Classic Films of the '30s, '40s and '50s. Quiz

Answer: The 39 Steps

This is one of Alfred Hitchcock's finest spy films, based on the 1915 John Buchan classic novel, and starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. In the book the 39 steps refers to the number of steps on a cliff, where a German spy ring will smuggle secrets offshore to the steam yacht 'Ariadne'.

In the film it refers to the name of the actual spy organisation. The other films were also directed by Hitchcock. "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934) was Hitchcock's last film prior to making "The 39 Steps" in 1935 and "Secret Agent" and "Sabotage" were the films he made immediately following, in 1936.

Answer: The Count Of Monte Cristo

This version of "The Count Of Monte Cristo" is generally considered the best screen adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel, and the story remains faithful to the book. It was Robert Donat's only film made in America and, due to asthma, he would not again star in a swashbuckling role.
The other films are all pirate swashbucklers starring Errol Flynn.

Answer: Goodbye Mr. Chips

Robert Donat won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mr. Chipping. Other nominations that year included Clark Gable, James Stewart, Mickey Rooney and Laurence Olivier.
The other films all star comic great Will Hay, in his famous role as a bumbling, incompetent school master.

Answer: The Ghost Goes West

Robert Donat was at the height of his career, having just completed "The 39 Steps". He was selected to play both the parts of the ghost and the proprietor of the castle, beating Laurence Olivier and Charles Laughton for the roles. This was Donat's only romantic comedy.
The other films all star or feature Gene Kelly.

Answer: The Young Mr. Pitt

This is one of Carol Reed's masterpieces, starring Robert Donat, Robert Morley, John Mills, Phyillis Calvert and Herbert Lom. It portrays the life of one of Britain's great politicians, William Pitt The Younger, who became Prime Minister at the age of 24.
"Waterloo" (1928), "The Romance Of Lady Hamilton" (1919) and "Nelson" (1918) were all silent films set in the Napoleonic era.

Answer: The Winslow Boy

This film of Terence Rattigan's play gave Robert Donat one of his best ever roles as the QC defending naval cadet Neil North, who was accused of forging a signature on a postal order. It also starred Cedric Hardwicke, Margaret Leighton, Stanley Holloway and Wilfrid Hyde White.
The other films all feature Sir Cedric Hardwicke. "A Wing And A Prayer" was about the US victory at the battle of Midway, "Suspicion" was a classic Hitchcock thriller starring Carey Grant and "The Dreyfus Case" was based on the true story of the Jewish French Captain, Albert Dreyfus falsley accused of spying.

Answer: Knight Without Armour

"Knight Without Armour" teamed Robert Donat with Hollywood idol, Marlene Dietrich. Her contracted salary, for the role was $250,000 plus 10% of the gross profits. Partly due to Dietrich's salary the film was not a financial success, but was well received by critics and cinema goers.
The other films all starred British actor, Stewart Granger but Robert Donat also had a cameo appearance in Captain Boycott.

Answer: The Citadel

The Citadel was based on a novel by A. J. Cronin, and directed by King Vidor. It starred Robert Donat as the young doctor, alongside Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson and Rex Harrison. After "Goodbye Mr. Chips" this was considered Donat's most successful film.
The other films all starred Trevor Howard.

Answer: Inn Of The Sixth Happiness

Both Robert Donat and Ingrid Bergman won Golden Globe awards for their leading roles in this film. It was Donat's last film before his untimely death the same year. His last line on screen was, "We shall not see each other again, I think."
The other films are all set in 1950's Hong Kong.

Answer: Robert Donat

One of the great classic screen actors, Robert Donat had a 26 year career, but only made 19 films. Ill health and asthma plagued his career and he died of a chronic asthma attack at only 53 years old.