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Study Guide: Anatole Litvak: A Retrospective of His Life and Film Career

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Anatole Litvak: A Retrospective of His Life and Film Career Study Guide

Early Life and European Filmmaking (1902-1936)

Anatole Litvak's birth name was Anatoly Moishevich Litvak, and he was born in Kiev, which was then part of the Russian Empire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Anatole Litvak's birth name as Anatoly Moishevich Litvak and his birthplace as Kiev, Russian Empire.

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Anatole Litvak left Russia in 1925 primarily due to artistic differences with the burgeoning Soviet film industry's creative direction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak left Russia in 1925 due to the nationalization of Russian theaters by the Soviet government, seeking more artistic possibilities outside the Soviet system, rather than solely artistic differences with the film industry's creative direction.

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Paris became Anatole Litvak's preferred filming location after he moved from Germany, with thirteen of his films being set there.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that after moving from Germany, Paris became Anatole Litvak's favored location for shooting films, with thirteen of his thirty-seven films set there.

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During his time in France, Litvak was known for emphasizing dialogue over sound effects and preferring static camera shots.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his French period, Anatole Litvak was known for emphasizing sound effects over dialogue and preferring continuous camera motion, including tracking shots, pans, and crane shots, rather than static shots.

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The film 'Mayerling' (1936) established Anatole Litvak's international reputation and starred French actors Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1936 film *Mayerling*, starring Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux, is indeed credited with establishing Anatole Litvak's international reputation as a producer and director.

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At Nordkino Studios in the 1920s, Litvak worked as a lead director on several silent films.

Answer: False

Explanation: At Nordkino Studios in the 1920s, Anatole Litvak began his filmmaking career as an assistant director and production designer, contributing to silent films, but not as a lead director.

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Anatole Litvak remained in St. Petersburg through the Russian Revolution, which occurred during his formative years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak did remain in St. Petersburg, the capital of the Russian Empire, throughout the Russian Revolution, which coincided with his formative years and early career.

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Litvak's early theatrical training included acting lessons at the state drama school in St. Petersburg and graduating from Saint Petersburg State University.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's early training included acting lessons at the state drama school in St. Petersburg and a degree from Saint Petersburg State University.

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Anatole Litvak's first directorial film in Germany was 'No More Love' (1931).

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's first film as a director in Germany was the musical *Dolly Gets Ahead* (1930), not *No More Love* (1931).

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In what city was Anatole Litvak born?

Answer: Kiev

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was born in Kiev, which was then part of the Russian Empire.

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Why did Anatole Litvak leave Russia in 1925?

Answer: Due to the nationalization of Russian theaters by the Soviet government.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak left Russia in 1925 because Russian theaters were nationalized by the Soviet government, leading him to seek more artistic possibilities elsewhere.

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Which of the following was NOT one of Anatole Litvak's first directorial films in Germany?

Answer: Mayerling

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's first directorial films in Germany included *Dolly Gets Ahead*, *No More Love*, and *Calais-Dover*. *Mayerling* was a later, internationally acclaimed film made in France.

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After Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933, where did Anatole Litvak move?

Answer: France

Explanation: Following Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933, Anatole Litvak relocated to France.

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What directorial technique did Anatole Litvak emphasize during his time in France?

Answer: Continuous camera motion, including tracking shots and crane shots.

Explanation: During his French period, Anatole Litvak was known for preferring continuous camera motion, frequently employing tracking shots, pans, and crane shots.

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Which film established Anatole Litvak's international reputation as a producer and director?

Answer: Mayerling (1936)

Explanation: The 1936 film *Mayerling* is credited with establishing Anatole Litvak's international reputation as both a producer and a director.

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According to critics, what kind of film did 'Mayerling' become a standard for?

Answer: The romantic film in a historical setting.

Explanation: American writer Lincoln Kirstein noted that *Mayerling* became 'a kind of standard for the romantic film in a historical setting.'

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What was Anatole Litvak's role at Nordkino Studios in the 1920s?

Answer: Assistant director and production designer.

Explanation: At Nordkino Studios in the 1920s, Anatole Litvak began his filmmaking career as an assistant director and production designer.

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Which of the following actors did Litvak direct to international stardom with 'Mayerling' (1936)?

Answer: Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux

Explanation: Anatole Litvak directed Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux to international stardom with the 1936 film *Mayerling*.

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Hollywood Debut and World War II Service (1937-1945)

Hollywood studios were eager to produce anti-Nazi films like 'Confessions of a Nazi Spy' to immediately alert the American public to the German threat.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to biographer Alexander Walker, Hollywood studios were initially reluctant to produce anti-Nazi films like *Confessions of a Nazi Spy* due to concerns about their box office investments in Germany, rather than being eager to alert the public.

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Anatole Litvak co-produced and directed 'All This and Heaven Too' (1940), which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak did co-produce and direct *All This and Heaven Too* (1940), starring Bette Davis and Charles Boyer, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Elia Kazan played a leading role in Anatole Litvak's 1940 film 'City for Conquest' before becoming a director.

Answer: False

Explanation: Elia Kazan played a supporting role in Anatole Litvak's 1940 film *City for Conquest*, which was one of his few film appearances before he became a leading director himself.

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Anatole Litvak became an American citizen after World War II concluded and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak became an American citizen by the beginning of U.S. involvement in World War II and enlisted during the war, not after its conclusion.

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The 'Why We Fight' film series was primarily directed by Anatole Litvak alone, without collaboration.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Why We Fight' film series was co-directed by Anatole Litvak with Frank Capra, who was in charge of the overall production, indicating it was a collaborative effort.

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Anatole Litvak was decorated by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for his work on 'The Battle of Russia' (1943).

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was indeed decorated by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for his work on *The Battle of Russia* (1943), a film depicting the heroic resistance of the Russian people against the Nazis.

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Litvak's fluency in multiple languages, including Russian, German, and French, was crucial for supervising the filming of the D-Day Normandy landings.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's fluency in multiple languages, including Russian, German, and French, was a significant asset that enabled him to supervise the filming of the D-Day Normandy landings.

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By the end of World War II, Anatole Litvak had achieved the military rank of lieutenant colonel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was promoted to the rank of full colonel by the end of World War II for his volunteer wartime efforts, not lieutenant colonel.

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Winston Churchill ordered that all films in the 'Why We Fight' series be shown in public theaters across Britain.

Answer: True

Explanation: Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister of Britain, indeed mandated that all films in the 'Why We Fight' series be screened in all public theaters throughout Britain.

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'Tovarich' (1937) was a serious historical drama about the Russian Revolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Tovarich* (1937) was a comedy that celebrated the 'outmoded values of the ruined Russian aristocracy,' not a serious historical drama about the Russian Revolution.

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The Battle of China (1944) was one of the 'Why We Fight' series films co-directed by Anatole Litvak.

Answer: True

Explanation: *The Battle of China* (1944) was indeed one of the films in the 'Why We Fight' series that Anatole Litvak co-directed.

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The primary theme of 'The Battle of Russia' was to highlight the strategic blunders of the Nazi invasion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary theme of Anatole Litvak's film *The Battle of Russia* was to showcase the heroic resistance of the Russian people against the Nazis, not to highlight Nazi strategic blunders.

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What was the immediate impact of 'Mayerling's' worldwide success on Litvak's career?

Answer: He received invitations from Hollywood and a contract with Warner Brothers.

Explanation: The worldwide success of *Mayerling* led to Anatole Litvak receiving invitations from Hollywood and a four-year contract with Warner Brothers.

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What made 'Confessions of a Nazi Spy' (1939) significant, particularly for Litvak as a refugee?

Answer: It used actual newsreel footage from U.S. Nazi rallies to expose the Nazi threat.

Explanation: *Confessions of a Nazi Spy* (1939) was significant because it incorporated actual newsreel footage from U.S. Nazi rallies, and as a refugee, Litvak aimed to alert the public to the Nazi threat.

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According to Alexander Walker, why were Hollywood studios initially reluctant to produce anti-Nazi films?

Answer: They feared offending Germany and losing box office investments.

Explanation: Biographer Alexander Walker stated that Hollywood studios were initially reluctant to produce anti-Nazi films because they feared offending Germany and jeopardizing their box office investments there.

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Which of Litvak's films, starring Bette Davis and Charles Boyer, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture?

Answer: All This and Heaven Too (1940)

Explanation: *All This and Heaven Too* (1940), co-produced and directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Bette Davis and Charles Boyer, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

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What was Elia Kazan's role in Anatole Litvak's 1940 film 'City for Conquest'?

Answer: He played a supporting role, one of his few film appearances before directing.

Explanation: In Anatole Litvak's 1940 film *City for Conquest*, Elia Kazan played a supporting role, which was one of his limited film appearances before he became a leading director.

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What military rank did Anatole Litvak achieve by the end of World War II?

Answer: Full Colonel

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was promoted to the rank of full colonel by the end of World War II for his volunteer wartime efforts.

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Who co-directed several films in the 'Why We Fight' series with Anatole Litvak?

Answer: Frank Capra

Explanation: Anatole Litvak co-directed several films in the 'Why We Fight' series with fellow director Frank Capra.

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Which of the following films was NOT part of the 'Why We Fight' series co-directed by Litvak?

Answer: The Battle of Russia (1943)

Explanation: *The Battle of Russia* (1943) was a film Anatole Litvak directed concerning the Soviet Union's resistance, but it is not listed as part of the 'Why We Fight' series he co-directed with Frank Capra.

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What was Anatole Litvak's involvement with the Soviet Union during World War II?

Answer: He directed 'The Battle of Russia' and served as treasurer of the Russian War Relief Association.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's involvement with the Soviet Union during World War II included serving as treasurer of the Russian War Relief Association and directing *The Battle of Russia* (1943).

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What award did 'The Battle of Russia' (1943) receive in the U.S.?

Answer: The New York Film Critics Award as Best Documentary.

Explanation: *The Battle of Russia* (1943) received the New York Film Critics Award as Best Documentary in the U.S.

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Which critical wartime event did Litvak's language skills help him supervise the filming of?

Answer: The D-Day Normandy landings.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's fluency in multiple languages was crucial for him to supervise the filming of the D-Day Normandy landings.

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What was Winston Churchill's directive regarding the 'Why We Fight' series in Britain?

Answer: They were to be shown in all public theaters throughout Britain.

Explanation: Winston Churchill ordered that all films in the 'Why We Fight' series be shown in all public theaters throughout Britain.

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What was the primary theme of 'The Battle of Russia' (1943)?

Answer: The heroic resistance of the Russian people against the Nazis.

Explanation: The primary theme of Anatole Litvak's film *The Battle of Russia* was to showcase the heroic resistance of the Russian people against the Nazis during World War II.

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How did 'Tovarich' (1937), directed by Litvak, portray the Russian aristocracy?

Answer: As a comedic celebration of outmoded values.

Explanation: *Tovarich* (1937) was a comedy that celebrated the 'outmoded values of the ruined Russian aristocracy,' offering a lighthearted portrayal.

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Post-War Career and Later Films (1947-1970)

Anatole Litvak's first post-war film, 'The Long Night' (1947), was a critically acclaimed success.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's first post-war film, *The Long Night* (1947), was described as a 'flop thriller at RKO,' indicating it was not a critically acclaimed success.

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For her role in 'Sorry, Wrong Number' (1948), Barbara Stanwyck received an Academy Award nomination, which film historians consider her greatest screen triumph.

Answer: True

Explanation: Barbara Stanwyck received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her role in *Sorry, Wrong Number* (1948), a performance film historian James Robert Parish considered her 'greatest screen triumph.'

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Anatole Litvak was nominated for a Best Director Oscar in 1948 for his film 'Decision Before Dawn.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was nominated for a Best Director Oscar in 1948 for his film *The Snake Pit*, not *Decision Before Dawn*.

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To prepare for 'The Snake Pit,' Litvak and Olivia de Havilland spent months observing patients in mental hospitals.

Answer: True

Explanation: To ensure authenticity for *The Snake Pit*, Anatole Litvak and Olivia de Havilland indeed spent months observing actual patients in mental hospitals as part of their preparation.

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General Douglas MacArthur criticized 'Decision Before Dawn' for its historical inaccuracies.

Answer: False

Explanation: General Douglas MacArthur highly praised Anatole Litvak's film *Decision Before Dawn*, calling it 'the finest picture I have seen this year,' rather than criticizing it for historical inaccuracies.

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Ingrid Bergman's casting in 'Anastasia' (1956) was controversial due to a recent scandal, but Litvak insisted on her role, leading to her winning an Oscar.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ingrid Bergman's casting in *Anastasia* (1956) was indeed controversial due to a prior scandal, but Anatole Litvak insisted on her participation, a decision that led to her winning an Oscar for Best Actress.

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'Goodbye Again' (1961), starring Ingrid Bergman, won the Palme d'Or at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's film *Goodbye Again* (1961), starring Ingrid Bergman, was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival, but did not win it.

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For 'The Night of the Generals' (1967), Litvak intentionally used vibrant, saturated colors to enhance the dramatic effect of the war setting.

Answer: False

Explanation: For *The Night of the Generals* (1967), Anatole Litvak explicitly stated he 'tried staying away from color as much as we could,' aiming for subdued tones to enhance realism, not vibrant, saturated colors.

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Anatole Litvak's final film was 'The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun' (1970), a thriller set in the South of France.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's final film was indeed *The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun* (1970), a thriller set in the South of France.

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Anatole Litvak's film 'Decision Before Dawn' (1951) was filmed entirely on a Hollywood soundstage to ensure historical accuracy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's film *Decision Before Dawn* (1951) was filmed on location in Germany, not entirely on a Hollywood soundstage.

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Which actress did Anatole Litvak direct to an Academy Award nomination for 'The Snake Pit' (1948)?

Answer: Olivia de Havilland

Explanation: Anatole Litvak directed Olivia de Havilland to an Academy Award nomination for her role in *The Snake Pit* (1948).

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How was Anatole Litvak's first post-war film, 'The Long Night' (1947), described?

Answer: A flop thriller at RKO.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's first post-war film, *The Long Night* (1947), was described as a 'flop thriller at RKO.'

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What directorial devices did Litvak employ in 'Sorry, Wrong Number' (1948) to enhance Barbara Stanwyck's performance?

Answer: Surrealism, expressionism, and frequent close-ups.

Explanation: In *Sorry, Wrong Number* (1948), Anatole Litvak employed surrealistic and expressionistic devices, along with frequent close-ups, to enhance Barbara Stanwyck's performance.

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For which film was Anatole Litvak nominated for a Best Director Oscar in 1948?

Answer: The Snake Pit

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was nominated for a Best Director Oscar in 1948 for his film *The Snake Pit*.

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What preparation did Litvak and Olivia de Havilland undertake for her role in 'The Snake Pit'?

Answer: They spent months observing actual patients at mental hospitals.

Explanation: To prepare for *The Snake Pit*, Anatole Litvak and Olivia de Havilland spent months observing actual patients at mental hospitals to ensure authenticity.

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What was General Douglas MacArthur's opinion of Anatole Litvak's film 'Decision Before Dawn' (1951)?

Answer: He praised it as the finest picture of the year and nominated it for an Oscar.

Explanation: General Douglas MacArthur highly praised Anatole Litvak's film *Decision Before Dawn*, calling it 'the finest picture I have seen this year' and nominating it for an Academy Award.

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What was the significance of Ingrid Bergman's casting in 'Anastasia' (1956)?

Answer: It marked her return to Hollywood after a seven-year absence due to a scandal.

Explanation: Ingrid Bergman's casting in *Anastasia* (1956) was significant as it marked her return to U.S. cinema after a seven-year absence from Hollywood following a scandalous affair.

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What was Anatole Litvak's approach to using color in his 1967 film 'The Night of the Generals'?

Answer: He aimed for subdued tones, trying to stay away from excessive color for realism.

Explanation: For *The Night of the Generals* (1967), Anatole Litvak stated he 'tried staying away from color as much as we could,' preferring subdued tones to enhance realism.

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What was the title of Anatole Litvak's final film?

Answer: The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun (1970)

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's final film was *The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun* (1970).

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Personal Life, Recognition, and Legacy

Anatole Litvak was married once, to American actress Miriam Hopkins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was married twice: first to Miriam Hopkins, and later to Sophie Steur.

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Anatole Litvak was fluent in only two languages: Russian and French.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was a polyglot, fluent in Yiddish, Ukrainian, Russian, English, German, and French, not just two languages.

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Anatole Litvak has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the motion picture industry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his significant contributions to the motion picture industry.

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Anatole Litvak died in London, England, at the age of 72.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak died at the age of 72 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, France, not in London, England.

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The surname Litvak means 'Lithuanian' in Yiddish, suggesting ancestral ties to Lithuania.

Answer: True

Explanation: The surname Litvak indeed means 'Lithuanian' in Yiddish, indicating a potential ancestral origin from the historical region of Lithuania.

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Anatole Litvak's primary profession was a stage actor before he transitioned into filmmaking.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's primary profession was as a film director, producer, and screenwriter, although he did take acting lessons as a teenager.

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Anatole Litvak was recognized for his contributions to the motion picture industry by directing foreign actors to early fame and contributing to several actors winning Academy Awards.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was recognized for his contributions to the motion picture industry, including directing foreign actors to early fame and contributing to several actors winning Academy Awards.

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Anatole Litvak received the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre from the French government for his wartime contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was awarded the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre by the French government for his wartime contributions.

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Anatole Litvak's second marriage was to American actress Miriam Hopkins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's first marriage was to American actress Miriam Hopkins; his second marriage was to model Sophie Steur.

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What was Anatole Litvak's primary profession, as described in the source?

Answer: A film director, producer, and screenwriter.

Explanation: The source identifies Anatole Litvak's primary profession as a film director, producer, and screenwriter.

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Which of the following awards did Anatole Litvak NOT receive for his wartime contributions?

Answer: Purple Heart (United States)

Explanation: Anatole Litvak received the Legion of Honour, Croix de Guerre, Order of the British Empire, United States Legion of Merit, and a Bronze Star Medal, but not the Purple Heart.

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Who was Anatole Litvak's second wife?

Answer: Sophie Steur

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's second wife was model Sophie Steur, whom he married in 1955.

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Which of the following languages was Anatole Litvak NOT fluent in?

Answer: Italian

Explanation: Anatole Litvak was fluent in Yiddish, Ukrainian, Russian, English, German, and French, but Italian is not listed among them.

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Where is Anatole Litvak honored for his contribution to the motion picture industry?

Answer: The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles for his contributions to the motion picture industry.

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In what year did Anatole Litvak die?

Answer: 1974

Explanation: Anatole Litvak died on December 15, 1974, at the age of 72.

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What is the meaning of Anatole Litvak's surname, Litvak?

Answer: 'Lithuanian' in Yiddish.

Explanation: Anatole Litvak's surname, Litvak, means 'Lithuanian' in Yiddish.

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