Category Archives: 1950s

Former U.S. Vice President Alben W. Barkley dies 60 years ago this hour (Apr 30 1956)

1950s, U.S. Presidents


Video: '1956 Senator Alben W. Barkley suffers heart attack after speaking at the Mock Democratic Convention'

(Monday, April 30, 1956, he collapsed at 5:15 p.m. EST, declared dead at 5:25 p.m. EST) — Alben W. Barkley, the 35th Vice President of the United States (1949-1953, under President Harry S. Truman), died today of a heart attack while addressing a student political convention at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He was 78. Continue reading Former U.S. Vice President Alben W. Barkley dies 60 years ago this hour (Apr 30 1956) →

‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ opens at Cannes Film Festival 70 years ago this hour (Apr 29 1956)

1950s, Movies 1950s


Video: 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' trailer

(Wednesday, April 29, 1956) — The Man Who Knew Too Much, a suspense thriller film about international spies who kidnap a doctor’s son when he stumbles on their assassination plot, premiered today the at 9th Cannes Film Festival. Continue reading ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ opens at Cannes Film Festival 70 years ago this hour (Apr 29 1956) →

‘Blue Suede Shoes’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #20 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 28 1956)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Saturday, April 28, 1956) — “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley (written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins) peaked at #20 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #20 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 28 1956) →

‘Godzilla, King of the Monsters!’ premieres in New York 70 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1956)

1950s, Movies 1950s


Video: 'Godzilla, King of the Monsters!' trailer

(Friday, April 27, 1956, 9:00 a.m. EST) — Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, a Japanese-American science fiction kaiju horror film in which nuclear tests awaken a prehistoric monster, premiered today at Loew’s State theater, 1540 Broadway at W. 45th St. in New York City’s Times Square. Continue reading ‘Godzilla, King of the Monsters!’ premieres in New York 70 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1956) →

Elvis Presley debuts in Las Vegas at The New Frontier Hotel 70 years ago this hour (Apr 23 1956)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s


Video: 'Liberace and Elvis at the New Frontier - April 1956'

(Monday, April 23, 1956, 8:00 p.m. PST) — Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas debut today, opening for comedian Shecky Greene at The New Frontier Hotel. Continue reading Elvis Presley debuts in Las Vegas at The New Frontier Hotel 70 years ago this hour (Apr 23 1956) →

‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s

(Saturday, April 21, 1956) — “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presleys peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for eight consecutive weeks (Apr. 21/28, May 5/12/19/26, June 2/9, 1956). Continue reading ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956) →

‘Rock Island Line’ by Lonnie Donegan peaks at #8 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Saturday, April 21, 1956) — “Rock Island Line” by Lonnie Donegan peaked at #8 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Rock Island Line’ by Lonnie Donegan peaks at #8 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956) →

American actress Grace Kelly, 26, weds Rainier III, Prince of Monaco 70 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1956)

1950s, Movies 1950s


Video: 'Grace Kelly Royal Wedding (1956)'

(Wednesday, April 18, 1956, 11:00 a.m. Central European Time) — American actress Grace Kelly, 26, married Prince Rainier of Monaco, 32, today in a 16-minute civil ceremony in the Palace Throne Room of Monaco. Continue reading American actress Grace Kelly, 26, weds Rainier III, Prince of Monaco 70 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1956) →

‘Lucy’s Italian Movie’ episode airs on ‘I Love Lucy’ 70 years ago this hour (Apr 16 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'I Love Lucy | Lucy Stomps Grapes In Italy (S5, E23) | Paramount+'

(Monday, April 16, 1956, 9:00-9:30 p.m. EST) — En route to Rome by train, Lucy is spotted by a famous Italian cinema director and chosen to play a part in his new movie Bitter Grapes on tonight’s episode of the CBS sitcom television series I Love Lucy. Continue reading ‘Lucy’s Italian Movie’ episode airs on ‘I Love Lucy’ 70 years ago this hour (Apr 16 1956) →

First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 70 years ago today (Apr 14 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s

(Saturday, April 14, 1956) — Ampex Corp. demonstrated the first practical videotape recorder (in a format known as 2″ Quadruplex) today at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (NARTB) convention in Chicago. Continue reading First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 70 years ago today (Apr 14 1956) →