Category Archives: 1950s

‘Ivanhoe’ premieres in London 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: 'Ivanhoe' trailer

(Tuesday, June 12, 1952) — A Royal premiere was held today in London for Ivanhoe, a film about a noble knight torn between his fair lady and a beautiful Jew.

The film was directed by Richard Thorpe and stars Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Fontaine and George Sanders.

30 Koje captives killed as Yanks win ‘breakup’ battle 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: June 10, 1952 (at 3:34)

(Tuesday, June 10, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — American paratroopers of the “Angels from Hell” combat team emptied Compound 76 of its 6,000 fanatical North Korean prisoners of war today in 2 1/2 hours of bloody fighting on Koje Island, off the South Korean coast.

It had been a month since the prisoners in Compound 76 had taken the camp commandant, Brig. Gen. Francis T. Dodd, hostage for 78 hours.

‘The Quiet Man’ opens in Dublin and London 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: 'The Quiet Man' trailer

(Wednesday, June 6, 1952)The Quiet Man, a romantic comedy-drama film about a retired American boxer who returns to the village where he was born in Ireland and finds love, opened today in Dublin and London.

The film was directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Victor McLaglen and Barry Fitzgerald. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Director and Best Cinematography.

President Rhee proclaims martial law in Pusan, South Korea 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: May 24, 1952 (at 6:18)

(Saturday, May 24, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — South Korean President Syngman Rhee declared martial law today around the temporary capital of Pusan (now spelled Buson), and had some of his opponents in the National Assembly arrested. Continue reading President Rhee proclaims martial law in Pusan, South Korea 60 years ago today (1952)

U.S. general seized by red prisoners at Koje released 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: May 10, 1952 (at 2:26)

(Saturday, May 10, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — Communist prisoners on Koje Island, off the South Korean coast, today released the camp commandant, Brig. Gen. Francis T. Dodd, after holding him prisoner for 78 hours.

U.S. general seized by red prisoners at Koje as hostage 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: May 7, 1952 (at 1:35)

(Wednesday, May 7, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — Communist prisoners on Koje Island, off the South Korean coast, today seized the camp commandant, Brig. Gen. Francis T. Dodd, and are holding him prisoner.

‘Lucy Does a TV Commercial’ episode airs on ‘I Love Lucy’ 60 years ago this hour (1952)


Video: 'Lucy Does a TV Commercial' (clip)

(Monday, May 5, 1952, 9 p.m. EST) — Desperate to be in Ricky’s new television commercial, Lucy makes every attempt to get her way on tonight’s episode of the CBS-TV sitcom I Love Lucy.

Click here to watch the full episode.

Korean prisoner of war talks off indefinititely 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: POW talks shut down (at 9:30)

(Friday, April 25, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — Negotiations for an exchange of war prisoners were suspended indefinitely today in Panmunjom, Korea, when the Communists angrily accused the Allies of refusing to return 100,000 of the 170,000 Reds in their hands. Continue reading Korean prisoner of war talks off indefinititely 60 years ago today (1952)