Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Many agree that the greatest entertainer of the decades in the early twentieth century was Al Jolson. His combination of jazz, ragtime, spirituality, sentimentality, and tireless effort touched his audiences of the time. Jolson did many of his performances in black-face. Why did he do this?
2. This song-and-dance man was a headliner in films from the early 1930s to the late 1940s. In 1964 he switched to politics and became the first actor of prominence to be elected Senator from California. What was his name?
3. Donald O'Connor was born into a vaudevillian family that defined his role as an entertainer. At the age of twelve he co-starred with Bing Crosby in "Sing You Sinners" (1938) and continued in show business until his death in 2003, overcoming both chronic health issues and alcoholism. Who was the equally talented entertainer with whom he co-starred in Irving Berlin's "Call Me Madam" (1953)?
4. She was the most talented actor of the time, not just on the continent, but internationally as well. Comfortable in both male and female roles, losing a leg did not detour her stage career. Most of her performances contained a death scene in the final act. Who was this great French entertainer?
5. February 3, 1922, he made his first radio broadcast. On May 25, 1944, he made his first appearance on television. After turning down the lead role in "The Jazz Singer" (1929)--that went to Al Jolson--he made "Whoopee" (1930), that not only had sound, but color as well. He was a family favorite in films, radio, and television who adored his wife, Ida, and his five daughters. What was his stage name?
6. The Carol Burnett Show was one of the best variety shows on television. Her supporting cast of Vickie Lawrence, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, and Lyle Waggoner was brilliant in skits and parodies. On what television variety program did Carol Burnett first gain national recognition in 1959?
7. He had a grating rasping singing voice, couldn't dance, led his own jazz/ragtime band in the 1920s starring on the piano, and largely played himself in films, radio, and television. His humor was self-depreciative, much of which concerned his nose. Audiences loved him for his personality and charm. Who best fits this profile?
8. Before Jack Kerouac thought about it, this pair was already on the road. One was arguably the most popular comic of his time; the other was a best selling recording artist, radio host, and, upon occasion, dramatic actor. What were the last names of this duet?
9. This piano man's treasures were preserved in his own museum, but now all but a few items are in storage. We would expect to see candle sticks, lavish costumes, elegant automobiles, and a variety of piano shaped objects. With what entertainer would you associate this collection?
10. She was what we now call a "full-bodied woman" and she was singer, comedian, actress, and radio personality. What entertainer billed herself as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas"?
Source: Author
Rehaberpro
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
ponycargirl before going online.
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