"Just a Minute" Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Minute Waltz

Nicholas then carries on with, "as 'The Minute Waltz' fades away...." He then introduces the players, a brief discussion of the rules, and explain where the show is taking place as it does change venues. "The Minute Waltz" is the common name for "Waltz in D Flat Major" by Frederic Chopin.

Nicholas Parsons has been the chairperson, or host, for almost all of the shows, but he has swapped places with the players on a few occasions early in the show's history.

Answer: After a correct challenge.

When a panelist breaks one of the rules, another player may buzz in with a challenge. If the challenge is correct, that player takes over the subject. The clock is not reset. The minute accounts for all the discussion on the topic by all the players. A player can challenge a second before the end of the minute and only speak for one second if he/she is so lucky. If a player breaks a rule, but no one buzzes in, then that player continues.

Answer: Getting to Mornington Crescent.

When a panelist buzzes in with a challenge, they must prove to the chairman what the speaker did to break the rules. If they are correct, they are awarded with a point and the subject. If they are incorrect, the speaker keeps the subject with a point for being interrupted. Bonus points are awarded at the chairman's discretion usually for making the audience laugh. Panelists also earn points for finishing with the subject and for the rare feat of talking for a full minute with no interruptions. Mornington Crescent is a game on the radio show, "I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue."

Answer: All of these.

The repetition rules cover words used only in that round for that particular panelist. If a panelist used for example the word, 'bag', and then lost the subject. Another panelist would be free to use the word 'bag' once. If the original panelist regained the subject, then 'bag' would be off limits to him or her.

While the words in the actual subject are often allowable to be repeated, the chairperson has been known to restrict the panelist from using them due to abuse of the exception. Some panelists will trip up the others by intentionally using different forms of the words, such as changing 'dance' to 'danced' or 'cat' to 'cats'. Little words, such as 'the', are usually overlooked.

Answer: Subjectively by Nicholas Parsons.

Hesitation usually occurs when a panelist has basically run out of material or realize they are about to repeat a word. This can be as simple as saying, 'um' or coming to a full stop. It really is up to the discretion of the chairperson if a slight pause was part of flow of speech or hesitation.

Some panelists have been caught hesitating while 'riding a laugh'. This is when they have said something so funny, the audience is laughing, and the panelist is waiting for the sound to die down.

Answer: No longer discussing the topic.

Deviation has become one of the more widely stretched rules. Panelists will use it to any end to gain the subject or at least a bonus point for a laugh. Some speakers have been accused of 'deviation from English as we know it' and 'deviation from BBC guidelines' to name a couple.

However, this too is all judged subjectively by Nicholas Parsons. On one occasion, the topic was 'how I prepare for bed' and panelist Paul Merton was allowed to go into the surreal topic of how he was a vampire and prepared for his coffin.

At this time, he was allowed to continue as long as he remained in the surreal world.

Answer: Clement Freud

No, the name is not just a coincidence. Clement was the grandson of Sigmund Freud. His family left Germany during the years of the second world war. During his time in parliament, he represented the Isle of Ely and was a member of the Liberal party. As a "Just a Minute" panelist, he was known for his dry wit and use of a long list of examples to stall for time. Nicholas Parsons would mention that this is harder than it looks without repeating an item.

He passed away on April 15, 2009 at the age of 84.

He was the last surviving panelist of the classic quartet.

Answer: Paul Merton

Paul Merton is known for his great ability to improvise which works very well for him on "Just a Minute". He also made appearances on the radio show, "I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue", which relies on improv from its participants as well. He was on the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway" that gave him his first broad audience. Sandi Toksvig works regularly on the radio show, "The News Quiz". Emma Freud, Clement Freud's daughter, has appeared on "Just a Minute". Hugh Laurie's friend, Stephen Fry, has also put in some appearances.

Answer: False

Two unsuccessful pilots were shot but never aired except in specials for Kenneth Williams. In 1994, a successful television version made it on the air. According to the Internet Movie Database, the show spanned the years from 1994 to 1999. Nicholas Parsons returned as the chairperson, but the panelists were from a younger age group. Paul Merton, who was well-known on the radio version, turned down the opportunity to be on the television form.

Answer: Ian Messiter

Actually Ian Messiter got the format from an incident that occurred in grade school. A daydreaming Messiter was called to task by a teacher to repeat the lesson without hesitation or repetition. Early in the show's history, he served the role of timekeeper, now delegated to a silent assistant. He passed away on November 22, 1999, but his show lives on.