‘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)

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ romantic drama film premieres 30 years ago today (May 30 1995)


Video: 'The Bridges of Madison County' trailer

(Tuesday, May 30, 1995)The Bridges of Madison County, a romantic drama film about a photojournalist and a farmer’s wife who share a four-day romance, today at the Steven J. Ross Theater on the Warner Brothers Lot in Burbank, California. Continue reading ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ romantic drama film premieres 30 years ago today (May 30 1995)

Babe Ruth plays his last game 90 years ago this hour (May 30 1935)


Video 'Rare footage of the Babe's final season'

(Memorial Day, Thursday, May 30, 1935, 1:30 p.m. EDT)Babe Ruth, 40, today played in his last ever major league baseball game (for the Boston Braves), leaving after the first inning of the first of a double-header against the Philadelphia Phillies, who won both games. Continue reading Babe Ruth plays his last game 90 years ago this hour (May 30 1935)

First lady Bess Truman christens ambulance plane 80 years ago today (May 30 1945)


Video: 'Harry S. Truman — Bess Truman Christens an Ambulance Plane'

(Memorial Day, Wednesday, May 30, 1945; during World War II) — In her first public appearance as first lady, Bess Truman today tried to christen an ambulance plane at Washington’s National Airport with a unprepared bottle of champagne. Continue reading First lady Bess Truman christens ambulance plane 80 years ago today (May 30 1945)

‘Help Me, Rhonda’ by The Beach Boys peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (May 29 1965)

(Saturday, May 29, 1965) — “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart for two consecutive weeks (May 29, June 5, 1965). Continue reading ‘Help Me, Rhonda’ by The Beach Boys peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (May 29 1965)

‘It’s Not Unusual’ by Tom Jones peaks at #10 in USA 60 years ago today (May 29 1965)

(Saturday, May 29, 1965) — “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones peaked at #10 on today’s Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘It’s Not Unusual’ by Tom Jones peaks at #10 in USA 60 years ago today (May 29 1965)

Patrick Henry denounces Stamp Act before Virginia’s House of Burgesses 260 years ago today (May 29 1765)


Video: 'Patrick Henry vs the Stamp Act'

(Wednesday, May 29, 1765) — Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act today before Virginia’s House of Burgesses, saying “Caesar had his Brutus, Charles I his Cromwell, and George III… (Henry was interrupted by cries from the opposition)… may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.”

Riding accident paralyzes actor Christopher Reeve 30 years ago this hour (May 27 1995)


Video: 'Dateline NBC on Christopher Reeve (June 1995)'

(Saturday, May 27, 1995, around 3:30 p.m. EDT) — Actor Christopher Reeve, 42, was left paralyzed today when he was thrown from his horse during a jumping event in Charlottesville, Virginia.

‘La Haine’ French social thriller film premieres at Cannes Film Festival 30 years ago tonight (May 27 1995)


Video: 'La Haine' trailer

(Saturday, May 27, 1995, evening Central European Summer Time)La Haine, a French black-and-white drama/suspense film about about three young friends and their struggle to live in the suburbs of Paris, premiered today at the Cannes Film Festival. Continue reading ‘La Haine’ French social thriller film premieres at Cannes Film Festival 30 years ago tonight (May 27 1995)