Monthly Archives: July 2013

‘Lilies of the Field’ opens in West Germany 50 years ago today (1963)


Video: 'Lilies of the Field' trailer

(Friday, July 5, 1963)Lilies of the Field, a film about an African American itinerant worker who encounters a group of East German nuns, who believe he has been sent to them by God to build them a new chapel, opened today in West Germany.

Directed by Ralph Nelson, the film stars Sidney Poitier and Lilia Skala.

Lee retreats from Gettysburg after Meade decides not to attack 150 years ago today (1863)


Video: 'History Channel Gettysburg Documentary Part 6' (July 4, 1863, at 9:05)

(Saturday, July 4, 1863, evening local time; during the Battle of Gettysburg, part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War) — One day after the Battle of Gettysburg ended, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee began to withdraw his forces from Gettysburg to Virginia after Union Gen. George Meade decided not to attack Lee’s troops at Seminary Ridge.

Kennedy meets with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican 50 years today (1963)


Audio: 'July 2, 1963 - President John F. Kennedy visits Pope Paul VI in the Vatican City'

(Tuesday July 2, 1963) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy met Pope Paul VI today at the Vatican, the first meeting between a Catholic U.S. chief executive and the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The new pontiff told the young president that he had prayed for Kennedy’s efforts to end segregation in the United States.

Bing Crosby, Ken Darby Singers record ‘Sunday, Monday or Always’ 70 years ago today (1943)


Video: 'Bing Crosby: "Sunday Monday or Always" 1943'

(Friday, July 2, 1943) — Bing Crosby recorded “Sunday, Monday or Always” today in Los Angeles for Decca Records. Made during a musician’s strike, Crosby recorded the song with the Ken Darby Singers vocal group background instead of an orchestra.