1950s All American History 2

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. In 1958 Columbia University instructor Charles Van Doren admitted that he had received answers prior to his numerous appearances on a television game show. A congressional committee investigating rigged quiz programs followed the next year. Which show was accused of providing the popular and telegenic Van Doren the answers in an effort to boost ratings? "The $64,000 Question" "Twenty-One" "Your Show of Shows" "What's My Line"

2. In 1956 Warren Buffet put $5,000 into a limited partnership that would eventually finanace his purchase of what would become the world's most profitable conglomerate holding company, Berkshire Hathaway. What is Buffet's nickname that alludes to his investing genius? The Sage of Saginaw The Oracle of Omaha The Wizard of Wichita The Titan of Topeka

3. Dwight Eisenhower's Secretary of State John Foster Dulles had a well-known brother named Allen. What was Allen Dulles' claim to fame? First Director of Central Intelligence (forerunner of the CIA) Engineer who designed Washington Dulles International Airport First husband of Margaret Truman Attorney who asked Joseph McCarthy: "Have you no sense of decency, sir?"

4. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame credits Bill Haley with being the "Father of Rock and Roll" based on his hit song that was #1 on the Billboard charts for two months in 1955 after it was popularized in the movie "The Blackboard Jungle." What is this possibly first-ever rock and roll chart topper? "Johnny B. Goode" "Rock Around the Clock" "Shake, Rattle and Roll" "At the Hop"

5. This American teenager, who was the Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion of 1952-1954, was the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tennis events in one calendar year. Tragically, her career ended at the age of 19 following a horseback riding accident. Who was this '50s phenomenon? Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Margaret "Marvelous Meg" Smith Court Althea Gibson Wyomia Tyus

6. On September 28, 1953 the notorious kidnapping and murder of Bobby Greenlease, the son of a wealthy Kansas City Cadillac dealer, captured the nation's attention. The alleged kidnappers were caught on October 6, 1953 and confessed. What was the length of time from the commission of the crime to the perpetrator's execution? Less than 3 months 13 years 3 years Almost 30 years

7. In April, 1951 Matthew Ridgway became well known for his new job. What was it? He replaced Louis B. Mayer as president of MGM He replaced Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski in the Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" He replaced Douglas MacArthur as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Korea He replaced Branch Rickey as general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers

8. On March 31, 1957 Rodgers and Hammerstein's only musical written for television, "Cinderella", was broadcast live on CBS. Who starred in the title role of this production? Lesley Ann Warren Elizabeth Montgomery Hayley Mills Julie Andrews

9. In 1955 this former German scientist became a naturalized American citizen. Who would later be known as the father of the US Space Program, but could also be called the original "Rocket Man"? Werner von Braun Elton John Edward Teller J. Robert Oppenheimer

10. On the last day of the 1950s this future thespian was born. He would later portray Simon Templar, Jim Morrison and Doc Holliday. Can you spot him?. George Clooney Dennis Quaid Kevin Costner Val Kilmer