop to perfection. Throughout the film Will is transported from a shy, uneducated, almost illiterate man, to a confident business man, following his marriage to Hobson's elder daughter, Maggie. He was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance, but lost out to Kenneth More, who won for 'Doctor in the House'.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: John Laurie

John Laurie, as Dr. McFarlane, provides the voice of reason in Henry's life and his straight talking makes Henry sit up and think. He diagnoses chronic alcoholism and unless Henry changes his lifestyle he is only six months away from the grave. Scotsman John was a noted Shakespearean actor, but it was as the dour Pte. Frazer in 'Dad's Army' that he will be forever remembered. His catchphrase 'we're doomed' has gone down in catchphrase history.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: The Moonrakers Inn

The Moonrakers, run by publican Sam Minns, provides the hub of life for Henry Hobson and his friends. They consist of Denton, Tudsbury and grocer Jim Heeler, who follows Henry around like a puppy, generously accepting any free drinks which come his way from his friends' pockets. The topic of conversation is usually the 'fools of women' which plague Henry in his household and how he could best rid himself of them, except Maggie who is 'too useful in t'shop'. However, when the question of marriage settlements came up, Henry quickly goes off the idea.

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: Mossop and Hobson

When Will and Maggie decide to go into partnership with Henry and move from their own shop the only thing which needs to be sorted out is the name of the new business. Maggie rules out the phrase, 'late Hobson' and Will comes back with Mossop and Hobson. Maggie at first says no, it should be Hobson and Mossop, but Will insists on Mossop and Hobson or it is back to Oldfield Road for them. Maggie knows with this defiance of her authority that her education of Will is complete and she bows to her husband's decision. A trip to Albert Prosser to put the partnership in writing ends the film.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Ada Figgins

Ada Figgins, 'the sandy haired girl' who brings Will his lunch, is the daughter of the woman Will lodges with. Being tokened indicates that they have an understanding, which would lead to a future marriage. Ada's mother is strong scary woman, who Will would never say no to, but Maggie informs the mother and daughter pair that she is to marry Will and takes him away that very night, but not before Mrs Figgins hits Will around the head with a fireside shovel.

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: Trespass and damage

Whilst making his way back home after the puddle jumping incident, Hobson removes a safety chain and falls into the basement grain store of his neighbour and supporter of the Temperance Movement, Mr Beenstock. As a result, Hobson receives a summons to answer a charge of trespass and damage. This provides daughter Maggie with an ideal opportunity to manoeuver her father into allowing her sisters to finally achieve their aims of marrying. Maggie knows that her father will not want his personal business made public in the local press and proposes that he allow his daughters to marry their paramours, who just happen to be young Freddy Beenstock, played by Derek Blomfield, the son of the plaintiff, and Mr Albert Prosser played by Richard Wattis, the local solicitor and legal professional acting for the plaintiff. Needless to say, the humbled Hobson has no option but to accept Maggie's proposal and the terms under which Hobson's prosecution will remain out of the public domain... a real Hobson's Choice!

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: Vicky

When Henry needs someone to come and look after him, all three girls come to offer their sympathy, but only Maggie is willing to move back. Vicky gives the excuse that she is expecting and has to think of her child. Maggie points out that they are all married women and it could happen to any of them. This makes no difference. Alice and Vicky are not for helping and leave the shop with stiff necks and bustles wagging.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Peel Park

Peel Park in Salford was opened on 22nd August 1946 and was a place where respectable young couples could be seen out together in public. Will meets Maggie from church and carries her bible as a sign of their relationship. Also in the park that same day is Maggie's sister Alice and her young man, Albert Prosser. Peel Park has featured in a number of L S Lowry's paintings and sketches.

From Quiz British Cinema - "Ba Gum!" It's 'Hobson's Choice'

Answer: A giant mouse

Hobson tries his best to look after himself but not eating properly and his continuing over-indulgence in alcohol takes its toll on his health. Hobson, now suffering from the DT's or delirium tremens, is shocked to see a large mouse looking at him from over the foot of his bed. Hobson's remaining employee, Tubby who is played by future Coronation Street veteran Jack Howarth, calls the doctor and it is during his examination that we have one of the best one-liners in the film. The doctor, played by fine Scottish actor John Laurie, is concerned that Hobson is not looking after himself properly. "Have you a wife, Mr Hobson?" the doctor asks. Hobson, whose wife had died many years earlier, remains silent and gestures upwards with a pointed finger. "In bed?" asks the doctor again. "Higher than that," replies Hobson. Brilliant. They don't write them like that anymore!

From Quiz 'Hobsons Choice' Part Two

Answer: David Lean

David Lean, born 25th March, 1908 in Croydon, Surrey is universally acknowledged as directing royalty. He has won two Oscars for, 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' in 1957 and 'Lawrence of Arabia' in 1962. 'Hobson's Choice' won the Golden Bear award at the 1954 Berlin Film Festival. He also directed 'Ryan's Daughter' the film which gave John Mills his only acting Oscar as Michael the mute village idiot.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: A lawyer

Albert is a lawyer with the firm of Prosser, Pilkington and Prosser and like Vicky's young man he is courting his Hobson sister in secret. On one occasion he is caught by Henry Hobson in the shop and Maggie's quick thinking turns him from illicit caller into shop customer. However, instead of selling him a pair of bootlaces, which he asks for, she sells him a pair of boots. Albert is size 8 - he has, in his words 'small feet'.

From Quiz "Hobson's Choice" Part One

Answer: Mrs Hepworth

Mrs Hepworth is one of Hobson's high class customers and insists on meeting the very workman who makes her boots, because, if he ever changes his employment, she wants to be informed to follow along with him. When Will and Maggie decide to set up on their own, they need capital and ask Mrs Hepworth for a loan of £100.00 which they agree to pay back within one year with 20% interest. She loans them the money and a partnership is born and, as promised, the sum is paid back, with interest, within the year. Mrs Hepworth, as part of Henry Hobson's high class trade, lives in a very weathly part of Manchester, but what she puts on her feet is important. That is why she insists Will makes all her footwear and also those of her daughters.

This is category 21751

= Top 5% Rated Quiz, Top 10% Rated Quiz, Top 20% Rated Quiz, A Well Rated Quiz
= added recently, = Editor's Pick = FunTrivia Editor = Gold Member
Teachers / educators: FunTrivia welcomes the use of our website and quizzes in the classroom as a teaching aid or for preparing and testing students. See our education section. Our quizzes are printable and may be used as question sheets by k-12 teachers, parents, and home schoolers.

 ·  All questions, answers, and quiz content on this website is copyright FunTrivia, Inc and may not be reproduced without permission. Any images from TV shows and movies are copyright their studios, and are being used under "fair use" for commentary and education.