This Day in Pop Culture for April 2
1968: ‘2001 A Space Odyssey’ Premieres
While some people say Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 A Space Odyssey is a terribly boring film, others regard it as greatest and most influential films ever made. Nevertheless, the film premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C. on this day in 1968. Starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, the movie was inspired by Arthur C. Clarke’s short story, “The Sentinel.” It is a story that follows a trip to Jupiter with the computer HAL who has a mind of its own. Some critics thought that the film was darkly apocalyptic in its tone while others were able to the view the film with a sense of hope. Nominated for four Academy Awards (including Best Director, Best Story and Screenplay and Best Art Direction) it won for Best Special Visual Effects. In 2010, The Moving Arts Film Journal named the film the “greatest film of all time.”
1902: The First Permanent Movie Theater Opens
Though the date is up for debate, the common theory is that on this day in 1902 Tally’s Electric Theatre opened its doors for the first time in Los Angeles. Before then, movies where shown in miscellaneous empty locations. Initially, the theatre was open from 7:30-10:30 p.m. but matinee showings were added soon after. Ten years later, the theatre was the first to show a color film. Tickets prices were just ten cents.
1792: Keep the Change
The United States Mint was established on this day in 1792 when the Coinage Act was passed authorizing the $10 Eagle, $5 half-Eagle & 2.50 quarter-Eagle gold coins & silver dollar, ½ dollar, quarter, dime and half-dime.
1977: ‘Rumours’ Becomes #1
Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album went to the number one spot on Billboard and stayed there for 31 weeks.
1800: His First Symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven lead the premiere of his First Symphony in Vienna on this day in 1800.
1956: Two Soap Operas Debut
It was on this day that CBS debuted the first two 30-minute long soap operas, As the World Turns and The Edge of Night.
Birthdays
- 1908: Buddy Ebsen (actor)
- 1939: Marvin Gaye (singer)
- 1941: Dr. Demento (radio host)
- 1947: Emmylou Harris (singer)
- 1949: Pamela Reed (actress)
- 1961: Christopher Meloni (actor)
- 1962: Clark Gregg (actor)
- 1977: Michael Fassbender (actor)
- 1988: Jesse Plemons (actor)
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