Nostalgic America
Test Your Movie Knowledge: Guess the Film From A Single Scene
By Bruce Berns · December 5, 2024
This quiz is the ultimate challenge for film enthusiasts, featuring stills from iconic classics like Chinatown, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and The Wizard of Oz. Each image takes you on a nostalgic journey through cinematic history, testing your memory and knowledge of Hollywood's most unforgettable moments.
Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard cinephile, this quiz offers something for everyone—think you can score 100%? Dive in to see how well you really know your favorite films! Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 1
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Chinatown
Roman Polanski's 1974 neo-noir masterpiece, Chinatown, stars Jack Nicholson as private detective J.J. Gittes and Faye Dunaway as the enigmatic Evelyn Mulwray. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the film explores corruption, greed, and betrayal within a water rights conspiracy. Gittes uncovers dark secrets as he delves deeper into Evelyn's family history, culminating in one of cinema's most shocking finales. With Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning screenplay, Chinatown is celebrated for its intricate plot, haunting atmosphere, and exceptional performances. A benchmark in the noir genre, the film’s iconic line, “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown,” encapsulates its cynical view of morality and justice. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 2
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: 2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 epic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, redefined science fiction cinema with its groundbreaking visuals and philosophical depth. The film spans human evolution, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, highlighted by the enigmatic HAL 9000, a sentient computer. Known for its hypnotic pacing and striking imagery, such as the iconic monolith and the "Star Gate" sequence, the film explores themes of humanity’s place in the cosmos. With minimal dialogue, 2001 relies on classical music, like Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, to elevate its grandeur. Its ambiguous ending continues to spark debate, making it a timeless work of art and science fiction. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 3
Can you name the Movie Audrey Hepburn and Henry Mancini performed a song for? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Blake Edwards’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) is a romantic comedy-drama starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a free-spirited New York socialite with a mysterious past. Adapted from Truman Capote’s novella, the film follows Holly’s friendship with aspiring writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard), which blossoms into romance. Iconic for Hepburn’s portrayal and her elegant style, including the famous little black dress, the movie balances charm with poignant undercurrents of loneliness and self-discovery. Featuring Henry Mancini’s Oscar-winning song “Moon River,” Breakfast at Tiffany’s remains a quintessential classic that celebrates the complexities of love and identity. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 4
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Cincinnati Kid
The Cincinnati Kid (1965), directed by Norman Jewison, is a gripping drama about high-stakes poker. Steve McQueen stars as Eric "The Kid" Stoner, an ambitious young card player determined to prove himself against seasoned champion Lancey "The Man" Howard, played by Edward G. Robinson. Set in 1930s New Orleans, the film captures the tension and psychology of gambling, with the climactic poker game serving as a metaphor for risk and mastery. Supporting performances by Ann-Margret and Karl Malden enhance the narrative. The Cincinnati Kid is a stylish exploration of competition, luck, and the price of ambition. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 5
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Fiddler on the Roof
The 1971 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Norman Jewison, is a heartfelt portrayal of tradition and change. Set in a Jewish village in Tsarist Russia, it follows Tevye (Topol), a poor milkman, as he balances his faith and love for his daughters, who challenge tradition with their marriages. With timeless songs like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” the film explores universal themes of family, resilience, and cultural upheaval. Fiddler on the Roof combines humor and poignancy, making it a cherished classic of musical cinema. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 6
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Out-of-Towners
Neil Simon’s The Out-of-Towners (1970) is a comedy about chaos and misadventure. Starring Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis as George and Gwen Kellerman, the film follows the couple as they travel to New York City for a job interview. Their trip spirals into disaster, with lost luggage, robberies, and endless frustrations showcasing Simon’s knack for situational humor. Lemmon and Dennis bring charm and energy to their roles, highlighting the absurdity of urban life. Balancing sharp wit with relatable struggles, The Out-of-Towners remains a quintessential comedy about navigating the unpredictability of modern life. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 7
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Serpico
Serpico (1973), directed by Sidney Lumet, is a gripping crime drama based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York City cop who exposed corruption within the police force. Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance as the idealistic officer, who faces isolation and danger as he confronts systemic dishonesty. The film delves into themes of integrity, morality, and the personal cost of standing up for justice. Lumet’s realistic direction and Pacino’s intense portrayal make Serpico a compelling and socially significant film that continues to resonate in its examination of ethics and accountability. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 8
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Silkwood
Directed by Mike Nichols, Silkwood (1983) is a drama inspired by the true story of Karen Silkwood, played by Meryl Streep. A worker at a plutonium processing plant, Silkwood becomes a whistleblower after discovering unsafe practices that endanger employees. Her investigation leads to mysterious circumstances, culminating in her untimely death. The film, co-starring Kurt Russell and Cher, explores themes of courage, corporate malfeasance, and personal sacrifice. Streep’s nuanced performance captures Silkwood’s transformation from an ordinary worker to a reluctant hero. Silkwood is a poignant and powerful critique of corporate irresponsibility and a tribute to activism. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 9
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
The Thomas Crown Affair, directed by Norman Jewison, is a stylish caper starring Steve McQueen as Thomas Crown, a wealthy mastermind behind a bank heist, and Faye Dunaway as Vicki Anderson, the insurance investigator pursuing him. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic intertwines romance and suspense, with iconic sequences like the chess game brimming with tension. McQueen’s cool demeanor and Dunaway’s sophistication define the film’s sleek aesthetic. Michel Legrand’s Oscar-winning song “The Windmills of Your Mind” enhances its allure. A blend of intrigue, charm, and glamour, the film remains a quintessential heist story. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 10
Can you name the Movie this scene is From? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.