Worlds Within Worlds

In 1590, Zacharias Janssen's development of the compound microscope provided humanity with a new portal of understanding. At last, for those who dared pierce the unseen mysteries of living creation itself, there truly were vibrant, astonishing WORLDS WITHIN WORLDS.

But we don't know about any of that crap.

This bonus is all about TV shows within TV shows, movies that exist inside other movies, and so on. Enjoy.

Section One: LITERATURE WITHIN LITERATURE (and Arts Within Arts)

What play is performed within "A Midsummer Night's Dream"?
The Tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe.
In "Hamlet", what is the name of the play designed to catch the conscience of the King?
he Murder of Gonzago.
What play features the above play being performed within "Hamlet," thereby turning it into a play within a play within a play?
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
As he enters his declining years, whose favorite comic book is the action-adventure "Rabbi"?
Cerberus
What is the most forbidden book in George Orwell's "1984"?
Emmanuel Goldstein's "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism."
Sherlock Holmes isn't just IN books, he writes 'em too. Among Holmes' 20+ works are such literary gems as "On the Surface Anatomy of the Human Ear," "Upon the Uses of Dogs in the Work of the Detective," "Chaldean Roots in the Ancient Cornish Language," and "The Practical Book of Bee Culture, With Some Observations Upon the Segregation of the Queen." But enough about that pompous cokehead. What were the lone book titles credited to Mr. Watson, and to Prof. Moriarty?
John Watson--
"The Giant Rat of Sumatra"
James Moriarty--
"The Dynamics of an Asteroid"
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"....."Quidditch Through the Ages"..... the "Harry Potter" series contains even more bogus book titles than Sherlock & Co. We'll just ask you to name the preening, egotistical writer who sticks ALL his own books on the Hogwarts syllabus.
Gilderoy Lockhart
Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" is about a series of murders in a monastery. The murder weapon is Book II of Aristotle's "Poetics." (This book, about Comedy, really was written, but did not survive the Dark Ages.) In the novel, the monastery's is the last surviving copy. Aristotle's other works had been regarded by the Church as models of "pre-Christian" virtue, and the Abbot felt that outside knowledge of this scarce, "vulgar" work would undermine much of the Catholic Church's other Aristotle-based doctrine. But how did the disapproving Abbot manage to make Aristotle an accessory to murder?
He poisoned its pages; when people licked their fingers to turn them, they ingested the poison.
Ramona the Pest (and the rest of her class) drive a teacher to exasperation by asking her a question about an unrevealed detail about another children's book. What book, and what unanswered question?
"Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel"; how does Mike go to the bathroom?
Where can you find mention of William Shakespeare's little-known masterpiece, "Golde Diggers of 1589"?
Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett's "Good Omens."
The non-existent "Necronomicon," written by the madman Abdul Alhazred, made its first appearance in what book by what author?
"The Hound and Other Stories"; H.P. Lovecraft.
In what novel will you find a book called "The Neverending Story"? In what novel will you find a book called "A Clockwork Orange"?
The Neverending Story; A Clockwork Orange.
What children's book depicts a rabbit's bedside table.... on which is displayed a tiny copy of the book itself?
"Goodnight Moon."
In the comic strip "Jump Start", Joe's father Frank is such a huge fan of a particular comic strip that he sends a daily email to the cartoonist. What is this nonexistent strip?
"Klondike Ike."
What comic strip character's personal "ideel" was ANOTHER comic strip character-- often depicted within the real strip or displacing it completely-- despite the comic-within-a-comic's hero's total stupidity, constant poverty, and frequent riddling with bullet holes?
L'il Abner's hero was "Fearless Fosdick."
What play is about a troubled playwright who writes a dramatization set 200,000 years in the future, and which is performed within both the first and last acts?
Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull."
What artist's 1960 self-portrait contains four other famous self-portraits, including those of Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt?
Norman Rockwell.
In what play will you see a performance of the British sex farce "Nothing On"?
Noises Off.
What play dramatizes the predicament of actors worriedly searching for an invisible playwright who may, or may not, have written a play within a play within a play?
Six Characters in Search of an Author.
Frank Herbert's "Dune" series mentions no fewer than 83 different book titles. Name them.
Hee-yuk, yukkity yuk, just kidding. But wasn't that moment simply delicious? Wasn't it? Eh? Hah? Come on, play along. Ahhh, screw you. Anyway, we WOULD like you to name the two authors within the world of "Dune" who are credited with having written over a dozen book titles apiece.
Harq el-Ada (13), Princess Irulan (18)
What's the most successful current Broadway musical to contain another musical?
"The Producers."
What 1892 opera features a troupe of actors whose cuckolded leader uses a performance as a way to murder his wife and her lover?
"Pagliacci."
What critically-acclaimed comic book series depicted an alternate world where superheroes are mostly powerless, and pirate comic books are the dominant genre?
"Watchmen."
In OUR version of "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy," Ford Prefect was working on HIS version of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." How did he intend to change the entry for the Earth?
He planned on changing it from "Harmless" to "Mostly Harmless".
What literary character talks about receiving a copy of "Out of Africa" from the library by accident, and how he'd like to phone up Thomas Hardy so they could discuss "Return of the Native"?
Holden Caulfield.
The first sentence of what famous book describes its heroine being bored stiff by another (unnamed) book, because it contained no pictures or conversation in it?
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Section Two: TELEVISION WITHIN TELEVISION

On "Married.... with Children," what is Al Bundy's favorite TV show?
Psycho Dad.
On "Sesame Street," what is Bert's favorite TV show?
The Wonderful World of Pigeons.
On "The Honeymooners," what is Ed Norton's favorite TV show?
Captain Video.
On "The Honeymooners," what game show does Ralph Kramden appear on as a contestant?
The $99,000 Answer.
What game show did Beldar, Primat, and Connie Conehead appear on as contestants?
Family Feud.
What TWO game shows do Felix Unger and Oscar Madison appear on as contestants?
"Password" and "Let's Make a Deal."
What were the six initial categories when Cliff Claven went on "Jeopardy!"?
Stamps of the World, Bar Trivia, Beer, Mothers and Sons, Civil Servants, Celibacy.
What TV character went to Hollywood, and landed an acting job playing one of Murphy Brown's secretaries?
Cosmo Kramer
When the lead character in a particular sitcom is unable to make her scheduled appearance on a morning talk show, she enlists her drugged-out, unreliable best friend to fill in for her. (The absent character's mother and daughter also make appearances on the talk show, modeling fashions.) In what TV series does this occur?
Absolutely Fabulous.
An episode of "Frasier" revealed that Diane Chambers had been a staff writer for another TV series (until she set the star's hair on fire)? What show?
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Archie Bunker appeared on television, delivering a guest editorial which explained how to stop the early-1970s rash of skyjacking incidents. What was Archie's plan?
Arm all the passengers as they enter, collect the guns again as they depart.
What was the running name for the allegedly "hidden camera reality TV" segments on the WWF's "Raw is War," which would pop up on the big screen to embarrass one wrestler or another, and ran for several months.... until the angle was dropped with no explanation whatsoever?
G-TV.
Name the cooking show seen on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
"The Happy Homemaker" (Sue Ann Nivens).
Name the doomed disco show hosted by Dr. Johnny Fever on "WKRP in Cincinnati."
Gotta Dance.
The aliens on "3rd Rock from the Sun" aren't just from space, they're sci-fi fans themselves. In one episode, High Commander Dick and his wife Mary attend a "Star Trek" convention where George Takei is selling his new book. What's its title?
"Warp Speed, Dammit! The Complete Rants of William Shatner."
"The Alan Brady Show" was the TV variety show written by Rob, Sally, and Buddy on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." But the fictional Alan Brady appeared as a character on a SECOND sitcom, years later. Which show?
"Mad About You."
A nonexistent TV ad for a nonexistent product was done live on a nonexistent variety show.... all within a sitcom that we could see. Who sung the praises of what "happy peppy" concoction that let you "spoon your way to health"?
Lucy Ricardo, selling Vitameatavegamin on "I Love Lucy."
To whom did David Letterman attempt to give away his Emmy for "Best Talk Show"?
Larry Sanders.
Marcia Brady sneaks into a TV studio, but the biggest celebrity there is the city water commissioner. Who was she hoping to see?
Davy Jones.
One episode of "M*A*S*H" was filmed as a black-and-white 1950s TV documentary. Among the various questions, Father Mulcahy was asked if the experience had changed him. By way of an answer, he described seeing the surgeons operate on freezing cold days. What would happen?
When they cut into patients, steam would rise from the body. The doctors would warm themselves over the wound.

Section Three: MOVIES WITHIN MOVIES

What double feature is showing at the local theater in the first "Back to the Future," and what is the significance of the titles?
"A Boy's Life" and "Watch the Skies" (the original titles for "E.T." and "Close Encounters").
When Jay and Silent Bob make it to Hollywood, they discover Matt Damon and Ben Affleck shooting what film?
"Good Will Hunting 2: Hunting Season."
What movie is suddenly interrupted when one of its actors says, "My God, you must really love this picture"?
"The Purple Rose of Cairo."
The success of the movie "Time Over Time" is jeopardized by two factors-- when the director holds the film's only print hostage, and also when the lead actor and actress, a couple in real life, split up right before the promotional tour. These antics occur in what movie?
America's Sweethearts
What snacking mishap occurs to Mickey Rourke's date while watching the film "A Summer Place," in "Diner"?
To win a bet, Mickey Rourke inserts his erection into a box of popcorn.
In the "I'm Into Something Good" falling-in-love montage from "The Naked Gun," Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley emerge from a movie theater, helpless with laughter. What hilarious date flick were they watching?
Platoon
What film has Michael Corleone just finished watching, when he first learns of the attempted hit on his father?
The Bells of St. Mary's.
Name TWO Julia Roberts films in which she stars in a movie within the movie.
"Notting Hill"; "The Player."
Although the classic "Brock Landers: Angels Live in My Town" would later be his proudest acting accomplishment, "Spanish Pantalones" was Dirk Diggler's first award-winning performance onscreen. He collected 3 trophies for his work in that movie, namely Best Newcomer, Best Actor, and what other coveted award?
Best Cock.
What movie contains a scene in which a priest is previewing Jean Gabin's film "The Lower Depths," and rings a bell every time he sees a scene that must be snipped out--- and ends with a montage of screen kisses involving dozens of stars, ranging from Greta Garbo to Charlie Chaplin?
"Cinema Paradiso."
In "Hannah and Her Sisters," Woody Allen is in a dark, suicidal funk after thinking he has a brain tumor. When the tests come back benign, his spirits are momentarily lifted, then crash harder than before when he considers that life is inherently as meaningless as death. Seeing what film convinces him otherwise?
The Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup."
Who is the unseen tormentor of Daffy Duck in the cartoon "Duck Amuck"?
Bugs Bunny
In the remake of "Cape Fear," Robert DeNiro begins his harassment campaign against Nick Nolte and family by following them to the movies. There, he drapes his legs across the seats, blows cigar smoke everywhere, and roars with loud, inappropriate laughter. Great scene. But, what's the film everybody's TRYING to enjoy?
Problem Child.
"To be, or not to be? (pause) NOT to be!" is a line from just one of the imaginary films within what little-loved 1993 non-blockbuster?
The Last Action Hero.
What film does a beer-swilling E.T. watch during his day at home, causing Elliott to release the frogs and kiss the tallest girl in class?
The Quiet Man.
What western depicts its marauding cowboys invading the set of an all-gay musical?
Blazing Saddles.
What secret is concealed first by a movie poster of Rita Hayworth, then one of Marilyn Monroe, and finally, a Raquel Welch poster? (A scene from the Hayworth movie is also shown in the film.)
Andy's tunnel to freedom, in "The Shawshank Redemption.
In what film does a date to go see the explicit cinematic classic "Swedish Marriage Manual" go horribly wrong?
Taxi Driver
There are two films where one can see most of "This Island Earth." Unsurprisingly, the first is "This Island Earth." What's the second?
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie.
The fictional drama "Habeas Corpus" is a searing look at the inequities of capital punishment in modern-day America. In what film do we see "Habeus Corpus"? What tiny change is made to the script's ending?
"The Player"; instead of Julia Roberts dying in the gas chamber, Bruce Willis smashes through the brick wall and saves her.
In what movie does the lead character sing about his lady love, while behind him on a movie screen, a frankfurter does backflips?
Grease
In what movie are the two title characters shown watching "Casablanca" at the same time but separately, on a split-screen?
When Harry Met Sally.
In what movie does the lead actress repeatedly watch herself in the film "Queen Kelly"?
Sunset Boulevard.
In what movie (chock full of movie-within-a-movie plot twists) does the hero beat up a goon in a parking lot, then help him up and ask sincerely which movies he'd appeared in?
Get Shorty
A film clip from the nonexistent "To Serve and Protect," the moving saga of a homosexual soldier, appears during the central scene of what film?
In & Out
Who spends most of his time NOT writing a wrestling screenplay for Wallace Beery?
Barton Fink
In a 1978 genre film, the heroine watches two sci-fi movies on TV. The double feature begins with a 1951 movie. (Interestingly, the guy who directed the 1978 genre film would go on to remake the 1951 sci-fi movie a couple of years later.) Name both movies, please.
"Halloween"; "The Thing."
What film depicts an indie filmmaker plagued by a malfunctioning fog machine, a cameraman with one blind eye, an egomaniacal lead actor, a leading actress who sleeps with half the crew, and an argumentative midget?
Living in Oblivion
Where is the only place you can watch the '60's b-movie masterpiece "The Mant"?
In the 1993 John Goodman movie, "Matinee."
What movie is about what happens when a big-budget movie shoot ("The Old Mill") descends upon a sleepy Vermont village?
State and Main
What movie features guerilla attacks on the sets of "Gump Again" and "Patch Adams: The Director's Cut"?
Cecil B. DeMented
What film depicts the surreptitious filming of "Chubby Rain"?
Bowfinger
What film contains scenes from the fictional Vietnam film "Coming Home in a Bodybag"?
True Romance

Section Four: GLURP! (THE SNAKE OF TRIVIA FINALLY SWALLOWS ITS OWN TAIL)

Which past Williams Trivia team had the audacity to assemble an Hour Bonus whose entire subject was ABOUT previous Williams Trivia teams?
The Giant Pygmies of Beckles