Video: 'Jack Benny - CBS News Tribute/Obituary (Dec 29, 1974)' (Benny's funeral at 32:47)
(Sunday, December 29, 1974) — The show-business world turned out today at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California, to say goodbye to Jack Benny, the gentle comedian who charmed millions of Americans over a long career that carried him through the top ranks of vaudeville, radio, movies and television.
Benny died Dec. 26, 1974, of cancer at the age of 80.
Video: 'Earthquake' trailer
(Friday, November 15, 1974) — Earthquake, an ensemble disaster film about the struggle for survival after a catastrophic earthquake destroys most of the city of Los Angeles, was released today in the U.S. Continue reading ‘Earthquake’ released in U.S. theaters 40 years ago today (Nov 15 1974)
Video: 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' trailer
(Tuesday, October 1, 1974) — The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a slasher film about five friends visiting their grandfather’s house in the country who are hunted and terrorized by a chain-saw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals, was released today in the U.S.
Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film starred Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, Gunnar Hansen and Teri McMinn.
Video: 'Chinatown' trailer
(Thursday, June 20, 1974) — Chinatown, a neo-noir film about a Los Angeles private eye who unwittingly sets up an innocent man for murder, then joins his seductive widow to unearth the corruption behind the crime, was released today in the U.S.
Directed by Roman Polanski, the film starred Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston.
Video: 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' trailer
(Thursday, May 23, 1974) — Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, a crime film about an ex-thief who teams up with an enthusiastic, amiable young drifter, opened today in New York City.
Directed by Michael Cimino, the film starred Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.
Video: '1973 Oscar Winners'
(Tuesday, April 2, 1974, 7:00 p.m. PDT) — The Sting, a caper film involving a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss, won seven Oscars tonight at the 46th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and George Roy Hill for Best Director (click here to watch 16 videos from the ceremonies). Continue reading ‘The Sting’ wins Best Picture at 46th Academy Awards 40 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1974)
Video: 'The Sting' trailer
(Tuesday, December 25, 1973, Christmas Day) — The Sting, a caper film involving a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss, premiered today in both New York and Los Angeles.
Directed by George Roy Hill, the film starred Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw.
Video: 'Magnum Force' trailer
(Thursday, December 20, 1973) — Magnum Force, a police thriller film about a maverick San Francisco police detective who hunts down a band of vigilante cops, opened today in the Netherlands (it opened in the U.S. five days later).
Directed by Ted Post, the film was the second to feature Clint Eastwood as maverick cop Harry Callahan. It also starred Hal Holbrook, Mitchell Ryan, David Soul, Felton Perry, Robert Urich and
Tim Matheson.
Video: 'Papillon' trailer
(Sunday, December 16, 1973) — Papillon, a prison film about two Devil’s Island prisoners who devote all of their time to hatching escape plans, was released today in U.S. theaters.
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the film starred Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
Video: 'Serpico' trailer
(Wednesday, December 5, 1973) — Serpico, a crime film about an honest New York cop who blew the whistle on rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him, was released today in U.S. theaters.
Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film starred Al Pacino.
