SF & Fantasy Trivia

[LawrenceA]

This trivia thread is dedicated to films and television in the science fiction and fantasy genres. From the silents to the newest releases, all questions are welcome on the subject.

 

 

First question: This science fiction film, released in the early days of the SF movie boom, was highly advertised before its release so far in advance that low-budget producer Robert Lippert rushed out a copycat SF film to be released at the same time. The original film's producer took Lippert to court, resulting in Lippert's film's posters and press releases having to prominently declare that it was NOT the other movie!

 

Name these two science fiction classics.

[film lover 293]

Destination Moon and Rocketship XM (both 1950)?

[LawrenceA]

Destination Moon and Rocketship XM (both 1950)?

 

Correct!

 

 

Your thread, film lover! 

[film lover 293]

This Korean ripoff of an American remake of a famous sci-fi film is so terrible it's funny.  Please name all three films mentioned, their year of release, and two stars from each film.

[DJBeacon]

"Yongray, Monster from the Deep" (1967)

 

"Godzilla, King of the Monsters!"  (1956)

 

"Gojira" (1954)

 

[film lover 293]

DJBeacon--Not the three I was thinking of, but you're Correct!

 

Your Thread, DJ.

 

 

[DJBeacon]

Thanks, film lover.  Hope you can tell us the 3 you had in mind.

 

Next:

This movie features the new element "serranium" and a computer named M.A.N.I.A.C.

[LawrenceA]

The Magnetic Monster (1953)

 

[DJBeacon]

Lawrence,

Thanks for that great poster.

And thank you, Canada, for helping save the world.

 

That's the right movie so you're up.

[film lover 293]

DJBeacon--These were the three; "A*P*E*" (1976)--Starring Alex Nichol and Joanna Deverona (Kerns)

 

                   "King Kong" (1976)--Starring Jessica Lange and Jeff Bridges.

 

                   "King Kong" (1933)--Starring Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong.

 

Lawrence's Thread.

[LawrenceA]

What low-budget fantasy film starred both an actor that went on to appear in one of the biggest SF films of all time, as well as a man that had previously starred as perhaps the most famous detective? 

 

Hint: B.I.G. in the 60's.

[LawrenceA]

Hint: The story is a based on perhaps the most mythic of English folk heroes, outside of King Arthur and Robin Hood.

[LawrenceA]

The Magic Sword (1962) starring Gary Lockwood and Basil Rathbone, based on the story of George and the Dragon.

 

 

 

 

 

open thread.

[DJBeacon]

This iconic robot appears in at least two 1950's films, name them and the robot.

[LawrenceA]

Robby the Robot in Forbidden Planet and The Invisible Boy?

[DJBeacon]

That's the mechanitron.

 

Your thread, Lawrence.

[LawrenceA]

This visual effects pioneer and inventor directed 2 SF films roughly a decade apart. They both have become cult favorites. The first prefigured some aspects of Star Wars as well as having a strong environmental storyline. The second was using ground-breaking camera techniques, but was marred by real-life tragedy that critically damaged the film and it's eventual release.

 

Name the inventor/director, as well as his 2 directorial efforts.

[LawrenceA]

Hint: the second film's production was disrupted by the mysterious death of one of the film's beloved stars, an event that still occasionally pops back up in the news (and tabloids).

[LawrenceA]

The answer is 

 

Douglas Trumbull

 

Silent Running (whose robots inspired the design of R2-D2)

 

Brainstorm (Natalie Wood died during production)

 

 

This thread seems to be a bust!

 

 

open thread

[DJBeacon]

I should have gone with my guess but thought Douglas had directed more than 2 films.

But let's keep this thread / topic alive!!!

 

Next: This movie was another production based on a legendary S/F and Horror writer's story and starred a former US president's wife.

Name the movie, writer and even the former Prez's wife's maiden name.

[LawrenceA]

Donovan's Brain, by Curt Siodmak, featuring Nancy Davis/Reagan?

[DJBeacon]

That's the one, Lawrence.

Your thread.

[LawrenceA]

This SF tale is considered a benchmark in both the original novel and the first film adaptation. The film was later remade for TV 18 years after the cinema version, followed by another, big-budget cinema version 24 years after that. Some of the novel's terminology has entered into the common vernacular, including a word associated with this very website!

 

Name the story!

 

Hint: The two big cinema versions were American films, but they each starred an Australian actor.

[LawrenceA]

Hint: The first film version is frequently shown on TCM, and is in color. 

 

Come on, this one is easy. It should take you no time at all.

[DJBeacon]

OK, I'll take a stab at it:

"The Time Machine" (1960) but I don't think Whit Bissell was Australian.  So how about Rod Taylor?

And then in 2002 with Guy Pearce.