Taps Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sean Penn

Of the available answers, all were actors in this film with the exception of Ralph Macchio. This was Sean Penn's introduction to the big screen as Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer. All of the other actors had already received acting credits in other big screen efforts. Tom Cruise's debut was the often overlooked film "Endless Love".

A five year old Timothy Hutton scored his first film with with "Never Too Late". Ralph Macchio's debut was in the 1980 release titled "Up the Academy", a sure must-see for anyone who has not been lucky enough to see that one.

Answer: Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill was a fictional name given to a very real military academy. The movie was filmed at the Valley Forge Military Academy located in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The uniforms depicted in the movie were actual replicas of those worn by Valley Forge cadets.

Answer: George C. Scott

George C. Scott played this role with great skill. His dedication to honor and military life was obviously an influence on his cadets. That dedication led to the cadet's deciding to defend their school and prevent it from being sold to developers.
In 1970, George C. Scott portrayed another military leader, the World War II hero General George Patton in a film by Franklin J. Schaffner. Mr. Scott may have had to act in his role as Patton, but he actually had some real life experience in the military as a member of the US Marines from 1945 until 1949.

Answer: John Cooper

Cadet Major John Cooper was played by the actor Tim Wahrer. Upon Cooper's graduation, Moreland was promoted to the rank of Cadet Major by General Bache.

Answer: Charlie

In an emotional exchange, Cadet Plebe Charlie and Cadet Plebe Derek were hunkered in a makeshift bunker when they realized the true danger that they were placed, in trying to defend their school against the Army National Guard. Derek started to cry and stated that he did not want to be killed, he then made a run for the gate to safety.

As he did, Charlie chased after him. During the course of this, Derek's gun was dropped, and it discharged, leading the National Guard to open fire. One of the bullets found Charlie's chest, killing him instantly.

The scene closed with the lights of an Army tank focused in on Charlie's lifeless body, and then shutting down power.

Answer: Master Sergeant

The actor Wayne Tippit played Master Sergeant Kevin Moreland in the movie. Tippit has had roles on many US television programs including "Seinfeld", "Baywatch" and "Melrose Place" among others.

The US Army rank of Master Sergeant is designated as E-8, or the eighth highest enlisted rank. Master Sergeant is even in rank with First Sergeant and directly below Sergeant Major. The rank of Sergeant First Class is one rank lower than Master Sergeant.

Answer: Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer might be found hanging around the stables tending to the campus horses.

Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer was the person responsible for the horses used in ceremonies such as graduation, parades and funerals. He was seen atop his mount during one such graduation commencement at the beginning of the movie. He also was seen leading his horse to the funeral ceremony for General Bache.

Answer: Red Berets

Tom Cruise certainly performed well in the role of the aggressive David Shawn. During the movie, the characters played by Penn and Cruise were constantly at odds with one another over the aggression displayed by David Shawn and his eagerness to escalate situations with the use of unnecessary violence.

Answer: "Star Trek" and "M*A*S*H*"

During the movie, the television lounge was a place for the cadets to relax and socialize. The shows that appeared on their television were "Star Trek", "M*A*S*H*" and the local news.

Answer: Cadet Major Brian Moreland and Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer

Cadet Major Moreland and Cadet Captain Dwyer were very close friends and roommates, but they did let the pressure of their situation get the better of them and a fight broke out. Dwyer was the more "civilian" of the two, and his mocking of the relationship between Moreland and General Bache, a relationship built on military respect and honor, was the reason the two resorted to fighting.