Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence" Quiz

Answer: H.G. Wells

H.G. Wells was usually known for his science fiction books, including "The Invisible Man" (1897), "The War of the Worlds" (1898), and "The Time Machine" (1895). When "Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul" was published, however, it became an instant success.

"Half a Sixpence" is fairly faithful to Wells' original story, and shares all the same major plot points. It tells the story of Artie Kipps, a lower-class young man who suddenly inherits a large fortune. Although at first attached to Ann, a serving girl, he then becomes engaged to Miss Walsingham, a higher-class woman. However, he does marry Ann, although she is unhappy with a higher-class life. Keep reading to see what happens in the end!

Answer: Tommy Steele

Tommy Steele, also known as Sir Thomas Hicks, became a rock star in England in the late 1950s, recording such hits as "Singing the Blues" (1957) and "Little White Bull" (1959). He began starring in films as early as 1957, but soon began adapting himself into an all-around entertainer.

He also featured famously in Disney's "The Happiest Millionaire" (1967), "Finian's Rainbow" (1968), and "The Yeoman of the Guard" (1978). Following his entertainment career, he became a successful sculptor.

Answer: Economy

Mr. Shalford's motto is "Fishency, System, Economy", and this translates itself into a long list of rules that Artie and the other boys must follow. They sing "All in The Cause of Economy" as they get ready for a day of working in the Emporium, mocking their employer and his rules.

We are also introduced to Artie's fellow workers at the same time, the most notable of which is Sid Pornick, who is fond of radical politics and is a member of the Fabian society. But probably the best thing about him, at least in Artie's opinion, is his sister, Ann.

Answer: A love token

The half of a sixpence that Artie has acts as his and Ann's love token throughout the musical. They vow to think of each other whenever they touch their own half of the sixpence. Now for a little bit of the musical's theme:

"Half a sixpence is better than half a penny,
Is better than half a farthing, is better than none.
It's a token of our eternal love.
When you're far away, touch it everyday.

"And though that half a sixpence can only mean half a romance
Remember that half a romance is better than none.
But when I'm with you, One and one make two,
And likewise two half sixpence joined together make one."

Answer: A banjo

"I'd buy me a banjo," he answers, and thus begins one of the musical's greatest songs, "Money to Burn". Partway through the song, Artie gets hold of a banjo, and plays it to the group's delight. Drinks are being bought all round, and it turns into an energetic dance routine. Here's a bit of the lyric:

"If I had money to burn
A hole in my pocket
If I had money to burn
I'd go like a rocket!
Down to the town without a stop
Blow right into the music shop
And buy me a banjo,
Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a,
Buy me a banjo
Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a,
Buy me a banjo
Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a,
That's what I would do!"

The song was an opportunity for star Tommy Steele to show off his dancing and banjo-playing talents!

Answer: A Young Person's Association woodworking class

Mr. Shalford signs Artie up to go to a Young Person's Association workshop, where young people are kept off the street by giving them useful skills--in this case, woodworking. Artie sees Miss Walsingham and falls instantly in love.

Unfortunately, however, he is still drunk from his recent celebrations, and only succeeds in cutting his hand--which Miss Walsingham wraps up for him. Ann waits for Artie and he never arrives, which leads to their later estrangement.

Answer: Ann throws Artie back the half a sixpence

The rumors of Artie's wealth have since proved true, and although he is still not fine company, he has been visiting Miss Walsingham.

Artie's team wins the regatta, but as they are being presented the trophy, Miss Walsingham announces that he and she are engaged! Ann, who has been watching the regatta, yells at Artie and throws back the half a sixpence he gave her.

The rain, which Artie had earlier wished wouldn't fall, begins to descend as Miss Walsingham leads him off and the curtain falls.

Answer: Taking wedding photos

After Ann and Artie's quarrel, Artie is at a dinner party with Miss Walsingham when he realizes that this social class is not where he belongs. He leaves the group and goes down to the servants' quarters where Ann is serving, and soon they are engaged.

After the wedding, while everyone poses for the wedding picture, Artie begins the song. There are different verses for famous weddings throughout history, including Adam and Eve, and Napoleon and Josephine. Here's an excerpt:

"All lined up in a wedding group--'Ere we are for a photograph!
We're all dressed up in a morning suit, all trying hard not to laugh!
Since the early caveman in his fur took a trip to Gretna Green
There's always been a photographer to record the 'appy scene...

"'Old it, flash, bang, wallop, what a picture
What a picture, what a photograph
Poor old soul, blimey, what a joke
Hat blown off in a cloud of smoke
Clap 'ands, stamp yer feet
Bangin' on the big bass drum
What a picture, what a picture
Um-tiddly-um-pum-um-pum-pum
Stick it in your fam'ly album!"

Answer: Artie has lost almost all his money

Artie had allowed Miss Walsingham's brother to manage his money, and the brother then lost it all. The Walsinghams are ruined, and Artie has lost most of his money. He does manage to buy a small bookshop, however, and lead a comfortable life with Ann in the society that they are used to.

There is a last scene, however. Early on in his days of wealth, Artie had invested in a play of Mr. Chitterlow's, which has suddenly become a smash hit. Artie is offered money for it but he declines--he's had enough of money!

Answer: Yes

The 1967 film also starred Tommy Steele, with Julia Foster as Ann. The film had a large budget and was intended to be a smash success. Although popular, especially in England, it did not live up to expectations in the box office.