Back to School Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thornton Meloni

Between his childhood and his present state in the film, Thornton Melon dropped the I from his last name. The audience also found out that Thornton was a very successful businessman, owning a chain of "Tall and Fat" clothing stores throughout the country.

Answer: Grand Lakes University

Most of "Back to School" took place on the college campus where Thornton Melon tried to get a college degree. He had to face obstacles on the way, such as the cruel and uptight Professor Barbay and dealing with his son, Jason. Grand Lakes University was a fictional school created for the film. Most of the outdoor scenes at the college were shot on location at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Answer: English

Thornton's English professor, Dr. Diane Turner, was also his love interest throughout the film. Thornton tried hard to win Diane over, and he eventually did when he took her out to dinner near the latter part of the film. Diane was previously dating Professor Barbay, Thornton's nemesis, until the elder Melon swept her off her feet.

Answer: Sam Kinison

The funny Sam Kinison portrayed the history teacher Professor Terguson who had an explosive attitude. After a young girl answered a question about the Vietnam War, Professor Terguson flipped out and explained to her what really happened in Vietnam. This was one of only two movies Sam Kinison was in. The other was "Savage Dawn" which was released in 1985.

Answer: Miller

This was due to Rodney Dangerfield's contract with the Miller Brewing Company with obligated to have only Miller products be shown in the film. Miller products were shown at the various parties Thornton throws and at the local bar where the big fight scene occurred.

Answer: David

Dean Martin was played by Ned Beatty. In the film, Martin came off as a bendable figure when Thornton persuaded him numerous times to do something in his favor. Along with giving him a very generous donation to be accepted into college, Thornton also convinced the Dean not to expel him.

Answer: False

At first Jason lied to his father about being on the diving team. Later, however, when Jason performed some dives in front of the coach, he decided to accept him on the team. Jason did not succeed at first while on the team, but in the film's finale, the young Melon performed a flawless dive.

Answer: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Thornton Melon needed help on writing a term paper about the work of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. so he called on a person that could help... Vonnegut himself! Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was famous for writing many genre-bending novels such as "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle".

Answer: Jude Cole

The song was heard when Thornton and Lou were driving to Jason's college early in the film. Jude Cole is an American singer who found notable success with his 1990 single "Baby, It's Tonight".

Answer: Triple Lindy

When Jason's college enemy, Chas, faked a cramp during the dive meet, the Hooters' dive team had to find another swimmer. Thornton, who had a history of swimming, volunteered and performed a dive that was supposed to be impossible, the Triple Lindy. He performed it beautifully and the Hooters win.

Rodney Dangerfield was at his best in "Back to School" and I highly suggest you see it. Thanks for playing!