Riddles With Answers

Who established Black Maria, the world’s first motion picture studio?

Walt Disney
Thomas Edison
Charlie Chaplin
Louis B. Mayer

Fact: In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison invented a motion picture camera called the Kinetoscope. Naturally, he needed a place to film, so he built a studio, now considered the world’s first movie studio, behind his West Orange, New Jersey laboratory. Edison named it Black Maria after the police wagons of the era, since its dark tar paper exterior gave it a similar look. Ingeniously designed, the building featured a retractable roof and was mounted on a rotating platform so it could follow the sun and capture the best possible natural light for filming.

Correct Answer: Thomas Edison

Which classic duo first performed under the name “Tom & Jerry”?

Siegfried & Roy
Simon & Garfunkel
Hall & Oates
Penn & Teller

Fact: Long before becoming the legendary folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed under the name Tom & Jerry in the 1950s. As ambitious teenagers growing up in Queens, New York, they recorded their first single, “Hey Schoolgirl,” in 1957, which became a modest hit and even earned them an appearance on American Bandstand. Years later, they reinvented themselves with their real names, finding massive international success with timeless hits like “The Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Boxer,” and “Mrs. Robinson.”

Correct Answer: Simon & Garfunkel

Who played The Pinball Wizard in the 1975 film adaptation of “Tommy”?

David Bowie
Elton John
Freddie Mercury
Mick Jagger

Fact: In Ken Russell’s 1975 film adaptation of Tommy, based on The Who’s groundbreaking rock opera, Elton John famously played the role of the “Pinball Wizard.” Wearing towering boots and oversized glasses, John’s energetic performance of the song “Pinball Wizard” became one of the movie’s most iconic moments. The film featured numerous legendary rock stars in memorable cameo roles, but Elton John’s electric charisma and theatrical flair perfectly captured the spirit of the era, cementing his place in rock and film history.

Correct Answer: Elton John

Which U.S. state’s three largest cities all start with the letter “C”?

Ohio
South Carolina
West Virginia
New Hampshire

Fact: Ohio holds the unique distinction of having its three largest cities—Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati—all start with the same letter “C.” Together, these cities form the cultural, economic, and geographic backbone of the state, each representing a distinct region and character: Columbus in the heart of central Ohio, Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie in the northeast, and Cincinnati along the Ohio River in the southwest. No other state’s top three cities share the same initial, making this an unusually interesting and memorable coincidence in U.S. geography.

Correct Answer: Ohio

What does the festival of Diwali celebrate?

A The beginning of summer
B The triumph of good over evil
C The harvest season

Fact: Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, symbolised by Prince Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. This theme is central to the festival’s significance in conveying hope and prosperity.

Correct Answer: The triumph of good over evil

What are diyas used for during Diwali?

A As symbols of light overcoming darkness
B To cook traditional sweets
C To tell fortunes

Fact: Diyas are small oil lamps integral to Diwali celebrations, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. Their glowing flames represent hope and new beginnings, aligning with the festival’s deeper meanings.

Correct Answer: As symbols of light overcoming darkness

Which goddess is commonly worshipped during Diwali for wealth and well-being?

A Lakshmi
B Saraswati
C Durga

Fact: During Diwali, the goddess Lakshmi is revered, as she embodies wealth and well-being. Her worship is integral to the festival, with families seeking her blessings for prosperity in the coming year.

Correct Answer: Lakshmi

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, which state is NOT in the Midwest?

North Dakota
Oklahoma
Missouri
Michigan

Fact: The U.S. Census Bureau divides the nation into four main regions—Northeast, South, Midwest, and West—along with nine smaller subregions. According to this official classification, Oklahoma falls within the South, specifically the West South Central division. The Midwest, however, as defined by the Census Bureau, encompasses twelve states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio—often collectively referred to as the nation’s “Heartland.”

Correct Answer: Oklahoma

What building in Chicago was originally named the Sears Tower?

CNN Tower
Willis Tower
Wrigley Building
John Hancock Center

Fact: Completed in 1973, the Sears Tower was built as the headquarters for the Sears, Roebuck & Co. retail empire and stood as the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years. In 2009, after Sears had long vacated the building, London-based insurance broker Willis Group Holdings acquired naming rights, officially renaming it the Willis Tower. Despite the change, many Chicagoans and visitors still affectionately refer to it by its original name. Standing 1,450 feet tall, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city’s skyline.

Correct Answer: Willis Tower

Dave who married at 25 and now has a 25-year-old son. How old is Dave now?

You can’t know his exact age from that info — but you can give the minimum.

If Dave married at 25, the earliest he could have had a child is at 25. If his son is now 25, the minimum Dave’s age is

25 (age when he married/earliest when son could be born) + 25 (son’s current age) = 50.

So Dave is at least 50 years old — he could be older if he had his son after age 25 (e.g. had him at 30 → now 55).