Daily Archives: December 15, 2014

Battle of the Bulge begins as German forces launch a surprise counterattack in Belgium 70 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'WW2: The Battle of the Bulge'

(Saturday, December 16, 1944, 5:30 a.m. local time; during the Battle of the Bulge on the Western Front of World War II) — The Battle of the Bulge began this morning as three German armies launched a surprise counterattack against Allied forces through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, catching Allied forces completely off guard. Continue reading Battle of the Bulge begins as German forces launch a surprise counterattack in Belgium 70 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1944) →

‘Million Dollar Baby’ put in limited U.S. release 10 years ago today (Dec 15 2004)

2000s, movies 2000s


Video: 'Million Dollar Baby' trailer

(Wednesday, December 15, 2004) — Million Dollar Baby, a sports drama film about a boxing trainer who seeks atonement by helping an underdog amateur boxer achieve her dream of becoming a professional, began showing in a select few theaters across the U.S.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film starred Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.

George Harrison performs twice on Long Island, New York 40 years ago today (Dec 15 1974)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s

Video: 'George Harrison "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" Live Uniondale Dark Horse Tour 12/15/74'

(Sunday, December 15, 1974, 2:00/8:00 p.m. EST) — Ex-Beatle George Harrison performed two shows today at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, New York, on the 24th stop of his 26-city, 45-show “George Harrison & Friends North American Tour” in support of his new single “Dark Horse,” the title track of his new album, and Dark Horse Records. Continue reading George Harrison performs twice on Long Island, New York 40 years ago today (Dec 15 1974) →

‘Young Frankenstein’ released in USA 40 years ago today (Dec 15 1974)

1970s, Movies 1970s


Video: 'Young Frankenstein' trailer

(Sunday, December 15, 1974) — Young Frankenstein, a parody of the horror film genre, especially the Frankenstein franchise of the 1930’s, opened today in U.S. theaters, including the Sutton in New York City.

Directed by Mel Brooks, the film starred Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Kenneth Mars and Madeline Kahn.

Big band legend Glenn Miller disappears on flight to France 70 years ago today (Dec 15 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The Mysterious Death Glenn Miller'

(Friday, December 15, 1944; during World War II) — A single-engine plane carrying Maj. Glenn Miller, director of the U.S. Air Force Band and legendary big band musician, disappeared today in bad weather over the English Channel. Miller, 40, was traveling to Paris from Bedford, England (taking off at 1:55 p.m. local time), to entertain U.S. troops in France. Continue reading Big band legend Glenn Miller disappears on flight to France 70 years ago today (Dec 15 1944) →

Battle of Nashville begins 150 years ago today (Dec 15 1864)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Civil War Journal - The Battle of Franklin & Nashville' (Dec. 15, 1864, at 37:47)

(Thursday, December 15, 1864; the Battle of Nashville, part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign during the American Civil War) — The two-day Battle of Nashville began today in Davidson County, Tennessee, as Union forces commanded by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas attacked Confederate troops led by Gen. John Bell Hood.