Writer of Pop Culture

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This Day in Pop Culture

This Day in Pop Culture for July 24

“Saving Private Ryan” and Marvin the Martian.

July 24, 2020

1–2 minutes

1998: ‘Saving Private Ryan’ is Released

Director Steven Spielberg released the movie, Saving Private Ryan on this day in 1998 telling a story set during the invasion of Normandy during World War II. Loosely based on a true story, the film received much applause for its realistic and often gruesome portrayal of the war. The film starred Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper and Vin Diesel. Private Ryan was portrayed by Matt Damon. The movie made over $481 million worldwide and won various awards including the Oscar for Best Director.” (Image: DreamWorks Pictures)

1948: Marvin the Martian Arrives on Earth

It is said that the Warner Bros. cartoon character Marvin the Martian was designed to be the complete opposite of Yosemite Sam who is known for being loud and quick-tempered but not particularly dangerous. Marvin on the other hand was characterized as being a soft-spoken villain who actually was destructive and bent on destroying the Earth because it blocks his view of Venus.

Marvin made his first appearance in movie theaters on this day with the short film, Haredevil Hare, but his name was never uttered in the original shorts. It wasn’t until the character became a popular merchandising character that he was given the name Marvin.

Marvin is known for the catchphrase, “That makes me very, very angry.” Marvin has done battle with Bugs Bunny as well as Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in both the original Duck Dodgers shorts and the later TV series that aired from 2003-2005. (Image: Warner Bros.)