Nostalgic America
Think You Know Movies? Guess These Films from Just One Scene
By Bruce Berns · November 28, 2024
This is not just any movie quiz—each question presents a scene from a legendary film that has left its mark on cinema history. Whether it’s a daring escape, a romantic moment, or a comedic masterpiece, these frames capture the essence of storytelling. From Hitchcock’s suspenseful thrillers to Spielberg’s heartfelt dramas, this quiz invites you to test your film knowledge and relive some of the most iconic moments in Hollywood.
Dive into this journey across genres and decades, showcasing unforgettable performances and timeless narratives. Are you a true movie aficionado? It’s time to find out. Let the guessing game begin! Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 1
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: North by Northwest
Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) is a masterful thriller starring Cary Grant as advertising executive Roger Thornhill, mistaken for a spy and pursued across the country. Featuring iconic scenes, such as the crop-duster attack and the Mount Rushmore climax, the film blends suspense, romance, and humor. Thornhill’s journey with Eva Marie Saint’s mysterious character and James Mason’s villainous spy makes for a gripping narrative. With Bernard Herrmann’s dynamic score and Hitchcock’s precise direction, North by Northwest is a quintessential espionage tale. Its wit, intrigue, and stylish visuals solidify its place as a cornerstone of classic cinema. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 2
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Barefoot in the Park
Neil Simon’s romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park (1967) stars Jane Fonda and Robert Redford as newlyweds adjusting to married life in a tiny New York City apartment. The film humorously explores the clash between Corie’s free-spirited nature and Paul’s buttoned-up demeanor. Directed by Gene Saks, the story captures the ups and downs of love, from playful banter to heartfelt reconciliation. The supporting cast, including Mildred Natwick as Corie’s quirky mother and Charles Boyer as an eccentric neighbor, adds charm. With witty dialogue and relatable humor, Barefoot in the Park is a delightful exploration of love and compromise. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 3
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Caddyshack
The 1980 comedy Caddyshack, directed by Harold Ramis, is a cult classic set at the eccentric Bushwood Country Club. Starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray, the film is a riotous satire of class and golf culture. Its loosely structured plot follows young caddy Danny Noonan’s attempt to win a college scholarship while navigating the club’s chaos. Highlights include Murray’s iconic feud with a mischievous gopher and Dangerfield’s relentless one-liners. Combining slapstick, absurdity, and irreverence, Caddyshack became a defining comedy of the 1980s, beloved for its outrageous humor and memorable performances. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 4
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Grapes of Wrath
John Ford’s 1940 adaptation of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is a poignant portrayal of the Great Depression. Henry Fonda stars as Tom Joad, who leads his displaced family on a journey from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life. The film depicts their struggles with poverty, exploitation, and resilience, capturing the plight of Dust Bowl migrants. Ford’s stark cinematography and deep empathy for the Joads amplify the story’s emotional impact. The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful exploration of social injustice and the indomitable human spirit, earning critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 5
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: On the Waterfront
Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront (1954) is a searing drama about corruption and redemption, starring Marlon Brando in an iconic performance as Terry Malloy. A washed-up boxer turned longshoreman, Terry battles his conscience while exposing the mob’s control over the docks. With memorable lines like “I coulda been a contender,” Brando’s portrayal of vulnerability and strength anchors the film. Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, and Lee J. Cobb deliver compelling performances, enhancing the gritty narrative. Kazan’s powerful direction and Leonard Bernstein’s haunting score amplify the moral stakes, making On the Waterfront a timeless tale of justice and courage. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 6
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: PT 109
PT 109 (1963) recounts the heroic World War II exploits of John F. Kennedy as a young naval officer commanding a patrol torpedo boat. Starring Cliff Robertson as Kennedy, the film dramatizes the harrowing events surrounding the sinking of PT 109 and Kennedy’s leadership in saving his crew. Directed by Leslie H. Martinson, the movie captures themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and camaraderie. While leaning on a patriotic tone, PT 109 also humanizes its future president, emphasizing his resilience under pressure. The film is both a gripping war story and an inspiring portrayal of Kennedy’s character during a pivotal moment in history. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 7
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Silver Streak
Silver Streak (1976) is a thrilling comedy blending mystery and action aboard a cross-country train. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film stars Gene Wilder as a mild-mannered editor caught in a murder conspiracy and Richard Pryor as a clever thief who becomes his ally. Their dynamic chemistry injects humor and charm into the suspenseful plot, which includes daring escapes and a climactic train crash. Jill Clayburgh adds intrigue as Wilder’s romantic interest. Combining comedy, romance, and Hitchcockian elements, Silver Streak is a delightful mix of genres and a showcase for Wilder and Pryor’s comedic brilliance. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 8
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Ten Commandments
Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments (1956) is an epic biblical drama starring Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as Pharaoh Ramses. The film chronicles Moses’ journey from Egyptian prince to leader of the Israelites, culminating in the iconic parting of the Red Sea. Lavish sets, dazzling effects, and Elmer Bernstein’s majestic score highlight the grandeur of DeMille’s vision. Heston’s commanding performance and the film’s moral gravitas have made it a cinematic landmark. Balancing spectacle with spiritual themes, The Ten Commandments remains one of Hollywood’s most ambitious and enduring epics. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 9
Can you name the movie this scene is from? (The Director is consulting the star) Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Color Purple
Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple (1985) is a powerful adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Starring Whoopi Goldberg in a breakthrough role as Celie, the film depicts her struggles with abuse, racism, and self-discovery in the early 20th-century South. Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover deliver standout performances, enriching the emotionally charged narrative. Spielberg’s sensitive direction captures Celie’s journey toward empowerment and love, culminating in a poignant celebration of resilience. With its evocative score and vivid storytelling, The Color Purple earned critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations, cementing its legacy as a deeply moving cinematic achievement. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 10
Can you name the movie this scene is from? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.