Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your 1950s Trivia?
No decade had more relevant moments take place during it than the 1950s. This was when some of the best shows, movies, songs, and products were introduced. Anyone who has an ounce of appreciation for the 50s will recognize names like Ward Cleaver, Ralph Kramden, and Perry Mason.
Many iconic actors, political figures, and athletes impacted that period. Legends of Hollywood and music continue to influence the pop culture of today. Concepts and general formulas for creating a successful show or movie in modern times were initiated back then. Take this quiz and prove your expertise about the 1950s.
Which 50s show featured one of TV’s most iconic families?
A. Leave it to Beaver
B. The Honeymooners
C. I Love Lucy
D. The Andy Griffith Show
Answer: Leave it to Beaver
The iconic show Leave it to Beaver is centered around the Cleaver family. The Cleavers are Ward, June, Wally, and Beaver, whose adventures are followed on the TV sitcom.
Which trend was popular in the 1950s?
A. Poodle skirts
B. Bell bottoms
C. Leather pants
D. Cowboy boots
Answer: Poodle skirts
Poodle skirts made their splash in the 1950s. Teenage girls began wearing the fashion trend designed originally with poodles embroidered on them as both everyday wear and to school dances.
What was the life-saving vaccine invented in the 1950s?
A. Polio
B. Small Pox
C. Chicken Pox
D. Tuberculosis
Answer: Polio
Jonas Salk invented the Polio vaccine. He tested it on himself and his family in 1953. One year later, over a million children in Canada, Finland, and the U.S. were vaccinated.
Where would you go to catch a movie in the 1950s?
A. Drive-in
B. Nowhere
C. Arena
D. Library
Answer: Drive-in
Drive-in movies were all the rage in the 1950s. Watching films in this manner was convenient for families. People smoked, went on dates, or brought their children there.
Which famous theme park opened its gates in the 50s?
A. Disneyland
B. Disney World
C. Darien Lake
D. Sea World
Answer: Disneyland
Disneyland opened its gates for the first time in 1955. The theme park was initially to be built in Burbank but debuted in Anaheim due to a lack of space.
What is the name of this sitcom which debuted in 1951?
A. I Love Lucy
B. Father Knows Best
C. The Honeymooners
D. Green Acres
Answer: I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy made its world broadcast premiere in 1951. It focused on the lives of the fiery redhead Lucy, her Cuban husband Ricky, and their friends Fred and Ethel.
What iconic fast food chain first debuted its logo in 1955?
A. McDonald’s
B. Wendy’s
C. KFC
D. Burger King
Answer: McDonald’s
McDonald’s famous Golden Arches appeared at its Phoenix, Arizona location. In 1953, the logo associated with the fast food giant was created even though the first restaurant opened in 1940.
In 1959, which state was adopted into the United States?
A. Alaska
B. Hawaii
C. Washington
D. Maine
Answer: Alaska
Alaska officially became part of the United States on January 3, 1959. Russia initially owned Alaska, but logistics difficulties and expenses forced the country to sell Alaska for $7.2 million.
What genre of music was popular in the 1950s?
A. Rock and Roll
B. Heavy Metal
C. Jazz
D. Country
Answer: Rock and Roll
Rock and Roll burst onto the scene in the 1950s. Heartthrob singer and actor Elvis Presley and other famous music legends of the genre entertained their fans, mostly teenage girls.
Which celebrity starred in Rebel Without A Cause?
A. James Dean
B. John Wayne
C. Elvis Presley
D. Desi Arnaz Jr.
Answer: James Dean
Dean popularized rebellious characters his teenage fans identified with, like in Rebel Without a Cause. He was known for his good looks, leather jacket, and his “devil may care” attitude.
What dance move would you see if you went to a 50s party?
A. The Twist
B. The Worm
C. The Jitterbug
D. The Bunny Hop
Answer: The Twist
At a 50s-themed party, you are most likely to see the Twist. Hank Ballard originally invented it before the dance move, and the track was popularized by singer, Chubby Checker.
What iconic comic was first published in 1950?
A. Peanuts
B. Blondie
C. The Lone Ranger
D. Flash Gordon
Answer: Peanuts
Peanuts, the iconic comic, was first published in 1950. Charles Shultz was the initial writer and illustrator of the comic strip. It was regularly featured in Sunday newspapers.
Disney released what movie in 1950?
A. Cinderella
B. Pinocchio
C. Fantasia
D. Bambi
Answer: Cinderella
Walt Disney’s Cinderella was officially released in 1950. The previous releases of Pinocchio, Bambi, and Fantasia in the 1940s did not earn the same box-office success that Cinderella did.
Who played Superman in the 50s show Adventures of Superman?
A. George Reeves
B. Christopher Reeves
C. Clark Gable
D. Gary Cooper
Answer: George Reeves
Actor George Reeves starred in the 50s hit show Adventures of Superman. Of its six seasons, the first two were filmed in black and white, and the rest in color.
Which toy was invented in the 1950s?
A. Hula hoops
B. The Pogo stick
C. The Rubik’s Cube
D. The Slinky
Answer: Hula hoops
Hula hoops were invented in 500 B.C. but were not popularized until 1958. People twirl the device around the waist, neck, and limbs; it was made famous by the Wham-O toy company.
What animal was the first to successfully orbit the Earth in 1957?
A. A Dog
B. A Monkey
C. A Cat
D. A Parrot
Answer: A Dog
Laika was a Russian dog that successfully orbited the Earth in 1957. It traveled aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. Monkeys were brought into space previously but did not survive the trip.
What is the name of this toy, first distributed in 1952?
A. Mr. Potato Head
B. Slinky
C. Wooly Willy
D. Gumby
Answer: Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head was first distributed in 1952. Initially, it came with push-pin parts, and parents had to buy an actual potato. After complaints, Hasbro included a plastic potato.
Which actor stars in The Caine Mutiny?
A. Humphrey Bogart
B. Clark Gable
C. James Dean
D. Gregory Peck
Answer: Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart plays the lead role in The Caine Mutiny. After the U.S. Naval captain displays moments of instability, the first officer faces a court martial for stepping in.
What classic doll made its debut in the 1950s?
A. Barbie
B. Chatty Cathy
C. Cabbage Patch Kids
D. Raggedy Ann
Answer: Barbie
Barbie dolls made their debut in 1959. It was created by Ruth Handler, a businesswoman, and distributed by Mattel. Barbie is still being sold today over six decades later.
Which of these historical event took place in 1957?
A. Sputnik 1 was launched
B. Man landed on the Moon
C. A Space Shuttle crash
D. The first launch of the Apollo space program
Answer: Sputnik 1 was launched
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the satellite Sputnik 1. Sputnik transmitted a radio signal to Earth for 21 straight days before the batteries powering it ran out.
What was the name of this movie from 1959?
A. Ben-Hur
B. The Ten Commandments
C. Spartacus
D. Clash of the Titans
Answer: Ben-Hur
Ben-Hur was released in 1959. Charlton Heston played the title character in the film, a remake of a 1925 silent film. Its $15 million budget was the largest at that time.
Which organization was formed in 1958?
A. NASA
B. The Peace Corps
C. The Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.)
D. Department of Defense
Answer: NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, was established in 1958. The independent agency of the U.S. government runs the federal space program and conducts aeronautics and space research.
Who hosted The Tonight Show debut in 1954?
A. Steve Allen
B. Ed McMahon
C. Jack Benny
D. Johnny Carson
Answer: Steve Allen
NBC debuted The Tonight Show, hosted by comedian Steve Allen, in 1954. Six comedians have been hosts, including Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Fallon.
Which U.S. president was in office in the 50s?
A. Dwight D. Eisenhower
B. Richard Nixon
C. John F. Kennedy
D. Harry Truman
Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States. Eisenhower was a former American military officer and statesman who came into power in the oval office from 1953-1961.
Marilyn Monroe played Rose Loomis, in which 50s movie?
A. Niagara
B. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
C. How to Marry a Millionaire
D. Some Like it Hot
Answer: Niagara
Marilyn Monroe plays Rose Loomis in the film Niagara. While honeymooning in Niagara Falls, Rose has an affair, and her plan to have her lover kill her husband backfires horribly.
