X Films Trivia Quiz

Answer: Exodus

Neither the book nor the film have anything to do with the Bible - the Exodus of the title is the name of a ship. The film deals with the events leading up to the establishment of Israel in the 1940s. The British have interned a large number of Jews on Cyprus, and some of them manage to escape, with help, onto the ship named Exodus. The story also deals with some of the acts carried out by the Jews in their fight for a homeland, including the bombing of the King David Hotel. Many of the events are factual, although the characters are fictional.

All the films listed are real, although none of them is as old as 'Exodus'.

Answer: Julia Roberts

Brad Pitt plays Jerry Welbach, who has to do penance for causing crime boss Arnold Margolese, portrayed by Gene Hackman, to be jailed. Jerry is sent in search of an antique gun, the Mexican of the title. Julia Roberts plays Samantha Barzel, Pitt's love interest, adding him to an impressive list of co-stars. Although it wasn't her first film, 'Pretty Woman' brought Julia into the public eye in 1990, when she played opposite Richard Gere. She starred with Hugh Grant in 'Notting Hill' (1999) and with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in 'Oceans Eleven' (2001) and 'Ocean's Twelve' (2004).

The other actresses appeared with Pitt in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (2005 - Angelina Jolie), 'Seven' (1995 - Gwyneth Paltrow) and 'Thelma and Louise' (1991 - Geena Davis).

Answer: An order of merit

The film is loosely based on the novel written by Jack D. Hunter. Peppard plays a German pilot, Bruno Stachel, of the first World War obsessed with receiving the award, 'Pour le Merité'. The award was given to pilots who brought down eight enemy aircraft and was given its nickname after the first airman to receive it, Max Immelmann, and the colours of the cross on the medal. Stachel eventually achieves his aim, although his methods include disobeying orders as well as claiming, as his own victories, aircraft shot down by another pilot.

The film also stars James Mason, Jeremy Kemp and Ursula Andress.

Answer: The Matrix Revolutions

The films are set in a future world which has been artificially created by machines. Most of the human inhabitants are unaware of the reality of their existence although some computer experts do have doubts. These include Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who meets Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and learns the truth from him. The antagonist is named Agent Smith, portrayed by Hugo Weaving, who is a human like creation of the machines.

'The Matrix Revolutions' focuses on the final battle between men and machines, with the difficult situation made more complicated by Agent Smith having turned against his creators. The films were very successful, and comic books and video games are just some of the spin-offs from the series.

Answer: Alex

The film is 'Ice Cold in Alex', although it was renamed 'Desert Attack' in the American version of 1961. Set in north Africa during World War II, the film tells the story of a small group of British soldiers, accompanied by two nurses, escaping from the German forces. With only an old ambulance for transport, the group heads towards Alexandria in Egypt, with the thought of the ice cold beer as a reward keeping them going.

The film also stars Anthony Quayle, who is not the South African he claims to be, and Sylvia Sims.

Answer: Steve Martin

The film is a modern day retelling of the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, whose life and appearance are marred by his disproportionately large nose. Steve Martin plays Charlie Bales, a fireman in Washington, while Daryl Hannah is Roxanne Kowalski. As in the play, Charlie helps his colleague woo Roxanne by writing letters on his behalf, but the film departs from its source by changing the ending. Among Steve's other films are 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' (1988), the 2006 version of 'The Pink Panther', playing Inspector Clouseau, and 'It's Complicated' (2009).

All the actors listed are known for their comic abilities, although their skills are by no means limited to comedy.

Answer: The Sixth Sense

M. Night Shyamalan both wrote and directed 'The Sixth Sense', and also made a cameo appearance as Doctor Hill. Bruce Willis plays Malcolm Crowe, Cole Sear is portrayed by Haley Joel Osmont and Donnie Wahlberg is Vincent Grey, the villain of the piece. Malcolm Crowe is a child psychologist, who is treating Cole Sear - a boy who believes he can see the dead.

His famous line from the film is 'I see dead people'. Vincent Grey is a former patient, who Crow believes he has failed. Grey breaks into Crowe's house and shoots both Crowe and himself. I imagine that most of you know the twist in the tale, but I won't mention it, just in case.

Answer: Army

The film is based on the play by Neil Simon, who adapted it for the movie version. It stars Matthew Broderick as the young Army recruit sent to Biloxi in Mississippi for training towards the end of World War II. Christopher Walken plays the sergeant who has to knock Broderick and his fellow rookies into shape. Broderick had already played the role on stage, with his love interest, Daisy, portrayed by Penelope Ann Miller in both versions.

Answer: ELO

This is probably not the most memorable film in this selection. The Xanadu of the title refers to a nightclub, not Kublai Khan's 'pleasuredome', although it does take the name from Coleridge's poem. The story line involves the Muses of Greek mythology coming to Earth to inspire humans to fulfil their aspirations. Olivia plays Terpsichore, the muse of dance, although she is known as Kira in the film and does more singing than dancing. Among the other stars of the film are Gene Kelly and Michael Beck. The soundtrack was rather more successful than the film, and the single 'Xanadu' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood were the founding members of ELO, and the other bands listed featured either Jeff or Roy in their line-ups.

Answer: Tina Turner

The film is the third in the series and is sometimes just known as 'Mad Max 3'. It came out in 1985. Mel Gibson repeats his role as Max Rockatansky, while Tina plays Aunty Entity. This character runs the location called Bartertown, where goods are traded since money is worthless. The films, set in Australia, portray a world left struggling to cope after the energy has run out.

Tina Turner has appeared in a few films, mainly documentaries about herself, but also played the Acid Queen in the 1975 film version of The Who's album 'Tommy'. The theme tune for 'Mad Max 3' is, of course' We Don't Need Another Hero', a chart success for Tina in numerous countries.