A Patch of Blue Trivia Quiz

Answer: Stringing Beads

Selina strings beads with a needle and thread for Mr. Faber, who pays her for her work. She keeps her beads organized in a box, according to size, so that it is easier to choose the correct bead.

In preparation for her role, Elizabeth Hartman (Selina) visited the Braille Institute of America to observe blind people being taught to do handwork similar to the stringing of beads her character does in the film.

Elizabeth Hartman was an unknown actress when she landed the role of Selina D'Arcy. Haley Mills was originally considered for this part, but due to money concerns, she was passed over. Patty Duke was also a contender for the role. However, her managers feared type-casting and were hesitant to let her play the part of another blind person so soon after her portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker".

Answer: Gordon Ralfe

Sidney Poitier portrays Gordon Ralfe, an office worker, although his actual occupation is never stated. At one point during the movie, he is shown in his office trying to walk to his desk with his eyes closed to see what it feels like to be blind.

Sydney Poitier made film history in 1963 as the first African-American to win an Academy Award as lead actor for his role in "Lillies of the Field".

Answer: Ole Pa

Played by Wallace Ford, Ole Pa is a drunkard, who has a soft spot for Selina. He sometimes walks Selina to the park and then picks her up on his way home, usually drunk by this time.

This was the final film of Wallace Ford, who passed away the following year. He performed in over 100 films.

Answer: Sadie

Sadie (Elizabeth Fraser) is Rose-Ann's plump, aging friend who realizes that she isn't getting any younger. Rose-Ann eventually informs Selina that the two of them are moving in with Sadie and going into business together, where they can make some serious "dough". Selina, upset by this turn of events, makes her way, unassisted, to the park where she meets Gordon. She says to him "I tried to phone you, but you weren't home." Gordon replies "What happened?" Selina tells him "Rose-Ann is taking me away. I won't be able to get here any more." Gordon asks "Where is she taking you?" Crying, Selina answers "I don't know exactly, but she's leaving her job. She's movin' in with Sadie. They're gonna start one of those places!"

Elizabeth Fraser is best remembered for her role as Sadie. She also played the role of Sgt. Bilko's girlfriend, Sgt. Joan Hogan, in "The Phil Silvers Show".

Shelley Winters received an Academy Award as best supporting actress for her role in this film. She reportedly hated this role and was shocked when she won.

Answer: In the park

Selina is working in the park when something crawly falls down the back of her blouse. Gordon is passing by, hears her cries and asks if he can help her. He discovers that it is a caterpillar that crawled down her back.

Answer: Intern

Ivan Dixon plays Gordon's brother, Mark, with whom he shares his apartment. Mark comes home one afternoon and discovers Selina standing alone in the living room. He locates Gordon in the kitchen and they have a somewhat heated discussion about the reason Selina is in the apartment. Afterwards, Mark retreats to his bedroom and Gordon returns to the living room. He says to Selina, "That was Mark. He's a bit wound up. He has been having a tough time at the hospital." Selina asks "Has he been sick?" Gordon replies "No, he works there. He's an intern."

In 1967, Ivan Dixon was nominated for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Drama for "CBS Playhouse: The Final War of Olly Winter."

Answer: Pineapple Juice

This is the first time Selina tastes pineapple juice. She asks Gordon "What is the name of this wonderful drink?" Gordon replies "Wonderful drink? It's just pineapple juice."

Answer: Sunglasses and Music box

Selina receives a pair of dark sunglasses from Gordon to hide the scarring around her eyes. Later, Gordon also gifts Selina with a music box that belonged to his Grandmother. Selina, fearing that Rose-Ann would find the music box and keep it for herself, buries it in the park.

She accidentally leaves the music box behind at Gordon's apartment when she leaves for school. Gordon chases after to give her the box, but the bus pulls away from the curb before he can catch her.

Answer: Pearl

Gordon's grandmother and Selina's childhood friend are both named Pearl, which they discuss while eating lunch in Gordon's apartment. Selina opens the music box that once belonged to Gordon's grandmother and says "Sounds so gentle. I bet your grandmother was like that. Sweet and gentle. What was her name?" Gordon responds "Pearl." Selina replies "Well, that suits her. I had a friend named Pearl, once.

She used to come up to the room and play with me. We had a lot of fun together. Me and Pearl, we was great buddies."

Answer: Harry

Gordon asks Selina how she became blind. Selina tells him "It happened when I was five. One night, after I was in bed, Harry, that's my father, he come home unexpected. He was in a war or somethin'. Rose-Ann, that's my mother, she had one of her friends in. Harry got mad and sliced Rose-Ann's friend up to a mush. Then Rose-Ann threw the bottle. It was meant for Harry."