Classic TV Common Bond Trivia Quiz

Answer: Montgomery

Montgomery is the capital of Alabama, and was one of the cities at the center of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Following her arrest, Parks became a symbol of the fight for Civil Rights, and remained committed to the cause until her death in 2005. Rosa Parks' dedication and sacrifice earned her the title of "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement".

Answer: Sergeant York

"Sergeant York" is the true story of Alvin York, a native of Tennessee who became one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I. His bravery not only earned him America's highest personal military decoration, the Medal of Honor, he received military awards from other countries as well, including France and Italy. "Sergeant York" was a huge box office success, ending the year as the highest-grossing film of 1941.

The film also received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning two.

Answer: Sam-I-Am

"Green Eggs and Ham" is one of the most popular children's books of all-time, selling more than eight million copies since it was first published in 1960. It follows the character of Sam-I-Am, as he tries to persuade an unnamed character to eat a plate of green eggs and ham; he refuses numerous times, but eventually eats the unusual concoction and discovers that he actually likes it. Seuss used only 50 different words to complete the story, which made the book especially popular with beginning readers.

Answer: Larry

"Newhart" starred Bob Newhart as Dick Loudon, a writer of do-it-yourself books who moved to Vermont to operate the Stratford Inn, which he and his wife recently purchased. The backwoods' trio of Larry, Darryl and Darryl were minor characters at first, but were so popular with the audience, they eventually became part of the main cast. Larry was the spokesperson of the group, since neither one of his brothers uttered a single word until the final episode of the series, and even then it was only a single word, "Quiet!", which the Darryls, who are now married, say in unison to their wives.

As crazy as this all sounds it turns out none of it is real, because as we find out in the series finale, it was just a dream.

Answer: Serena Williams

Serena Williams made her professional debut in 1995 at the Bell Challenge in Quebec, Canada, at the age of 14. She lost in the first round of that event, but hasn't lost a whole lot since. Williams' first victory as a professional came in 1999, when she defeated Amelie Mauresmo in the finals of the Open Gaz de France in Paris, and later that year she won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Martina Hingis in the final of the US Open. Three months after her victory at the Australian Open, Serena announced she was 20 weeks pregnant with her first child and would miss the remainder of the season.

Answer: Maurice

"The Joker" was the Steve Miller Band's first number one on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart in early 1974. Although the song was very popular in the US and in Canada, where it reached number two, it didn't find much success elsewhere, but 16 years later that changed.

In 1990, after being used as part of a television ad for Levi's, the song became a hit again, but this time it was on the other side of the Atlantic. A re-issue of the single topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks, while also reaching number one in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Answer: Arthur

Arthur Miller is considered to be one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century, writing more than 30 stage plays over an eight decade career. In 1948 he wrote what is arguably his most famous play, "Death of a Salesman", which was not only a commercial success, but was critically acclaimed as well, with Miller winning a Tony Award for Best Author, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other high points in Miller's life would most likely include his marriage to Marilyn Monroe in 1956, and his induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1979.

"Arthur" is the story of Arthur Bach (Moore), an alcoholic millionaire from New York City who is pressured by his family to marry a wealthy heiress, but instead falls in love with a poor working girl from Queens. The movie which also starred Liza Minnelli and Sir John Gielgud, was one of the most successful films of 1981, earning nearly $96 million in North America. Gielgud's performance as Arthur's sharp-tongued valet, Hobson, earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The movie's title song "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", which was co-written and performed by Christopher Cross, also won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

Bea Arthur began her acting career in the mid 1940s, appearing in a number of Off-Broadway productions. She eventually made it to the Broadway stage, playing Yente the Matchmaker in "Fiddler on the Roof", and winning a Tony Award in 1966 for her portrayal of Vera Charles in "Mame". Even though Arthur enjoyed great success on the stage, she will always be remembered for her TV portrayals of Maude Findlay on the 1970s series "Maude", and Dorothy Zbornak on the 1980s sitcom "The Golden Girls".

Answer: Lenny Kravitz

"American Woman" was a number one hit for The Guess Who in 1970, but the version by Lenny Kravitz only managed to get as high as number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999, although it did reach the top ten on their Alternative and Mainstream Rock charts.

The Grammy Kravitz won for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2000, and was the second of four consecutive wins he would have in this category.

Answer: The Star of Bombay

The Star of Bombay did not come from Bombay, but actually originated from the island country of Sri Lanka. The gemstone was a gift to Pickford from her second husband Douglas Fairbanks. The Star of Bombay was bequeathed to the Smithsonian following Pickford's death in 1979, and is currently on display at National Museum of National History.

I included the comment about gin as a clue to the answer, since the Star of Bombay was the inspiration behind the name of a popular brand of gin, Bombay Sapphire.

Answer: Bewitched

(Q.1) Elizabeth MONTGOMERY starred as the good witch Samantha Stevens.

(Q.2) The role of Samantha's husband Darrin Stevens was played by two actors during the show's run, Dick YORK (1964-1969) and Dick SARGENT (1969-1972).

(Q.3) Samantha is often referred to by her nickname SAM.

(Q.4) LARRY Tate is the President of McMann & Tate, and also Darrin's boss and friend.

(Q.5) SERENA (also played by Elizabeth Montgomery on the show) is Sam's fun-loving hippie cousin.

(Q.6) MAURICE is a Shakespeare-quoting warlock, who also happens to be Samantha's father.

(Q.7) ARTHUR is Sam's wise-cracking uncle, who also loves a good practical joke.

(Q.8) Abner and Gladys KRAVITZ are the Darrin and Samantha's neighbors. Gladys is extremely nosy, while Abner pretty much keeps to himself.

(Q.9) Dr. BOMBAY is a witch doctor who serves the witch community. Whenever Sam requires his services she just says, "Calling Dr. Bombay! Calling Dr. Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!", and he pops right in, usually with a beautiful nurse in tow.