"What About Bob?" Part 2: Death Therapy Quiz

Answer: Singin' in the Rain

The title song from the 1952 musical film is quite appropriate, as outside it's raining like crazy. Bob is no Gene Kelly, but he and his new-found 'fam' are all having a great time while Leo sulks by himself. Bob's ad-libbed lyrics showcase his developing role as a member of the family.

Answer: Bob needs to sleep facing southeast.

The twin beds in Siggy's room are moved after Bob says, "I prefer to sleep facing southeast". In a scene that moves from poignant to outrageously silly Bob helps Siggy overcome his fear of death by giving him something else to worry about: Tourette Syndrome.

Answer: Eselin

Eselin is a powerful anti-psychotic drug no longer available in the US. Bob mentioned it in an earlier scene, when Leo wrote him the prescription to "take a vacation from his problems". Bob's response was that he felt fine "for the first time since Eselin". Leo declines the use of Bob's personal pharmacy, insisting instead on simple "peace and quiet".

Answer: Mother Teresa

Bob (aka 'Boob') tells the nationwide TV audience, "Let me put the greatness of this man in perspective. I think there's only three names. Albert Schweitzer, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, probably, and Doctor Leo Marvin." Now relegated to second-banana in the interview that ought to be the crowning jewel of his career, Leo squirms uncomfortably in the background.

Answer: ropes

Bob uses this analogy while sitting on the front porch steps surrounded by the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Leo is inside the house (probably on the phone) making plans to have Bob committed to a nearby asylum. This lighter-than-air ship travels to major outdoor events promoting the Goodyear tire brand.

The ropes, used for docking, are simply along for the ride when the ship is in flight.

Answer: Dr. Tomsky

During the interview, the film cuts to the Guttmans laughing and shouting "Way to go Bobby". Both the gatehouse guard and the traffic cop recognize Bob from the show, but neither make any mention of Leo. When Leo is greeted by Dr. Tomsky she says, "... Long time, no see. Sorry I missed your show this morning."

Answer: am I

Sure, it doesn't rhyme, but that's the point. The asylum staff is rolling on the floor with laughter while Bob entertains. Dr. Tomsky even goes so far as to suggest that it's Leo who "should check in for a few days, and get a handle on things". The joke makes a common error in confusing schizophrenia with dissociative or multiple personality disorder, but as most laymen make the same incorrect association, the joke still works.

Answer: Leo orders Bob out of the car.

First, Leo orders Bob out of the car, leaving him to question if this is some sort of "isolation therapy". Next comes the speeding ticket, then the flat, and finally the mud. The slapstick feel of this sequence reminds me of something out of Laurel and Hardy; I can almost hear Ollie saying, "This is another fine mess you've gotten me into."

Answer: Seeing Bob with his sister

While all these things do happen to Leo (on his birthday, no less) seeing Bob with his arm around his blessed sister Lily is the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. Lily has just arrived for Leo's surprise birthday party, and the mud-drenched Leo screams, "Don't touch my sister!" as he attacks Bob in full view of the crowd of family and friends.

Answer: Librium

"Excuse me, Phil... with this kind of manic episode, I would think that Librium might be a more effective management tool." The doctor agrees, and the family is tearfully thankful for Bob's expertise and compassion.

Answer: "Not painful enough."

Rejecting the guns as "too messy" and the bow-and-arrow as "not painful enough", Leo opts for the 'black powder'.

Answer: Tree stump removal

The product is labeled "Stump-Out", and Leo later refers to it as "black powder". The Bonide Company does market a product with the trade name "Stump Out", but that product is not an explosive powder, rather a chemical to speed decomposition. Oh well, making it an explosive makes the film more fun.

Answer: Elmer Fudd

"Be very quiet." Crouched over, with rifle pointed at his prey, the line is the classic 'Fuddism', just without the lisp.

Answer: Bust of Freud

Still smoldering, it lands with an audible 'clank'. From their rowboat on the lake, the Guttmans laugh and shout their approval, "BURN! BURN! BURN!"

Answer: Virginia

If you watched the closing credits, you'd have known the film's locations were Bernard's Landing Resort and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Both are located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.