-
1933: “King Kong” Premieres in New York
On this date in 1933, the film “King Kong” premiered in New York. Here are some things you may not have known about it. “King Kong” is the tale of a wildlife filmmaker and his crew, who stumble upon an enormous gorilla-like ape on an uncharted island off of Indonesia. The ape falls in love…
-
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Turns 70
On this date in 1946, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was released in the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about the classic Christmas movie. It’s based on a story called “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, who wrote it in 1939. After failing to sell the story, he…
-
Godzilla: Terrorizing the World Since 1954
On this date in 1954, the first Godzilla movie premiered in Japan. Here are some things you may not of known about it. Toho, the company that produced Godzilla, was originally slated to do a movie about the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. However due to a breakdown in relations between the two countries, the project…
-
“The Jazz Singer”: Hollywood’s First Words
On this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer,” the first feature-length film with synchronized sound debuted. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The film stars Al Jolson as Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a cantor, a singer who leads prayers during Jewish worship services. He runs away from home at…
-
Gene Wilder: Behind the Scenes of “Blazing Saddles”
On Monday, actor Gene Wilder died at the age of 83 of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Here are a few things you may not have known about one of his most memorable movies, “Blazing Saddles.” Wilder played Jim, a gunfighter who was known as The Waco Kid. Jim has become an alcoholic after years of…
-
“Wizard of Oz”: What You Don’t Know About a Classic
On this date in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Here are some things you may not have known about the landmark film. Many people incorrectly think it was the first film in color. The first color film was 1903’s hand colored “The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ.” The first feature…
-
Three Stooges: Making Them Laugh Since 1934
On this date in 1934, the first Three Stooges short film was released. Here are some things you may not have known about the classic comedy trio. The Stooges started out as part of a vaudeville act called “Ted Healy and His Stooges.” The act consisted of Healy telling jokes and the others interrupting him,…
-
3D: Your Eyes are Playing Tricks on You
On this date in 1953, the first experimental 3D television program in the U.S. was broadcast. Here are some things you may not have known about 3D. The first television show broadcast in 3D in the U.S. was “Space Patrol” on KECA-TV in Los Angeles. The show was also the first West Coast show to…