Cavalcade Trivia Quiz

Answer: Noel Coward

Noel Coward wrote the play 'Cavalcade' in 1931 when he was appearing in the play, 'Private Lives'. A film cameraman was sent to film the original London play as it was being acted so it could provide the basis for the movie version. It was filmed by Fox Movietone and directed by Frank Lloyd. Plays written by Coward and adapted to film also included 'Blithe Spirit' (1945) and 'Brief Encounter'.

Answer: Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook

Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook starred as upper-class British married couple, Jane and Robert Marryot. The film told of their family life, their children, servants and close friendship with another couple called Ellen and Alfred Bridges. Diana Wynyard (1906-1964) was known for starring in 'Gaslight' and 'Tom Brown's Schooldays'. Clive Brook (1887-1974) had starred in the 1922 film, 'Shanghai Express' with Marlene Deitrich.

Answer: A pub

Alfred Bridges, played by Herbert Mundin, was the former butler for the Marryot family and his wife, Ellen (Una O'Connor), had worked as a maid. Having left service to set up the pub. Alfred turned to drink and met an unfortunate end. Their daughter, Fanny, fell in love with Joe Marryot, which caused problems due to their class differences.

The name of the pub is not disclosed but it is in a busy thoroughfare. There is a close-up shot of the publicans sign outside the pub which reads, "Alfred Bridges; Licensed to sell wines spirits, beers, tobacco. To be consumed on or off the premises".

Answer: World War II

The film concentrated on the years from 1901 through to 1933. The lead character, Robert Marryot, was at one time sent to war and served through the Siege of Mafeking which happened between 1899-1900. On his return from war, he rode in the funeral procession of Queen Victoria who died in 1901. While on honeymoon, his son Edward was seen leaving with his new bride on the RMS Titanic which sank in 1912.

World War II(1939-1945) was an event which happened after the film's ending.

Answer: Run over by a horse-drawn fire engine

The Marryots visited Alfred Bridges at the flat where he lived with his family. They left a doll for his daughter, but he broke it in a drunken fit. His daughter ran out into the street where she started dancing with some Pearlies, but Alfred chased after her and was mown down by the fire engine.

Answer: Edward VII

An Edwardian seaside outing could be seen in all its glory during the film, 'Cavalcade'. There was a sand artist who did sculptures of famous people of the time including Edward VII, Roosevelt and Pankhurst. People were strolling the promenade where beach huts could be seen in the distance halfway out to sea.

A quintet of five musicians sung songs of the era including "I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside", and young Fanny Bridges (Ursula Jeans) was awarded a teddy bear for coming first in a sing and dance competition.

Answer: Frank Lloyd

Frank Lloyd was born in Scotland, but made his name in Hollywood. He was nominated for the Best Director Oscar on five separate occasions and won twice, with 'The Divine Lady' (1929) being his other success. Lloyd was also nominated for 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (1935), the version which starred Charles Laughton and Clark Gable, but lost to John Ford who directed 'The Informer' (1935). 'Mutiny on the Bounty' did win the Best Picture, though.

Answer: Robert Marryot

Robert and Jane Marryot open and end the film in the same way - drinking a toast to the New Year. In the meantime, they have lost two sons - Edward in the sinking of the Titanic and Joe, killed just as the armistice to end the war is announced. Alfred is killed by a fire engine (horse drawn) while drunk.

Answer: Bleriot

Louis Bleriot first flew the English channel on 25th July 1909. In the film, "Cavalcade', the characters Edward and Edith (John Warburton and Margaret Lindsay) were at the seaside and had just declared their love for each other. After sharing a kiss, an aeroplane could be heard overheard and Edward shouted out, "Look, Bleriot flying the channel, he's done it".

Answer: "Let us drink to the hope that one day this country of ours, which we love so much, will find dignity, and greatness, and peace again."

Diana Wynyard's character made her rousing speech as she raised a glass to welcome in the New Year with her husband. 'Cavalcade' won the Best Picture award, beating off other hopefuls, '42nd Street', 'Little Women', and 'State Fair'. It also won an award for Best Director and Best Art Direction. Although nominated for Best Actress, Diana Wynyard eventually lost out to Katharine Hepburn for her role in 'Morning Glory'.