Classic Mystery Movies Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rear Window

Released in 1954, "Rear Window" was about a man witnessing a murder out of his rear window, and how he tried to corner the killer from his wheelchair. It's considered such a fine example of mystery movie-making that the U.S. Library of Congress has put it on the very short list of films to be preserved indefinitely.

It's considered one of Hitchcock's best works and is still praised for its clean, dramatic story arc.

Answer: The Big Sleep

As one of the 'Bogie and Bacall' movies, "The Big Sleep" was criticized for its somewhat complex plot but praised for the on-screen chemistry of stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The couple married soon after the release of this film in 1946. The plot involved Marlowe trying to help the two sisters, one of whom was involved with a pornographer and another who is mired in a mess of blackmail.

The movie was directed by Howard Hawkes and its screenplay was co-written by American writer William Faulkner.

Answer: The 39 Steps

"The 39 Steps" was voted the best British film of 1935 for its thrilling portrayal of an innocent man caught in a complex, baffling scenario involving spies and secret agents chasing said spies. Hitchcock put himself in two brief scenes, one as a pedestrian walking past a bus and another as an audience member fleeing the music hall.

Answer: The Third Man

Considered by many critics as one of the best movies ever made, "The Third Man" received a British Academy Award for Best Film and an American Academy Award for Best Black and White Cinematography. The screenplay was written by novelist Graham Greene, a writer who often explored moral ambiguity in his works. It was directed by Carol Reed.

Answer: Strangers on a Train

Released in 1951, "Strangers on a Train" was filmed in many different locations, including Penn Station in New York, Washington, DC., a California ranch, and an L.A. tennis club, as well as Warner studios. The scene where a carousel goes out of control involved complex movie craft that is still studied in film schools today.

The plot -- where two people plot to kill the other's enemy -- has been a force in other films since, including "Horrible Bosses" in 2011.

Answer: Gaslight

"Gaslight" was so successful that the word became a standard way of referring to a type of abuse where the victim is gradually manipulated into doubting his or her sanity. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, with Bergman winning Best Actress.

This was Angela Lansbury's debut, and she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the young maid, Nancy. The director, George Cukor, later won an Academy Award for Best Director for "My Fair Lady" (1964).

Answer: Dial M for Murder

The 1954 film "Dial M for Murder" was based on a play written by Frederick Knott. Kelly was praised for her nuanced portrayal of the wealthy socialite Margot Mary Wendice, who was found guilty of killing the man her husband hired to kill her. The 1998 movie "A Perfect Murder" was a remake starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael Douglas, and Viggo Mortensen.

Answer: The Maltese Falcon

"The Maltese Falcon" was director John Huston's first foray as screenwriter and director; he went on to create even more legendary films, including "The Asphalt Jungle", "Moulin Rouge", and the "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." "Falcon" has been praised for its innovative use of camera angles and lighting to add new dimensions to the mystery at the heart of the story.

Answer: North by Northwest

"North by Northwest" was another huge hit for Hitchcock and is often cited as his greatest work. In 2008, the American Film Institute included it in its list of top ten mystery films. The plot involved a ring of spies trying to smuggle secret documents out of the U.S. who thought that Grant's character was trying to thwart him, though it was a case of mistaken identity.

Answer: Psycho

"Psycho" was released in 1960 and ushered in a new era of suspense and violence in movies, mostly because of the infamous bloody shower scene. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Hitchcock and Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh.