Category Archives: 1960s

Actor Ronald Reagan launches political career with paid televised Goldwater speech 50 years ago this hour (Oct 27 1964)


Video: '"A Time for Choosing" by Ronald Reagan'

(Tuesday, October 27, 1964, 9:30 p.m. EST) — Actor (and future President) Ronald Reagan spoke tonight in support of Sen. Barry Goldwater’s 1964 Republican presidential campaign in a paid pre-recorded televised speech he called “A Time for Choosing,” focusing on the importance of a strong defense against Communism and the need for smaller government.

‘Come See About Me’ by The Supremes released in USA 50 years ago today (Oct 27 1964)


Video: 'THE SUPREMES COME SEE ABOUT ME'

(Tuesday, October 27, 1964) — The single “Come See About Me”/”You’re Gone, But Always in My Heart” by The Supremes was released today. Continue reading ‘Come See About Me’ by The Supremes released in USA 50 years ago today (Oct 27 1964)

Civilian rule restored in South Vietnam 50 years ago today (Oct 26 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - LBJ Goes to War [3/11]' (Suu at 28:15)

(Monday, October 26, 1964; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — The fifth chief of state in South Vietnam’s 10 years as an independent nation was officially installed today. The swearing in of a civilian, Phan Khac Suu, ended almost a year of military rule.

Funeral for former President Herbert Hoover held 50 years ago this hour (Oct 22 1994)


Video: 'Funeral of Former President Herbert Hoover (1964)'

(Wednesday, October 22, 1964, 4:33 p.m. EDT) — Led by U.S. President Lyndon Johnson and his Republican challenger Senator Barry Goldwater, New York City bade goodbye to former President Herbert Hoover in a solemn funeral service today. Hoover had died Oct. 20, 1964, at the age of 90.

‘My Fair Lady’ premiered in New York City 50 years ago tonight (Oct 21 1964)


Video: 'My Fair Lady' (trailer)

(Thursday, October 21, 1964)My Fair Lady, a musical film about a phonetics instructor who bets that he can pass a street urchin off as a lady, premiered tonight at the Criterion Theater in New York City.

Directed by George Cukor, the film starred Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Gladys Cooper and Jeremy Brett.

Johnson warns Red Chinese against ‘nuclear blackmail’ 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964)


Video: 'Lyndon B. Johnson-Report to the Nation on Events in China and the USSR (October 18, 1964)'

(Sunday, October 18, 1964, 8:30 p.m. EDT; during the Cold War) — U.S. President Lyndon Johnson told the people of the United States tonight that despite the Chinese Communists’ nuclear explosion and the change of Government in the Soviet Union, “the key to peace is to be found in the strength and the good sense of the United States” (click here to watch the full video).

The Animals debut on ‘Ed Sullivan,’ Jackie Mason allegedly gives host the finger 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964)


Video: 'The Best of The Ed Sullivan Show: October 18, 1964' (Jack Jones, Volantes, Peter O'Toole segments from Mar. 15, 1964)

(Sunday, October 18, 1964, 8 p.m. EDT) — The Animals appeared on the live CBS television variety series The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time tonight, performing “I’m Crying” followed by their #1 hit “House of the Rising Sun.” Continue reading The Animals debut on ‘Ed Sullivan,’ Jackie Mason allegedly gives host the finger 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964)

Harold Wilson becomes Britain’s Prime Minister 50 years ago today (Oct 16 1964)


Video: 'Harold Wilson In Office (1964)'

(Friday, October 16, 1964)Harold Wilson became Britain’s prime minister today, one day after leading the Labour Party to a narrow election win over the Tory government of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, which had been in power for 13 years and had four different leaders during that time.

Labour Party defeats Conservatives in British elections 50 years ago today (Oct 15 1964)


Video: 'UK Election 1964'

(Thursday, October 15, 1964) — Britain’s Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, returned to power in today’s general elections, sending the Conservatives, who have governed for 13 years, into opposition. Wilson would replace Alec Douglas-Home as prime minister the next day.

St. Louis Cardinals take World Series in seven games 50 years ago today (Oct 15 1964)


Video: 'Game 7 of 1964 World Series St. Louis beats NY'

(Thursday, October 15, 1964) — The St. Louis Cardinals won the 1964 World Series today, beating the New York Yankees 7-5 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, in the seventh and deciding game, ending a long run of 29 World Series appearances in 44 seasons for the Bronx Bombers (also known as the Yankee Dynasty). It was the seventh of 11 World Series titles for the Cardinals (1926-2011).