‘The Birth of a Nation’ premieres in Los Angeles 100 years ago today (Feb 8 1915)


Video: 'The Birth of a Nation (1915) [HD] - Lillian Gish'

(Monday, February 8, 1915) — The silent, groundbreaking and controversial epic film drama The Birth of a Nation, which chronicles the relationship of two families in the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, premiered today in Los Angeles.

Directed by D. W. Griffith, the film starred Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Henry B. Walthall, Miriam Cooper, Ralph Lewis and George Siegmann.

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.

Bush urges Congress to ‘save’ Social Security 10 years ago this hour (Feb 2 2005)


Video: 'State of the Union Address'

(Wednesday, February 2, 2005, 9:00 p.m. EST) — In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called tonight for changes in Social Security that would combine reduced government benefits for younger workers with “a chance to build a nest egg” through personal accounts.

‘The Lost World’ premieres in the U.S. 90 years ago today (Feb 2 1925)


Video: 'The Lost World FULL MOVIE! (1925)'

(Monday, February 2, 1925)The Lost World, a silent fantasy adventure film based on the Arthur Conan Doyle novel about explorers who encounter living prehistoric animals in South America, had its world premiere today in the U.S.

Directed by Harry Hoyt, the film starred Bessie Love, Lewis Stone, Wallace Beery, Lloyd Hughes and Alma Bennett.

James Brown records ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’ 50 years ago today (Feb 1 1965)


Video: 'James Brown - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (Parts 1 & 2) [stereo]'

(Monday, February 1, 1965) — James Brown recorded “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” today at Arthur Smith Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina. Continue reading James Brown records ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’ 50 years ago today (Feb 1 1965)

Khmer Rouge attacks force thousands into Phnom Penh 40 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - Cambodia and Laos [8/11]' (Jan. 1, 1975, at 42:32)

(Wednesday, January 1, 1975, 1:20 a.m. local time; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of the Vietnam War, Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Communist-led insurgents known as the Khmer Rouge launched a series of attacks on the outskirts of Phnom Penh today and thousands of refugees, hundreds of them injured, streamed into the capital.

Saigon battalions retake Binh Gia in long fight 50 years ago today (Dec 30 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - America's Enemy [5/11]' (Dec. 30, 1964, at 19:35)

(Wednesday, December 30, 1964; during the Battle of Binh Gia of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Saigon troops recaptured the village of Binh Gia today after U.S. helicopters flew in reinforcements. The battle continued through Jan. 1, 1975.

Thousands watch Hollywood farewell to Jack Benny 40 years ago today (Dec 29 1974)


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.

‘On the Town’ musical opens on Broadway 70 years ago this hour (Dec 28 1944)


Video: '1944 Broadway Musical: On the Town ~ Lonely Town (1940s)'

(Thursday, December 28, 1944, 8:30 p.m. EWT) — The musical On the Town, with music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, opened tonight on Broadway at the Adelphi Theater. Continue reading ‘On the Town’ musical opens on Broadway 70 years ago this hour (Dec 28 1944)