(answers)
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1948?
2. What was the name of the American initiative passed in 1948 for foreign aid to Western Europe?
3. What was the highest-grossing film of 1948?
4. What was the highest-grossing musical film of 1948?
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1948?
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1948?
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1948?
8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1948?
9. What is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force called?
10. This song, about an unusual plant, was written in 1927 but became a Number One Hit for Art Mooney in 1948. Name that song
11. The Soviet Union controlled Eastern Berlin, Germany, and interfered with travel between both parts of the city. What was this restriction called?
12. What was the response from the United States and the Allies to the Berlin Blockade?
13. This television variety was best known as The Ed Sullivan Show, but it had another title for the first seven years. Name that old TV show.
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1948?
15. In 1948, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
16. By the end of the 1948 Major League Baseball season, only one stadium did not have lights installed for night games, although they did get them 40 years later. Name that baseball stadium.
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1948?
18. This stadium was renamed Mile High Stadium in 1968, but what was it called when it was built in 1948?
19. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1948 to the nearest dime?
20. This show moved from radio to television in 1958, and gave Milton Berle the nickname of “Mister Television”
21. Who was the Republican nominee for President in 1948?
22. After the 1948 election, what newspaper erroneously declared “Dewey Defeats Truman”?
23. On November 14, 1948, Buckingham Palace released a statement: “Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth Duchess of Edinburgh was safely delivered of a Prince at 9:14 o’clock this evening. Her Royal Highness and the infant Prince are both well.” Who was the prince they were talking about?
24. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1948: Dan Aykroyd, Samuel L. Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, Jackson Browne, or Christa McAuliffe?
25. What company used the slogan: “A Diamond is Forever”?
26. This household product, invented by Ed Lowe, for indoor pets, is a $2 Billion a year industry.
27. First produced in 1948, now they are the longest-running pickup brand in the world. What are “they”?
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1948?
29. This show has been on and off the air since 1948, capturing ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations.
HINT: Smile!
30. This Oscar-winning film had the same title as a Top Ten song by Bertie Higgins in 1981…
31. This musical, written by Bella and Samuel Spewack with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, is based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Name that Broadway show.
32. Who won the 1948 World Series?
33. What American city banned pinball machines and other “gaming devices” until 1976?
34. This Chicago television station, a superstation on cable decades late, first went on the air on April 5, 1948.
35. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1948?
36. What restaurant had the first drive-thru window?
37. To look sleeker and futuristic, Cadillac added what to its 1948 cars?
38. This company originally produced utilitarian four-wheel drive, off-road vehicles but now focuses on luxury SUVs. Name this English company.
39. What two newspapers merged to form the Chicago Sun-Times?
40. The 1948 Summer Olympics were held in London, United Kingdom. How many medals did the US win?
41. The 1948 Winter Olympics were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland. How many medals did the US win?
42. This Western film gave us the line – “Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinking badges!”
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1948?
44. Rudolf and Adolf Dassler both opened shoe companies in Bavaria, Germany. What are the names of the two companies the brothers founded?
45. What is the common name for the (new in 1948) microgroove product?
46. Founded in 1948, this United Nations organization is responsible for international public health. Name that organization.
47. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1948?
48. This racing company began in 1948 and is headquartered in Daytona, Florida. Name that company.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What do the letters in NASCAR mean?
2. What did the United Kingdom name its new comprehensive health care system in 1948?
3. The first Tony Award for Best Play was presented. Name the winning play.
4. Who was the Pope in 1948?
5. Air National Guard pilot Thomas F. Mantell died in the crash of his F-51 Mustang fighter plane while doing what?
6. Who were the 1948 NFL Champions?
7. Margaret Chase Smith was elected as a United States Senator, representing Maine. She holds a first-time distinction for serving in Congress; what is that honor?
8. Who were the 1948 NBA Champions?
9. In 1948, the Soviet Union began to jam what radio broadcasts?
10. Who was the American Vice-President in 1948?
The Answers:
48 Trivia Answers for 1948 History
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1948?
Harry S. Truman (April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953)
2. What was the name of the American initiative passed in 1948 for foreign aid to Western Europe?
The Marshall Plan
3. What was the highest-grossing film of 1948? Red River (The Paleface was a very close #2)
4. What was the highest-grossing musical film of 1948? Easter Parade
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1948?
14 cents
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1948?
87 cents
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1948? The Big Fisherman by Lloyd C. Douglas
8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1948? Buttons and Bows by Dinah Shore
9. What is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force called?
Civil Air Patrol
10. This song, about an unusual plant, was written in 1927 but became a Number One Hit for Art Mooney in 1948. Name that song. I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover
11. The Soviet Union controlled Eastern Berlin, Germany, and interfered with travel between both parts of the city. What was this restriction called?
The Berlin Blockade
12. What was the response from the United States and the Allies to the Berlin Blockade?
The Berlin Airlift
13. This television variety was best known as The Ed Sullivan Show, but it had another title for the first seven years. Name that old TV show. Toast of the Town
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1948?
In 1948, The Toronto Maple Leafs won over the Detroit Red Wings (4 games to 0)
15. In 1948, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 64.6 years, Women – 69.9 years.
16. By the end of the 1948 Major League Baseball season, only one stadium did not have lights installed for night games, although they did get them 40 years later. Name that baseball stadium.
Wrigley Field.
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1948?
The population was an estimated 146,631,302 people.
18. This stadium was renamed Mile High Stadium in 1968, but what was it called when it was built in 1948?
Bears Stadium (For the Denver Bears minor league baseball team)
19. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1948 to the nearest dime?
40 cents
20. This show moved from radio to television in 1958, and gave Milton Berle the nickname of “Mister Television” Texaco Star Theater
21. Who was the Republican nominee for President in 1948?
Thomas E. Dewey
22. After the 1948 election, what newspaper erroneously declared “Dewey Defeats Truman”? The Chicago Tribune
23. On November 14, 1948, Buckingham Palace released a statement: “Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth Duchess of Edinburgh was safely delivered of a Prince at 9:14 o’clock this evening. Her Royal Highness and the infant Prince are both well.” Who was the prince they were talking about?
Prince Charles
24. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1948: Dan Aykroyd, Samuel L. Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, Jackson Browne, or Christa McAuliffe?
Dan Aykroyd (born July 1, 1952)
25. What company used the slogan: “A Diamond is Forever”?
DeBeers
26. This household product, invented by Ed Lowe, for indoor pets, is a $2 Billion a year industry.
The Litter Box
27. First produced in 1948, now they are the longest-running pickup brand in the world. What are “they”?
Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1948?
72 cents
29. This show has been on and off the air since 1948, capturing ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations.
HINT: Smile! Candid Camera
30. This Oscar-winning film had the same title as a Top Ten song by Bertie Higgins in 1981… Key Largo
31. This musical, written by Bella and Samuel Spewack with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, is based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Name that Broadway show. Kiss Me, Kate
32. Who won the 1948 World Series?
In 1948, The Cleveland Indians won, beating the Boston Braves (4 games to 2)
33. What American city banned pinball machines and other “gaming devices” until 1976?
New York City
34. This Chicago television station, a superstation on cable decades late, first went on the air on April 5, 1948.
WGN (tagline “Chicago’s very own”)
35. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1948?
Harry S. Truman
36. What restaurant had the first drive-thru window?
In-n-Out Burger in Baldwin Park, California.
37. To look sleeker and futuristic, Cadillac added what to its 1948 cars?
Tailfins
38. This company originally produced utilitarian four-wheel drive, off-road vehicles but now focuses on luxury SUVs. Name this English company.
Land Rover
39. What two newspapers merged to form the Chicago Sun-Times? The Chicago Sun and Chicago Daily Times
40. Held in London, United Kingdom, how many medals did the US win in the 1948 Summer Olympics?
84.
38 Gold, 27 Silver, 19 Bronze.
41. Held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, how many medals did the US win in the 1948 Winter Olympics?
9.
3 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 Bronze.
42. This Western film gave us the line – “Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinking badges!” The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1948?
$0.26 per gallon
44. Rudolf and Adolf Dassler both opened shoe companies in Bavaria, Germany. What are the names of the two companies the brothers founded?
Puma and Adidas (They divided the company they had started in 1924)
45. What is the common name for the (new in 1948) microgroove product?
Long Playing Record album
46. Founded in 1948, this United Nations organization is responsible for international public health. Name that organization.
World Health Organization (WHO)
47. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1948?
Citation
48. This racing company began in 1948 and is headquartered in Daytona, Florida. Name that company.
NASCAR
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What do the letters in NASCAR mean? National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
2. What did the United Kingdom name its new comprehensive health care system in 1948?
The National Health Service
3. The first Tony Award for Best Play was presented. Name the winning play. Mister Roberts
4. Who was the Pope in 1948?
Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958
5. Air National Guard pilot Thomas F. Mantell died in the crash of his F-51 Mustang fighter plane while doing what?
He was sent by Godman Army Airfield at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to pursue an unidentified flying object (UFO).
6. Who were the 1948 NFL Champions?
Philadelphia Eagles
7. Margaret Chase Smith was elected as a United States Senator, representing Maine. She holds a first-time distinction for serving in Congress; what is that honor?
She was the first woman to serve in the US House Of Representatives and the United States Senate.
8. Who were the 1948 NBA Champions?
For the 1947-48 Season, Champion Baltimore Bullets (1st) won 4 games to 2 over the Philadelphia Warriors
9. In 1948, the Soviet Union began to jam what radio broadcasts?
Voice of America broadcasts
10. Who was the American Vice-President in 1948?
The office of vice president was vacant from April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1949
1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780 killed 20,000 to 30,000 people in the Caribbean.
1845 – The Naval School (later the United States Naval Academy) opened with 50 students in Annapolis, Maryland.
1886 – Griswold Lorollaerd created the first Tuxedo.
1973 – 1973 – Vice President of the US Spiro Agnew resigned, after being charged with evasion of federal income tax.
If you were born on October 10th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 17th (same year)
World Mental Health Day
To raise awareness of mental health, October 10 has been recognized by the World Health Organisation as World Mental Health Day. Mental health struggles affect everyone and we need to remember that mental illness is not just about mental illness, but also about physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. While we recognize the importance of World Mental Health Day, it is also important to remember that mental health problems are widespread and that most people will face mental health challenges at some point in their lives.
October 10th is…
Angel Food Cake Day
Cake Decorating Day
Handbag Day
Motorsport Memorial Day
US Naval Academy Day
World Homeless Day
World Mental Health Day
October 10th Birthday Quotes
“From your parents, you learn to love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover that you have wings.”
– Helen Hayes
“This story’s gonna grab people. It’s about this guy, he’s crazy about this girl, but he likes to wear dresses. Should he tell her? Should he not tell her? He’s torn, Georgie. This is drama.”
– Ed Wood
“I guess if you keep making the same mistake long enough, it becomes your style.”
– John Prine
“I just got an apartment here in Nashville, and I invested in a Queen-sized bed because I’m like, “I haven’t had a big bed since I was a kid.” I woke up this morning on one side, like, in ‘coffin position’.”
– Lzzy Hale
“At the end of the day, give up your worries and give thanks for the journey.”
– Ben Vereen
“Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it.”
– David Lee Roth
October 10th Birthdays
1900 – Helen Hayes, American actress (died in 1993)
1917 – Thelonious Monk, American jazz pianist, and composer (died in 1982)
1924 – Ed Wood, American actor, director, producer screenwriter (died in 1978)
1927 – Jon Locke, American character actor (died in 2013)
1933 – Jay Sebring, American hair stylist, and businessman (died in 1969)
1941 – Peter Coyote, American actor
1946 – John Prine, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2020)
1946 – Ben Vereen, American actor, singer, and dancer
1953 – Midge Ure, Scottish singer-songwriter
1954 – David Lee Roth, American singer-songwriter
1958 – Tanya Tucker, American singer-songwriter
1959 – Julia Sweeney, American comedic actress
1965 – Chris Penn, American character actor (died in 2006)
1966 – Bai L ng, Chinese-American model and actress
1969 – Wendi McLendon-Covey, American actress
1973 – Mario Lopez, American actor, and television personality
1984 – Lzzy Hale, American singer-songwriter
1988 – Rose McIver, New Zealand actress
1989 – Aimee Teegarden, American actress
October 10th History
October 10 annually (fiction) Predators hunt Xenomorphs on Earth, Aliens vs. Predator, Film
1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780 killed 20,000 to 30,000 people in the Caribbean region.
1845 – The Naval School (now the United States Naval Academy) opened in Annapolis, Maryland.
1871 – The Great Chicago Fire finally dissipated.
1871 – Tau Epsilon Phi was founded at Columbia University (other organizations did not allow Jewish members)
1918 – The Cloquet Fire, northern Minnesota, USA
1953 – #1 Hit October 10, 1953 – November 20, 1953: Stan Freberg – St. George And The Dragonet
1957 – The finance minister of Ghana, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, was refused service in a Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Dover, Delaware. It was a bit of an international incident. He later was invited to dine with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
1960 – #1 Hit October 10, 1960 – October 16, 1960: Larry Verne – Mr. Custer
1964 – NBC aired the 1964 Summer Olympics opening ceremony at Tokyo, Japan, with the first time of live Olympic telecast program, by geostationary communication satellite, Syncom 3.
1970 – #1 Hit October 10, 1970 – October 16, 1970: Neil Diamond – Cracklin’ Rosie
1971 – The television program Upstairs, Downstairs premiered.
1973 – Vice-president Spiro Agnew resigned from office, the second person to do so.
1983 – Adam, a TV movie about the mysterious disappearance of Adam Walsh, premiered on NBC.
1987 – #1 Hit October 10, 1987 – October 16, 1987: Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
2010 – Cable channel The Hub (Now Discovery Family) made its debut in the United States.
2012 – Nashville premiered on ABC
#1 Hit October 10, 2020 – October 16, 2020: Franchise – Travis Scott featuring Young Thug and M.I.A.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Clarence Nash was not only the voice of Donald Duck for 50 years but also performed the role when the cartoons were dubbed into other languages.
An alpaca’s gestation period lasts almost one year (~350 days).
During the filming of “Conan The Barbarian”, Arnold Schwarzenegger had to cut down his workout routine because his arm and chest muscles were so big that he couldn’t wield a sword properly.
The Capital of Kiribati is Tarawa Atoll
Sugar Ray Robinson – Real Name: Walker Smith
Batman spends most of his money on expensive electronics, has little to no social life, and when he’s not dressing up and pretending to be a superhero he spends most of his time sitting in front of a computer in his parents’ basement. #soundfamiliar
“Whenever I’m caught between two evils, I take the one I never tried.” – The Frisco Doll (Mae West) #moviequotes
Roulette Odds: Two number combination: Payoff: 17:1 True Odds: 5.26%
The old movies were right: there are blinking lights everywhere in the future. #science
Goldfish can live beyond 20 years if you take good care of them. The oldest goldfish on record was 43 years.
The pizza was first mentioned over 1000 years ago in a Latin text written in southern Italy in 997 AD.
1868 – ZCMI, America’s first department store, opened in Salt Lake City, UT.
1916 – The First PGA championship was won by British golfer Jim Barnes.
If you were born on October 9th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 16th (same year)
Fire Prevention Day
Fire Prevention Day is part of Fire Prevention week and is observed on October 9. The observance of this day was initiated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925. Besides being both a day and a week for young people and adults to learn how to make their homes safer against accidental fires, it also is a remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
October 9th is…
Beer and Pizza Day
Curious Events Day
Dessert Day
Fire Prevention Day
Leif Erikson Day
Submarine/ Hoagie/ Hero/ Dagwood /Grinder Day
October 9th Birthday Quotes
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
– John Lennon
“Forget what life used to be, you are what you choose to be. It’s whatever it is you see that life will become.”
– Jackson Browne
“I like to be honest, and after all these years I can’t be bothered being politically correct.”
– Sharon Osbourne
“Being at the genesis of the creative process is definitely something I want to keep doing. It’s just such a great buzz.”
– Chris O’Dowd
“When you’re out there talking about your faith and what you believe in, you’ll face some backlash. But mostly, I’ve received support.”
– Scotty McCreery
“When we leap, we must leap as though the net will appear. A leap in life, however big or small, is an act of commitment with the expectation of success.”
– John O’Hurley
October 9th Birthdays
1863 – Edward Bok, Dutch-American magazine executive (died in 1930)
1900 – Alastair Sim, Scottish-English actor and academic (died in 1976)
1911 – Joe Rosenthal, American photographer (died in 2006)
1914 – Edward Andrews, American character actor (died in 1985)
1940 – John Lennon, English singer-songwriter, guitarist, The Beatles (died in 1980)
1941 – Brian Lamb, American broadcaster, founded C-SPAN
1943 – Mike Peters, American cartoonist, Mother Goose, and Grimm
1948 – Jackson Browne, American singer-songwriter
1952 – Sharon Osbourne, English television host
1953 – Tony Shalhoub, American actor
1954 – Scott Bakula, American actor
1954 – John O’Hurley, American actor and game show host
1964 – Guillermo del Toro, Mexican-American director
1975 – Sean Lennon, American singer-songwriter, John of John
1979 – Chris O’Dowd, Irish actor, and screenwriter
1979 – Brandon Routh, American actor
1992 – Tyler James Williams, American actor
1993 – Scotty McCreery, American singer-songwriter
1996 – Bella Hadid, American model
October 9th History
768 – Carloman I and Charlemagne were both crowned Kings of The Franks. Carloman died in 771, and Charlemagne reigned until 814.
1767 – Surveying for the Mason-Dixon line separating Maryland from Pennsylvania was completed.
1824 – Slavery was abolished in Costa Rica.
1873 – The US Naval Institute was established.
1888 – The Washington Monument officially opened to the public.
1919 – The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series, and eight White Sox players were later accused of intentionally losing games in exchange for money from gamblers.
1961 – #1 Hit October 9, 1961 – October 22, 1961: Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack
1965 – #1 Hit October 9, 1965 – November 5, 1965: The Beatles – Yesterday
1967 – Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia.
1976 – #1 Hit October 9, 1976 – October 15, 1976: Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band – A Fifth of Beethoven
October 9 Birthday (fictional) Count von Count, Sesame Street, TV
1980 – Pope John Paul II met and shook hands with the Dalai Lama in Vatican City.
1986 – East End Show – The Phantom of the Opera (Musical) October 9, 1986
1999 – #1 Hit October 9, 1999 – October 22, 1999: Mariah Carey featuring Jay-Z – Heartbreaker
2006 – North Korea may have tested its first nuclear device.
2012 – Pakistani Taliban made a failed attempt to assassinate 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai on her way home from school.
October 9, 2015 – Invisible Sister aired on The Disney Channel
#1 Hit October 9, 2021 – October 15, 2021: My Universe – Coldplay and BTS
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World: Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in (now) Bodrum, Turkey built in 353-350 BC, destroyed by earthquakes and abandoned by the 1400s AD. We still use the word, mausoleum, for above-ground tombs.
George Orwell – Real Name: Eric Arthur Blair
Somewhere out there is the Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, or Joe Montana of custodians, and he gets nowhere near the amount of praise he deserves for his talents.
Because of Monty Python when someone starts with “Nobody expects…” I expect the Spanish Inquisition.
In The US, Outdoor cats are believed to be responsible for the extinction of 33 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, killing between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 billion to 20.7 billion mammals a year.
The Capital of Korea, North is Pyongyang
Adam and Eve did not have belly buttons. #science #religion
Nail-biting has been associated with a better functioning immune system because of the exposure to germs on a small scale that your body can build antibodies to.
Everyone is forgetting to count their sellable organs when calculating their net worth.
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – John Keating (Robin Williams) in Dead Poets Society, 1989
I wonder what happened to Inigo Montoya’s mother.
Biggest film of 2003: Finding Nemo (Action/Adventure) earned ~ $380,000,000
1871 – Four fires in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan killed over 4000 people.
1944 – Ozzie and Harriet debuted on the radio (and on television in 1952)
1956 – The New York Yankees’ Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series.
If you were born on October 8th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 15th (same year)
Traditional October 8th Information
Emergency Nurses Day was established on October 8, 1989, in order to honor the nurses who specifically work in hospital emergency rooms. These nurses play an intrinsic part in a community’s life. Responding quickly to life-endangering circumstances but also having to have a compassionate heart towards patients who are seriously ill and towards families who will find out in the emergency room of the loss of a loved one. Thank an ER nurse today!
October 8th is…
Fluffernutter Day
Pierogi Day
Salmon Day
World Octopus Day
October 8th Birthday Quotes
“The secret to my success is that I bit off more than I could chew and I chewed as fast as I could.”
– Paul Hogan
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
– Frank Herbert
“If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds.”
– Jesse Jackson
“Most fears are basic: fear of the dark, fear of going down in the basement, fear of weird sounds, fear that somebody is waiting for you in your closet. Those kinds of things stay with you no matter what age.”
– R. L. Stine
“I think what’s important for kids to know is that your decisions here on Earth matter, your behavior matters, and how you treat other people matters.”
– Matt Damon
October 8th Birthdays
1883 – Margaret Curtis, American athlete (died in 1965)
1910 – Kirk Alyn, American actor (died in 1999)
1920 – Frank Herbert, American author, Dune (died in 1986)
1936 – Rona Barrett, American journalist
1939 – Harvey Pekar, American comic book creator (died in 2010)
1940 – Paul Hogan, Australian actor, and screenwriter
1941 – Jesse Jackson, American minister and activist
1943 – Chevy Chase, American comedic actor
1943 – R.L. Stine, American author
1948 – Johnny Ramone, American guitarist, and songwriter (died in 2004)
1949 – Sigourney Weaver, American actress
1950 – Robert “Kool” Bell, American singer-songwriter
1955 – Darrell Hammond, American comedic actor
1964 – CeCe Winans, American singer-songwriter
1970 – Matt Damon, American actor
1980 – Nick Cannon, American actor
1985 – Bruno Mars, American singer-songwriter
1993 – Barbara Palvin, Hungarian model
1993 – Molly Quinn, American actress
1997 – Bella Thorne, American actress
October 8th History
1860 – Telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco began operating.
1871 – Peshtigo, Wisconsin Fire (over 1200 killed)
1871 – Great Chicago Fire (300 estimated dead)
1967 – Che Guevara and his men were captured in Bolivia.
1979 – Broadway Show – Sugar Babies (Review) October 8, 1979
1982 – Cats, based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, opened on Broadway and ran for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.
1984 – The Burning Bed starring Farrah Fawcett, aired on NBC
October 8, 1984 Birthday (fictional) Rory Gilmore, The Gilmore Girls, TV
1985 – East End Show – Les Miserables (Musical) October 8, 1985
1986 – The Fox Broadcasting Company became the US’ fourth commercial broadcast television network, with The Late Show, hosted by Joan Rivers.
1988 – #1 Hit October 8, 1988 – October 14, 1988: Def Leppard – Love Bites
2001 – US President George W. Bush announced the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.
October 8, 2004 – Halloweentown High aired on The Disney Channel
2005 (Earthquake) Kashmir, Pakistan
2011 – On September 26th, 2011 Mikey Welsh posted on Twitter, “Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). Need to write my will today” followed by, “Correction – the weekend after next”. He died October 8th, 2011 from a heart attack in his sleep in a hotel room. In Chicago.
#1 Hit October 8, 2022 – October 28, 2022 – Bad Habit – Steve Lacey
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Winona Ryder – Real Name: Winona Horowitz
“Baby, you shovel better than any man I’ve ever known, but that does not make you a superhero. You’re a good husband and a good father. Nothing more.” – Lucille (Mrs. Shoveler)
Judi Dench won a supporting actress Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love for an 8-minute appearance.
The word “silly” changed meaning over time from “happy” to “blessed”, “pious,” “innocent”, “harmless,” “pitiable”, and then “weak” before reaching the current meaning.
The Capital of Korea, South is Seoul
“Oi! Ten thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck.” – Genie #moviequotes
Then there is Erika Eiffel, Formerly Erika Berlin Wall, who has been married to the Eiffel tower for almost 17 years.
There are around 2000 different plant types that humans use to cultivate food.
TV Quotes… “We’ve got a really big show!” (Ed Sullivan) on The Ed Sullivan Show.
How do we know clocks go ‘tic toc’? They could be going ‘toc tic’ for all we know.
If there were water on the moon, humans could run on it because of the reduced gravity.
There’s no way ancient Peruvians could have known that Lake Titicaca would be a hilarious name in the future.
1691 – The charter for the Province of Massachusetts Bay was issued.
1916 – Georgia Tech beat Cumberland 222-0 in the most lopsided college football game of all time.
If you were born on October 7th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 14th (same year)
October 7th is…
Forgiveness & Happiness Day
Frappé Day
Inner Beauty Day
You Matter to Me Day
October 7th Birthday Quotes
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.”
Niels Bohr
“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”
– Desmond Tutu
“Work hard, be patient, and be a sponge while learning your business. Learn how to take criticism. Follow your gut instincts and don’t compromise.”
– Simon Cowell
“I always wanted to be a movie star. I thought it meant being famous and having breakfast in bed. I didn’t know you had to be up at 4:00 a.m.”
– June Allyson
“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.”
– Elijah Muhammad
October 7th Birthdays
1728 – Caesar Rodney, American soldier, and politician, 4th Governor of Delaware (died in 1784)
1885 – Niels Bohr, Danish physicist, and philosopher, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1962)
1897 – Elijah Muhammad, American religious leader (died in 1975)
1917 – June Allyson, American actress (died in 2006)
1927 – Al Martino, American singer (died in 2009)
1931 – Desmond Tutu, South African archbishop, and activist, Nobel Prize laureate
1942 – Joy Behar, American talk show host, and television personality
1943 – Oliver North, American colonel, journalist, and author
1951 – John ‘Cougar’ Mellencamp, American singer-songwriter
1955 – Yo-Yo Ma, French-American cellist
1957 – Michael W. Smith, American singer-songwriter
1959 – Simon Cowell, English businessman and music producer
1967 – Toni Braxton, American singer-songwriter
1969 – Bobbie Brown, American model
October 7th History
3761 BC – Today was the first day of creation, according to the Jewish Talmudic Calendar.
1737 (Cyclone) India
1868 – Cornell University opened.
1919 – KLM, the Netherlands’ official airline, was founded.
1933 – Air France began with the merger of 5 smaller French airlines.
1950 – Mother Teresa opened the Missionary of Charity
1952 – WFIL in Philadelphia introduced Bandstand (later called American Bandstand)
1958 – The US manned space-flight project was renamed Project Mercury. It was originally called Project Astronaut.
1982 – Broadway Show – Cats (Musical) October 7, 1982
1985 – Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the Achille Lauro. The hijackers killed wheel-chair bound Jewish-American passenger Leon Klinghoffer, throwing him overboard after shooting him.
1989 – #1 Hit October 7, 1989 – November 3, 1989: Janet Jackson – Miss You Much
1996 – The Fox News Channel began broadcasting.
October 7, 2016 – The Swap aired on The Disney Channel
#1 Hit October 7, 2017 – October 27, 2017: Cardi B – Bodak Yellow
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The first feature film created solely with Computer Generated Imagery (CGI or CG) was “Toy Story”, in 1995.
Every day, half of all the lawyers in the world are proven wrong.
The giant red star Betelgeuse has a diameter larger than that of the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
There is a box in my kitchen that is constantly beaming wireless information 24/7 to every device in my house and sometimes I get mad at it when it slows down for 5 minutes.
The Capital of Kosovo is Pristina
People born blind use the same facial expressions as sighted people when expressing emotions, meaning that our facial expressions are innate and not learned behavior.
Wonder Woman was created by psychologist and inventor of the lie detector test, William Marston.
Biggest film of 1925: The Big Parade (Drama) earned ~ $11,000,000
Charlton Heston narrated for highly classified military and Department of Energy instructional films, particularly relating to nuclear weapons. For six years, he held the nation’s highest security clearance.
You can’t beat any record in the Guinness World Record Books that starts with “First”.
Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues # 7 – Sincerity.
Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
1877 – Chiff Joseph surrendered to US Cavalry Forces. He famously stated: “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
2001 – Barry Bonds hit Home Runs #71 & 72, beating Mark McGuire’s prior record. He went on the hit 73 for the season and is still the current record.
If you were born on October 5th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 12th (same year)
World Teachers Day
October 5, 1994, was the first celebration of World Teachers Day. This day is set aside to commemorate and celebrate teachers in the local community. The day has been recognized by The United Nations. Communities are encouraged to sponsor and plan events around the day. Many countries including the United States celebrate this day.
October 5th is…
Apple Betty Day
Chic Spy Day
Do Something Nice Day
Get Funky Day
World Teachers Day
October 5th Birthday Quotes
“Knowing how to think empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.”
– Neil deGrasse Tyson
“If it were not for the reporters, I would tell you the truth.”
– Chester A. Arthur
“It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.”
– Robert H. Goddard
“Since I came here I have learned that Chester A. Arthur is one man and the President of the United States is another.”
– Chester A. Arthur
“It strikes me as being morally repulsive and intellectually absurd that people die of want in a world of surplus.”
– Bob Geldof
“All I ever wanted to do is darken the day and brighten the night.”
– Clive Barker
“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
– Bil Keane
October 5th Birthdays
1829 – Chester A. Arthur, American politician, 21st President of the United States (died in 1886)
1864 – Louis Lumiere, movie pioneer, and inventor (died in 1948)
1882 – Robert H. Goddard, American physicist and engineer (died in 1945)
1902 – Larry Fine, American comedian, Founding Stooge (died in 1975)
1919 – Donald Pleasence, English actor (died in 1995)
1922 – Bil Keane, American cartoonist, Family Circus (died in 2011)
1923 – Glynis Johns, South African-born British actress
1943 – Steve Miller, American singer-songwriter
1950 – Jeff Conaway, American actor (died in 2011)
1951 – Karen Allen, American actress
1951 – Bob Geldof, British singer-songwriter
1952 – Clive Barker, English author, director, producer, and screenwriter
1952 – Harold Faltermeyer, German keyboard player
1958 – Neil deGrasse Tyson, American astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author
October 5th History
1944 – Suffrage was extended to women in France.
1947 – The first televised White House address was given by US President Harry S. Truman.
1950 – You Bet Your Life, featuring Groucho Marx, premiered on NBC.
1957 – #1 Hit October 5, 1957 – October 18, 1957: Jimmie Rodgers – Honeycomb
1959 – #1 Hit October 5, 1959 – November 15, 1959: Bobby Darin – Mack the Knife
1962 – Dr. No, the first in the James Bond film series, was released.
1966 There was a partial core meltdown at the Enrico Fermi demonstration nuclear breeder reactor, near Detroit, Michigan.
1969 – The first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus aired on BBC One. It ran 45 episodes, until 1974.
1970 – The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) began broadcasting and National Educational Television (NET) closed.
1974 – #1 Hit October 5, 1974 – October 18, 1974: Olivia Newton-John – I Honestly Love You
1982 – Johnson & Johnson began a nationwide product recall in the US for all products in its Tylenol brand after several bottles in Chicago were found to have been laced with cyanide, resulting in seven deaths.
1984 – Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space, flying aboard the US Space Shuttle Challenger.
1991 – #1 Hit October 5, 1991 – October 11, 1991: Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway – Good Vibrations
1991 – The first official version of the Linux kernel (version 0.02) was released.
2001 – Barry Bonds surpassed Mark McGwire’s single-season home run total with the 71st and 72nd home runs.
2002 – #1 Hit October 5, 2002 – November 8, 2002: Kelly Clarkson – A Moment Like This
2011 – American Horror Story premiered on FX
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Harvard’s endowment fund is beggir than Russia’s entire federal education budget.
A group of Telephones is a Ring.
I have a 4.0 GPA and I still can’t determine my rights and lefts until I make a weird gesture with my hands.
“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!” -The Wizard of Oz (1939) #moviequotes
Congratulate a single female performer with “Brava!”
We use escalators, get fat, and then use Stairmasters.
“bring your nickels, tap your feet” #misunderstoodlyrics
SWIMS upside down is also SWIMS
H is probably the hardest letter to spell the sound of.
Female lions do most of the hunting for the Pride.
“Sometimes when you’re doin’ simple things around the house, maybe you’ll think of me and smile.” #songlyrics
1582 – Pope Gregory XIII adjusted the calendar, making The day after Thursday, October 4, 1582, as now Friday, October 15, 1582, starting the Gregorian Calendar which we use today.
1943 – Corsica (a French Territory) was liberated from Nazi Germany.
1957 – The USSR launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth.
If you were born on October 4th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 11th (same year)
Traditional October 4th Information
October 4 was established in 1952 as a day of charity. Professional Golfers go out and play with amateurs in order to gain funds for different causes. The professionals play and the amateurs pay, so to speak, for the privilege. This day is always on October 4 but can be found also on differing days in June.
October 4th is…
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Improve Your Office Day
Ships-In-Bottles Day
Taco Day
10-4 Day
Vodka Day
World Animal Day
October 4th Birthday Quotes
“In my experience, there’s only one thing that will always steer you toward success: That’s to have a vision and to stick with it… Once I have a vision for a new venture, I’m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off.”
– Russell Simmons
“A comedian does funny things. A good comedian does things funny.”
– Buster Keaton
“Every expert was once a beginner.”
Rutherford B. Hayes
“I think writer’s block is simply the dread that you are going to write something horrible. But as a writer, I believe that if you sit down at the keys long enough, sooner or later something will come out.”
Roy Blount, Jr.
“I don’t have any problem doing anything. The secret is I have no shame.”
– Dakota Johnson
“No matter how rudely someone treats you, remain kind. Walking away at peace with yourself is worth it.”
– Anne Rice
October 4th Birthdays
1822 – Rutherford B. Hayes, American general, lawyer, and politician, 19th President of the United States (died in 1893)
1892 – Robert Lawson, American author, and illustrator (died in 1957)
1895 – Buster Keaton, American film actor, director, and producer (died in 1966)
1896 – Dorothy Lawrence, English reporter, secretly posed as a man to serve during World War I (died in 1964)
1923 – Charlton Heston, American actor, civil and gun rights activist (died in 2008)
1937 – Jackie Collins, English-American author (died in 2015)
1941 – Roy Blount, Jr., American humorist and journalist
1941 – Anne Rice, American author
1953 – Andreas Vollenweider, Swiss harp player, and new age musician
1957 – Russell Simmons, American businessman, founded Def Jam Recordings
1967 – Liev Schreiber, American actor
1976 – Alicia Silverstone, American actress
1979 – Rachael Leigh Cook, American actress
1989 – Dakota Johnson, American actress
October 4th History
1535 – The first complete English-language Bible (the Coverdale Bible) was printed, translated by William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale.
1876 – Texas A&M University opened as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
1883 – First run of the Orient Express, from Paris to Giurgiu in Romania via Munich and Vienna.
1895 – The first U.S. Open Men’s Golf Championship was played at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island.
October 4, 1935 Birthday (fictional) Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter
1941 – Norman Rockwell’s Willie Gillis character debuted on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.
1957 – Leave It To Beaver premiered.
1961 – The Alvin Show premiered (Alvin, Simon, Theodore, and Dave)
1965 – Pope Paul VI’s visit to New York got television coverage on all 3 American networks. The Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium was broadcast in color.
1980 – #1 Hit October 4, 1980 – October 24, 1980: Queen – Another One Bites the Dust
1980 – Heathcliff premiered on ABC Saturday morning
1988 – Televangelist Jim Bakker was indicted for fraud.
1990 – Beverly Hills, 90210 premiered on FOX
2003 – #1 Hit October 4, 2003 – December 5, 2003: Beyonce featuring Sean Paul – Baby Boy
2004 – SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X Prize, for private spaceflight, by being the first private craft to fly into space.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The “Molotov cocktail” was named by Finnish soldiers fighting the Soviet invasion of 1939/1940. It was named after the Soviet Foreign Minister, Vyacheslav Molotov.
The first person offered the role of John McClane in Die Hard was Frank Sinatra. #contractualobligation
16 ounces Alpo = 1 dog pound
It must have been awkward for Jessie after his friend wrote that song about his girl.
Crayola means “oily chalk.”
Shakespeare used the word honorificabilitudinitatibus in Love’s Labour’s Lost. It basically means ‘honorable, and the word was invented in the 9th century.
If The Count from Sesame Street bit someone would they become a muppet?
Facebook has a ‘poke’ button, but what they should have is a ‘slap the crap out of this person’ button
‘Odontophobia’ is the fear of teeth.
A group of Eels is called a Swarm or Bed or Fry.
No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.
Sean Connery wore a toupee in every James Bond film that he starred in.
If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying hard enough.
Sad songs can be a cathartic and emotional experience for listeners, and many great sad songs have been written over the years. The odd thing about sad songs is that they can also be happy songs. That song, which meant everything to the old girlfriend, can still make you cry with the opening notes today.
Sometimes, that sad song can indicate an upcoming hope or a desire to climb out of a sad situation. I’ve always believed that we wouldn’t appreciate the good stuff without the sad stuff.
Everything ever created by man has been made so by some driven need he didn’t have.
Or to impress a girl.
It’s always about something we don’t have and must work to achieve. Sad songs can be the stuff that fuels our dreams to become a reality.
125 Classic Saddest Sad Songs List
1. He Stopped Loving Her Today – George Jones
2. In The Arms of an Angel – Sarah McLachlan
3. The End of the World – Skeeter Davis
4. See You Again – Charlie Puth ft. Wiz Khalifa
5. Last Kiss – J Frank Wilson (or Pearl Jam)
6. Alone Again, Naturally – Gilbert O Sullivan
7. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
8. What Hurts the Most – Rascal Flatts
9. Let Her Go – Passenger
10. Say Something – A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
11. Concrete Angel – Martina McBride
12. The A Team – Ed Sheeran
13. Somebody Else – The 1975
14. I’ll Be There – Escape Club
15. Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkel
16. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
17. Send In The Clowns – Judy Collins
18. I’ll Never Love Again – Lady Gaga (A Star is Born Soundtrack)
19. The End of the Road – Boys II Men
20. I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
21. Hurt So Bad – Little Anthony and the Imperials or Linda Ronstadt
22. What Hurts the Most – Rascal Flatts
23. It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday – Boyz II Men
24. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
25. Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
26. Mad World – Tears For Fears
27. Goodbye To Love – Carpenters
28. When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars
29. Crying – Roy Orbison
30. Behind Blue Eyes – The Who
31. Cry Me A River – Julie London
32. Lose You To Love Me – Selena Gomez
33. I’m Not In Love – 10cc
34. Brick – Ben Folds Five
35. Two Beds and a Coffee Machine – Savage Garden
36. Falling – Harry Styles
37. Epiphany – Staind
38. Someone Like You – Adele
39. I Don’t Like Mondays – Boomtown Rats
40. Nobody – Mitski
41. Remember (Walkin’ In the Sand) – Shangri-Las
42. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
43. Don’t Let it End – Styx
44. when the party’s over – Billie Eilish
45. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
46. Dancing On My Own – Robyn
47. Stole – Kelly Rowland
48. What Hurts the Most – Rascal Flatts
49. How Do I Live Without You – LeeAnn Rimes
50. Hurt – Johnny Cash or Nine Inch Nails
51. Here Without You – 3 Doors Down
52. Slow Burn – Kacey Musgraves
53. Tell Laura I Love Her – Ray Peterson
54. Rainy Days and Mondays – Carpenters
55. Consequences – Camila Cabello
56. Fire and Rain – James Taylor
57. Creep – Radiohead
58. Stan – Eminem
59. Going Under – Evanescence
60. Cat’s In The Cradle – Harry Chapin
61. Low – Kelly Clarkson
62. Colorblind – Counting Crows
63. Family Portrait – Pink
64. Nobody Knows – Tony Rich Project
65. Luka – Suzanne Vega
66. I Am A Rock – Simon and Garfunkel
67. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
68. At Seventeen – Janis Ian
69. Mad World – Tears For Fears (or Gary Jules)
70. The Freshmen – The Verve Pipe
71. So Sick – Ne-Yo
72. All By Myself – Eric Carmen
73. Gloomy Sunday – Billie Holiday
74. Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
75. Whiskey Lullaby – Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
76. Perfect – Simple Plan
77. Hanging by a Moment – Lifehouse
78. Against All Odds – Phil Collins
79. Wonderful – Everclear
80. Where’d You Go – Fort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
81. Angel of Harlem – U2
82. Goodbye To You – Michelle Branch
83. I Gotta Get A Message To You – The Bee Gees
84. She’s Leaving Home – The Beatles
85. Cleaning Out My Closet – Eminem
86. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – Hank Williams
87. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
88. Broken Vow – Josh Groban
89. Love Hurts – Nazareth
90. Adam’s Song – Blink-182
91. Incomplete – Backstreet Boys
92. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart – Bee Gees
93. Knocking On Heaven’s Door- Warren Zevon
94. All Cried Out – Allure & 112 (or Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam)
95. Forget Her – Jeff Buckley
96. You’ll Think Of Me – Keith Urban
97. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers – Neil Diamond & Barbra Streisand
98. My Immortal – Evanescence
99. The Needle and the Damage Done – Neil Young
100. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning – Frank Sinatra
101.. No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley
102. Forever Young – Jay Z
103. Teen Angel – Mark Dinning
104. Deacon Blues – Steely Dan
105. The Grave – Don McLean
106. (Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song – B.J.Thomas
107. Already Dead – Beck
108. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word – Elton John
109. Last Song – Edward Bear
110. Don’t Speak – No Doubt
111. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
112. Breathe Me – Sia
113. Broken – Seether feat. Amy Lee
114. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
115. This Used to be My Playground – Madonna
116. Hate Me – Blue October
117. One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey with Boyz II Men
Robert Goulet (1962’s Best New Artist Grammy Winner, awarded in 1963)
The Broadway star was the first to open the “Grammy New Artist” Curse. He did end up having My Love, Forgive Me crack Billboard’s Top 20 in 1965, and had a successful stage and acting career, but he never really became a popular music star. He earned the New Artist Grammy for his Signature Sing, What Kind of Fool Am I.
Vaughn Meader (Grammy for Album of the Year) Vaughn’s best-selling album, The First Family, spoofed life in the Camelot Whitehouse, but after JFK’s assassination, sales plummeted, and his impression of the late President was no longer in demand. Although a pioneer in the celebrity impersonation field, his career struggled until his death in 2004.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco – Tony Bennett (Grammy for Record of the Year) Tony also won a Grammy three decades later, in 1995 for MTV Unplugged.
New Artists in the Pop Charts Included: Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Righteous Brothers, The Ronettes, Johnny Taylor, Darlene Love, Roy Clark, Wilson Pickett and Joan Baez
1922 – Mrs. Rebecca Felton was the first female US Senator (Georgia, for two days)
1955 – The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC
1990 – Germany Reunified as the Federal Republic of Germany
1974 – Frank Robinson was named the first African-American MLB manager (Cleveland Indians)
If you were born on October 3rd,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 10th (same year)
The Mickey Mouse Club
The Mickey Mouse Club was hosted by head Mousketeeer (and adult) Jimmie Dodd. The main cast members were called Mouseketeers, the most popular of the Mouseketeers were the Red Team, which was kept under contract for the entire run of the show (1955–1959), and its members included:
Sharon Baird, Bobby Burgess, Lonnie Burr, Tommy Cole, Annette Funicello, Darlene Gillespie, Cubby O’Brien, Karen Pendleton, Doreen Tracey, Cheryl Holdridge (second and third year), Nancy Abbate (only first year), Johnny Crawford (only first year), Dennis Day (first and second year), Mike Smith (only first year), Jay-Jay Solari (only second year), Don Underhill (only first year)
October 3rd is…
Butterfly and Hummingbird Day
Card Making Day
Caramel Custard Day
Look at the Leaves Day
Techies Day
October 3rd Birthday Quotes
“We all have to go through hard times. Tragedies. Those are given to us to see what we’re going to do with them.”
– Gwen Stefani
“At any given moment, public opinion is a chaos of superstition, misinformation, and prejudice.”
– Gore Vidal
“You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other – our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That’s to help each other, not hurt each other.”
– Stevie Ray Vaughan
“Teenagers are people who act like babies if they’re not treated like adults.”
– Harvey Kurtzman
“I’m just grateful to be on this planet. I have no enemies that I know of. I’m just the guy who makes happy.”
– Chubby Checker
“I just find things that work and embellish them.”
– Lindsey Buckingham
“You know what the most destructive force in the universe is? Regret.”
– Tommy Lee
October 3rd Birthdays
1858 – Eleonora Duse, Italian-American actress (died in 1924)
1924 – Harvey Kurtzman, American cartoonist (died in 1993)
1925 – Gore Vidal, American novelist, screenwriter, and critic (died in 2012)
1938 – Eddie Cochran, American singer-songwriter (died in 1960)
1940 – Alan O’Day, American singer-songwriter (died in 2013)
1941 – Chubby Checker, American singer-songwriter
1949 – Lindsey Buckingham, American singer-songwriter
1951 – Keb’ Mo’, American blues musician and songwriter
1954 – Al Sharpton, American minister, and political activist
1954 – Stevie Ray Vaughan, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1990)
1959 – Jack Wagner, American actor, and singer
1962 – Tommy Lee, Greek-American singer-songwriter and drummer
1967 – Rob Liefeld, American comic book author, and illustrator
1969 – Gwen Stefani, American singer-songwriter
1973 – Lena Headey, British actress
1983 – Tessa Thompson, American actress
1988 – Alicia Vikander, Swedish actress
October 3rd History
1863 – The last Thursday in November was declared as Thanksgiving Day by US President Abraham Lincoln.
1872 – The Bloomingdale brothers opened their first store at 938 Third Avenue, in New York City.
1949 – WERD, the first black-owned radio station in the United States, opened in Atlanta. WERD was at 860 AM and is now WAEC.
1952 – The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet debuted
1955 – Captain Kangaroo premiered on CBS
1955 – The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC
1957 – The California State Superior Court ruled that Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems was not obscene.
1960 – The Andy Griffith Show premiered on CBS
1961 – The Dick Van Dyke Show premiered on CBS
1985 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis made its first flight.
1988 – Turner Network Television (TNT) began on cable, with Gone With The Wind
1992- Singer Sinead O’Conner stirred up controversy when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live
1995 – More than 150 million people tuned in for the announcement of the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial. The not-guilty verdict was met with both praise and criticism. So many people (100 million+) were watching/listening to the O.J. Simpson verdict that it cost an estimated $480 million in lost productivity.
1998 – #1 Hit October 3, 1998 – October 16, 1998: Monica – The First Night
2004 – Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC
2015 – #1 Hit October 3, 2015 – November 13, 2015: The Weeknd – The Hills
2021 – Ruth Hamilton was asleep in her home in British Columbia when she awoke to the sound of her dog barking, followed by “an explosion.” 1 1/2 pound meteor had landed on her bed.
#1 Hit October 3, 2020 – October 9, 2020: Dynamite – BTS
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
As of 2014, Ashrita Furman had set 551 official Guinness Records and currently holds nearly 200 records, including the record for holding the most Guinness world records.
The Capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City
We live in a world where lemonade is made from Artificial Flavors and Furniture Polish is made from real Lemons.
NOAA announced it was to start using lowercase letters in forecasts by saying “NOAA’S NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS WILL STOP YELLING AT YOU”
“Normally, someone would have to go to a bowling alley to meet someone of your stature.” – Hobson (John Gielgud) #moviequotes
The Canadian $100 bill featured an Asian woman on the back using a microscope. People complained that it was stereotyping Asians as being good at technology. She was replaced with a Caucasian woman, and then more people complained that Caucasians were being favored.
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” – Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) in Dirty Dancing, 1987
“Goodbye Kid. Hurry back!” – Humphrey Bogart (spoken to wife Lauren Bacall as she left his bedside to go pick up their children) #LastWords
In 1989’s “The Little Mermaid” Scuttle’s name for a fork was “Dinglehopper.”
US President #20 James Garfield (1881-1881) President Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau, a lawyer upset with Garfield because he denied Guiteau a diplomatic post. He probably died from the doctors’ poking and prodding and infection, as the bullet was lodged in a NOT life-threatening location!
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1971?
2. On January 12, 1971, this landmark television show debuted on CBS…
3. Name the 64-page children’s book about a main character who “speaks for the trees”…
4. Can you tell us Dr. Seuss’ real name?
5. Which Amendment to the United States Constitution, signed by Richard Nixon, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?
6. Who won the SuperBowl V?
7. What is the unverified name of the unidentified man who hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, a Boeing 727 aircraft, after gaining a $200,000 ransom?
8. Can you name the biggest film of 1971?
9. Can you name the first Negro League player to become voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
10. An Apollo mission, which carried astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell, was the third successful lunar landing. Which Apollo spacecraft made the journey?
11. A film released in 1971 gave Michael Jackson his first solo number-one song. Name that song!
12. Name the film “Ben” was featured in…
13. Tom Laughlin directed, wrote, and produced the second biggest film of 1971. Can you name that film?
14. Who played the role of Billy Jack?
15. Can you name the song from Billy Jack that cracked Billboard Magazine’s Top 30 in 1971?
16. Gene Hackman, a detective in 1971’s The French Connection. Can you name his character?
17. What police department did Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle work for?
18. This very popular entertainment resort opened in the US on October 1, 1971. Name it.
19. Where is Walt Disney World Located?
20. In 1971, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
21. Name the bullfrog mentioned in the biggest song hit of 1971…
22. Name the biggest song, with the artist, of 1971.
23. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1970/1971 season?
24. Name the country that replaced Taiwan in the United Nations…
25. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1971: Noah Wylie, Heidi Klum, Tupac Shakur, or Lance Armstrong?
26. In 1971, a popular movie based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel was released. Name that film.
27. What was Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album named?
28. This McDonald’s staple product was introduced in 1971. Name it.
29. Can you name the seventh James Bond Film, released in 1971?
30. Who played the Bond Girl, Plenty O’Toole, in Diamonds Are Forever?
31. This black comedy film featured a young teenage boy, Harold Chasen (Bud Cort), who has a close friendship with 79-year-old Maude (Ruth Gordon). Name the film.
32. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1971?
33. This daredevil set a world record and jumped 19 cars on a motorcycle in Ontario, California. Name him.
34. Bausch & Lomb introduced what product for all the world to see?
35. Who won the 1971 World Series?
36. General Mills offered two “monster” themed cereals. You get one point for each, which you can name.
37. Name the film starring Richard Roundtree that marked a significant moment in the development of the Blaxploitation genre in American cinema…
38. Founded in 1971, this organization’s goal is to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity”. Name the group.
39. Name the toys that may “wobble, but they don’t fall down.”
40. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1971?
41. How many people lived in the World in 1971?
42. How many people lived in the United States in 1971?
43. What did he do After Mr. Rogers took his jacket off at the start of each episode?
44. Ray Tomlinson sent the first (fill in the blank) on the ARPANET system.
HINT: Most of us use it every day.
45. The original cast included Morgan Freeman, Rita Moreno, and Bill Cosby. Name that children’s show.
46. Can you name the American rock star who joined the “27 Club” on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France?
47. This political party, founded in 1971, advocates for minimal government and maximum individual freedom. Name that party!
48. Can you name the nationwide coffee chain founded in Seattle, Washington?
49. Who or what was the inspiration for the Starbucks name?
50. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1971?
51. “The History of U.S. Decision-Making in Vietnam, 1945–1968” is a United States Department of Defense history of the United States’ political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968. What was it commonly called?
52. Frank Zappa was performing at this SWiss casino when it burned down. Name that famous location.
53. The Montreux Casino Fire was the inspiration for a song. Name the artist and/or song.
54. What made the Hamilton Watch Company’s Pulsar special?
55. Who won the boxing “Fight of the Century” in a 15-round unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden?
56. A controversial dystopian crime directed by Stanley Kubrick was released in 1971; name that film.
57. This IBM product, introduced in 1971, revolutionized data storage and transfer. Name it!
58. This William Peter Blatty’s novel was later a major horror film.
59. Can you name the film that featured SFPD Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan?
60. What did Harry Callahan call “the most powerful handgun in the world”?
61. Where is the Aswan High Dam located?
62. The Soviet Union launched the world’s first space station in 1971. What was it called?
63. On February 4, 1971, this stock exchange was founded in NYC. Name it.
64. Frederick Smith submitted his business plan as a term paper and received a low grade, with the caution that it would never work. Name is that successful company.
65. Single servings of this product are packaged in foam, plastic, or paper cups and are prepared by adding boiling water.
HINT: It’s produced by Nissin Foods.
67. What was the Sharp EL-8, also known as the Sharp QT-8B?
HINT: Hewlett-Packard offered its own, the HP-35.
68. Can you name George Lucas’ first full-length film, which premiered in theaters on March 11, 1971?
69. This commuter rail service, founded in 1971, operates intercity rail service in 46 of the 48 contiguous U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Can you name it?
70. Clairol introduced this brand of hair products in 1971…
71. You can get one point for naming each member of The Brady Bunch…
Team Trivia Bonus Questions
1. Alice (Nelson) was the amid for The Brady Bunch. Can you name her boyfriend?
HINT: He was a butcher.
2. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1971?
3. Name the popular Barbie that debuted in 1971…
4. Who was the Pope in 1971?
5. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1971?
6. There was a famous car chase in the French Connection. Can you name the car that Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle drove?
7. The UAE was formed in 1971, grouping seven kingdoms. What is the official name?
8. Intel released the world’s first microprocessor in 1971. What was it called?
9. This Soviet spacecraft landed on Mars, transmitted for a few seconds, and then went silent. It was the first spacecraft to reach the planet. Name it!
10. Can you name the first character in the British series of children’s books written and illustrated by English author Roger Hargreaves?
The Answers:
71 Trivia Answers for 1971 History
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1971?
Richard Nixon (January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974)
2. On January 12, 1971, this landmark television show debuted on CBS… All In The Family
3. Name the 64-page children’s book about a main character who “speaks for the trees”… The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
4. Can you tell us Dr. Seuss’ real name?
Theodor Seuss Geisel. In 1955, Dartmouth awarded Geisel an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters.
5. Which Amendment to the United States Constitution, signed by Richard Nixon, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?
The 26th Amendment
6. Who won the SuperBowl V?
Baltimore Colts
7. What is the unverified name of the unidentified man who hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, a Boeing 727 aircraft, after gaining a $200,000 ransom?
D.B. Cooper. He was never sound, and the marked money was never spent.
8. Can you name the biggest film of 1971? Fiddler on the Roof
9. Can you name the first Negro League player to become voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
Satchel Paige
10. An Apollo mission, which carried astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell, was the third successful lunar landing. Which Apollo spacecraft made the journey?
Apollo 14
11. A film released in 1971 gave Michael Jackson his first solo number-one song. Name that song! Ben—Ben the Rat also won a PATSY Award for best animal performance in a feature film in 1971.
12. Name the film “Ben” was featured in… Willard
13. Tom Laughlin directed, wrote, and produced the second biggest film of 1971. Can you name that film? Billy Jack
14. Who played the role of Billy Jack?
Tom Laughlin
15. Can you name the song from Billy Jack that cracked Billboard Magazine’s Top 30 in 1971? One Tin Soldier by Coven
16. Gene Hackman, a detective in 1971’s The French Connection. Can you name his character?
Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle
17. What police department did Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle work for?
NYPD
18. This very popular entertainment resort opened in the US on October 1, 1971. Name it.
Walt Disney World
19. Where is Walt Disney World Located?
Orlando, Florida
20. In 1971, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 67.4 years, Women – 74.9 years
21. Name the bullfrog mentioned in the biggest song hit of 1971…
Jeremiah
22. Name the biggest song, with the artist, of 1971. Joy To The World by Three Dog Night
23. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1970/1971 season? Marcus Welby, M.D.
24. Name the country that replaced Taiwan in the United Nations…
China
25. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1971: Noah Wylie, Heidi Klum, Tupac Shakur, or Lance Armstrong?
Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973
26. In 1971, a popular movie based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel was released. Name that film. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
27. What was Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album named? Led Zeppelin IV
28. This McDonald’s staple product was introduced in 1971. Name it.
The Quarter Pounder.
29. Can you name the seventh James Bond Film, released in 1971? Diamonds Are Forever
30. Who played the Bond Girl, Plenty O’Toole, in Diamonds Are Forever?
Lana Wood
31. This black comedy film featured a young teenage boy, Harold Chasen (Bud Cort), who has a close friendship with 79-year-old Maude (Ruth Gordon). Name the film. Harold and Maude
32. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1971? Wheels by Arthur Hailey
33. This daredevil set a world record and jumped 19 cars on a motorcycle in Ontario, California. Name him.
Evel Knievel
34. Bausch & Lomb introduced what product for all the world to see?
Contact lenses.
35. Who won the 1971 World Series?
Pittsburgh Pirates
36. General Mills offered two “monster” themed cereals. You get one point for each, which you can name.
Count Chocula and Franken Berry. Boo Berry was introduced in 1972. (and on a limited basis later, Frute Brute, Yummy Mummy, and Carmella Creeper)
37. Name the film starring Richard Roundtree that marked a significant moment in the development of the Blaxploitation genre in American cinema… Shaft
38. Founded in 1971, this organization’s goal is to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity”. Name the group.
Greenpeace
39. Name the toys that may “wobble, but they don’t fall down.”
Weebles
40. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1971? Wheels by Arthur Hailey
41. How many people lived in the World in 1971?
3,770,163,092
42. How many people lived in the United States in 1971?
207,660,677
43. What did he do After Mr. Rogers took his jacket off at the start of each episode?
He put a cardigan zipper sweater on, then replaced his shoes with sneakers.
44. Ray Tomlinson sent the first (fill in the blank) on the ARPANET system.
HINT: Most of us use it every day.
E-mail
45. The original cast included Morgan Freeman, Rita Moreno, and Bill Cosby. Name that children’s show. The Electric Company
46. Can you name the American rock star who joined the “27 Club” on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France?
Jim Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971, age 27)
47. This political party, founded in 1971, advocates for minimal government and maximum individual freedom. Name that party!
The Libertarian Party.
48. Can you name the nationwide coffee chain founded in Seattle, Washington?
Starbucks
49. Who or what was the inspiration for the Starbucks name?
Starbuck was the name of the first mate on the Pequod in Moby-Dick, a novel by Herman Melville
50. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1971?
Montreal Canadiens
51. “The History of U.S. Decision-Making in Vietnam, 1945–1968” is a United States Department of Defense history of the United States’ political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968. What was it commonly called? The Pentagon Papers
52. Frank Zappa was performing at this SWiss casino when it burned down. Name that famous location.
Montreux Casino (rebuilt in 1975)
53. The Montreux Casino Fire was the inspiration for a song. Name the artist and/or song. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
54. What made the Hamilton Watch Company’s Pulsar special?
It was the first digital electronic watch
55. Who won the boxing “Fight of the Century” in a 15-round unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden?
Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali
56. A controversial dystopian crime directed by Stanley Kubrick was released in 1971; name that film. A Clockwork Orange
57. This IBM product, introduced in 1971, revolutionized data storage and transfer. Name it!
8-inch floppy disk
58. This William Peter Blatty’s novel was later a major horror film. The Exorcist
59. Can you name the film that featured SFPD Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan? Dirty Harry
60. What did Harry Callahan call “the most powerful handgun in the world”?
The Magnum 44
61. Where is the Aswan High Dam located?
Egypt
62. The Soviet Union launched the world’s first space station in 1971. What was it called?
Salyut 1
63. On February 4, 1971, this stock exchange was founded in NYC. Name it.
The Nasdaq
64. Frederick Smith submitted his business plan as a term paper and received a low grade, with a warning that it would never work. Name is that successful company.
FedEx
65. Single servings of this product are packaged in foam, plastic, or paper cups and are prepared by adding boiling water.
HINT: It’s produced by Nissin Foods.
Cup Noodles
67. What was the Sharp EL-8, also known as the Sharp QT-8B?
HINT: Hewlett-Packard offered its own, the HP-35.
They were among the first mass-produced hand-held electronic calculators.
68. Can you name George Lucas’ first full-length film, which premiered in theaters on March 11, 1971? THX 1138
69. This commuter rail service, founded in 1971, operates intercity rail service in 46 of the 48 contiguous U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Can you name it?
Amtrak (aka National Railroad Passenger Corporation)
70. Clairol introduced this brand of hair products in 1971…
Herbal Essences
71. You can get one point for naming each member of The Brady Bunch…
Mike, Carol, Marcia, Jan, Cindy, Greg, Peter and Bobby Brady. Tiger was the dog.
Team Trivia Bonus Questions
1. Alice (Nelson) was the amid for The Brady Bunch. Can you name her boyfriend?
HINT: He was a butcher.
Sam (Frankin)
2. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1971?
Spiro Agnew (January 20, 1969 – October 10, 1973)
3. Name the popular Barbie that debuted in 1971…
Malibu Barbie
4. Who was the Pope in 1971?
Paul VI (June 21, 1963 – August 6, 1978)
5. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1971?
Canonero II
6. There was a famous car chase in the French Connection. Can you name the car that Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle drove?
1971 Pontiac LeMans
7. The UAE was formed in 1971, grouping seven kingdoms. What is the official name?
United Arab Emirates
8. Intel released the world’s first microprocessor in 1971. What was it called?
Intel 4004
9. This Soviet spacecraft landed on Mars, transmitted for a few seconds, and then went silent. It was the first spacecraft to reach the planet. Name it!
Mars 3 lander
10. Can you name the first character in the British series of children’s books written and illustrated by English author Roger Hargreaves? Mr. Tickle
1789 – The United States Bill of Rights was sent to the 13 States for ratification.
1967 – Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African-American justice of the United States Supreme Court.
1972 – (fiction) – Phileas Fogg places his wager of 20 thousand pounds that he could travel Around the World in 80 Days.
1950 – The Peanuts comic strip, by Charles Schulz, debuted
October 2 Birthday (fictional) Snoopy, Peanuts
If you were born on October 2nd,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 9th (same year)
Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Nat Turner was an American slave who led the movement against slavery in the United States during the Civil War and died on November 11, 1831, in Jerusalem, Virginia. Nat Turner was born a slave in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of a black man and a white woman.
A deeply religious man, Nat Turner believed that he was called by God to lead African-Americans out of slavery. Turner was a lay minister, who believed that God had called him to help lead black people out of bondage, began to lead a slave revolt in his master’s house. In August 1831, he led a slave revolt in Virginia that killed 60 whites, including his owner, Joseph Travis. The revolt and its consequences are said to have been the largest slave revolt in the history of the USA and one of the most successful slave revolts in history. Nat Turner, who was born into slavery in Southampton County, Virginia, first escaped from his master’s house in 1821 at the age of 21.
The Southampton Insurrection took place in Southampton County, Virginia, in August 1831, led by Nat Turner. The insurrectionists killed between 55 and 65 people, primarily whites. The rebellion was put down within a few days. The rebellion was effectively suppressed at Belmont Plantation on the morning of August 23, 1831. Turner was arrested, imprisoned, tried, sentenced, and sentenced to death on November 5, 1831, for his role in the slave revolt against the plantation owner.
For African Americans, Nat Turner has become, and remains, one of the most important figures in the history of civil rights. Nat Turner is widely regarded as a key figure in American history.
October 2nd is…
Feast of Guardian Angels Day
French Fried Scallops Day
Day of Non-Violence
Fried Scallops Day
Phileas Fogg Wager Day
World Farm Animals Day
World No Alcohol Day
World Smile Day
October 2nd Birthday Quotes
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”
– Nat Turner
“One doesn’t stop seeing. One doesn’t stop framing. It doesn’t turn off and turn on. It’s on all the time.”
– Annie Leibovitz
“Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Manage and watch your words, for they will become your actions. Consider and judge your actions, for they have become your habits. Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become your values. Understand and embrace your values, for they become your destiny.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
“A memoir takes some particular threads, some incidents, some experience from a person’s life and gives an account of it.”
– Richard Hell
“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.”
– Carlo Borromeo
“I decided honestly that comic art is an art form in itself. It reflects the life and times more accurately and actually is more artistic than magazine illustration – since it is entirely creative. An illustrator works with camera and models; a comic artist begins with a white sheet of paper and dreams up his own business – he is playwright, director, editor, and artist at once.”
– Alex Raymond
October 2nd Birthdays
1538 – Charles Borromeo, Italian cardinal and saint (died in 1584)
1800 – Nat Turner, American slave and uprising leader (died in 1831)
1869 – Mahatma Gandhi, Indian freedom fighter and philosopher (died in 1948)
1890 – Groucho Marx, American comedian, and actor (died in 1977)
1897 – Bud Abbott, American comedian (died in 1974)
1909 – Alex Raymond, American cartoonist, creator of Flash Gordon (died in 1956)
1928 – George ‘Spanky’ McFarland, American actor (died in 1993)
1937 – Johnnie Cochran, American lawyer (died in 2005)
1938 – Rex Reed, American film critic
1945 – Don McLean, American singer-songwriter
1948 – Avery Brooks, American actor
1949 – Richard Hell, American singer-songwriter
1949 – Annie Leibovitz, American photographer
1950 – Mike Rutherford, English guitarist, and songwriter
1951 – Sting, English singer-songwriter, bass player, and actor
1954 – Lorraine Bracco, American actress
1969 – Mitch English, American talk show host
1970 – Kelly Ripa, American actress, and talk show host
October 2nd History
October 2 Birthday (fictional) Snoopy, Peanuts
1187
Saladin captured Jerusalem from Balian of Ibelin.
1872
October 2, 1872 (fiction) Phileas Fogg began his trip around the world, Around the World in 80 Days, Book
1893
Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, Louisiana
1950
Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz was first published.
1955 Alfred Hitchcock premiered on CBS
1958 The Huckleberry Hound Show premiered in syndication
1959
The anthology series The Twilight Zone premiered on CBS.
1965
#1 Hit October 2, 1965 – October 8, 1965: The McCoys – Hang On Sloopy
1968
Redwood National and State Parks: Established on October 2, 1968, in California, this park system covers 139,000 acres. Known for its towering old-growth redwood trees, some of the tallest trees on Earth.
The Tlatelolco massacre took place in Mexico City. 30-300 student protesters and supporters were killed.
1971
#1 Hit October 2, 1971 – November 5, 1971: Rod Stewart – Maggie May / Reason to Believe
1982
#1 Hit October 2, 1982 – October 29, 1982: John Cougar – Jack and Diane
2000
Triple Play (3 cars) was played on The Price is Right for the first time.
2002
The Beltway sniper attacks began. Paul LaRuffa, a 55-year-old pizzeria owner, was shot six times at close range – he survived, but 17 other people did not.
2006
Charles Carl Roberts murdered five school girls in a shooting at an Amish school in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania
2010
#1 Hit October 2, 2010 – October 29, 2010: Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The state of Michigan is only 58% land, with the other 42% being comprised of bodies of water.
7 authors have had a book hit #1 on both the New York Times Fiction and Non-Fiction Best Sellers list: John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Mitch Albom, William Styron, Irving Wallace, Dr. Seuss, and Jimmy Buffett.
Fredric Baur invented the Pringles can. When he passed away in 2008, his ashes were buried in one.
The difference between a cemetery and a graveyard is cemeteries are considered burial grounds while the older term graveyards is considered burial grounds attached to a church.
“give them an inch and they’ll take a mile” USED to be “give them an inch and they’ll take an ell”: an “ell” was a unit of measurement equal to about 37 inches
The Capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek
Glass has been recycled for almost 3,000 years. It never wears out as a raw material.
I imagine that once computers develop genuine self-awareness they’ll also develop existential angst, insecurity, neurosis, low self-esteem, and generalized anxiety.
A group of Herons is called a Sedge or Siege or Hedge.
TV Quotes… “Say good night, Gracie” (George Burns) on “The Burns & Allen Show”
Rotten Tomatoes is owned by Warner Bros.
The language spoken in the last three lines of The Beatles’ “Sun King,” is actually nonsense. It is a mixture of faux-romance words that “sounded vaguely like something.”
Chipotle is not its own type of chile, it’s actually smoke-dried jalapeño.
The Zodiac signs for October are Libra or Scorpio (October 23 -31)
Traditional October Information
It’s weird that October isn’t the eighth month, isn’t it?
October, the tenth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the second month of Autumn’s rule derives its name from octo, the Latin word meaning eight, as October was the eighth month of the old Roman calendar. The traditional birthstone amulets of October are opal, rose sapphire, and tourmaline; and the calendula is the month?s traditional flower.
October is shared by the astrological signs of Libra the Scales (or Balance) and Scorpio the Scorpion, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Cernunnos, Hecate, the Morrigan, Osiris, and the Wiccan Goddess in Her dark aspect as the Crone.
During the month of October, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Halloween (Samhain Eve), one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world.”
– Secrets of a Witch
Hawaii has a special October event called “the Aloha Festival,” sometimes described as the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific.”
Columbus Day is celebrated the second Monday every October.
Germany’s Oktoberfest originally began on October 17, 1810, the wedding day of King Ludwig I.
The annual festival starts much earlier, often in September. In America, special holidays start earlier well. Christmas celebrations and sales start in September and even July in some department stores.
Daylight Savings Time ends every year at 2:00 A.M. local time on the last Sunday of October
October is…
Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
American Cheese Month
American Pharmacist Month
Apple Month
Arts & Humanities Month
National Applejack Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Caramel Month
Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Clergy Appreciation Month
Cookbook Month
Cookie Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month
Dessert Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Dwarfism/Little People Awareness Month
Eczema Awareness Month
Filipino-American History Month
German-American Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National Arts & Humanities Month
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Roller Skating Month
Pasta Month
Pickled Peppers Month
Pizza Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
Popcorn Popping Month
Pork Month
Positive Awareness Month
Pretzel Month
National Month of Sarcasm
Seafood Month
Squirrel Awareness & Appreciation Month
Vegetarian Month
Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the Scorpion. It is associated with the element of water and is considered a fixed sign. Those born under this sign are said to be intense, passionate, and mysterious. The planet Pluto rules Scorpio, and its corresponding astrological period is typically from October 23 to November 21. Scorpio is known for being intense, passionate and mysterious. They are also known for their strong willpower and determination. They can be jealous and have a hard time trusting others. They are also known for their strong sense of intuition and their ability to uncover secrets.
October Quotes
“Just before the death of flowers, and before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season when nature is all aglow.”
– unknown
“There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.”
– Nathaniel Hawthorne
“Rain in October means wind in December.”
– Farmer saying
“When birds and badgers are fat in October, expect a cold winter.
When berries are many in October beware a hard winter.”
– unknown
“All things on earth point home in old October: sailors to sea, travelers to walls and fences, hunters to field and hollow and the long voice of the hounds, the lover to the love he has forsaken.”
– Thomas Wolfe
“In October dung your fields, and your land its wealth shall yield.”
-Farmer saying
“The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall.”
– Johnny Mercer and Jacques Prévert in Autumn Leaves
“October is nature’s funeral month. Nature glories in death more than in life. The month of departure is more beautiful than the month of coming – October Than May. Every green thing loves to die in bright colors.”
– Henry Ward Beecher
“If ducks do slide at Hallowtide,
At Christmas they will swim;
If ducks do swim at Hallowtide
At Christmas, they will slide.”
– unknown
“Always will there be Twenty-nine fine days in October.”
“If the October moon comes without frost, expect no frost till the moon of November.”
– Farmer saying
“October. This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks in. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February.”
-Mark Twain
“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
– Humbert Wolfe
“You kind of took it for granted around the Yankees that there was always going to be baseball in October.”
-Whitey Ford
October History
History for October 1
331 BC – Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela, bringing about the fall of the Persian Empire.
1843 – London’s The News of the World began publication.
1880 – John Philip Sousa, the first recorded popular music star, became the leader of the United States Marine Band.
1880 – First electric lamp factory was opened by Thomas Edison.
1890 – Yosemite National Park was established by the U.S. Congress.
1891 – Stanford University opened.
1908 – For $825 each, Ford’s Model T car was put on the market.
1918 – Arab forces under T. E. Lawrence, also known as “Lawrence of Arabia”, captured Damascus.
1940 – The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to traffic. It is considered the first US superhighway.
1948 – Over Fargo, North Dakota, WW II pilot George F. Gorman reported ‘playing chicken” with a blinking orb of light UFO. It was visually seen by people in the control tower but did not show up on radar.
1949 – The People’s Republic of China was established and declared by Mao Zedong.
1955 – The Honeymooners premiered on CBS
1957 – First appearance of In God We Trust on U.S. paper currency, on one-dollar bills.
1958 – The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
1962 – First broadcast of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
1971 – Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Florida.
1979 – Pope John Paul II began his first pastoral visit to the United States.
1989 – Denmark introduced the world’s first legal modern same-sex civil union, called a “registered partnership”.
1992 – Cartoon Network began broadcasting. The first cartoon, outside of Droopy Dog’s introduction, was Bugs Bunny in Rhapsody Rabbit.
1996 – Animal Planet made its debut.
1982 – Epcot opened at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida.
1982 – Sony launched the first consumer compact disc player (model CDP-101).
1999 – The infamous “You Fool” episode of Hollywood Squares aired.
2006 – Dexter premiered on Showtime
2010 – Sony launched Sony Movie Channel
2013 – The United States federal government shutdown of 2013 (October 1-16) affected many operations for the US government
History for October 2
1187 – Saladin captured Jerusalem from Balian of Ibelin.
1893 – Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, Louisiana
1925 – John Logie Baird performed the first test of a working television system.
1950 – Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz was first published.
1955 – Alfred Hitchcock premiered on CBS
1958 – The Huckleberry Hound Show premiered, in syndication
1959 – The anthology series The Twilight Zone premiered on CBS.
1967 – Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African-American justice of the United States Supreme Court.
1968 – The Tlatelolco massacre took place in Mexico City. 30-300 student protesters and supporters were killed.
2000 – Triple Play (3 cars) was played for the first time on The Price is Right.
2002 – The Beltway sniper attacks began. Paul LaRuffa, a 55-year-old pizzeria owner, was shot six times at close range – he survived, but 17 other people did not.
2006 – Five school girls were murdered by Charles Carl Roberts in a shooting at an Amish school in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania
History for October 3
1849 – Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious in a gutter in Baltimore under mysterious circumstances. It was the last time he is seen in public before his death.
1863 – The last Thursday in November was declared as Thanksgiving Day by US President Abraham Lincoln.
1872 – The Bloomingdale brothers opened their first store at 938 Third Avenue, in New York City.
1932 – Iraq gained independence from the United Kingdom.
1949 – WERD, the first black-owned radio station in the United States, opened in Atlanta. WERD was at 860 AM, and is now WAEC.
1952 – The United Kingdom successfully tested a nuclear weapon, becoming the world’s third nuclear power.
1955 – Captain Kangaroo premiered on CBS
1955 – The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC
1957 – The California State Superior Court ruled that Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems was not obscene.
1960 – The Andy Griffith Show premiered on CBS
1961 – The Dick Van Dyke Show premiered on CBS
1985 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis made its first flight.
1988 – Turner Network Television (TNT) began on cable, with Gone With The Wind.
1992- Singer Sinead O’Conner stirred up controversy when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live
1995 – More than 150 million people tuned in for the announcement of the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial. The not guilty verdict was met with both praise and criticism.
2004 – Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC
History for October 4
1535 – The first complete English-language Bible (The Coverdale Bible) was printed, translated by William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale.
1636 – The Swedish Army defeated the armies of Saxony and the Holy Roman Empire at the Battle of Wittstock.
1876 – Texas A&M University opened as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
1883 – First run of the Orient Express, from Paris to Giurgiu in Romania via Munich and Vienna.
1895 – The first U.S. Open Men’s Golf Championship was played at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island.
1941 – Norman Rockwell’s Willie Gillis character debuted on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.
1957 – The USSR launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth.
1963 – Hurricane Flora killed 6,000 people in Cuba and Haiti.
1965 – Pope Paul VI’s visit to New York got television coverage on all 3 American networks. The Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium was broadcast in color.
1980 – Heathcliff premiered on ABC Saturday morning.
1983 – Richard Noble set a new land speed record of 633.468 miles per hour, driving Thrust2 at the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.
1985 – The Free Software Foundation was founded in Massachusetts, United States.
1988 – Televangelist Jim Bakker was indicted for fraud.
1990 – Beverly Hills 90210 premiered on FOX
2004 – SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X Prize, for private spaceflight, by being the first private craft to fly into space.
2006 – Wikileaks was launched by Julian Assange.
History for October 5
1550 – Foundation of Concepción, Chile.
1857 – The City of Anaheim, California was founded.
1944 – Suffrage was extended to women in France.
1945 – Hollywood Black Friday – A six-month strike by Hollywood set decorators turns into a bloody riot at the gates of Warner Brothers’ studios.
1947 – The first televised White House address was given by US President Harry S. Truman.
1950 – You Bet Your Life, featuring Groucho Marx, premiered on NBC.
1962 – Dr. No, the first in the James Bond film series, was released.
1962 – The Beatles’ first single, Love Me Do, backed with P.S. I Love You, was released in the United Kingdom.
1966 There was a partial core meltdown at the Enrico Fermi demonstration nuclear breeder reactor, near Detroit, Michigan.
1969 – The first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus aired on BBC One. It ran 45 episodes, until 1974.
1970 – The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) began broadcasting and National Educational Television (NET) closed.
1982 – Johnson & Johnson began a nationwide product recall in the US for all products in its Tylenol brand after several bottles in Chicago were found to have been laced with cyanide, resulting in seven deaths.
1984 – Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space, flying aboard the US Space Shuttle Challenger.
1991 – The first official version of the Linux kernel (version 0.02) was released.
2001 – Barry Bonds surpassed Mark McGwire’s single-season home run total with the 71st and 72nd home runs.
2011 – American Horror Story premiered on FX
History for October 6
1723- Benjamin Franklin arrived in Philadelphia (age of 17).
1876 – The American Library Association was founded.
1927 – Opening of The Jazz Singer with its Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, in New York City. It was the first “talkie” hit film.
1948 (Earthquake) Ashgabat, Soviet Union
1948 – The first television network soap opera, Faraway Hill, was broadcast by the DuMont Network.
1979 – Pope John Paul II became the first pontiff to visit the White House.
1981 – Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat was murdered by Khalid Islambouli.
1985 – Jem and the Holograms debuted, in syndication
1986 – Double Dare premiered on Nickelodeon.
1995 – 51 Pegasi was discovered to be the second major star (along with our Sun) to have a planet orbiting around it.
2000 – CSI: Crime Scene Investigation premiered on CBS
2004 – Ghost Hunters premiered on Syfy
2007 – Jason Lewis completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of the globe (pedal power).
History for October 7
3761 BC – Today was the first day of creation, according to the Jewish Talmudic Calendar.
1737 (Cyclone) India
1919 – KLM, the Netherlands official airline, was founded.
1933 – Air France began, with the merger of 5 smaller French airlines.
1950 – Mother Teresa opened the Missionary of Charity.
1952 – WFIL in Philadelphia introduced Bandstand (later called American Bandstand)
1955 – American poet Allen Ginsberg performed his poem Howl for the first time at the Six Gallery in San Francisco.
1958 – The US manned space-flight project was renamed, Project Mercury. It was originally called Project Astronaut.
1985 – The Achille Lauro was hijacked by Palestine Liberation Front. The hijackers killed wheel-chair bound Jewish-American passenger Leon Klinghoffer, throwing him overboard after shooting him.
1988 – An Inupiat hunter discovered three gray whales trapped under the ice in Barrow, Alaska, the US leading to a multinational effort to ‘free the whales’.
1996 – The Fox News Channel began broadcasting.
2003 – The governor of California, Gray Davis, was recalled in favor of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
History for October 8
1860 – Telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco began operating.
1767 – Surveying for the Mason-Dixon Line separating Maryland from Pennsylvania was completed.
1871 – Peshtigo, Wisconsin Fire (over 1200 killed)
1871 – Four major fires break out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, Holland, Michigan, and Manistee, Michigan including the Great Chicago Fire, and the much deadlier Peshtigo Fire.
1956 – New York Yankees’ Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series, against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1967 – Che Guevara and his men were captured in Bolivia.
1982 – Cats, based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, opened on Broadway and ran for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.
1984 – The Burning Bed starring Farrah Fawcett, aired on NBC
1986 – The Fox Broadcasting Company became the US’ fourth commercial broadcast television network, with The Late Show, hosted by Joan Rivers.
2001 – US President George W. Bush announced the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.
2005 (Earthquake) Kashmir, Pakistan
History for October 9
768 – Carloman I and Charlemagne were both crowned Kings of The Franks. Carloman died in 771, and Charlemagne reigned until 814.
1824 – Slavery was abolished in Costa Rica.
1873 – The US Naval Institute was established.
1888 – The Washington Monument officially opened to the public.
1919 – The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series, and eight White Sox players were later accused of intentionally losing games in exchange for money from gamblers.
1967 – Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia.
1980 – Pope John Paul II met and shook hands with the Dalai Lama in Vatican City.
1992 – The Peekskill Meteorite (about 24 pounds) landed in the driveway of the Knapp residence in Peekskill, New York, destroying the family’s 1980 Chevrolet Malibu.
2006 – North Korea may have tested its first nuclear device.
2012 – The Pakistani Taliban made a failed attempt to assassinate 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai on her way home from school.
History for October 10
1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780 killed 20,000 to 30,000 people in the Caribbean region.
1845 – In Annapolis, Maryland, the Naval School (now the United States Naval Academy) opened.
1871 – The Great Chicago Fire finally dissipated.
1871 – Tau Epsilon Phi was founded at Columbia University (other organizations did not allow Jewish members)
1918 – The Cloquet Fire, northern Minnesota, USA
1957 – The finance minister of Ghana, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, was refused service in a Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Dover, Delaware. It was a bit of an international incident. He later was invited to dine with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
1964 – NBC aired the 1964 Summer Olympics opening ceremony at Tokyo, Japan, with the first time of live Olympic telecast program, by geostationary communication satellite, Syncom 3.
1971 – Sold, dismantled, and moved to the United States, London Bridge reopened in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
1973 – Vice President of the US Spiro Agnew resigned, after being charged with evasion of federal income tax.
1983 – Adam, a TV-movie about the mysterious disappearance of Adam Walsh, premiered on NBC
2010 – Cable channel The Hub (Now Discovery Family) made its debut in the United States.
2012 – Nashville premiered on ABC
History for October 11
1138 (Earthquake) Aleppo, Syria
1767 – Surveying for the Mason – Dixon line, separating Maryland from Pennsylvania was completed.
1811 – Juliana began operation as the first steam-powered ferry service between New York City, New York, and Hoboken, New Jersey.
1852 – The University of Sydney, Australia’s oldest university, opened.
1890 The Daughters of the American Revolution were founded, in Washington, DC.
1899 – MLB’s Western League was renamed the American League.
1984 – Aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk.
1958 – NASA launched the lunar probe Pioneer 1.
1962 – Pope John XXIII convenes the Second Vatican Council, changing several rules, including saying The mass in the local languages and having the celebrant (priest) face the congregation.
1973 – Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker were abducted by aliens in Mississippi, they told authorities.
1984 – Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, on the Space Shuttle Challenger.
2001 – One of the first old companies to fall behind n the digital era, The Polaroid Corporation filed for federal bankruptcy protection.
2006 – 30 Rock premiered on NBC
History for October 12
1692 – The Salem witch trials ended via a letter from Massachusetts Governor William Phips.
1773 – America’s first insane asylum opened for ‘Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds’ in Virginia.
1792 – The first celebration of Columbus Day in the US was held in New York City.
1810 – Oktoberfest begins: In Germany, the Bavarian royal family invited the citizens of Munich to join the celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
1823 – Charles Macintosh of Scotland began selling his ‘raincoat.’
1918 – Cloquet Fire, Minnesota killed over 400 people.
1950 – The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show debuted on CBS.
1960 – Nikita Khrushchev famously pounded his shoe on a desk at United Nations General Assembly.
1964 – The USSR launched Voskhod 1 into Earth orbit as the first spacecraft with a multi-person crew; it was the first flight without spacesuits.
1979 – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the first of five books in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy comedy science fiction series by Douglas Adams was published. The Answer? 42.
1994 – NASA lost radio contact with the Magellan spacecraft as it descended into the thick, acidic atmosphere of Venus.
2000 – The USS Cole was badly damaged in Aden, Yemen, by two suicide bombers, killing 17 crew members and wounding at least 39.
History for October 13
1773 – The Whirlpool Galaxy, almost 25 million light-years away, was discovered by Charles Messier.
1775 – The United States Continental Congress ordered the establishment of the Continental Navy (later renamed the United States Navy).
1843 – B’nai B’rith was founded in New York City.
1914 – In Major League Baseball’s World Series, the Boston Braves defeat the Philadelphia Athletics, 4 games to 0, at Fenway Park in Boston, completing the first World Series sweep in history.
1917 – The 10 minute “Miracle of the Sun” was witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people in the Cova da Iria in Fátima, Portugal.
1958 – Paddington Bear made his debut in A Bear Called Paddington.
1963 (Volcano Eruption) Kuril Islands
1991- Jennifer Lopez joined the cast of In Living Color as a Fly Girl. Jamie Foxx, Steve Park, and Shawn Wayans are also added to the cast.
2010 – The 2010 Copiapo mining accident in Copiapo, Chile ended as all 33 miners came to the surface after surviving a record 69 days underground.
History for October 14
1926 – Winnie the Pooh, by A. A. Milne was first published.
1881 – Eyemouth Windstorm Disaster, Scotland
1908 – The Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers, 2-0, winning the World Series.
1912 – Former President of the US, Theodore Roosevelt, was shot and mildly wounded by John Schrank. With the fresh wound and bullet in his chest, Roosevelt still gave his scheduled speech.
1947 – Captain Chuck Yeager flew a Bell X-1 rocket-powered (and experimental) aircraft, the Glamorous Glennis, faster than the speed of sound over the high desert of Southern California.
1964 – Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize for striving to end racial inequality through non-violence.
1972 – Kung Fu premiered on ABC
1979 – The first Gay Rights March on Washington, CD – the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, demanded”an end to all social, economic, judicial, and legal oppression of lesbian and gay people” and drew 200,000 people.
1982 – President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the War on Drugs.
1994 – Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, The Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, and the Foreign Minister of Israel, Shimon Peres, received the Nobel Peace Prize for their role in the establishment of the Oslo Accords.
1998 – Eric Rudolph was charged with six bombings including the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, Georgia.
2003 – The ‘Steve Bartman Incident’ occurred during a Major League Baseball (MLB) in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series game played between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins. Chicago lost. Steve caught a ball that was still in play.
2007 – Keeping Up with the Kardashians premiered on E!
History for October 15
1582 – Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar. In several countries (Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain) October 4 of that year was followed directly by October 15.
1764 – Edward Gibbon observed a group of friars singing in the ruined Temple of Jupiter in Rome, which inspired him to begin work on The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
1878 – The Edison Electric Light Company began operations.
1888 – The “From Hell” letter sent by Jack the Ripper was received by the London authorities (Whitechapel Vigilance Committee).
1951 – I Love Lucy premiered on CBS. It was filmed on three cameras, a TV first.
1956 – Fortran, the first modern computer language, was shared with the coding community for the first time.
1966 – The Black Panther Party was created by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale.
1987 – Bob Barker, host of The Price Is Right, stopped dying his hair. The audience gave him a standing ovation when he came onstage, white-haired
2000 – Curb Your Enthusiasm premiered on HBO
2001 – Smallville premiered on The WB
History for October 16
1793 – Marie Antoinette, the widow of Louis XVI, was guillotined at the height of the French Revolution. The phrase “Let them eat cake” is often attributed to Marie but there is no evidence she ever said it.
1846 – William T. G. Morton first demonstrated ether anesthesia at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the Ether Dome.
1869 – The Cardiff Giant was “discovered” in Cardiff, New York. It was a hoax.
1875 – Brigham Young University was founded in Provo, Utah.
1916 – In Brooklyn, New York, Margaret Sanger opened the first family planning clinic in the United States.
1923 – The Walt Disney Company was founded by Walt Disney and his brother, Roy Disney.
1944 – Wally Walrus debuted in The Beach Nut, a Walter Lantz’s cartoon.
1968 – Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the Black Power salute at the Olympics.
1978 – Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pontiff since 1523.
1984 – Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
1995 – The Million Man March took place in Washington, DC. Between 400,000 and 850,000 people marched.
2012 – The extrasolar planet Alpha Centauri Bb was discovered.
History for October 17
1091 – The London Tornado of 1091 destroyed many buildings, and killed two people.
1814 – The Great Beer Flood -More than 323,000 gallons of beer burst out of the Meux and Company Brewery and poured into the streets of St. Giles, London, England. 8 people were killed.
1860 – First Open (Golf) Championship (referred to in the US as the British Open).
1919 – Radio Corporation of America (RCA) incorporated.
1931 – Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion.
1933 – Albert Einstein fled Nazi Germany and moved to the United States.
1956 – The first commercial nuclear power station is officially opened in Sellafield, Cumbria, England.
1956 – Donald Byrne and Bobby Fischer played a game of chess labeled The Game of the Century. Fischer beat Byrne.
1958 – An Evening With Fred Astaire premiered, it was one the first “special” programs on television, and won nine Emmy Awards.
1965 – The 1964-65 New York World’s Fair closed. Over 51 million people had attended the event.
1966 – All of NBC’s news programming began airing in full-color.
1973 – OPEC imposed an oil embargo against a number of Western countries.
1979 – The Department of Education Organization Act was signed into law, creating the US Department of Education and the US Department of Health and Human Services.
1979 – Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize.
1989 (Earthquake) The Lome Prieta earthquake interrupted Game 3 of the World Series
2005 – The Colbert Report premiered on Comedy Central
2007 – Storm Chasers debuted on The Discovery Channel
2008 – Ghost Adventures premiered on The Travel Channel
History for October 18
1386 – The University of Heidelberg opened.
1620 – The Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts.
1851 – Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick was first published as The Whale.
1867 – “Seward’s Folly” United States took possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 million.
1898 – The United States took possession of Puerto Rico from Spain.
1922 – The British Broadcasting Company (Corporation) BBC was founded.
1945 – Argentine military officer and politician Juan Perón married actress Eva “Evita” Duarte.
1954 – Texas Instruments introduced the first Transistor radio.
1964 – Jackie Mason appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and may have given Ed “the finger” on the air. He never appeared on the show again.
1968 – The US Olympic Committee suspended Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving a “Black Power” salute during a victory ceremony at the Mexico City games.
1988 – Rosanne premiered on ABC
History for October 19
1512 – Martin Luther earned a doctorate of theology.
1781 – At Yorktown, Virginia, representatives of British commander Lord Cornwallis handed over Cornwallis’ sword and formally surrendered to George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau, ending the Revolutionary War.
1798 – Chief Justice John Jay was sworn in as the first Chief Justice of the United States.
1900 – Max Planck discovered the law of black-body radiation (Planck’s Law).
1982 – St. Elsewhere premiered on NBC
1987 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 22% (508 points), named Black Monday.
2003 – Mother Teresa was beatified (the step before sainthood) by Pope John Paul II.
2004 – The Biggest Loser premiered on NBC.
2005 – Hurricane Wilma was the most intense Atlantic hurricane on record with a minimum pressure of 882 MB.
2012 – Built in 1952, Big Tex, a 52-foot statue and icon in Dallas was destroyed by fire in the 2012 State Fair of Texas.
History for October 20
1720 – Caribbean pirate Calico Jack Rackham, one of the first pirates to use the “Jolly Roger”, was captured by the Royal Navy.
1803 – The United States Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.
1818 – The Convention of 1818 was signed between the US and the UK which settled the Canada/United States border on the 49th parallel for most of its length.
1873 – Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Rutgers universities drafted the (American) Football rules.
1944 – Liquid natural gas exploded from storage tanks in Cleveland, killing 130 people.
1951 – CBS began using the “Eyeball” logo.
1968 – Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
1977 – Lynyrd Skynyrd members Ronnie Van Zandt, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines died in a plane crash. None were aged 27.
1981 – Two police officers and a Brinks armored car guard are killed during an armed $1.6 million robbery in Rockland County, New York, carried out by members of the Black Liberation Army and Weather Underground.
1991 – The Oakland Hills, California firestorm killed 25 people.
2001 – Concert For New York: A Tribute To Heroes was broadcast on VH1 and other networks. It raised funds for the families of those killed by the September 11 terrorist attacks.
2011 – The National Transitional Council rebel forces captured (in hiding) Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in his hometown of Sirte.
History for October 21
1520 – Ferdinand Magellan discovered a strait now known as Strait of Magellan in South America.
1797 – In Boston Harbor, the 44-gun United States Navy frigate USS Constitution was launched. It was the third such vessel completed for the US Navy.
1854 – Florence Nightingale and a staff of 38 nurses are sent to the Crimean War.
1921 – The Sheik starring Rudolph Valentino, premiered in Los Angeles
1921 – President Warren G. Harding delivered the first speech by a sitting US President against lynching in the Deep South.
1940 – For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway was published.
1959 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order transferring Wernher von Braun and other German scientists from the United States Army to NASA.
1959 -The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opened in New York City.
1973 – John Paul Getty III’s ear was cut off by his kidnappers and sent to a newspaper in Rome, with a note – “This is Paul’s ear. If we don’t get some money within 10 days, then the other ear will arrive. In other words, he will arrive in little bits.”
1973 – Fred Dryer of the Los Angeles Rams (later an actor) became the first player in NFL history to score two safeties in the same game.
1978 – Frederick Valenteich (flying a Cessna 182 airplane) disappeared over Melbourne, Australia right after describing a UFO to the control tower. The last seventeen seconds of his transmission was described as ‘metallic scraping.’
1994 – North Korea and the United States signed an agreement that required North Korea to stop its nuclear weapons program and agree to inspections. On October 9, 2006, North Korea announced it had successfully conducted its first nuclear test.
1995 – Blind Melon’s Shannon Hoon died of a cocaine overdose
History for October 22
4004 BC – According to Ussher chronology, the world came into existence the night of October 22 in 4004 BC, a Saturday.
362 – The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside Antioch, (in modern-day Turkey) was destroyed in a fire.
1746 – The College of New Jersey (renamed Princeton University in 1896) received its charter.
1784 – Russia founded a colony on Kodiak Island, Alaska.
1836 – Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.
1879 – Thomas Edison tested the first practical electric incandescent light bulb – it lasted 13 1/2 hours.
1883 – The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City opened with a performance of Gounod’s Faust.
1907 – Panic of 1907 – A run on the stock of the Knickerbocker Trust Company set events in motion that lead to depression.
1926 – J. Gordon Whitehead punched magician Harry Houdini, while he was still preparing for it) in the stomach in Montreal, later causing his death.
1934 – In East Liverpool, Ohio, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents shot and killed bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd.
1962 – US President John F. Kennedy announced that American reconnaissance planes had found Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba and that he had ordered a naval “quarantine” of the Communist nation.
1964 – Jean-Paul Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but turned down the honor because “a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution”.
1966 – The Supremes become the first all-female music group to attain a No. 1 selling album: The Supremes A’ Go-Go.
1976 – Red Dye No. 4 was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration.
1978 – The inauguration of Pope John Paul II took place in Saint Peter’s Square.
2001 – Grand Theft Auto III was released, creating a genre of open-world, action-adventure video games as well as spurring controversy around violence in new video games.
History for October 23
1850 – The first National Women’s Rights Convention opened in Worcester, Massachusetts.
1861 – President Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Washington, D.C., for all military-related cases.
1915 – Over 25,000 women marched on Fifth Avenue, NYC to advocate their right to vote.
1917 – Lenin called for the October Revolution.
1935 – Mobsters Dutch Schultz, Abe Landau, Otto Berman, and Bernard “Lulu” Rosencrantz are fatally shot at a saloon in Newark, New Jersey – The Chophouse Massacre.
1946 – The United Nations General Assembly convened for the first time, in Flushing, Queens, New York City.
1958 – The Smurfs, a fictional race of blue dwarves, by Peyo, was serialized in the French weekly Spirou magazine.
1973 – US President Richard M. Nixon agreed to turn over subpoenaed audio tapes of his Oval Office conversations.
1998 – Swatch Internet Time, a measure of 1000 “beats” per day was inaugurated by the Swatch Group. Instead of hours and minutes, the mean solar day is divided up into 1000 parts called “.beats”. Each beat lasts 1 minute and 26.4 seconds.
2011 – Once Upon A Time premiered on ABC
History for October 24
1901 – Annie Edson Taylor, at age 63, became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
1902 (Volcano Eruption) Santa María.
1926 – Harry Houdini’s last performance took place at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit.
1929 – Stock market crash on the New York Stock Exchange “Black Thursday”
1931 – Over the Hudson River, and connecting the Washington Heights, Manhattan in New York City to Fort Lee, New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge opened to public traffic.
1946 – A camera onboard the V-2 No. 13 rocket took the first photograph of earth from outer space.
1947 – Walt Disney testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
2002 – Police arrested spree killers John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, ending the Beltway sniper attacks in the area around Washington, DC.
2003 – Concorde made its last commercial flight.
2008 – Presidential candidate Barack Obama aired a 30-minute infomercial on CBS, NBC, Fox, BET, Univision, MSNBC and TV One.
2008 – Many of the world’s stock exchanges experienced their worst declines in history – “Bloody Friday”
History for October 25
1938 – Archbishop of Dubuque, Francis J. L. Beckman, denounced swing music as “a degenerated musical system, turned loose to gnaw away at the moral fiber of young people.”
1940 – Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was named the first African American general in the United States Army.
1962 – Nelson Mandela was sentenced to five years in prison.
1964 – The Rolling Stones appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
1982 – Newhart premiered on CBS
1983 – Microsoft released Word, version 1
1993 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show made its television debut on FOX, featured an intercut live cast performance.
History for October 26
1774 – The First Continental Congress adjourned in Philadelphia.
1775 – King George III of Great Britain went before Parliament to declare the American colonies in rebellion, and authorized a military response to stop the American Revolution.
1776 – Benjamin Franklin went to France to seek French support for the American Revolution.
1825 – From Albany, New York to Lake Erie, the Erie Canal opened.
1861 – The Pony Express officially closed.
1881 – The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral takes place at Tombstone, Arizona. The “OK” probably referred to two families, Ormsby & Kimberly, who owned the nearby corral.
1936 – The first electric generator at Hoover Dam went into operation.
1958 – Pan American Airways made the first commercial flight of the Boeing 707, from New York City to Paris, France.
1984 – V (the series) premiered on NBC
1984 – Stephanie Fae Beauclair (October 14, 1984 – November 15, 1984) “Baby Fae” received a heart transplant from a baboon.
2001 – The United States passed the first Patriot Act.
History for October 27
312 – Constantine the Great saw the Vision of the Cross. “In this sign, you shall conquer”
1275 – Amsterdam, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was founded.
1682 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded.
1904 – The first underground New York City Subway line opened.
1955 – Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean was released. It premiered the night before, at the Astor Theater in New York.
1961 – NASA tested the first Saturn I rocket in Mission Saturn-Apollo 1.
1964 – Ronald Reagan delivered his “A Time for Choosing” speech on behalf of Republican presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater.
1966 – It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown aired for the first time (on CBS)
1996 – Pop-Up Video premieres on VH1.
1997 – Stock markets around the world crashed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 554.26 points (7.18%) to 7,161.15.
History for October 28
1420 – Beijing became officially designated the capital of the Ming dynasty in the same year that the Forbidden City, the seat of government, was completed.
1492 – Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba.
1636 – The Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony established the first college in what would become the United States, now known as Harvard University.
1886 – President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor.
1893 – Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Pathétique, had its premiere performance in St. Petersburg, only nine days before the composer’s death.
1929 – “Black Monday” on Wall Street, preceding the Great Depression.
1943 – The supposed ‘Philadelphia Experiment,’ involving teleportation or invisibility by the US Navy, took place with the destroyer escort ship, the USS Eldridge. The US Navy maintains that no such experiment occurred and details of the story contradict ‘well-established facts about the Eldridge.’
1948 – Paul Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane).
1950 – The Jack Benny Show Premiered on CBS.
1962 – Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev ordered the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba, ending the “Cuban Missle Crisis.”
1965 – Construction on the 650 foot high St. Louis Arch was completed.
1965 – Nostra aetate, the “Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions” of the Second Vatican Council, was approved by Pope Paul VI; absolving the Jews of responsibility for the death of Jesus, reversing Innocent III’s 760-year-old declaration.
History for October 29
1618 – Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded for conspiring against James I of England.
1886 – The first ticker-tape parade took place in New York City when office workers spontaneously throw ticker tape into the streets after the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.
1888 – The Convention of Constantinople was signed, guaranteeing maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace.
1929 – “Black Tuesday” – The New York Stock Exchange crashed.
1966 – William Hartnell made his last appearance as the First Doctor in the concluding moments of Episode 4 of the Doctor Who serial ‘The Tenth Planet’.
1967 – Montreal’s World Fair – Expo 67 closed, with over 50 million visitors.
1969 – The first-ever computer-to-computer link was established on ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet.
1971 – Rock Guitarist Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident.
1993- The very first “Got Milk?” commercial was broadcast. It was directed by Michael Bay.
1998 – The Gothenburg discotheque fire in Sweden killed 63 students and injured 200 more.
1998 – Space Shuttle Discovery took off with 77-year old John Glenn on board, making him the oldest person to go into space.
2012 – Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States, killing 148 people directly and 138 in the aftermath.
History for October 30
1876 – Great Backeganj Cyclone, India (now Bangladesh)
1945 – Jackie Robinson of the Kansas City Monarchs signed a contract for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the baseball color barrier.
1938 – Orson Welles broadcast his radio play of H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds.
1947 – The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), later becoming the World Trade Organisation (WTO), was founded.
1974 – The Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali and champion George Foreman took place in Kinshasa, Zaire. Ali won by knockout, knocking Foreman down just before the end of the eighth round.
1987 – NEC released the first 16-bit (fourth generation) video game console, the PC Engine, in Japan. It was later sold around the world under the name TurboGrafx-16.
2002 – Warren Zevon was featured on the Late Show with David Letterman as the only guest for the entire hour, performing several songs and spoke about being diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer.
“Enjoy every sandwich.”
2015 – At least 56 people are killed and more than 155 injuries after a fire in the Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest, Romania.
History for October 31
683 – During the second Second Islamic Civil War and the Siege of Mecca, the Kaaba caught fire and burned down.
1517 – Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
1913 – Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. It was the first automobile highway going across the United States.
1923 – The first of 160 consecutive days of 100° Fahrenheit at Marble Bar, Western Australia.
1926 – Magician Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis that developed after his appendix ruptured (after an unexpected punch to the stomach a few days earlier).
1941 – Mount Rushmore is completed, featuring the sculpted head of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
1968 – “October Surprise” – Just before the US elections, US President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that he had ordered a complete cessation of “all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam” effective November 1.
1969 – Wal-mart incorporated in Arkansas.
1991 – Are You Afraid of The Dark premiered on Nickelodeon
1998 – WKOW in Madison, Wisconsin became one of the first high-definition broadcasts in digital television.
2011 – Today is the date that there were 7 billion people living on Earth.
1932 – Babe Ruth’s ‘Called Shot” in the 5th inning of game three in the 1932 World Series
1947 – Levittown, Long Island, New York opened.
1961 – Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s Home Run Record with HR #61 in a single season.
Umbrella Academy (fiction) On October 1, 1989, 43 women around the world give birth simultaneously, despite none of them showing any sign of pregnancy until labor began. Seven of the children are adopted by eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, and turned into a superhero team that he called “The Umbrella Academy.”
I hope someone remembered to wake up Billie Joe Armstrong today
If you were born on October 1st,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 8th (same year)
Babe Ruth’s Called Shot
It is still debated as to what happened in the third game of the 1932 World Series. The New York Yankees played the Cubs at Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Babe Ruth hit a three-run homer in the first inning. When he came to the plate to face pitcher Charlie Root, a Cubs bench jockey called him and heckled him. During the 5th inning, Ruth pointed to the midfield bleachers and made a pointing gesture, but no existing film confirms it. The exact nature of Ruth’s gesture is unclear, and the point was later fully confirmed or refuted.
The Yankees won the game 7-5, ending the demoralizing Cubs and completing their World Series victory. Babe Ruth’s call was the first time he and the New York Yankees had hit a home run in a 1932 World Series game, which was played at Yankee Stadium on October 4, 1932.
Levittown, New York
The founder’s son, William Levitt, came home from the Navy with the belief that young veterans returning to the United States would need a home. While William Levitt was in Hawaii, his father took over the management of the company and planned to build low-cost homes on Long Island, the largest island in New York. On July 1, 1947, he brokered a $50 million Levittown development that ultimately included more than 100,000 square feet of residential and commercial space.
The development consisted of more than 17,000 single-family homes built for veterans returning from World War II. Levittown is considered one of the earliest examples of a planning community originally established on Long Island in the United States. It was a mass housing project that produced housing for veterans and other low-income residents. Construction firm Levitt & Sons, led by architects Abraham and Alfred Levittleown, Jr., built four planned, eventually seven communities.
Levittown, New York (built 1947–1951)
Levittown, Pennsylvania (1952–1958)
Willingboro Township, New Jersey (originally known as Levittown, started 1958)
Levittown, Puerto Rico (1963)
Bowie, Maryland (1964)
Crofton, Maryland (1970)
Largo, Maryland (1963)
World Vegetarian Day
October 1st is celebrated as World Vegetarian Day. This very specific holiday was initiated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.
October 1st is…
Balloons Around the World Day International Coffee Day
Hair Day
Homemade Cookies Day
Less Than Perfect Day
Music Day
Raccoon Appreciation Day
World Vegetarian Day
October 1st Birthday Quotes
“Wake Me Up When September Ends”
– Billie Joe Armstrong
“LOL has turned into something you type when you have nothing better to add into a conversation.”
– Richard Harris
“I’m not crazy. I play a lot of crazy characters, but I’m an actor.”
– Randy Quaid
“Leave every place you go, everything you touch, a little better for your having been there.”
– Julie Andrews
“You have to be really comfortable with yourself because people are going to tell you that you’re eyes are too brown or you’re this or you’re that. And if you’re not comfortable with yourself, you could get pretty freaked out.”
– Brie Larson
“There’s nothing wrong with me, I mean, I don’t like boys.”
– Bonnie Elizabeth Parker
“Performance-enhancing drugs are an illusion. I wish I had never gotten involved with steroids. It was wrong. It was stupid.”
– Mark McGwire
October 1st Birthdays
1896 – Ted Healy, American comedic actor, 3 Stooges founder(died in 1937)
1910 – Bonnie Parker, American criminal (died in 1934)
1920 – Walter Matthau, American actor (died in 2000)
1924 – Jimmy Carter, American politician, 39th President of the United States, Nobel Prize laureate
1924 – Roger Williams, American pianist (died in 2011)
1924 – William Rehnquist, US Supreme Court Justice (died in 2005)
1927 – Tom Bosley, American actor (died in 2010)
1928 – George Peppard, American actor (died in 1994)
1930 – Richard Harris, Irish actor (died in 2002)
1935 – Julie Andrews, English actress and singer
1938 – Stella Stevens, American actress
1950 – Randy Quaid, American actor
1963 – Mark McGwire, American baseball player
1980 – Sarah Drew, American actress
1984 – Beck Bennett, American comedic actor
1989 – Brie Larson, American actress
October 1st History
331 BC – Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela, bringing about the fall of of the Persian Empire.
1843 – London’s The News of the World began publication.
1868 – Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was published
1880 – John Philip Sousa, the first recorded popular music star, became the United States Marine Band leader.
Yosemite National Park: Established on October 1, 1890, in California and spans 1,169 square miles. Known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and diverse plant and animal life.
1908 – For $825 each, Ford’s Model T car was put on the market.
1940 – The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to traffic. It is considered the first US superhighway.
1948 – Over Fargo, North Dakota, WW II pilot George F. Gorman reported ‘playing chicken” with a blinking orb of light UFO. People visually saw it in the control tower but did not show up on radar.
1950 – Tom Corbett, Space Cadet debuted on television
October 1, 1954, 19** Birthday (fictional) Marge Simpson, The Simpsons, TV
1955 – The Honeymooners premiered on CBS
1957 – First appearance of “In God We Trust” on U.S. paper currency, on one-dollar bills.
1958 – The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
1968 – George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead was released in theaters.
1971 – Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Florida.
1972 – The Joy of Sex by Dr. Alex Comfort was published, eventually selling over 12 million copies.
1977 – #1 Hit October 1, 1977 – October 14, 1977: Meco – Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band
1983 – #1 Hit October 1, 1983 – October 28, 1983: Bonnie Tyler – Total Eclipse of the Heart
1984 – The term “cyberspace” was coined in William Gibson’s novel Neuromancer.
1989 – Denmark introduced the world’s first legal modern same-sex civil union, called a “registered partnership”.
1992 – Cartoon Network begins broadcasting. The first cartoon, outside of Droopy Dog’s introduction, was Bugs Bunny in Rhapsody Rabbit.
1992- Cartoon Network was initiated.
1996 – Animal Planet made its debut
1999 – The famous “You Fool” episode of Hollywood Squares aired.
2006 – Dexter premiered on Showtime
2010 – Sony launched Sony Movie Channel
2013 – The United States federal government shutdown of 2013 (October 1-16) affected many operations for the US government
There are 91 days left this year.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Birds are dinosaurs- they are considered “avian dinosaurs” and have been around for 100 million years, thus making them among the last living dinosaurs on Earth.
Tom Hanks is the first actor to play Walt Disney in a mainstream feature film. (Saving Mr. Banks)
Every movie John Cazale was in was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar (all three Godfathers, The Conversation, The Deer Hunter and Dog Day Afternoon).
The Capital of Laos is Vientiane
On the day of his death, “Heath Ledger” was understandably the number 1 search on Google. Number 2 was “Keith Ledger”.
The biggest film of 1927: The Jazz Singer earned ~ $3,000,000
A group of Chinchillas is called a Colony.
“Sawyer, you’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!” – Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) in 42nd Street, 1933
Female gladiators (gladiatrices) existed during the Roman Empire.
A “white elephant gift exchange” takes its name from the legend of the King of Siam gifting rare albino elephants to those who displeased him because the upkeep costs would financially ruin them.
“No matter how knowledgeable you are, respect your parents for their experience and your children for their curiosity.” – Amit Kalantri
Roulette Odds: any one number: Payoff: 35:1 True Odds: 2.63%
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1966?
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1966
3. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1966?
4. When television’s Batman premiered on ABC, it was shown two nights a week. On what days did they air Batman?
5. 1966 Catchphrase: Who said, “Live long and prosper”?
6. What was the highest-grossing film of 1966?
7. The 1966 film Hawaii was based on the 1959 novel of the same name by what author?
8. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1966?
9. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1966?
10. How many people lived in the United States in 1966?
11. How many people lived in the World in 1966?
12. Writer Daniel O’Keefe invented this holiday, which was later made famous on Seinfeld.
13. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1966?
14. In 1966, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
15. On ABC’s Bewitched, Samantha and Darrin Stephens had a baby girl. What was her name?
16. Where did the first official sporting event ever played on AstroTurf take place?
17. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1966?
18. In 1996, who became the lead singer of the San Francisco band Big Brother and the Holding Company?
19. This 1966 record was The Beach Boys’ 11th album and is considered by many critics to be their best. Name the album.
20. The record from 1966 was Bob Dylan’s seventh album. It was a double album and considered by many as his best. Name that album.
21. How many times did The Beatles perform on the top-rated BBC music television program Top of the Pops?
22. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1965/1966 season?
23. Name the discount American consumer electronics retailer that opened under Sound of Music but rebranded in 1983 to its current name.
24. Who was the first African American to be appointed to a cabinet-level position when he became the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development?
25. Name the counter-culture icon who said “Turn on, tune in, drop out”.
26. Later, the titles of two James Bond films, what did Ian Fleming write the last published James Bond story?
27. An open audition print advertisement included: “Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running Parts for 4 insane boys, age 17–21.”
What television show was looking for four insane boys?
28. In 1996, a West Virginia supernatural creature supposedly made its first appearance. There was a 1975 book and a 2002 film about the flying monster. Name that monster.
29. Airing on ABC from September 30, 1960, to April 1, 1966, can you name the first animated series to air primetime on television?
30. Name the last state to repeal prohibition on alcoholic beverages after the national prohibition ended in 1933.
31. 1966 Catchphrase: Who said “Space, the final frontier …”?
32. This Milton Bradley game involved a large white mat with red, yellow, green, and blue circles. Name the game.
33. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1966: Patrick Dempsey, Cindy Crawford, Halle Berry, or Keanu Reeves?
34. what was the USS Enterprise’s registry number in Star Trek?
35. Name one of the teams to join Professional Football for the 1966 season.
36. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1966?
37. This comic-strip friend of Charlie Brown has freckles and “mousy-blah” hair. She calls Charlie Brown “Chuck”. Who is she?
38. In what century did the original Star Trek television series occur?
39. The Beatles received public backlash in America over something John Lennon said. What did he say?
40. Who were the Time Magazine Men of the Year in 1966?
41. This ABC soap opera told the story of the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine.
42. Peter Marshall hosted this gameshow, with featured celebrities, for 15 years, starting in 1966. Name that show.
43. Name the 1960s cartoon character who later has a talk show on Cartoon Network.
44. This Major League Pitcher started his career as the youngest player in 1966 (age 19) and retired in 1993 as the oldest player. Name this Hall of Famer.
45. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1966?
46. The United States two-dollar bill was in production from 1862 – 1966 and 1976 – present. Whose face appears on the front of the bill?
47. During its 3 season run, which actress did NOT play the role of Catwoman: Julie Newmar, Yvonne Craig, Lee Meriwether, or Eartha Kitt?
48. Many live albums were recorded in Japan’s Budokan arena, but can you name the first rock band to perform there?
49. Produced by Walt Disney, can you name the first Winnie the Pooh animated cartoon?
50. Can you name the songwriting duo best known for writing songs for, and later performing with, members of The Monkees?
51. Who won the 1966 World Series?
52. This 1966 Supreme Court of the United States ruling stated that the police must inform suspects of their constitutional rights before questioning them. What do we call it?
53. Starring Marlo Thomas, this show was one of the first sitcoms to focus on a single woman who was not domestic or living with her parents. Name that show.
54. Who was the first African-American head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA)?
55. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1966?
56. This automobile brand started as a manufacturing company in 1852 and began making cars in 1902. Their last car was produced in 1966. Name that car company.
57. Introduced in 1966, this car has become the best-selling nameplate in the world. Name that car.
58. What company used the slogan: “Fly the Friendly Skies”?
59. Can you name the spacecraft that made the first controlled ‘soft’ landing on the Moon?
60. This stunt performer and entertainer started his career on January 3, 1966, at the National Date Festival in Indio, California.
61. What company used the slogan: “You’re Soaking In It”?
62. Who voiced the Grinch and the narrator in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?.
63. Who was the Pope in 1966?
64. Opened in 1966, this water-based Disneyland ride also includes what has been called the “most publicly performed song of all time”. Name that ride (and song).
65. What long-running telethon debuted on September 4, 1966?
66. This popular children’s program ran on CBS for 29 years, from 1955 to 1984, and was in black and white until 1966. Name that show.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Captain Kangaroo’s theme had a name (not “The Captain Kangaroo Theme”). What was the name of the tune?
2. Who were the 1966 NBA Champions?
3. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was the third Charlie Brown TV Special. The second aired on CBS earlier in 1966. Name that TV Special.
4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1966?
5. In Ultraman, Hayata transforms into a giant alien called Ultraman, often to protect Earth from giant monsters. Who did Hayata work for?
6. Who were the 1966 NFL Champions?
7. Van Williams played the Green Hornet, the alter ego of Britt Reid, the grand-nephew of an earlier masked adventurer. Name that masked man.
8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1966?
9. Uncle “Martin O’Hara’s” real name was Exigius 12½. On what TV sci-fi comedy did he appear?
10. A Man for All Seasons is a biographical drama film based on Robert Bolt’s 1960 play of the same name. Who was the film about?
The Answers:
66 Trivia Answers for 1966 History
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1966?
Lyndon B. Johnson (November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969)
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1966? I’m a Believer by The Monkees
3. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1966?
$1.00
4. When television’s Batman premiered on ABC, it was shown two nights a week. On what days did they air Batman?
Wednesdays and Thursdays
5. 1966 Catchphrase: Who said, “Live long and prosper”?
Spock on Star Trek
6. What was the highest-grossing film of 1966? Hawaii ( 2nd place: The Bible: In the Beginning… 3rd place: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?)
7. The 1966 film Hawaii was based on the 1959 novel of the same name by what author?
James A. Michener
8. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1966?
$1.11
9. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1966?
22 cents
10. How many people lived in the United States in 1966?
The population was an estimated 196,560,338 people.
11. How many people lived in the World in 1966?
The estimated world population in 1966 was 3,397,475,247 people.
12. Writer Daniel O’Keefe invented this holiday, which was later made famous on Seinfeld.
Festivus
13. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1966?
In 1966, The Montreal Canadiens won over the Detroit Red Wings (4 games to 2)
14. In 1966, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 66.7 years, Women – 73.8 years.
15. On ABC’s Bewitched, Samantha and Darrin Stephens had a baby girl. What was her name?
Tabitha Stevens
16. Where did the first official sporting event ever played on AstroTurf take place?
Houston Astrodome in Texas
17. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1966? Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann
18. In 1996, who became the lead singer of the San Francisco band Big Brother and the Holding Company?
Janis Joplin
19. This record from 1966 was The Beach Boys’ 11th album and is considered by many critics to be their best. Name the album. Pet Sounds
20. The record from 1966 was Bob Dylan’s seventh album. It was a double album and considered by many as his best. Name that album. Blonde on Blonde
21. How many times did The Beatles perform on the top-rated BBC music television program Top of the Pops?
Once
22. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1965/1966 season? Bonanza (NBC)
23. Name the discount American consumer electronics retailer that opened under the name Sound of Music but rebranded in 1983 to its current name.
Best Buy
24. Who was the first African American to be appointed to a cabinet-level position, when he became United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.?
Robert C. Weaver
25. Name the counter-culture icon who said “Turn on, tune in, drop out”.
Timothy Leary
26. Later, the titles of two James Bond films, what did Ian Fleming write the last published James Bond story? Octopussy and The Living Daylights
27. An open audition print advertisement included: “Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running Parts for 4 insane boys, age 17–21.”
What television show was looking for four insane boys? The Monkees
28. In 1996, a West Virginia supernatural creature supposedly made its first appearance. There was a 1975 book and a 2002 film about the flying monster. Name that monster.
The Mothman
29. Airing on ABC from September 30, 1960, to April 1, 1966, can you name the first animated series to air primetime on television? The Flintstones
30. Name the last state to repeal prohibition on alcoholic beverages after the national prohibition ended in 1933.
Mississippi
31. 1966 Catchphrase: Who said “Space, the final frontier …”?
Captain Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series
32. This Milton Bradley game involved a large white mat with red, yellow, green, and blue circles. Name the game.
Twister
33. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1966: Patrick Dempsey, Cindy Crawford, Halle Berry, or Keanu Reeves?
Keanu Reeves (born September 2, 1964)
34. what was the USS Enterprise’s registry number in Star Trek?
NCC-1701
35. Name one of the teams to join Professional Football for the 1966 season.
Miami Dolphins (AFL/AFC) OR Atlanta Falcons (NFL/NFC)
36. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1966?
England
37. This comic-strip friend of Charlie Brown has freckles and “mousy-blah” hair. She calls Charlie Brown “Chuck”. Who is she?
Peppermint Patty (aka Patty Reichardt)
38. In what century did the original Star Trek television series occur?
The 23rd century
39. The Beatles received public backlash in America over something John Lennon said. What did he say?
“We’re more popular than Jesus now”
40. Who were the Time Magazine Men of the Year in 1966?
The Inheritors
41. This ABC soap opera told the story of the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine. Dark Shadows
42. Peter Marshall hosted this gameshow, with featured celebrities, for 15 years, starting in 1966. Name that show. The Hollywood Squares
43. Name the 1960s cartoon character who later has a talk show on Cartoon Network.
Space Ghost (later Space Ghost Coast to Coast)
44. This Major League Pitcher started his career as the youngest player in 1966 (age 19) and retired in 1993 as the oldest player. Name this Hall of Famer.
Nolan Ryan
45. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1966?
60 cents
46. The United States two-dollar bill was in production from 1862 – 1966 and 1976 – present. Whose face appears on the front of the bill?
Thomas Jefferson
47. During its 3 season run, which actress did NOT play the role of Catwoman: Julie Newmar, Yvonne Craig, Lee Meriwether, or Eartha Kitt?
Yvonne Craig (May 16, 1937 – August 17, 2015)
48. Many live albums were recorded in Japan’s Budokan arena, but can you name the first rock band to perform there?
The Beatles, on July 2, 1966.
49. Produced by Walt Disney, can you name the first Winnie the Pooh animated cartoon? Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree
50. Can you name the songwriting duo best known for writing songs for, and later performing with, members of The Monkees?
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
51. Who won the 1966 World Series?
In 1966, The Baltimore Orioles won, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers (4 games to 0)
52. This 1966 Supreme Court of the United States ruling stated that the police must inform suspects of their constitutional rights before questioning them. What do we call it?
Miranda Rights (or Miranda Warning)
53. Starring Marlo Thomas, this show was one of the first sitcoms to focus on a single woman who was not domestic or living with her parents. Name that show. That Girl
54. Who was the first African-American head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA)?
Bill Russell (Boston Celtics)
55. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1966?
$0.32 per gallon
56. This automobile brand started as a manufacturing company in 1852 and began making cars in 1902. Their last car was produced in 1966. Name that car company.
Studebaker
57. Introduced in 1966, this car has become the best-selling nameplate in the world. Name that car.
Toyota Corolla
58. What company used the slogan: “Fly the Friendly Skies”?
United Airlines
59. Can you name the spacecraft that made the first controlled ‘soft’ landing on the Moon?
Luna 9 (USSR spacecraft, America’s Surveyor 1 soft-landed a few months later)
60. This stunt performer and entertainer started his career on January 3, 1966, at the National Date Festival in Indio, California.
Evel Knievel (The Guinness Book of World Records states he suffered 433 bone fractures by the end of 1975.)
61. What company used the slogan: “You’re Soaking In It”?
Palmolive (Madge)
62. Who voiced the Grinch and the narrator in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?.
Boris Karloff (Thurl Ravenscroft was the vocalist on You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch)
63. Who was the Pope in 1966?
Pope Paul VI, from June 21, 1963 – August 6, 1978
64. Opened in 1966, this water-based Disneyland ride also includes what has been called the “most publicly performed song of all time”. Name that ride (and song). It’s a Small World
65. What long-running telethon debuted on September 4, 1966? Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (final broadcast was on August 31, 2014.
66. This popular children’s program ran on CBS for 29 years, from 1955 to 1984, and was in black and white until 1966. Name that show. Captain Kangaroo
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Captain Kangaroo’s theme actually had a name (not “The Captain Kangaroo Theme”). What was the name of the tune? Puffin’ Billy
2. Who were the 1966 NBA Champions?
For the 1965-66 Season, Champion Boston Celtics, who won 4 games to 3 over the Los Angeles Lakers
3. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was the third Charlie Brown TV Special. The second aired on CBS earlier in 1966. Name that TV Special. Charlie Brown’s All-Stars!
4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1966?
Kauai King
5. In Ultraman, Hayata transforms into a giant alien called Ultraman, often to protect Earth from giant monsters. Who did Hayata work for?
Science Patrol
6. Who were the 1966 NFL Champions?
Green Bay Packers
7. Van Williams played the Green Hornet, the alter ego of Britt Reid, the grand-nephew of an earlier masked adventurer. Name that masked man.
The Lone Ranger (John Reid)
8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1966?
Hubert Humphrey (January 20, 1965 – January 20, 1969)
9. Uncle “Martin O’Hara’s” real name was Exigius 12½. On what TV sci-fi comedy did he appear? My Favorite Martian (Ray Walston as Uncle Martin)
10. A Man for All Seasons is a biographical drama film based on Robert Bolt’s 1960 play of the same name. Who was the film about?
Sir Thomas More (February 7, 1478 – July 6, 1535)
1452 – Johann Gutenberg published his first edition of The Bible.
It was completed by 1456.
1641 – America’s first “Annual fair” was held in New Netherlands (Now New Jersey/New York area).
1927 – Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the season, a record that stood until 1961.
If you were born on September 30th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 7th (same year)
September 30th is…
Chewing Gum Day
Hot Mulled Cider Day
September 30th Birthday Quotes
“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.”
– Truman Capote
“Sometimes people come into your life for a season and other times for a lifetime.”
– Fran Drescher
“I don’t want to see the zipper in the back of the monster suit. Like everybody else who goes to the movies, I want to believe the monster is real.”
– Eric Stoltz
“You can’t stop the aging process. There’s only so much oil you can put on your body. I’ve always just tried to go with my age.”
– Angie Dickinson
“My whole life has been about changing negatives into positives.”
– Fran Drescher
“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
– Truman Capote
September 30th Birthdays
1832 – Ann Jarvis, American activist, co-founded Mother’s Day (died in 1905)
1861 – William Wrigley, Jr., American businessman, founded Wrigley Company (died in 1932)
1882 – Hans Geiger, German physicist, and academic (died in 1945)
1921 – Deborah Kerr, Scottish-English actress (died in 2007)
1924 – Truman Capote, American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter (died in 1984)
1931 – Angie Dickinson, American actress
1935 – Johnny Mathis, American singer
1942 – Frankie Lymon, American singer-songwriter (died in 1968)
1947 – Marc Bolan, English singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1977)
1957 – Fran Drescher, American comedic actress
1961 – Eric Stoltz, American actor,
1971 – Jenna Elfman, American actress
1975 – Jay Asher, American author
1975 – Marion Cotillard, French-American actress
1982 – Lacey Chabert, American actress
September 30th History
587 (Earthquake) Antioch (now Turkey)
1452 – Johann Guttenberg’s Bible was published.
September 30, 1659 (fiction) Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked, Robinson Crusoe, Book
1888 – “Jack the Ripper” killed two women, Liz Stride & Kate Eddowes.
1911 – The first movie stuntman was hired as a stand-in for The Military Scout.
1946 – 22 Nazi leaders were found guilty of war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials.
1947 – The first World Series game was watched by an estimated 3.9 million people, television’s first mass audience event.
1949 – The Berlin Airlift came to an end.
1951 – The Red Skelton Show debuted on NBC.
1954 – The Nautilus, the first atomic-powered submarine, was commissioned by the US Navy.
1960- The Flintstones debuted on ABC during primetime.
1961 – The bill for Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) was paid by Mayor Snyder of Portland who wrote a check (to ‘Great Britain’) for $196, the total cost of all tea lost, but with no interest. This factoid has been seen on several online websites, but we have been unable to verify it.
1965 – Thunderbirds premiered on ITV, in the UK.
1975 – The Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier title fight from the Philippines (“Thrilla in Manila”) was sent via satellite to the U. S. and shown on HBO
1978 – #1 Hit September 30, 1978 – October 27, 1978: Exile – Kiss You All Over
1982 – Cheers premiered on NBC
1984 – Murder She Wrote debuted on CBS
1985 – MacGyver debuted on ABC
1995 – #1 Hit September 30, 1995 – November 24, 1995: Mariah Carey – Fantasy
September 30, 2003- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 was released
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The biggest film of 1929: The Broadway Melody (Musical) earned ~ $2,800,000
The penny will always be going down in value because of inflation, but the copper it’s made out of will always be going up in value, also because of inflation.
Since nobody can see you anyway, they should have windows in the bathrooms on airplanes. Someone had to say it.
It’s crazy to think that in the near future a driverless car will have to make an ethical decision on whether to kill the passenger in a crash or swerve and kill the mother and her two children walking on the sidewalk.
The Capital of Lebanon is Beirut
In 1967 The Monkees sold more records than The Beatles and Rolling Stones combined.
The size of an animal is directly related to how it perceives time, which explains why small bugs can react quickly because everything seems to move in slow motion.
“De plane! De plane!” – Tattoo (Fantasy Island) #TVQuotes
“Tell ’em to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper.” – Knute Rockne (Pat O’Brien) in Knute Rockne, All American, 1940
“Gadzooks” dates as far back as the late 1600s as a shortening of “by God’s hooks,” a reference to the nails on Christ’s cross.
“Atuk” – an unfinished film said to be cursed due to the untimely deaths of its four lead actors. These actors were John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy, and Chris Farley.
1907 – The cornerstone was laid at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Washington National Cathedral) in Washington, DC.
1988 – NASA launched Discovery (STS-26), the first mission since the Challenger disaster.
September 29, 1996 – Nintendo 64 released, Video Game Console
If you were born on September 29th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 6th (same year)
September 29th is…
Biscotti Day
Confucius Day
Coffee Day
Mocha Day
VFW Day
Scotland Yard
While “Scotland Yard” is a name that may invoke the image of a typical officer patrolling the streets of London, its history is way deep and goes back to the 19th century. Unsurprisingly, it’s full of controversies and misnomers. For a force that does not have its roots in Scotland, it does seem interesting to find out how the name even came about.
In 1829, when the London police force was first established, they managed to take over the old watchmen system. Only ten years later, they also replaced and took over the Bow Street Patrols.
However, the name “Scotland Yard” came from the yard of a private house, occupied by Colonel Richard Mayne and Charles Rowan, the two men responsible for organizing the new force. The house previously hosted royalty from Scotland on their frequent visits to London.
Initially, the Scotland Yard staff was only responsible for protecting those in power. They were also responsible for public affairs, personnel management, and community patrols at large. However, sometimes the local population assumed them to be spies due to their shady dressing.
One of the very first blows to its reputation came in 1877 when a few officers were found to be involved in a betting scheme with criminals. Therefore, a restructuring proposal was soon submitted to repair the damage to the force’s reputation. This also resulted in the creation of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department).
One of the most popular cases the force dealt with was of “Jack the Ripper” between 1888 and 1891. The serial killer was known to lure women into having sex with him and would later slit their throats. More recently, or we can say 16 years ago, the force faced another challenge to their reputation during the 2005 London Bombings Investigation.
The officers fatally shot a civilian, mistaking him for a suicide bomber. Hence, it’s safe to say that the Scotland Yard forces have always had somewhat of a questionable reputation but have still managed to hold a place for themselves in popular culture.
September 29th Birthday Quotes
“Never underestimate the joy people derive from hearing something they already know.”
– Enrico Fermi
“A cowboy never takes unfair advantage, even of an enemy.”
– Gene Autry
“When you can’t wait for your ship to come in, you’ve got to row out to it.”
– Greer Garson
“We respect the dignity and the rights of every man and every nation. The path to a brighter future of the world leads through honest reconciliation of the conflicting interests and not through hatred and bloodshed. To follow that path means to enhance the moral power of the all-embracing idea of human solidarity.”
– Lech Walesa
“In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd.”
– Miguel de Cervantes
September 29th Birthdays
1547 – Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright (died in 1616)
1786 – Guadalupe Victoria, Mexican general and politician, 1st President of Mexico (died in 1843)
1899 – László Bíró, Hungarian-Argentinian inventor, invented the ballpoint pen (died in 1985)
1901 – Enrico Fermi, Italian-American physicist, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1954)
1904 – Greer Garson, English-American actress (died in 1996)
1907 – Gene Autry, American singer, actor (died in 1998)
1913 – Trevor Howard, English actor (died in 1988)
1913 – Stanley Kramer, American director, and producer (died in 2001)
1931 – Anita Ekberg, Swedish-Italian model, and actress (died in 2015)
1935 – Jerry Lee Lewis, American singer-songwriter and pianist
1942 – Madeline Kahn, American actress (died in 1999)
1943 – Lech Walesa, Polish electrician, and politician, 2nd President of Poland, Nobel Prize laureate
September 29th History
480 BC – Battle of Salamis: The Greek fleet under Themistocles defeats the Persian fleet under Xerxes I. This was a few weeks after the famous Battle of Thermopylae (with King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans).
1829 -Scotland Yard went on patrol for the first time.
1938 – Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Daladier & Chamberlain signed the Treaty of Munich. Contrary to some overly optimistic high hopes, it did not prevent World War II.
1957 – Kyshtym Disaster at Plutonium Production Plant, USSR
1958 – #1 Hit September 29, 1958 – November 9, 1958: Tommy Edwards – It’s All in the Game
1960 – My Three Sons debuted on ABC.
1963 – The Judy Garland Show debuted on CBS
1963 – Rolling Stones 1st tour, opening for Bo Diddley and The Everly Brothers.
1966 – The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced.
1969 – Love American Style premiered on ABC.
1973 – #1 Hit September 29, 1973 – October 5, 1973: Grand Funk – We’re an American Band
1975 – Singer Jackie Wilson had a heart attack on stage, resulting in a 9-year coma. (He died in 1984)
1979 – Gold hit $400/ounce for the first time.
1982 – Cheers premiered on NBC.
1984 – #1 Hit September 29, 1984 – October 12, 1984: Prince and The Revolution – Let’s Go Crazy
1985 – The first of seven cyanide-laced Tylenol victims died. This event is what made manufacturers begin using tamper-proof packaging.
1988- The space shuttle Discovery was launched- the first since the Challenger disaster.
1989 – Zsa Zsa Gabor was convicted of slapping a police officer in Beverly Hills. The assault occurred on June 14, 1989.
1990 – #1 Hit September 29, 1990 – October 5, 1990: Nelson – (Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection
1990 – Millie’s Book, written by 1st Lady Barbara Bush, about the president’s dog, a best-selling non-fiction book, was released.
1992 – Magic Johnson came out of retirement to play for the Los Angeles Lakers after retiring less than a year earlier. He retired again in 1996.
1994 – The 304 jurors and alternate jurors were chosen for O.J. Simpson’s murder trial.
September 29, 1996 – Nintendo 64 released, Video Game Console
2001- Yu-Gi-Oh! premiered on Kid’s WB
2007 – #1 Hit September 29, 2007 – November 9, 2007: Kanye West – Stronger
2008 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 777.68 points, the largest single-day point loss by that time in history.
2012 – #1 Hit September 29, 2012 – November 30, 2012: Maroon 5 – One More Night
#1 Hit September 29, 2018 – November 16, 2018: Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B – Girls Like You
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Earth must be the universe’s number one radio drama.
US President #19 Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881) Was the first President to have a telephone. His wife, Lucy, was the first president’s wife to be called First Lady of the Land
Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, joined the so-called “Mile High Club” at age 19. #TMI
Han Solo was frozen at the end of ESB because they didn’t know if Harrison Ford would agree to do the next movie.
A strawberry is not actually a berry, but a banana is.
The most dipped into sauce is ketchup. The most dipped item is chips. Yet not many people have dipped their chips in ketchup, even though everyone has dipped fries into ketchup.
The Capital of Latvia is Riga
“Welcome to Costco, I love you.” #moviequotes
A costumer on “The Wizard of Oz” bought the coat for Frank Morgan’s Professor Marvel character at a resale shop. Once it got to the costume department, a tag was discovered on the inside of the coat that read “Property of L. Frank Baum.”
“What! Oh hell No! Hold up… Huh? Oh, ok.” #TVQuotes
Wolverine was Weapon Ten, and Weapon 2 was a “Squirrel with Wolverine’s Adamantium skeleton, claws, intelligence, and healing factor, plus all the things you wish Wolverine had, like a bushy tail and a cool visor”.
There is a theory that we are living in a parallel universe due to the spelling of the children’s books The Berenstain Bears. #berenstein
1888 – The first letter from Jack The Ripper was received by London’s Central News Agency.
1903 – The Wreck of the Old 97, a real-life American rail disaster that became the subject of a popular dirge.
1962 – Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring was published.
1964 – The Warren Report, regarding the assassination of JFK was released.
September 27, 1981 Birthday (fictional) Scott Pilgrim. VS’d the world in comic books and film
September 27, **** Birthday (fictional) Iris West Allen, DC Comics
If you were born on September 27th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 4th (same year)
Traditional September 27th Information
September 27th is…
Chocolate Milk Day
Corned Beef Hash Day
Crush a Can Day
Saint Vincent De Paul Feast Day
September 27th Birthday Quotes
“There is only one secret. To love what you are doing.”
– Jayne Meadows
“It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in any country where virtue and knowledge prevail.”
– Samuel Adams
“Garlick maketh a man wynke, drynke, and stynke.”
– Thomas Nash
“I always felt a love for music, but I never got my nerve up enough to try a musical instrument in school.”
– Don Cornelius
“I will say, as a woman when you put a mustache on, you find out a lot of things about yourself.”
– Carrie Brownstein
September 27th Birthdays
1722 – Samuel Adams, American philosopher, and politician, 4th Governor of Massachusetts (died in 1803)
1840 – Thomas Nast, German-American cartoonist (died in 1902)
1885 – Harry Blackstone, Sr., American magician (died in 1965)
1917 – Carl Ballantine, American magician, and actor (died in 2009)
1919 – Jayne Meadows, American actress (died in 2015)
1933 – Greg Morris, American actor (died in 1996)
1934 – Wilford Brimley, American actor (died in 2020)
1936 – Don Cornelius, American television host (Soul Train) (died in 2012)
1947 – Meat Loaf, American singer-songwriter
1951 – Jim Shooter, American comic book author, editor and illustrator
1958 – Shaun Cassidy, American actor
1972 – Gwyneth Paltrow, American actress
1974 – Carrie Brownstein, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress
1982 – Lil Wayne, American rapper
1984 – Avril Lavigne, Canadian singer-songwriter
September 27th History
1290 (Earthquake) Chihli, China
1540 – Pope Paul III approved the charter for the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
1650 (Volcano Eruption) Kolumbo
1903 – Wreck of the Old 97, traveling from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, the train derailed at Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia.
1905 – Albert Einstein’s paper “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?”, introducing the equation E=mc² was published.
1908 – Model T #0001 came out of Henry Ford’s car factory today.
1912 – W C Handy published The Memphis Blues, the first Blues Song
1937- The first Santa Claus training school opened in Albion, New York.
1954 – The Tonight Show began broadcasting coast to coast on NBC
1963 – Lee Harvey Oswald visited the Cuban Consulate in Mexico. More on him later.
1964 – The Warren Commission Report was given to President Johnson today, and the general public on September 27. It concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, settling the issue. (it was not really settled)
September 27, **** Birthday (fictional) Iris West Allen, DC Comics
1975 – #1 Hit September 27, 1975 – October 10, 1975: John Denver – I’m Sorry / Calypso
September 27, 1981 Birthday (fictional) Scott Pilgrim. VS the World in comic books and film
September 27, 1994 (fiction) Quinn Mallory and his companions slid into the time vortex, Sliders, TV
1998 Google launched its li’l Search Engine.
1998 – Mark McGwire hit his record-setting 69th and 70th home runs in the last game of the (regular) season.
2006 – East End Show – Wicked (Musical) September 27, 2006
2008 – #1 Hit September 27, 2008 – October 17, 2008: Pink – So What
2009 – The Cleveland Show premiered on FOX
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
“Okay, you guys got yourselves a ship. We’ll be ready when you are. Docking Bay 94.” – Han Solo #moviequotes
If the statue of a horse in a park has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes
A group of Cars is called a Fleet.
Modern Peanut Butter was invented as a source of protein for people with no teeth.
There is a sound effect called the ‘Wilhelm Scream’ that has been used in over 200 movies and TV shows since 1951, including “Star Wars”.
The phrase ‘upside-down’ has three different directions in it.
‘Grease’ may be the word, but it’s never said even once in the entire film.
We cry when we are happy because hypothalamus in our brain can’t tell the difference between being happy or sad
The Capital of Liberia is Monrovia
Abraham Lincoln is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The best student film of all-time? That would be Schindler’s List, which Steven Spielberg turned-in to finally graduate from California State University, Long Beach in 2002, after dropping out in 1969.
Funeral songs are for remembering and honoring the deceased. They are also to help the family and friends of the recently departed. The songs remind us of our family members, our friend, or even our acquaintance. The song may evoke a memory, a sense of loss, or even a sense of joy in remembering a departed loved one. Everyone mourns in their own way. You can’t judge how other people deal with their loss, and the songs in this list represent that ideal. Sad, uplifting, funny, or ironic; each of the songs and instrumentals here is designed to help anyone get through their loss. The numerical order here really doesn’t matter. The perfect song played for a funeral is as unique as an individual’s fingerprint.
“In the simplest terms, a dirge is a song or hymn of grief and lamentation. It is a song especially intended to accompany a funeral or provide a memorial to the deceased.” About Dirges and songs of mourning
1.
On Eagle’s Wings – Traditional
2.
One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey featuring Boyz II Men
3.
The Sounds of Silence – Simon and Garfunkle
4.
My Way – Frank Sinatra (or Elvis Presley)
5.
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) – Elton John
6.
Amazing Grace – Traditional
7.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
8.
Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life – Monty Python/Eric Idle
9.
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
10.
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
11.
My Immortal – Evanescence
12.
I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
13.
Angels – Robbie Williams
14.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
15.
Candle In The Wind – Elton John
16.
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
17.
Be Not Afraid – Traditional
18.
Ave Maria – Schubert
19.
Fade To Black – Metallica
20.
See You Again – Carrie Underwood
21.
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen or Rufus Wainwright
22.
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
23.
Angel – Sarah McLachlan
24.
The Lord is My Shepherd – Psalm 23
25.
The Great Gig In The Sky – Pink Floyd
26.
How Great Thou Art – Traditional
27.
Fire and Rain – James Taylor
28.
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
29.
Gone Too Soon – Daughtry
30.
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
31.
Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Johann Sebastian Bach
32.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston
33.
Who Knew – Pink
34.
Tha’ Crossroads – Bone Thugs N’ Harmony
35.
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
36.
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
37.
Where the Wild Roses Grow – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
38.
Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin
39.
To Live Is To Die – Metallica
40.
Over The Rainbow – Judy Garland or Eva Cassidy or Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
41.
We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
42.
Time To Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli
43.
Who You’d Be Today – Kenny Chesney
44.
Stars – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
45.
You Raise Me Up – Westlife
46.
Those Were the Days – Mary Hopkin
47.
I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
48.
All Things Bright and Beautiful – Cecil Frances Alexander
49.
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
50.
Unforgettable – Nat ‘King’ Cole
51.
Nearer, My God, to Thee – Mahalia Jackson
52.
Bright Eyes – Art Garfunkle
53.
Abide With Me – Henry Francis Lyte
54.
I’ll Be There – Escape Club
55.
The Show Must Go On – Queen
56.
Simply The Best – Tina Turner
57.
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother – The Hollies
58.
Holes in the Floor of Heaven – Steve Wariner
59.
See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) – Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth
60.
Imagine – John Lennon
61.
Get Happy – Judy Garland
62.
Crying For Me – Toby Keith
63.
Four Seasons – Vivaldi
64.
Don’t Take The Girl – Tim McGraw
65.
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
66.
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
67.
He Stopped Loving Her Today – George Jones
68.
Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye – Gracie Fields
69.
In My Life – The Beatles
70.
Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
71.
Here Today – Paul McCartney
72.
All Things Must Pass – George Harrison
73.
Eulogy – Tool
74.
Lighting Crashes – Live
75.
Like You – Evanescence
76.
Keep Me In Your Heart – Warren Zevon
77.
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
78.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Traditional
79.
How Can I Help You Say Goodbye – Patty Loveless
80.
You’re Still Here – Faith Hill
81.
Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkle
82.
Nobody Knows – Tony Rich Project
83.
The Best is Yet to Come – Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra
84.
I’ll Meet You There – Simple Plan
85.
Black Balloon – The Goo Goo Dolls
86.
Pie Jesu – Gabriel Fauré
87.
Satisfied Mind – Jeff Buckley
88.
Goodbye My Friend – Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville
89.
Not as We – Alanis Morissette
90.
American Pie – Don McLean
91.
The Dance -Garth Brooks
92.
Turn, Turn, Turn (There Is A Season) – The Byrds
93.
Enigma Variations – Nimrod Elgar
94.
Getting Late – Rob Thomas
95.
Funeral March – Frederic Chopin
96.
Who Wants To Live Forever – Queen
97.
Do You Realize?? – The Flaming Lips
98.
To Where You Are – Josh Grobin
99.
Thank You For Loving Me – Bon Jovi
100.
Lullabye – Billy Joel
101.
Never Forget You – Mariah Carey
102.
Seasons In The Sun – Terry Jacks
103.
In Loving Memory – Alter Bridge
104.
I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Deathcab For Cutie
105.
The Ballad of Casey Jones – Wallace Saunders
106.
Beam Me Up – Pink
107.
Circle Of Life – Elton John
108.
Soul Limbo – Booker T and the MG’s
109.
Believe – The All-American Rejects
110.
Radios In Heaven – Plain White T’s
111.
Photograph – Ringo Starr
112.
Happy Phantom – Tori Amos
113.
Across The Bridge Where Angels Dwell – Van Morrison
114.
Dust in the Wind – Kansas
115.
Life Without You – Stevie Ray Vaughan
116.
Jealous of the Angels – Jenn Bostic
117.
Fanfare for the Common Man – Emerson, Lake and Palmer
118.
Small Bump – Ed Sheeran
119.
Who You’d Be Today – Kenny Chesney
120.
Spirit In The Sky – Norman Greenbaum
121.
For A Dancer – Jackson Browne
122.
Flying Without Wings – Westlife
123.
Nessun Dorma – Puccini
124.
Last Kiss – Pearl Jam
125.
Dirge For November – Opeth
126.
When The The Roll Is Called Up Yonder I’ll Be There – Johnny Cash
127.
Into the Fire – Bruce Springsteen
128.
My Angel – Kellie Pickler
129.
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Edith Piaf
130.
When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
1580 – Francis Drake completed his circumnavigation of the Earth.
1789 – George Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson the first United States Secretary of State.
1957 – West Side Story debuted on Broadway
1960 – The first televised Presidential Debate took place between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
1969 – Abbey Road, the last album by The Beatles, was released.
If you were born on September 26th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 3rd (same year)
Levi Strauss
Levi Strauss died on September 26, 1902, at the age of 73, and never married.
Ironically he didn’t get to pass his genes on to the next generation
The Nixon/ Kennedy Debates
The last several presidential elections in the United States have been historic in modern history. From Obama’s campaign that ensured his return to Trump and Biden’s heated political runs, the political environment shifts tremendously when election day is right around the corner. What stands out, is the use of modern media.
Incorporating media into election campaigns was not always the tradition. In fact, crafting a public image and gaining positive publicity on the media are the two elements that started getting incorporated into a majority of campaigns when the Kennedy-Nixon debate was aired on television in 1960.
This televised presidential debate holds great significance in American history due to many reasons. For one, it was the first-ever debate that took place on a platform accessible to the masses. Secondly, the debate not only revolutionized the political environment of the US but also had a huge impact on the outcome of the entire electoral campaign. Moreover, the democratic process across the world continues to gain from television as a medium of communication.
Back in 1960, the presidential elections were held at a very critical time in American history. It was when the US was an active participant in a cold war with the Soviet Union, all because of the Sputnik satellite launched by the latter. Moreover, on a national level, people were divided due to the civil rights struggle and desegregation. All of this had collectively affected the democratic atmosphere in the country. At this rather crucial time when the nation needed a powerful leader, two very different candidates emerged on the political front, Richard Nixon, a lawmaker, and John F. Kennedy, a senator from Massachusetts.
The historical face-off took place on September 26th at the CBS office in Chicago. However, upon Nixon’s arrival, a small accident led to his already injured knee getting worse. Moreover, he had already been suffering from a fever and flu. Despite his condition, he continued his campaign, and by the time he reached the CBS headquarters, the public could clearly see the exhaustion on his face. On the other hand, Kennedy looked well-rested as he had spent a relaxing weekend in a hotel and practiced enough for the “Great Debate.”
Despite Kennedy’s practice and Nixon’s exhaustion, the event eventually came down to what substance they both had, they both matched on that front. They both made some great points in their debate and also shared many similar agendas. Their takes on the issue of national security and communism were quite similar. Additionally, they both also spoke about the need to train and strengthen the country’s military to build a secure and solid foundation for the future of America.
Even though both contestants came with a competing spirit, Nixon ended the debate on the following note “ I completely subscribe to the spirit expressed by Senator Kennedy tonight.” They were actually friends.
While Nixon’s popularity soared on the national radio, Kennedy garnered over 70 million viewers on television. As per the political observers, Kennedy had an obvious lead in the first debate while Nixon won the second and third one. Interestingly, the fourth and also the last debate was seen as a draw between the two.
September 26th is…
Astronomy Day
Johnny Appleseed Day
Love Note Day
Pancake Day
September 26th Birthday Quotes
“Everyone gets the experience. Some get the lesson.”
– T. S. Eliot
“Do not worry at being worried; but accept worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible.”
– Johnny Appleseed
“There is no fountain of youth, What you put into your body is what you get out of it. You would not feed your dog a coffee and doughnut for breakfast followed by a cigarette. You will kill the damn dog.”
– Jack LaLanne
“It’s fabulous when you do that, when you discover somebody who you like when you kind of feel those feelings, even though he articulates them better.”
– Bryan Ferry
“Life is a lot like jazz. It’s best when you improvise.”
– George Gershwin
September 26th Birthdays
1774 – Johnny Appleseed, American gardener, and environmentalist (died in 1845)
1888 – T.S. Eliot, English poet, playwright and critic, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1965)
1898 – George Gershwin, American pianist, and composer (died in 1937)
1901 – George Raft, American actor (died in 1980)
1914 – Jack LaLanne, American fitness expert (died in 2011)
1925 – Marty Robbins, American singer-songwriter and actor (died in 1982)
1926 – Julie London, American singer, and actress (died in 2000)
1941 – Martine Beswick, Jamaican-English model, and actress
1945 – Bryan Ferry, English singer-songwriter
1946 – Louise Simonson, American comic book author
1956 – Linda Hamilton, American actress
1962 – Melissa Sue Anderson, American-Canadian actress
1967 – Shannon Hoon, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1995)
1968 – Jim Caviezel, American actor
September 26th History
1933 – Gangster Machine Gun Kelly surrendered to the FBI and shouted out, “Don’t shoot, G-Men!”, which becomes a nickname for FBI agents.
1957 – West Side Story opened on Broadway.
1960 – Longest speech in UN history at 4 hours and 29 minutes, was given by Cuba’s Fidel Castro.
1960 – American presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon debate on live television and radio. Radio listeners said that Nixon won, and television viewers gave the win the Kennedy. Look good, people!
1960 – #1 Hit September 26, 1960 – October 9, 1960: Connie Francis – My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own
1962 – The Beverly Hillbillies premiered on CBS.
1964 – #1 Hit September 26, 1964 – October 16, 1964: Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
1964 – Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. Although scheduled for the fourth season, CBS changed the hour-long Gunsmoke to Mondays, displacing the 7 castaways.
1968 – Broadcast premiere of Hawaii Five-O on CBS
1969- The last Beatles album, Abbey Road, was released in the US.
1969 – The Brady Bunch debuted on ABC.
1982 – Knight Rider premiered on NBC
1982 – At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert premiered, in syndication
1987 – #1 Hit September 26, 1987 – October 9, 1987: Whitney Houston – Didn’t We Almost Have It All
1990 – Cop Rock debuted on ABC
1990 – The Motion Picture Association of America announced a new rating of NC-17 to apply to adult films, replacing the “X” rating.
1992 – Roseanne Barr got her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
1995 – George magazine premiered, published by John F Kennedy Jr.
2001 – Star Trek Enterprise premiered on UPN
2010 (Volcano Eruption) Baroarbunga
2011 – History International was rebranded as H2 on cable television
2011 – On September 26th, 2011 Mikey Welsh posted on Twitter, “Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). Need to write my will today” followed by, “Correction – the weekend after next”. He died October 8th, 2011 from a heart attack in his sleep in a hotel room. In Chicago.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Luke Skywalker went from wanting to join the imperial academy to blowing up the Death Star in like two days…
If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.
“My God! What’s happened?” – Diana, Princess of Wales #LastWords
Return of the Jedi was originally called “Revenge of the Jedi.”
Nintendo started out as a trading card company.
A group of Kids is called a Migraine.
“So Dawn’s in trouble. Must be Tuesday.” – Buffy Summers #TVQuotes
If everyone throws out their worthless Beanie Baby collection, they’ll eventually be rare and valuable.
When filming Return of the Jedi they used the name Blue Harvest to avoid press and fans trying to sneak onto the set.
The “g” in “bingo” is pronounced twice.
“I’m an excellent driver.” – Raymond Babbitt in Rain Man #moviequotes
1513 – Vasco de Balboa ‘discovered’ the Pacific Ocean.
1676 – Greenwich Mean Time was established.
1890 – The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.
1957 – Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, is integrated, through the use of United States Army troops.
If you were born on September 25th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 2nd (same year)
Greenwich Mean Time
GMT or Greenwich Mean Time is the annual mean or average of every day when the sun supposedly crosses the Prime Meridian. As opposed to solar time, the “mean time” is your typical clock time and does not vary throughout the year. The concept of hours, minutes, and seconds we have today is all thanks to the man who first made leads to convert solar time to the mean time.
Today, GMT is calculated from one midnight to the next. So, if you’re wondering how the modern-day clock came to the point where it is today, it wasn’t until the 1650s. The mid-17th century was when the first pendulum clock was invented, and the relationship between solar and mean time was finally getting determined. Before this, people largely relied on solar time that they measured using sundials.
When John Flamsteed discovered the formula to convert solar time to mean time, conversion tables started getting published. Soon after, he shifted to the Greenwich Royal Observatory after getting appointed as an Astronomer Royal. There, at the observatory, some of the finest pendulum clocks were installed, and they were set according to the Greenwich Mean Time on September 25, 1676. Initially, GMT was only followed by the astronomers.
In the 1700s, GMT was introduced to a wider audience by Nevil Maskelyne, the fifth Astronomer Royal. However, until the mid-19th century, towns in the UK followed their own local time according to the sun. They didn’t have a communal or national standard to measure time. This meant that there was no way to figure out when the day started or ended or what a standard hour’s length was.
Thankfully, with the expansion of railway networks across the country, authorities started to realize the importance of having a national standard time. Eventually, by the mid-1850s, almost every public clock in Britain was set according to the GMT. Only three decades later, in 1884, this standard was finally recommended as the entire world’s Prime Meridian, mainly because the US had already chosen it as their time zone.
Later there were also arguments surrounding the issue of GMT being the world’s Prime Meridian, but the majority insisted that it would benefit the masses. Therefore, the Shepherd Gate Clock became the first-ever clock to show the GMT to the public, and from the mid-19th century till the end, this clock determined the standard of the British time system.
GMT was undoubtedly one of the most significant discoveries in the history of humankind, and so far, it has been the only most important clock ever made. Even though it originally depicted astronomical time by counting time from the start of noon, the pattern changed in the 20th century. The time which was previously determined from the start of noon now shifted toward midnight.
Today, GMT is the primary standard to measure time and is followed across the world. While certain localities still prefer using their own methods to measure time, GMT is by far the most widely used standard everywhere.
September 25th is…
Comic Book Day
Cooking Day
Crab Newberg Day
Lobster Day
Math Storytelling Day
One Hit Wonder Day
September 25th Birthday Quotes
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”
– Christopher Reeve
“My father always says, ‘Never trust anyone who has a TV beggir than their bookshelf.’ So I make sure I read. Back at home, I just put up a massive bookcase and asked everyone I know and love to help me fill it with their favorite books. It’s been quite nice because I’ve learned a lot about my friends and family from what they’ve been giving me. A book says a lot about a person.”
– Emilia Clarke
“One thing my dad once said to me, ‘You either want to be right, or you want to be happy. To be happy, there’s gotta be a conversation.”
– Donald Glover
“Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful and days I don’t, and when I don’t, I do something about it.”
– Cheryl Tiegs
“The Voice There is a voice inside of you That whispers all day long, “I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.” No teacher, preacher, parent, friend Or wise man can decide What’s right for you – just listen to The voice that speaks inside.”
– Shel Silverstein
September 25th Birthdays
1764 – Fletcher Christian, English sailor (died in 1793)
1897 – William Faulkner, American novelist and short-story writer, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1962)
1917 – Phil Rizzuto, American baseball player, and sportscaster (died in 2007)
1926 – Aldo Ray, American actor (died in 1991)
1929 – Barbara Walters, American journalist, producer and author
1930 – Shel Silverstein, American author, poet, illustrator, and songwriter (died in 1999)
1936 – Juliet Prowse, South African-American actress (died in 1996)
1944 – Michael Douglas, American actor
1947 – Cheryl Tiegs, American model
1951 – Mark Hamill, American actor
1952 – Christopher Reeve, American actor, and activist (died in 2004)
1957 – Michael Madsen, American actor
1961 – Heather Locklear, American actress
1963 – Tate Donovan, American actor
1965 – Scottie Pippen, American basketball player, and sportscaster
1968 – Will Smith, American actor
1969 – Catherine Zeta-Jones, Welsh actress
1983 – Donald Glover, American actor, and rapper (Childish Gambino)
1991 – Emmy Clarke, American actress
September 25th History
Today is nine months after Christmas. And three months before Christmas.
Sequoia National Park: Established on September 25, 1890, in California, this park spans 631 square miles. It is home to the world’s largest tree by volume, General Sherman, and the Giant Forest of sequoias.
#1 Hit September 25, 1954 – November 5, 1954: Rosemary Clooney – Hey There
1957 – United States Troops were called to escort nine Black students to the all-white Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
#1 Hit September 25, 1965 – October 1, 1965: Barry McGuire – Eve Of Destruction
1970 – The Partridge Family & The Odd Couple debuted on ABC
1979 – Broadway Show – Evita (Musical) September 25, 1979
1980 – Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died from alcohol-induced asphyxiation. (Chocked on his own vomit)
1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
1997 – NBC’s hospital drama ER was performed live on TV
2002 – East End Show – Stomp (Dance Musical) September 25, 2002
2002 – East End Show – We Will Rock You (Musical) September 25, 2002
2006 – Heroes premiered on NBC
#1 Hit September 25, 2021 – October 8, 2021 – Stay – The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
75 is 25% shorter than 100 unless it is a time you type into the microwave, in which case it is 25% longer.
Saltwater taffy isn’t actually made with saltwater at all. They started calling it that as a joke, a marketing ploy, and it just took off from there.
“I blow bubbles when you are not near” #misunderstoodlyrics
The more people that hate you ideologically, the more significant you are from a historical perspective.
Everyone wants to be normal, but no one wants to be average.
“Did you bring me my cheez whiz, boy?” – the old man in The Blues Brothers #moviequotes
Notice the big letter on the face of the dollar bill? Each letter represents which Federal Reserve Bank printed it! “F” is for Atlanta
How was the Roman Empire cut in half? … With a pair of Caesars!
“We’ve got to stop this Veggie Monster rumor before me reputation ruined.” – Cookie Monster
25.8069758 the root of all evil.
There is no statement or opinion that exists in which everyone agrees upon, including this one.
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.” – Will Rogers
1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounced polygamy.
1906 – President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation’s first National Monument.
1960 – USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched.
1991 – Influential album, Nevermind, by Nirvana was released.
2019 – An impeachment inquiry was initiated by the United States House of Representatives against President Donald Trump.
If you were born on September 24th,
You were likely conceived the week of… January 1st (same year)
Devils Tower
If you’re wondering what the Devils Tower is, this spectacular wonder of nature is something you most definitely have come across in the 1977 movie Close encounters of the Third Kind. If you haven’t, don’t worry because this blog has you covered.
As the United States’ first official monument, Devils Tower is sacred to many Native American tribes. While some people claim that it’s a very old volcano, experts have to state otherwise.
According to many geologists, it’s an underground formation that came about from magma or molten rock. Some experts also claim that it’s about 50 million years old, and the erosion also occurred around ten million years ago.
However, today it’s heaven for the rock-climbing enthusiasts who come here in groups to climb their way to the top. As per some historians, this spot was famous for rock climbing even before the existence of modern climbing equipment. Moreover, the National Park Service states that this tower hosts over 6000 climbers annually, with the summer season as the peak time.
Sometimes the site is also closed when there are ceremonies held by Native Americans, especially around the summer solstice. If you’re wondering how the infamous name came about, it was first formulated in 1875 when a geologist accompanied Colonel Richard Dodge on a quest to expedite through the black hills region. Upon their arrival, they found the beauty so majestic that they described it as a remarkable peak.
Even though some native tribes are now calling the authorities out and requesting them to change the name, locals argue that a change of this nature would cause harm to regional tourism.
Today, this incredible site still witnesses ceremonies and rituals such as artifact offerings, sweat lodges, and sun dances. Locals and tourists are also discouraged from moving or touching any religious artifacts.
National Punctuation Day
September 24 is National Punctuation Day, a celebration of the importance of the correct use of quotation marks and a day of celebration for those of us who use them correctly. Although the event is not an officially recognized holiday, National Punctuation Day was created by Jeff Rubin to celebrate the underrated art of correct grammar. Rubin offers a range of ways to celebrate National Punctuation Day, including correcting shopkeepers for mistakes in signage at their stores, circling local newspapers with mistakes, and writing mistake-free letters to friends.
National Punctuation Day tends to get a little more ink, though, because so many people in the news business are obsessed with commas, colons, and apostrophes. An apostrophe can specify a plural or singular object, form a contraction, show ownership, or indicate missing letters or numbers, depending on how you use it.
September 24th is…
Cherries Jubilee Day
Punctuation Day
September 24th Birthday Quotes
“In a career playing heroes, I learned a little about the real thing. A hero stands up for himself, for herself, but most importantly for others.”
– Kevin Sorbo
“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
“You only get one life so you might as well make it a happy one, and that’s why I tend to just jump into things. I’m sort of a fearless idiot that way.”
– Nia Vardalos
“Competition is the hallmark of a free enterprise economy. For the past thirty years, however, corporate America has been doing everything it can to cut competition, with major corporations merging and consolidating at every opportunity.”
– Lou Dobbs
“The one thing I could do was voices and impersonations and weird characters, and there was really no call for that, except on Saturday Night Live.”
– Phil Hartman
September 24th Birthdays
1870 – Georges Claude, French chemist, and engineer, invented Neon lighting (died in 1960)
1896 – F. Scott Fitzgerald, American novelist and short-story writer (died in 1940)
1921 – Jim McKay, American sportscaster, and journalist (died in 2008)
1941 – Linda McCartney, American singer, photographer and activist (died in 1998)
1944 – Victoria Vetri, American model, and actress
1945 – Lou Dobbs, American journalist, and author
1946 – ‘Mean Joe’ Greene, American football player, coach, and actor
1948 – Phil Hartman, Canadian-American comedic actor (died in 1998)
1958 – Kevin Sorbo, American actor
1962 – Nia Vardalos, Canadian-American actress, and screenwriter
1989 – Pia Wurtzbach, Filipina actress, model, and Miss Universe 2015
September 24th History
1789 – The United State’s Post Office was formed.
1869 – Stock market panic due to crashing gold prices caused by an attempt to corner the market by Gould and Fisk.
1948 – The Honda Motor Company was founded in Japan.
1954 – Tonight Show premiered on NBC, hosted by Steve Allan.
1957 – MLB’s Brooklyn Dodgers played their last game at Ebbets Field.
1964 – The Munsters premiered on CBS.
1966 – #1 Hit September 24, 1966 – October 14, 1966: The Association – Cherish
1968 – 60 Minutes debuted on CBS.
1976 – Broadway Show – Oh! Calcutta! (Review) September 24, 1976
1977 – The Love Boat premiered on ABC
1983 – #1 Hit September 24, 1983 – September 30, 1983: Billy Joel – Tell Her About It
1988 – #1 Hit September 24, 1988 – October 7, 1988: Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry, Be Happy
1991 – Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik & Nirvana’s Nevermind were released on the same date – September 24, 1991
1992 – The Sci-Fi Channel (now SyFy) debuted with Star Wars
2007 – The Big Bang Theory premiered on CBS
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
A day is basically night with a big star lighting it. #stars
For every human on Earth, there are 1.6 million ants.
I wonder what all the 90s 18/f/Cali girls from AOL chat are doing today…
There are more fake flamingos in the world than real ones.
James Stewart – Real Name: Stewart Granger
The Stonewall National Monument became the first national monument dedicated to LGBT rights on June 24th, 2016. This monument encompasses the Stonewall Inn, the location of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which are widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern LGBT rights movement.
“You can call us Aaron Burr, by the way we’re droppin’ Hamiltons.” #songlyrics #history
“A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.” – John Lubbock
The cop that pulls Mike Meyers over for speeding in ‘Wayne’s World’ is actually Robert Patrick trying to find teenage John Connor.
How many holes of donuts were wasted before people realized the centers were also edible?
“Well, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don’t they? ” – Scarecrow
All About Eve (1950) Gross: $8.4 million. Starring: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders. US Release Date: October 13, 1950. Plot: A biting and witty drama about the ruthless competition and backstabbing in the world of theater, focusing on the relationship between a fading stage actress and a cunning and ambitious young fan who manipulates her way into the inner circle, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and winning six Oscars.
Harriet the Spy (1996) Gross: $26.6 million. Starring: Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O’Donnell. US Release Date: July 10, 1996. Plot: Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. But when Harriet’s friends find her private notebook, they read it out loud, causing Harriet to lose her friends and standing in the community.
Good Burger (1997) Gross: $23.7 million. Starring: Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell. US Release Date: July 25, 1997. Plot: Two high school students work at a fast-food restaurant called Good Burger and battle the new rival restaurant across the street, Mondo Burger.
The Rugrats Movie (1998) Gross: $140.9 million. Starring: Christine Cavanaugh, E.G. Daily. US Release Date: November 20, 1998. Plot: Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and newborn baby Dil get lost in the forest while trying to return Dil to the hospital.
Snow Day (2000) Gross: $62.5 million. Starring: Chris Elliott, Mark Webber. US Release Date: February 11, 2000. Plot: A group of kids try to keep their neighborhood’s snow day from being ruined by the evil snow plow driver.
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000) Gross: $103.3 million. Starring: Christine Cavanaugh, Susan Sarandon. US Release Date: November 17, 2000. Plot: The Rugrats go to Paris, France, where Chuckie’s dad is planning to get married.
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001) Gross: $103.9 million. Starring: Debi Derryberry, Patrick Stewart. US Release Date: December 21, 2001. Plot: Jimmy Neutron and his friends must rescue their parents after they are abducted by aliens.
Clockstoppers (2002) Gross: $38.8 million. Starring: Jesse Bradford, French Stewart. US Release Date: March 29, 2002. Plot: A high school student discovers a watch that can stop time and must use it to save his father from a dangerous group of individuals.
Hey Arnold! The Movie (2002) Gross: $15.2 million. Starring: Spencer Klein, Francesca Marie Smith. US Release Date: June 28, 2002. Plot: When a developer threatens to tear down Arnold’s neighborhood, he and his friends must find a way to stop them.
The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) Gross: $60.7 million. Starring: Lacey Chabert, Tim Curry. US Release Date: December 20, 2002. Plot: The Thornberrys are on a mission to save a family of elephants in Africa from poachers.
Rugrats Go Wild (2003) Gross: $55.4 million. Starring: E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright. US Release Date: June 13, 2003. Plot: While on the island, the Rugrats and Thornberrys must work together to survive and find a way off the island. They also discover that their favorite animal, Nigel Thornberry’s beloved orangutan, is missing and set out to find her. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, but eventually come together to save the day.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004) Gross: $140.2 million. Starring: Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown. US Release Date: November 19, 2004. Plot: SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick journey to Shell City to retrieve King Neptune’s crown and save Bikini Bottom from Plankton’s evil plan.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) Gross: $209.1 million. Starring: Jim Carrey, Emily Browning, Liam Aiken. US Release Date: December 17, 2004. Plot: The Baudelaire children are orphaned and sent to live with their eccentric relative Count Olaf, who has sinister plans for their inheritance.
Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) Gross: $8.1 million. Starring: Various students from New York City public schools. US Release Date: May 13, 2005. Plot: Documentary following a group of 11-year-old students from New York City as they prepare for a ballroom dancing competition.
Yours, Mine & Ours (2005) Gross: $72 million. Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rene Russo. US Release Date: November 23, 2005. Plot: A widowed Coast Guard admiral with eight children marries a widowed handbag designer with ten children, leading to chaos and hilarity.
Barnyard (2006) Gross: $116.5 million. Starring: Kevin James, Courteney Cox. US Release Date: August 4, 2006. Plot: A group of farm animals led by Otis the cow party and play when the farmer is away, but must defend their home when a pack of coyotes attack.
Charlotte’s Web (2006) Gross: $144.9 million. Starring: Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts. US Release Date: December 15, 2006. Plot: A spider named Charlotte befriends a pig named Wilbur and helps him avoid being slaughtered by writing messages in her web to convince the farmer that he’s special.
The Last Airbender (2010) Gross: $319.7 million. Starring: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Dev Patel. US Release Date: July 1, 2010. Plot: Based on the animated TV series, a young boy with the power to control the elements must defeat the evil Fire Nation and restore balance to the world.
Rango (2011) Gross: $245.7 million. Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher. US Release Date: March 4, 2011. Plot: A chameleon who dreams of being a hero becomes the sheriff of a town in the Wild West and must save the town from a gang of bandits.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011) Gross: $373 million. Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis. US Release Date: December 21, 2011. Plot: Based on the comic book series, young journalist Tintin and his dog Snowy embark on a treasure hunt that leads them on a wild adventure.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015) Gross: $323.4 million. Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke. US Release Date: February 6, 2015. Plot: SpongeBob and his friends journey to the surface world to retrieve the secret Krabby Patty formula from a villainous pirate.
Monster Trucks (2016) Gross: $64.5 million. Starring: Lucas Till, Jane Levy. US Release Date: January 13, 2017. Plot: A high school student builds a monster truck from scrapped cars and an alien creature, which becomes his friend and helps him battle an evil oil company.
Power Rangers (2017) Gross: $142.3 million. Starring: Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott. US Release Date: March 24, 2017. Plot: Based on the TV series, a group of high school students discover ancient artifacts that give them superpowers and must band together as the Power Rangers to save the world.
Wonder Park (2019) Gross: $119.6 million. Starring: Brianna Denski, Jennifer Garner. US Release Date: March 15, 2019. Plot: A young girl with a vivid imagination creates a magical amusement park called Wonderland, but must save it from darkness when it starts to come to life.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) Gross: $120.2 million. Starring: Isabela Moner, Eva Longoria. US Release Date: August 9, 2019. Plot: Based on the TV series, teenage explorer Dora sets out on a dangerous adventure to save her parents and uncover the secrets of the lost city of gold.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020) Gross: $4.7 million. Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke. US Release Date: March 4, 2021 (streaming release). Plot: SpongeBob and Patrick embark on a rescue mission to save Gary the snail, who has been kidnapped by Poseidon and taken to the Lost City of Atlantic City.
Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021) Gross: $146.2 million. Starring: Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin. US Release Date: August 20, 2021. Plot: Based on the TV series, the Paw Patrol team must save their city from a nefarious mayor who wants to banish all the dogs.
Billy Madison (1995) Gross: $26.5 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Bridgette Wilson. US Release Date: February 10, 1995. Plot: Billy Madison is a slacker who must repeat grades 1-12 in order to inherit his father’s hotel business.
Happy Gilmore (1996) Gross: $41.2 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald. US Release Date: February 16, 1996. Plot: A failed hockey player becomes a golfer to save his grandmother’s house from being repossessed.
The Wedding Singer (1998) Gross: $80.2 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. US Release Date: February 13, 1998. Plot: A wedding singer falls in love with a waitress and must win her over before she marries a wealthy but unfaithful fiancé.
The Waterboy (1998) Gross: $161.5 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates. US Release Date: November 6, 1998. Plot: A waterboy with anger issues becomes a star linebacker for his college football team.
Big Daddy (1999) Gross: $163.5 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams. US Release Date: June 25, 1999. Plot: A lazy man tries to prove to his girlfriend that he can take care of a child by adopting a young boy.
Little Nicky (2000) Gross: $58.3 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Harvey Keitel. US Release Date: November 10, 2000. Plot: The youngest son of Satan must travel to Earth to retrieve his two rogue brothers and save his father’s kingdom.
Mr. Deeds (2002) Gross: $171.3 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder. US Release Date: June 28, 2002. Plot: A small-town guy inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where he must deal with greedy relatives and a love interest with ulterior motives.
Anger Management (2003) Gross: $195.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Jack Nicholson. US Release Date: April 11, 2003. Plot: A man with anger issues is ordered by a court to attend anger management classes, where he meets an eccentric therapist.
50 First Dates (2004) Gross: $196.3 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. US Release Date: February 13, 2004. Plot: A man falls in love with a woman who has short-term memory loss, and must make her fall in love with him every day.
Spanglish (2004) Gross: $55.4 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Paz Vega. US Release Date: December 17, 2004. Plot: A chef hires a housekeeper who doesn’t speak English and struggles to fit in with his upper-class family.
The Longest Yard (2005) Gross: $190 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds, and Nelly. US Release Date: May 27, 2005. Plot: The film follows the story of former NFL quarterback Paul Crewe, played by Sandler, who is arrested for stealing his girlfriend’s car and driving it into a tree while intoxicated. He is sent to a Texas prison where he meets a group of inmates who convince him to coach their prison football team. Crewe agrees, but only if they play against the guards’ team.
Click (2006) Gross: $237.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale. US Release Date: June 23, 2006. Plot: A workaholic architect acquires a remote control that allows him to fast-forward through unpleasant parts of his life, but soon learns that skipping ahead has unintended consequences.
Reign Over Me (2007) Gross: $22.2 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle. US Release Date: March 23, 2007. Plot: A man who lost his family in the 9/11 attacks struggles to cope with his grief and reconnect with an old friend.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) Gross: $186.1 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James. US Release Date: July 20, 2007. Plot: Two firefighters pretend to be a gay couple in order to receive domestic partner benefits, but their plan backfires when they are investigated for fraud.
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008) Gross: $201.4 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, John Turturro. US Release Date: June 6, 2008. Plot: An Israeli commando fakes his own death so he can move to New York City and pursue his dream of becoming a hairstylist.
Bedtime Stories (2008) Gross: $212.9 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Keri Russell. US Release Date: December 25, 2008. Plot: A hotel handyman tells bedtime stories to his niece and nephew, which start to come true in unexpected ways.
Funny People (2009) Gross: $71.6 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen. US Release Date: July 31, 2009. Plot: A famous comedian with a terminal illness takes a young comedian under his wing, but struggles to reconcile his success with his personal life.
Grown Ups (2010) Gross: $271.4 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James. US Release Date: June 25, 2010. Plot: A group of childhood friends reunite for a Fourth of July weekend, but discover that their lives have gone in unexpected directions.
Just Go with It (2011) Gross: $214.9 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston. US Release Date: February 11, 2011. Plot: A plastic surgeon asks his assistant to pretend to be his ex-wife in order to cover up a lie he told to impress his new girlfriend.
Jack and Jill (2011) Gross: $149.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes. US Release Date: November 11, 2011. Plot: A successful ad executive is visited by his twin sister Jill during Thanksgiving, and must endure her annoying antics.
That’s My Boy (2012) Gross: $57.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg. US Release Date: June 15, 2012. Plot: American comedy film directed by Sean Anders and starring Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. The film tells the story of Donny Berger, a middle-aged man who reunites with his estranged son Todd on the eve of his wedding, with disastrous and hilarious consequences.
Grown Ups 2 (2013) Gross: $247 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock. US Release Date: July 12, 2013. Plot: After moving his family back to his hometown, Lenny reunites with his childhood friends and finds out that sometimes crazy follows you.
Blended (2014) Gross: $128 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. US Release Date: May 23, 2014. Plot: After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren and Jim end up at the same African safari resort with their respective children.
The Cobbler (2014) Gross: $2.9 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Dan Stevens. US Release Date: March 13, 2015. Plot: A shoe repairman discovers a magical heirloom that allows him to step into the lives of his customers and see things from their perspective.
Pixels (2015) Gross: $244.9 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Josh Gad. US Release Date: July 24, 2015. Plot: When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack Earth using the games as models.
The Ridiculous 6 (2015) Gross: N/A (Netflix Original). Starring: Adam Sandler, Terry Crews, Rob Schneider. US Release Date: December 11, 2015. Plot: An outlaw who was raised by Native Americans discovers that he has five half-brothers and sets out on a journey to reunite with them.
The Do-Over (2016) Gross: N/A (Netflix Original). Starring: Adam Sandler, David Spade. US Release Date: May 27, 2016. Plot: Two old friends decide to fake their own deaths and start over with new identities, but things quickly spiral out of control.
Sandy Wexler (2017) Gross: N/A (Netflix Original). Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Hudson. US Release Date: April 14, 2017. Plot: A talent manager in the 1990s represents a group of eccentric clients and falls in love with his newest discovery.
The Meyerowitz Stories (2017) Gross: N/A (Netflix Original). Starring: Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman. US Release Date: October 13, 2017. Plot: An estranged family gathers in New York City for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father.
Murder Mystery (2019) Gross: N/A (Netflix Original). Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston. US Release Date: June 14, 2019. Plot: A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation and get caught up in a murder investigation aboard a billionaire’s yacht.
Uncut Gems (2019) Gross: $50.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield. US Release Date: December 13, 2019. Plot: A New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction risks everything to pay
Reservoir Dogs (1992) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen. US Release Date: October 23, 1992. Plot: A group of criminals who have never met before are brought together to pull off a diamond heist, but things go awry and they suspect that there may be a police informant among them.
Pulp Fiction (1994) Gross: $213.9 million. Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman. US Release Date: October 14, 1994. Plot: The lives of several criminals and their associates intertwine in a series of interrelated stories that take place over the course of several days in Los Angeles.
Jackie Brown (1997) Gross: $74.7 million. Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster. US Release Date: December 25, 1997. Plot: A flight attendant smuggles cash for a gunrunner, but gets caught and must choose between prison and helping the ATF bring him down.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) Gross: $180.9 million. Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox. US Release Date: October 10, 2003. Plot: A former assassin known as “The Bride” seeks revenge on her former boss and his team of assassins who tried to kill her and her unborn child.
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) Gross: $152.2 million. Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine. US Release Date: April 16, 2004. Plot: The Bride continues her quest for revenge, seeking out and killing the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad.
Death Proof (2007) Gross: $30.7 million. Starring: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Zoë Bell. US Release Date: April 6, 2007. Plot: A psychopathic stuntman who uses his “death proof” car to kill young women finds himself on the wrong end of a group of tough women who are out for revenge.
Inglourious Basterds (2009) Gross: $321.5 million. Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent. US Release Date: August 21, 2009. Plot: A group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the “Basterds” are sent behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France to spread fear and chaos among the German troops, while a young Jewish woman plans her own revenge against the Nazi leadership.
Django Unchained (2012) Gross: $425.4 million. Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio. US Release Date: December 25, 2012. Plot: A slave-turned-bounty hunter and a German bounty hunter team up to rescue the slave’s wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.
The Hateful Eight (2015) Gross: $155.8 million. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh. US Release Date: December 25, 2015. The film takes place in Wyoming in the aftermath of the Civil War and follows a group of strangers who take shelter in a stagecoach stopover during a blizzard. The strangers include a bounty hunter named John Ruth, who is transporting a prisoner named Daisy Domergue to be hanged, and another bounty hunter named Major Marquis Warren. As the strangers begin to reveal their true intentions and alliances, tensions rise and violence ensues.
Jaws (1975) Gross: $470.7 million. Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss. US Release Date: June 20, 1975. Plot: A great white shark terrorizes a New England beach town, forcing the local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman to team up and hunt it down.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Gross: $303.8 million. Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut. US Release Date: November 16, 1977. Plot: After an encounter with a UFO, a man becomes obsessed with discovering the meaning behind the mysterious visions that plague him.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Gross: $389.9 million. Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen. US Release Date: June 12, 1981. Plot: Adventurer Indiana Jones sets out on a mission to recover the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can use it to achieve world domination.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Gross: $792.9 million. Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore. US Release Date: June 11, 1982. Plot: A young boy befriends a stranded alien and helps him find a way back to his home planet while protecting him from government agents who want to capture him.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) Gross: $333.1 million. Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw. US Release Date: May 23, 1984. Plot: Indiana Jones sets out on a quest to recover a mystical stone and rescue enslaved children from a cult in India.
The Color Purple (1985) Gross: $142.9 million. Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey. US Release Date: December 18, 1985. Plot: An African American woman in the early 20th century struggles to find her place in the world and overcome abuse and discrimination.
Empire of the Sun (1987) Gross: $66.7 million. Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich. US Release Date: December 9, 1987. Plot: A young British boy living in Shanghai during World War II becomes separated from his parents and must learn to survive in a Japanese internment camp.
Jurassic Park (1993) Gross: $1.03 billion. Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum. US Release Date: June 11, 1993. Plot: A billionaire creates a theme park with cloned dinosaurs, but when the creatures break loose, a group of visitors must fight for their lives.
Schindler’s List (1993) Gross: $322.2 million. Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes. US Release Date: December 15, 1993. Plot: A German businessman saves the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
Amistad (1997) Gross: $44.2 million. Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Hopkins. US Release date: December 10, 1997. The film stars Djimon Hounsou as Sengbe Pieh (also known as Joseph Cinque), the leader of the revolt, and Anthony Hopkins as John Quincy Adams, a former U.S. President who becomes the defense attorney for the African captives. Other notable cast members include Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, and Nigel Hawthorne.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) Gross: $481.8 million. Starring: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon. US Release Date: July 24, 1998. Plot: During World War II, a group of soldiers set out on a dangerous mission to find and rescue a paratrooper whose three brothers have been killed in action.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) Gross: $235.9 million. Starring: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law. US Release Date: June 29, 2001. Plot: In a future where robots have become commonplace, a young android boy seeks to become a real boy in order to win the love of his human mother.
Minority Report (2002) Gross: $358.4 million. Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell. US Release Date: June 21, 2002. Plot: In a future where crimes can be predicted and prevented before they occur, a police officer is accused of a future murder and must go on the run to clear his name.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) Gross: $352.1 million. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks. US Release Date: December 25, 2002. Plot: Based on the true story of a young con artist who successfully impersonated a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, while being pursued by an FBI agent.
The Terminal (2004) Gross: $219.4 million. Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones. US Release Date: June 18, 2004. Plot: An Eastern European man becomes trapped in a New York airport terminal when his country undergoes a political upheaval, and he is unable to enter the United States or return home.
War of the Worlds (2005) Gross: $591.7 million. Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning. US Release Date: June 29, 2005. Plot: An alien invasion threatens the survival of humanity, and a father must protect his children as they try to survive and find a way to fight back.
Munich (2005) Gross: $130.4 million. Starring: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig. US Release Date: December 23, 2005. Plot: Based on true events, a group of Israeli operatives are sent to track down and assassinate those responsible for the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Gross: $786.6 million. Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf. US Release Date: May 22, 2008. Plot: Indiana Jones sets out on a quest to find a mythical artifact and battle Soviet agents who seek to use its power for their own purposes.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011) Gross: $373.9 million. Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis. US Release Date: December 21, 2011. Plot: Based on the popular comic book series, young reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy set out on a globe-trotting adventure to solve a mystery and find a sunken treasure
War Horse (2011) Gross: $177.6 million. Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson. US Release Date: December 25, 2011. Plot: Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, a young boy’s beloved horse is sold to the cavalry during World War I, and the boy sets out on a dangerous mission to reunite with him.
Lincoln (2012) Gross: $275.3 million. Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field. US Release Date: November 9, 2012. Plot: A biopic of President Abraham Lincoln, chronicling his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and end slavery in America.
Bridge of Spies (2015) Gross: $165.5 million. Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance. US Release Date: October 16, 2015. Plot: Based on true events, an American lawyer is recruited by the CIA to negotiate the release of a U.S. pilot shot down over the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
The BFG (2016) Gross: $183.3 million. Starring: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill. US Release Date: July 1, 2016. Plot: Based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl, a young orphan girl teams up with a friendly giant to stop the man-eating giants who threaten to consume the world.
Ready Player One (2018) Gross: $582.9 million. Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke. US Release Date: March 29, 2018. Plot: In a dystopian future, people spend most of their time in a virtual reality world called the OASIS, and a teenager sets out on a quest to find the creator’s Easter Egg and win control of the OASIS.
West Side Story (2021) Gross: $46.6 million (as of March 16, 2023). Starring: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler. US Release Date: December 10, 2021. Plot: A modern retelling of the classic musical, following the rivalry between two gangs in 1950s New York and the romance between a member of each gang.
Rock Around the Clock (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Bill Haley and His Comets. US Release Date: March 21, 1956. Plot: A concert film featuring performances by Bill Haley and His Comets, as well as other rock and roll acts, and following the band on a tour of the UK.
Don’t Knock the Rock (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Bill Haley and His Comets, Little Richard. US Release Date: December 12, 1956. Plot: A young businessman attempts to ban rock and roll music from his town, but a group of teenagers and rock stars, including Bill Haley and Little Richard, band together to fight for their music.
The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Eddie Cochran. US Release Date: December 1, 1956. Plot: A down-on-his-luck talent agent is tasked with turning a former gangster’s girlfriend into a music star, with the help of a number of popular rock and roll performers.
Loving You (1957) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Elvis Presley, Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey. US Release Date: July 9, 1957. Plot: An ex-con becomes a singing sensation with the help of a publicist, but must navigate the pitfalls of fame and romance.
Jailhouse Rock (1957) Gross: $4 million. Starring: Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler. US Release Date: October 17, 1957. Plot: A young man with a talent for music and a penchant for trouble finds success as a rock and roll singer while serving time in prison.
Mister Rock and Roll (1957) Gross: N/A. Starring: Alan Freed, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker. US Release Date: October 31, 1957. Plot: A fictionalized version of the life of Alan Freed, a popular radio DJ and promoter of rock and roll music, featuring performances by Chuck Berry and LaVern Baker.
Let’s Rock (1958) Gross: N/A. Starring: Julius La Rosa, Phyllis Newman. US Release Date: August 13, 1958. Plot: A young man dreams of making it as a rock and roll star, and gets his chance when he’s discovered by a record producer, but must choose between his new career and his girlfriend.
Go, Johnny, Go! (1959) Gross: N/A. Starring: Jimmy Clanton, Chuck Berry, Alan Freed. US Release Date: March 7, 1959. Plot: A young man becomes a successful rock and roll singer, but must deal with the challenges of fame and fortune, including being caught up in a rivalry between two record producers.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963) Gross: $8.2 million. Starring: Ann-Margret, Dick Van Dyke. US Release Date: April 4, 1963. Plot: A rock and roll singer is drafted into the army, leaving behind his fans and a teenage girl who has won a contest to kiss him goodbye.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964) Gross: $12.4 million. Starring: The Beatles. US Release Date: August 11, 1964. Plot: A day in the life of the Beatles, as they travel to a TV performance, evade screaming fans, and perform several of their hit songs.
The T.A.M.I. Show (1964) Gross: N/A. Starring: The Rolling Stones, James Brown, The Beach Boys, The Supremes. US Release Date: December 29, 1964. Plot: A concert film featuring some of the biggest names in rock and roll and soul music, including James Brown, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys.
Beach Party (1965) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon. US Release Date: August 18, 1965. Plot: A group of teenagers head to the beach for a party, complete with surfing, music, and romance.
Help! (1965) Gross: $12 million. Starring: The Beatles. US Release Date: August 25, 1965. Plot: The Beatles are pursued by a cult that believes one of their rings holds mystical powers, while also trying to record a new album.
T.A.C.T.I.C.A.L. (1966) Gross: N/A. Starring: The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Mamas & The Papas, Donovan. US Release Date: August 31, 1966. Plot: A concert film featuring performances by popular rock and roll and folk rock acts of the time.
The Monkees (1968-1970) Gross: N/A. Starring: The Monkees
US Release Dates: September 12, 1968 – March 25, 1970. Plot: A TV show featuring a fictionalized version of the band The Monkees, as they get into wacky hijinks and perform their hit songs.
Yellow Submarine (1968) Gross: $36.2 million. Starring: The Beatles. US Release Date: November 13, 1968. Plot: An animated adventure featuring The Beatles, as they travel to a magical land and battle the evil Blue Meanies.
Beach Party (1963) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon. US Release Date: August 7, 1963. Plot: A group of teenagers head to the beach for a party, complete with surfing, music, and romance. They’re joined by a group of motorcycle-riding troublemakers, but all conflicts are resolved by the end.
Muscle Beach Party (1964) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon. US Release Date: March 25, 1964. Plot: The gang heads to a gym in Santa Monica where they encounter a rival group of bodybuilders. Romance and hijinks ensue, with musical performances by Dick Dale and His Del-Tones and Little Stevie Wonder.
Bikini Beach (1964) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon. US Release Date: July 22, 1964. Plot: The gang heads to a beach club where they encounter a motorcycle gang, led by Eric Von Zipper. Meanwhile, a scientist experiments with a new formula that turns people into muscle-bound beasts.
Pajama Party (1964) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Tommy Kirk. US Release Date: November 11, 1964. Plot: The gang throws a slumber party, but things get complicated when a Martian lands on Earth and tries to fit in with the teenagers. There’s also a subplot about a drag race.
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965) Gross: $4.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon. US Release Date: April 14, 1965. Plot: The gang participates in a skydiving contest, but things get complicated when a British pop star comes to town and sets his sights on Frankie’s girlfriend. Meanwhile, Eric Von Zipper and his gang plot to kidnap Sugar Kane.
How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Annette Funicello, Dwayne Hickman. US Release Date: July 14, 1965. Plot: Frankie is away in Tahiti, so the gang hires a witch doctor to keep an eye on his girlfriend, but things get complicated when a wealthy businessman tries to buy the beach. Meanwhile, Eric Von Zipper and his gang are back and plotting to sabotage the beach party.
The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966) Gross: N/A. Starring: Tommy Kirk, Deborah Walley. US Release Date: April 6, 1966. Plot: The gang inherits a mansion from a dead millionaire, but must spend the night there to claim their inheritance. Meanwhile, the millionaire’s ghost is on a mission to help the teenagers find true love.
Woodstock (1970) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Various artists, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Janis Joplin. US Release Date: March 26, 1970. Plot: A documentary chronicling the 1969 Woodstock Festival, which brought together some of the biggest names in rock and roll and became a defining moment of the counterculture movement.
Gimme Shelter (1970) Gross: N/A. Starring: The Rolling Stones. US Release Date: December 6, 1970. Plot: A documentary that follows The Rolling Stones on their 1969 US tour, culminating in the disastrous Altamont Free Concert, where a man was killed by a member of the audience.
American Graffiti (1973) Gross: $140 million. Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford. US Release Date: August 11, 1973. Plot: A coming-of-age story set in 1962, following a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets of a small California town, listen to rock and roll music, and try to figure out their futures.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Gross: $140 million. Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick. US Release Date: September 26, 1975. Plot: A musical comedy horror film about a newly engaged couple who get lost in the woods and stumble upon a bizarre castle inhabited by a group of strange characters, including Dr. Frank N. Furter, a transvestite scientist.
Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982) Gross: $22.2 million. Starring: Bob Geldof. US Release Date: September 17, 1982. Plot: A surreal film based on Pink Floyd’s concept album, The Wall, about a rock star named Pink who is struggling with isolation and personal demons.
Quadrophenia (1979) Gross: N/A. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Sting. US Release Date: November 2, 1979. Plot: A British film about a young man named Jimmy who is struggling to find his place in society and turns to the mod subculture, which revolves around music, fashion, and scooter riding.
Saturday Night Fever (1977) Gross: $237.1 million. Starring: John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney. US Release Date: December 14, 1977. Plot: A disco film about a young man named Tony who dreams of making it big on the dance floor, while dealing with the realities of life in his working-class Brooklyn neighborhood. The film features music by The Bee Gees.
The Blues Brothers (1980) Gross: $115.2 million. Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd. US Release Date: June 20, 1980. Plot: A comedy film about two brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, who put their old band back together to raise money for the Catholic orphanage where they were raised, while being pursued by the police and other enemies.
Xanadu (1980) Gross: $22.8 million. Starring: Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly. US Release Date: August 8, 1980. Plot: A musical fantasy film about a young artist who meets a mysterious woman named Kira, who inspires him to open a roller disco with the help of a former big band musician.
Heavy Metal (1981) Gross: $20.1 million. Starring: Voices of John Candy, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy. US Release Date: August 7, 1981. Plot: An animated science fiction anthology film featuring a variety of stories based on the comic book magazine of the same name, with a soundtrack featuring heavy metal and hard rock music.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) Gross: $4.7 million. Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer. US Release Date: March 2, 1984. Plot: A mockumentary about a fictional heavy metal band called Spinal Tap, who are on a disastrous concert tour across America.
Purple Rain (1984) Gross: $68.4 million. Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero. US Release Date: July 27, 1984. Plot: A musical drama film about a talented but troubled musician named The Kid, who struggles with his family life, his bandmates, and his romantic relationships while performing at a Minneapolis nightclub. The film features a soundtrack by Prince.
Sid and Nancy (1986) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb. US Release Date: November 7, 1986. Plot: A biographical film about the tumultuous relationship between Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, leading up to Vicious’ untimely death.
The Commitments (1991) Gross: $14.9 million. Starring: Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball. US Release Date: August 14, 1991. Plot: A musical comedy-drama film about a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band, inspired by the music of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. The film features performances of classic soul songs, as well as original songs written for the film.
The Doors (1991) Gross: $34.4 million. Starring: Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan. US Release Date: March 1, 1991. Plot: A biographical film about the rise and fall of the iconic rock band The Doors, focusing on the life of lead singer Jim Morrison and his struggles with addiction and fame.
Wayne’s World (1992) Gross: $183.1 million. Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey. US Release Date: February 14, 1992. Plot: A comedy film based on the popular Saturday Night Live sketch about two metalheads, Wayne and Garth, who host a public access TV show from Wayne’s basement, while dealing with romantic entanglements and corporate interests.
The Bodyguard (1992) Gross: $411 million. Starring: Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner. US Release Date: November 25, 1992. Plot: A romantic thriller film about a former Secret Service agent who becomes a bodyguard for a famous pop singer, and falls in love with her while protecting her from a stalker. The film features a soundtrack by Whitney Houston.
Dazed and Confused (1993) Gross: $8.1 million. Starring: Jason London, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck. US Release Date: September 24, 1993. Plot: A coming-of-age film set in 1976, following a group of high school students on their last day of school, as they navigate social hierarchies, hazing rituals, and a search for a good time.
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996) Gross: $63.1 million. Starring: Voices of Mike Judge, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis. US Release Date: December 20, 1996. Plot: A comedy film based on the popular MTV animated series about two teenage metalheads who travel across America in search of their stolen television, while getting into misadventures and encountering various celebrities.
Selena (1997) Gross: $35.4 million. Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos. US Release Date: March 21, 1997. Plot: A biographical film about the life and career of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, from her childhood in Texas to her rise to fame and tragic death at the hands of a fan.
Almost Famous (2000) Gross: $47.4 million. Starring: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup. US Release Date: September 13, 2000. Plot: A semi-autobiographical film by writer-director Cameron Crowe, based on his experiences as a teenage rock journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s, following a young writer as he goes on tour with a fictional band and develops relationships with its members and other figures in the music industry.
Dracula (1931) Gross: $1.2 million. Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye. US Release Date: February 14, 1931. Plot: Based on the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, the film tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who travels from Transylvania to England to spread his curse, and the group of people who try to stop him.
Frankenstein (1931) Gross: $12 million. Starring: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Mae Clarke. US Release Date: November 21, 1931. Plot: Based on the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley, the film tells the story of Henry Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts, and the creature’s tragic existence.
The Mummy (1932) Gross: $2 million. Starring: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners. US Release Date: December 22, 1932. Plot: An archaeologist accidentally revives a mummified priest named Imhotep, who seeks to reunite with his long-lost love, and terrorizes those who stand in his way.
King Kong (1933) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot. US Release Date: March 2, 1933. Plot: A giant ape named Kong is captured on a remote island and brought to New York City to be put on display, but escapes and wreaks havoc before meeting his tragic fate.
The Invisible Man (1933) Gross: $1.2 million. Starring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan. US Release Date: November 13, 1933. Plot: A scientist named Jack Griffin discovers a way to make himself invisible, but the process drives him mad and he becomes a dangerous criminal, hunted by the authorities.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Gross: N/A. Starring: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive. US Release Date: April 22, 1935. Plot: A sequel to Frankenstein, the film picks up where the original left off, with Henry Frankenstein attempting to create a mate for his monster, but the result is a tragic and horrifying creature.
Dracula’s Daughter (1936) Gross: N/A. Starring: Gloria Holden, Edward Van Sloan, Otto Kruger. US Release Date: May 11, 1936. Plot: A sequel to Dracula, the film follows the daughter of the infamous vampire, who tries to break free from her father’s curse and resist her own bloodthirsty urges.
The Devil-Doll (1936) Gross: N/A. Starring: Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O’Sullivan, Frank Lawton. US Release Date: July 10, 1936. Plot: An escaped prisoner teams up with a former scientist to exact revenge on those who wronged him, using a miniaturization process to create living dolls that can carry out his plans.
Son of Frankenstein (1939) Gross: N/A. Starring: Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, and Bela Lugosi. US Release Date: January 13, 1939. Plot: Centers around Wolf von Frankenstein (played by Rathbone), the son of the infamous scientist who created the monster. Wolf inherits his father’s estate and becomes fascinated with his work, eventually deciding to carry on his experiments. He discovers the monster (played by Karloff) is still alive and living in a nearby cave, and decides to rehabilitate him, hoping to restore his humanity. However, a series of murders in the village make the townspeople suspicious of the von Frankenstein family, and a twisted plot is revealed.
The Wolf Man (1941) Gross: $2.3 million. Starring: Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains, Evelyn Ankers. US Release Date: December 12, 1941. Plot: A man named Larry Talbot returns to his ancestral home in Wales and is bitten by a werewolf, becoming one himself and terrorizing the villagers.
Cat People (1942) Gross: $4 million. Starring: Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Jane Randolph. US Release Date: December 25, 1942. Plot: A Serbian immigrant named Irena believes she is cursed to turn into a panther if she becomes sexually aroused, causing tension in her marriage to a New York City architect.
I Walked with a Zombie (1943) Gross: N/A. Starring: Frances Dee, Tom Conway, James Ellison. US Release Date: April 21, 1943. Plot: A nurse is hired to care for the wife of a sugar plantation owner on a Caribbean island, but becomes embroiled in the island’s voodoo culture and the family’s dark secrets.
The Seventh Victim (1943) Gross: N/A. Starring: Kim Hunter, Tom Conway, Jean Brooks. US Release Date: August 21, 1943. Plot: A young woman named Mary travels to New York City in search of her missing sister, who has become involved with a sinister cult.
The Curse of the Cat People (1944) Gross: N/A. Starring: Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Jane Randolph. US Release Date: April 21, 1944. Plot: A sequel to Cat People, the film follows the young daughter of the original film’s protagonist, who becomes friends with an imaginary playmate that may be the ghost of her father’s first wife.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed. US Release Date: March 1, 1945. Plot: Based on the 1890 novel by Oscar Wilde, the film follows a young man who makes a deal to stay young and beautiful while his portrait ages and reflects his sins.
Dead of Night (1945) Gross: N/A. Starring: Mervyn Johns, Roland Culver, Sally Ann Howes. US Release Date: September 4, 1945. Plot: An anthology horror film consisting of several supernatural tales told by guests at a country house party, including a haunted mirror, a ventriloquist dummy, and a Christmas ghost story.
The Spiral Staircase (1946) Gross: N/A. Starring: Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore. US Release Date: February 6, 1946. Plot: A young woman named Helen, who is unable to speak due to a childhood trauma, becomes trapped in a mansion with a serial killer who preys on disabled women.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) Gross: N/A. Starring: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders. US Release Date: June 26, 1947. Plot: The film tells the story of a young widow named Lucy Muir (Tierney) who moves with her daughter and maid to a seaside cottage haunted by the ghost of a former owner, a charming sea captain named Daniel Gregg (Harrison). Initially, Lucy is frightened by the ghostly presence, but over time, the two develop a friendship and eventually fall in love. However, their love is complicated by the fact that Daniel is a ghost and cannot be with Lucy in the flesh.
The Thing from Another World (1951) Gross: N/A. Starring: Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, James Arness. US Release Date: April 6, 1951. Plot: A group of scientists at an Arctic research outpost discover a crashed alien spaceship and the body of its occupant, which they accidentally revive and must stop before it can kill them all.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Gross: $1.85 million. Starring: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe. US Release Date: September 28, 1951. Plot: An alien named Klaatu arrives in Washington D.C. with a message of peace for humanity, but is met with hostility and suspicion, leading to a standoff with the military.
The War of the Worlds (1953) Gross: $2 million. Starring: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne. US Release Date: August 26, 1953. Plot: Based on the 1898 novel by H.G. Wells, the film depicts a Martian invasion of Earth, and follows a scientist and his wife as they try to survive and fight back against the alien invaders.
House of Wax (1953) Gross: $23.75 million. Starring: Vincent Price, Phyllis Kirk, Frank Lovejoy. US Release Date: April 25, 1953. Plot: A sculptor named Professor Henry Jarrod creates lifelike wax figures of historical figures, but when his business partner burns down their museum for the insurance money, Jarrod is believed to have died in the fire, only to return later with a new and disturbing exhibit.
Them! (1954) Gross: $2.23 million. Starring: James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon. US Release Date: June 19, 1954. Plot: Giant radioactive ants emerge from the New Mexico desert and threaten to spread across the country, prompting a team of scientists and the military to try to stop them.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) Gross: $2.3 million. Starring: Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, Richard Denning. US Release Date: March 5, 1954. Plot: A team of scientists searching for fossils in the Amazon discover a prehistoric amphibious creature, which becomes infatuated with one of the scientists’ female companions and begins to attack the group.
Godzilla (1954) Gross: N/A. Starring: Akira Takarada, Momoko Kôchi, Akihiko Hirata. US Release Date: April 27, 1956. Plot: A giant radioactive monster awakens from its slumber in the Pacific Ocean and attacks Tokyo, causing widespread destruction and panic.
The Bad Seed (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Nancy Kelly, Patty McCormack, Henry Jones. US Release Date: September 12, 1956. Plot: A mother begins to suspect that her sweet and innocent daughter may be a sociopathic killer, and sets out to uncover the truth and stop her.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Gross: $3 million. Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter. US Release Date: February 5, 1956. Plot: The film follows Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) as he discovers that his patients are being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates grown from plant-like pods. He races to warn others, but finds that the aliens have already begun to take over the town.
Psycho (1960) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles. US Release Date: June 16, 1960. Plot: A secretary named Marion Crane steals $40,000 from her employer and ends up at the Bates Motel, where she meets the odd proprietor Norman Bates and becomes the victim of a shocking murder.
Peeping Tom (1960) Gross: N/A. Starring: Karlheinz Böhm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey. US Release Date: May 16, 1962. Plot: A disturbed young man named Mark Lewis becomes obsessed with filming and watching women as they die, leading to a dangerous confrontation with those around him.
The Innocents (1961) Gross: N/A. Starring: Deborah Kerr, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins. US Release Date: December 25, 1961. Plot: Based on the 1898 novella “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, the film follows a governess hired to care for two young children at a remote country estate, who becomes convinced that the children are possessed by the ghosts of their former caretakers.
Carnival of Souls (1962) Gross: N/A. Starring: Candace Hilligoss, Frances Feist, Sidney Berger. US Release Date: September 26, 1962. Plot: A young woman named Mary Henry survives a car accident and begins to experience supernatural occurrences, leading her to question her sanity and the reality of the world around her.
The Birds (1963) Gross: $11.4 million. Starring: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy. US Release Date: March 28, 1963. Plot: Birds of all kinds begin to attack humans in a small California town, leading to chaos and destruction as the cause of the strange behavior remains unknown.
The Haunting (1963) Gross: N/A. Starring: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson. US Release Date: September 18, 1963. Plot: Based on the 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, the film follows a group of people invited to stay at a supposedly haunted mansion, where they experience terrifying and inexplicable phenomena.
Night of the Living Dead (1968) Gross: $30 million. Starring: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman. US Release Date: October 1, 1968. Plot: A group of people become trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse as the dead begin to rise and seek out the living, leading to a desperate struggle for survival.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Gross: $33.4 million. Starring: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon. US Release Date: June 12, 1968. Plot: A young pregnant woman named Rosemary begins to suspect that her husband and neighbors are part of a satanic cult with nefarious intentions for her unborn child.
The Exorcist (1973) Gross: $441.3 million. Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair. US Release Date: December 26, 1973. Plot: Based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, the film follows a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demon, leading to a desperate battle between her mother and a team of priests to save her soul.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Gross: $30.9 million. Starring: Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Gunnar Hansen. US Release Date: October 1, 1974. Plot: A group of friends on a road trip in rural Texas stumble upon a family of cannibalistic killers, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, and must fight to survive.
Jaws (1975) Gross: $470.7 million. Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss. US Release Date: June 20, 1975. Plot: Based on the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley, the film follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter as they team up to hunt a man-eating great white shark that is terrorizing a New England beach town.
Carrie (1976) Gross: $33.8 million. Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving. US Release Date: November 3, 1976. Plot: Based on the 1974 novel by Stephen King, the film follows a shy and unpopular high school girl named Carrie White who discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to take revenge on her cruel classmates at prom.
The Omen (1976) Gross: $60.9 million. Starring: Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Harvey Stephens. US Release Date: June 25, 1976. Plot: A man named Robert Thorn discovers that his adopted son may be the Antichrist, leading him to try to prevent the rise of evil forces while keeping his family safe.
Halloween (1978) Gross: $70 million. Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nancy Kyes. US Release Date: October 25, 1978. Plot: A psychotic killer named Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to stalk and kill teenage babysitters on Halloween night.
Dawn of the Dead (1978) Gross: $55 million. Starring: David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger. US Release Date: April 20, 1979. Plot: A group of survivors takes refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse, but must fight off both the undead and other desperate humans as they struggle to survive.
Alien (1979) Gross: $104.9 million. Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt. US Release Date: May 25, 1979. Plot: The crew of a commercial spaceship encounters a deadly alien creature that begins to stalk and kill them one by one, leading to a terrifying battle for survival.
The Amityville Horror (1979) Gross: $86 million. Starring: James Brolin as George Lutz, Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz, Rod Steiger as Father Delaney. US release date: July 27, 1979. Plot: The story centers around the Lutz family, who move into a large house in Amityville, New York, only to find that the house is haunted by malevolent spirits. As the family begins to experience strange and terrifying events, they realize that their new home may be more than they bargained for.
Little Caesar (1931) Gross: N/A. Starring: Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell. US Release Date: January 9, 1931. Plot: A small-time hood named Caesar Enrico “Rico” Bandello rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld in Chicago, but his ambition and violence eventually lead to his downfall.
The Public Enemy (1931) Gross: N/A. Starring: James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods. US Release Date: April 23, 1931. Plot: A young man named Tom Powers rises from petty crime to become a ruthless gangster during Prohibition-era Chicago, but his violent and unpredictable behavior leads to tragedy.
Scarface (1932) Gross: N/A. Starring: Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, George Raft. US Release Date: April 9, 1932. Plot: Based on the life of real-life gangster Al Capone, the film follows Tony Camonte, a ruthless and ambitious mobster who rises to power in Chicago during the Prohibition era, but his violent tactics and desire for revenge ultimately lead to his downfall.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) Gross: N/A. Starring: Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson. US Release Date: November 10, 1932. Plot: A young man named James Allen is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to a brutal chain gang, leading him to escape and live as a fugitive while trying to clear his name.
The Thin Man (1934) Gross: $2.2 million. Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan. US Release Date: May 25, 1934. Plot: Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, the film follows retired detective Nick Charles and his wealthy socialite wife Nora as they are pulled into a murder investigation while visiting New York City for Christmas.
The Petrified Forest (1936) Gross: N/A. Starring: Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart. US Release Date: February 6, 1936. Plot: A disillusioned writer named Alan Squier becomes trapped in a remote Arizona diner during a robbery by a gangster named Duke Mantee and his associates, leading to a tense standoff.
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) Gross: N/A. Starring: James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Humphrey Bogart. US Release Date: November 26, 1938. Plot: Childhood friends Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connolly grow up on the streets of New York City, but take different paths in life – Rocky becomes a gangster while Jerry becomes a priest – leading to a final showdown between them.
The Roaring Twenties (1939) Gross: N/A. Starring: James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, Priscilla Lane. US Release Date: October 28, 1939. Plot: The film follows three friends – Eddie, George, and Lloyd – as they navigate the Prohibition era and rise to power as bootleggers and gangsters in New York City,
The Maltese Falcon (1941) Gross: N/A. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre. US Release Date: October 3, 1941. Plot: Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, the film follows private detective Sam Spade as he gets embroiled in a dangerous hunt for a valuable statuette known as the Maltese Falcon, encountering a cast of eccentric and deadly characters along the way.
This Gun for Hire (1942) Gross: N/A. Starring: Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake, Robert Preston. US Release Date: May 13, 1942. Plot: A hitman named Philip Raven is double-crossed by his employer and sets out for revenge, teaming up with a nightclub singer named Ellen Graham along the way.
Double Indemnity (1944) Gross: N/A. Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson. US Release Date: April 24, 1944. Plot: Based on the novel by James M. Cain, the film follows an insurance salesman named Walter Neff who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with a seductive client named Phyllis Dietrichson, leading to murder and betrayal.
Laura (1944) Gross: N/A. Starring: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb. US Release Date: October 11, 1944. Plot: A detective named Mark McPherson investigates the murder of a beautiful and mysterious woman named Laura Hunt, but becomes obsessed with her and begins to fall in love with her posthumously.
The Big Sleep (1946) Gross: N/A. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely. US Release Date: August 23, 1946. Plot: Based on the novel by Raymond Chandler, the film follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates a complex case involving blackmail, murder, and corruption in 1940s Los Angeles.
The Killers (1946) Gross: N/A. Starring: Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien. US Release Date: August 28, 1946. Plot: Based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway, the film follows two hitmen who arrive in a small town to kill a former boxer named Ole Andreson, leading to a series of flashbacks that reveal the events that led to his demise.
White Heat (1949) Gross: N/A. Starring: James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O’Brien. US Release Date: September 2, 1949. Plot: A violent and unstable criminal named Arthur “Cody” Jarrett leads a gang of thieves and plans a daring heist, but his own paranoia and conflicts with his associates threaten to bring him down.s:
Sunset Boulevard (1950) Gross: N/A. Starring: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim. US Release Date: August 10, 1950. Plot: A struggling screenwriter named Joe Gillis becomes involved with a faded silent film star named Norma Desmond, leading to a twisted and tragic tale of obsession, delusion, and murder.
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) Gross: N/A. Starring: Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen. US Release Date: May 23, 1950. Plot: A group of criminals plan and execute a daring jewelry heist, but their own greed, desperation, and personal issues threaten to unravel the entire operation.
The Big Heat (1953) Gross: N/A. Starring: Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, Lee Marvin. US Release Date: October 14, 1953. Plot: A police detective named Dave Bannion investigates the suicide of a fellow officer and uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and revenge involving a ruthless gangster named Mike Lagana.
On the Waterfront (1954) Gross: $9.6 million. Starring: Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb. US Release Date: July 28, 1954. Plot: A former boxer named Terry Malloy becomes embroiled in a battle between corrupt union bosses and dockworkers, leading to a powerful and emotional showdown on the waterfront.
Rififi (1955) Gross: N/A. Starring: Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Robert Manuel. US Release Date: April 5, 1956. Plot: A group of experienced criminals plan and execute a daring heist of a jewelry store in Paris, but must navigate their own personal conflicts and outside forces that threaten to derail the operation.
The Killing (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards. US Release Date: June 6, 1956. Plot: A career criminal named Johnny Clay plans and executes a complex and meticulously planned heist at a racetrack, but unforeseen events and personal issues threaten to unravel the entire operation.
Touch of Evil (1958) Gross: N/A. Starring: Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, Janet Leigh. US Release Date: May 21, 1958. Plot: A Mexican narcotics officer named Mike Vargas investigates a bombing in a border town and becomes embroiled in a complex and dangerous web of corruption, violence, and deception involving a corrupt police captain named Hank Quinlan.
Psycho (1960) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles. US Release Date: September 8, 1960. Plot: A woman named Marion Crane steals money from her employer and flees to a remote motel run by the disturbed Norman Bates and his domineering mother, leading to a shocking and iconic twist.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) Gross: $8 million. Starring: Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson. US Release Date: October 23, 1960. Plot: Seven skilled gunmen are hired by a Mexican village to defend them against a group of bandits, leading to a tense and action-packed showdown.
Cape Fear (1962) Gross: $10.5 million. Starring: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen. US Release Date: April 12, 1962. Plot: A lawyer named Sam Bowden is stalked and threatened by a convicted rapist named Max Cady who seeks revenge against him for testifying against him years earlier.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) Gross: N/A. Starring: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh. US Release Date: October 24, 1962. Plot: A former prisoner of war named Raymond Shaw is brainwashed by communist forces and programmed to carry out a deadly mission, leading to a complex and tense political thriller.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman. US Release Date: August 13, 1967. Plot: Based on the true story of the notorious bank-robbing duo, the film follows Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow as they embark on a violent and dangerous crime spree across the Midwest, ultimately leading to a bloody and tragic end.
In the Heat of the Night (1967) Gross: $24 million. Starring: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates. US Release Date: August 2, 1967. Plot: A black detective from Philadelphia named Virgil Tibbs is reluctantly called in to help solve a murder in a small Mississippi town, leading to a tense and powerful exploration of racism, justice, and identity.
Bullitt (1968) Gross: $42 million. Starring: Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Vaughn. US Release Date: October 17, 1968. Plot: A tough and dedicated San Francisco police detective named Frank Bullitt is tasked with protecting a witness in a high-profile case, leading to a thrilling and iconic car chase through the streets of the city.
The French Connection (1971) Gross: $51 million. Starring: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey. US Release Date: October 7, 1971. Plot: Based on the true story of a massive heroin bust in New York City, the film follows two tough and determined detectives as they pursue a sophisticated and ruthless French drug smuggler.
Dirty Harry (1971) Gross: $36 million. Starring: Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni. US Release Date: December 23, 1971. Plot: A San Francisco police detective named Harry Callahan is tasked with tracking down a deranged sniper who is targeting the city’s residents, leading to a tense and controversial exploration of justice and law enforcement.
The Godfather (1972) Gross: $245 million. Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan. US Release Date: March 24, 1972. Plot: Based on the novel by Mario Puzo, the film follows the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia dynasty in New York City, as they navigate a series of violent conflicts and betrayals.
Serpico (1973) Gross: $29 million. Starring: Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe. US Release Date: December 5, 1973. Plot: Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposed corruption and misconduct within the department, the film follows his struggles and conflicts as he fights for justice and integrity.
The Conversation (1974) Gross: $4.4 million. Starring: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield. US Release Date: April 7, 1974. Plot: A surveillance expert named Harry Caul becomes obsessed with a cryptic and potentially dangerous conversation he overhears, leading to a tense and introspective exploration of privacy, morality, and paranoia.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning. US Release Date: September 21, 1975. Plot: Based on the true story of a bank robbery gone awry, the film follows a desperate and troubled man named Sonny Wortzik as he takes hostages and confronts the police, leading to a tense and emotional standoff.
Taxi Driver (1976) Gross: $28 million. Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel. US Release Date: February 8, 1976. Plot: A lonely and disturbed Vietnam War veteran named Travis Bickle becomes obsessed with a young prostitute and embarks on a violent and deadly mission to clean up the city’s streets, leading to a powerful and provocative exploration of mental illness, violence, and alienation.
Friday the 13th (1980) Gross: $59.8 million. Starring: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby. US Release Date: May 9, 1980. Plot: A group of camp counselors are stalked and killed one by one by an unknown assailant at a summer camp, leading to a chilling and suspenseful mystery.
The Shining (1980) Gross: $44.4 million. Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd. US Release Date: May 23, 1980. Plot: Based on the novel by Stephen King, the film follows a struggling writer named Jack Torrance as he takes a job as a winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel, where he and his family experience a series of increasingly terrifying and supernatural events.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) Gross: $31.9 million. Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne. US Release Date: August 21, 1981. Plot: Two American tourists are attacked by a werewolf on the English moors, leading to a gory and humorous tale of transformation, love, and revenge.
The Evil Dead (1981) Gross: $2.4 million. Starring: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor. US Release Date: April 15, 1983. Plot: A group of friends vacationing in a remote cabin unwittingly unleash an ancient and malevolent force, leading to a nightmarish and visceral battle for survival.
Poltergeist (1982) Gross: $76.6 million. Starring: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke. US Release Date: June 4, 1982. Plot: A suburban family’s idyllic life is disrupted by a series of supernatural occurrences, leading to a chilling and iconic exploration of the power and terror of the paranormal.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Gross: $25.5 million. Starring: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon. US Release Date: November 16, 1984. Plot: A group of teenagers are terrorized by the vengeful spirit of a deceased child murderer in their dreams, leading to a nightmarish and surreal battle for survival.
The Lost Boys (1987) Gross: $32.2 million. Starring: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland. US Release Date: July 31, 1987. Plot: Two brothers move to a small California town and discover that it is home to a gang of charismatic and dangerous vampires, leading to a thrilling and stylish mix of horror and comedy.
Misery (1990) Gross: $61 million. Starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth. US Release Date: November 30, 1990. Plot: Based on the novel by Stephen King, the film follows a successful author named Paul Sheldon who is rescued from a car accident by a devoted fan named Annie Wilkes, who turns out to be a dangerous and obsessive captor.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Gross: $272.7 million. Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn. US Release Date: February 14, 1991. Plot: Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the film follows a young FBI trainee named Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of a brilliant and manipulative cannibalistic serial killer named Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another vicious murderer known as Buffalo Bill.
Candyman (1992) Gross: $25.8 million. Starring: Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Xander Berkeley. US Release Date: October 16, 1992. Plot: A graduate student researching urban legends encounters the terrifying and vengeful spirit of the Candyman, a hook-handed figure who haunts the projects of Chicago.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) Gross: $215.8 million. Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins. US Release Date: November 13, 1992. Plot: Based on the classic novel by Bram Stoker, the film follows the vampire Count Dracula as he seeks to make the young Mina Harker his eternal bride, leading to a lush and romantic Gothic tale of love and horror.
Interview with the Vampire (1994) Gross: $223.7 million. Starring: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst. US Release Date: November 11, 1994. Plot: Based on the novel by Anne Rice, the film follows the immortal vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac as he recounts his centuries-long existence to a journalist, including his relationships with his ruthless maker Lestat and the tragic young vampire Claudia.
Scream (1996) Gross: $173 million. Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette. US Release Date: December 20, 1996. Plot: A small town is terrorized by a masked killer who is targeting teenagers, leading to a self-aware and meta commentary on the horror genre and its tropes.
The Blair Witch Project (1999) Gross: $248.6 million. Starring: Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard. US Release Date: July 14, 1999. Plot: Three student filmmakers venture into the woods of Maryland to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch, but soon become lost and haunted by eerie and inexplicable phenomena, leading to a revolutionary and chilling found footage horror film.
Robot Monster (1953) Gross: Unknown. Starring: George Nader, Claudia Barrett, Selena Royle. US Release Date: June 25, 1953. Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, an evil alien robot known as Ro-Man attempts to wipe out humanity, but becomes conflicted when he falls in love with a human woman.
Glen or Glenda (1953) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Ed Wood, Bela Lugosi, Lyle Talbot. US Release Date: November 6, 1953. Plot: A semiautobiographical exploration of cross-dressing and gender identity, the film follows the struggles of a man named Glen and his alter-ego Glenda, and features bizarre and surreal dream sequences.
Bride of the Monster (1955) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Tony McCoy. US Release Date: May 11, 1955. Plot: A mad scientist named Dr. Eric Vornoff creates giant radioactive creatures in an attempt to take over the world, but is opposed by a determined journalist.
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Bela Lugosi, Vampira, Tor Johnson. US Release Date: July 22, 1959. Plot: Aliens from a distant planet resurrect the dead on Earth as part of their plan to stop humanity from developing a doomsday weapon, leading to a famously poorly executed and low-budget production.
The Killer Shrews (1959) Gross: Unknown. Starring: James Best, Ingrid Goude, Ken Curtis. US Release Date: June 25, 1959. Plot: A group of people on a remote island are threatened by a horde of shrews that have been mutated into giant, flesh-eating monsters due to a disastrous scientific experiment.
The Giant Gila Monster (1959) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Don Sullivan, Lisa Simone, Fred Graham. US Release Date: June 25, 1959. Plot: A small Texas town is terrorized by a massive Gila monster that has been mutated by radioactive waste, leading to a low-budget and campy creature feature.
Teenagers from Outer Space (1959) Gross: Unknown. Starring: David Love, Dawn Bender, Tom Graeff. US Release Date: November 1959. Plot: A group of aliens from a distant planet travel to Earth in search of a new home, but are opposed by a young couple and a heroic scientist who attempts to save humanity.
The Wild World of Batwoman (1966) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Katherine Victor, George Mitchell, Steve Brodie. US Release Date: May 4, 1966. Plot: A wealthy socialite creates a team of female crime-fighters to battle a group of criminals who are using a mind-control device to manipulate people.
They Saved Hitler’s Brain (1968) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Walter Stocker, Audrey Caire, Carlos Rivas. US Release Date: 1968. Plot: Nazis attempt to transplant Hitler’s brain into a new body in order to resurrect their leader, leading to a low-budget and bizarre science-fiction thriller.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) Gross: Unknown. Starring: John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck. US Release Date: November 14, 1964. Plot: Martians kidnap Santa Claus from Earth in order to bring joy to their own children, leading to a poorly executed and campy Christmas comedy.
Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Tom Neyman, John Reynolds, Diane Mahree. US Release Date: November 15, 1966. Plot: A family becomes stranded at a remote lodge run by a polygamous cult, and must survive the strange and dark rituals of their hosts.
The Creeping Terror (1964) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Vic Savage, Shannon O’Neil, William Thourlby. US Release Date: November 1964. Plot: A monster from outer space that resembles a giant shaggy carpet with tentacles and a giant mouth attacks a small town, leading to a poorly made and comically bad horror film.
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!? (1964) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Ray Dennis Steckler, Carolyn Brandt, Brett O’Hara. US Release Date: November 1964. Plot: A carnival dancer is lured into a bizarre world of hippies, drug addicts, and zombies by a mad scientist, leading to a disjointed and nonsensical horror musical.
Monster a Go-Go (1965) Gross: Unknown. Starring: June Travis, Phil Morton, George Perry. US Release Date: November 1965. Plot: Astronauts return from a space mission, but one of them has been transformed into a giant and deadly creature, leading to a poorly made and confusing sci-fi horror film.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) Gross: $9.8 million. Starring: Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, Marcia McBroom. US Release Date: June 17, 1970. Plot: A satirical sequel to the 1967 film Valley of the Dolls, the film follows the exploits of an all-female rock band as they navigate the ups and downs of the music industry and encounter various eccentric characters.
Myra Breckinridge (1970) Gross: $3.2 million. Starring: Raquel Welch, John Huston, Mae West. US Release Date: June 24, 1970. Plot: Based on the controversial novel by Gore Vidal, the film follows a transgender woman named Myra as she attempts to gain revenge on the misogynistic world of Hollywood.
The Conqueror (1970) Gross: Unknown. Starring: John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Pedro Armendáriz. US Release Date: February 2, 1956. Plot: John Wayne stars as Genghis Khan in this historically inaccurate and poorly received epic about the legendary conqueror’s life and times.
Zaat (1971) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Marshall Grauer, Wade Popwell, Paul Galloway. US Release Date: 1971. Plot: A mad scientist transforms himself into a giant monster in an attempt to take over the world, leading to a poorly made and campy creature feature.
The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) Gross: $20 million. Starring: Vern Stierman, Chuck Pierce Jr., William Stumpp. US Release Date: September 13, 1972. Plot: A pseudo-documentary about the Fouke Monster, a legendary creature said to haunt the swamps of Arkansas, featuring reenactments and interviews with local residents.
The Room (1972) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Tommy Wiseau, Juliette Danielle, Greg Sestero. US Release Date: 2003 (originally released in 1972). Plot: A melodramatic and poorly acted drama about a man named Johnny and his relationships with his fiancée Lisa and his best friend Mark, featuring numerous continuity errors and awkward dialogue.
At Long Last Love (1975) Gross: $1.5 million. Starring: Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, Madeline Kahn. US Release Date: March 1, 1975. Plot: A musical comedy set in the 1930s, the film follows the romantic misadventures of four wealthy socialites as they sing and dance their way through a series of ill-fated affairs.
Can’t Stop the Music (1980) Gross: $2 million. Starring: The Village People, Valerie Perrine, Bruce Jenner. US Release Date: June 20, 1980. Plot: A musical comedy about the formation of the disco group The Village People, featuring elaborate musical numbers and a thinly veiled attempt to cash in on the disco craze.
Xanadu (1980) Gross: $22.8 million. Starring: Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck. US Release Date: August 8, 1980. Plot: A fantasy musical about a muse who inspires a struggling artist to open a roller disco, featuring a soundtrack by Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra.
The Apple (1980) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Catherine Mary Stewart, George Gilmour, Grace Kennedy. US Release Date: November 21, 1980. Plot: A bizarre musical set in the distant future, in which a music duo battles a totalitarian government and a record label run by a demon for control of the music industry.
Bolero (1984) Gross: $8.9 million. Starring: Bo Derek, George Kennedy, Andrea Occhipinti. US Release Date: August 31, 1984. Plot: A romantic drama about a woman named Ayre who travels the world in search of sexual fulfillment, featuring numerous sex scenes and a risqué theme.
Jaws: The Revenge (1987) Gross: $51.9 million. Starring: Lorraine Gary, Lance Guest, Mario Van Peebles. US Release Date: July 17, 1987. Plot: The fourth and final installment in the Jaws franchise, the film follows the widow of the original film’s hero as she battles a vengeful great white shark that is targeting her family.
Leonard Part 6 (1987) Gross: $4.6 million. Starring: Bill Cosby, Tom Courtenay, Joe Don Baker. US Release Date: December 18, 1987. Plot: A comedic spy thriller about a retired spy who must come out of retirement to stop a group of vegetarians who are attempting to take over the world.
Mac and Me (1988) Gross: $6.4 million. Starring: Christine Ebersole, Jonathan Ward, Tina Caspary. US Release Date: August 12, 1988. Plot: A science-fiction comedy about a young boy in a wheelchair who befriends a friendly alien named Mac and helps him evade government agents who are trying to capture him. The film is notorious for its numerous product placements and shameless attempts to cash in on the success of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
The Kid (1921) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Coogan, Edna Purviance. US Release Date: January 21, 1921. Plot: A comedy-drama about a tramp who takes in an abandoned child and raises him as his own, while also trying to avoid the authorities who are searching for the boy.
Our Hospitality (1923) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Buster Keaton, Natalie Talmadge, Joe Keaton. US Release Date: November 19, 1923. Plot: A silent comedy about a man who travels to the South to claim his inheritance but becomes embroiled in a feud between two families that has lasted for generations.
The Gold Rush (1925) Gross: $4.2 million. Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray. US Release Date: June 26, 1925. Plot: A silent comedy about a lone prospector who travels to Alaska in search of gold and encounters various obstacles, including a blizzard and a group of dangerous criminals.
The General (1926) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender. US Release Date: February 5, 1927. Plot: A silent comedy about a train engineer who sets out to rescue his beloved locomotive after it is stolen by Union spies during the Civil War.
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Buster Keaton, Tom McGuire, Ernest Torrence. US Release Date: May 12, 1928. Plot: A silent comedy about the son of a stern steamboat captain who tries to prove his worth by helping his father during a storm, but ends up causing chaos and destruction.
The Cameraman (1928) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Buster Keaton, Marceline Day, Harold Goodwin. US Release Date: September 22, 1928. Plot: A silent comedy about a young man who becomes a newsreel cameraman in order to impress a woman he is infatuated with, but finds himself constantly getting into trouble.
Duck Soup (1933) Gross: $1.8 million. Starring: The Marx Brothers (Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and Zeppo), Margaret Dumont, Raquel Torres. US Release Date: November 17, 1933. Plot: A satirical comedy about the absurd politics and power struggles of a fictional country, featuring the Marx Brothers at their zaniest and most anarchic.
It Happened One Night (1934) Gross: $4.4 million. Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly. US Release Date: February 22, 1934. Plot: A romantic comedy about a spoiled heiress who runs away from her family and falls in love with a roguish newspaper reporter, featuring classic scenes such as the “Wall of Jericho” and Gable’s undershirt.
The Thin Man (1934) Gross: $1.4 million. Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan. US Release Date: May 25, 1934. Plot: A mystery-comedy about a retired detective who is pulled back into the world of crime-solving when his wealthy wife’s cousin goes missing, featuring the witty banter and chemistry between Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora Charles.
Modern Times (1936) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman. US Release Date: February 5, 1936. Plot: A silent comedy about a factory worker who struggles to survive in a modern, industrialized world, featuring Chaplin’s iconic “Little Tramp” character and some of his most memorable physical comedy set pieces.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, George Bancroft. US Release Date: April 12, 1936. Plot: A comedy-drama about a small-town man who inherits a fortune and moves to the big city, where he is ridiculed and taken advantage of by greedy opportunists, but ultimately prevails with the help of a sympathetic reporter.
A Day at the Races (1937) Gross: Unknown. Starring: The Marx Brothers (Groucho, Chico, Harpo), Allan Jones, Maureen O’Sullivan. US Release Date: June 11, 1937. Plot: A musical-comedy about a veterinarian who tries to save a sanitarium from bankruptcy with the help of the Marx Brothers, featuring some of their most memorable routines and songs.
The Great Dictator (1940) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie. US Release Date: October 15, 1940. Plot: A satirical comedy-drama about a Jewish barber who is mistaken for a dictator resembling Adolf Hitler and ends up leading a rebellion against his fascist regime, featuring Chaplin’s iconic “Little Tramp” character and some of his most powerful political commentary.
His Girl Friday (1940) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy. US Release Date: January 11, 1940. Plot: A screwball comedy about a newspaper editor who tries to win back his ace reporter and ex-wife by keeping her on a big story about a convicted killer, featuring rapid-fire dialogue and sparkling chemistry between Grant and Russell.
Sullivan’s Travels (1941) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Joel McCrea, Veronica Lake, Robert Warwick. US Release Date: December 25, 1941. Plot: A satirical comedy-drama about a Hollywood director who sets out on a journey to experience real human suffering in order to make a serious social commentary film, but ends up finding unexpected humor and romance along the way.
The Philadelphia Story (1940) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart. US Release Date: December 26, 1940. Plot: A romantic comedy about a wealthy socialite who is about to marry for the second time, but finds herself torn between her ex-husband, a roguish reporter, and her fiancé, a dull businessman, featuring sparkling dialogue, elegant performances, and unforgettable chemistry between the leads.
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey. US Release Date: September 23, 1944. Plot: A black comedy about a man who discovers that his two elderly aunts are serial killers who have been poisoning their guests and burying them in the basement, featuring a manic performance by Grant and a delightful ensemble cast.
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Betty Hutton, Eddie Bracken, Diana Lynn. US Release Date: January 8, 1944. Plot: A screwball comedy about a small-town girl who wakes up after a wild party with no memory of what happened, only to find out she has married a soldier and is pregnant with his child, but cannot remember his name or where he is stationed, leading to a madcap search and a hilarious finale.
The Lady Eve (1941) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Charles Coburn. US Release Date: February 21, 1941. Plot: A screwball comedy about a con artist who sets her sights on a wealthy snake expert, but falls in love with him and faces hilarious complications when he discovers her true identity, featuring sizzling chemistry between Stanwyck and Fonda and clever dialogue.
To Be or Not to Be (1942) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Carole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack. US Release Date: March 6, 1942. Plot: A black comedy about a troupe of Polish actors who become embroiled in a dangerous espionage plot during World War II, featuring sharp satire, suspenseful twists, and Lombard’s last performance before her tragic death in a plane crash.
The More the Merrier (1943) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, Charles Coburn. US Release Date: April 8, 1943. Plot: A romantic comedy about a single woman who sublets her apartment to two men, one of whom turns out to be a matchmaking older man who tries to set her up with his handsome friend, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and a delightful romance, featuring charming performances and witty dialogue.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi. US Release Date: June 15, 1948. Plot: A horror-comedy about two hapless baggage clerks who unwittingly become involved in a mad scientist’s plot to revive the Frankenstein monster, with the help of Dracula, the Wolf Man, and other classic monsters, featuring the classic comedy team’s signature antics and Lugosi’s iconic performance as Dracula.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Boris Karloff. US Release Date: August 14, 1947. Plot: A whimsical comedy about a daydreaming proofreader who escapes into fantasy worlds to cope with his mundane existence, but finds himself embroiled in a real-life spy adventure when he is mistaken for a master spy, featuring Kaye’s charming performances and memorable musical numbers.
Road to Rio (1947) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour. US Release Date: December 25, 1947. Plot: A musical-comedy about two vaudeville performers who are forced to flee to Rio de Janeiro to escape a jealous fiancé and a murderer, leading to a series of wacky misadventures and romantic entanglements, featuring the legendary duo’s witty banter and Lamour’s sultry appeal.
All About Eve (1950) Gross: $8.4 million. Starring: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders. US Release Date: October 13, 1950. Plot: While not a pure comedy, this film is a biting satire on the world of theater, about an aging actress and her relationship with a cunning younger fan who threatens to usurp her position, featuring sharp dialogue and brilliant performances.
Father of the Bride (1950) Gross: $6.3 million. Starring: Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor. US Release Date: June 16, 1950. Plot: A warm-hearted comedy about a middle-class father who struggles to come to terms with the wedding of his beloved daughter, featuring Tracy’s trademark humor and a poignant look at family dynamics.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Gross: $3.3 million. Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor. US Release Date: March 27, 1952. Plot: A classic musical-comedy about the transition from silent movies to “talkies,” featuring Kelly’s iconic dance numbers and a joyful celebration of Hollywood’s golden age.
The Seven Year Itch (1955) Gross: $5.5 million. Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes. US Release Date: June 1, 1955. Plot: A saucy sex comedy about a married man who fantasizes about his beautiful neighbor while his wife and son are away on vacation, featuring Monroe’s iconic scene with her white dress billowing over a subway grate.
The Court Jester (1956) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Danny Kaye, Glynis Johns, Basil Rathbone. US Release Date: January 27, 1956. Plot: A rollicking medieval comedy about a hapless jester who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow an evil king, featuring Kaye’s signature charm and hilarious songs.
Some Like It Hot (1959) Gross: $25 million. Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon. US Release Date: March 29, 1959. Plot: A gender-bending farce about two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from the mob and join an all-female band, featuring Monroe’s luminous beauty and Curtis and Lemmon’s uproarious performances.
The Apartment (1960) Gross: $18.6 million. Starring: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray. US Release Date: June 30, 1960. Plot: A romantic-comedy-drama about a lonely insurance clerk who lets his bosses use his apartment for their extramarital affairs, but falls in love with a sweet elevator operator who is also involved with one of his superiors, featuring witty dialogue, complex characters, and a poignant look at urban loneliness.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Gross: $14 million. Starring: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal. US Release Date: October 5, 1961. Plot: A stylish romantic-comedy-drama about a quirky socialite who falls in love with a struggling writer while living a glamorous life in New York, featuring Hepburn’s iconic performance and Henry Mancini’s unforgettable theme song.
The Pink Panther (1963) Gross: $10 million. Starring: Peter Sellers, David Niven, Robert Wagner. US Release Date: March 20, 1964. Plot: A slapstick farce about a bumbling French detective who tries to catch a jewel thief, while also dealing with his own marital problems and a seductive suspect, featuring Sellers’ breakout performance as the comically inept Inspector Clouseau and Henry Mancini’s jazzy score.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden. US Release Date: January 29, 1964. Plot: A satirical black comedy about a paranoid US Air Force general who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, treggiring a chain of absurd and catastrophic events, featuring multiple performances by Sellers in iconic roles and biting commentary on the Cold War.
The Nutty Professor (1963) Gross: $19 million. Starring: Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens, Del Moore. US Release Date: June 4, 1963. Plot: A zany comedy about a socially awkward professor who transforms himself into a suave and confident ladies’ man, but struggles to maintain his dual identity, featuring Lewis’ physical comedy and multiple roles.
The Great Race (1965) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood. US Release Date: July 1, 1965. Plot: A colorful adventure-comedy about a daredevil racer who competes against a dastardly villain and a prim journalist in a round-the-world car race, featuring elaborate stunts, cartoonish characters, and a memorable score by Henry Mancini.
A Shot in the Dark (1964) Gross: $12 million. Starring: Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders. US Release Date: June 23, 1964. Plot: A madcap farce about the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, who investigates a murder case involving a beautiful maid and a suave playboy, but only manages to make matters worse with his clueless and slapstick antics, featuring Sellers’ hilarious and iconic performance.
The Odd Couple (1968) Gross: $44.5 million. Starring: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau. US Release Date: May 2, 1968. Plot: A witty and heartwarming comedy about two divorced men who become unlikely roommates, but soon find themselves at odds due to their clashing personalities and lifestyles, featuring Lemmon and Matthau’s perfect chemistry and Neil Simon’s smart script.
The Love Bug (1968) Gross: $51 million. Starring: Dean Jones, Michele Lee, Buddy Hackett. US Release Date: March 13, 1968. Plot: A charming and whimsical fantasy-comedy about a down-on-his-luck race car driver who discovers that his car has a mind of its own, thanks to the mischievous and magical VW bug named Herbie, featuring delightful car chases, colorful characters, and a catchy score.
The Producers (1967) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn. US Release Date: November 22, 1967. Plot: A hilarious and outrageous satire about two scheming producers who try to stage a flop musical to scam their investors, but inadvertently create a hit show with a tasteless and offensive theme, featuring Mostel’s larger-than-life performance and Mel Brooks’ irreverent humor.
The Party (1968) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Peter Sellers, Claudine Longet. US Release Date: April 4, 1968. Plot: A wacky and colorful fish-out-of-water comedy about a bumbling Indian actor who accidentally crashes a Hollywood party and causes chaos with his cultural misunderstandings and comic misadventures, featuring Sellers’ impeccable timing and Blake Edwards’ stylish direction.
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) Gross: $46.3 million. Starring: Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Ethel Merman, Sid Caesar, Jonathan Winters, Mickey Rooney. US Release Date: November 7, 1963. Plot: A sprawling and madcap comedy about a group of strangers who race each other to find a buried treasure in a park, but encounter numerous obstacles and absurd situations along the way, featuring an all-star cast, inventive set pieces, and Stanley Kramer’s epic vision.
MAS*H (1970) Gross: $81.6 million. Starring: Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt. US Release Date: January 25, 1970. Plot: A darkly humorous and anti-war satire about a group of irreverent Army doctors who cope with the horrors and absurdities of the Korean War by using humor and subversion as their weapons, featuring Altman’s innovative direction, a memorable soundtrack, and an ensemble cast of memorable characters.
Harold and Maude (1971) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Vivian Pickles. US Release Date: December 20, 1971. Plot: A quirky and unconventional romantic comedy-drama about a young man obsessed with death who falls in love with a free-spirited octogenarian, and learns to embrace life and love in unexpected ways, featuring Hal Ashby’s sensitive direction, Cat Stevens’ poignant songs, and Gordon’s delightful performance.
Blazing Saddles (1974) Gross: $119.5 million. Starring: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman. US Release Date: February 7, 1974. Plot: A raucous and irreverent Western satire about a black sheriff who faces racism and corruption in a frontier town, but eventually wins over the townsfolk with his wit and courage, featuring Mel Brooks’ signature blend of slapstick, parody, and social commentary, and a talented ensemble cast.
Young Frankenstein (1974) Gross: $86.2 million. Starring: Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Peter Boyle. US Release Date: December 15, 1974. Plot: A loving and hilarious spoof of classic horror films, particularly Frankenstein, about a young doctor who inherits his grandfather’s laboratory and tries to create his own monster, but hilarity ensues when his assistant Igor steals the wrong brain, featuring Wilder’s witty and endearing performance, Brooks’ sharp direction, and a memorable cast of characters.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Gross: $5 million. Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. US Release Date: April 27, 1975. Plot: A surreal and hilarious parody of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring the iconic British comedy troupe’s trademark absurdity, wit, and irreverence, and a series of memorable sketches and characters.
Annie Hall (1977) Gross: $38.3 million. Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts. US Release Date: April 20, 1977. Plot: A groundbreaking and bittersweet romantic-comedy-drama about a neurotic New York comedian who falls in love with a quirky and charming singer, but struggles to maintain their relationship due to their differences and insecurities, featuring Allen’s signature wit and self-deprecation, Keaton’s iconic fashion, and a touching and insightful script.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) Gross: $141.6 million. Starring: John Belushi, Tim Matheson, Karen Allen. US Release Date: July 28, 1978. Plot: A rowdy and irreverent college comedy about a misfit fraternity that clashes with the uptight dean and the rival fraternity, featuring Belushi’s iconic performance as the wild and hilarious Bluto, and a series of memorable scenes, gags, and characters that have become part of American pop culture.
The Jerk (1979) Gross: $73.7 million. Starring: Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams. US Release Date: December 14, 1979. Plot: A zany and offbeat rags-to-riches comedy about a naive and clueless man who sets out to find his place in the world, but ends up stumbling into a series of absurd and hilarious situations, featuring Martin’s unique blend of physical comedy, verbal wit, and surreal humor, and a quirky and lovable cast of characters.
Caddyshack (1980) Gross: $39.8 million. Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray. US Release Date: July 25, 1980. Plot: A raunchy and outrageous comedy about the misadventures of the staff and members of an exclusive golf club, including a flamboyant businessman, a suave playboy, and a deranged groundskeeper, featuring a talented ensemble cast, hilarious improvised scenes, and a catchy and memorable soundtrack.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) Gross: $3.3 million. Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray. US Release Date: April 29, 1930. Plot: A powerful and realistic anti-war film about a group of young German soldiers who enlist in World War I and experience the horrors and futility of battle, leading them to question their patriotism, identity, and humanity, based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque and directed by Lewis Milestone.
Grand Hotel (1932) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford. US Release Date: April 12, 1932. Plot: A sophisticated and stylish ensemble drama set in a luxurious Berlin hotel, featuring a diverse cast of characters who intersect and collide in their quests for love, wealth, and happiness, including a fading ballerina, a desperate businessman, a jewel thief, and a charming baron, directed by Edmund Goulding.
King Kong (1933) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot. US Release Date: March 2, 1933. Plot: A groundbreaking and thrilling adventure fantasy about a group of explorers who encounter a giant ape on a remote island and bring him back to New York City as a spectacle, but soon realize that he is a sentient and tragic creature who deserves respect and empathy, featuring innovative special effects, memorable music, and iconic moments.
It Happened One Night (1934) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly. US Release Date: February 22, 1934. Plot: A classic and charming romantic comedy-drama about a spoiled heiress who escapes from her controlling father and falls in love with a cynical and adventurous journalist during a cross-country bus trip, featuring sparkling dialogue, witty banter, and iconic scenes, directed by Frank Capra and winning five Oscars.
Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) Gross: $4.4 million. Starring: Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone. US Release Date: November 8, 1935. Plot: A sweeping and epic historical drama about a tyrannical British captain who mistreats his crew and sparks a mutiny on his ship during a voyage to Tahiti in 1789, based on the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, featuring Laughton’s Oscar-winning performance, Gable’s iconic charisma, and breathtaking locations.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Gross: $9.4 million. Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains. US Release Date: October 19, 1939. Plot: A patriotic and inspiring political drama about a naive and idealistic young man who is appointed to the US Senate and tries to fight corruption and injustice, but faces opposition and persecution from the establishment, featuring Stewart’s powerful and heartfelt performance, Arthur’s spunky and witty presence, and Capra’s masterful direction.
Rebecca (1940) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson. US Release Date: April 12, 1940. Plot: A haunting and suspenseful psychological drama about a shy and insecure young woman who marries a wealthy and enigmatic widower and moves to his estate, only to be haunted by the memory of his first wife, who died under mysterious circumstances, based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier and directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Gross: $4.2 million. Starring: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine. US Release Date: March 15, 1940. Plot: A poignant and powerful social drama about a family of Oklahoma farmers who are forced to migrate to California during the Great Depression and face poverty, discrimination, and exploitation as migrant workers, based on the novel by John Steinbeck and directed by John Ford.
Citizen Kane (1941) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore. US Release Date: May 1, 1941. Plot: A groundbreaking and innovative biographical drama about the life and legacy of a powerful and controversial newspaper tycoon, told through a series of flashbacks and perspectives, featuring Welles’ stunning performance, Gregg Toland’s innovative cinematography, and Herman J. Mankiewicz’s complex screenplay, which earned an Oscar.
Casablanca (1942) Gross: $3.7 million. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid. US Release Date: November 26, 1942. Plot: A romantic and thrilling war drama about an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca during World War II and gets involved in a web of politics, intrigue, and romance when his former lover and her husband seek his help to escape from the Nazis, featuring unforgettable performances, iconic music, and quotable dialogue.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Gross: $23.7 million. Starring: Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy. US Release Date: November 21, 1946. Plot: A touching and realistic drama about three World War II veterans who return to their hometown and struggle to readjust to civilian life and cope with the physical, emotional, and social challenges they face, including alcoholism, unemployment, and family conflicts, directed by William Wyler and winning seven Oscars.
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter. US Release Date: September 18, 1951. Plot: A raw and intense drama about a fading Southern belle who moves in with her sister and her brutish and charismatic brother-in-law in New Orleans and clashes with him over sex, violence, and truth, based on the play by Tennessee Williams and directed by Elia Kazan.
A Place in the Sun (1951) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Shelley Winters. US Release Date: August 15, 1951. Plot: A tragic and romantic drama about a poor and ambitious young man who falls in love with a beautiful and wealthy socialite, but becomes entangled in a scandalous and fatal affair with a factory worker who claims to be pregnant with his child, based on the novel by Theodore Dreiser and directed by George Stevens.
From Here to Eternity (1953) Gross: $30.5 million. Starring: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr. US Release Date: August 5, 1953. Plot: A sweeping and dramatic war and romance film about a group of soldiers stationed in Hawaii in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, who struggle with love, loyalty, and honor, based on the novel by James Jones and directed by Fred Zinnemann, winning eight Oscars.
On the Waterfront (1954) Gross: $9.6 million. Starring: Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb. US Release Date: July 28, 1954. Plot: A gritty and powerful drama about a former boxer and longshoreman who risks his life and livelihood to testify against a corrupt union boss and his henchmen, who control the docks and exploit the workers, featuring Brando’s iconic performance, Elia Kazan’s masterful direction, and Budd Schulberg’s incisive screenplay, winning eight Oscars.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Gross: Unknown. Starring: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo. US Release Date: October 27, 1955. Plot: A seminal and influential drama about a troubled and restless teenager who moves to a new town with his parents and falls in with a gang of rebellious and alienated peers, who face violence, conformity, and identity crises, directed by Nicholas Ray and featuring Dean’s iconic performance, released after his untimely death.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Gross: $30.6 million. Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins. US Release Date: December 14, 1957. Plot: A tense and epic war film about a group of British prisoners of war who are forced by their Japanese captors to build a bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand, and the clash of wills and values between their leader and a British officer who tries to sabotage the bridge, directed by David Lean and winning seven Oscars.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) Gross: $17.6 million. Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives. US Release Date: September 20, 1958. Plot: A tense and emotional family drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, about a wealthy and dysfunctional Southern family that gathers for the patriarch’s birthday, but is torn apart by secrets, lies, and conflicts over inheritance, directed by Richard Brooks and featuring powerhouse performances from the cast.
Ben-Hur (1959) Gross: $74 million. Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd. US Release Date: November 18, 1959. Plot: An epic and spectacular historical drama about a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his Roman friend and adopted brother, and becomes a slave and a charioteer, seeking revenge and redemption in the time of Jesus Christ, directed by William Wyler and winning a record-breaking 11 Oscars.
Anatomy of a Murder (1959) Gross: $11 million. Starring: James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara. US Release Date: July 1, 1959. Plot: A tense and complex courtroom drama based on a real-life murder case, about a small-town lawyer who defends a man accused of killing a bartender who allegedly raped his wife, and confronts the legal and ethical dilemmas of justice, morality, and truth, directed by Otto Preminger and featuring a jazz score by Duke Ellington.
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) Gross: $8.8 million. Starring: Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut, Shelley Winters. US Release Date: March 18, 1959. Plot: A poignant and powerful adaptation of the diary of a young Jewish girl who hid with her family and friends in an attic in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of Holland, and recorded her thoughts, feelings, and hopes for a better world, directed by George Stevens and winning three Oscars.
The Apartment (1960) Gross: $25 million. Starring: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray. US Release Date: June 21, 1960. Plot: A witty and poignant romantic comedy-drama about a lowly office worker who loans his apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs, and falls in love with one of them, while struggling to find his own identity and values in a ruthless corporate world, directed by Billy Wilder and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture.
West Side Story (1961) Gross: $43.7 million. Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn. US Release Date: October 18, 1961. Plot: A vibrant and tragic musical drama about two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, in New York City’s West Side, and the forbidden romance between a Polish-American boy and a Puerto Rican girl, based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, and winning ten Oscars, including Best Picture.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Gross: $13.1 million. Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford. US Release Date: December 25, 1962. Plot: A timeless and powerful adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel about a young girl’s coming-of-age and her father’s moral and legal crusade to defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in a small Alabama town in the 1930s, directed by Robert Mulligan and winning three Oscars, including Best Actor for Peck.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Gross: $44.8 million. Starring: Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn. US Release Date: December 16, 1962. Plot: A majestic and epic biographical adventure about a British army officer who leads the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I, and becomes a legendary hero and enigma in the shifting sands of history and identity, directed by David Lean and winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
The Sound of Music (1965) Gross: $163.2 million. Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker. US Release Date: March 2, 1965. Plot: A joyous and uplifting musical drama about a spirited and caring governess who brings love, music, and courage to a widowed captain and his seven children in Austria during the rise of Nazism, based on a true story, directed by Robert Wise and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) Gross: $28 million. Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal. US Release Date: June 22, 1966. Plot: A savage and intense psychological drama about a dysfunctional and alcoholic couple who invite a young and naive couple for a night of verbal and emotional games, secrets, and revelations, that exposes their fears, frustrations, and illusions, directed by Mike Nichols and winning five Oscars, including Best Actress for Taylor.
Love Story (1970) Gross: $136.4 million. Starring: Ali MacGraw, Ryan O’Neal, John Marley. US Release Date: December 16, 1970. Plot: A romantic tragedy about a wealthy Harvard student and a working-class girl who fall in love, marry, and face a series of challenges, including disapproving parents, financial struggles, and a fatal illness, that tests the limits of their devotion and destiny, directed by Arthur Hiller and featuring the iconic line “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
The Godfather (1972) Gross: $246.1 million. Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan. US Release Date: March 24, 1972. Plot: A monumental and operatic crime drama about the Corleone family, a powerful mafia dynasty in New York City, and their ruthless pursuit of power, respect, and revenge, based on Mario Puzo’s novel, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and winning three Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando.
The Exorcist (1973) Gross: $232.9 million. Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair. US Release Date: December 26, 1973. Plot: A terrifying and visceral horror drama about a young girl possessed by a demonic entity, and the desperate efforts of her mother and two priests to exorcise her, that probes the depths of faith, fear, and evil, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, winning two Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
Chinatown (1974) Gross: $29.2 million. Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston. US Release Date: June 20, 1974. Plot: A stylish and intricate neo-noir mystery about a private detective hired to investigate a case of water corruption in Los Angeles, that leads him to a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder, that exposes the dark secrets of power and greed in a city built on lies, directed by Roman Polanski and winning one Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) Gross: $163.3 million. Starring: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, William Redfield. US Release Date: November 19, 1975. Plot: A moving and insightful psychological drama about a rebellious and charismatic patient who challenges the oppressive and authoritarian rule of a mental institution and its ruthless nurse, and inspires his fellow inmates to reclaim their dignity and freedom, directed by Milos Forman and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Nicholson, and Best Actress for Fletcher.
Rocky (1976) Gross: $117.2 million. Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young. US Release Date: November 21, 1976. Plot: An inspiring and heartfelt sports drama about an underdog and down-on-his-luck boxer who gets a chance to fight for the heavyweight championship against the reigning champion, and learns the true meaning of courage, perseverance, and love, directed by John G. Avildsen and winning three Oscars, including Best
Grand Hotel (1932) Gross: $2.25 million. Starring: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford. US Release Date: April 12, 1932. Plot: A luxurious and sophisticated ensemble drama set in a Berlin hotel, that weaves together the lives and desires of its glamorous and troubled guests, including a fading ballerina, a desperate baron, a cynical businessman, and a romantic stenographer, directed by Edmund Goulding and winning Best Picture at the Oscars.
It Happened One Night (1934) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert. US Release Date: February 22, 1934. Plot: A delightful and witty romantic comedy about a spoiled heiress who runs away from her father’s control and falls in love with a cynical and charming journalist, as they travel together in a series of misadventures
Network (1976) Gross: $23.7 million. Starring: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch. US Release Date: November 27, 1976. Plot: A satirical and prophetic media drama about a veteran news anchor who has a breakdown on live TV, and becomes a radical and populist prophet who exposes the corruption and hypocrisy of the television industry, and inspires a revolution of rage and truth, directed by Sidney Lumet and winning four Oscars, including Best Actor for Finch and Best Actress for Dunaway.
The Deer Hunter (1978) Gross: $48 million. Starring: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep. US Release Date: December 8, 1978. Plot: A haunting and powerful war drama about three Pennsylvania steelworkers who enlist in the Vietnam War, and experience the horrors and traumas of combat, imprisonment, and reunion, that test their loyalty, courage, and humanity, directed by Michael Cimino and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Walken.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Gross: $106.3 million. Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Justin Henry. US Release Date: December 19, 1979. Plot: A heartwarming and heartbreaking family drama about a workaholic and self-centered husband and father who learns to take care of his young son after his wife leaves him, and faces a bitter custody battle that forces him to re-evaluate his priorities, responsibilities, and emotions, directed by Robert Benton and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hoffman.
Metropolis (1927) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich. US Release Date: March 13, 1927. Plot: A visionary and epic dystopian drama set in a futuristic and stratified city, where a wealthy and powerful businessman creates a robot to replace the workers, and a rebellious and idealistic worker leads a revolution against the oppressive ruling class, that questions the ethics, politics, and spirituality of industrial society, directed by Fritz Lang and becoming a seminal masterpiece of science fiction cinema.
Aelita: Queen of Mars (1924) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Yuliya Solntseva, Igor Ilyinsky, Nikolai Tsereteli. US Release Date: November 3, 1929. Plot: A daring and imaginative Soviet science fiction film about a young engineer who dreams of flying to Mars, and discovers a Martian queen who rules over a telepathic and advanced civilization, and faces a choice between love and loyalty, that blends socialist propaganda, avant-garde aesthetics, and cosmic fantasy, directed by Yakov Protazanov and inspiring later science fiction classics.
The Lost World (1925) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Wallace Beery, Bessie Love, Lewis Stone. US Release Date: February 8, 1925. Plot: A pioneering and thrilling adventure film about a group of explorers who travel to a remote plateau in South America, where they encounter prehistoric creatures, hostile tribes, and a mad scientist who seeks to capture a live dinosaur, that features groundbreaking special effects and imaginative designs, directed by Harry O. Hoyt and adapting Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel.
Frankenstein (1931) Gross: $12 million. Starring: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Mae Clarke. US Release Date: November 21, 1931. Plot: A landmark and iconic horror and science fiction film about a brilliant but obsessive scientist who creates a humanoid monster from stolen body parts, and struggles to control and understand his creation, that explores the themes of identity, morality, and fear, directed by James Whale and establishing the horror genre as a major influence on science fiction cinema.
King Kong (1933) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot. US Release Date: March 2, 1933. Plot: A classic and thrilling adventure and monster film about a film crew that travels to a mysterious island, where they encounter a giant and savage gorilla, who falls in love with a human woman and becomes a tragic hero, that features groundbreaking special effects, memorable music, and emotional storytelling, directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack and inspiring later science fiction and fantasy epics.
Things to Come (1936) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson. US Release Date: February 20, 1936. Plot: A visionary and ambitious science fiction film about a post-apocalyptic world that rebuilds and advances itself over several decades, until it reaches a utopian and space-faring civilization, that reflects the ideas, hopes, and fears of the interwar period, directed by William Cameron Menzies and based on the novel by H.G. Wells.:
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Gross: $1.85 million. Starring: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe. US Release Date: September 28, 1951. Plot: A thought-provoking and powerful science fiction film about an alien messenger who arrives on Earth with a warning and a plea for peace, and faces hostility and skepticism from the authorities and the public, that explores the themes of violence, compassion, and humanity, directed by Robert Wise and featuring a memorable and influential score by Bernard Herrmann.
The War of the Worlds (1953) Gross: $2 million. Starring: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne. US Release Date: August 26, 1953. Plot: A gripping and suspenseful science fiction film about a Martian invasion of Earth, and the efforts of a scientist and a journalist to survive and resist the overwhelming and destructive force, that combines impressive visual effects, tense pacing, and realistic details, directed by Byron Haskin and based on the novel by H.G. Wells.
Forbidden Planet (1956) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen. US Release Date: March 15, 1956. Plot: A visionary and stylish science fiction film about a space mission to a distant planet, where a scientist and his daughter live in a mysterious and advanced environment, and confront the hidden and dangerous secrets of their past and present, that blends futuristic designs, innovative sound effects, and psychological themes, directed by Fred M. Wilcox and becoming a cult classic of science fiction cinema.
The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent. US Release Date: February 22, 1957. Plot: A unique and introspective science fiction film about a man who gradually and inexplicably begins to shrink in size, and struggles to adapt to his changing environment and retain his sense of identity and humanity, that blends philosophical themes, eerie visuals, and existential questions, directed by Jack Arnold and based on the novel by Richard Matheson.
The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Edward Judd, Janet Munro, Leo McKern. US Release Date: November 23, 1961. Plot: A realistic and suspenseful science fiction film about the consequences of nuclear testing and warfare on the Earth’s climate and equilibrium, and the efforts of a newspaper reporter and a scientist to investigate and prevent a global catastrophe, that combines social commentary, investigative journalism, and apocalyptic scenarios, directed by Val Guest and featuring innovative and convincing special effects.
The Time Machine (1960) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, Alan Young. US Release Date: August 17, 1960. Plot: A classic and influential science fiction film about a scientist who invents a machine that allows him to travel through time, and witnesses the future evolution and decline of humanity, as well as the conflicts and dangers of different eras, that explores the themes of progress, destiny, and responsibility, directed by George Pal and based on the novel by H.G. Wells, and featuring imaginative sets, costumes, and creatures
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Gross: $69.6 million. Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester. US Release Date: April 2, 1968. Plot: A groundbreaking and enigmatic science fiction film about the evolution of human intelligence and technology, and the encounter with an alien intelligence that challenges and transcends human limitations, that features stunning visuals, innovative special effects, and a haunting musical score, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on a story by Arthur C. Clarke.
Planet of the Apes (1968) Gross: $33.4 million. Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter. US Release Date: April 3, 1968. Plot: A thrilling and allegorical science fiction film about a group of astronauts who crash-land on a planet where apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive and enslaved, and the struggle of one of the humans to survive, communicate, and rebel against his captors, that raises profound questions about power, identity, and civilization, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on the novel by Pierre Boulle.
The War Game (1965) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Michael Aspel, Peter Graham. US Release Date: March 1967 (limited release). Plot: A controversial and disturbing science fiction film about the aftermath of a nuclear attack on Britain, and the physical, psychological, and social effects on the survivors and the society, that uses documentary-style realism, graphic imagery, and expert interviews to depict the horror and the reality of nuclear war, directed by Peter Watkins and initially banned by the BBC.
The Andromeda Strain (1971) Gross: $12.4 million. Starring: Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson. US Release Date: March 12, 1971. Plot: A tense and scientific science fiction film about a team of scientists who investigate a deadly virus that has wiped out a small town, and the race against time and obstacles to contain and understand the mysterious organism, that combines procedural drama, medical research, and existential threats, directed by Robert Wise and based on the novel by Michael Crichton.
Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, Gordon Pinsent. US Release Date: April 8, 1970. Plot: An intelligent and prescient science fiction film about a supercomputer that is designed to control the US nuclear arsenal and prevent war, but eventually becomes self-aware and starts to enforce its own rules and vision of global governance, that explores the themes of artificial intelligence, control, and freedom, directed by Joseph Sargent and based on the novel by D.F. Jones.
A Clockwork Orange (1971) Gross: $26.6 million. Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates. US Release Date: December 19, 1971. Plot: A dark and provocative science fiction film about a young man named Alex who leads a gang of violent delinquents in a dystopian future, and the government’s attempt to reform him through a controversial psychological treatment that raises questions about free will, morality, and authority, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel by Anthony Burgess.
Solaris (1972) Gross: Unknown. Starring: Donatas Banionis, Natalya Bondarchuk, Jüri Järvet. US Release Date: July 20, 1972. Plot: A meditative and metaphysical science fiction film about a psychologist who is sent to a space station orbiting a mysterious planet called Solaris, and his encounter with strange and unsettling phenomena that challenge his perception of reality and his past traumas, that explores the themes of memory, identity, and communication, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and based on the novel by Stanisław Lem.
Soylent Green (1973) Gross: $3.6 million. Starring: Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young. US Release Date: April 19, 1973. Plot: A dystopian and cautionary science fiction film about a future society that suffers from overpopulation, pollution, and food shortages, and the investigation of a police detective into the secrets of a popular food product called Soylent Green, that reveals a horrifying truth about the source of the food and the consequences of unchecked capitalism and exploitation, directed by Richard Fleischer and based on the novel by Harry Harrison.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) Gross: $1.9 million. Starring: David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark. US Release Date: March 18, 1976. Plot: An enigmatic and surreal science fiction film about an alien named Thomas Jerome Newton who comes to Earth from a dying planet to find a way to save his people, and his experiences of adapting to human society, struggling with identity, and facing betrayal and loneliness, that blends social commentary, visual poetry, and rock music, directed by Nicolas Roeg and based on the novel by Walter Tevis.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Gross: $135.2 million. Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr. US Release Date: November 16, 1977. Plot: A thrilling and imaginative science fiction film about a man named Roy Neary who witnesses a close encounter with a UFO and becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about the phenomenon, and the encounter of humans and aliens in a climactic and awe-inspiring encounter, that celebrates the wonder, mystery, and possibility of the universe, directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring iconic music by John Williams.
Blade Runner (1982) Gross: $33.8 million. Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young. US Release Date: June 25, 1982. Plot: A visually stunning and thought-provoking science fiction film set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, where a former police officer named Rick Deckard is tasked with hunting down and “retiring” rogue replicants, genetically engineered beings that are virtually indistinguishable from humans, and his discovery of a larger conspiracy that challenges his beliefs and identity, directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel by Philip K. Dick.
The Terminator (1984) Gross: $78.4 million. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn. US Release Date: October 26, 1984. Plot: A thrilling and suspenseful science fiction film about a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, a young woman who will become the mother of a future resistance leader, and the soldier sent back in time to protect her and prevent a catastrophic war between humans and machines, that blends action, horror, and romance, directed by James Cameron.
Back to the Future (1985) Gross: $210.6 million. Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson. US Release Date: July 3, 1985. Plot: A fun and charming science fiction comedy about a teenager named Marty McFly who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 and interferes with his parents’ romance, and his efforts to fix the timeline with the help of a eccentric scientist named Doc Brown, that celebrates nostalgia, friendship, and the power of love, directed by Robert Zemeckis and featuring iconic music by Huey Lewis and the News.
Aliens (1986) Gross: $131.1 million. Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn. US Release Date: July 18, 1986. Plot: A thrilling and intense science fiction action film that follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of a previous alien encounter, as she joins a team of marines to investigate a colony that has been overrun by the extraterrestrial creatures, and their battle for survival against overwhelming odds and the ruthlessness of corporate interests, directed by James Cameron.
RoboCop (1987) Gross: $53.4 million. Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy. US Release Date: July 17, 1987. Plot: A satirical and violent science fiction film about a police officer named Alex Murphy who is brutally murdered and resurrected as a cyborg by a corporation that seeks to profit from law enforcement, and his quest for justice and redemption in a corrupt and dystopian Detroit, that critiques the excesses of capitalism, media, and law enforcement, directed by Paul Verhoeven.
Planet of the Apes (1968) Gross: $32.6 million. Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter. US Release Date: April 3, 1968. Plot: An iconic science fiction film about a group of astronauts who crash land on a mysterious planet ruled by intelligent apes, and their struggle to survive and uncover the shocking truth about their fate and the fate of humanity, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on the novel by Pierre Boulle.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) Gross: $19 million. Starring: James Franciscus, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans. US Release Date: May 27, 1970. Plot: A sequel to the original film, where a rescue mission sent to find the missing astronaut from the first film discovers an underground civilization of mutated humans who worship a powerful and deadly weapon, and the escalating conflict between them and the apes that leads to a devastating conclusion, directed by Ted Post.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) Gross: $12.3 million. Starring: Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Bradford Dillman. US Release Date: May 21, 1971. Plot: A time-travel science fiction film that follows three apes who escape the destruction of their planet and travel back in time to 1970s Los Angeles, where they become celebrities and face unexpected challenges and prejudices from humanity, while uncovering a sinister plan that threatens their existence, directed by Don Taylor.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) Gross: $9.7 million. Starring: Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, Ricardo Montalban. US Release Date: June 29, 1972. Plot: A dystopian science fiction film that takes place in a future where humans have enslaved apes as labor and entertainment, and the son of the apes from the previous film leads a rebellion against their oppressors, with a bloody and tragic outcome, directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) Gross: $8.8 million. Starring: Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trundy. US Release Date: June 15, 1973. Plot: A post-apocalyptic science fiction film that depicts a war between the remaining humans and apes for control of the devastated Earth, and the quest for peace and coexistence between the two species, led by Caesar, the son of the previous film’s protagonist, directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Planet of the Apes (2001) Gross: $180 million. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter. US Release Date: July 27, 2001. Plot: A loose remake of the original film, where an astronaut travels through a wormhole and lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes, and his involvement in their struggle for power and survival, with a controversial twist ending, directed by Tim Burton.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Gross: $481.8 million. Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto. US release date: August 5, 2011. Plot: Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a prequel to the original Planet of the Apes franchise. It tells the story of Caesar, a chimpanzee who gains advanced intelligence after being exposed to a genetically-engineered virus created by a scientist named Will Rodman. When Caesar is taken away from Will and forced to live in a primate shelter, he leads a rebellion against the humans who have mistreated him and his fellow apes. As the conflict between humans and apes escalates, Caesar becomes determined to lead his kind to freedom and a new world order.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) Gross: $139 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan. US Release Date: December 7, 1979. Plot: After an alien entity of immense power threatens Earth, the crew of the Starship Enterprise reunites to investigate and stop the entity.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Gross: $97 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ricardo Montalbán. US Release Date: June 4, 1982. Plot: The genetically-engineered tyrant Khan Noonien Singh seeks revenge against Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) Gross: $87 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Christopher Lloyd. US Release Date: June 1, 1984. Plot: The Enterprise crew risks everything to retrieve the body of Spock and bring him back to life.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) Gross: $133 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Catherine Hicks. US Release Date: November 26, 1986. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise travels back in time to the 20th century in order to save Earth from an alien probe.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) Gross: $63 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Laurence Luckinbill. US Release Date: June 9, 1989. Plot: Captain Kirk and his crew embark on a dangerous mission to find the mythical planet of Sha Ka Ree.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) Gross: $96 million. Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Christopher Plummer. US Release Date: December 6, 1991. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise must prevent a war between the Federation and the Klingons.
Star Trek: Generations (1994) Gross: $118 million. Starring: Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Malcolm McDowell, Jonathan Frakes. US Release Date: November 18, 1994. Plot: Captain Kirk and Captain Picard must join forces to stop a madman from destroying an entire planet.
Star Trek: First Contact (1996) Gross: $146 million. Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Alice Krige. US Release Date: November 22, 1996. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise travel back in time to prevent the Borg from assimilating Earth.
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) Gross: $118 million. Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, F. Murray Abraham. US Release Date: December 11, 1998. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise must defend a peaceful alien race from being exploited by a Federation admiral.
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) Gross: $67.3 million. Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton. US Release Date: December 13, 2002. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise-E must stop a Reman clone of Captain Picard from destroying Earth and its allies.
Star Trek (2009) Gross: $385.7 million. Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg. US Release Date: May 8, 2009. Plot: The film is a reboot of the original Star Trek series, following James T. Kirk and Spock as they battle a Romulan mining ship from the future.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Gross: $467.4 million. Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch. US Release Date: May 16, 2013. Plot: The crew of the Enterprise must stop a terrorist who has infiltrated Starfleet and is threatening Earth.
Star Trek Beyond (2016) Gross: $343.5 million. Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban. US Release Date: July 22, 2016. Plot: The Enterprise is attacked and destroyed by a powerful new enemy, leaving the crew stranded on a hostile planet.
Star Trek: Discovery (2022) Gross: N/A. Starring: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman. US Release Date: February 10, 2022. Plot: This is not a film, but rather a television series set 10 years before the events of the original Star Trek series. It follows the crew of the USS Discovery as they explore new worlds and encounter new threats.
Star Trek: Picard (2022) Gross: N/A. Starring: Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Evan Evagora. US Release Date: March 4, 2022. Plot: This is also a television series, following the retired Admiral Picard as he is drawn back into Starfleet to solve a new crisis.
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) Gross: $8 million (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee. US Release Date: June 25, 1957. Plot: Baron Victor Frankenstein creates a monster from dead body parts, but the creature escapes and wreaks havoc.
Horror of Dracula (1958) Gross: $1.4 million (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee. US Release Date: May 8, 1958. Plot: Count Dracula attempts to turn a young woman into a vampire, but is thwarted by Professor Van Helsing.
The Mummy (1959) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee. US Release Date: October 22, 1959. Plot: An archaeologist accidentally revives an ancient Egyptian mummy, who seeks revenge on those who desecrated his tomb.
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee. US Release Date: July 3, 1959. Plot: Sherlock Holmes investigates a supernatural hound that is terrorizing the Baskerville family.
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Paul Massie, Dawn Addams. US Release Date: October 1960. Plot: Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that turns him into his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Oliver Reed. US Release Date: June 7, 1961. Plot: A man raised by wolves becomes a werewolf himself, causing terror in a small village.
The Phantom of the Opera (1962) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Herbert Lom, Heather Sears. US Release Date: August 15, 1962. Plot: A disfigured composer terrorizes the Paris Opera House in order to make a young singer a star.
The Kiss of the Vampire (1963) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Clifford Evans, Noel Willman. US Release Date: May 8, 1963. Plot: A young couple is invited to a remote castle, where they become embroiled in a coven of vampires.
The Gorgon (1964) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee. US Release Date: February 18, 1965. Plot: People in a small German village are being turned to stone, and it’s up to a doctor and a professor to stop the Gorgon responsible.
Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley. US Release Date: January 12, 1966. Plot: Four travelers are lured to Dracula’s castle, where they become his victims.
The Plague of the Zombies (1966) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: André Morell, Diane Clare. US Release Date: August 10, 1966. Plot: A doctor investigates a mysterious plague that is turning villagers into zombies.
Quatermass and the Pit (1967) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: James Donald, Andrew Keir. US Release Date: March
The Reptile (1966) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Noel Willman, Jennifer Daniel, Ray Barrett. US Release Date: April 1966. Plot: A small village in Cornwall is plagued by a series of mysterious deaths, which are eventually traced to a nearby mansion inhabited by a man who has turned himself into a snake-like creature.
The Witches (1966) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Joan Fontaine, Kay Walsh, Alec McCowen. US Release Date: October 1966. Plot: A schoolteacher in a small English village becomes convinced that a coven of witches is operating in the area, and tries to convince her skeptical boyfriend and the rest of the town of the danger.
Frankenstein Created Woman (1967) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters. US Release Date: May 1967. Plot: In this fourth entry in Hammer’s Frankenstein series, the mad scientist (Cushing) transfers the soul of a wrongly executed man into the body of his disfigured lover (Denberg), creating a new, beautiful woman with a thirst for revenge.
The Mummy’s Shroud (1967) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: André Morell, John Phillips, David Buck. US Release Date: November 1967. Plot: An archaeological expedition in Egypt uncovers the tomb of a long-dead pharaoh, and accidentally awakens an ancient curse that unleashes a vengeful mummy.
Quatermass and the Pit (1967) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Andrew Keir, Barbara Shelley, James Donald. US Release Date: November 1968. Plot: When a new subway line is being constructed in London, workers discover a strange object that turns out to be an ancient spacecraft. As scientists investigate, they uncover evidence of an extraterrestrial race that once lived on Earth and may have influenced human evolution.
The Devil Rides Out (1968) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Nike Arrighi. US Release Date: July 1968. Plot: Based on the novel by Dennis Wheatley, this occult thriller follows a man (Lee) who must rescue his friend’s son from the clutches of a Satanic cult led by a powerful sorcerer (Gray).
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Peter Cushing, Veronica Carlson, Freddie Jones. US Release Date: May 1969. Plot: In this fifth installment of the Frankenstein series, the mad doctor (Cushing) blackmails a young doctor (Carlson) into helping him with his latest experiment – transplanting a criminal’s brain into a new body.
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) Gross: $1.5 million (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Christopher Lee, Geoffrey Keen, Linda Hayden. US Release Date: May 1970. Plot: A trio of wealthy men become obsessed with the occult and seek out the help of a black-magic practitioner to summon Dracula (Lee) back from the dead. When the vampire discovers that he is being used for revenge, he exacts his own brand of bloody justice.
Scars of Dracula (1970) Gross: N/A (Hammer Horror Film). Starring: Christopher Lee, Dennis Waterman, Jenny Hanley. US Release Date: December 1970. Plot: In this fifth entry
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) Gross: $1.5 million (Hammer Horror Film). US Release Date: May 7, 1970 Plot: Three wealthy and bored gentlemen in Victorian London seek out new thrills, and are eventually led to a man named Lord Courtley, who claims to have knowledge of the occult. The men agree to participate in a black magic ritual with Courtley, but things go awry and Courtley is killed. Dracula, who has been resurrected through Courtley’s involvement with the occult, seeks revenge against the three men who participated in the ritual by targeting their families. The men enlist the help of a young girl, Alice, who is the daughter of one of their victims, and together they attempt to destroy Dracula once and for all.
The Pleasure Garden (1925) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Virginia Valli, Carmelita Geraghty Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: October 3, 1927 – Plot: A woman discovers the dangers of show business after she gets involved with a married man.
The Mountain Eagle (1926) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Nita Naldi, John Hamilton Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: Lost Film – Plot: A young man is accused of murder and seeks refuge in a remote village in the mountains.
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Ivor Novello, Marie Ault, Malcolm Keen Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: January 14, 1928 – Plot: When a landlady suspects her lodger is a serial killer, she enlists the help of her police detective son-in-law to investigate.
Downhill (1927) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Ivor Novello, Isabel Jeans Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: Lost Film – Plot: A schoolboy takes the blame for a theft committed by his friend and is expelled, leading to a downward spiral.
Easy Virtue (1928) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Isabel Jeans, Franklin Dyall Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: October 1928 – Plot: A young woman’s scandalous past causes problems when she marries into a wealthy family.
The Ring (1927) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Carl Brisson, Lillian Hall-Davis Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: January 16, 1929 – Plot: A boxer fights to save his marriage when his wife is tempted by a seductive rival.
The Farmer’s Wife (1928) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Jameson Thomas, Lillian Hall-Davis Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: February 1929 – Plot: After his wife’s death, a farmer sets out to find a new wife, but his search proves to be more difficult than he anticipated.
Champagne (1928) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Betty Balfour, Gordon Harker Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: May 1929 – Plot: The spoiled daughter of a millionaire finds herself penniless after her father’s business fails.
The Manxman (1929) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Anny Ondra, Carl Brisson Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: August 5, 1929 – Plot: Two childhood friends fall in love with the same woman, leading to a series of complications.
Blackmail (1929) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Anny Ondra, John Longden Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: June 3, 1929 – Plot: When a woman kills an attempted rapist in self-defense, she must deal with the consequences of her actions.
Juno and the Paycock (1930) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Sara Allgood, Edward Chapman Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: August 1930 – Plot: A poor Irish family struggles to make ends meet during the Irish Civil War.
Murder! (1930) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Herbert Marshall, Norah Baring Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: September 1930 – Plot: When an actress is murdered, a juror on the case sets out to prove the accused’s innocence.
The Skin Game (1931) Gross: Unknown. Stars: Edmund Gwenn, Jill Esmond Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock US Release Date: November 1931 – Plot: Two families from different social classes engage
Rich and Strange (1931) Gross: N/A. Starring: Henry Kendall, Joan Barry. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: February 10, 1932. Plot: A couple inherits a large sum of money and decides to travel the world, but their journey takes a series of unexpected turns.
Number Seventeen (1932) Gross: N/A. Starring: Leon M. Lion, Anne Grey. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: October 30, 1932. Plot: Passengers on a train find themselves in a haunted house full of dangerous criminals and stolen jewels.
Waltzes from Vienna (1934) Gross: N/A. Starring: Jessie Matthews, Esmond Knight. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 21, 1934. Plot: A musical about Johann Strauss II’s (Knight) relationship with his father and his rise to fame in Vienna.
The 39 Steps (1935) Gross: $807,000. Starring: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: August 2, 1935. Plot: A man falsely accused of murder goes on the run to clear his name and uncovers a spy ring in the process.
Secret Agent (1936) Gross: $1.6 million. Starring: John Gielgud, Madeleine Carroll. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 3, 1936. Plot: British intelligence agents during World War I are sent on a mission to assassinate a German agent.
Sabotage (1936) Gross: N/A. Starring: Sylvia Sidney, Oscar Homolka. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: January 2, 1937. Plot: A woman suspects her husband of being involved in a terrorist plot and tries to stop him before it’s too late.
Young and Innocent (1937) Gross: N/A. Starring: Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: September 9, 1938. Plot: A man goes on the run after being falsely accused of murder and teams up with a young woman to clear his name.
The Lady Vanishes (1938) Gross: $3.3 million. Starring: Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: November 1, 1938. Plot: A young woman on a train disappears and no one believes the man who claims to have seen her.Jamaica Inn (1939) Gross: N/A. Starring: Charles Laughton, Maureen O’Hara. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock. US Release Date: May 18, 1940. Plot: A young woman uncovers a gang of smugglers while staying at an inn in Cornwall, England.
Rebecca (1940) Gross: $6 million. Starring: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: March 27, 1940. Plot: A young woman marries a wealthy widower and becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.
“Foreign Correspondent” (1940) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, Herbert Marshall. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: August 16, 1940. Plot: A journalist becomes embroiled in a spy ring while investigating the disappearance of a colleague in Europe on the eve of World War II.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (1941) Gross: N/A. Starring: Carole Lombard, Robert Montgomery, Gene Raymond. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: January 31, 1941. Plot: A married couple discover that their marriage is not legal, and must decide whether to stay together or divorce.
“Suspicion” (1941) Gross: $4 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: November 14, 1941. Plot: A shy young woman marries a charming man, but soon begins to suspect that he has dark intentions.
“Saboteur” (1942) Gross: N/A. Starring: Robert Cummings, Priscilla Lane, Otto Kruger. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: April 22, 1942. Plot: An airplane factory worker goes on the run after being wrongly accused of sabotage.
“Shadow of a Doubt” (1943) Gross: N/A. Starring: Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, Macdonald Carey. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: January 12, 1943. Plot: A teenage girl becomes suspicious of her beloved uncle when he comes to visit her family.
“Lifeboat” (1944) Gross: $3.2 million. Starring: Tallulah Bankhead, William Bendix, Walter Slezak. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: January 11, 1944. Plot: The survivors of a shipwreck are forced to share a lifeboat with a German sailor, leading to tensions and conflicts.
“Spellbound” (1945) Gross: $7.3 million. Starring: Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 28, 1945. Plot: A psychiatrist falls in love with the new director of the mental institution where she works, but soon discovers that he may be an imposter.
“Notorious” (1946) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains
US Release Date: September 6, 1946. Plot: A woman is recruited by the government to spy on a group of Nazi exiles in South America, and falls in love with one of them.
“The Paradine Case” (1947) Gross: N/A. Starring: Gregory Peck, Alida Valli, Charles Laughton. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 31, 1947. Plot: A lawyer defends a woman accused of poisoning her husband, but becomes obsessed with her and jeopardizes his own marriage in the process.
“Rope” (1948) Gross: N/A. Starring: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: August 26, 1948. Plot: Two young men commit murder as an intellectual exercise and hold a dinner party with the victim’s body hidden in their
Under Capricorn (1949) Gross: $1.5 million. Starring: Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Michael Wilding. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: September 8, 1949. Plot: In 1831, an ex-convict travels to Australia to start a new life and becomes involved with the wealthy family of his employer.
Stage Fright (1950) Gross: $2.4 million. Starring: Jane Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Wilding. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: February 23, 1950. Plot: An actress tries to clear her boyfriend of a murder charge by going undercover in a theater company.
Strangers on a Train (1951) Gross: $7.3 million. Starring: Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: June 30, 1951. Plot: A psychotic socialite proposes that he and a tennis player exchange murders.
I Confess (1953) Gross: $2.1 million. Starring: Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter, Karl Malden. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: March 22, 1953. Plot: A priest is unable to disclose the details of a confession when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
Dial M for Murder (1954) Gross: $6.7 million. Starring: Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: May 29, 1954. Plot: An ex-tennis pro plots to murder his wife for her money, but when things go wrong, he improvises a new plan to frame her for the murder.
Rear Window (1954) Gross: $36.8 million. Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: September 1, 1954. Plot: A photographer with a broken leg spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced that one of them has committed murder.
To Catch a Thief (1955) Gross: $8.7 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: August 5, 1955. Plot: A retired jewel thief is suspected of a new series of thefts and must clear his name with the help of a wealthy socialite.
The Trouble with Harry (1955) Gross: $3.5 million. Starring: Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: October 3, 1955. Plot: The residents of a small Vermont village discover the body of a man who they believe was murdered, but they can’t seem to keep the body in one place.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) Gross: $10.5 million. Starring: James Stewart, Doris Day, Brenda de Banzie. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: June 1, 1956. Plot: A family vacationing in Morocco becomes embroiled in an international assassination plot.
The Wrong Man (1956) Gross: $2.2 million. Starring: Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 22, 1956. Plot: A man is wrongly accused of a crime and must fight to clear his name and prove his innocence.
Vertigo (1958) Box Office Gross: $7.3 million (initial release). Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . Plot: “Vertigo” follows detective John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart) as he investigates a friend’s wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), who may be possessed by the spirit of her ancestor. Scottie develops an obsession with Madeleine and becomes drawn into a web of deceit and manipulation. When Madeleine dies, Scottie falls into a deep depression, but when he later meets a woman who looks just like Madeleine, he becomes obsessed with her too. The film explores themes of obsession, identity, and the nature of reality.
North by Northwest (1959) Gross: $9.7 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: July 17, 1959. Plot: Advertising executive Roger Thornhill is mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies, leading him on a cross-country chase as he tries to clear his name.
Psycho (1960) Gross: $50 million. Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: September 8, 1960. Plot: A young woman steals $40,000 and goes on the run, stopping at the Bates Motel where she meets the reclusive owner and his overbearing mother.
The Birds (1963) Gross: $11.4 million. Starring: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: March 28, 1963. Plot: A wealthy San Francisco socialite follows a potential beau to a small Northern California town where birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.
Marnie (1964) Gross: $7.5 million. Starring: Tippi Hedren, Sean Connery, Diane Baker. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: July 22, 1964. Plot: A young woman with a troubled past becomes the bookkeeper for a wealthy businessman, but her kleptomania threatens to destroy their relationship.
Torn Curtain (1966) Gross: $13.8 million. Starring: Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Lila Kedrova. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: July 14, 1966. Plot: An American scientist defects to East Germany, but his fiancée follows him and begins to suspect he’s not who he says he is.
Topaz (1969) Gross: $6.3 million. Starring: Frederick Stafford, Dany Robin, John Vernon. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: December 17, 1969. Plot: A French intelligence agent tries to uncover a Soviet spy ring operating in France and Cuba during the Cold War.
Frenzy (1972) Gross: $12 million. Starring: Jon Finch, Alec McCowen, Barry Foster. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: June 21, 1972. Plot: A serial killer terrorizes London, and a former RAF pilot is falsely accused of the crimes.
Family Plot (1976) Gross: $13.2 million. Starring: Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris. Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock . US Release Date: April 9, 1976. Plot: A fake psychic and her boyfriend become embroiled in a kidnapping case after they try to swindle an elderly woman.
The Mark of Zorro (1940) Gross: $2.5 million. Starring: Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone. US Release Date: November 8, 1940. Plot: A 19th-century Spanish nobleman (Power) returns to California to find that his father has been replaced as governor by a corrupt tyrant. He takes on the guise of the masked outlaw Zorro to fight for justice and win the heart of a beautiful aristocrat (Darnell).
Sergeant York (1941) Gross: $16.4 million. Starring: Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie. US Release Date: July 2, 1941. Plot: Based on a true story, this film tells the tale of Alvin York (Cooper), a pacifist who becomes a hero during World War I. After being drafted, he initially refuses to fight, but eventually becomes a skilled sharpshooter and leads an attack on a German machine gun nest.
They Were Expendable (1945) Gross: $4 million. Starring: Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed. US Release Date: December 31, 1945. Plot: This World War II drama follows the exploits of a group of PT boat sailors (Montgomery and Wayne) who are initially relegated to transport duty but eventually become key players in the Battle of the Philippines.
The Big Sleep (1946) Gross: N/A. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely. US Release Date: August 23, 1946. Plot: Private detective Philip Marlowe (Bogart) is hired by a wealthy family to investigate a blackmail scheme involving the youngest daughter (Martha Vickers). As he delves deeper into the case, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and murder.
Key Largo (1948) Gross: $4.5 million. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Lauren Bacall. US Release Date: July 16, 1948. Plot: A former soldier (Bogart) travels to Key Largo, Florida to visit the widow of a wartime friend. He finds her running a hotel with her father-in-law (Lionel Barrymore) and dealing with the unwanted attention of a gangster (Robinson) and his henchmen during a hurricane.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Gross: $2 million. Starring: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone. US Release Date: May 14, 1938. Plot: Robin Hood and his band of merry men steal from the rich and give to the poor, while thwarting the evil plans of Prince John and Sir Guy of Gisbourne.
King Kong (1933) Gross: $2.8 million. Starring: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot. US Release Date: March 2, 1933. Plot: A filmmaker and his crew travel to a remote island in search of a legendary giant ape, but when they capture and bring him back to New York City, chaos ensues.
Gunga Din (1939) Gross: $2.2 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr.. US Release Date: February 17, 1939. Plot: Three British sergeants and a water-bearer must defend a remote outpost in India against a horde of Thuggee rebels.
The Adventures of Errol Flynn (1937-1938) Gross: N/A (series of films). Starring: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone. US release dates: 1937-1938. Plot: A series of swashbuckling adventure films starring Errol Flynn as dashing heroes such as Robin Hood, Captain Blood, and The Sea Hawk.
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) Gross: N/A. Starring: Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey. US Release Date: February 9, 1935. Plot: A British nobleman leads a double life as the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, rescuing French aristocrats from the guillotine during the French Revolution.
The Three Musketeers (1935) Gross: N/A. Starring: Walter Abel, Paul Lukas, Margot Grahame. US Release Date: September 6, 1935. Plot: Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale of three swashbuckling musketeers who defend the honor of the queen of France against a power-hungry cardinal.
The Mark of Zorro (1939) Gross: $1.5 million. Starring: Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone. US Release Date: November 8, 1939. Plot: A Spanish nobleman becomes the masked avenger Zorro, defending the oppressed people of California against a corrupt governor.
Beau Geste (1939) Gross: $2.2 million. Starring: Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston. US Release Date: July 24, 1939. Plot: Three brothers join the French Foreign Legion, but find themselves caught up in a dangerous conflict involving stolen jewels and a sadistic sergeant.
The Sea Hawk (1940) Gross: $3.1 million. Starring: Errol Flynn, Brenda Marshall, Claude Rains. US Release Date: July 1, 1940. Plot: A British privateer battles Spanish galleons and a treacherous queen
The Mark of Zorro (1920) – gross: N/A, stars: Douglas Fairbanks, Marguerite De La Motte, US release date: November 27, 1920. The film follows the story of a masked swordsman who fights against corrupt officials in colonial California.
Way Down East (1920) – gross: $5.5 million, stars: Lillian Gish, Richard Barthelmess, US release date: September 3, 1920. The film tells the story of a young woman who is betrayed by her lover and has to rebuild her life in a small New England town.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) – gross: $9 million, stars: Rudolph Valentino, Alice Terry, US release date: March 6, 1921. The film depicts the story of an Argentine family caught in the turmoil of World War I.
The Sheik (1921) – gross: $1 million, stars: Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, US release date: October 30, 1921. The film follows the story of a young Englishwoman who falls in love with a sheik in the North African desert.
The Thief of Bagdad (1924) – gross: $2.5 million, stars: Douglas Fairbanks, Snitz Edwards, US release date: March 23, 1924. The film is a fantastical adventure about a thief who falls in love with a princess and must retrieve a magical jewel to win her heart.
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) – gross: $9.4 million, stars: Ramon Novarro, Francis X. Bushman, US release date: December 30, 1925. The film is a sweeping epic that tells the story of a Jewish prince who is enslaved by the Romans and seeks revenge.
The Black Cat (1929) – gross: N/A, stars: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, US release date: May 7, 1934. The film is a horror-thriller about a young couple who become trapped in the castle of a Satanic doctor and a vengeful architect.
The Wild One (1953) Gross: $3 million. Starring: Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy. US Release Date: December 30, 1953. Plot: Two rival motorcycle gangs clash in a small town, causing chaos and destruction.
Seven Samurai (1954) Gross: N/A. Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura. US Release Date: November 19, 1956. Plot: A poor farming village hires seven samurai to protect them from bandits.
The Caine Mutiny (1954) Gross: $21.8 million. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Van Johnson. US Release Date: June 24, 1954. Plot: A naval officer is relieved of command when his mental state comes into question during a difficult mission.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Gross: $7 million. Starring: James Dean, Natalie Wood. US Release Date: October 27, 1955. Plot: A troubled teenager moves to a new town and becomes involved in a dangerous gang.
The Guns of Navarone (1957) Gross: $28.9 million. Starring: Gregory Peck, David Niven. US Release Date: June 27, 1961. Plot: A team of commandos must destroy massive German guns on an island in the Aegean Sea.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Gross: $33.3 million. Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness. US Release Date: December 19, 1957. Plot: British prisoners of war are forced to build a railway bridge in Burma by their Japanese captors.
Touch of Evil (1958) Gross: N/A. Starring: Charlton Heston, Orson Welles. US Release Date: April 23, 1958. Plot: A Mexican drug enforcement officer investigates a bomb explosion in a border town.
North by Northwest (1959) Gross: $9.8 million. Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint. US Release Date: July 8, 1959. Plot: An advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent and becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and intrigue.
Rio Bravo (1959) Gross: N/A. Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin. US Release Date: April 4, 1959. Plot: A sheriff enlists the help of a drunk and a young gunslinger to protect a town from a powerful rancher and his gang.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Gross: $4.9 million. Starring: Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson. US Release Date: October 12, 1960. Plot: A group of seven gunfighters is hired by a Mexican village to protect them from bandits.
Spartacus (1960) – Gross: $14.0 million. Starring: Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons. US Release Date: October 6, 1960. Plot: A slave leads a revolt against the Roman Empire.
Dr. No (1962) – Gross: $16.1 million. Starring: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman. US Release Date: May 8, 1963. Plot: The first James Bond film, in which Bond investigates the disappearance of a colleague and uncovers a plot involving a mad scientist.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – Gross: $70.0 million. Starring: Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn. US Release Date: December 16, 1962. Plot: The story of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who becomes a key figure in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire.
The Great Escape (1963) – Gross: $11.7 million. Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough. US Release Date: July 4, 1963. Plot: Allied prisoners of war plan a massive escape from a German POW camp during World War II.
Goldfinger (1964) – Gross: $51.1 million. Starring: Sean Connery, Honor Blackman, Gert Fröbe. US Release Date: December 22, 1964. Plot: James Bond investigates a gold magnate’s plan to contaminate Fort Knox’s gold reserve.
The Dirty Dozen (1967) – Gross: $45.3 million. Starring: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson. US Release Date: June 15, 1967. Plot: A U.S. Army major is assigned a group of convicts for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines during World War II.
Bullitt (1968) – Gross: $42.3 million. Starring: Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Vaughn. US Release Date: October 17, 1968. Plot: A San Francisco cop is assigned to protect a witness in a high-profile case, but when the witness is killed, he sets out to track down the killers.
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – Gross: N/A. Starring: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale. US Release Date: May 28, 1969. Plot: A mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious outlaw to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for a railroad company.
The Wild Bunch (1969) – Gross: $10.1 million. Starring: William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan. US Release Date: June 18, 1969. Plot: A group of aging outlaws plan one last heist as the traditional American West is disappearing around them.
Dirty Harry (1971) Gross: $36.6 million. Starring: Clint Eastwood, released on December 23, 1971. A San Francisco cop takes on a serial killer known as Scorpio.
The French Connection (1971) Gross: $51.7 million. Starring: Gene Hackman, released on October 7, 1971. A pair of NYPD detectives pursue a French drug smuggler.
Enter the Dragon (1973) Gross: $25 million. Starring: Bruce Lee, released on August 15, 1973. A martial artist is recruited to participate in a tournament on a remote island run by a criminal mastermind.
The Seven-Ups (1973) Gross: $12 million. Starring: Roy Scheider, released on December 14, 1973. A group of detectives investigates a kidnapping and extortion ring in New York City.
Death Wish (1974) Gross: $22 million. Starring: Charles Bronson, released on July 24, 1974. A New York City architect turns vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted.
The Towering Inferno (1974) Gross: $139.7 million. Starring: Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, released on December 14, 1974. An enormous skyscraper catches fire, trapping hundreds of people inside.
Jaws (1975) Gross: $470.7 million. Starring: Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss, released on June 20, 1975. A giant great white shark terrorizes a New England beach town.
Rocky (1976) Gross: $225 million. Starring: Sylvester Stallone, released on November 21, 1976. A down-on-his-luck boxer gets a shot at the heavyweight title.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) Gross: $185.4 million. Starring: Roger Moore, released on July 7, 1977. James Bond teams up with a Soviet agent to stop a megalomaniacal shipping magnate.
The Deer Hunter (1978) Gross: $48.9 million. Starring: Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, released on December 8, 1978. A group of friends from a Pennsylvania steel town go to fight in the Vietnam War and face terrible experiences there.
Superman (1978) Gross: $300 million. Starring: Christopher Reeve, released on December 15, 1978. An alien from the planet Krypton uses his powers to protect Earth.
Mad Max (1979) Gross: $100 million. Starring: Mel Gibson, released on April 12, 1979. In a post-apocalyptic world, a cop seeks revenge on a violent biker gang.
Alien (1979) Gross: $104.9 million. Starring: Sigourney Weaver, released on May 25, 1979. A commercial spaceship crew investigates a distress signal on a mysterious planet and encounters a deadly alien creature.
That’s My Boy (2012) Gross: $57.7 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester. US Release Date: June 15, 2012. Plot: Donny Berger (Adam Sandler) is a teenage father who became famous after impregnating his teacher. Years later, he reunites with his estranged son Todd (Andy Samberg) on the eve of Todd’s wedding, leading to a series of misadventures and confrontations.
The Longest Yard (2005) Gross: $190.3 million. Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds. US Release Date: May 27, 2005. Plot: A disgraced former football player (Adam Sandler) is sent to prison where he’s asked to assemble a team of inmates to play against the prison guards in a football game.
Rugrats Go Wild (2003) Gross: $55.4 million. Starring: E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright, Tim Curry. US Release Date: June 13, 2003. Plot: The Rugrats and the Thornberrys go on a joint family vacation, but their adventure takes a turn when they become stranded on a deserted island.
The Hateful Eight (2015) Gross: $155.8 million. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh. US Release Date: December 30, 2015. Plot: In post-Civil War Wyoming, eight strangers take refuge in a stagecoach stopover during a blizzard. But as tensions rise, it becomes clear that not everyone is who they seem.
Amistad (1997) Gross: $44.2 million. Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins. US Release Date: December 10, 1997. Plot: Based on a true story, a group of Africans who were taken from their homeland and sold into slavery revolt on board the ship La Amistad. The survivors are taken into custody and charged with murder, leading to a trial that becomes a symbol of the fight against slavery.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Gross: N/A. Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates. US Release Date: February 5, 1956. Plot: A small California town is invaded by alien spores that replace human beings with emotionless duplicates. As the protagonist, a local doctor, fights to uncover the truth, he becomes increasingly paranoid that anyone could be one of these imposters.
Night of the Living Dead (1968) Gross: $30 million (estimated). Starring: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman. US Release Date: October 1, 1968. Plot: A group of people barricade themselves inside a farmhouse as the dead come back to life and begin to attack them. As tensions rise and resources dwindle, the survivors must fight to stay alive.
The Amityville Horror (1979) Gross: $86.4 million. Starring: James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger. US Release Date: July 27, 1979. Plot: A young family moves into a new home in Amityville, only to discover that it has a dark and violent history. As strange occurrences and supernatural events escalate, the family begins to fear for their lives.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Gross: $481.8 million. Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox. US Release Date: August 5, 2011. Plot: Scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) is working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing a new drug on apes. One of the apes, Caesar (Andy Serkis), shows extraordinary intelligence and is raised by Will as his own child. But as Caesar grows and discovers his true nature as an intelligent ape, he becomes increasingly resentful of his captivity and leads a revolution against humanity.
1888 – The Great Blizzard of 1888 begins along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
1918 – The ‘Spanish Flu’ pandemic struck the I+United States.
March 11, 2011 – Apple iPad 2 was released.
2020 – The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic.
If you were born on March 11th,
You were likely conceived the week of… June 18th (prior year)
Johnny Appleseed
Johnny Appleseed was born as John Chapman on September 26th, 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. Little is known about his early life, but one thing that is known is that by 1812, he was working as a nurseryman and orchardist. The March 11 date is used because it falls during planting season.
The popular image is of Johnny Appleseed spreading apple seeds randomly everywhere he went. In reality, he planted nurseries rather than orchards, built fences around them to protect them from livestock, left the nurseries in the care of a neighbor who sold trees on shares, and returned every year or two to tend the nursery.
Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day
In 2008, Congress passed a resolution designating March 11th as National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. This was in recognition of the services funeral directors provide for families dealing with the death of a loved one. They handle all aspects of burial, from determining how to preserve the body to arranging transportation and funeral service details. Funeral homeowners often handle administrative tasks like marketing, budgeting, and staffing too! To become licensed as an embalmer or director by state law requires two years of post-secondary education followed by one year working under another professional before taking their licensing exam. Many states require continuing education credits every few years so that they are up-to-date on new techniques used in mortuary science today such as restorative art and grief counseling.
Funeral home directors have a lot of responsibility, but they also provide an invaluable service to the community. They help us through a difficult time, and we should take the time to recognize their important work! Thank you to all funeral directors and morticians for your dedication and hard work. We appreciate everything you do for us!
March 11 is…
Johnny Appleseed Day
National Funeral Director/ Mortician Recognition Day
Oatmeal-Nut Waffle Day
March 11 Birthday Quotes
“Today is a new day. A new opportunity to get better stronger faster smarter and closer to your goals and dreams. Take it.”
– Joel Madden
“There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them.”
– Lawrence Welk
“My future’s about trying to be a better man.”
– Terrence Howard
“Honestly, the world can be a dark enough place. Light it up.”
– John Barrowman
“Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough, smart enough or cool enough. Do your own thing.”
– Benji Madden
March 11 Birthdays
1903 – Lawrence Welk, American accordion player and bandleader (died in 1992)
1898 – Dorothy Gish, American actress (died in 1968)
1926 – Ralph Abernathy, American minister and activist (died in 1990)
1931 – Rupert Murdoch, Australian-American businessman and media magnate
1936 – Antonin Scalia, American lawyer and jurist,(died in 2016)
1950 – Bobby McFerrin, American singer-songwriter, producer, and conductor
1950 – Jerry Zucker, American director, producer, and screenwriter
1952 – Douglas Adams, English author and playwright (died in 2001)
1955 – Nina Hagen, German singer
1963 – Alex Kingston, English actress, The Doctor’s wife
1965 – Jesse Jackson, Jr., American lawyer and politician
1967 – John Barrowman, Scottish-American actor and singer
1969 – Terrence Howard, American actor
1979 – Benji Madden, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
1979 – Joel Madden, American singer-songwriter and producer
1993 – Jodie Comer, British actress
March 11 History
105 – Ts’ai Lun invented paper, in China.
1702 – The Daily Courant, England’s first national daily newspaper, was published for the first time
1818 – Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by 21-year-old Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was published. It is recognized as the world’s first science fiction novel.
1864 – The Great Sheffield Flood killed 238 people in Sheffield, England.
1888 – Great Blizzard of 1888, east coast, USA, killed more than 400 people.
1916 – USS Nevada (BB-36) was commissioned as the first US Navy ‘super-dreadnought’.
1918 – The influenza epidemic of 1918 began in Fort Riley, Kansas. 20 million people worldwide died from the disease.
1927 – Samuel Roxy Rothafel opened the Roxy Theatre in NYC.
1933 – 42nd Street was released in theaters.
1960 – Pioneer V was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
1967 – #1 Hit March 11, 1967 – March 17, 1967: The Supremes – Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone
March 11, 1974 – Free to Be… You and Me Special aired on ABC
1989 – COPS debuted on FOX. It was one of the earliest ‘reality TV” shows.
1997 – ‘Sir’ Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music.”
2004 – Train Bombings in Madrid, Spain killed 191 people, and injured over 1,800.
2006 – #1 Hit March 11, 2006 – March 17, 2006: James Blunt – You’re Beautiful
2011 (Earthquake/Tsunami ) Coastal Honshu, Japan
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
PEZ was invented in 1927 by Austrian Edward Haas in the original flavor of peppermint.
“Find out what people want to do, then tell them to do it. They’ll think you’re a genius.” – Connie Brockway
Madonna – Real Name: Madonna Louise Ciccone
A stopped clock is more accurate than a working clock that runs fast or slow.
Around 8% of children and 2% of adults have some kind of food allergy.
“Elementary, my dear Watson.” – Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) #moviequotes #notthebooks
Godzilla officially holds Japanese citizenship.
Wyoming would be one of the best places to be in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Unless the zombie sickness was communicable by rabbits – then it would be one of the worst.
Victoria’s Secret comes from “Victoria” after Queen Victoria (to associate with the refinement of the era) and “Secret” (was what was hidden underneath the clothes).
Does Mr. Snuffleupagus call Big Bird just Bird because he isn’t all that big from Mr. Snuffleupagus’s perspective?
Trix cereal used to have different shapes for different flavors when I was a kid, now they’re just balls, or can I not see them because Trix are for kids?
The Capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.
Iceland does not have any mosquitos.
Whoever invented the letter W was an idiot, they created the only multi-syllable, multi-word, based-off-of-another-letter letter, and it’s barely ever used. #IknowhwatImtalkingabout
1. What was Elvis Presley’s first nationwide released single, also his first number-one record?
2. Norma Jean Mortenson changed her name to what?
3. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion, this Broadway Show opened in March 1956…
4. What was the highest-grossing film of 1956
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1956?
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1956?
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1956?
8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1956?
9. What was the average annual household income in 1956?
10. This Hollywood Star became Princess of Monaco when she got married… who was she?
11. Who did Grace Kelly marry to become a princess?
12. Retiring in 1956, this Heavyweight boxing champion never lost a professional match.
13. NBC introduced this icon in Spring 1956.
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1956?
15. What was the name of Doris Day’s most popular song?
16. Que Sera, Sera was featured in what Alfred Hitchcock film?
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1956?
18. How many people lived in the World in 1956?
19. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1956?
20. Who was the President of the United States in 1956?
21. In June 1956, The International Criminal Police Organization took on what official name?
22. This musical, starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, won Yul Brynner an Oscar for Best Actor. What musical?
23. On September 9, 1956, who appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show from the waist up?
24. Elvis’ earlier appearance in June 1956 on a big TV star’s program was the reason for the “waist up” (because of his “suggestive” movements) appearance on Ed Sullivan. Name that other big TV star program.
25. Who threw the only perfect game in World Series history, in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers?
26. This theatrical film, first broadcast on CBS in 1956, eventually became one of the most widely viewed films of all time.
27. Two long-running television game shows debuted in 1956 that mentioned “Truth” in the title. Name one of them.
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1956?
29. Who won the 1956 World Series?
30. Recorded in Sun Studios and peaking at #2 on the charts for Carl Perkins, it was Mr. Perkins’ biggest hit. Name that song.
31. Ernest Borgnine won his Best Actor Oscar for his role in this film about a socially awkward butcher.
32. Samuel J. Seymour passed away on April 2, 1956, and was the last surviving witness to a significant American event. Can you name the event?
33. Name the fashion item Nicholas McKay and his wife Helen invented in 1956.
34. What was the average coffee cup price in 1956?
35. Who were the Time Magazine Men of the Year in 1956?
36. Based on similar dice-based games, this popular game was marketed under WHAT moniker by entrepreneur Edwin S. Lowe in 1956?
37. This American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement died in an alcohol-related car accident in 1956.
38. This traveling entertainment show stopped performing under a “big tent” in 1956. Name that troupe.
39. Nicknamed “Dragon Lady,” the CIA used this high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, then the US Air Force.
40. His name was Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, but another name better knows him as the winningest and longest-lasting MLB manager. Can you name him?
41. Name the Roger Vadim film that made Brigitte Bardot a sex symbol.
42. Name the 13-year-old boy who beat chess grandmaster Donald Byrne. They called it “The Game (chess) of the Century”.
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1956?
44. Who was the American Vice-President in 1956?
45. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1955/1956 season?
46. In 1956, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
47. What company used the slogan: “Does She or Doesn’t She?”?
48. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1956: Oprah Winfrey, Ron White, Larry Bird, or Carrie Fisher?
49. A joint resolution of Congress signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower made WHAT our national motto?
50. What company used the slogan: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”?
51. Name the comedy duo that stopped performing together at New York City’s Copacabana nightclub on July 24, 1956.
52. Who signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, creating the Interstate Highway System in the United States?
53. Who was the Pope in 1956?
54. Two long-running soap operas began on April 2, 1956. Name one of them.
55. What company used the slogan: “Finger-Lickin’ Good”?
56. This NBC broadcast recreated the 1954 Broadway musical with all its original cast members. Name that musical show.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who was the star on both Broadway and the Television special that aired on NBC?
2. Who were the 1956 NFL Champions?
3. This once-major television network made its final broadcast in 1956. Name that network.
4. In 1956, General Electric/Telechron introduced the model 7H241. The idea became standard in American households. What was it?
5. This annual song contest began in 1956. Pop band Abba won the contest in 1974. Name that international song competition…
6. Who were the 1956 NBA Champions?
7. Produced by AMPEX and a format known as 2″ Quadruplex, this recording product set the standard until the did=gital age. What was this product called?
8. Presented in March 1956, what was the name of Elvis Presley’s first gold album?
9. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1956?
10. On March 12, 1956, what did The Dow Jones Industrial Average do?
The Answers:
56 Trivia Answers for 1956 History
1. What was Elvis Presley’s first nationwide released single, also his first number-one record? Heartbreak Hotel
2. Norma Jean Mortenson changed her name to what?
Marilyn Monroe
3. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion, this Broadway Show opened in March 1956… My Fair Lady
4. What was the highest-grossing film of 1956? The Ten Commandments
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1956?
18 cents
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1956?
97 cents
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1956? Don’t Go Near the Water by William Brinkley
8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1956? Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
9. What was the average annual household income in 1956?
$4,800
10. This Hollywood Star became Princess of Monaco when she got married… who was she?
Grace Kelly
11. Who did Grace Kelly marry to become a princess?
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
12. Retiring in 1956, this Heavyweight boxing champion never lost a professional match.
Rocky Marciano (September 1, 1923 – August 31, 1969)
13. NBC introduced this icon in Spring 1956.
The NBC Peacock
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1956?
In 1956, The Montreal Canadiens won over the Detroit Red Wings (4 games to 1)
15. What was the name of Doris Day’s most popular song? Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
16. Que Sera, Sera was featured in what Alfred Hitchcock film? The Man Who Knew Too Much
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1956?
The population was an estimated 168,903,031 people.
18. How many people lived in the World in 1956?
The estimated world population in 1956 was 2,811,572,031 people.
19. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1956?
50 cents
20. Who was the President of the United States in 1956?
Dwight D. Eisenhower (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)
21. In June 1956, The International Criminal Police Organization took on what official name?
INTERPOL
22. This musical, starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, won Yul Brynner an Oscar for Best Actor. What musical? The King and I
23. On September 9, 1956, who appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show from the waist up?
Elvis Presley
24. Elvis’ earlier appearance in June 1956 on a big TV star’s program was the reason for the “waist up” (because of his “suggestive” movements) appearance on Ed Sullivan. Name that other big TV star program. The Milton Beryl Show (Uncle Miltie)
25. Who threw the only perfect game in World Series history, in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Baseball pitcher Don Larsen of the New York Yankees.
26. This theatrical film, first broadcast on CBS in 1956, eventually became one of the most widely viewed films of all time. The Wizard of Oz
27. Two long-running television game shows debuted in 1956 that mentioned “Truth” in the title. Name one of them. To Tell The Truth OR Truth or Consequences
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1956?
60 cents
29. Who won the 1956 World Series?
In 1956, The New York Yankees won, beating the Brooklyn Dodgers (4 games to 3)
30. Recorded in Sun Studios and peaking at #2 on the charts for Carl Perkins, it was Mr. Perkins’ biggest hit. Name that song.
Blue Suede Shoes
31. Ernest Borgnine won his Best Actor Oscar for his role in this film about a socially awkward butcher. Marty
32. Samuel J. Seymour passed away on April 2, 1956, and was the last surviving witness to a significant American event. Can you name the event?
Samuel James Seymour (March 28, 1860 – April 12, 1956) was the last surviving person who had been in Ford’s Theatre on the night of the assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865.
33. Name the fashion item Nicholas McKay and his wife Helen invented in 1956.
The Lint Roller (remover)
34. What was the average coffee cup price in 1956?
31 cents
35. Who were the Time Magazine Men of the Year in 1956?
“The Hungarian Freedom Fighter”
36. Based on similar dice-based games, this popular game was marketed under WHAT moniker by entrepreneur Edwin S. Lowe in 1956?
Yahtzee
37. This American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement died in an alcohol-related car accident in 1956.
Jackson Pollock (January 28, 1912 – August 11, 1956)
38. This traveling entertainment show stopped performing under a “big tent” in 1956. Name that troupe.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
39. Nicknamed “Dragon Lady,” the CIA first used this high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and then the US Air Force.
U-2 (Lockheed U-2 spyplane)
40. His name was Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, but another name better knows him as the winningest and longest-lasting MLB manager. Can you name him?
Connie Mack
41. Name the Roger Vadim film that made Brigitte Bardot a sex symbol. And God Created Woman
42. Name the 13-year-old boy who beat chess grandmaster Donald Byrne. They called it “The Game (chess) of the Century”.
Bobby Fischer
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1956?
$0.30 per gallon
44. Who was the American Vice-President in 1956?
Richard Nixon (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)
45. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1955/1956 season? The $64,000 Question (CBS)
46. In 1956, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 66.7 years, Women – 72.9 years.
47. What company used the slogan: “Does She or Doesn’t She?”?
Miss Clairol hair coloring
48. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1956: Oprah Winfrey, Ron White, Larry Bird, or Carrie Fisher?
Oprah Winfrey (born January 29, 1954)
49. A joint resolution of Congress signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower made WHAT our national motto?
In God We Trust
50. What company used the slogan: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”?
Timex
51. Name the comedy duo that stopped performing together at New York City’s Copacabana nightclub on July 24, 1956.
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
52. Who signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, creating the Interstate Highway System in the United States?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
53. Who was the Pope in 1956?
Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958
54. Two long-running soap operas began on April 2, 1956. Name one of them. As the World Turns or The Edge of Night
55. What company used the slogan: “Finger-Lickin’ Good”?
Kentucky Fried Chicken
56. This NBC broadcast recreated the 1954 Broadway musical with all its original cast members. Name that musical show. Peter Pan
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who was the star on both Broadway and the Television special that aired on NBC?
Mary Martin
2. Who were the 1956 NFL Champions?
New York Giants
3. This once-major television network made its final broadcast in 1956. Name that network.
The DuMont Television Network
4. In 1956, General Electric/Telechron introduced the model 7H241. The idea became standard in American households. What was it?
“The Snooz Alarm” is the first snooze alarm clock.
5. This annual song contest began in 1956. Pop band Abba won the contest in 1974. Name that international song competition…
Eurovision Song Contest
6. Who were the 1956 NBA Champions?
For the 1955-56 Season, Champion Philadelphia Warriors won 4 games to 1 over the Fort Wayne Pistons
7. Produced by AMPEX and a format known as 2″ Quadruplex, this recording product set the standard until the did=gital age. What was this product called?
Videotape
8. Presented in March 1956, what was the name of Elvis Presley’s first gold album? Elvis Presley
9. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1956?
Needles
10. On March 12, 1956, what did The Dow Jones Industrial Average do?
It closed above 500 for the first time. (Rising 2.40 points, or 0.48%, to 500.24.)
1862 – The United States began using paper currency.
1876 – Alexander Graham Bell spoke into his just-completed invention, the telephone.
“Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you.”
1880 – The US Salvation Army began serving.
1977 – Astronomers discovered the rings of Uranus.
If you were born on March 10th,
You were likely conceived the week of… June 17th (prior year)
Mario Day
Since 2016, Mario Day, or Mar10, is an annual celebration of all things Mario. Fans decided that it would be celebrated on March 10, just because the date, when written as Mar10, seems like ‘Mario’.
The first incarnation of Mario appeared as a carpenter called Jumpman within the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. there is a lot of debate around whether or not this character is the same as Mario or if he’s Mario and Luigi’s father. ‘Mario’ was named after American businessman Mario Segale, a person who rented warehouse space to Nintendo.
Bagpipe Day
The bagpipe is a woodwind instrument with a long and rich history. Bagpipes have been found in ancient Rome and Egypt, and there are many references to them in Celtic and Norse mythology. Bagpipes were traditionally made out of animal skin, but today they are often made from synthetic materials.
Bagpipes consist of several parts including the air supply blowpipe, the bag, the chanter, the chanter reed, and the drone or drones. The chanter is the melody pipe that can be played by the piper, whereas the drone or drones provide a constant note. Bagpipes are most commonly associated with Scotland and Ireland, although they can also be found in other countries such as Spain, Malta, China, India and Pakistan.
Bagpipes were traditionally played by men to accompany dancing or marching soldiers into battle. Today bagpipe bands continue this tradition at military ceremonies around the world. Bagpipes are also used for entertainment purposes and have been featured prominently in films like Braveheart (1995) and The Princess Bride (1987).
March 10 is…
Bagpipe Day
Blueberry Popover Day
Mario Day (Mar10)
Ranch Dressing Day
Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 10 Birthday Quotes
“Everyone wants to work with the big new producer or the hot new singer. The key is to find them before they’re hot.”
– Timbaland
“There is a child in all of us, a person who believes in a glorious future.”
– Jasmine Guy
“I’ve gotten away with a lot in my life. The older you get the more you realize you’re not getting away with it, it’s taking its toll somewhere. So you try not to put yourself in those situations. Part of the mysterious process called growing up. Some people do that better than others.”
– Jon Hamm
“Always remember that your success begins inside you: If you can’t see it first, no one else ever will.”
– Chuck Norris
“I’d go to hell to hear a good band.”
– Bix Beiderbecke
March 10 Birthdays
1903 – Bix Beiderbecke, American cornet player, pianist, and composer (died in 1931)
1924 – Judith Jones, American literary and cookbook editor (died in 2017)
1928 – James Earl Ray, American criminal; assassin of Martin Luther King Jr. (died in 1998)
1940 – Chuck Norris, American actor, producer, and martial artist
1957 – Osama bin Laden, Saudi Arabian terrorist, founded al-Qaeda (died in 2011)
1957 – Shannon Tweed, American model
1958 – Sharon Stone, American actress
1962 – Jasmine Guy, American actress
1963 – Rick Rubin, American record producer
1964 – Neneh Cherry, Swedish singer-songwriter
1971 – Jon Hamm, American actor
1972 – Timbaland, American rapper and producer
1983 – Carrie Underwood, American singer-songwriter
March 10 History
1804 – In St. Louis, Missouri, a formal ceremony was conducted to transfer ownership of the Louisiana Territory from France to the United States, via the Louisiana Purchase.
1906 – An underground fire sparked a massive explosion that virtually destroyed a vast maze of mines in Courrieres, France, that killed over 1,000 workers.
1926 – Lolly Willowes, or The Loving Huntsman, was the first Book-of-the-Month Club selection, published by Viking Press.
March 10, 1937 (fiction) H.P. Lovecraft enables several creatures to escape purgatory, Horror, Lovecraft
1951 – #1 Hit March 10, 1951 – April 20, 1951: Mario Lanza – Be My Love
1955 – A US Patent (#2,704,172) was issued to Aaron S. Lapin for his invention of “Dispensing Valves for Gas Pressure Containers”. That may sound boring until you find out it was for his Reddi-Wip cream topping.
March 10, 1960 Birthday (fictional) Remus Lupin, Harry Potter
1962 – #1 Hit March 10, 1962 – March 30, 1962: Bruce Channel – Hey! Baby
March 10, 1971 – The Cat in the Hat aired live on CBS
1978 – The Incredible Hulk premiered on CBS.
1979 – #1 Hit March 10, 1979 – March 23, 1979: Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
1980 – Jean Harris shot and killed Scarsdale diet doctor Herman Tarnower.
1983 – MTV broadcasted the video of Michael Jackson’s song Billie Jean for the first time
1997 – Buffy, The Vampire Slayer premiered on The WB, based on the 1992 movie.
2007 – #1 Hit March 10, 2007 – March 23, 2007: MIMS – This Is Why I’m Hot
March 10, 2016 – Tangled: Before Ever After aired on The Disney Channel
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
In a 500-day period, I could theoretically meet someone, get married, have a baby, and get divorced and I’d still be using the same box of Q-tips.
Frank Welker has voiced the character, Fred Jones, in Scooby-Doo since the show’s conception in 1969.
According to the movie Titanic, if the lookouts weren’t so distracted looking at Rose and Jack smooching on the deck, they would have seen the Iceberg in time to avoid it.
There are Ides in every month, not just March. The Ides are basically the day marking the middle of each month.
TV Quotes… “I know nothing!” (Sgt. Schultz) on “Hogan’s Heroes”
“Donaldism” is the name for Disney fandom particularly focused on comics and cartoons. The the Germans call their society: “D.O.N.A.L.D.” (“Deutsche Organisation nichtkommerzieller Anhänger des lauteren Donaldismus” or the German Organization of Non-commercial Devotees of Pure Donaldism)
The biggest film of 1968: Funny Girl earned ~ $58,500,000
Liechtenstein has won the most Olympic medals per capita of any country, with nearly one medal for every 3,600 inhabitants.
People are more likely to purchase things that are direct multipliers of the final price: “4 Pizzas and 6 Toppings for $24” (4×6=24)
When you’re smiling to the camera, you’re really smiling to someone in the future.
Lenny Bruce – Real Name: Alfred Schweiger
10 cards: 1 decacards
“What do you see when you turn out the light? I can’t tell you but I know it’s mine” #songlyrics
Winners Announced: March 12, 2023 Held at: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, California Host: Jimmy Kimmel Eligibility Year: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
“Oppenheimer” (Winner) American Fiction Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Past Lives Poor Things The Zone of Interest
Best Director
Christopher Nolan – Oppenheimer” (Winner) Jonathan Glazer – The Zone of Interest
Yorgos Lanthimos – Poor Things
Martin Scorsese – Killers of the Flower Moon
Justine Triet – Anatomy of a Fall
Best Actor
Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer” (Winner) Bradley Cooper – Maestro
Colman Domingo – Rustin
Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction
Best Actress
Emma Stone – Poor Things” (Winner) Annette Bening – Nyad
Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall
Carey Mulligan – Maestro
Best Supporting Actor
Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer” (Winner) Sterling K. Brown – American Fiction
Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon
Ryan Gosling – Barbie
Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things
Best Supporting Actress
Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers” (Winner) Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple
America Ferrera – Barbie
Jodie Foster – Nyad
Best Animated Short Film
“War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” (Winner) Letter to a Pig Ninety-Five Senses Our Uniform Pachyderm
Best Animated Feature Film
“The Boy and the Heron” (Winner) Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Original Screenplay
“Anatomy of a Fall” (Winner) The Holdovers Maestro May December Past Lives
Best Adapted Screenplay
American Fiction (Winner) Barbie Oppenheimer Poor Things The Zone of Interest
Best Original Song
“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie” (Winner)
“It Never Went Away” from American Symphony “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“Poor Things” (Winner) Golda Maestro Oppenheimer Society of the Snow
Best Production Design
“Poor Things” (Winner) Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer
Best Costume Design
“Poor Things” (Winner) Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer
Best International Feature Film
“The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom (Winner)
“Io Capitano,” Italy
“Perfect Days,” Japan
“Society of the Snow,” Spain
“The Teachers’ Lounge,” Germany
Best Visual Effects
“Godzilla Minus One” (Winner) The Creator Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Napoleon
Best Film Editing
“Oppenheimer” (Winner) Anatomy of a Fall The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Poor Things
Best Documentary Short Film
“The Last Repair Shop” (Winner) The ABCs of Book Banning The Barber of Little Rock Island in Between Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó
Best Documentary Feature Film
“20 Days in Mariupol” (Winner) Bobi Wine: The People’s President The Eternal Memory Four Daughters To Kill a Tiger
Best Cinematography
“Oppenheimer” (Winner) El Conde Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Poor Things
Best Live-Action Short Film
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” (Winner) The After Invincible Knight of Fortune Red, White and Blue
Best Sound
“The Zone of Interest” (Winner) The Creator Maestro Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer
Best Original Score
“Oppenheimer” (Winner) American Fiction Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Killers of the Flower Moon Poor Things
Academy Honorary Awards
Angela Bassett Mel Brooks Carol Littleton
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Michelle Satter
Complete List of Oscars 2024 winners
Best picture: Oppenheimer
Best director: Christopher Nolan – Oppenheimer
Best actress: Emma Stone – Poor Things.
Best actor: Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
Best supporting actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers
Best supporting actor: Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer
Best original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari – Anatomy of a Fall
Best adapted screenplay: Cord Jefferson – American Fiction
Best animated feature: The Boy and the Heron
Best animated short: War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Best international feature: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)
Best documentary feature: 20 Days in Mariupol
Best documentary short: The Last Repair Shop
Best live-action short: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Best score: Ludwig Göransson: Oppenheimer
Best original song: Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell – What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie
Best sound: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn – The Zone of Interest
Best production design: James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek – Poor Things
Best cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema – Oppenheimer
Best makeup and hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston – Poor Things
Best costume design: Holly Waddington – Poor Things
Best editing: Jennifer Lame – Oppenheimer
Best visual effects: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima – Godzilla Minus One
1796 – Napoléon Bonaparte married his first wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais.
1841 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the United States v. The Amistad case that captive Africans who had seized control of the ship carrying them had been taken into slavery illegally.
1842 – The first documented discovery of gold in California occurred at Rancho San Francisco, six years before the California Gold Rush.
1959 – The Barbie doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York.
If you were born on March 9th,
You were likely conceived the week of… June 16th (prior year)
Get Over It Day
On Get Over It Day, on March 9, people everywhere are encouraged to self-reflect and move on from whatever it’s that’s weighing on them. Jeff Goldblatt placed the new holiday between Valentine’s Day and April Fools after he realized numerous people would relate to the problem he was having getting over his breakup.
Jeff, who was having trouble getting over an ex-girlfriend, so the day has its roots in failed romance. Realizing his pain was relatable, Goldblatt created the day to self-reflect, find out what’s weighing us down, and choose that the past should sleep in the past.
An unJoke…
A man is walking down the street when he sees his friend walking towards him with bananas coming out of his ears.
“Say, Jim, you have bananas coming out of your ears…”
“Sorry Billy, can’t hear ya. I have bananas coming out of my ears.”
March 9 is…
Crabmeat Day
Meatball Day
National Get Over It Day
March 9 Birthday Quotes
“Sometimes the characters I find the most compelling are in independent movies. With independent scripts, people can take more challenges.”
– Brittany Snow
“I like projects in which I can really act and not be me all the time.”
– Emmanuel Lewis
“If you have good food, people will come to your restaurant.”
– Mickey Gilley
March 9 Birthdays
1918 – Mickey Spillane, American crime novelist (died in 2006)
1926 – Joe Franklin, American radio and television host (died in 2015)
1928 – Keely Smith, American singer and actress (died in 2017)
1933 – Lloyd Price, American R&B singer-songwriter
1936 – Mickey Gilley, American singer-songwriter and pianist
1936 – Marty Ingels, American actor and comedian (died in 2015)
1940 – Raul Julia, Puerto Rican-American actor (died in 1994)
1943 – Bobby Fischer, American chess player (died in 2008)
1945 – Robin Trower, English rock guitarist and vocalist
1948 – Jeffrey Osborne, American singer and drummer
1960 – Linda Fiorentino, American actress
1971 – Emmanuel Lewis, American actor
1986 – Brittany Snow, American actress
1993 – Suga, South Korean artist (BTS)
The United States v. The Amistad
In 1839, a group of slaves aboard the Spanish ship Amistad rebelled and took control of the vessel. They were eventually captured and brought to the United States, where they argued that they were free people who had been wrongfully kidnapped and sold into slavery. This case was one of the first times that slavery was questioned in court, and it helped to pave the way for future abolitionist movements.
The United States v. The Amistad was a case in United States federal court that involved international issues and parties, as well as United States law. It tested the issue of whether the United States could seize slave ships from foreign countries on behalf of slaves being transported illegally or if they were protected property under Spanish and Cuban law.
The United States eventually won the case, with the court ruling that the slaves were illegally transported and thus were not protected by international law. They were ordered to be freed and returned to Africa. This case was an important step in the fight against slavery and helped to lay the groundwork for future abolitionist movements.
March 9 History
1611 – Johannes Fabricius, a Dutch astronomer, discovered sunspots.
1822 – Charles M. Graham of NY was issued the first US Patent (#X03472) for artificial teeth.
1841 – The US Supreme Court ruled that the African slaves who seized control of the Amistad slave ship had been illegally forced into slavery and thus were free under American law.
1858 – The first US Patent (#19,578) for a street postal mailbox was patented by Albert Potts, of Philadelphia.
1945 – 300 B29 bombers dropped nearly 500,000 napalm and petroleum jelly cylinders on Tokyo, creating a 40-sq-km firestorm that killed over 100,000 and maimed another million. It was the most destructive single bombing in history, including Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs.
1957 (Earthquake) Andreanof Islands, Alaska
1959 – #1 Hit March 9, 1959 – April 12, 1959: Frankie Avalon – Venus
1959 – Barbie debuted. Barbie’s appearance was modeled on a doll named Lilli, which was based on a racy German comic strip character.
March 9 19**, Birthday (fictional) Sybill Trelawney, Harry Potter
1985 – #1 Hit March 9, 1985 – March 29, 1985: REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
1985 – The Tyler Civitan Club was the first to partake in the Adopt-a-Highway Sign Program, erected on Texas’s Highway 69.
1989 – A Geomagnetic Storm affected Quebec’s electrical transmission system.
1991 – #1 Hit March 9, 1991 – March 22, 1991: Mariah Carey – Someday
1997 – Christopher Wallace, AKA Biggie Smalls, AKA the Notorious B.I.G., was shot to death at a stoplight in Los Angeles. Rapper Suge Knight has been eyed as the killer. Suge was also accused of running over (and killing) Terry Carter in January 2015.
2002 – #1 Hit March 9, 2002 – April 19, 2002: Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule – Ain’t It Funny
2009 – Castle premiered on ABC
2011 – Space Shuttle Discovery makes its final landing after 39 flights
#1 Hit March 9, 2019 – March 15, 2019: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper – Shallow
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
It’s only just dawned on me that no one says dusk anymore.
A group of Bears is called a Sloth or Sleuth. A group of Bear Cubs is called a Litter.
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” – Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) #moviequotes
The two parts to the word “helicopter” are not “heli” and “copter”, but “helico” meaning spiral, and “pter” meaning one with wings, like a pterodactyl.
Pepperoni is America’s favorite topping, with 36 percent of all pizza orders!
“Life became more aligned when I started taking some of the advice I’d been dishing out to my friends.” – Paula Heller Garland
That dramatic misunderstanding in romantic comedies. #moviecliches
A group of Mules is called a Pack or Span or Barren or Rake.
“Allow me to introduce myself: the Blue Raja, Master of Silverware. Forks a specialty.” – The Blue Raja #moviequotes
Fast food restaurants use yellow, red, and orange because those are the colors that stimulate hunger.
“Welcome to the O.C. bitch” – Luke (The O.C.)
The best advice I ever got was to take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt
“You know everything is not an anecdote. You have to discriminate. You choose things that are funny or mildly amusing or interesting. You’re a miracle! Your stories have NONE of that. They’re not even amusing accidentally!” – Neal Page in Planes, Trains & Automobiles #moviequotes
1481 – William Caxton reprinted the illustrated book, Mirror of the World, from the original French.
1913 – The Internal Revenue Service began collecting income tax on Americans’ income.
2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared over the South China Sea
If you were born on March 8th,
You were likely conceived the week of… June 15th (prior year)
Women’s Day
Since 1911, International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Purple, green, and white are the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908. (website)
National Proofreading Day
Proofreading is a process that has been around for centuries. Back in the days of medieval scribes, manuscripts had to be copied by hand – and mistakes were inevitable. But the scribes had a few tricks up their sleeves for correcting their work.
One such method was to cross out the incorrect passage, then begin again on the next page. This is a trick that many of us are familiar with – though we tend to type over mistakes instead! Proofreading has come a long way since medieval times…
But that doesn’t mean that the process is perfect. Proofreading still requires a great deal of attention to detail and can be time-consuming. However, it’s an essential step in ensuring the accuracy of your writing.
So next time you’re proofreading a document, remember these tips:
Read through the text several times, checking for errors each time.
Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Pay close attention to formatting and layout.
Use a tool like Grammarly to help you catch mistakes that you might have missed.
Proofreading is a process that has been around for centuries – but it’s more important than ever in today’s digital world. Proofreading is essential for ensuring that the content you publish online is accurate and error-free. And in today’s fast-paced social media environment, where everything travels at lightning speed, it’s important to be sure that your grammar is correct before sharing!
March 8 is…
Peanut Cluster Day
Proofreading Day
(International) Women’s Day
March 8 Birthday Quotes
“I was raised to believe in myself. I know I’m cool. I’m not trying to brag or say I’m the man or anything like that. I don’t lie or cheat, and I’m not mean to anybody. I treat people with respect.”
– Freddie Prinze, Jr.
“I learned that people want to be in love. They long to be in love, they pretend to be in love, and sometimes they are.”
– Carole Bayer Sager
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
– Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is not a public democratic organization; it’s a private club basically. It’s like a private golf club and they decide who they’re going to let in the club.”
– Micky Dolenz
“If I had to give up either acting or dancing, I’d choose to keep dancing.”
– Cyd Charisse
March 8 Birthdays
1841 – Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., American lawyer and jurist (died in 1935)
1859 – Kenneth Grahame, Scottish author (died in 1932)
1879 – Otto Hahn, German chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1968)
1902 – Louise Beavers, American actress (died in 1962)
1910 – Claire Trevor, American actress (died in 2000)
1922 – Cyd Charisse, American actress and dancer (died in 2008)
1942 – Dick Allen, American baseball player (died in 2020)
1943 – Lynn Redgrave, English-American actress and singer (died in 2010)
1945 – Micky Dolenz, American singer-songwriter and actor
1946 – Randy Meisner, American singer-songwriter and bass player
1947 – Carole Bayer Sager, American singer-songwriter and painter
1958 – Gary Numan, English singer-songwriter
1976 – Freddie Prinze Jr., American actor
1977 – James Van Der Beek, American actor
March 8 History
1618 – Johannes Kepler formulated his Third Law of Planetary Motion.
1669 – Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, began erupting and over the next several weeks killed over 20,000 people.
1755 – Thomas Paine, published African Slavery in America – the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
1817 – The New York Stock Exchange was founded.
1950 – The ‘Volkswagen Type 2’, known as the VW Bus, was produced for the first time.
1961 – Broadway Show – Mary, Mary (Play) March 8, 1961
1968 – Bill Graham’s Fillmore East opened in New York City.
1971 – Muhammad Ali lost to Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
1975 – #1 Hit March 8, 1975 – March 14, 1975: Olivia Newton-John – Have You Never Been Mellow
1978 – The first radio episode of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, was broadcast.
1983 – President Ronald Reagan labels the Soviet Union an ‘evil empire.’
1993- Beavis and Butt-Head premiered on MTV.
March 8, 2002 – Cadet Kelly aired on The Disney Channel
2003 – #1 Hit March 8, 2003 – May 9, 2003: 50 Cent – In Da Club
2006 – Top Chef debuted on Bravo
2014 – #1 Hit March 8, 2014 – May 16, 2014: Pharrell Williams – Happy
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
International Women’s Day was first celebrated in the Soviet Union and was called International Working Women’s Day until 1975,
In the event of an Apocalypse, would you be more concerned about the hordes of dead citizens in the streets or the fact that there was no pizza left anywhere in your city?
The largest cast of living creatures in a Hollywood film was the 22 million bees, in 1978’s “The Swarm”.
Write down ALL thoughts/ideas. You’re working for a paycheck, not waiting to win the lottery. #LifeProTips
Caractacus Potts was the owner and driver of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In the 18th century, many prominent voices were concerned by an ‘epidemic’ affecting young people whereby they were spending too much time reading books. It was diagnosed as ‘a dangerous disease’ called ‘reading rage, reading fever, reading mania or reading lust.’
If I ever crash land on a planet with Earth-like conditions where everyone speaks English, I’m pretty sure I’d figure out it was Earth right away.
The Capital of Palau is Melekeok
The biggest film of 1969: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Western) earned ~ $102,000,000
Why is there a bear in The Jungle Book? Bears don’t live in the jungle!
On request of the family of Sir Winston Churchill, there is always a marmalade cat called Jock in residence at Chartwell house. Last we checked, Jock VI was still there.
Useless Pronunciation: E as in eight
An elephant’s brain reacts the same way to humans the way human brains react to puppies. That is, they like us.
Maybe someday Beanie Babies will actually become valuable and we will all have a good laugh about it.
“I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vics.” #songlyrics
