Memorable Films of the Sixties Quiz

Answer: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Redford and Newman made a great film pair and they played off each other well. Harry Longabaugh (Sundance Kid) and Robert Leroy Parker (Butch Cassidy) were wanted for horse theft, cattle rustling, and robbing trains during the Old West days. The law was hot on their trail so they decided to flee to Bolivia where they were supposedly killed.

This scenario has been challenged by some, particularly family members, who question its validity and believe the outlaws returned to their roots in Utah. The truth remains a mystery.

Answer: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Truman Capote made it clear that Holly was not a prostitute but a small-town girl with dreams and aspirations. Holly's opinions were decidedly her own and she didn't mind sharing them with others. George Peppard co-starred as the film's narrator as well as Holly's neighbor and love interest. Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe for the role but due to a contract dispute, Hepburn was chosen. I can't imagine any actress who could have made the role of Holly Golightly her own better than Audrey Hepburn did.

Answer: Lawrence of Arabia

David Lean directed this historic film about the exploits of the military officer T.E. Lawrence. Lawrence was an archeologist and spent a great deal of time traveling the Middle East in this capacity before becoming a British intelligence officer. Without any official military training, Lawrence led missions, some of them dangerous, behind enemy lines during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1916.

He later enlisted in the Royal Air Force under an assumed name. Ironically, in 1935, despite leading dangerous military missions, T.E. Lawrence died from massive brain injuries resulting from a motorbike accident.

He was 46 years old.

Answer: West Side Story

Natalie Wood starred as Maria with Richard Beymer as her star-crossed lover, Tony. Wood was not a singer so her singing voice was dubbed by vocalist Marni Nixon who famously lent her trained voice to other Hollywood singing roles. In my opinion, "West Side Story" has some of the most energetic and stunningly executed choreography in the history of film musicals. Jerome Robbins perfectly coordinated his choreography with Bernstein's jazz score, complete with irregular tempos and dissonant chords.

Answer: In Cold Blood

The entire Clutter family was murdered by two former inmates, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, who were given false information about a stash of cash that Herbert Clutter supposedly kept hidden in a safe in his home. The senseless killings led to the executions of Smith and Hickock by the state of Kansas. Capote became interested in the story and went to Kansas to interview family and friends.

The book is not without its detractors. Some have questioned whether or not Capote embellished the story and misquoted family members. Regardless, the book remained in print for over 50 years.

Answer: Where Eagles Dare

The setting of the film was Germany during World War II, although it was actually filmed in Austria. The small group of elite British soldiers and one American are sent to Bavaria to rescue a U.S. General who had been captured by the Germans. With little information to go on and fighting the cold, snow and fatigue, the motley group manage to infiltrate the castle after some harrowing escapes.

Answer: The Birds

Daphne du Maurier wrote the story upon which the film was based. The inexplicable nature of the avian attacks is part of what makes the story so creepy. The other part belongs to the great director himself. Minimal use of music and slow buildup of terror are hallmarks of Hitchcock at his best. The film starred Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, and Rod Taylor.

Answer: Mary Poppins

Based on a series of children's books written by P.L. Travers, "Mary Poppins" is about the ideal nanny. Along with her magical umbrella, she suddenly appears one day at the London home of the Banks family. The family desperately need cheering-up, especially children Jane and Michael. Mary succeeds spectacularly. Combining live action and animation, the film is a feast for the eyes and ears. Dick Van Dyke played the role of Mary's friend Bert and some critics have criticized his unconvincing Cockney accent.

In my opinion, he more than made up for it since he's so likeable and a natural entertainer.

Answer: The Apartment

Jack Lemmon played the role of C.C. Baxter, an office worker in an insurance company who leads a mundane life until he meets an elevator operator, Fran Kubelik, played by Shirley MacLaine. Unbeknownst to him, she is having an affair with his boss, the married Jeff Sheldrake. Meanwhile, Baxter lends out his New York apartment for the corporation's managers and their girlfriends, something he starts to regret once he becomes romantically interested in Fran. Fred MacMurray played so many nice-guy roles in his film career that it was a welcome change to watch him play a not-so-nice guy.

Answer: Night of the Living Dead

Although this movie was low-budget, it has gained a cult following over the years. A group of young people are stranded in an old farmhouse while the dead suddenly rise up from the graves and surround them with deadly intentions. How will they escape the horror? Or will they? By the way, all the titles in the wrong answers are actual titles of real films.