Bridge of Spies Trivia Quiz

Answer: He retrieves a hollow nickel from under the park bench.

Abel sits on a park bench with a view of the East River and proceeds to paint. He puts down his palette and bends down to adjust his easel, while deftly reaching under the bench to retrieve a nickel attached to its metal frame. He picks up his palette and continues painting. When he returns to his hotel room, he uses a razor-blade to carefully separate the two halves of the nickel, which is revealed to be hollow. Inside is a piece of paper folded many times over into a tiny square. Abel examines the paper under a magnifier lamp, revealing a series of numbers printed on it.

Later, the Federal agents swarm the hotel room and detain Abel on suspicion of espionage. As they toss the room looking for evidence, Abel asks the agents for a favor. "Would you mind if I cleaned my palette?" he asks. "The paints, it'll get ruined otherwise. It's just behind you there." The agents hand him his palette, and go about searching the room. None of them notice Abel picking up the small scrap of paper that was hidden inside the nickel, and using it under his cloth to clean the palette. "Wouldn't want to get this ruined," he says to the agents, as he destroys the secret message in the wet paint.

Answer: She is firmly against the idea.

James B. Donovan is introduced to the audience in the Harvard Club as he negotiates the settlement of an insurance dispute with his opposing counsel. The scene establishes his methodical nature and skills of persuasion that will stand him in good stead for the events to come. He returns to the office to find Lynn Goodnough, Chairman of the Brooklyn Bar, and his senior partner waiting to speak to him. They inform him that he is the unanimous choice to defend Abel, the accused Soviet spy. "It's important to our country, Jim, that this man is seen as getting a fair shake. American justice will be on trial," Goodnough explains. "It can't look like our justice system tosses people on the ash heap." Donovan asks about the case, and is informed that the evidence is "pretty overwhelming" by Goodnough. "Great," Donovan replies, as he sets aside the indictment. "Everyone will hate me, but at least I'll lose."

Later that night, Donovan tries to persuade his wife that it is an honor to be asked to defend Abel. "Well maybe it's the kind of honor we can do without," she says, as she brings their family's dinner out from the kitchen. "People are scared, they're building bomb shelters to protect themselves from people like this man. I go to the store, people are buying canned foods and potassium tablets. It's all about this man and what he represents. He's a threat to all of us, a traitor..." When Donovan points out that Abel can't be viewed as a traitor as he is not an American, his wife replies, "Listen to yourself. You're defending him already." Donovan seems to have made up his mind. "Everyone deserves a defense. Every person matters," he says to Mary, but she is not feeling particularly generous towards Abel. "He's about the most unpopular man in the country," she tells her husband, "and you're trying to take second place."

Answer: Standing man

Abel develops a genuine respect for Donovan as the case progresses and he demonstrates his commitment to his defense. Donovan attempts to obtain a postponement of the trial to give him time to review the evidence, but Judge Byers refuses and accuses Donovan of "playing games". When Donovan discovers that the Federal agents hadn't obtained a search warrant for Abel's hotel room, he tries to have the evidence thrown out, but that motion is also denied by the Judge. When Abel is convicted by the jury at the conclusion of the trial, Donovan meets with his client and tells him not to worry as he intends to argue against the death penalty at sentencing. Abel looks at his lawyer curiously, and says, "You've never asked me if the charges were true. If I am indeed a spy." Donovan paces about the small cell as he gives the textbook answer, but it is clear that he believes every word he is saying. "This is how we do it. The case against you matters. Making them prove it matters. The fiction is, whether you did it or not doesn't matter. The state has to prove it, that you're a spy." Abel looks at Donovan and takes a drag from his cigarette. Finally, he speaks.

"Standing there like that, you remind me of a man who used to come to our house when I was young," he says. "My father used to say, 'Watch this man.' So I did, every time he came, and never once did he do anything remarkable." Donovan isn't sure if this is a compliment. "And I remind you of him?" he asks. Abel taps his cigarette against the ashtray before continuing. "This one time, I was about the age of your son. Our house was overrun by partisan border guards, dozens of them. My father was beaten, my mother was beaten, and this man, my father's friend, he was beaten. And I watched this man. Every time they hit him, he stood back up again. So they hit him harder. Still, he got back to his feet. I think because of this they stopped the beating. They let him live. 'Stoikey Muzhik,' I remember them saying it. 'Stoikey Muzhik'. It sort of means, like, uh, 'Standing man'." Donovan looks up at Abel in gratitude. He is clearly moved.

Answer: Abel will be insurance in case an American spy is ever captured by the Soviets

Donovan pays a visit to Judge Byer at his brownstone in Brooklyn, just as the Judge and his wife are preparing to go out for the night. "I just wanted to give you my two cents on the sentencing, and I thought maybe I should pester you at home, as not all my points are narrowly legal," Donovan explains. "Sir, I think it could be considered in the best interests of the United States that Abel remain alive." The Judge turns to face Donovan with a look of astonishment on his face. "Why? I'm not saying I've made up my mind, but if he was going to cooperate, work with the government, he would have done it already," the Judge says. "You can't say it's in the best interests of the United States that he spend the rest of his days in a prison cell." The Judge turns toward the mirror, and makes another attempt to put on his bow-tie. "Not the incarceration itself, sir," Donovan clarifies. "It is possible that in the foreseeable future an American of equivalent rank might be captured by Soviet Russia. We might want to have someone to trade." The Judge tells Donovan that he is "spinning what-ifs" and scoffs at the suggestion. "It's my business, what-ifs. I'm in insurance," Donovan says. "And there's nothing implausible about this one, it's entirely in the realm of what could happen. It's the kind of probability that people buy insurance for. If we send this guy to his death we leave ourselves wide open. No policy in our back pocket for the day the storm comes." The Judge regards Donovan out of the corner of his eye, and appears unimpressed. "Nice speech," he remarks.

On the day of the sentencing, Donovan and Abel stand in the courtroom, anxious to hear the Judge's decision. The Judge sentences Abel to 30 years' imprisonment, forgoing the death penalty, and causing those present in court to vocalize their unhappiness. Outside, pandemonium breaks out as reporters and photographers swarm Donovan and his wife as they attempt to exit the courthouse, leaving a field of broken flashbulbs in their wake.

Answer: Francis Gary Powers, a USAF pilot

Francis Gary Powers had been recruited by the CIA to fly U2 aerial reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence about the Soviet Union, and was shot down and captured by the Russians while carrying out one such mission. Donovan is summoned to the offices of CIA Director Allen Dulles to discuss the letter he received. "It seems pretty clear that the Soviets are making an overture here. They're doing it through East Germany because they still don't want to acknowledge Abel as a Soviet citizen much less a Soviet spy. So, a lot of fiction going on," Dulles explains. "They've got our guy, our spy pilot. We've got their guy. Prisoner exchange, I think that's what they're after. Which could hardly be a surprise to you, counselor: it's an eventuality that I think you foresaw." Dulles goes on to say that they want Donovan to travel to East Berlin to negotiate the exchange, but that he won't have any official standing so that the U.S. government can't be embarrassed if things don't work out. He is to continue with the charade with Abel's "wife" and is not to discuss his true objectives with anyone, not even Mary.

"I've got no client, no wife, no country. Don't know what I'm doing or when or who for," Donovan says, playing along. "You're doing it for your country, but your country doesn't know that yet," Dulles point out. "What about my client, the other person in this equation -- my guy?" Donovan asks, referring to Abel. "He's not your guy any more, counselor, your guy is Francis Gary Powers now," Dulles replies. "What do I tell Rudolf Abel?" Donovan asks. Dulles looks him straight in the eye as he replies, "Tell him not to drop dead."

Answer: His coat

Donovan makes it to Berlin, but is told that there is a "wrinkle" by Michener, his contact from the U.S. embassy. "They might try to throw you a curve ball, try and get you to accept another prisoner other than Powers," he explains, referring to Frederic Pryor, the American economics student who was recently detained by the East German Stasi for being on "the wrong side" of the Berlin Wall. As Donovan tries to digest this information, he learns that he will be making his way to the Russian Embassy on his own, as East Berlin has been deemed "too dangerous" for all U.S. government personnel. They reach the disheveled safe house that Hoffman has arranged for Donovan, and Donovan is briefed about his route into East Berlin. He is to take the S-Bahn to Friedrichstrasse Station and proceed on foot to the embassy on Unter den Linden. Donovan is made to memorize the route as he could be mistaken for a spy if he is seen holding a map, and is advised to avoid the area along the Berlin Wall known as the "Death Line", causing Donovan to ask, "Is there any outcome here where I'm not either detained, or shot?"

Donovan sets out the next morning for the embassy, but he is waylaid by a gang of youths loitering outside the train station. The leader of the group asks him something in German, and examines the lapel of his overcoat. Donovan realizes that they require something in exchange for safe passage. He asks for directions to Unter den Linden, and relinquishes his coat. Inside the embassy, Donovan meets with his counterpart named Ivan Schischkin, who implores him to "wear an overcoat in this weather". When Donovan remarks that his coat was just stolen from him, Schischkin replies, "What do you expect? It was from Saks Fifth Avenue, wasn't it?"

Answer: That he must tell the Soviets if the deal falls through

The Russians agree to exchange Powers for Abel, and the Germans initially agree to exchange Pryor for Abel, until they discover that Donovan concluded the deal with the Russians behind their back. Hoffman is happy to proceed with the deal for Powers alone, but Donovan wants to get both Americans in exchange for Abel because "every person matters". To this end, he meets with Harald Ott, the Attorney General of the German Democratic Republic, but Mr. Ott is called away urgently, bringing a premature end to the negotiations. Left with no one to talk to, Donovan imposes on the A-G's secretary to pass him a message. "There is no deal for Abel unless we get Powers and Pryor. Do you understand?" he begins. "If there is no deal, your boss must tell the Soviets. He has to tell the Soviets that they are not getting Rudolf Abel." Donovan rises to leave, and then has another thought. "And tell him this," he says. "So far Abel has been a good soldier, but he thinks he's going home. If we had to tell him he's not going home, that the Soviets don't even want him, that he's never going home - well, I imagine his behavior might change. And who will be held responsible for that?" Donovan requests that he hears back from Mr. Ott by the end of the day, so that his side will know if the exchange is proceeding the next day at Glienicke Bridge. "If the exchange isn't gonna happen, no reason for everybody to get up first thing in the morning," he says pragmatically. "No sir," replies the secretary. "That would be pointless."

Later that evening, the Americans are waiting in the safe house for the call when the phone rings. Hoffman answers it, and listens intently. Finally, he hangs up the phone. "We're on," he announces. "Two for one." The exchange is proceeding: Rudolf Abel for Francis Gary Powers and Frederic Pryor.

Answer: He tells Hoffman, "I can wait."

It is early morning on the snow-covered Glienicke Bridge. Donovan and Hoffman are waiting anxiously on their side when a car approaches. An agent emerges and opens the rear passenger door for Abel, who steps out and is surprised to see Donovan standing in front of him. They greet each other warmly. "Have you arranged all this for me?" Abel asks. "Well let's see what this is before I take credit for it," Donovan replies. Before long, cars arrive on the other side, and the Russians emerge with Powers. "All right, Mr. Donovan. We go now!" Schischkin calls out from the other side, but Donovan tells him to hang on, as he checks with Michener, who confirms that Pryor still hasn't arrived. "They're releasing another man at Checkpoint Charlie. We're just confirming that he's there," Donovan explains to Abel. Meanwhile, both Schischkin and Hoffman are getting impatient. "Let's go. Pryor will show up, or he won't," Hoffman says. He has met his objective, and he doesn't want to risk the mission for the sake of a graduate student. "They're waiting to see if we'll do it without him," Donovan replies. "We just have to stand here, show them we won't." Hoffman has had enough, and he tells Abel that he is free to go. Abel turns to Donovan and asks, "You're waiting for another man?" Donovan replies affirmatively. "You want him too?" Abel asks. "I want him," Donovan confirms. A smile breaks across Abel's face as he looks at Donovan and says, "Stoikey Muzhik." He turns to Hoffman, and tells him, "I can wait."

A car pulls up at Checkpoint Charlie. It is Pryor. Michener confirms by shouting "We got him!" and giving a thumbs up to Donovan and Hoffman at the bridge. Abel turns to Donovan and tells him that he has a gift for him - a painting - which catches him off guard. "I'm sorry I didn't think to get you a gift," Donovan says. "This is your gift," Abel replies, as he sets off across the bridge.

Answer: "Would it help?"

Abel says the line to Donovan on three separate occasions. The first occurs right after Abel retains Donovan's services, and Donovan is giving him advice on who he should trust. "Do not talk to anybody else about your case, inside of government or out, except to me, to the extent that you trust me. I have a mandate to serve you. Nobody else does. Quite frankly, everybody else has an interest in sending you to the electric chair," Donovan says. When this provokes a calm "All right" from Abel, Donovan is puzzled. "You don't seem alarmed," he says. Abel thinks about it for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders and asks, "Would it help?"

The second occasion is in the courtroom, right after Donovan informs Abel that the Judge denied their motion to exclude the evidence obtained without a search warrant. When Abel makes a mild, slightly humorous response, Donovan asks him, "Do you never worry?" Abel turns to Donovan and asks, "Would it help?"

The third time occurs on Glienicke Bridge, when Donovan asks Abel what will happen to him when he gets home. "Rudolf, is there not the possibility..." Donovan begins, leaving Abel to complete the thought. "...That my people are going to shoot me?" Abel asks. "Yes," Donovan replies. The thought had crossed his mind that the Russians may believe that Abel's loyalties had shifted. "You're not worried?" Donovan asks. Abel remains placid. "Would it help?" he says.

Answer: Fishing

Donovan walks up the front steps of his home and greets his wife on the veranda with a kiss and a warm embrace. Their reunion is interrupted by their daughter, Carol, who shouts for her mother from the living room. They enter the house to find their three children watching Pierre Salinger, President Kennedy's press secretary, addressing the nation on TV. "Francis Gary Powers has been released from prison in the Soviet Union, and turned over to American authorities early this morning in Berlin. The president has commuted the sentence of Rudolf Abel. Mr. Abel has been deported, and has been released in Berlin. Efforts to obtain Mr. Powers' release had been underway for some time. In recent efforts, the United States Government has had the cooperation and assistance of Mr. James B. Donovan, a New York attorney." Mary can't believe her ears and can only stand there wide-eyed in front of the TV. Her youngest daughter, Peggy, turns around and says, "I thought Daddy was fishing. For salmon." Mary leaves her children and finds her husband's suitcase in the hallway at the foot of the stairs. She goes up to find him lying face down and fully dressed on their bed, fast asleep. Mary picks his hat off the floor and stands there in awe of her husband.

In the closing titles, we learn that Abel was safely reunited with his family in Russia, and that Donovan was subsequently sent to Cuba by President Kennedy to negotiate with Fidel Castro for the release of 1,113 prisoners following the Bay of Pigs invasion. By the end of the negotiations, Donovan had secured the release of 9,703 men, women and children.