This Day in Pop Culture for July 15

1964: Universal Studios Tram Tour Introduced

Universal Studios has allowed guests to see the magic of making movies since 1915, but the official “GlamorTram” Tours began on this day in 1964. Guests are taken throughout the studios sound stages a “neighborhoods,” but what has always made the trip special were the extra special effects that guests would experience while on the tram. The different effects have changed over the years but has included flash flood, an earthquake, an attack by Jaws, a rockslide, a runaway train, the avalanche tunnel, an encounter with King Kong and others. (Wikimedia)

2016: ‘Stranger Things’ Begin to Happen

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Netflix debuted one of the streamer’s most popular series of all time on this day. Stranger Things is set during the 1980’s, this story revolves around a group of residents living in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Here, they are fighting an unknown enemy when a portal between Earth and what is called the “Upside Down” world opens up causing chaos.

The scary show has been praised for its characterization of characters, special effects and a sweet, 1980’s vibe.

The limited series stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Milly Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton and Matthew Modine. (Image: Netflix)

1997: Hanna-Barbera’s Last Show

Originally paired with episodes of I Am Weasel, Cow and Chicken debuted on this day on Cartoon Network. It was the last of the network’s original cartoons to be produced entirely by Hanna-Barbera. The cartoon which looks had a drastic departure from HB’s usual stylings, this strange show featured the adventures of two siblings, sister Cow and brother Chicken and their dealings with the Red Guy (aka the Devil). All three characters were voiced by Charlie Adler. The show ran for four seasons with as total of 52 episodes. (Image: Cartoon Network)

2012: Gangnam Style

Korean pop singer Psy, surprises everyone worldwide with his catchy tune and music video, Gangnam Style. It topped the charts in over 36 countries.

1968: Diverse Soap

‘One Life to Live’ debuted on ABC. It was the first soap opera to feature ethnically and diverse characters with stories set around social issues.

1982: Sick Killer

The body of the first victim of the Green River Killer was found near Seattle. Gary Ridgeway was convicted of killing at least 48 victims over 16 years.

1988: The “Is ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas? Movie” Debate

What does it take to make a Christmas movie … a Christmas movie? For years, people have been debating if Die Hard fills the bill. Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and Bonnie Bedelia, the movie centers on a New York City police detective who shows up at the right place at the wrong time.

The movie begins with John McClane traveling to Los Angeles in hopes of reconciling with his wife Holly (Bedelia) by showing up at her company’s Christmas party. Unbeknownst to him, Hans Gruber (Rickman) and his group of terrorists, shows up at the tower to take over.

Directed by John McTiernan, Die Hard surprised many with its success in the box office including 20th Century Fox. It was made with a $25-$35 million budget and ended up making between $139-$141 million in ticket sales. It became Willis’ breakthrough hit despite his character’s terrible puns.

Four sequels followed: Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007) and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013). (Image: Wikipedia)