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Early Days of ITV Trivia Quiz

Independent (i.e. commercial) television came to Britain in 1955, and soon gained the biggest share of the rapidly expanding TV audience. This quiz covers some of its best known programmes from the 1950s.

A multiple-choice quiz by TabbyTom. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
TabbyTom

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
169,547

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
1948

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Kalibre (6/10), Phillox (7/10), Guest 38 (6/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. One of the most popular comedies of the early years was "The Army Game." What was the nickname of the soldier whose catchphrase was "Well, I only asked!" Hint

Bootsie

Popeye

Professor

Cupcake

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Question 2 of 10

2. "Small Time," a programme for the under-fives, featured Wally Whyton and Muriel Young, who often talked with a puppet cat. What was the cat's name? Hint

Felix

Twizzle

Tiddles

Willum

3. Quiz shows were popular from the beginning. In one show, hosted by Jeremy Hawk, contestants played noughts and crosses, putting a O or an X in the square of their choice when they answered a question correctly. What was the name of this show? Hint

Tic Tac Dough

Double Cross

OXO

Criss Cross Quiz

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Question 4 of 10

4. ITV soon realized the appeal of hospital drama. Its first effort in this field was called "_______________ - Ward 10." What word is missing? Hint

Emergency

Surgery

Maternity

Casualty

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Question 5 of 10

5. Then as now, there was a wide audience for American police series. Which series starred Broderick Crawford as Chief Dan Matthews? Hint

Highway Patrol

Man Against Crime

Dragnet

No Hiding Place

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Question 6 of 10

6. Another popular American genre was, of course, the western. Which series starred Ward Bond as Major Seth Adams? Hint

Wagon Train

Rawhide

Cheyenne

Gunsmoke

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Question 7 of 10

7. Who hosted the talent show "Opportunity Knocks"? Hint

Michael Miles

Bruce Forsyth

Carroll Levis

Hughie Green

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Question 8 of 10

8. Of course, ITV wanted to make a name in news and current affairs broadcasting, as well as in entertainment. What was the name of Associated Rediffusion's current affairs programme fronted by Leslie Mitchell, whose reporters included Daniel Farson and James Cameron? Hint

Day By Day

Seven Days

This Week

Tonight

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Question 9 of 10

9. In the pop music field, Jack Good produced "Six Five Special" for the BBC. Then in 1958 he moved to ITV and produced a rival programme. What was this ITV show called? Hint

Ready Steady Go

Top of the Pops

Cool for Cats

Oh Boy!

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Question 10 of 10

10. Finally, an old trivia stand-by. What was the first product to be advertised on British commercial television? Hint

Gibbs SR toothpaste

Shredded Wheat breakfast cereal

Summer County margarine

Guinness stout

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 18 2024 : Kalibre: 6/10
Dec 04 2024 : Phillox: 7/10
Dec 03 2024 : Guest 38: 6/10
Nov 25 2024 : Linda_Arizona: 5/10
Nov 19 2024 : Guest 81: 6/10
Oct 29 2024 : dreamdiva: 8/10
Oct 27 2024 : Guest 81: 6/10
Oct 25 2024 : Guest 90: 8/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. One of the most popular comedies of the early years was "The Army Game." What was the nickname of the soldier whose catchphrase was "Well, I only asked!"

Answer: Popeye

Private "Popeye" Popplewell, played by Bernard Bresslaw, was a gangling gormless private who would ask questions to which the answers were blindingly obvious and usually unpalatable. Faced with the glares of his comrades, he would protest "Well, I only asked!" For some reason, "asked" was often spelled "arsked" when the phrase was quoted in print.

The other choices were also characters in the programme: "Cupcake" Cook, (Norman Rossington), "Professor" Hatchett (Charles Hawtrey) and "Bootsie" or "Excused Boots" Bisley (Alfie Bass).

2. "Small Time," a programme for the under-fives, featured Wally Whyton and Muriel Young, who often talked with a puppet cat. What was the cat's name?

Answer: Willum

Willum later acquired friends including Ollie Beak, an owl. Later still, Basil Brush made his first TV appearance in "Small Time."

Answer: Criss Cross Quiz

"Tic Tac Dough" was the name of the American original.

4. ITV soon realized the appeal of hospital drama. Its first effort in this field was called "_______________ - Ward 10." What word is missing?

Answer: Emergency

Among the cast members who went on to greater things was John Alderton (Dr Richard Moone), who not only later starred in many TV series but also married the delectable Jill Browne (Nurse Carole Young).

5. Then as now, there was a wide audience for American police series. Which series starred Broderick Crawford as Chief Dan Matthews?

Answer: Highway Patrol

This series introduced Britons to the mysterious "ten code," in which "OK" or "message understood" became "10-4."

6. Another popular American genre was, of course, the western. Which series starred Ward Bond as Major Seth Adams?

Answer: Wagon Train

The series is said to have been inspired by the John Ford film "Wagon Master," in which Bond also appeared. When Bond died in 1960, his place was taken by John McIntire as Chris Hale. Guest stars included Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Mickey Rooney and Ronald Reagan.

7. Who hosted the talent show "Opportunity Knocks"?

Answer: Hughie Green

The "clapometer," which measured the volume of applause for each contestant, was a wonder of technology in those early days. Most of the hopefuls who appeared on the show were instantly forgettable, but those who proved to have a more lasting appeal included Freddie Starr, Little and Large, Les Dawson and Mary Hopkin.

The programme lasted until 1978 and was later revived by the BBC with Bob Monkhouse as host.

Answer: This Week

When Associated Rediffusion lost its London franchise, the programme was retained by Thames Television, finally disappearing in the early 1990s. The arresting signature tune was an extract from Sibelius' "Karelia Suite."

9. In the pop music field, Jack Good produced "Six Five Special" for the BBC. Then in 1958 he moved to ITV and produced a rival programme. What was this ITV show called?

Answer: Oh Boy!

An early edition of "Oh Boy" featured the first TV appearance of Sir Cliff Richard. Billy Fury and Marty Wilde were also early regulars.

10. Finally, an old trivia stand-by. What was the first product to be advertised on British commercial television?

Answer: Gibbs SR toothpaste

The advertisement went out at 8:12 p.m. on on September 22, 1955. It was produced by AB-Path� and showed a lady called Meg Smith brushing her teeth over a block of ice embedded in a large tank of water. "It's tingling fresh. It's fresh as ice. It's Gibbs SR toothpaste," said the voice-over. The other choices were also advertised on that first evening.

Source: Author TabbyTom

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ArleneRimmer before going online.
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