FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
Quiz about Sir Alec Guinness  A Knight To Remember
Quiz about Sir Alec Guinness  A Knight To Remember

Sir Alec Guinness - A Knight To Remember Quiz


Alec Guinness had a long and distinguished career in theatre, films and television. This quiz concentrates on his films. I'll give you the details of a film in which he starred, you tell me the film.

A multiple-choice quiz by Coriolanus. Estimated time: 7 mins.
  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Quizzes
  4. »
  5. Movie Trivia
  6. »
  7. People Themed E-K
  8. »
  9. G - People Themed

Author
Coriolanus
Time
7 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
361,971
Updated
Jul 23 22
# Qns
15
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
12 / 15
Plays
341
- -
Question 1 of 15
1. Alec Guinness worked with director David Lean on several occasions during his career. The first time was in 1946, when he played Herbert Pocket in an adaptation of a novel by Charles Dickens. The film also starred John Mills in the leading role, as Pip. What is the name of this film? Hint


Question 2 of 15
2. In 1948, Alec Guinness was again directed by David Lean in an adaptation of a Dickens novel. This time he played an evil old criminal who trains the title character, a young orphan boy, to become one of his gang of pickpockets. What was the name of this film?

Answer: (Two Words)
Question 3 of 15
3. Some of the best loved British comedies were made during the 1940s and 50s at Ealing Studios, and a number of them starred Alec Guinness.
In which of them, dating from 1949, did he play an entire family, all of whom were murdered during the course of the film?
Hint


Question 4 of 15
4. This 1951 Ealing comedy starred Guinness as a meek bank clerk who plans and executes the robbery of a shipment of gold bullion, and then has it made into models of the Eiffel Tower to be smuggled out of the country. Can you name this film? Hint


Question 5 of 15
5. Another of the great Ealing comedies, this film featured Alec Guinness as the leader of a gang of bank robbers who pose as a group of classical musicians. When their plans are discovered by a little old lady, they plan to kill her, but instead end up bumping each other off. What is the name of this black comedy? Hint


Question 6 of 15
6. In 1952, Alec Guinness starred in an adaptation of a novel by Arnold Bennett as an ambitious young man named Denry Machin, who uses his wits and intelligence to find ways - some honest, some not quite so - to raise his fortunes and social standing. Eventually, his ambitions are fulfilled when he becomes mayor of the town. Can you name this film? Hint


Question 7 of 15
7. In 1954, Alec Guinness played the role of a rather unusual detective in a film based on a short story by G.K. Chesterton. The title of the film is also the name of the central character. Who was he? Hint


Question 8 of 15
8. Alec Guinness' first American film, dating from 1956, was adapted from a play by Ferenc Molnar, and cast him as Prince Albert, whose marriage to Princess Alexandra, played by Grace Kelly, is being arranged by their families.
What is the name of this romantic comedy?
Hint


Question 9 of 15
9. Alec Guinness won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Colonel Nicholson, a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, in this 1957 film which reunited him with director David Lean. What was the name of this classic war drama? Hint


Question 10 of 15
10. In 1962, Sir Alec again worked with David Lean in an epic film based on the life of one of the greatest military heroes of World War I. Set in North Africa, it starred Peter O'Toole as the title character and Alec Guinness as Prince Feisal. Acknowledged today as one of the most influential films in the history of cinema, what is the name of this epic masterpiece?

Answer: (Three Words)
Question 11 of 15
11. In 1964, Sir Alec played the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in an epic film directed by Anthony Mann. Although its reputation has improved considerably over time, the film was a massive box office failure, and led to the bankruptcy of its producer, Samuel Bronston. What is the name of this costly mistake? Hint


Question 12 of 15
12. Although he appears only in the beginning and end sequences of the film, nevertheless Alec Guinness was given star billing in David Lean's epic adaptation of Boris Pasternak's novel set during the Russian Revolution. One of the most popular and successful films of all time, what is the name of this epic romance, which dates from 1965? Hint


Question 13 of 15
13. Also from 1965 is a comedy in which Alec Guinness played a German who, during World War II, hides two American airmen who have been shot down over Germany from the authorities. Can you name this film? Hint


Question 14 of 15
14. In 1966, Sir Alec played a spymaster in West Berlin at the height of the Cold War. The film was adapted from a novel by Elleston Trevor, writing under the pseudonym Adam Hall. What is the name of this spy thriller? Hint


Question 15 of 15
15. The last time Sir Alec worked with David Lean was in the 1984 adaptation of a novel by E.M. Forster, in which he played an eccentric Indian professor. The film dealt with the tensions caused when a visiting English woman accuses a young Indian doctor of sexually assaulting her. Can you name this film? Hint



(Optional) Create a Free FunTrivia ID to save the points you are about to earn:

arrow Select a User ID:
arrow Choose a Password:
arrow Your Email:




Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Alec Guinness worked with director David Lean on several occasions during his career. The first time was in 1946, when he played Herbert Pocket in an adaptation of a novel by Charles Dickens. The film also starred John Mills in the leading role, as Pip. What is the name of this film?

Answer: Great Expectations

"Great Expectations" is widely considered to be the finest screen adaptation of a Dickens novel. It tells the story of orphaned Pip, who is taken from his humble beginnings to an affluent lifestyle due to a mysterious benefactor.
As well as John Mills and Alec Guinness, it starred Valerie Hobson, Jean Simmons, Bernard Miles, Finlay Currie and Martita Hunt.
It was nominated for five Academy Awards, and won in two categories.
2. In 1948, Alec Guinness was again directed by David Lean in an adaptation of a Dickens novel. This time he played an evil old criminal who trains the title character, a young orphan boy, to become one of his gang of pickpockets. What was the name of this film?

Answer: Oliver Twist

Alec Guinness' makeup and portrayal of Fagin in "Oliver Twist" caused some controversy as they were felt by some to be anti semitic. However, the makeup was based on the original illustrations for the novel, and David Lean refused to have it changed.
The film starred John Howard Davies as Oliver, Robert Newton as Bill Sykes, Kay Walsh as Nancy, Anthony Newley as The Artful Dodger and Francis L. Sullivan as Bumble.
3. Some of the best loved British comedies were made during the 1940s and 50s at Ealing Studios, and a number of them starred Alec Guinness. In which of them, dating from 1949, did he play an entire family, all of whom were murdered during the course of the film?

Answer: Kind Hearts And Coronets

"Kind Hearts And Coronets" was a delightful black comedy, and one of the most fondly remembered Ealing comedies.
Louis Mazzini, a distant relation of the D'Ascoyne family, plots to inherit the dukedom by murdering the eight family members who stand in his way.
It was directed by Robert Hamer, and also starred Dennis Price, Joan Greenwood and Valerie Hobson.
4. This 1951 Ealing comedy starred Guinness as a meek bank clerk who plans and executes the robbery of a shipment of gold bullion, and then has it made into models of the Eiffel Tower to be smuggled out of the country. Can you name this film?

Answer: The Lavender Hill Mob

"The Lavender Hill Mob" was directed by Charles Crichton, and also starred Stanley Holloway, Sid James, Alfie Bass, John Gregson, and, in a very early bit part, Audrey Hepburn.
It was written by T.E.B. Clarke, who won that year's Oscar for Best Original Story and Screenplay.
The film scored a BAFTA for Best British Film.
5. Another of the great Ealing comedies, this film featured Alec Guinness as the leader of a gang of bank robbers who pose as a group of classical musicians. When their plans are discovered by a little old lady, they plan to kill her, but instead end up bumping each other off. What is the name of this black comedy?

Answer: The Ladykillers

"The Ladykillers" was directed by Alexander Mackendrick, and also starred Katie Johnson, Herbert Lom, Cecil Parker, Peter Sellers and Danny Green.
It was remade (badly) in 2004, starring Tom Hanks and written and directed by the Coen Brothers.
6. In 1952, Alec Guinness starred in an adaptation of a novel by Arnold Bennett as an ambitious young man named Denry Machin, who uses his wits and intelligence to find ways - some honest, some not quite so - to raise his fortunes and social standing. Eventually, his ambitions are fulfilled when he becomes mayor of the town. Can you name this film?

Answer: The Card

This delightful comedy was directed by Ronald Neame, and co-starred Glynis Johns as a gold digging young minx with her eye on the main chance, Valerie Hobson as a member of the aristocracy, and Petula Clark who becomes the love of Denry's life.
As is so often the case, the film was released in America under a different title - "The Promoter".
7. In 1954, Alec Guinness played the role of a rather unusual detective in a film based on a short story by G.K. Chesterton. The title of the film is also the name of the central character. Who was he?

Answer: Father Brown

Directed by Robert Hamer, "Father Brown" is based on the story "The Blue Cross", in which Father Brown is taking a valuable and historically significant crucifix to The Vatican. He engages in a battle of wits with Flambeau, a thief who is also a master of disguise, and who is determined to steal the crucifix.
The film also starred Peter Finch as Flambeau, with Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker and Bernard Lee.
Its title for American release was "The Detective".
8. Alec Guinness' first American film, dating from 1956, was adapted from a play by Ferenc Molnar, and cast him as Prince Albert, whose marriage to Princess Alexandra, played by Grace Kelly, is being arranged by their families. What is the name of this romantic comedy?

Answer: The Swan

"The Swan" was one of the two final films that Grace Kelly made (The other was "High Society"). As she was already linked romantically with Prince Rainier of Monaco, M.G.M. thought that it would be appropriate to cast her as a princess. The role of Prince Albert was originally offered to Rex Harrison, who turned it down.
The film was directed by Charles Vidor, and also starred Louis Jourdan as a commoner for whom the princess has romantic feelings, with Agnes Moorehead, Jessie Royce Landis, Brian Aherne, Leo G. Carroll and Estelle Winwood.
9. Alec Guinness won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Colonel Nicholson, a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, in this 1957 film which reunited him with director David Lean. What was the name of this classic war drama?

Answer: The Bridge on The River Kwai

"The Bridge on The River Kwai" was adapted from the novel by Pierre Boulle. Although it is a work of fiction, it was based on the building of the Burma Railway, for which the Japanese used prisoners of war.
The film also starred Jack Hawkins, William Holden, Sessue Hayakawa and James Donald.
It was nominated for Oscars in eight categories, and won in seven, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.
10. In 1962, Sir Alec again worked with David Lean in an epic film based on the life of one of the greatest military heroes of World War I. Set in North Africa, it starred Peter O'Toole as the title character and Alec Guinness as Prince Feisal. Acknowledged today as one of the most influential films in the history of cinema, what is the name of this epic masterpiece?

Answer: Lawrence of Arabia

"Lawrence of Arabia" is a largely historically accurate account of the life of T.E. Lawrence. It concentrates on his experiences in Arabia during the conflict between the Arabs and the Turkish army, and his involvement with the Arab National Council.
It starred Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains and Anthony Quayle, as well as Alec Guinness.
The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won in seven categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography and best Musical Score. Surprisingly, Peter O'Toole did not win for Best Actor.
11. In 1964, Sir Alec played the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in an epic film directed by Anthony Mann. Although its reputation has improved considerably over time, the film was a massive box office failure, and led to the bankruptcy of its producer, Samuel Bronston. What is the name of this costly mistake?

Answer: The Fall Of The Roman Empire

Although one of the most costly failures in cinema history, "The Fall Of The Roman Empire" actually stands up quite well today, and is one of the more intelligent examples of its genre, rather dismissively known as 'swords and sandals'.
Apart from Sir Alec it has an impressive cast, which includes Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, James Mason, Christopher Plummer and Omar Sharif.
Director Anthony Mann is best remembered today for the superb series of Westerns on which he collaborated with James Stewart in the 1950s: "Winchester 73", "Bend Of The River", "The Man From Laramie", "The Far Country" and "The Naked Spur".
12. Although he appears only in the beginning and end sequences of the film, nevertheless Alec Guinness was given star billing in David Lean's epic adaptation of Boris Pasternak's novel set during the Russian Revolution. One of the most popular and successful films of all time, what is the name of this epic romance, which dates from 1965?

Answer: Doctor Zhivago

Although set during one of the most turbulent periods of Russian history, "Doctor Zhivago" is first and foremost the love story of Yuri and Lara, played by Omar Sharif and Julie Christie.
The large cast also includes Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger, Tom Courtenay and Rita Tushingham. Alec Guinness appears at the beginning and end of the film narrating the story of Yuri and Lara to their daughter, played by Rita Tushingham.
The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, and won in five categories.
13. Also from 1965 is a comedy in which Alec Guinness played a German who, during World War II, hides two American airmen who have been shot down over Germany from the authorities. Can you name this film?

Answer: Situation Hopeless...But Not Serious

"Situation Hopeless ... But Not Serious" was adapted from the novel "The Hiding Place" by Robert Shaw.
Directed by Gottfried Reinhardt, it co-starred Robert Redford and Mike Connors as the two American airmen who are hidden by Alec Guinness in his cellar to protect them from the authorities. He comes to like their company so much, that when the war is over, rather than tell them he keeps up the pretense that it is still going on.
Today, sadly, this very funny film tends to be overlooked.
14. In 1966, Sir Alec played a spymaster in West Berlin at the height of the Cold War. The film was adapted from a novel by Elleston Trevor, writing under the pseudonym Adam Hall. What is the name of this spy thriller?

Answer: The Quiller Memorandum

"The Quiller Memorandum" was adapted from the novel "The Berlin Memorandum" by Elleston Trevor, writing under the pseudonym Adam Hall.
It was directed by Michael Anderson, and starred George Segal, Alec Guinness, Max Von Sydow, Senta Berger and George Sanders.
Quiller, played by George Segal, is sent to Berlin by British Intelligence to investigate a neo-Nazi organization which has been responsible for the deaths of two British operatives.
Nominated for three BAFTA awards, it did not win in any category.
15. The last time Sir Alec worked with David Lean was in the 1984 adaptation of a novel by E.M. Forster, in which he played an eccentric Indian professor. The film dealt with the tensions caused when a visiting English woman accuses a young Indian doctor of sexually assaulting her. Can you name this film?

Answer: A Passage To India

"A Passage To India" was David Lean's last film, and was a considerable success both critically and commercially.
As well as Alec Guinness, it starred Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, Peggy Ashcroft, James Fox and Nigel Havers.
The story goes that when Peggy Ashcroft was offered the role of Mrs. Moore in the film, she was rather dubious and said to David Lean "But I'm 75 years old", to which he replied "So am I". She went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for it.
Maurice Jarre also won his third Academy Award for his music score.
Source: Author Coriolanus

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor spanishliz before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
Related Quizzes
1. Annabeth Gish Mania Average
2. John Gilbert Tough
3. Makin' Whoopi Average
4. John Garfield Average
5. Janeane Garofalo Movie Taglines Average
6. Clark Gable Kissed Me Average
7. The Films of D.W. Griffith Tough
8. Heather Graham's Movies Easier
9. Jason Isaacs Average
10. Zac Attack! Easier

3/29/2024, Copyright 2024 FunTrivia, Inc. - Report an Error / Contact Us