Ordinary People Trivia

1. According to Jeannine, what does Conrad have when he sings?

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: a lot of energy

She tells Conrad this when they formally introduce themselves. Conrad is a little flustered, and one of Jeannine's friends introduces him.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Jarrett

The entire film is centered around the affluent Jarrett family and the turmoil they encounter after losing a family member. Mary Tyler Moore plays the mother, Beth, Donald Sutherland portrays the father, Calvin, and Timothy Hutton (in his Oscar winning performance) portrays the youngest son, Conrad.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Skokie, Illinois

Most of the action takes place in the Chicagoland area. Karen is a friend of Conrad's from the hospital where he was staying at after trying to commit suicide.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Judith Guest

While the novel is simply inspiration for the plot of the movie, both versions of the story are quite good. The adapted screenplay was written Alvin Sargent.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: Oscar & Academy & Academy Award

It has also received the Oscar for The Best Actor in Supporting Role (Timothy Hutton), Best Director (Robert Redford), and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Alvin Sargent). At the same time it was nominated for The Best Actor in Supporting Role (Judd Hirsch) and Best Actress in a Leading Role (Mary Tyler Moore).

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Tyrone

Dr. Tyrone Berger is played by Judd Hirsch, most famous for his work on "Taxi." He is Conrad's psychiatrist, and he helps Conrad overcome his survivor's guilt. Judd Hirsch received an Academy Award nomination for this role.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Buck

Buck dies in an accident after the boat he and his brother were riding in, overturns during a storm. The event leaves the remaining members of the once "perfect" family in emotional ruin. The eldest of the two Jarrett boys was also the mother's favorite, and his death is very difficult for the mother as well as the remaining son to accept.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Drowning

In a flashback, Conrad reveals to Dr. Berger that his "crime" was surviving, since he wasn't the athlete or jock that his brother was. However, this is also the climactic moment where Conrad begins to turn his life around.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: 4 months

Conrad seemingly has the most to deal with in the aftermath of his brother's death. He is traumatized because he was present during the accident and he feels guilty because he survived. These emotions as well as many more eventually drive the youth to try to end his life.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: Dr. Berger

In one of the sessions Conrad says that he doesn't let himself feel anything because every time he does, he feels lousy. The phrase is how Dr. Berger replied to this statement.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Coach Salan

The second time that Conrad tells Salan that he is quitting, Salan tells him he won't have another chance, to which Conrad responds that he won't ask for another chance.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Karen

Conrad became very close with Karen during his time in the hospital. The scene where he calls her, only to learn that she had killed herself is one of the most poignant scenes in the film.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: Conrad Jarrett

At the time Conrad is on his first date with Jeannine and he is having trouble coming up with a topic for conversation. The date does not end up to well because of Conrad's swimming friends' interference.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Buck

Buck Jarrett was known as an all-around athlete and a friendly rival to Conrad before his accidental death by drowning.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Dr. Berger

Judd Hirsh received an Oscar nomination for his wonderful portrayal of Conrad's psychiatrist Dr. Berger. His character is an unconventional doctor to say the least. He is cut and dry and does not preach the psychobabble that many psychiatrists are into. Yet, in the long run, he and his technique begin to help Conrad deal with his guilt.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: 5

It recieved five awards for the Best Director - Motion Picture (Robert Redford), Best Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture Actor in a Supporting Role (Timothy Hutton), Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama (Mary Tyler Moore), and New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture - Male (Timothy Hutton). It also had three other nominations.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Bowling alley

Despite saying that she is a horrible bowler, Conrad decides to take a chance and ask Jeannine out on the date.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: They both sing in the same choir

Jeannine Pratt, played by Elizabeth McGovern, becomes Conrad's love interest in the film. She has the ability to understand him and his problems without feeling overwhelmed or unsympathetic. Her involvement in his life helps Conrad deal with his issues and the pain he feels inside.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: The death of Conrad's older brother

Conrad is blaming himself for the death and tries to commit suicide after the death. Beth is having trouble after losing her favourite son and cannot make herself love Conrad. Calvin is in the middle trying to make sure that their family will not break apart.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Lazenby

In a tense showdown with Lazenby and some of his friends as Conrad and Jeannine leave the bowling alley, Lazenby tells Conrad that he is not the only one suffering. Lazenby is also struggling to cope with Buck's death.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Houston

Beth would prefer things to just return to normal even after the death of her first born son. Her inability to deal with the tragedy and her unwillingness to accept Conrad is one of the key points that drives this character study. Mary Tyler Moore received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the detached and indifferent mother.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: The Waltons

In this brief mention, he compares himself to John Boy and how they both feel like outsiders in their own families.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: He needed to talk to someone about his own problems

Donald Sutherland plays Calvin, Conrad's father. He is trying to be supportive of Conrad while also dealing with growing issues that develop between him and his wife. He is torn between two worlds while always simply trying to what he thinks is "right". It is amazing the growth and changes that occur to this character throughout the story.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: Judith Guest

Judith Guest also wrote 'Second Heaven', 'Killing Time in St. Cloud', and 'Errands'.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: Alvin Sargent

Alvin Sargent has won two Academy Awards, one for this movie and one for the film "Julia" in 1977. He was also nominated for an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for "Paper Moon" and has also written the screenplay for the first two "Spider-Man" sequels.

From Quiz Ordinary People

Answer: She leaves them

The scene where Calvin finally confronts Beth about her lack of sympathy and concern is one of the most affecting in the movie. Calvin finally realizes that she is incapable of such emotions, always has been, and will never change. She is so dazed by the revelation she says nothing. She turns around, packs her bags, and leaves in a taxi.

From Quiz All About 'Ordinary People'

Answer: Beth leaves Calvin and Conrad

Conrad finds out that Karen committed suicide earlier in the movie. He also makes up with Jeaninne, but Beth cannot take it anymore and she leaves to be with her relatives.

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