Average The Distinguished Gentleman Quiz | 10 Questions

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Eddie Murphy plays conman, Thomas Johnson in "The Distinguished Gentleman". The movie begins with Thomas conning an insurance company president. What is the insurance executive's first name?

Answer: Zeke

Zeke Bridges, played by character actor Noble Willingham, likes to have phone sex, and is a customer of Thomas' "Girls of Many Nations". Thomas, posing as a vice cop, and his two assistants threaten to expose the company president at a large political gathering at his own home. The threesome get away with $12,000 and a Rolex watch.

2. What veteran Hollywood actor portrayed corrupt Congressman Jeff Johnson, who dies suddenly while in office?

Answer: James Garner

At the beginning of the film, Thomas overhears the Congressman chatting with Olaf Anderson, a political supporter, about campaign funds and insider trading stock tips. This bit of eavesdropping later sparks Thomas' interest in going to Washington. Joe Don Baker's portrayal of the unscrupulous corporate CEO, Olaf Anderson, was a departure from his role as the honest lawman, Buford Pusser, in 1973's "Walking Tall".

3. After Congressman Jeff Johnson dies of a heart attack while having sex with a staff member, Murphy's conman character, Thomas Jefferson Johnson, drops his first name and shortens his middle name and runs for congress as "Jeff Johnson - The name you know". What group was largely responsible for his "mistaken name recognition" election?

Answer: Silver Foxes

The Silver Foxes were a Florida senior citizens group that was also a registered political party. This allowed Thomas to get his name on the ballot without getting in excess of 5000 signatures. Hattie Rifkin, played by Doris Grau, was the head of the Silver Foxes and a political ally of the new congressman.

4. The new Congressman Johnson and his entourage/staff are met at the Washington D.C. airport by Arthur Reinhardt, who had worked for the late congressman. What position was Arthur seeking?

Answer: A.A.

When Arthur told him that he wanted to be his 'A.A.', Thomas replied that he was only a social drinker. Arthur explained that he was seeking the position of administrative assistant. Arthur was played by actor Grant Shaud, who played Miles Silverberg for eight years on television's "Murphy Brown".

5. Della Reese had a small, uncredited role in the film. What part did she play?

Answer: Elevator operator

On their first meeting in the conressional office building elevator, Reese inquired if Thomas was going to be grabbing her backside like the old Congressman Johnson. When Thomas quickly declined, Della, somewhat offended by the hasty reply, asked what was wrong with her backside. One of Thomas' older staff members volunteered for the duty.

6. Thomas, accompanied by his cousin Loretta, met two other freshman congressmen, Rafe Simon and Bo Chandler, at a reception. Rafe had been a television weatherman before his election. What was Bo's prior profession?

Answer: Football player

Bo was a former Houston Oiler from Lufkin, Texas. An injury had ended his football career. Rafe and Bo had both worked very hard to get elected, and they gave Thomas a hard time for "sliding in on name recognition". Rafe did admit that the manuever was "brilliant". Rafe and Bo were played by actors Brad Koepenick and Mel Owens.

7. While taking his seat at a reception chaired by Congressman Dick Dodge, three lobbyists introduced themselves to Thomas. Which of the following special interests were not represented in this scene?

Answer: Oil and Gas

In an obvious dig at the tobacco industry, the character playing the tobacco lobbyist had a hacking cough. The greedy and conniving Chairman Dick Dodge was played brilliantly by actor Lane Smith. Smith had experience playing politicians, having portrayed President Richard Nixon in the made-for-TV movie "The Final Days". He also played the district attorney in "My Cousin Vinnie".

8. What was the name of the House committee that Dick Dodge chaired?

Answer: Power and Industry

In Congress, it would normally take several terms in office to build the seniority necessary for the appointment to a powerful committee. Thomas managed to be come a member of Power and Energy in his first four days. The brand new congressman, and his staff, posed as several special interest groups and were successful in getting Thomas on the previously all-white, all-male committee.

9. Actress Victoria Rowell, portrayed Thomas' romantic interest, lobbyist, Celia Kirby. For whom did Celia lobby?

Answer: Pro Bono

Celia's uncle was Congressman/Reverend Elijah Hawkins, played by character actor Charles Dutton. The beautiful Ms. Rowell played the role of Drucilla Barber on television's "The Young and the Restless".

10. As the film ends, Thomas is a big hero for exposing the corrupt Dick Dodge and Olaf Anderson, but is likely to be thrown out of Congress for the manner in which he was elected. What future plan does Thomas express to Celia?

Answer: He wants to run for President

Thomas figures that all he needs to be elected President is a good head of hair and a great line of bull. Of course, Eddie Murphy went on to fame and glory as the voice of Donkey in the "Shrek" movies.

Source: Author rblayer

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Average The Distinguished Gentleman Quiz | 10 Questions | Movies

In the 1992 comedy, Eddie Murphy's character is elected to the U.S. Congress.

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