Bibliographic Bearings — Answers

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Today’s Answers

Bambi, Thumper and Flower from *Bambi* (1942).
Image © The Walt Disney Company via Encyclopædia Britannica

Today’s first question relates to August 21. The subsequent ones follow on from there.

One

In 1942, the classic animated film Bambi was released in cinemas in the United States. The film was adapted from the novel Bambi, a Life in the Woods: who wrote this novel?

Answer: Felix Salten.

Bambi, a 1942 Disney classic, follows a fawn’s journey from birth to becoming the Great Prince of the Forest. Guided by his mother and friends, Bambi faces loss, love, and danger. Adapted from Felix Salten’s Bambi, a Life in the Woods (1923), its realistic animation and emotional depth earned acclaim despite initial financial struggles.

Two

What 1986 film was an adaptation of Basil of Baker Street (1958) by Eve Titus?

Answer: The Great Mouse Detective.

The Great Mouse Detective is a 1986 Disney animated film based on Basil of Baker Street. Directed by John Musker and others, it features Vincent Price’s voice. The plot follows a mouse detective saving a young mouse’s father from Professor Ratigan, drawing heavily on Sherlock Holmes’ traditions.

Three

What 2001 Ridley Scott film is based on a non-fiction book by Mark Bowden?

Answer: Black Hawk Down.

Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden (1999) chronicles the 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, where U.S. forces, including Rangers, Delta Force, and SEALs, attempted to capture Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The title refers to the downing of two Black Hawk helicopters and the ensuing rescue efforts. Officially named Operation Gothic Serpent, the raid became the most intense U.S. close combat since Vietnam. Known as the Battle of Mogadishu or the Battle of the Black Sea, the mission aimed to apprehend Aidid but resulted in significant media coverage and public attention. Black Hawk Down (2001), directed by Ridley Scott, is an epic war film based on Mark Bowden’s book. Featuring a large ensemble cast it was released on January 18, 2002. It received positive reviews despite inaccuracies, grossed $173 million worldwide, and won two Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.

Four

John Carter (aka John Carter on Mars) is a 2012 science fiction film based on the first book in the Barsoom series of novels, published in 1912. Who was the author of these novels?

Answer: Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who is perhaps best known for Tarzan, Barsoom is a fictional Mars setting. The series began with Under the Moons of Mars and A Princess of Mars, featuring John Carter, a Confederate veteran transported to Mars. Ten sequels followed, influencing early science fiction.

Five

What 2009 young-adult novel, which was the first in a series by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, was turned into a 2013 film?

Answer: Beautiful Creatures.

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl’s Beautiful Creatures series is a global success with a Warner Bros. film opening. According to the series Wiki (fandom) the story came about as follows…

Although, the original story of the origin of Beautiful Creatures started as a bet between the two women and one of their daughters who bet that the two women could not finish a story within a month while joking around together. Kami and Margaret, both wanting to win the bet, accepted the dare.

— The Caster Chronicles Wiki