Honoring D-Day Heroes Trivia Quiz

Answer: a briefcase

The beginning of the film was a series of vignettes. This scene was five years into the occupation of France. When Major General Pemsel took the briefcase and opened it we had a quick glimpse of papers or documents.

Answer: people being smuggled through the German lines

Janine Boitard, portrayed by Irina Demick, was a French Resistance fighter and the man pulling the wagon was her husband, also a member of the Resistance. Later in the film the two helped paratroopers set up explosives and destroy a railroad bridge guarded by German soldiers.

Answer: rosary beads

While Schultz (Richard Beymer) counted his winnings, his bunk mate told him he was always lucky and reminded him of a previous occasion in Fort Bragg, when he also won at dice. Schultz recalled that after he won he broke his leg in a jump and spent two months in traction. He stared at the rosary beads and decided to play to lose the money and hoped that would insure a "clean jump".

Answer: Peter Lawford

As Brigadier Lord Lovat, Peter Lawford arrrived with his own personal piper playing the bagpipes, much to the annoyance of Pvt. Flanagan (Sean Connery) who claimed "it takes an Irishman to play the pipes", as he stuck cotton in his ears! Peter Lawford was married to Patricia Kennedy from 1954 untill 1966. During that time he and other members of Hollywood's Rat Pack campaigned for his brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy. Andre Bourvil, who played the Mayor was one of France's most renowned actors, particularly in comedies.

He died in 1970, at age 53.

Answer: pair of shoes

Convinced that the invasion would not take place in bad weather, Rommel was on leave and returned to Germany to celebrate his wife's birthday on June 6. He gave her a pair of shoes, handmade in Paris.

Answer: True

This was one of the most prophetic lines in the movie. Here we are, decades later talking about it! As the Commander, Rod Steiger called the invasion "the biggest armada the world has ever known" and with a wide grin he added "It gives me goose pimples just to think about it."

Answer: Paul Anka

His cameo in "The Longest day" marked his first acting role. The Canadian singer, songwriter and actor also wrote "My Way" made famous by Frank Sinatra, "She's a Lady", "Puppy Love", "Put Your Head on my Shoulder", to name a few.

The lyrics are:
"Many men came here as soldiers
Many men will pass this way
Many men will count the hours
As they live the longest day

Many men are tired and weary
Many men are here to stay
Many men won't see the sunset
When it ends the longest day

The longest day, the longest day
This will be the longest day
Filled with hopes and filled with fears
Filled with blood and sweat and tears

Many men, the mighty thousands
Many men to victory
Marching on, right into battle
In the longest day in history".

Answer: carrier pigeons

Denied the use of official communications equipment they decided to use the pigeons. When the pigeons flew off in the wrong direction, heading straight to the German troops one Canadian correspondent accused the wayward carrier pigeons of being traitors!

Answer: arthritis

When he requested to go ashore he deliberately went to talk to his commanding officer without his cane. He was the highest-ranking officer on Utah Beach that day and the only General to land with the first wave--walking cane and all! His presence and leadership proved essential when his division landed a mile out of position. "We'll start the war from here," he said confidently!

Answer: He treated himself to a fresh cigar.

Robert Mitchum had the same cigar stub throughout the entire film! It was great to see him throw it away, take new one from his pocket and smile as he got in his jeep and told the driver "Take me up the hill, son!"