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Discussion » Questions » History » I watched an old movie tonight (from 1953); a character asked how much he owed for a meal, the answer appears below.

I watched an old movie tonight (from 1953); a character asked how much he owed for a meal, the answer appears below.



  
Three hamburgers and five cups of coffee for a total of $1.40.

If you were to break down or itemize the check, how much do you think each item cost?

My guess is 33.3 cents per burger, and 8 cents per cup of coffee.  (The movie is “The Blue Gardenia”. with Anne Baxter.)

Posted - June 20, 2021

Responses


  • 581
    Inflation is a Witch.
      June 20, 2021 12:38 AM MDT
    1

  • Perhaps a nominal charge of 10 cents for coffee with free refills?  And about 43 cents for each of the hamburgers that totals $1.29?  

    (I grew up during the 1950's.  I frequently bought a loaf of bread for 50 cents at the grocery store during the 1950's.)  
      June 20, 2021 8:47 AM MDT
    2

  • 53524

     

      Great analysis, thank you!

    ~

      June 20, 2021 8:51 AM MDT
    2

  • 44649
    10 cents for each coffee X 5 = 50 cents.
    30 cents perf burger = 3X30 = 90 cents.
    90 +50 = $1.40.
    I love math.
      June 20, 2021 12:55 PM MDT
    0