Question 1

True or false: Frank Capra directed 'It's a Wonderful Life' based on a story he wrote himself.

Accepted Answer

False. The film was based on Philip Van Doren Stern's short story 'The Greatest Gift,' not Capra's own writing.

Question 2

True or false: Frank Capra was born in Sicily and immigrated to the United States as a child.

Accepted Answer

True. He was born in Bisacquino, Sicily, in 1897 and moved to Los Angeles with his family at age five.

Question 3

True or false: Capra never used improvisation on set, insisting actors stick strictly to the script.

Accepted Answer

False. Capra encouraged improvisation and spontaneity, especially in comedies like 'It Happened One Night,' where Clark Gable ad-libbed lines.

Question 4

True or false: Capra's film 'Lost Horizon' was a box office smash that won multiple Oscars.

Accepted Answer

False. While critically acclaimed, 'Lost Horizon' (1937) was a financial disappointment and only won two Oscars, not multiple.

Question 5

True or false: Frank Capra's first major film hit was a silent comedy called 'The Strong Man'.

Accepted Answer

True. Released in 1926, 'The Strong Man' starring Harry Langdon launched Capra's career as a leading comedy director.

Question 6

True or false: Capra was a five-time Academy Award winner for Best Director.

Accepted Answer

True. He won three Oscars for directing (It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can't Take It With You) plus two other honorary awards.

Question 7

True or false: Frank Capra was a naturalized U.S. citizen who voted in every presidential election after 1920.

Accepted Answer

True. He became a citizen in 1920 and was famously patriotic, often speaking about his love for American democracy.

Question 8

True or false: Capra served as a combat cameraman during World War II.

Accepted Answer

False. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, making propaganda films like the 'Why We Fight' series, but not as a combat cameraman.

Frank Capra Trivia Questions