Monthly Archives: May 2014

‘Seven Up!’ documentary premieres on British TV 50 years ago today (May 5 1964)


Video: 'Seven Up! excerpt - London Adventure Playground, 1964'

(Tuesday, May 5, 1964) — The Granada TV documentary Seven Up!, which profiled a group of 7-year-old British children, first aired today on Britain’s ITV network. The subjects were revisited every seven years in sequels called “7 Plus Seven,” “21 Up,” “28 Up,” etc., the latest one to date being “56 Up.”

‘Gaslight’ opens in New York City 70 years ago today (May 4 1944)


Video: 'Gaslight' (trailer)

(Thursday, May 4, 1944)Gaslight, a mystery-thriller film about a newlywed who fears she’s going mad when strange things start happening at the family mansion, opened today at the Capitol in New York City.

Directed by George Cukor, the film starred Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Dame May Whitty and Angela Lansbury.

Grant crosses Rapidan, launching Overland Campaign 150 years ago today (May 4 1864)


Video: 'Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle of the Wilderness' (May 4, 1864, at 24:42)

(Wednesday, May 4, 1864; during the Overland Campaign, part of the American Civil War) — Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, general-in-chief of all Union armies, crossed the Rapidan River today, seeking to defeat Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia by quickly placing his forces between Lee and Richmond and inviting an open battle.

‘Going My Way’ premieres in New York City 70 years ago today (May 3 1944)


Video: 'Going My Way' (trailer)

(Wednesday, May 3, 1944)Going My Way, a musical comedy-drama film about a young priest who revitalizes a failing parish and brings new life to the elder priest, premiered tonight at the Paramount in New York City.

Directed by Leo McCarey, the film starred Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald and Risë Stevens.

Hart, Mondale rap Jackson over support of sect leader 30 years ago tonight (May 2 1984)

1984debate

(Wednesday, May 2, 1984, 5-6:30 p.m. EST) — Former Vice President Walter Mondale and U.S. Sen. Gary Hart, detailing sharp differences with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, turned on their Democratic presidential rival tonight over his support of black religious leader Louis Farrakhan during a debate in Dallas, Texas. (click here to watch the debate).