Corruption, Graft, and Shadiness in the Movies Quiz

Answer: Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman

Both actors have distinguished themselves in films. Hoffman has two acting Oscars, for "Kramer vs Kramer"(1979) and "Rain Man"(1988). Redford also produces and directs, winning an Oscar as Best Director for "Ordinary People" in 1980. Robert Redford (Woodward) and Dustin Hoffman (Bernstein) do a great job portraying investigative reporters for the Washington Post, the newspaper that probably did the most to bring about the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

What starts out as a simple burglary at the Watergate Hotel and Office complex, ends up toppling an administration that does everything in its considerable power to cover it up. This includes the payment of hush money and abuse of power. The Washington Post was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1973 for its coverage of the scandal.

Answer: Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese was born in New York in 1942, and planned on becoming a priest before he turned to film-making. He is one of the finest directors of his generation, or any generation. His films include "The Aviator" (2004), "Gangs of New York" (2002), "Goodfellas" (1990), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988) and "Raging Bull" (1980). He received Academy Award nominations for Best Director for all the above films before winning for "The Departed".

Answer: Brubaker

The film is based on a 1969 book written by former warden Tom Murton and author Joe Hyams, "Accomplices To The Crime: The Arkansas Prison Scandal." It's the true story of a filthy, brutal and crime-ridden prison farm, and the man who attempts to clean it up.

The film also stars Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander, and Morgan Freeman, with Nicolas Cage in a very small role in one of his first films. Although Warden Murton achieves some success in his efforts to reform the prison, he also makes some powerful enemies on the prison board.

When several unmarked graves are discovered on the prison grounds, a scandal erupts, and eventually Murton is fired.

Answer: Prince of the City

Robert Leuci is the real-life policeman who is forced to turn informant after being caught in some minor misbehavior on the job. He insists he will never inform against his partners, but in the end, it doesn't turn out that way. Fifty-two of Leuci's fellow officers are indicted for stealing money from the drug dealers they arrest, for selling drugs, and other related crimes. Two of the indicted officers commit suicide. Treat Williams does a great job in a role that was originally meant to go to Robert De Niro.

It's a very good film.

Answer: The Changeling

Clint Eastwood directs this 2008 movie about corrupt politicians and abuse of power by police authorities in the early years of the city of Los Angeles. Based on real life events, the film stars Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich.
The story is harrowing. When Christine Collins (played by Jolie) realizes the boy the police bring to her is not her son, she confronts and challenges them. They respond by having her locked up in a psychiatric ward. Jolie was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance.

Answer: Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas also produced "Wall Street". The son of actor Kirk Douglas, he has produced many fine films as well as acting in them. He began his career as an actor on the television show, "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1972, and went on to become a producer of the 1975 film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." That effort won Douglas an Oscar as producer for Best Picture.
He's also starred in "Romancing the Stone" (1984), "The War of the Roses" in 1989, "Basic Instinct" (1992), "Fatal Attraction" (1987) and "The American President" in 1995.

Answer: Serpico

Frank Serpico is a 12-year patrolman for the New York City Police Department. Upon being assigned to work as a plainclothes officer, he discovers widespread corrupt behavior among his fellow officers, which he reports to his superiors. This doesn't have the desired result; they don't want to hear about it, but Serpico perseveres. During a drug bust, Serpico is shot in the face under suspicious circumstances.

His colleagues may be involved. He survives, is promoted to detective, and testifies against the corruption on the New York police force. Author Peter Maas wrote a biography of Serpico's experiences.

The film is based on his 1973 book, also entitled "Serpico".

Answer: The Verdict

Paul Newman gives a fine, Oscar-nominated performance in this role. Jack Warden co-stars as Newman's only remaining friend, and Charlotte Rampling is a mysterious woman who becomes involved with Newman. Lindsey Crouse also appears, and there's a great turn by Milo O'Shea as a villainous judge.

The film is directed by Sidney Lumet, from a screenplay by David Mamet. In addition to Newman's well-deserved Oscar nomination, "The Verdict" received nominations for Lumet as Best Director, James Mason as Best Supporting actor, David Mamet for the screenplay and a nomination for Best Picture.

It's a great movie.

Answer: Erin Brockovich

Of course, Julia Roberts plays the title role in this film, and now owns an Oscar for her performance. Albert Finney co-stars, also Oscar-nominated for his work. The real Erin Brockovich has a small role as a waitress at the beginning of the film.

With three small children, no job and no husband, Erin Brockovich is really down on her luck. She's able to talk herself into a job in a lawyer's office and soon begins to investigate a case against Pacific Gas and Electric. The huge utility company has been illegally dumping toxic waste near people's homes located around a small town in California. Many of the residents have contracted cancer and other serious illnesses. Erin talks her boss into pursuing a class-action lawsuit, and after much hard work and dedication, especially on Erin's part, they win a multi-million dollar settlement against the utility.

Answer: Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski has a small role in the film, he's the hood who slices up Nicholson's nose. Some of Polanski's best known films are the 1968 hit "Rosemary's Baby", "Repulsion" (1965) and "The Pianist" (2002), which earned an Oscar for Polanski as Best Director and for the film's star, Adrien Brody, for Best Actor. Polanski was born in Paris, France, of a Polish father and a Russian mother.

When World War II broke out, Roman's parents were sent to concentration camps; his mother perished at Auschwitz. Young Roman escaped and was sheltered by farmers, living in very difficult circumstances.

He reunited with his father when the war ended. He attended film school in Poland as a young man, became an actor, and began directing as well. He worked in Poland, then France and eventually came to Hollywood.