Ask Mr. Know-It-All

October 30, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By Gary Clothier

Q. Years ago, I recall someone saying that Dan Marino, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, ran for fewer than 100 yards in his entire career. Is this possible?

R.M.G., Wrightsville, Pa.

A. Dan Marino played for the Dolphins from 1983 to 1999. His legacy as a passer is phenomenal, but he was not skilled at scrambling or rushing. Marino played in 242 games and attempted rushing 301 times, but he totaled only 87 yards in his entire career. On the positive side, he attempted 8,358 passes and completed 4,967, for a total of 61,361 yards. He threw for 420 touchdowns with 252 interceptions.

Q. I need your help to identify a movie. A woman who is recently widowed moves into a residential hotel in London. She hopes her grandson will visit, but he does not. After she falls on a sidewalk, a young man helps her. She invites him to dinner, and people assume this is her grandson. In time, she develops a friendship with this young man. What is the name of this movie?

D.S., Mankato, Minn.

A. The name of the film is “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont” (2005). The movie, which stars Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend, is available on DVD.

Q. I was reading an article that referred to my state of Pennsylvania as one of the Rust Belt states. What does that mean?

R.M.G., Wrightsville, Pa.

A. The term applies to an imprecise geographic region that often is described as including parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. At one time, these states dominated manufacturing, but since the 1960s, busy factories have been replaced by abandoned buildings with rusting gates and structures.

The term “Rust Belt” has been popular since the 1970s.

Q. I was watching reruns of “Hee Haw.” Buck Owens introduced a young lady with a fantastic voice named Kenni Huskey. By any chance, is her father Ferlin Huskey?

K.B., Borger, Texas

A. No, her father is not Ferlin Husky. (Note the different spelling of the last names.) Kenni Huskey was born in Newport, Ark., and grew up in Memphis, Tenn. At age 5, in 1959, she began singing country music and made her first stage appearance under the guidance of her country-music performer/songwriter parents, Bill and Julia Huskey. At age 12, she performed at the Grand Ole Opry. She made several recording in Sam Phillips’ Sun Studio.

Kenni was only a teenager when she moved to Southern California with her parents and played various venues with her family. She was discovered by Buck Owens at age 15 and was signed to a five-year performing contract with Buck’s band. She also recorded for Capitol Records and had several hits. She appeared in at least six episodes of “Hee Haw.”

One critic said, “Miss Huskey’s voice is exactly that, husky.” The story went on to liken her to a mule skinner in a miniskirt. Her latest CD, “Tribute to My Second Dad ... Buck Owens” is widely available.

Q. Many years ago, I saw a paperweight with a picture of the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh, Pa. What exactly is this building?

R.L., Springfield, Pa.

A. The 42-story building stands 535 feet and is a Pittsburgh landmark. It is located on the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus and contains more than 2,000 rooms. These rooms are classrooms, offices, conference rooms and storage space. Construction on the Cathedral of Learning began in 1926. The first class took place in the building in 1931.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kate Winslet turned down the Gwyneth Paltrow role in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998) and the Jodie Foster role in “Anna and the King” (1999).

Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.