All About "Rio Grande" Trivia Quiz

Answer: He failed his officer's training at West Point.

Jeff Yorke failed his math exam at West Point, so promptly gave up the idea of becoming an officer and enlisted in the cavalry as a trooper. His father warned him, upon his arrival not to expect any special treatment; instead, he got the opposite, and was expected to do as well as two men. Jeff enlisted in the same group of recruits as Daniel "Sandy" Boone and Travis Tyree.

Answer: Claude Jarman, Jr.

Claude Jarman. Jr. was only 12 when he wrung hearts as Jody Baxter in "The Yearling". He was only 16 in "Rio Grande". He won a special Juvenile Academy Award for "The Yearling", but he chose to give up acting in his early 20s and began working behind the scenes in the film industry.

Answer: No

Jeff quietly refused to leave the cavalry; his signature was needed on his discharge papers and he didn't sign. Kathleen was astounded but Kirby was, of course, proud of his son's decision. Nevertheless, Kathleen remained at the fort in the hopes of somehow getting her son away from it.

Answer: Daniel

Yes, his name is Daniel Boone; no wonder he goes by Sandy! We learn this when men arrive at the fort looking for Travis Tyree. When they asked after Sandy's name, he responded, "Boone--Daniel Boone." His parents must have been fans of the real Daniel Boone!

Answer: Texas

The law arrived seeking a Wanted man from Texas, who was actually Travis Tyree, saying "We're looking for a man from Texas." Sandy ambled over and answered, "I'm from Texas." Of course, Daniel Boone was not the man they wanted, so Sandy was free from suspicion. Travis, on the other hand, was eventually discovered and kept under arrest.

Answer: Killing a man

Travis killed a man who insulted his sister. The killing was done more in self-defense than otherwise, but he tried to evade capture until his sister was settled and wouldn't be harmed by gossip. However, he was discovered by officers of the law at the camp.

Answer: The Sons of the Pioneers

In the opening and closing credits of "Rio Grande", The Sons of the Pioneers are credited as featured in the film. The Sons of the Pioneers are still around today! A founding member was Roy Rodgers, and Roy "Dusty" Rodgers Jr. is a current member. One of the main members featured in the film was Ken Curtis, who also played the character of Festus in the television series "Gunsmoke".

The group sang many songs in "Rio Grande", including "Erie Canal" and "My Gal is Purple".

Answer: I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen

This appears to have been Kirby and Kathleen's "song" from their early days of marriage, and it didn't please Kirby to hear the Regimental Singers playing it since he and Kathleen were not having the easiest relationship. "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" is actually an old air from Ireland--actress Maureen O'Hara's real birthplace.

Answer: Trooper Tyree

Tyree, who while AWOL had scouted the Apaches' camp, volunteered to lead the rescue attempt, with the condition that he could pick two others to accompany him. When Lt.-Col. Yorke agreed, Tyree shouted for Sandy and Jeff, much to Yorke's chagrin. The three of them entered the camp and protected the children while Kirby Yorke and the troops attacked.

Answer: No

Kirby asked his son to pull out the arrow, and later we see Kirby being pulled into camp on a travois, Jeff walking alongside. Kathleen met them and held Kirby's hand into the post. But yes, he did survive, as we later see! He made an appearance during the final scene of the film, as Jeff, Travis, and Sandy, among others, were given medals for bravery.