British Films [1980s] Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Elephant Man

John Merrick, played by John Hurt, was at a freak show in London's East End when he was discovered by surgeon, Frederick Treves. Treves, played by Anthony Hopkins, found a home for him at a London Hospital, much to the annoyance of the freak show manager.

It was in the hospital that Merrick was heard reciting the 23rd Psalm, proving to everyone that he was highly intellectual. He was still considered to be an imbecile to some people, and at one stage could be heard crying out "I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!".

Answer: Chariots of Fire

Ben Cross and Ian Charleson played the role of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Liddell was a devout Scottish Christian and Abrahams an English Jew. Both men were accepted to represent Great Britain in the Olympic games held in Paris. Liddell was told his 100m race would take place on a Sunday which went against his Christian beliefs.

He steadfastly refused to run, until another team mate offered to change places. Liddell was then set to run the 400m race on a Wednesday instead. Abrahams won gold in the 100m race and Liddell won gold in the 400m race.

The team returned back home triumphant.

Answer: Trail of the Pink Panther

The film contained outtakes and flashbacks from previous 'Pink Panther' films to cover the scenes where Peter Sellers was due to perform. The story involved the hapless Inspector Clouseau back on the case after the 'Pink Panther' diamond was stolen again.

He accidentally started a fire in his office, his car was blown up on the way to the airport and he was then kidnapped in France. A reporter, played by Joanna Lumley, investigated his disappearance without any success. Clouseau was seen at the end of the film standing by a cliff edge when a seagull flew over and messed on his coat. Clouseau exclaimed in distorted French "Swine seagull!".

Answer: Rita

Michael Caine played Frank Bryant, an alcoholic university lecturer, who suddenly regained his passion for literature when he was assigned a new student. Julie Walters played Rita, a working class girl who wanted to make a better life for herself. Rita's enthusiasm soon became tainted when she struggled with formal education, and interacting with people from an educated background. Rita soon came to realise that she lacked self confidence and not education.

The film explored both Frank and Rita's voyage of self discovery.

Answer: The Killing Fields

Dith Pran had already befriended Sidney Schanberg when they both worked together previously in war torn Cambodia. Schanberg was forced to flee the country along with other journalists, when the Khmer Rouge took over the capital, Phnom Penh. He returned to America, wracked with guilt while attempting to locate his friend.

In the meantime, Dith Pran was captured and suffered years of torture at Pol Pot death camps. He eventually escaped, and during his journey took a horrifying walk through skeletal remains of the infamous 'Valley of Death' killing fields.

Answer: My Beautiful Laundrette

Omar, played by Gordon Warnecke, lived in London during the 1980s. His father was a Pakistani journalist who hated Britain, and his uncle Nasser was successful in the Asian community. Omar was offered the chance of running a laundrette for his uncle. Tensions were high in the community due to right wing extremists and racial abuse, either verbal or physical. Omar and Johnny, played by Daniel Day Lewis, became lovers. They worked together in building a successful laundrette.

Answer: A Room with a View

Miss Lucy Honeychurch (Bonham-Carter) was visiting Italy with her cousin and chaperone when she met Mr Emerson and his attractive son George at a small pensione. At first the men seemed strange because of her repression, but she was quickly drawn to the handsome George. George passionately kissed Lucy but was stopped by the chaperone. Lucy forgot the incident when she returned to England and became engaged to a wealthy man. Mr Emerson and George moved into a neighbouring house, and Lucy had to decide on her future.

The end of the film saw Lucy and George eloping to Florence.

Answer: Hellraiser

Frank Cotton purchased a puzzle box and when he returned home he solved how to open it. The box unleashed hooked chains which killed him. Pinhead and the Cenobites emerged from another world and inspected the remains of the body. Frank's brother, Larry, moved into the house with his wife, Julia, both unaware of the fate that had befallen his brother. Frank's soul began to regenerate when Julia seduced and then killed innocent men. Larry's daughter, Kirsty, discovered what was happening and the Cenobites appeared at the end of the film to kill Frank once and for all.

The puzzle box remained intact for the next person to unleash its powers.

Answer: A Fish Called Wanda

George, Ken, Wanda and Otto carried out the robbery. George and Ken moved the stash to an unknown location, and Wanda seduced George's lawyer, Archie Leach, in an attempt to locate the jewels. Hapless Ken was instructed to kill a witness to the robbery, but during several attempts, killed her dogs by accident. The witness died of a heart attack with shock. Archie and Wanda fell in love and left the country with the jewels. Ken ran Otto over with a road roller, which he managed to survive.

Answer: My Left Foot

Daniel Day-Lewis took the lead role in this amazing true story about Christy Brown. Irishman, Christy, was born with Cerebral Palsy. He grew up in a poor neighbourhood and people thought he was simple due to his disability. His left foot was the only body part he could control. His mother, played by Brenda Fricker, could see he was intelligent and supported him in becoming a writer and artist.