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Damon and Pythias (1962 film) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 1962 Film Damon and Pythias: Production, Plot, and Context

Cheat Sheet:
The 1962 Film Damon and Pythias: Production, Plot, and Context Study Guide

Film Production and Personnel

The 1962 film *Damon and Pythias* was originally titled 'Il tiranno di Siracusa' in Italy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film, known internationally as *Damon and Pythias*, was indeed originally titled 'Il tiranno di Siracusa' in Italy.

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Curtis Bernhardt directed both the Italian and U.S. versions of *Damon and Pythias*.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to production records, Curtis Bernhardt served as the director for both the Italian and the subsequent U.S. versions of the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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Samuel Marx is credited solely with writing the screenplay for *Damon and Pythias*.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Samuel Marx is credited with the story, the screenplay was a collaborative effort involving Samuel Marx, Franco Riganti, and Bridget Boland (for the English dialogue).

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John Gavin and James Garner were the associate producers for *Damon and Pythias*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The associate producers for *Damon and Pythias* were Sam Jaffe and Samuel Marx. John Gavin and James Garner were reportedly considered for lead roles early in production.

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Aldo Tonti was responsible for the cinematography of *Damon and Pythias*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aldo Tonti served as the cinematographer for the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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The musical score for *Damon and Pythias* was composed by Niccolò Lazzari.

Answer: False

Explanation: The musical score for *Damon and Pythias* was composed by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino. Niccolò Lazzari is credited as the film's editor.

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Paramount Pictures was the primary distributor of *Damon and Pythias*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) handled the international distribution of the film *Damon and Pythias*, not Paramount Pictures.

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The film *Damon and Pythias* was released in 1962.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film *Damon and Pythias* had its release in the year 1962.

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The U.S. version of *Damon and Pythias* is longer than the Italian version.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. version of *Damon and Pythias* runs for 99 minutes, while the Italian version runs for 101 minutes, making the U.S. version shorter.

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*Damon and Pythias* was a co-production between Italy and France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film *Damon and Pythias* was a co-production between Italy and the United States, not Italy and France.

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The primary language used in the film *Damon and Pythias* is Italian.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although an Italian production, the primary language of the film *Damon and Pythias* is English, particularly in the version distributed internationally.

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Don Burnett is the actor credited with playing Pythias.

Answer: True

Explanation: The role of Pythias in the film *Damon and Pythias* is portrayed by actor Don Burnett.

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Arnoldo Foà played the tyrannical King Dionysius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The character of King Dionysius is portrayed by the actor Arnoldo Foà.

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Andrea Bosic portrayed the philosopher Arcanos.

Answer: True

Explanation: The role of the philosopher Arcanos is performed by actor Andrea Bosic.

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What was the original Italian title of the 1962 film known internationally as *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Il tiranno di Siracusa

Explanation: The film, known internationally as *Damon and Pythias*, was originally titled 'Il tiranno di Siracusa' in Italy.

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Who directed the 1962 film *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Curtis Bernhardt

Explanation: Curtis Bernhardt served as the director for the 1962 film *Damon and Pythias*.

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Who is credited with originating the story concept for *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Samuel Marx

Explanation: Samuel Marx is credited with originating the story concept for the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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Which of the following individuals is NOT credited with writing the screenplay for *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Niccolò Lazzari

Explanation: Niccolò Lazzari is credited as the editor of the film. Samuel Marx, Franco Riganti, and Bridget Boland are credited with writing the screenplay.

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Who served as associate producers for the film *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Sam Jaffe and Samuel Marx

Explanation: Sam Jaffe and Samuel Marx are credited as the associate producers for the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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Who was the cinematographer for *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Aldo Tonti

Explanation: Aldo Tonti is credited with the cinematography for the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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Which company handled the international distribution of *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Explanation: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was the primary international distributor for the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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What is the running time of the U.S. version of *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: 99 minutes

Explanation: The U.S. version of the film *Damon and Pythias* has a running time of 99 minutes.

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*Damon and Pythias* was a co-production between which two countries?

Answer: Italy and the United States

Explanation: The film *Damon and Pythias* was a collaborative production effort between Italy and the United States.

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Who portrayed the character of Pythias?

Answer: Don Burnett

Explanation: The role of Pythias in the film *Damon and Pythias* was performed by actor Don Burnett.

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Narrative and Plot Synopsis

Pythias travels to Syracuse to find Arcanos, a member of the Pythagorean society.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pythias's mission involves traveling to Syracuse to locate the philosopher Arcanos, who is affiliated with the Pythagorean society.

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Arcanos is hiding in Syracuse because he is being hunted by the Pythagoreans.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arcanos is hiding in Syracuse to evade persecution by King Dionysius and his guard, Cariso, who are hunting members of the Pythagorean society.

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Damon, a local philosopher, initially tries to rob Pythias upon their first meeting.

Answer: False

Explanation: Damon is initially depicted as a streetwise bandit who attempts to rob Pythias, not as a philosopher at their first encounter.

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Pythias offers Damon a large sum of silver to help him find Arcanos.

Answer: True

Explanation: To secure Damon's assistance, Pythias offers him a substantial amount of silver in exchange for help locating Arcanos.

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Cariso, the captain of the guard, offers Damon a reward to betray Pythias.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cariso attempts to bribe Damon, offering him gold and a prize stallion in exchange for betraying Pythias and revealing Arcanos's whereabouts.

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When Pythias discovers Damon's betrayal, he immediately kills him.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite his anger, Pythias demonstrates his adherence to his principles by refusing to harm or kill Damon when he has him at his mercy.

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Pythias is arrested by Cariso after successfully escaping Syracuse with Arcanos and Damon.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the escape from Syracuse, Pythias crashes his chariot, leading to his subsequent arrest by Cariso.

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King Dionysius agrees to be Damon's substitute prisoner for Pythias.

Answer: False

Explanation: King Dionysius refuses Damon's offer to serve as a substitute prisoner for Pythias, instead devising a plan to exploit the situation.

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Dionysius offers Pythias the choice to leave Syracuse and forget about Damon.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dionysius offers Pythias the choice to leave, but only under the condition that he return within two months to die in Damon's place, not to forget about Damon.

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Dionysius orders Cariso to kill Pythias if he attempts to return to Syracuse.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a failsafe to ensure his plan unfolds, Dionysius instructs Cariso to execute Pythias should he attempt to return to Syracuse.

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Cariso successfully prevents Pythias from returning to Syracuse.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite Cariso's efforts and orders, he ultimately fails to prevent Pythias from returning to Syracuse. Pythias is apprehended only after crashing his chariot.

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Damon openly accuses King Dionysius of hindering Pythias when they confront the king.

Answer: True

Explanation: During their confrontation with King Dionysius, Damon directly challenges the monarch, accusing him of obstructing Pythias's return and questioning his concept of loyalty.

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Damon's gang takes responsibility for Cariso's death to protect Pythias.

Answer: True

Explanation: To preserve Pythias's pacifist reputation, Damon's associates and other street individuals claim responsibility for Cariso's death.

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The crowd's reaction and Dionysius's son's plea influence Dionysius to pardon Damon and Pythias.

Answer: True

Explanation: Witnessing the profound loyalty between Damon and Pythias, and influenced by the pleas of the crowd and his own son, Dionysius ultimately grants them a pardon.

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What event in Ancient Greece prompts Pythias to travel to Syracuse?

Answer: The death of Protheus, leader of the Pythagorean society

Explanation: The death of Protheus, the leader of the Pythagorean society in Athens, necessitates Pythias's journey to Syracuse to find Arcanos and persuade him to assume leadership.

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What is Damon's initial role and action when he first encounters Pythias in Syracuse?

Answer: He is a streetwise bandit who attempts to rob Pythias.

Explanation: Upon their first meeting in Syracuse, Damon, depicted as a streetwise individual, attempts to rob Pythias.

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What does Pythias offer Damon in exchange for his help?

Answer: A significant amount of silver

Explanation: Pythias proposes a financial incentive, offering Damon a considerable sum of silver to assist him in locating and concealing Arcanos.

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Cariso, the captain of the guard, attempts to bribe Damon by offering him what?

Answer: A large sum of gold and a prize stallion

Explanation: Cariso attempts to corrupt Damon by offering him a substantial amount of gold and a prize stallion in exchange for his betrayal of Pythias.

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Despite his anger upon discovering Damon's betrayal, how does Pythias react when he has Damon at his mercy?

Answer: He refuses to harm or kill Damon.

Explanation: Even when presented with an opportunity for retribution, Pythias upholds his principles and refuses to inflict harm upon Damon.

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What happens to Pythias after Arcanos and Damon successfully escape Syracuse?

Answer: He crashes his chariot and is subsequently arrested by Cariso.

Explanation: During his flight from Syracuse, Pythias suffers a chariot accident, which leads to his capture by Cariso.

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How does Damon leverage the situation to gain leverage with King Dionysius?

Answer: He offers himself as a substitute prisoner for Pythias.

Explanation: Damon strategically offers himself as a substitute for Pythias, thereby creating a complex situation that King Dionysius intends to exploit for his own purposes.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the three choices King Dionysius offers Pythias regarding his fate?

Answer: Confess the location of Arcanos to save his own life.

Explanation: King Dionysius presents Pythias with three options: execution, leaving and letting Damon die, or leaving and returning to die. Confessing Arcanos's location was not among these choices.

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Who intervenes to help Pythias escape Cariso's pursuit on his return journey?

Answer: Damon's gang and other street people

Explanation: A group comprising Damon's associates and other individuals from the streets provides crucial assistance to Pythias, helping him evade Cariso's pursuit.

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When confronted by Damon, how does he challenge King Dionysius?

Answer: He mocks the king's concept of loyalty and accuses him of hindering Pythias.

Explanation: Damon confronts King Dionysius by deriding his understanding of loyalty and directly accusing him of impeding Pythias's return.

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Who claims responsibility for Cariso's death?

Answer: Damon's gang and other street people, to protect Pythias.

Explanation: To safeguard Pythias's commitment to pacifism, Damon's associates and other individuals from the streets assume responsibility for Cariso's demise.

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What ultimately sways King Dionysius to pardon Damon and Pythias?

Answer: The crowd's reaction, led by Dionysius's son, witnessing their loyalty.

Explanation: The compelling display of loyalty between Damon and Pythias, amplified by the crowd's sentiment and the intervention of Dionysius's son, persuades the king to grant them a pardon.

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Characters and Their Motivations

Nerissa, Pythias's wife, falls ill because she believes Pythias values his philosophy over her.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nerissa becomes gravely ill due to her misinterpretation of Pythias's departure, believing he prioritizes his philosophical mission above their relationship.

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Damon's realization after being spared by Pythias is that he has lost a potential true friend.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon being spared by Pythias, Damon experiences a profound realization that he has squandered the opportunity for genuine friendship.

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Demetrius informs Damon that Nerissa is recovering well.

Answer: False

Explanation: Demetrius delivers grave news to Damon, informing him that Nerissa is not recovering but is instead expected to die before giving birth.

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Pythias's return causes Nerissa to lose the will to live.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, Pythias's safe return revitalizes Nerissa, restoring her will to live and leading to the birth of their child.

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How does Pythias's wife, Nerissa, initially react to his departure?

Answer: She believes Pythias values his philosophy more than her, causing her to fall ill.

Explanation: Nerissa misinterprets the reason for Pythias's departure, fearing he values his philosophical duties above her well-being, which leads to her severe illness.

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What realization does Damon have after Pythias spares his life?

Answer: That he has lost the opportunity for his first true friendship.

Explanation: The act of mercy shown by Pythias prompts Damon to reflect and realize he has forfeited the chance to cultivate his first genuine friendship.

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What critical news does Demetrius deliver to Damon regarding Nerissa?

Answer: She is expected to die before giving birth to their child.

Explanation: Demetrius conveys the dire prognosis that Nerissa is unlikely to survive childbirth, a critical piece of information that impacts Damon's actions.

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What is the immediate effect of Pythias's return on Nerissa?

Answer: She regains her will to live and gives birth.

Explanation: Upon Pythias's safe return, Nerissa's health dramatically improves; she regains her will to live and subsequently gives birth to their son.

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Historical and Thematic Context

The plot of *Damon and Pythias* is based on a story from Roman mythology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film's narrative is derived from the ancient Greek legend of Damon and Pythias, not from Roman mythology.

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The film *Damon and Pythias* is set during the reign of Dionysius I of Syracuse.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical setting for the film *Damon and Pythias* is indeed the period of Dionysius I's rule in Syracuse.

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The Pythagorean society's core beliefs include advocating for war and conquest.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pythagorean society's core tenets emphasize equality, brotherhood, and pacifism, which directly contrasts with King Dionysius's militaristic agenda.

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Dionysius tries to discredit Pythias's pacifism by accusing him of cowardice.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dionysius attempts to undermine Pythias's pacifism not by calling him a coward, but by accusing him of killing Cariso, thereby attempting to frame him for violence.

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The plot of the 1962 film *Damon and Pythias* is based on which legend?

Answer: The ancient Greek legend of Damon and Pythias

Explanation: The narrative framework for the film *Damon and Pythias* is derived directly from the classical Greek legend of the same name, which explores themes of loyalty and friendship.

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During the reign of which historical ruler is the film *Damon and Pythias* set?

Answer: Dionysius I of Syracuse

Explanation: The film is historically situated during the rule of Dionysius I, the tyrant of Syracuse, providing a backdrop of autocratic power against which the themes of friendship and loyalty are explored.

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What core belief of the Pythagorean society puts them at odds with King Dionysius?

Answer: Their belief that all men are brothers and equal, and their embrace of pacifism.

Explanation: The Pythagorean society's tenets of universal brotherhood, equality, and pacifism fundamentally conflicted with King Dionysius's tyrannical and militaristic rule, making them targets of his regime.

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What is Dionysius's primary motivation for letting Pythias leave under the condition of returning?

Answer: He wants to test Pythias's loyalty and discredit the Pythagorians if he fails to return.

Explanation: Dionysius's strategic objective in allowing Pythias to leave is to test the veracity of Pythagorean ideals of loyalty. If Pythias fails to return, it would serve to discredit their philosophy.

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How does Dionysius attempt to undermine Pythias's pacifism upon his arrival?

Answer: By accusing Pythias of killing Cariso.

Explanation: Dionysius attempts to compromise Pythias's pacifist stance by falsely accusing him of murdering Cariso, the captain of the guard.

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Film Reception and Sources

The film *Damon and Pythias* was profitable, making a loss of $6,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the film *Damon and Pythias* was profitable, achieving a profit of $6,000, not a loss.

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Howard Hughes's book 'Cinema Italiano' is cited as a source for information about the film.

Answer: True

Explanation: Howard Hughes's comprehensive work, 'Cinema Italiano - The Complete Guide From Classics To Cult,' is indeed cited as a source for details regarding the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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The film *Damon and Pythias* achieved what financial result?

Answer: A profit of $6,000

Explanation: Financially, the film *Damon and Pythias* proved successful, generating a profit of $6,000.

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Which book serves as a primary cited source for information on the film *Damon and Pythias*?

Answer: Cinema Italiano - The Complete Guide From Classics To Cult

Explanation: Howard Hughes's 'Cinema Italiano - The Complete Guide From Classics To Cult' is a key reference work providing detailed information about the film *Damon and Pythias*.

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