"Green Book" - Doc's Paradox Trivia Quiz

Answer: Copacabana night club

While Bobby Rydell belts out "That Old Black Magic" to a jovial Copa audience, a scuffle breaks out at a table. The call goes out for Tony "Lip" Vallelonga - a working class Italian-American with a hazy connection to the mob. Tony appears to be a waiter, but is in fact a jack-of-all-trades at the club. On call, he is ready to resolve issues with rowdy patrons - with fists if necessary. After literally throwing the unruly patron out the front door, Lip DOES try to end the incident calmly. "Do yourself a favor, go home with your friends." Alas, his attempt at diplomacy fails. The disorderly dude gives Lip some lip, earning a free facial alignment.

"OOPS" - Tony arrives home from work in the wee hours. Before bed, he stands at the open door of the refrigerator, drinking from a milk bottle. Sitting on the door shelf is a small tin of spice. On the side of the tin, we see the bar code - which wasn't on grocery items in 1962.

Viggo Mortensen has over 60 acting credits - notably, Aragorn in "Lord of the Rings". He also has several producer, director, and composer credits. In a unique bit of irony, Mortensen is a fluent speaker in French, Spanish and Danish, none of which were heard in the film. His screen persona Tony's linguistic skills encompass only "Bronx" and faux German.

Answer: "We came over to keep Dolores (Tony's wife) company."

Dolores is an adult, married and raising two boys. She is certainly capable of managing her own household without help. But when a family member looks askance into the kitchen, we gain insight about family attitudes; Tony's relatives are "protecting" her. Two black tradesmen are finishing up a flooring job in the kitchen, as Dolores pours glasses of lemonade for them. Her own father calls them "sacks of coal". Tony has the same opinion: "I didn't know they were going to send eggplants."

Many of us think that racist attitudes and bigotry were/are confined to the South. But in our hearts and those tiny little back rooms of our minds, we know it's far more common. Several sources confirm that Tony - like many others in the world - had his fair share of prejudice.

Answer: Drops their drinking glasses in the trash can

With a disgusted look on his face, Tony uses two fingers - as if the glasses are contaminated - to drop the glasses in the garbage. To him, they ARE unfit for further use. During the meal later that day, Dolores finds the discarded glasses in the trash and realizes what happened. She takes the tumblers from the trash and sets them in the sink for washing. The look on her face is one of hopeless frustration (one that we stupid husbands probably get a lot, but are fortunate not to see).

Dolores is played by Linda Cardellini. She has over 70 acting credits, including appearances in "Hawkeye" and "Gravity Falls". She was a prime time Emmy nominee in the "Dead to Me" comedy series, and was Velma in the "Scooby-Doo" films. Cardellini also was Samantha Taggart in 126 episodes of the TV drama "ER" (my wife reminded me to include that one).

Answer: Wins a hot dog eating contest

We see Paulie's backside "overwhelming" a stool at the lunch counter. We also see old style large sugar shakers on the counter - I haven't seen those in years. But back to Paulie. He looks to be a BIG eater, and claims to weigh in at 260. Tony's pal Johnny sarcastically replies to Paulie, "Hey... your left ass weighs 260!" But we soon discover that Tony is a World Class chow hound, not to be intimidated. The challenge is on! Hot dog eating time - with ALL the toppings, mind you. Final score: Tony - 26 dogs; Fat Paulie - 24.

"OOPS" - There's a hand sanitizer dispenser on the back wall. Were those in common use in 1962?

At home, Tony tells wife Dolores about the wager. She misunderstands at first, thinking he LOST $50. When he clarifies and hands over his winnings, her reaction and expressions are absolutely superb! Many husbands have known the feeling of barely escaping a wife's righteous wrath.

Answer: Drive, and resolve "problems" along the way

The changing levels of formality in this scene are interesting. Donald formally greets "Mister Vallelonga" and appropriately introduces himself in a lofty manner as Doctor Donald Shirley.

Tony immediately replies with an unpretentious, "Tony." The Dr. follows suit, addressing him by that nickname. Donald states that he is "...not a medical doctor".

As his expected duties are explained, Tony acknowledges driving responsibilities, ensuring piano availability, and "resolving" unforeseen troubles in the South. But when Dr. Shirley describes additional valet duties of shoe shining and laundry, Tony adamantly refuses. "I ain't no butler!" Tony counters with his own demands. Shirley is not impressed, and banishes him with formal, "Well... Mr. Vallelonga... thank you for stopping by." The interview is over!

**PARADOX** - During this interview scene, Dr. Shirley says, "We'll be gone for eight straight weeks." But at least two sources state this trip was actually a year and a half long! An excruciatingly long time to be on the road, even in pre-interstate days. Maybe Tony was a VERY careful driver? Screenwriter Nick Vallelonga (Tony's son) acknowledges the shortening of the trip, as well as shifting some event locations, for creative reasons.

Mahershala Ali has several producing credits and more than 50 acting credits in movie and television roles. His earliest significant role appears to be the role of (appropriately) Dr. Trey Sanders in the TV series "Crossing Jordan". He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University. Most notably, Ali has garnered Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor - in 2017 for "Moonlight" and in 2019 for "Green Book".

Answer: German

As the second car pulls away, Oleg stares disdainfully at Tony who mumbles, "What are you lookin at?" He then gives Oleg a disdainful chin flick.

Tony says to Doc, "You speak German, huh?" Shirley corrects him, stating that the words were Russian. No matter - Tony launches into a harangue about being in the army in Germany, understands a little. "Watch out for them krauts... Kennedy should've bombed them..." He then takes aim at "them Cuban bastards". Donald fidgets in the back seat, obviously impatient with the lack of intellect in the front seat. Unable to tolerate the babble, he finally says, "Tony - How about some quiet time?" Tony launches into a dissertation on quiet time in his own household, totally oblivious to the irony of the situation. Dr. Shirley's expressions and gestures in the scene are superb!

Ready for some "Twister" game geography? Oleg - the Russian cellist - is played by Dimiter Marinov - who is actually a native Bulgarian. He was trained in classical violin (I find no mention of cello), and has appeared on episodes of "NCIS", "Brighton Beach", and "S.W.A.T.". Donald Shirley's real-life cellist was Juni Taht, an Estonian. I found an online item stating that Mr. Taht was very disappointed that his character was presented as Russian.

Bass player George Dyer is portrayed by Mike Hatton, actor, comedian, and former network TV reporter, with a score of acting credits to his name. Ken Fricker was the real-life bassist in 1962.

Comment: This early driving scene shows what can happen when men from different regions, cultures, etc. are thrown together for extended periods in cramped conditions. Minor irritation can escalate into frustration, anger, and worse. The scene reminded me of shipboard or barracks life.

Answer: Cutty Sark

At their Pittsburgh hotel the evening before the first performance, Tony looks out his window and sees George and Oleg at poolside. They are chatting and laughing with two female guests. He then glances at a nearby second floor balcony and sees Dr. Shirley sitting alone, drink in hand, the nightly bottle of Cutty Sark at his side. No clear dialog is spoken, but the image and music convey a deep sense of loneliness and loss. And we see that it registers with Tony.

Next evening, Tony - by his own choice - is "banished" to outside, along with other drivers and staff - nearly all of them black. The event hostess introduces Dr. Shirley and recites his credentials: "doctorates in psychology, in music, and in the liturgical arts".

**PARADOX** - the only documented formal education I can find online is a bachelor's degree in music in 1953 from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and two unspecified honorary doctorates. To further obfuscate the education issue, there are conflicting opinions about whether he ever studied in Leningrad, USSR.

Regardless of education issues, Tony watches Dr. Shirley's performance through an open window, and is impressed.

Answer: chicken

Tony is amazed to find a KFC in - of all places - Kentucky! Shirley claims to have never eaten fried chicken in his life, so Tony initiates (browbeats might be more accurate) Doc into the delight of greasy, high cholesterol poultry with a Bucket of the Colonel's finest. Donald discovers the joy of eating delicious food without using utensils and Tony discovers how NOT to dispose of empty paper cups!

Donald: "What do we do about the bones?"
Tony: "We do this." (bones tossed out the car windows)
The experience will serve Donald in good stead at the Raleigh event.

As they are traveling, Tony asks if Doc has any family. Donald mentions "a brother somewhere", and a now divorced wife. The conversation intimates that the brothers are estranged.

**PARADOX** - In 1962, Donald Shirley had three living brothers (not merely the one sibling that is inferred in the scene). One of his family members is on record saying that Don Shirley maintained contact with the family, was active in the Civil Rights movement, and knew African-American leaders and artists, and was certainly familiar with fried chicken.

Answer: By implying that he had a gun.

Tony reaches behind his coat, hinting a gun tucked in the small of his back. He then growls that the ringleader would get a "bullet in your thick skull". No one dares call his bluff.

Tony stays in the Easton, a whites only hotel. Dr. Shirley's run-down motel has a prominent "For COLORED ONLY" sign. Tony reads "cozy as your own home" in the book, and offers his own blunt opinion: "Place looks like my ass!" Donald stoically replies, "This is the place."

**PARADOX** - Ironically, the "Green Book" itself makes only brief appearances in the film. We see its first actual use for lodging in Louisville, and later in the film, somewhere just before the show in Birmingham. Both of those establishments appear run down, painting a skewed picture of the book's content. In addition to lodging, "Green Book" offered information on restaurants, nightclubs, barber shops, beauty salons, and more. The vast majority of these businesses were neat, clean, and respectable; many were family owned and operated. It's hard to imagine someone of Don Shirley's status staying in shabby quarters. There must have been better accommodations available in those cities. Artistic license again, we must assume.

Though beaten and bruised, Dr. Shirley completes his Kentucky performance the following evening, and bows to applause. Ever the gentleman, he says to the audience, "Louisville - thank you for your warm hospitality." Tony, watching in the wings, grimaces. He has seen firsthand the "hospitality" that Louisville provided!

Answer: "Looks more like a piecemeal ransom note!"

Comment: The term "piecemeal" is somewhat ironic here. Our protagonists are sitting at an outdoor picnic table; pieces of their meal - cups, snack wrappers, pecan log roll boxes are scattered about.

Donald begins educating Tony in the fine art of correspondence, pointing out errors: "Deer" becomes "Dear", "planes" becomes "plains". Tony is suitably impressed and works to make corrections. This IS a humorous interlude in the film, but we realize that these men are starting to appreciate and respect each other.

The scene changes. Dolores is reading Tony's romantic letter, becoming dewy-eyed as she does so. Under the good Doctor's tutelage, Lip's letters wax ever more poetic. In a follow-on scene, Dolores reads the missives aloud for female relatives. One male relative brags, "It runs in the family. One of our [long ago relatives] helped da Vinci with the Sixteen (sic) Chapel."

Answer: The governor calls the police chief.

Dr. Shirley calls the US Attorney General - Robert Kennedy - who then calls the governor of Mississippi, who calls the police chief. A classic example of how "stuff" rolls downhill!

This very intense segment clearly illustrates some of the unique hazards faced by black travelers in the South. This time, the belligerent white chauffeur received a dose of discrimination as well, when the cop called him the "word that cannot be spoken". We can only speculate what would have happened if Lip had remained calm. Did you consciously notice the only officer showing any concern for fair treatment during this entire segment was the most junior of the three? Perhaps a portent of better times to come?

**PARADOX** - One source says such an incident DID occur - but in West Virginia, for speeding. No one was punched. Tony was jailed; Dr. Shirley was not, but did call Robert Kennedy.

Comment: Sundown towns laws forbade blacks outside their residences after sunset. They were common in the South, but I was amazed to learn there were allegedly far more Northern municipalities with such restrictions! I scanned the Ohio lists, and was relieved when my childhood home of Portsmouth was NOT shown.

Answer: Don and Tony stormed out of the club and did not perform.

This was a very intricate scene; I had to watch it several times to fully understand it. Dr. Shirley is adamant about fulfilling every concert date. When he is denied regular seating for dinner, the "either I eat in this room or I'm not playing" response came as a surprise to me. Tony - perhaps motivated by the specter of lost wages? - suggests that they eat somewhere else, then come back for the performance. After a convoluted discussion, Donald relents, saying, "Tony - I'll play... if you want me to." And once again; surprisingly, Tony's attitude does a total 180! He replies, "Let's get the hell out of here!" Club manager Graham Kindell (well played by Brian Stepanek) is screaming at them as they walk out the door.

Days earlier, referring to the discrimination because of race, Tony had asked Oleg and George, "Why does he (Doc) put up with that (discrimination) crap?" In Birmingham, Oleg finally replies, "Genius is not enough. It takes courage to change people's hearts."

Answer: a partly filled whiskey glass

Early in the film, we heard Doc say, "You wouldn't see Rubinstein taking a whiskey glass off the piano." Now in Birmingham, after dining on the house special ("Orange Bird" - aka chicken!), Donald walks to the bandstand piano (NOT a Steinway) and removes the glass. The irony of the situation drew a snicker of amusement from Tony.

The Don Shirley's talents rivet the audience, garners thunderous applause, and earns the respect of the band. He accompanies the musicians on several popular numbers, and greatly enjoys the time. As they depart the establishment, a smiling Don tells Tony, "I'd do that once a month for free."

Comment: The outside Orange Bird Bar-n-Gri*l sign really IS missing a letter. Aren't you glad that wasn't a trivia question?

Answer: lucky rock

Remember the rock Tony "found" at a souvenir stand early in the journey? He put it in his pocket? Dr. Shirley was informed, and adamantly ordered Tony to return the rock. A petulant Tony seemed to comply, but we in the audience knew Lip faked the return, fooling Doc.

In this scene we learn yet again that Donald is no fool. He knew all along that Tony had that darn stone! Tony reluctantly complies, earning a wry, "Thank you. I feel safer already." Tony makes a rather rude retort, then both men start laughing. THIS is how close friends can talk to each other.

They make the long drive back to New York in a snowstorm. Dr. Shirley drops Tony off, and returns to his elegant, lonely apartment. He places the rock on a tray - it meant something to him; enough to bring it into his house. The place feels empty. Cold. A bleak Christmas.

Answer: Pawn shop owner and his wife

We are fooled by this scene. Well, I sure was, and I think Tony was too. We fully expect Donald at the door. But it's Charlie, the pawn shop owner and his wife. As they enter, empty-handed, someone says, "You didn't bring nothin?" So much for the Christmas spirit. We in the audience feel a pang of disappointment. Tony is about to close the door, when... who, to his wondering eyes should appear.... Don Shirley! The two men embrace, and Donald is introduced to the family. He greets Dolores with "Buon Natale" ("Merry Christmas" in Italian), and she greets Don with a hug and a whispered, "Thank you for helping him with the letters."

As the end credits start we read: "Tony Lip and Dr. Donald Shirley remained friends until they died within months of each other."

**PARADOX** Don Shirley's relatives claimed the two men were never friends; the relationship was purely professional. But other sources quote Shirley himself saying otherwise: "You see, Tony... not only was he my driver... we never had an employer-employee relationship, you don't have time for that foolishness. My life is in this man's hands, do you understand me? So we got to be friendly with one another."