Category Archives: 1930s

Jimmy Stewart’s first feature film ‘Murder Man’ released 90 years ago today (July 12 1935)


Video: 'Murder Man' trailer

(Friday, July 12, 1935)The Murder Man, a crime-drama film about a hard-drinking reporter who specializes in murder cases and then becomes a suspect in one himself, was released today in the U.S. Continue reading Jimmy Stewart’s first feature film ‘Murder Man’ released 90 years ago today (July 12 1935)

FDR signs National Labor Relations Act guaranteeing workers’ right to unionize 90 years ago today (July 5 1935)


Video: 'What is the National Labor Relations Act? | Union Facts Friday Episode 16'

(Friday, July 5, 1935, morning EDT; during the Great Depression) — The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, a foundational statute of U.S. labor law which guarantees basic rights of private sector employees to organize into trade unions, engage in collective bargaining for better terms and conditions at work, and take collective action including strike if necessary was signed today by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Continue reading FDR signs National Labor Relations Act guaranteeing workers’ right to unionize 90 years ago today (July 5 1935)

‘Becky Sharp,’ first three-strip Technicolor movie, opens in New York City 90 years ago this hour (June 13 1935)


Video: 'Becky Sharp (1935) Romance, War | Miriam Hopkins, Frances Dee | Full Movie | Subtitles'

(Thursday, June 13, 1935, scheduled for 12 noon EDT)Becky Sharp, the first feature film to use the newly developed three-strip Technicolor production throughout, opened today at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Continue reading ‘Becky Sharp,’ first three-strip Technicolor movie, opens in New York City 90 years ago this hour (June 13 1935)

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio 90 years ago today (June 10 1935)


Video: '10th June 1935: Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by Bill Wilson and Robert Smith'

(Monday, June 10, 1935; during the Great Depression)Alcoholics Anonymous was founded today in Akron, Ohio, by Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith and William Griffith Wilson when Smith consumed his last drink (a beer to steady his hand for surgery).

‘The 39 Steps’ thriller film premieres in London 90 years ago today (June 6 1935)


Video: 'The 39 Steps 1935 1080p'

(Thursday, June 6, 1935)The 39 Steps, a British thriller film about a man who tries to help a counter-espionage agent prevent an organization of spies called The 39 Steps from stealing top secret information, premiered today at the New Gallery Theatre in Regent Street, London.

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film starred Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim and Godfrey Tearle.

French liner Normandie sets transatlantic record 90 years ago this hour (June 3 1935)


Video: 'Le Premier Voyage Du Paqueboat "Normandie" Aka 'normandie' Arrives In New York (1935)'

(Monday, June 3, 1935, 11:02 a.m. EDT) — The French liner Normandie set a record on its maiden voyage, arriving today in New York after crossing the Atlantic in just four days.

Babe Ruth plays his last game 90 years ago this hour (May 30 1935)


Video 'Rare footage of the Babe's final season'

(Memorial Day, Thursday, May 30, 1935, 1:30 p.m. EDT)Babe Ruth, 40, today played in his last ever major league baseball game (for the Boston Braves), leaving after the first inning of the first of a double-header against the Philadelphia Phillies, who won both games. Continue reading Babe Ruth plays his last game 90 years ago this hour (May 30 1935)

Supreme Court strikes down key component of FDR’s New Deal 90 years ago today (May 27 1935)


Video: 'Schechter Poultry vs US (1935): US History Review'

(Monday, May 27, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The U.S. Supreme Court today decided Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, which held the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), a major piece of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, unconstitutional (click here for a clip of May 27, 1935, at 28:27 from “American Experience – S07E02 – FDR Parts 3 and 4 (October 12, 1994)).

Babe Ruth hits last three home runs in Pittsburgh 90 years ago today (May 25 1935)


Video: 'May 25 1935 Babe Ruth hits his final 3 homeruns including the last one out of Forbes Field'

(Saturday, May 25, 1935; during the Great Depression) — Babe Ruth, 40, hit his last three career home runs — Nos. 712, 713 and 714 — for the Boston Braves in a game today against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. Continue reading Babe Ruth hits last three home runs in Pittsburgh 90 years ago today (May 25 1935)