Classic WWII Flicks Trivia Quiz

Answer: Run Silent, Run Deep

"Run Silent, Run Deep" was based on a novel by Edward L. Beach and was on the "New York Times" Book Review for several months. However, Beach did not have a high opinion of the film version of his book. But for its day, this movie was a great depiction of submarine warfare, including the image of Japanese depth charges bouncing off the sub's hull and the submarine tactics of "silent running".

Answer: Attack

"Attack" won the 1956 Italian Film Critics Award. Because the officers played by Arnold and Marvin were portrayed as a coward and a manipulator, respectively, the Defense Department refused to provide production assistance. And, although his character was a coward, in actuality Eddie Albert won a Bronze Star for heroism in the Pacific Theater.

Answer: They Were Expendable

"They Were Expendable" was directed by John Ford. Although he and Wayne would eventually form a strong bond, the Duke was somewhat green still in '45, and Ford rode him hard before being injured in a fall. Montgomery then took over much of the directing. "PT 109" was released in 1963 and tells the story of John F. Kennedy's experience as a PT boat captain during the war.

Answer: The Bridge on the River Kwai

Based on "The Bridge over the River Kwai", a novel by Frenchman Pierre Boulle, who also wrote "Planet of the Apes", the screenwriters for the film were actually Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson. But Boulle was originally credited for the screenwriting, as well, because Foreman and Wilson were on the Hollywood Blacklist while they were secretly writing the screenplay. Thus Boulle was originally awarded the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Years later, Foreman and Wilson received the Academy Award posthumously.

Answer: The Guns of Navarone

I still watch this flick on VHS just to watch the big twin guns slide into the sea. An interesting snafu during the filming was that Gregory Peck's character was supposed to be fluent in German, which Peck, in fact was definitely not. Consequently, a voice actor named Robert Rietty dubbed in all of Peck's German lines.

Answer: Sands of Iwo Jima

I think this was the first time I ever saw the Duke get killed. The movie also garnered four other Academy Award nominations besides Wayne's. Six veterans of Iwo Jima or Tarawa played themselves in the movie, including Medal of Honor winner David M. Shoup and Navy Cross recipient Henry P. Crowe.

Answer: A Walk in the Sun

The film was made in 1945 and actually scheduled for release in July of that year, but was delayed until '46 by Twentieth Century Fox officials when Japan surrendered. It was directed by Lewis Milestone. It was based on the novel by Harry Brown.

Answer: Twelve O'Clock High

"Flying Leathernecks" was a 1951 release starring John Wayne about Marine pilots fighting the Japanese. "Raid on Rommel" was a 1971 release starring Richard Burton about the North African campaign. "Where Eagles Dare" was a UK film released in 1968 starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood as commandos who seek to free an American general being held by the Germans in the Alps.

Answer: Sink the Bismarck

Much of the film dealt with the planners and strategists in the admiralty, as opposed to the sailors aboard the ships at sea. Despite some inconsistencies, the film has been highly praised for its accuracy and atmosphere for the hunt and destruction of the Bismarck.

Answer: Halls of Montezuma

This was Richard Boone's first feature film role, and was also the first credited appearance by Robert Wagner. Also appearing were future TV veterans Martin Milner and Neville Brand. Boone, Webb, and Malden also had long careers on the small screen.

The film also made use of actual color combat footage from the Pacific Theater.