ROUND 1 - Hidden theme

The Hidden Theme in this round sets the tone for much of the rest of the Quiz

1.

He was chief executive of the Lonrho conglomerate from 1962 to 1994, and gained fame from a number of high-profile takeover bids, in particular his bid to take control of Harrods, where he was defeated by Mohamed Al-Fayed in 1985.  Who is he?

2.

This group included, among others, Dicky Mint, Mick the Marmalizer, Stephen ‘Titch’ Doyle, Little Evan, and Nigel Ponsonby-Smallpiece.  By what term were they collectively known?

3.

What acronym, coined in the 1980’s, describes a high-earning couple, without children?

4.

Her first film appearance was in Plane Crazy in 1928, and her last film appearance was in Runaway Brain in 1995.  Who is she?

5.

One went to the market, one didn’t.  One had roast beef, one didn’t.  What did the fifth do?

6.

Often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, what is the fielding position between second and third base called?

7.

The cruisers Deutschland, Admiral Scheer, and Admiral Graf Spee were built between 1929 and 1936, in accordance with restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.  Due to their limited displacement, but heavy armament, how did the British refer to these vessels?

8.

He played club football for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.  He also scored the third goal in France's 3 - 0 victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final.  Who is he? (either his first name or his nickname is also required)

Sp1

In the 1970’s, Les Dawson would don National Health spectacles and pull a grotesque face to become a spectacularly dirty old man with the catchphrase 'Knickers, knackers, knockers'.  What was the name of the character?

Sp2

The International Astronomical Union defines Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris as what?

ROUND 2 - 'Six Degrees of Separation, minus Four - Music'

There is a theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person through a chain of no more than five intermediaries.  In the spirit of this quiz, the setter has shortened it to one intermediary - i.e. Brian knows (or knew) someone who met the person in the answer.  This is obviously no help in answering the questions, but there you are!

1.

Despite having 8 No.1 albums in the UK, the group’s best ever single was Whole Lotta Love, which got to No. 21 in 1997.  Name the group’s drummer.

2.

In 1959, he formed a trio with string bass player Pierre Michelot, and percussionist Christian Garros.  He is well known for his jazz interpretations of JS Bach's works, and his Air on the G String was used for the Hamlet cigar advertisements in the UK for over 35 years.  Who is he?

3.

Although they never got to No. 1, the band had a number of top 20 hits in the early 60’s, including If you Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody, I’m Telling You Now and You Were Made for Me.  Their stage act was based around the comic antics of the 5’ 3’’ lead singer.  What was the name of the lead singer?

4.

He is now music director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and the Bavarian State Opera, but who was principal conductor of Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra from 1992 to 1999?

5.

Sibelius called him, "the personification of the true English character in music ... a noble personality and a born aristocrat".  Perhaps the best-known work depicting him is Ken Russell's 1962 BBC television film, named after him.  Who was he?

6.

This singer, songwriter, and comedian, known as ‘The Rochdale Cowboy’, was born in Crumpsall.  Who is he?

7.

In 1981 he wrote one of his best known songs to show his disdain for the International Year of Disabled Persons, which he saw as patronising and counter-productive.  It was inspired by the response of the Roman gladiators in the film Spartacus, who were instructed to identify their leader.  Name this singer-songwriter, artist, and actor.

8.

The group has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.  At their peak in 1967, the band outsold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, combined.  Despite all this, the group only had one No. 1 single in the UK, I’m a Believer in 1966.  Name the vocalist who was born in Openshaw.

Sp1

He was perhaps best known for his comedy songs in the late 60’s and early 70’s, such as Bantam Cock, Sister Josephine, On Again! On Again! and The Hair of the Widow of Bridlington.  Name this singer-songwriter, poet and journalist.

Sp2

Now commemorated by a plaque placed there, which American singer/song-writer was inspired while waiting at the Widnes railway station for the early morning milk train into London on 13 September 1965?

ROUND 3 - Bingo Round with Chemical Symbols in the answers

Quizzers are invited to pick a question from the list of chemical elements provided.  The chemical symbol for that element appears in the answer and the question itself is numbered according to that element's atomic number.

1.

Neon

There is only one letter of the alphabet that occurs in the name of just one football team in the top four English and top four Scottish leagues.  Name the team.

2.

Chromium

These gnomic elves first appeared in advertising in 1933, and on packaging in 1941.  In France, they are Cric! Crac! and Croc! and in Italy, they are Pif! Pof! and Paf!  What do we call them in this country?

3.

Zinc

What is the capital city of the Chechen Republic, Russia?

4.

Silver

Max Eisenhardt, usually played in films by Ian McKellen, is better known by what name?

5.

Antimony

Who writes the detective novels featuring Harry Hole?

6.

Iridium

Which recent film was sub-titled The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance?

7.

Lead

The World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov played a match in February 1996 which he won 4–2 (lost one, drew two, won three).  A rematch took place in May 1997 which Kasparov lost 3½–2½ (lost two, drew three, won one).  Name his opponent.

8.

Francium

Lady Godiva’s husband was the Earl of Mercia.  What was his name?

9.

Actinium

In response to the BBC's 2002 Great Britons debate, which had no black people in the top 100, in 2004 this woman was voted ‘The Greatest Black Briton’.  Who was this Jamaican-born nurse?

ROUND 4 - Hidden theme

1.

The Panama Canal connects Panama City on the Pacific Ocean, with which free port on the Caribbean?

2.

Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! in Quebec has two.  There is one place in the British Isles that has one.  Hamilton in Ohio applied to the Federal Board on Geographical Names for one, but was refused.  What are we talking about?

3.

The Sellar and Yeatman book 1066 and All That covers English history from the Romans, up to the end of World War I, when 'America was thus clearly Top Nation and...…' what happened?

4.

Initially based in London’s Lavender Hill, this company manufactured vans, medium to heavy trucks, military vehicles and buses from 1905 to 1979.  What was the company called?

5.

What term can refer to: a fifty-metre freestyle swimming event; a quick stop for fuel near the end of a motor race, or a hot air ballooning manoeuvre whereby the balloon is lowered down to touch a body of water and lifts off again?

6.

Practiced by 200 to 500 million people around the world, this agricultural technique is sometimes referred to as ‘shifting cultivation’, ‘swidden’, ‘jhum’ or ‘fire-fallow cultivation'.  By what English term is it most commonly known?

7.

What does Spider-Man have, that Batman lost in July 1939, and no other major superhero has ever had?

8.

By what names were the musical comedians George Logan and Patrick Fyffe better known?

Sp1

In the USA, Clark’s Mountain, Carlos Elmer’s Joshua's View, John E’s Pond, Ike’s Point, and Martha’s Vineyard are the only five places to have what feature?

Sp2

This 1962 film received an Oscar for Best Costume Design in a Black & White Film and was nominated for 4 other Oscars.  This 1966 film won 5 Oscars, including best Actress, and was nominated for 8 others.  This 1993 film was Leonardo DiCaprio’s first Oscar nomination.  This 2000 film received two Oscar nominations.  What do the four films have in common in their titles?  (the years quoted are the release dates)

ROUND 5 - Hidden theme

At least one word in each answer connects with the next answer in a disjointed sort of way.

1.

Published in 1841, Barnaby Rudge is largely set in the Gordon Riots of 1780.  Name the author’s only other historical novel, which was published in 1859.

2.

From the 1982 TV drama series, Dixie Dean, Loggo Lomond, George Malone, Chrissie Todd and Yosser Hughes, were collectively known as what?

3.

Which two-word term, derived from a war in Anatolia, describes a generally non-self-replicating type of malware program containing malicious code that, when executed, typically causes loss or theft of data, and possible system harm?

4.

This British retailer has over 140 high street stores in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Spain.  Its founder named the company after his secretary who was born Annice Goodwin, but took her step-father’s surname. What is the name of the company?

5.

Founded in 1872, this highly successful Rugby League club has won 20 League Championships (including 3 Super League Grand Finals), 19 Challenge Cups, and 3 World Club Challenge trophies.  Its nicknames include ‘The Cherry and Whites’ and ‘The Pie Eaters’.  What is the full name of the club?

6.

What is the name of the 1957 film about Franz von Werra, a German World War II fighter pilot generally regarded as the only Axis prisoner of war to escape from a Canadian prisoner of war camp?

7.

In April 1892, Fred Gilbert wrote a popular music hall song.  It may have been based on the British engineer, Joseph Jagger, who visited the Côte d'Azur in 1873.  However it is more likely to be based on the 1891 visit by confidence trickster Charles Wells.  What was the song called?

8.

Which phrase is famous for being the shortest verse in the King James version of the Bible?

Sp.

Marilyn Monroe featured as ‘Sweetheart of the Month’ in the first issue in December 1953.  What term was applied to Margie Harrison in January 1954, and subsequent participants?

ROUND 6 - Bingo Round with Initials in the answers

Rather than a full first name and surname people in the answers in this round are better known by two initials and a surname e.g. BB King or TS Eliot.

1.

Sci-Fi

Better known for some of his other works, who wrote the science fiction Space Trilogy, which comprises Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength?

2.

Cops & Robbers

William Shatner, of Star Trek fame, played the eponymous police sergeant in this TV series, which ran from 1982 to 1986.  What was it called?

3.

Poetry

This Greek poet lived in Alexandria and published 154 poems. The best known are perhaps Waiting for the Barbarians describing a city during a period of national decline (written in 1898), and Ithaca inspired by Homer’s Odyssey (1911).  Who is he?

4.

Sport & Politics

In 1893, he equalled the world long jump record of 23 feet 6½ inches.  In 1902, he played for Southampton in the FA Cup Final.  In 1912, he captained the England cricket team in South Africa. He also reputedly turned down the throne of Albania.  Who is he?

5.

Doctors & Nurses

Played by Mike Farrell, which character replaced Trapper John McIntyre, in the TV show M*A*S*H?

6.

Chains & Numbers

Founded in 1792, this became the first chain store in the world.  In 1966 it originated a 9-digit reference system, which, in 1974, became the ISBN scheme.  What is the company’s name?

7.

PI

This Chicago private investigator is a fictional character in a series of detective novels by Sara Paretsky.  Kathleen Turner played her in a 1991 movie.  Who is she?

8.

Monkey Business

Born in 1880 and dying in 1956, he is known for writing The American Language, and for his satirical reporting on the Scopes trial, which he dubbed the ‘Monkey Trial’.  He commented widely on the social scene, literature, politicians and contemporary movements.  Who was he?

9.

The Kardashians

Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Robert Kardashian Jr are famous for being famous.  Who did their attorney father famously defend in a 1995 trial?

10.

In 1892, he merged various electric companies to form General Electric.  In 1901, he merged several steel and iron businesses to form the United States Steel Corporation, the first billion-dollar company in the world.  Who was this American financier, philanthropist and art collector?

11.

The Show Must Go On

Often erroneously credited with coining the phrase 'There's a sucker born every minute', he did say, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me".  Born in 1810 and dying in 1891, who was this businessman?

12.

Black & White

Known as ‘Die Groot, (Afrikaans for 'The Big Crocodile'), who was the leader of South Africa from 1978 to 1989, serving as the last Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984 and the first executive State President from 1984 to 1989?

ROUND 7 - 'Six Degrees of Separation, minus Four - General Knowledge'

This is another round where the setter Brian knows (or knew) someone who met the person in the answer

1.

This American film producer made more than 40 films throughout his career.  At the 1982 Academy Awards ceremony, Roger Moore presented him with the Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award for his work in film.  Who was he?

2.

Born in Castledawson, Northern Ireland, who is the most recent Irish Nobel Prize winner?

3.

The cruciverbalist, the Reverend John Graham (1921-2013) was better known by what name?

4.

In a 1997 interview with a former Home Secretary, this broadcaster famously asked the question "Did you threaten to overrule him?" 12 times in succession.  Who was the interviewer?

5.

This actor, TV presenter and producer is best remembered for narrating a series, which he adapted from the French original Le Manège Enchanté.  Who was he?

6.

He has dyslexia, and on his last day at school, his headmaster told him he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire.  Aged 16, his first business venture was a magazine called Student.  He is now the 7th richest citizen of the United Kingdom.  Who is he?

7.

Which Mancunian won the Man Booker Prize in 2010, and was short-listed in 2014?

8.

One of his early films as a director, Loves of a Blonde, was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1967.  He has since won Oscars in 1975 and 1984.  His most recent film as a director is The Ghost of Munich in 2011.  Who is he?

Sp1

He was a tabloid journalist in London until 1987.  Since then, he has written biographies, several of them unauthorised, of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Monica Lewinsky.  Perhaps his best known biography is Diana: Her True Story published in 1992 and Diana: Her True Story, Commemorative Edition in 1997.  Who is he?

Sp2

This author worked with and later married the archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan.  She drew on this experience as background to some of her novels.  Who was she?

ROUND 8 - 'People under 5’ 6’’ tall'

1.

Hugo Dyson was an Oxford academic, a committed Christian, and a member of the Inklings literary group.  At a reading of one author’s efforts, he is recorded as saying "Oh God, not another fucking elf!"  Of which author was he speaking?

2.

The eponymous named whiskey is the best selling American whiskey in the world, and, registered in 1866, his is the USA’s oldest registered distillery.  Who was he?

3.

Known as ‘America’s Sweetheart’, she founded United Artists with DW Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks in 1919.  Who was she?

4.

In May 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space.  Who was second in July 1961?

5.

Born Harry Relph, this English music hall comedian and dancer is best known for his Big Boot Dance, for which he wore boots with soles 28 inches long.  What was his stage name?

6.

Dismayed by Didsbury’s lack of a library, Alderman Fletcher Moss persuaded one of the richest men of the time to pay for one.  Who was the American philanthropist whoobliged?  (first name and surname required)

7.

This French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, was famous for his libertine sexuality. Having spent 5 years in the Bastille, he was not among the seven prisoners released when it was stormed on 14 July 1789, having been transferred to an insane asylum at Charenton near Paris just 10 days before the event. Who was he?

8.

Of whom did Margaret Thatcher say: "(He) revived the economics of liberty when it had been all but forgotten.  He was an intellectual freedom fighter.  Never was there a less dismal practitioner of a dismal science."?

Sp1

"To err is human, to forgive, divine"; "Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed"; "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread"; "A little learning is a dangerous thing".  These are all quotations from which author's works?

Sp2

While he never held office as the head of state, head of government, or General Secretary, who was nonetheless considered the ‘paramount leader’ of the People's Republic of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1992?

ROUND 1 - Hidden theme

The Hidden Theme in this round sets the tone for much of the rest of the Quiz

1.

He was chief executive of the Lonrho conglomerate from 1962 to 1994, and gained fame from a number of high-profile takeover bids, in particular his bid to take control of Harrods, where he was defeated by Mohamed Al-Fayed in 1985.  Who is he?

(Roland) ‘Tiny’ Rowland

2.

This group included, among others, Dicky Mint, Mick the Marmalizer, Stephen ‘Titch’ Doyle, Little Evan, and Nigel Ponsonby-Smallpiece.  By what term were they collectively known?

The Diddy Men

3.

What acronym, coined in the 1980’s, describes a high-earning couple, without children?

DINKY

(Dual Income, No Kids Yet)

4.

Her first film appearance was in Plane Crazy in 1928, and her last film appearance was in Runaway Brain in 1995.  Who is she?

Minnie Mouse

5.

One went to the market, one didn’t.  One had roast beef, one didn’t.  What did the fifth do?

‘Cry wee, wee, wee, all the way home’

(according to the nursery rhyme about the 5 little piggies)

6.

Often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, what is the fielding position between second and third base called?

Shortstop

7.

The cruisers Deutschland, Admiral Scheer, and Admiral Graf Spee were built between 1929 and 1936, in accordance with restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.  Due to their limited displacement, but heavy armament, how did the British refer to these vessels?

Pocket Battleships

8.

He played club football for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.  He also scored the third goal in France's 3 - 0 victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final.  Who is he? (either his first name or his nickname is also required)

Emmanuel (or ‘Manu’) Petit

Sp1

In the 1970’s, Les Dawson would don National Health spectacles and pull a grotesque face to become a spectacularly dirty old man with the catchphrase 'Knickers, knackers, knockers'.  What was the name of the character?

Cosmo Smallpiece

Sp2

The International Astronomical Union defines Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris as what?

Dwarf Planets

ROUND 2 - 'Six Degrees of Separation, minus Four - Music'

There is a theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person through a chain of no more than five intermediaries.  In the spirit of this quiz, the setter has shortened it to one intermediary - i.e. Brian knows (or knew) someone who met the person in the answer.  This is obviously no help in answering the questions, but there you are!

1.

Despite having 8 No.1 albums in the UK, the group’s best ever single was Whole Lotta Love, which got to No. 21 in 1997.  Name the group’s drummer.

John Bonham Carter

(of Led Zeppelin)

2.

In 1959, he formed a trio with string bass player Pierre Michelot, and percussionist Christian Garros.  He is well known for his jazz interpretations of JS Bach's works, and his Air on the G String was used for the Hamlet cigar advertisements in the UK for over 35 years.  Who is he?

Jacques Loussier

3.

Although they never got to No. 1, the band had a number of top 20 hits in the early 60’s, including If you Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody, I’m Telling You Now and You Were Made for Me.  Their stage act was based around the comic antics of the 5’ 3’’ lead singer.  What was the name of the lead singer?

Freddie Garrity

(of Freddie and the Dreamers)

4.

He is now music director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and the Bavarian State Opera, but who was principal conductor of Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra from 1992 to 1999?

Kent Nagano

5.

Sibelius called him, "the personification of the true English character in music ... a noble personality and a born aristocrat".  Perhaps the best-known work depicting him is Ken Russell's 1962 BBC television film, named after him.  Who was he?

Sir Edward Elgar

6.

This singer, songwriter, and comedian, known as ‘The Rochdale Cowboy’, was born in Crumpsall.  Who is he?

Mike Harding

7.

In 1981 he wrote one of his best known songs to show his disdain for the International Year of Disabled Persons, which he saw as patronising and counter-productive.  It was inspired by the response of the Roman gladiators in the film Spartacus, who were instructed to identify their leader.  Name this singer-songwriter, artist, and actor.

Ian Dury

(the song was Spasticus Autisticus)

8.

The group has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.  At their peak in 1967, the band outsold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, combined.  Despite all this, the group only had one No. 1 single in the UK, I’m a Believer in 1966.  Name the vocalist who was born in Openshaw.

Davy Jones

(of the Monkees)

Sp1

He was perhaps best known for his comedy songs in the late 60’s and early 70’s, such as Bantam Cock, Sister Josephine, On Again! On Again! and The Hair of the Widow of Bridlington.  Name this singer-songwriter, poet and journalist.

Jake Thackray

Sp2

Now commemorated by a plaque placed there, which American singer/song-writer was inspired while waiting at the Widnes railway station for the early morning milk train into London on 13 September 1965?

Paul Simon

(the song was Homeward Bound)

ROUND 3 - Bingo Round with Chemical Symbols in the answers

Quizzers are invited to pick a question from the list of chemical elements provided.  The chemical symbol for that element appears in the answer and the question itself is numbered according to that element's atomic number.

1.

Neon

There is only one letter of the alphabet that occurs in the name of just one football team in the top four English and top four Scottish leagues.  Name the team.

St Johnstone

(only league team with a 'J' in it)

2.

Chromium

These gnomic elves first appeared in advertising in 1933, and on packaging in 1941.  In France, they are Cric! Crac! and Croc! and in Italy, they are Pif! Pof! and Paf!  What do we call them in this country?

Snap, Crackle and Pop

(from Rice Krispies)

3.

Zinc

What is the capital city of the Chechen Republic, Russia?

Grozny

4.

Silver

Max Eisenhardt, usually played in films by Ian McKellen, is better known by what name?

Magneto

(in the X-Men films)

5.

Antimony

Who writes the detective novels featuring Harry Hole?

Jo Nesbo

6.

Iridium

Which recent film was sub-titled The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance?

Birdman

7.

Lead

The World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov played a match in February 1996 which he won 4–2 (lost one, drew two, won three).  A rematch took place in May 1997 which Kasparov lost 3½–2½ (lost two, drew three, won one).  Name his opponent.

Deep Blue

(an IBM supercomputer)

8.

Francium

Lady Godiva’s husband was the Earl of Mercia.  What was his name?

Leofric

9.

Actinium

In response to the BBC's 2002 Great Britons debate, which had no black people in the top 100, in 2004 this woman was voted ‘The Greatest Black Briton’.  Who was this Jamaican-born nurse?

Mary Seacole

ROUND 4 - Hidden theme

1.

The Panama Canal connects Panama City on the Pacific Ocean, with which free port on the Caribbean?

Colón

2.

Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! in Quebec has two.  There is one place in the British Isles that has one.  Hamilton in Ohio applied to the Federal Board on Geographical Names for one, but was refused.  What are we talking about?

Exclamation Marks

(as in Westward Ho!)

3.

The Sellar and Yeatman book 1066 and All That covers English history from the Romans, up to the end of World War I, when 'America was thus clearly Top Nation and...…' what happened?

‘…history came to a full stop’

(Note to QM: Accept any reasonable approximation, as long as the phrase 'Full Stop' is mentioned)

4.

Initially based in London’s Lavender Hill, this company manufactured vans, medium to heavy trucks, military vehicles and buses from 1905 to 1979.  What was the company called?

Commer

(originally the Commercial Car Company)

5.

What term can refer to: a fifty-metre freestyle swimming event; a quick stop for fuel near the end of a motor race, or a hot air ballooning manoeuvre whereby the balloon is lowered down to touch a body of water and lifts off again?

Splash-and-dash

6.

Practiced by 200 to 500 million people around the world, this agricultural technique is sometimes referred to as ‘shifting cultivation’, ‘swidden’, ‘jhum’ or ‘fire-fallow cultivation'.  By what English term is it most commonly known?

Slash-and-burn

7.

What does Spider-Man have, that Batman lost in July 1939, and no other major superhero has ever had?

A hyphen

8.

By what names were the musical comedians George Logan and Patrick Fyffe better known?

Hinge and Bracket

(Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket)

Sp1

In the USA, Clark’s Mountain, Carlos Elmer’s Joshua's View, John E’s Pond, Ike’s Point, and Martha’s Vineyard are the only five places to have what feature?

Possessive Apostrophes

(accept "have apostrophe ‘s’s")

Sp2

This 1962 film received an Oscar for Best Costume Design in a Black & White Film and was nominated for 4 other Oscars.  This 1966 film won 5 Oscars, including best Actress, and was nominated for 8 others.  This 1993 film was Leonardo DiCaprio’s first Oscar nomination.  This 2000 film received two Oscar nominations.  What do the four films have in common in their titles?  (the years quoted are the release dates)

All have question marks

(Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?; Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; What's Eating Gilbert Grape?; O Brother, Where Art Thou? - strangely, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner from 1967 doesn’t have a question mark)

ROUND 5 - Hidden theme

At least one word in each answer connects with the next answer in a disjointed sort of way.

1.

Published in 1841, Barnaby Rudge is largely set in the Gordon Riots of 1780.  Name the author’s only other historical novel, which was published in 1859.

A Tale of Two Cities

2.

From the 1982 TV drama series, Dixie Dean, Loggo Lomond, George Malone, Chrissie Todd and Yosser Hughes, were collectively known as what?

The Boys from the Black Stuff

3.

Which two-word term, derived from a war in Anatolia, describes a generally non-self-replicating type of malware program containing malicious code that, when executed, typically causes loss or theft of data, and possible system harm?

Trojan Horse

4.

This British retailer has over 140 high street stores in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Spain.  Its founder named the company after his secretary who was born Annice Goodwin, but took her step-father’s surname. What is the name of the company?

Ann Summers

5.

Founded in 1872, this highly successful Rugby League club has won 20 League Championships (including 3 Super League Grand Finals), 19 Challenge Cups, and 3 World Club Challenge trophies.  Its nicknames include ‘The Cherry and Whites’ and ‘The Pie Eaters’.  What is the full name of the club?

Wigan Warriors

6.

What is the name of the 1957 film about Franz von Werra, a German World War II fighter pilot generally regarded as the only Axis prisoner of war to escape from a Canadian prisoner of war camp?

The One That Got Away

7.

In April 1892, Fred Gilbert wrote a popular music hall song.  It may have been based on the British engineer, Joseph Jagger, who visited the Côte d'Azur in 1873.  However it is more likely to be based on the 1891 visit by confidence trickster Charles Wells.  What was the song called?

The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo

(Jagger discovered that one of the wheels showed a clear bias.  Nobody knows how Wells did it)

8.

Which phrase is famous for being the shortest verse in the King James version of the Bible?

"Jesus wept"

(Gospel of John, chapter 11, verse 35)

Sp.

Marilyn Monroe featured as ‘Sweetheart of the Month’ in the first issue in December 1953.  What term was applied to Margie Harrison in January 1954, and subsequent participants?

‘Playmate of the Month’

(in Playboy magazine)

ROUND 6 - Bingo Round with Initials in the answers

Rather than a full first name and surname people in the answers in this round are better known by two initials and a surname e.g. BB King or TS Eliot.

1.

Sci-Fi

Better known for some of his other works, who wrote the science fiction Space Trilogy, which comprises Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength?

C S Lewis

2.

Cops & Robbers

William Shatner, of Star Trek fame, played the eponymous police sergeant in this TV series, which ran from 1982 to 1986.  What was it called?

T J Hooker

3.

Poetry

This Greek poet lived in Alexandria and published 154 poems. The best known are perhaps Waiting for the Barbarians describing a city during a period of national decline (written in 1898), and Ithaca inspired by Homer’s Odyssey (1911).  Who is he?

C P Cavafy

4.

Sport & Politics

In 1893, he equalled the world long jump record of 23 feet 6½ inches.  In 1902, he played for Southampton in the FA Cup Final.  In 1912, he captained the England cricket team in South Africa. He also reputedly turned down the throne of Albania.  Who is he?

C B Fry

5.

Doctors & Nurses

Played by Mike Farrell, which character replaced Trapper John McIntyre, in the TV show M*A*S*H?

B J Hunnicutt

6.

Chains & Numbers

Founded in 1792, this became the first chain store in the world.  In 1966 it originated a 9-digit reference system, which, in 1974, became the ISBN scheme.  What is the company’s name?

W H Smith

7.

PI

This Chicago private investigator is a fictional character in a series of detective novels by Sara Paretsky.  Kathleen Turner played her in a 1991 movie.  Who is she?

V I Warshawski

8.

Monkey Business

Born in 1880 and dying in 1956, he is known for writing The American Language, and for his satirical reporting on the Scopes trial, which he dubbed the ‘Monkey Trial’.  He commented widely on the social scene, literature, politicians and contemporary movements.  Who was he?

H L Mencken

9.

The Kardashians

Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Robert Kardashian Jr are famous for being famous.  Who did their attorney father famously defend in a 1995 trial?

O J Simpson

(Orenthal James)

10.

In 1892, he merged various electric companies to form General Electric.  In 1901, he merged several steel and iron businesses to form the United States Steel Corporation, the first billion-dollar company in the world.  Who was this American financier, philanthropist and art collector?

J P Morgan

(John Pierpont)

11.

The Show Must Go On

Often erroneously credited with coining the phrase 'There's a sucker born every minute', he did say, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me".  Born in 1810 and dying in 1891, who was this businessman?

P T Barnum

(Phineas Taylor)

12.

Black & White

Known as ‘Die Groot, (Afrikaans for 'The Big Crocodile'), who was the leader of South Africa from 1978 to 1989, serving as the last Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984 and the first executive State President from 1984 to 1989?

P W Botha

ROUND 7 - 'Six Degrees of Separation, minus Four - General Knowledge'

This is another round where the setter Brian knows (or knew) someone who met the person in the answer

1.

This American film producer made more than 40 films throughout his career.  At the 1982 Academy Awards ceremony, Roger Moore presented him with the Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award for his work in film.  Who was he?

Albert Broccoli

(accept ‘Cubby’ Broccoli)

2.

Born in Castledawson, Northern Ireland, who is the most recent Irish Nobel Prize winner?

Seamus Heaney

(Literature, 1995)

3.

The cruciverbalist, the Reverend John Graham (1921-2013) was better known by what name?

Araucaria

(Guardian crossword compiler - accept Cinephile, his pseudonym in the FT)

4.

In a 1997 interview with a former Home Secretary, this broadcaster famously asked the question "Did you threaten to overrule him?" 12 times in succession.  Who was the interviewer?

Jeremy Paxman

(interviewing Michael Howard about a meeting with Derek Lewis, head of HM Prison Service, about the possible dismissal of the governor of Parkhurst Prison)

5.

This actor, TV presenter and producer is best remembered for narrating a series, which he adapted from the French original Le Manège Enchanté.  Who was he?

Eric Thompson

6.

He has dyslexia, and on his last day at school, his headmaster told him he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire.  Aged 16, his first business venture was a magazine called Student.  He is now the 7th richest citizen of the United Kingdom.  Who is he?

Richard Branson

7.

Which Mancunian won the Man Booker Prize in 2010, and was short-listed in 2014?

Howard Jacobson

(The Finkler Question in 2010 and J in 2014)

8.

One of his early films as a director, Loves of a Blonde, was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1967.  He has since won Oscars in 1975 and 1984.  His most recent film as a director is The Ghost of Munich in 2011.  Who is he?

Miloš Forman

Sp1

He was a tabloid journalist in London until 1987.  Since then, he has written biographies, several of them unauthorised, of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Monica Lewinsky.  Perhaps his best known biography is Diana: Her True Story published in 1992 and Diana: Her True Story, Commemorative Edition in 1997.  Who is he?

Andrew Morton

Sp2

This author worked with and later married the archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan.  She drew on this experience as background to some of her novels.  Who was she?

Agatha Christie

ROUND 8 - 'People under 5’ 6’’ tall'

1.

Hugo Dyson was an Oxford academic, a committed Christian, and a member of the Inklings literary group.  At a reading of one author’s efforts, he is recorded as saying "Oh God, not another fucking elf!"  Of which author was he speaking?

J R R Tolkien

(5’ 5’’)

2.

The eponymous named whiskey is the best selling American whiskey in the world, and, registered in 1866, his is the USA’s oldest registered distillery.  Who was he?

Jack Daniel

(5’ 2’’)

3.

Known as ‘America’s Sweetheart’, she founded United Artists with DW Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks in 1919.  Who was she?

Mary Pickford

(5’ 0’’)

4.

In May 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space.  Who was second in July 1961?

Virgil ‘Gus’ Grissom

(5’ 5’’)

5.

Born Harry Relph, this English music hall comedian and dancer is best known for his Big Boot Dance, for which he wore boots with soles 28 inches long.  What was his stage name?

Little Tich

(4’ 6’’)

6.

Dismayed by Didsbury’s lack of a library, Alderman Fletcher Moss persuaded one of the richest men of the time to pay for one.  Who was the American philanthropist whoobliged?  (first name and surname required)

Andrew Carnegie

(5’ 0’’)

7.

This French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, was famous for his libertine sexuality. Having spent 5 years in the Bastille, he was not among the seven prisoners released when it was stormed on 14 July 1789, having been transferred to an insane asylum at Charenton near Paris just 10 days before the event. Who was he?

The Marquis de Sade

(5’ 3’’)

8.

Of whom did Margaret Thatcher say: "(He) revived the economics of liberty when it had been all but forgotten.  He was an intellectual freedom fighter.  Never was there a less dismal practitioner of a dismal science."?

Milton Friedman

(5’ 0’’)

Sp1

"To err is human, to forgive, divine"; "Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed"; "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread"; "A little learning is a dangerous thing".  These are all quotations from which author's works?

Alexander Pope

(4’ 6’’)

Sp2

While he never held office as the head of state, head of government, or General Secretary, who was nonetheless considered the ‘paramount leader’ of the People's Republic of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1992?

Deng Xiaoping

(5’ 0’’)