Category Archives: 1980s

‘Witness’ opens in U.S. theaters 30 years ago today (Feb 8 1985)


Video: 'Witness' trailer

(Friday, February 8, 1985)Witness, a thriller film about a detective who protects a young Amish boy who becomes a target after he witnesses a murder in Philadelphia, opened today in U.S. theaters (including the Astor Plaza in New York City).

Directed by Peter Weir, the film starred Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis.

President Reagan calls for ‘second revolution’ 30 years ago this hour (Feb 6 1985)


Video: 'State of the Union: President Reagan's State of the Union Speech - 2/6/85'

(Wednesday, February 6, 1985, 9:00 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan called tonight for “a second American revolution of hope and opportunity” in a State of the Union address that celebrated economic and scientific achievements and made scant mention of the spending sacrifices his new budget asks of a broad spectrum of Americans.

‘Subway Vigilante’ Goetz shoots four black youths 30 years ago this hour (Dec 22 1984)


Video: 'News 4 New York (WNBC-TV) December 22, 1984 Subway Vigilante Bernhard Goetz'

(Saturday, December 22, 1984, at about 1:30 p.m. EST) — New York City resident Bernhard Goetz, 37, shot four black youths aboard a Manhattan subway today after the young men attempted to rob him. As a result of his actions, Goetz soon became known as the “Subway Vigilante.”

Ringo Starr tapes ‘Saturday Night Live’ pomos 30 years ago today (Dec 8 1984)


Video: 'Saturday Night Live Promo- Ringo Starr & Billy Crystal- 1984'

(Thursday, December 6, 1984) — Former Beatle Ringo Starr taped promotional video clips today for his upcoming (Dec. 8, 1984) appearance as host of the NBC-TV show Saturday Night Live in New York City, including one with cast member Billy Crystal.

‘Beverly Hills Cop’ premieres in Los Angeles 30 years ago today (Dec 1 1984)


Video: 'Beverly Hills Cop' (trailer)

(Saturday, December 1, 1984)Beverly Hills Cop, an action comedy film about a street-smart Detroit cop who heads to Beverly Hills, California, to solve the murder of his best friend, premiered today in Los Angeles.

Directed by Martin Brest, the film starred Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold and John Ashton.

Beatles convention, McCartney interview featured on ‘ET’ 30 years ago today (Nov 27 1984)


Video: 'Paul McCartney on Entertainment Tonight - 1984'

(Tuesday, November 27, 1984) — A Beatles convention in Los Angeles was featured on today’s edition of Entertainment Tonight. The program also included a previously recorded separate interview with former Beatle Paul McCartney (taped Oct. 25, 1984).

Flutie’s last-second Hail Mary pass overcomes Miami 30 years ago today (Nov 23 1984)


Video: '1984 - Doug Flutie's Miracle pass.mpg'

(Friday, November 23, 1984, late afternoon EST) — Quarterback Doug Flutie enhanced his legend today with a last-play touchdown pass that soared 64 yards, just out of reach of three defenders at the goal-line and into the hands of Gerard Phelan to give Boston College a 47-45 victory over Miami before a crowd of 30,235 in the Orange Bowl. Continue reading Flutie’s last-second Hail Mary pass overcomes Miami 30 years ago today (Nov 23 1984)

Fans mob Michael Jackson as he gets Hollywood star 30 years ago today (Nov 20 1984)


Video: 'Michael Jackson - Hollywood Walk Of Fame 1984 [FULL HD (1080p)]'

(Tuesday, November 20, 1984) — Pop star Michael Jackson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame today with the unveiling of his star in front of a horde of screaming fans.

Baby Fae dies as baboon heart fails 30 years ago this hour (Nov 15 1984)


Video: 'Stephanie's Heart: The Story of Baby Fae - Part 1'

(Thursday, November 15, 1984, 9:00 p.m. PST)Stephanie Fae Beauclair, the infant publicly known as “Baby Fae” who had received a baboon’s heart to replace her own congenitally deformed one, died at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California three weeks after the transplant. Continue reading Baby Fae dies as baboon heart fails 30 years ago this hour (Nov 15 1984)