Category Archives: 1950s

250,000 Vietnamese flee Reds, far exceeding expected exodus 60 years ago today (Sep 17 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (Sept. 17, 1954, at 7:09)

(Friday, September 17, 1954; during the Cold War) — More than 250,000 refugees have moved from Communist-controlled North Vietnam to South Vietnam, Harold E. Stassen, Foreign Operations Administrator, said today.

The number has far exceeded every estimate of those to be relocated under provisions of the Geneva cease-fire agreement which went into effect July 22, 1954.

Marilyn Monroe films original billowing-skirt scene for ‘Seven Year Itch’ in New York 60 years ago this hour (Sep 15 1954)


Video: 'Marilyn Monroe - George Barris Interview about Seven Year Itch Skirt Blowing Scene'

(Friday, September 15, 1954, 1:00 a.m. EDT) — As raucous fans looked on, 28-year-old actress Marilyn Monroe filmed the famous billowing-skirt scene for The Seven Year Itch early this morning over a Lexington Avenue subway grate in Manhattan. However, little, if any, of the footage ended up in the movie; the scene was later re-shot on a Hollywood set.

‘Lassie’ series debuts on CBS-TV 60 years ago this hour (Sep 12 1954)


Video: 'Lassie - Episode 1 - "Inheritance" - Part 1 - (Originally broadcast 09/12/1954)'

(Sunday, September 12, 1954, 7:00 p.m. EDT)Lassie, an American television series that follows the adventures of a female Rough Collie dog named Lassie and her companions, human and animal, debuted tonight as a regular television series on CBS. It starred Tommy Rettig, Jan Clayton and George Cleveland. Continue reading ‘Lassie’ series debuts on CBS-TV 60 years ago this hour (Sep 12 1954)

‘Dragnet’ film premieres in Chicago 60 years ago today (Aug 18 1954)


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 18, 1954)Dragnet, a crime drama film (based on the weekly TV series) about two homicide detectives who investigate the brutal shotgun murder of a crime syndicate member, opened today in Chicago.

Directed by Jack Webb, the film starred Webb, Ben Alexander, Richard Boone and Ann Robinson.

‘Rear Window’ premieres in New York City 60 years ago tonight (Aug 4 1954)


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 4, 1954)Rear Window, a suspense thriller film about a photographer with a broken leg who uncovers a murder while spying on the neighbors in a nearby apartment building, premiered tonight at the Rivoli Theatre in New York City.

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film starred James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter and Raymond Burr.