"Duel" : The Ultimate in Road Rage Quiz

Answer: Steven Spielberg

Spielberg had directed episodes of "Marcus Welby, MD", "The Name Of The Game" and "Night Gallery" among others. It was on the strength of an as yet unaired "Columbo" episode that he was offered "Duel".

Answer: Richard Matheson

Matheson tried (unsuccessfully) to pitch the idea to several TV series before writing it as a short story, published in "Playboy" magazine in 1970. ABC then commissioned a screenplay for a TV movie. Matheson had previously written many TV scripts, including several memorable "Twilight Zone" episodes.

Answer: Dennis Weaver

Spielberg had a vote, but not final say, on the casting. However, he had admired Weaver's performance in Orson Welles' 1958 classic "A Touch Of Evil", and so was thrilled with the network's choice for the role.

Answer: David Mann

Writer Richard Matheson chose the name Mann to emphasize the "ordinary" qualities of the character.

Answer: Red

It's a red 1970 Plymouth Valiant. Spielberg wanted the car to be ordinary, yet stand out - the other vehicles are all subdued colors. He used a similar device in 1991's "Schindler's List", when a young girl's red coat stands out in an otherwise black-and-white movie.

Answer: Worn radiator hose

Mann assumes that the attendant is trying to make a quick buck, and decides to wait to replace the hose. It later fails, causing his engine to overheat at a critical moment.

Answer: About time, Charlie!

His anger nearly keeps him from realizing that he's been waved into the path of an oncoming car. It's at this point that David Mann realizes that the truck driver is trying to kill him.

Answer: The truck parked in the diner's lot

After taking a few minutes to compose himself in the men's room, Mann emerges to see the truck that had chased him down the mountain, parked outside. He knows that the driver is in the diner with him - but which one is it?

Answer: His boots

Mann had glimpsed the truck driver's boots when both vehicles stopped at the first service station. Unfortunately, he picks the wrong man in the diner and a fight breaks out. During the scuffle the real driver slips out to his truck and waits to continue the chase.

Answer: FLAMMABLE

We never learn just what the payload is, but the idea that it could blow up at any moment adds to the tension.

Answer: Giving the bus a helpful push

Mann is unable to push the bus with his car - their bumpers lock. He gets free in time to drive away, and as he looks back he sees the truck attempting to push-start the bus, to the cheers of the children.

Answer: Snakes

"Snakerama Station" features not only auto service, but also cages and glass cases filled with live snakes, reptiles and insects. The displays (and the phone booth) are demolished by the truck. Actress Lucille Benson plays the proprietress - she recreated the role with John Belushi in Spielberg's later comedy "1941".

Answer: Backs up to the front bumper of his car

The truck driver is toying with Mann now; he backs up to the bumper of the unattended car as if to say "Tag - you're it!", then pulls away and waits for the chase to resume. The duo who play the elderly couple can also be seen in Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" - wearing gas masks in a helicopter.

Answer: Briefcase

In the climactic scene, Mann wedges his briefcase against the gas pedal and steers the car head-on into the truck. He jumps out just before they collide and plunge over a cliff.

Answer: Sitting on the cliff throwing rocks

The cops never show up. The credits roll over a shot of David Mann sitting above his vanquished foe, throwing rocks into the chasm.