Michael Jackson describes ‘most humiliating ordeal of my life’ in live TV address 20 years ago this hour (12/22/1993)

1990s, Popular Music 1990s, Television 1990s


Video: 'Michael Jackson's 1993 Innocence Statement - From Neverland'

(Wednesday, December 22, 1993, 12 noon PST) — Reclusive superstar Michael Jackson fought back today against child molestation allegations, describing a Dec. 20, 1993, court-ordered body search as “the most humiliating ordeal of my life” during a live, four-minute message televised worldwide from his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California. Continue reading Michael Jackson describes ‘most humiliating ordeal of my life’ in live TV address 20 years ago this hour (12/22/1993) →

First newspaper crossword puzzle published 100 years ago today (12/21/1913)

1910s


Video: 'Arthur Wynne and the Crossword - Hidden Genius'

(Sunday, December 21, 1913) — What’s regarded as the first newspaper crossword puzzle was published today in the New York World. Created by journalist Arthur Wynne, it was billed as a “Word-Cross Puzzle.”

‘Magnum Force’ opens in Holland 40 years ago today (12/20/1973)

1970s, Movies 1970s


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.

Allies victorious in Battle of San Pietro Infine 70 years ago today (12/17/1943)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The Battle of San Pietro John Huston WW2 Documentary 1945 Movie'

(Friday, December 17, 1943; part of the Winter Line and the battle for Rome during the Italian Campaign of World War II) — Allied Forces today won the Battle of San Pietro Infine (commonly referred to as the “Battle of San Pietro”) against heavily fortified positions of the German “Winter Line” in and around the town of San Pietro Infine, just south of Monte Cassino about halfway between Naples and Rome. Continue reading Allies victorious in Battle of San Pietro Infine 70 years ago today (12/17/1943) →

Paul McCartney concludes ‘New World Tour’ in Santiago 20 years ago tonight (12/16/1993)

1990s, Popular Music 1990s, The Beatles 1990s


Video: 'paul mccartney live in santiago 1993' (13 videos)

(Thursday, December 16, 1993) — Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney performed the final show of his The New World Tour tonight at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile.

It would turn out to be the final tour performance by McCartney’s wife, Linda (she would pass away Apr. 17, 1998), and his last tour for nine years.

‘Papillon’ released in U.S. theaters 40 years ago today (12/16/1973)

1970s, Movies 1970s


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.

Paul McCartney interviewed on ‘The Tube’ 30 years ago this hour (12/16/1983)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s, Television 1980s, The Beatles 1980s


Video: 'Paul McCartney interview with Lesley Ash - THE TUBE (1983)'

(Friday, December 16, 1983, 5:31 p.m. GMT) — Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney was interviewed by Leslie Ash on tonight’s edition of The Tube on Channel 4. Continue reading Paul McCartney interviewed on ‘The Tube’ 30 years ago this hour (12/16/1983) →

‘Madame Curie’ premieres in Los Angeles 70 years ago today (12/15/1943)

1940s, Movies 1940s


Video: 'Madame Curie' (trailer)

(Thursday, December 15, 1943) — Madame Curie, a biographical film that tells the story of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie, premiered today in Los Angeles. Continue reading ‘Madame Curie’ premieres in Los Angeles 70 years ago today (12/15/1943) →

‘Silkwood’ opens in U.S. theaters 30 years ago today (12/14/1983)

1980s, Movies 1980s


Video: 'Silkwood' trailer

(Wednesday, December 14, 1983) — Silkwood, a drama film about a labor union activist who died in a suspicious car accident while investigating alleged wrongdoing at the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant where she worked, opened today at Loew’s Tower East in New York City. Continue reading ‘Silkwood’ opens in U.S. theaters 30 years ago today (12/14/1983) →