Category Archives: 1980s

Karen Ann Quinlan, focus of right to die case, dies 40 years ago this hour (June 11 1985)


Video: 'Karen Ann Quinlan NHD'

(Tuesday, June 11, 1985, 7:01 p.m. EDT)Karen Ann Quinlan, who slipped into a coma 10 years ago and became the center of a national debate on the definition of life and the right to die, died tonight at a nursing home in Morris Plains, New Jersey. She was 31 years old.

Claus von Bulow jury issues acquittal on all charges 40 years ago this hour (June 10 1985)


Video: 'Claus von Bülow acquitted in second trial (June 10, 1985)'

(Monday, June 10, 1985, shortly before 11:30 a.m. EDT) — Socialite Claus von Bulow was acquitted by a jury today in Providence, Rhode Island, at his retrial on charges he’d tried to murder his heiress wife, Martha “Sunny” von Bulow.

‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago today (June 8 1985)

(Saturday, June 8, 1985) — “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two consecutive weeks (June 8/15, 1985). Continue reading ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago today (June 8 1985)

‘The Goonies’ adventure comedy film released in North America 40 years ago this hour (June 7 1985)


Video: 'The Goonies' trailer

(Friday, June 7, 1985, 11:00 a.m. EDT)The Goonies, an adventure comedy film about a band of young boys who find a treasure map and embark on a magical adventure, was released today in North America, opening at 11 a.m. EDT at three theaters in Manhattan, including the Criterion Center at Broadway and 45th Street in Times Square. Continue reading ‘The Goonies’ adventure comedy film released in North America 40 years ago this hour (June 7 1985)

Body of notorious Nazi Josef Mengele exhumed 40 years ago today (June 6 1985)


Video: 'Confirming the remains of Josef Mengele (1985)'

(Thursday, June 6, 1985) — Authorities in Brazil today exhumed a body later identified as the remains of Dr. Josef Mengele, the notorious “Angel of Death” of the Nazi Holocaust. Continue reading Body of notorious Nazi Josef Mengele exhumed 40 years ago today (June 6 1985)

‘Axel F’ by Harold Faltermeyer peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (June 1 1985)

(Saturday, June 1, 1985) — “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer peaked at #3 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for three weeks. Continue reading ‘Axel F’ by Harold Faltermeyer peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (June 1 1985)

‘Say You’re Wrong’ by Julian Lennon peaks at #21 in USA 40 years ago today (June 1 1985)

(Saturday, June 1, 1985) — “Say You’re Wrong” by Julian Lennon peaked at #21 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Say You’re Wrong’ by Julian Lennon peaks at #21 in USA 40 years ago today (June 1 1985)

‘Ran’ epic historical action drama previewed at Tokyo International Film Festival 40 years ago today (May 31 1985)


Video: 'Ran' trailer

(Friday, May 31, 1985)Ran, a Japanese-French jidaigeki epic film about how an aging lord’s decision to retire brings out the worst in his sons, was previewed today at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Continue reading ‘Ran’ epic historical action drama previewed at Tokyo International Film Festival 40 years ago today (May 31 1985)

‘Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour’ filmed in Detroit 40 years ago this hour (May 25 1985)


Video: 'Madonna - The Virgin Tour 1985 [Remastered]'

(Saturday, May 25, 1985, approximately 8:00 p.m. EDT)Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour, the first video album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, was filmed tonight during a performance at Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan, as part of her The Virgin Tour, for release on Nov. 13, 1985.