Living on 'The Razor's Edge' (1946) Quiz

Answer: W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a prolific author of novels as well as short stories. He also served in the British Secret Service during WWI. Although he earned a degree in medicine, his main career was as an author. His most famous work is 'Of Human Bondage' (1915).

Answer: His comrade in arms gave his life for him during WWI.

Larry is traumatized because his buddy chose to give up his own life in order to save Larry during the final battle of the war. He feels life is useless. As a result, he begins a quest for the meaning of life.

Answer: Isabel doesn't want to live in poverty.

Larry is happy living on a meager amount of money. Isabel enjoys the rich lifestyle. She refuses to settle for less.

Answer: Kosti admits to being a defrocked priest.

Kosti , played by the great German character actor, Fritz Kortner (1892-1970), tells Larry to go to India and speak to the Holy Man. As a defrocked priest, Kosti feels unworthy of salvation but wants Larry to find it.

Answer: Larry achieves enlightenment.

While meditating alone atop the mountain, Larry experiences an awakening and achieves enlightenment. He wants to stay in India but the Holy Man tells him to go back into the world and help others.

Answer: Her husband and child have been killed.

Sophie and her husband, Bob, were very much in love. When traveling with the baby, their car was hit by a drunk driver and Bob and the baby were killed.

Answer: The prostitute is Sophie.

Sophie, in her grief, has turned to alcoholism and prostitution as a way to forget the pain of losing her family.

Answer: He feels sorry for her and wants to help.

Larry wants to help Sophie heal and he decides to support her by marrying her. He wants to sacrifice himself for his childhood friend, whom he feels needs the support he can provide.

Answer: He finds Sophie in an opium den.

Sophie begins drinking and becomes a prostitute and a drug addict in a seedy opium den where, after many days, Larry finds her. She runs away again and continues her descent into debauchery.

Answer: He is asked to identify Sophie, who has been murdered.

Larry identifies Sophie's body for the police. He also manages her funeral arrangements and is saddened over her fate.

Answer: A photo of her husband and baby along with a book of poems.

Larry finds a book of poems in Sophie's room. He recalls her love of poetry as a child. He also finds an old photograph of Bob and her baby, Linda. The poems and photograph are buried with her at Larry's request.

Answer: Larry blames Isabel.

Larry knows that it was Isabel who tempted Sophie with alcohol, while he was engaged to Sophie. She did this because of her jealousy.

Answer: Larry gets him an invitation to a fancy dress ball.

Elliott had always treated Larry badly. However when Elliott is dying and upset over not being invited to the ball, Larry gets him an invitation to give him one final happiness.

Answer: He wants to drive a cab.

Larry thinks that driving a cab will provide a livelihood and also allow him to meet many different people. To Larry, a job is just a way to pay the bills. He knows connecting and helping others is essential for a good life.

Answer: Tyrone Power

The protagonist, Larry Darrell, is played by Tyrone Power (1914-1958). Power came from a famous acting family. His father and great grandfather were both successful actors in their own right.