Classic Thriller and Suspense Film Trivia

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 “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.”- Alfred Hitchcock

Early Suspense Film Thrillers began in the 1920’s.  They were characterized by sustained tension and a constant anticipation of impending doom.  During a Thriller, the viewer is often on the edge of his or her seat expecting something bad to happen to the main protagonist of the story, but is powerless to stop it.  The emotions of Hope and Fear reside in the audience of a successful thriller; hope that the main character will overcome the obstacles in the film, and fear that at any moment something terrible will happen where they will meet their end.  Thrillers can certainly be fun to watch with friends and family! 

Take a walk down memory lane and see if you can remember any of these classic Thriller and Suspense Films from the 1930’s-1960’s.  While you’re at it, you may be tempted to watch one or two!    

 (Answers to these questions are at the bottom.)  

1. What famous film director was known as, “The Master of Suspense Thrillers,” and always appeared in a cameo in each of his films? 
2. This actress won an Academy Award for her performance in the suspense thriller, Gaslight, directed by George Cukor in 1944.  She plays a wife who believes she is going insane because of her husband’s manipulation.  Who is she?
3. While shooting this movie, Alfred Hitchcock used real animals (and not mechanical) to attack his leading actress, Tippi Hedren.  What was the movie?
4. This early horror film made in 1931 is about a mild mannered scientist who drinks a potion, turning him into an evil maniac.  What is the film? 
5. This film contains one of the most famous scenes in movie history.  This 45-second Shower Scene took seven days to film, includes more than fifty cuts and features Bernard Herrmann’s track “Screaming Violins.”  What suspense thriller movie was it? 
6. What is the term that Hitchcock popularized in his films, starting with 39 Steps, which is a physical object that everyone is chasing but has no further purpose, except to drive a plot?
7. This suspense movie’s last scene features a famous chase on Mount Rushmore.  What was the movie? 
8. This romantic thriller directed by Stanley Donen is often mistaken as an Alfred Hitchcock movie.  Many of its fans call it, “the best Hitchcock film that Hitchcock never made.”  It stars Audrey Hepburn and Carey Grant.  What movie is it? 
9. Billy Wilder co-wrote and directed this classic thriller that set the standard for film noir.  Barbara Stanwyck plays the attractive leading lady, Phyllis, who ropes a salesman, played by Fred MacMurray, into helping her cook up a scheme to murder her husband to receive twice the amount of her husband’s accident insurance policy.  What was the movie?  
10. This leading actor plays Roger Thornhill, who gets mistaken for a government agent in this classic Hitchcock movie.  Thornhill says,  “Now you listen to me, I’m an advertising man, not a red herring. I’ve got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex-wives and several bartenders that depend upon me, and I don’t intend to disappoint them all by getting myself ‘slightly’ killed.”  Who is the actor?

Classic Thriller and Suspense Film Trivia Answers

1. Alfred Hitchcock
2. Ingrid Bergman
3. The Birds
4. Dr. Jekll and Mr. Hyde 
5. Psycho 
6. Macguffin
7. North By Northwest
8. Charade
9. Double Indemnity
10. Carey Grant

How did you do with this Classic Thriller and Suspense Film Trivia?  Does it make you want to sit on the edge of your seat and scream?  Or maybe revisit a classic mystery murder with friends? 

At Discovery Villages, our wonderful communities give Senior Citizens the opportunities to have fun with engaging social activities and events.  Come visit us today and see how much you’ll enjoy being part of our community.

Discovery Village at Sugarloaf offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 770.232.3008.