Actors in Character (4) Trivia Quiz

Answer: Al Pacino

In the 1973 biographical film "Serpico" Al Pacino takes on the role of Patrolman Frank Serpico and his struggles with corruption in the New York City Police Department in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His story was largely responsible for the Knapp Commission's investigation.

The failed bank robbery is another biographical film, the 1975 "Dog Day Afternoon" which is based on a 1972 bank robbery and hostage situation. Al Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik, a character based on one of the bank robbers, John Wojtowicz.

Finally, "Scent of a Woman" is a 1992 drama based on the Italian novel "Il buio e il miele" (meaning "Darkness and Honey") by Giovanni Arpino in which Pacino plays the blind and retired Army Lt. Col. Frank Slade being looked after by a scholarship student during Thanksgiving weekend. The scent of a woman is that of a political science professor.

Answer: Barbra Streisand

Fanny Brice is the comedienne Fania Borach whose life story was portrayed in the 1964 stage musical "Funny Girl", portrayed by Streisand. Performing the role in the 1968 film adaptation earned Streisand an Oscar for Best Actress. She later revisited the role in the 1975 film "Funny Lady". All portrayals were very loosely based on the comedienne's life.

The 1983 musical drama "Yentl" is based on a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer in "Short Friday and Other Stories" (1963). Streisand co-wrote, directed, co-produced and starred in the film. Having dressed as a man to get educated, life gets complicated.

Loosely based on the 1958 French film "Le Miroir à deux faces", Streisand plays opposite Jeff Bridges in the 1996 romantic comedy "The Mirror Has Two Faces" in which their characters, two professors, get to know each other. Streisand also directed and produced the film.

Answer: Paul Newman

Paul Newman is the actor. Donn Pearce wrote the 1965 novel "Cool Hand Luke", partially based on his own experiences in a Florida prison chain gang. Newman plays the title character in the film adaptation of the same name, which earned numerous award nominations.

In the 1987 sports drama "The Color of Money", Newman reprises his role as "Fast Eddie" Felson in the 1961 film "The Hustler", both films being based on novels by Walter Tevis. This time Newman won an Oscar for his performance.

Newman gained more nominations for his performance as Donald "Sully" Sullivan in the 1994 comedy-drama "Nobody's Fool" where he is often at odds with local contractor Carl Roebuck (played by Bruce Willis) who repeatedly brings failed lawsuits against Sully. In return, Sully flirts openly with Roebuck's wife and repeatedly steals his snowblower.

Answer: Sally Field

Norma Rae is the name of the union rep and the title of the 1979 film. It was based on the story of Crystal Lee Sutton as told in the 1975 book "Crystal Lee, a Woman of Inheritance" by Henry P Leifermann. Sally Field won numerous awards for her performance.

Field produced another award-winning performance in the 1984 drama "Places in the Heart", making ends meet on the farm after the death of her husband. More awards and nominations followed for her supporting role in the 2012 historical biographic "Lincoln", which depicts Lincoln's efforts to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude.

Answer: Michael Caine

The 1964 film "Zulu" depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift when 150 British soldiers held off a 4,000-strong Zulu force. Michael Caine plays Lt. Gonville Bromhead and was one of eleven to receive the Victoria Cross medal for their actions.

In the 1969 comedy heist film "The Italian Job", Caine heads the team stealing gold bullion from a convoy in Italy. Three Mini Coopers form part of the escape plan which involves some interesting driving.

The final film was the 1972 mystery thriller "Sleuth", based on Anthony Shaffer's 1970 award-winning play of the same name, where the two protagonists try to out do each other in humiliating the other.

Answer: Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon was one of the titular duo in the 1991 award-winning crime drama "Thelma & Louise". The two friends are en route for a weekend break when it takes an unexpected turn, going downhill from there.

Based on a true story, the 1992 drama "Lorenzo's Oil" is about the efforts of the parents to find a cure for their child's medical condition. Sarandon plays the mother.

In the 1995 drama "Dead Man Walking", Sean Penn's character is on death row and Sarandon's character provides spiritual support. The film is based on the 1993 non-fiction book of the same name about Sister Helen Prejean's work with two convicted murderers at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Answer: Robin Williams

Robin Williams' role in the 1987 film "Good Morning, Vietnam" is based loosely on Adrian Cronauer who served as a DJ for the Armed Force Radio Service in Vietnam. His brand of humour makes it popular.

Robin Williams as John Keating has an unconventional approach to teaching English in the 1989 coming-of-age drama "Dead Poet's Society". Encouraging his students to 'seize the day' results in unintended consequences.

While in the 1993 comedy drama "Mrs. Doubtfire", a divorced voice actor uses his talents to see his children. Williams' role as Mrs. Doubtfire translates into a TV job as well. All three films were award-winning.

Answer: Helen Mirren

A stolen painting is behind this 2015 biographical drama "Woman in Gold". One of Gustav Klimt's paintings is stolen from a family by looting Nazis in Vienna. A surviving relative takes legal action decades later.

McCarthyism and its effect on Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo is the subject of "Trumbo", a 2015 biographical drama in which Mirren's character is a cheerleader for the actions of the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

In the 2018 supernatural thriller "Winchester" Mirren plays the title role, a grieving widow and heiress to the gun company who sees ghosts. In real life, her staff denied any mental instability however later owners of one of her residences turned it into a tourist attraction, Winchester Mystery House, shortly after her death and played up the rumours. This film perpetuates them.

Answer: Robert Duvall

Alcohol is a factor in the 1983 drama "Tender Mercies". Duvall's character tries to make a fresh start, however, his past life intrudes. In the 1997 drama "The Apostle", it is an alcohol-induced reaction to adultery which sparks off the life reboot.

Loosely inspired by the 1899 novella "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, the 1979 war film "Apocalypse Now" sees Martin Sheen as Captain Willard sent to deal with a wayward Special Forces officer. On the way, he encounters Duvall portraying Lt Col Bill Kilgore, who enjoys the smell of napalm. His character is based on several real-life officers.

Answer: Ellen Burstyn

"Same Time, Next Year" is a 1978 rom com with Alan Alda playing opposite Ellen Burstyn. The film covers a 26-year period in their adulterous relationship and the changes they experience.

In the 1980 drama "Resurrection", Burstyn's character gains healing powers after a near-death experience. The film explores how this might work out.

Based on the 1978 novel "Requiem for a Dream" by Hubert Selby Jr., the multi-award winning 2000 psychological drama with the same title follows the impact of drug addiction on four of the characters, one of which is portrayed by Burstyn. In her case, she wishes to lose weight.