81 American Graffiti Trivia Questions & Answers
There are 81 questions on this topic. Last updated Apr 19 2024.
1
This song was originally a hit for Danny & the Juniors in the 1958, but in the movie it's performed by Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids. Please name this tune.
Answer: At the Hop
Originally titled "Do the Bop", the song was written in 1957 by Artie Singer, John Medora and David White. It was recorded by The Juvenairs, who shortly thereafter changed their name to Danny & the Juniors. The song was played for "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark, who liked it, but wasn't fond of the title and suggested that they change it. The songwriters made some adjustments to the lyrics and retitled the tune "At the Hop", in reference to the informal teenage dances that were popular at the time. Danny & the Juniors performed the new and improved version on "American Bandstand", and thanks to the national exposure, it reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 in January of 1958, holding that position for five weeks. The American doo-wop group Sha Na Na performed a version of the song at Woodstock in 1969, and it was a big hit with the crowd. The performance, which was included in the 1970 Woodstock documentary film and also on its soundtrack album, helped launch the group's career.
Originally titled "Do the Bop", the song was written in 1957 by Artie Singer, John Medora and David White. It was recorded by The Juvenairs, who shortly thereafter changed their name to Danny & the Juniors. The song was played for "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark, who liked it, but wasn't fond of the title and suggested that they change it. The songwriters made some adjustments to the lyrics and retitled the tune "At the Hop", in reference to the informal teenage dances that were popular at the time. Danny & the Juniors performed the new and improved version on "American Bandstand", and thanks to the national exposure, it reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 in January of 1958, holding that position for five weeks. The American doo-wop group Sha Na Na performed a version of the song at Woodstock in 1969, and it was a big hit with the crowd. The performance, which was included in the 1970 Woodstock documentary film and also on its soundtrack album, helped launch the group's career.
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Quick Question
2
What is the name of the carhop who Toad keeps pestering for a date during the opening scenes of the movie?
Answer: Budda
In the opening scene at Mel's drive-in, Terry a.k.a. "Toad" (played by Charlie Martin Smith) can be heard coaxing Budda's attention by telling her "I got a really neat record collection. I've even got 'Pledging My Love' by Johnny Ace". She calls him a little dip and says hi to Steve. Poor Toad, bruised and abused again.
In the opening scene at Mel's drive-in, Terry a.k.a. "Toad" (played by Charlie Martin Smith) can be heard coaxing Budda's attention by telling her "I got a really neat record collection. I've even got 'Pledging My Love' by Johnny Ace". She calls him a little dip and says hi to Steve. Poor Toad, bruised and abused again.
3
Who directed the movie?
Answer: George Lucas
An early project of Lucas', it was loosely autobiographical. As a young director, his talent and passion were already acknowledged by such upcoming actors as Richard Dreyfuss and even Suzanne Somers.
An early project of Lucas', it was loosely autobiographical. As a young director, his talent and passion were already acknowledged by such upcoming actors as Richard Dreyfuss and even Suzanne Somers.
4
Who is the actor who plays Steve?
Answer: Ron Howard
Ron Howard plays Steve Bolander.
Ron Howard plays Steve Bolander.
5
What was Terry's real nickname?
Answer: Toad
Terry (Charles Martin Smith) told Debbie that everyone called him "Terry the Tiger". However, he was commonly referred to with the glorious "Toad" monicker.
Terry (Charles Martin Smith) told Debbie that everyone called him "Terry the Tiger". However, he was commonly referred to with the glorious "Toad" monicker.
6
HThe tagline for American Graffiti is 'Where were you in ___'
Answer: 62
American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age film set in the early 1960s. The tagline "Where were you in ___" refers to the year in which the movie takes place. In this case, the answer is 62, indicating the year 1962. The film follows a group of high school friends as they navigate through one eventful night before they go their separate ways. It captures the spirit of youth, rebellion, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. American Graffiti was directed by George Lucas and features an ensemble cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Harrison Ford. It became a critical and commercial success, launching the careers of many of its cast members.
American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age film set in the early 1960s. The tagline "Where were you in ___" refers to the year in which the movie takes place. In this case, the answer is 62, indicating the year 1962. The film follows a group of high school friends as they navigate through one eventful night before they go their separate ways. It captures the spirit of youth, rebellion, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. American Graffiti was directed by George Lucas and features an ensemble cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Harrison Ford. It became a critical and commercial success, launching the careers of many of its cast members.
8
This tune was originally recorded by The Regents in 1961, but a cover version recorded by The Beach Boys in 1965 became a much bigger hit. What's the name of this song?
Answer: Barbara Ann
The Regents' version of the "Barbara Ann", which was the one featured in the film, was the group's only top twenty single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 13 in 1961. The Beach Boys recorded their take on the tune in September of 1965, and was included on the band's "Beach Boys Party!" album, which featured a collection of cover songs. "Barbara Ann" was released as a single in December of 1965, and it went on to become one of the group's biggest hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1966.
The Regents' version of the "Barbara Ann", which was the one featured in the film, was the group's only top twenty single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 13 in 1961. The Beach Boys recorded their take on the tune in September of 1965, and was included on the band's "Beach Boys Party!" album, which featured a collection of cover songs. "Barbara Ann" was released as a single in December of 1965, and it went on to become one of the group's biggest hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1966.
9
What is the model year of the white Thunderbird, which Curt chases throughout the movie?
Answer: 1956
At the end of the night, while Curt is sitting in his car, the public phone rings at Burger City. Curt answers, and it's the girl in the white Thunderbird (played by Suzanne Somers of "Three's Company" fame) She tells Curt her Thunderbird is "...a white '56". She tells Curt that maybe she'll see him the next night on 3rd Street. A dejected Curts knows that's not possible because he's leaving for college in the morning.
At the end of the night, while Curt is sitting in his car, the public phone rings at Burger City. Curt answers, and it's the girl in the white Thunderbird (played by Suzanne Somers of "Three's Company" fame) She tells Curt her Thunderbird is "...a white '56". She tells Curt that maybe she'll see him the next night on 3rd Street. A dejected Curts knows that's not possible because he's leaving for college in the morning.
10
Name the airline that Curt used when departing for college at the end of the film.
Answer: Magic Carpet
It was proudly emblazoned above the entryway to the plane. He was flying to the east coast to begin his college years.
It was proudly emblazoned above the entryway to the plane. He was flying to the east coast to begin his college years.
11
What is the name of Steve's girlfriend, played by Cindy Williams?
Answer: Laurie
Her name is Laurie Henderson, and she is Steve's best friend, Curt's sister.
Her name is Laurie Henderson, and she is Steve's best friend, Curt's sister.
12
Where are we when we first see Milner?
Answer: Mel's
When we first see Milner in the movie American Graffiti, he is at Mel's. Mel's is a popular drive-in restaurant located in Modesto, California, where the movie is set. It was a real-life hangout spot for teenagers in the 1960s, known for its carhop service and iconic neon sign. Mel's Drive-In became a symbol of American Graffiti culture and nostalgia for the era. The movie beautifully captures the atmosphere of this classic American diner, with Milner and other characters gathering there to socialize, show off their cars, and enjoy some good food.
When we first see Milner in the movie American Graffiti, he is at Mel's. Mel's is a popular drive-in restaurant located in Modesto, California, where the movie is set. It was a real-life hangout spot for teenagers in the 1960s, known for its carhop service and iconic neon sign. Mel's Drive-In became a symbol of American Graffiti culture and nostalgia for the era. The movie beautifully captures the atmosphere of this classic American diner, with Milner and other characters gathering there to socialize, show off their cars, and enjoy some good food.
13
What year is 'American Graffiti' based in?
Answer: 1962
'Where were you in '62'?
'Where were you in '62'?
14
Frankie Lymon was only 13 years old when he provided the lead vocals for this catchy tune from 1956. Which song is it?
Answer: Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were a doo-wop group that formed in New York City in 1954. "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was the group's biggest hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number six on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1956. At the time Lymon was the youngest artist to have a number one hit in the UK, and held the record until 1972, when nine year old Jimmy Osmond topped the chart with "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool". A version by Diana Ross also became a top ten hit, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1981.
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were a doo-wop group that formed in New York City in 1954. "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was the group's biggest hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number six on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1956. At the time Lymon was the youngest artist to have a number one hit in the UK, and held the record until 1972, when nine year old Jimmy Osmond topped the chart with "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool". A version by Diana Ross also became a top ten hit, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1981.
15
What is written on the bass drum of the band playing at the freshman hop?
Answer: Herby and The Heartbeats
The bass drum is visible through various crowded dance floor scenes. The real-life name of the band is Flash Cadillac and The Continental Kids. The band also played the role of Johnny Fish and The Fins in an episode of "Happy Days".
The bass drum is visible through various crowded dance floor scenes. The real-life name of the band is Flash Cadillac and The Continental Kids. The band also played the role of Johnny Fish and The Fins in an episode of "Happy Days".
16
Which item did Terry "Toad" NOT ask for when trying to buy booze at the convenience store?
Answer: pack of cigarettes
His amusing list was intended to confuse the clerk into letting him purchase Old Harper without questioning his age.
His amusing list was intended to confuse the clerk into letting him purchase Old Harper without questioning his age.
17
What two songs are played during the opening credits and the ending credits? (In the correct order.)
Answer: "Rock Around the Clock" and "All Summer Long"
"Rock Around the Clock" is played during the opening credits, which is sung by Bill Haley and the Comets, and "All Summer Long" is played during the ending credits, which is sung by the Beach Boys.
"Rock Around the Clock" is played during the opening credits, which is sung by Bill Haley and the Comets, and "All Summer Long" is played during the ending credits, which is sung by the Beach Boys.
18
What does Milner drive?
Answer: '32 Ford Deuce Coupe
Milner drives a '32 Ford Deuce Coupe in the movie American Graffiti. This iconic car is a symbol of the hot rod culture of the 1960s. The '32 Ford Deuce Coupe is highly regarded among car enthusiasts for its sleek design and powerful engine. It has become a classic symbol of American automotive history and is often associated with rebellion and youth culture. The car's appearance in American Graffiti further solidified its status as an iconic symbol of the era.
Milner drives a '32 Ford Deuce Coupe in the movie American Graffiti. This iconic car is a symbol of the hot rod culture of the 1960s. The '32 Ford Deuce Coupe is highly regarded among car enthusiasts for its sleek design and powerful engine. It has become a classic symbol of American automotive history and is often associated with rebellion and youth culture. The car's appearance in American Graffiti further solidified its status as an iconic symbol of the era.
19
Joey Dee and the Starliters contributed to the growing number of fad dances with this top ten hit from 1962. What's the name of this tune?
Answer: Peppermint Twist
Fad dances were all the rage in the early 1960s, so if you could come up with a catchy tune, which also included dance moves, you were almost guaranteed to have a hit. Dee, who co-wrote the tune, came up with the idea for the song during the group's stint as the house band at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. The original recording was over four minutes long, so it was decided that the song would be split into two parts. "Peppermint Twist (Part 1)" was released as an A-side single in 1961, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in early 1962, while the little known "Peppermint Twist (Part 2)", which is mostly instrumental, appeared on the flip side.
Fad dances were all the rage in the early 1960s, so if you could come up with a catchy tune, which also included dance moves, you were almost guaranteed to have a hit. Dee, who co-wrote the tune, came up with the idea for the song during the group's stint as the house band at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. The original recording was over four minutes long, so it was decided that the song would be split into two parts. "Peppermint Twist (Part 1)" was released as an A-side single in 1961, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in early 1962, while the little known "Peppermint Twist (Part 2)", which is mostly instrumental, appeared on the flip side.
20
What is hanging in Falfa's front windshield?
Answer: Skull
The large skull is in plain view whenever Bob Falfa (played by a much younger Harrison Ford) is shown behind the wheel of the black 1955 Chevy.
The large skull is in plain view whenever Bob Falfa (played by a much younger Harrison Ford) is shown behind the wheel of the black 1955 Chevy.
21
Who ends up going to college in the end?
Answer: Curt
In the beginning, the movie tells about the scholarship that Curt gets, but he doesn't want to go, and Steve wants to go instead. In the end, Curt ends up going, because Steve doesn't want to leave Laurie.
In the beginning, the movie tells about the scholarship that Curt gets, but he doesn't want to go, and Steve wants to go instead. In the end, Curt ends up going, because Steve doesn't want to leave Laurie.
22
What is the name of the car dealership on the strip where the police waited for speeders?
Answer: Jerry's Cherries
This is where Curt and the Pharaohs hooked the chain to and pulled the rear axle out of the police car.
This is where Curt and the Pharaohs hooked the chain to and pulled the rear axle out of the police car.
23
Which song can NOT be heard in the movie?
Answer: Little Deuce Coupe
No info available.
No info available.
25
The only instrumental track in the film is this top ten hit by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Please name it.
Answer: Green Onions
The song was originally released as the B-side of the band's first single "Behave Yourself" in May of 1962, but when "Green Onions" began receiving more airplay it was promptly reissued as the A-side. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart for four non-consecutive weeks. The song didn't chart in the UK at the time, but after it was used in the 1979 film "Quadrophenia" it entered the UK Singles Chart, eventually peaking at number seven in January of 1980. In 2004, "Green Onions" was ranked at number 181 on Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", making it the only instrumental on the list.
The song was originally released as the B-side of the band's first single "Behave Yourself" in May of 1962, but when "Green Onions" began receiving more airplay it was promptly reissued as the A-side. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart for four non-consecutive weeks. The song didn't chart in the UK at the time, but after it was used in the 1979 film "Quadrophenia" it entered the UK Singles Chart, eventually peaking at number seven in January of 1980. In 2004, "Green Onions" was ranked at number 181 on Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", making it the only instrumental on the list.