Question 1

What real-life blunder by a Soviet spy led to Rudolf Abel's exposure?

Accepted Answer

Abel's junior colleague Reino Hayhanen carelessly spent a hollow nickel containing a coded message, which a Brooklyn paperboy found and dropped, revealing microfilm inside. This alerted the FBI to Abel's activities in 1953.

Question 2

How did a background actor's historical knowledge change a courtroom scene?

Accepted Answer

A photographer historian informed the crew that photographers at the time would eject hot flashbulbs onto the floor, not into pockets. Steven Spielberg then shot a low-angle view of characters walking through the strewn bulbs.

Question 3

What was the actual purpose of the suicide pin given to Francis Gary Powers, according to his son?

Accepted Answer

It was an option in case of physical torture, not a direct order to commit suicide if shot down. The Soviets found it on a third strip search, and Powers warned them not to touch it; they tested it on a dog, which died.

Question 4

Why did MGM decline to make 'Bridge of Spies' in 1965 when Gregory Peck and Alec Guinness were attached?

Accepted Answer

Cold War tensions were high in 1965, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was reluctant to get into the politics of the story, despite Peck set to play James Donovan and Guinness as Rudolf Abel with Stirling Silliphant writing.

Question 5

What awards did 'Bridge of Spies' win or get nominated for?

Accepted Answer

It received awards from the National Board of Review (2015), American Film Institute Awards (2016), Golden Globes (2016), Academy Awards (2016), and Writers Guild of America (2016), and was featured at the Berlin International Film Festival (2023).

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Bridge of Spies

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