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This Day in Pop Culture

This Day in Pop Culture for March 19

World Monopoly Day and the very first time that the Oscars were on TV.

March 19, 2020

1–2 minutes

1935: World Monopoly Day

Though the complete history of who created the game Monopoly and when remain cloudy. Hasbro officially recognizes March 19, 1935 as the game’s anniversary and dubs it World Monopoly Day. Some say that early versions of the game appeared as early as 1903. Numerous editions of the game have been created over the years as well as spin-off games that feature much of the same themes of the original.

Monopoly is licensed in 13 countries and printed in 37 different languages. In 2017, it was announced that three new tokens (T-Rex, Penguin and Rubber Ducky) would be added to the game while three others (Wheelbarrow, Thimble and the Boot) would be taken away.

Monopoly has also inspired other projects like the 1990 summertime TV game show produced by ABC. Both Hollywood and Broadway have been trying to make a show based on the game for years now. (Image: Pixabay)

1953: The First Televised Academy Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was organized in 1927 and the first Academy Awards were given in May of 1929, but the first televised awards special didn’t come about until this day in 1953. Comedian and actor, Bob Hope served as the master of ceremonies and Fredic March presented the awards at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. It was broadcast live on NBC. Hope would host the awards 17 more times during his lifetime with his last in 1977.