The Film History of Gene Hackman Quiz

Answer: Bonnie and Clyde

Hackman appeared in all of these films, but it was his portrayal of Buck Barrow, the older brother of Clyde, in the 1967 film 'Bonnie and Clyde' that first brought the recognition of the Academy. This would not be his last nomination!

Answer: Popeye

The Doyle character was based on real life detective Eddie Egan, and the film was based on a true story. Hackman deserved the Oscar simply for having done his own driving stunts during the film!

Answer: Francis Ford Coppola

In between the two 'Godfather' projects, Coppola did a little film called 'The Conversation' (released in 1974). Funded by the money Coppola received for doing the first 'Godfather' picture, it turned out to be a low-key success. Hackman considers it to be his personal favorite among the films he's done.

Answer: Young Frankenstein

In the 1974 film 'Young Frankenstein', Hackman played the role of Harold, a blind man who seeks a friend, even in a hideous monster. Hackman's turn in this role was surprising and clever. Apparently, Hackman improvised the 'Wait. Where are you going? I was going to make Espresso' line...a classic!

Answer: Superman III

Hackman made apperances in the first two films of the series, appearing in theaters in 1978 and 1980, respectively, and the fourth in the series, which was released in 1987. Hackman's comedic talent was especially portrayed in the second film...several terrific lines.

Answer: Uncommon Valor

Gene Hackman has covered virtually every war in the modern era with his film repertoire. 'March or Die' features Hackman as Major William Sherman Foster in the post-World War I Middle East. In that film he fights with the French Foreign Legion. In 'A Bridge Too Far', set during World War II, Hackman plays Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski. 'Under Fire' takes place in 1979 Nicaragua, wherein Hackman plays news reporter Alex Grazier. 'Uncommon Valor' features Hackman as Colonel Cal Rhodes. He leads a group of Vietnam War veterans into Vietnam, where they rescue some of their POW buddies. Hackman also did the Vietnam-era film 'Bat*21', for good measure.

Answer: Norman Dale

Wooley, Ross and Sassone all co-star alongside Hackman in this classic Cinderella story. Dennis Hopper and Barbar Hershey also star in 'Hoosiers', a film based on the real life story of the 1954 Indiana state basketball champion Milan Indians. 'Hoosiers' was called 'Best Shot' overseas, as the producers feared that no one would understand what a 'Hoosier' was!

Answer: Willem Dafoe

Hackman was once again nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 'Mississippi Burning' (his fourth nomination), but did not take home the Oscar gold. The film also featured the fine work of Frances McDormand, R. Lee Ermey, Stephen Tobolowsky and Brad Dourif.

It was nominated for seven academy awards, but was beaten out by 'Rain Man' for best picture (and Hackman was beaten out by Dustin Hoffman, also for 'Rain Man' -- personally, I think Edward James Olmos should have won it for 'Stand and Deliver').

Answer: Little Bill

In his second Oscar-winning performance (Best Supporting Actor), Gene Hackman takes an acting turn as a bullying and despicable lawman who is ousted by the gunslinger William Munny, played by Clint Eastwood. Little Bill's surname in the film is Daggett. The film also featured the excellent work of Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris.

Answer: The Birdcage

Hackman stars alongside Nathan Lane and Robin Williams in this very funny film based on the French movie 'La Cage aux folles'. Perhaps the best Hackman scene occurs at the end, when he is dressed up in drag and spirited out of a nightclub featuring drag queens. Thank you for having tried this quiz, I hope you enjoyed it and will try some of my other stuff.