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Bad Day at Black Rock Trivia Quiz

'Bad Day at Black Rock' is a screen gem from 1955. With a stellar cast, nifty writing and excellent cinematorgraphy, this thriller has it all. Join me in recalling some of the basics about this great film.

A multiple-choice quiz by thejazzkickazz. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
thejazzkickazz

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
228,229

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
530

Awards
Top 5% quiz!

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The action begins in 'Bad Day at Black Rock' when one John J. Macreedy unexpectedly arrives in the little town of Black Rock via the train. Which Oscar-winning actor portrays this mysterious but immediately likeable character? Hint

Spencer Tracy

Broderick Crawford

Clark Gable

William Holden

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Question 2 of 10

2. After arriving in Black Rock, Macreedy soon makes his intentions clear to the town inhabitants. He means to visit a man whose son gave his life to save him. What is the name of the man he means to call on? Hint

Kamoko

Bertolucci

Chen Lee

O'Leary

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Question 3 of 10

3. 'Bad Day at Black Rock' has an absolutely stellar cast. Among the various bad guys who dwell in the small town of Black Rock is a character played by Robert Ryan, named Smith. What is Smith's given name? Hint

Tony

Claudius

Herb

Reno

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Question 4 of 10

4. Smith is surrounded by various henchmen of differing talents. For verbal intimidation, he turns to Hector David, a self-styled cowboy with a serious chip on his shoulder. Which Oscar-winner plays this lanky, stone-faced baddy? Hint

Lee Marvin

Jack Palance

James Coburn

Henry Fonda

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Question 5 of 10

5. Of Smith's henchmen, the biggest brute is most certainly Coley, played by another Oscar-winner, namely Ernest Borgnine. What is the surname of this maniacal character? Hint

Stevenson

Belson

Melman

Trimble

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Question 6 of 10

6. Not all of the people in the town bear animosity towards Macreedy. Take for example T. R. Velie, Jr., the town doctor. Though he has been cowed by Smith and his henchmen over the years, he displays a sense of rebelliousness, spurred on by the arrival of a newcomer who is willing to stand up for himself. Which Oscar-winner portrays Doc Velie? Hint

Robert Donat

Charles Laughton

Walter Brennan

Frank Sinatra

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Question 7 of 10

7. Another person with whom Macreedy has difficult is Tim Horn, played by Oscar-winner Dean Jagger. What position does Horn hold in the town? Hint

Sheriff

Storekeeper

Mayor

Dentist

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Question 8 of 10

8. Macreedy has two physical confrontations with Coley, the first when Coley rams his jeep, the second in the local diner. What annoying thing does Coley do to provoke Macreedy in the diner? Hint

Tosses his drink at Macreedy

Pours ketchup in Macreedy's chili

Eats Macreedy's steak

Dumps Macreedy's soup on his lap

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Question 9 of 10

9. Ultimately, tempers lead to violent confrontation. Are any characters in this film killed?

Yes

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which famed director was in charge of overseeing this excellent and meaningful film? Hint

John Ford

John Sturges

Howard Hawks

Fred Zinneman

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: Spencer Tracy

Veteran two time Oscar-winning actor Spencer Tracy takes on the role of Macreedy, a recently returned war veteran who served in the European theater during World War II. Interestingly, Macreedy has lost use of his left arm due to a war injury, making him appear to be very vulnerable...but appearances can be deceiving!

Answer: Kamoko

Kamoko's son earned a posthumous medal for his war heroics, and Macreedy intends to deliver the medal to Kamoko in person. Soon he discovers that Kamoko has gone missing, however, and Kamoko's home has been burned. Something strange is afoot.

Answer: Reno

Robert Ryan is simply sinister as Reno Smith, the man who runs things in Black Rock with an iron fist. Oddly enough, of all the great actors who appear in this film, Robert Ryan is one of the few who was never awarded an Oscar.

Answer: Lee Marvin

Lee Marvin is the first of Reno's henchmen to have a go at Macreedy, showing up in Macreedy's hotel room after the unwitting visitor had just bathed. Marvin hopes to scare Macreedy off, telling the latter that he has taken his hotel room, but Macreedy is unfazed. He simply takes the room next door.

5. Of Smith's henchmen, the biggest brute is most certainly Coley, played by another Oscar-winner, namely Ernest Borgnine. What is the surname of this maniacal character?

Answer: Trimble

Coley Trimble chases Macreedy down with his car, bashing it into the rear of the jeep that Macreedy drives. Macreedy is forced off the road by the nutcase Trimble. Later, he confronts Macreedy in the local diner, with less successful results.

Answer: Walter Brennan

Speaking of Oscar winners, Walter Brennan trumps 'em all in this film, having won three Supporting Actor Oscars prior to making this film. Doc Velie is one of the most interesting and entertaining characters in the film.

7. Another person with whom Macreedy has difficult is Tim Horn, played by Oscar-winner Dean Jagger. What position does Horn hold in the town?

Answer: Sheriff

Macreedy first locates Sheriff Horn in the jailhouse, literally sleeping inside the jail cell. This is perhaps symbolic of the fact that Horn has no legal control of the town, in other words, the inmates are in control of the asylum.

8. Macreedy has two physical confrontations with Coley, the first when Coley rams his jeep, the second in the local diner. What annoying thing does Coley do to provoke Macreedy in the diner?

Answer: Pours ketchup in Macreedy's chili

With Reno Smith and Hector David looking on, Coley really digs into Macreedy, hoping to make him crack. First, he takes Macreedy's chair, then he pours an excessive amount of ketchup in Macreedy's chili. Macreedy attempts to walk out of the diner, but Coley forces a confrontation by physically twisting Macreedy around. Unfortunately for Coley, Macreedy knows how to fight back!

9. Ultimately, tempers lead to violent confrontation. Are any characters in this film killed?

Answer: Yes

Sadly, Liz Worth (Anne Francis), sister of Pete Worth, another of Smith's henchmen, is killed while attempting to spirit Macreedy out of town. Smith, Trimble and David are all injured, but survive. They will face justice for the murder of Kamoko.

10. Which famed director was in charge of overseeing this excellent and meaningful film?

Answer: John Sturges

Sturges was nominated but did not win an Oscar for his direction of 'Bad Day at Black Rock'. Spencer Tracy was likewise nominated but did not win. Nonetheless, the film remains one of the most memorable of 1955, or any year for that matter.

Source: Author thejazzkickazz

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor skunkee before going online.
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