80's Trivia Questions

Your source for weekly 80's trivia questions. You will find 80s trivia questions ranging from clothing and hair to TV and movies and, of course, 80's music. If you think you have the answer, post it in the comments section.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Winona Ryder Trivia

Today, we're pitting film actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Winona Ryder against each other in a contest to determine which one was cooler. Both actresses got their start in the 80's, and both were child stars that went on to have successful careers as adults (not always an easy feat!)

Sarah Jessica Parker was the third actress to play the lead in the Broadway production of "Annie." She would follow that with numerous television roles, appearances in "Footloose" and "Firstborn," and a starring role in "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." Her career really clicked in the 90's, with star turns in "L.A. Story" and "Honeymoon In Vegas," and then her signature role in the HBO series "Sex And The City."

But, while many will always remember her as Manhattan Sex Columnist Carrie Bradshaw, children of the 80's might be more inclined to remember her for her character on the short lived 80's sitcom "Square Pegs." The show only lasted one season, but it's unvarnished portrayal of the trials of adolescence presaged everything from John Hughes films to "Freaks & Geeks." What was the name of Sarah Jessica Parker's character on "Square Pegs?"

Bonus Question: Much as it was with Parker, Winona Ryder's most significant roles as an actress came in the 90's. But the film "Heathers" was probably more satisfying for anyone who felt tormented by their high school experience. Who hasn't wanted to blow up the school on Prom Night? Ironically, Ryder's agent begged her not to do the film, predicting it would be the end of her career. Instead, it cemented her reputation for being able to sympathetically portray a young person who exists at the fringes of the social order. In any case, if one looks closely, it's evident that the creators of the film "Heathers" were very focused on teen archetypes in conceiving of the film. In fact, two of the characters in the film are named after well known teen comic book characters Which ones?

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80's Movies that Spent Time in the Sun and Sand

Back in 1988, Tom Cruise was in a movie that spent a good part of its time on some fabulous beaches in Jamaica. But Cruise's character wasn't on vacation, he was down in the tropics seeking work as a celebrity bartender.

He does find true love, but gets sidetracked by a wealthy female executive in search of a boy toy. He comes to his senses upon returning to New York, and dumps the society dame with the classic line "All things end badly, otherwise they wouldn't end."

The film earned Cruise a 'Razzie' award, and was probably the last time he played a party guy before he started seeking more substantial film roles. What was the name of this film?

Bonus Question: Another film from 1988 also featured plenty of sand and surf, and attempted to recall the beach blanket classics of the Sixties. The film was set in 1963, and follows the adventures of Phoebe Cates and her three friends as they seek one last fling before committing to marriage and adult responsibilities. What's the name of the ocean side community, known for its fabulous beaches, where most of the story takes place?

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Harrison Ford Characters Trivia Questions

The New Indiana Jones film "Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull" comes out next week, so in celebration we're pitting two of Harrison Ford's best known characters against each other and letting you decide which one was cooler: Han Solo or Indiana Jones?

Previous 80's Trivia Questions included Stallone Vs. Schwarzeneggar, Nicolas Cage Vs. John Cusack, and Tom Cruise Vs. Kevin Bacon. This time, both contestants are fictional characters played by the same actor, Harrison Ford. Both of these characters are on the American Film Institute's list of all time greatest film heroes, both are rogue-ish adventurers with a quick wit and steady aim, and both are ladykillers.

Han Solo is a pirate when he first appears in the Star Wars series, vicariously appealing as a scoundrel from the wrong side of the galaxy. Of course, the character goes through a transformation when his conscience compels him to act on behalf of others instead of only in his own interests. When we see Han Solo appear in the next two films, he's a ranking member of the rebel alliance, fighting the good fight. In fact, what is his rank in "The Empire Strikes Back?"

Bonus Question: The Indiana Jones series of films from the 80's has the main character fighting lots of soldiers (and pretty much anyone else), even though he himself is not identified as a member of any military organization. No, Dr. Jones is an academic, a Professor of Archeology. According to the label on the package he receives from Venice in the film "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade," what is the name of the college where Indiana Jones is teaching at the time?

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The Cure Music Video Trivia

The Cure were one of the best bands of the 80's, with an influence that runs throughout the music world, a great reputation as a live act, and an amazing catalog of songs. Their B-sides and rarities alone are enough to fill a box set. And, The Cure have a huge collection of distinctive music videos as well. The video for one of their best songs has the band performing underneath palm trees in the midst of a snowstorm. Which video is it?

Bonus Question: Sign language shows up in the video for New Order's "True Faith," but it's also present in a Cure video from four years earlier. Which one?

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Classic 80's Soundtrack: Pretty in Pink Trivia

If i asked you the name of Molly Ringwald's character in the film "Pretty In Pink?" Any fan of Molly's films knows that the answer is 'Andie.' Furthermore, fans of "Pretty In Pink" know that the title of the film was inspired by the Psychedelic Furs song of the same name that had come out some years before.

The legend goes that Director John Hughes heard the song playing during breaks while filming "The Breakfast Club," and set about coming up with a story based on the songs title. He apparently didn't base his story on the circumstances of the girl mentioned in the song, or any of the other lyrics, as I don't remember cars colliding or Andrew McCarthy "Walking around in the dress that she wore." And he probably could have used the name mentioned in the lyrics for his main character, but he didn't.

Those lyrics inform us that "The one who insists he was first in the line is the last to remember her name," but maybe you can do better. What's the name of the girl that the Psychedelic Furs are singing about in their seminal hit "Pretty In Pink?"

Bonus Question: Another 80's classic is the 1983 film "Valley Girl." The film was an early success for headliners Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman, and it had some other notable appearances as well. One of the supporting actresses in the film also had a singing career during the 80's, and was responsible for putting a song at the top of the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart in 1986. During the 90's, she was the voice of a Rugrat, and also of a talking pig. What was the name of this versatile actress/singer/voice over talent?

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