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This Day in Pop Culture

This Day in Pop Culture for August 4

Oscar Pistorius was the first amputee to compete in the Olympic Games but he is also famous for something else.

August 4, 2020

2–3 minutes

2012: First Amputee Competes in the Olympics

On this day in 2012 in London, Oscar Pistorius of South Africa became the first amputee to compete at the Olympics by running in an opening heat of the men’s 400-meter. Pistorius finished second out of five runners and advanced to the semifinals, where he finished eighth out of eight runners. Nicknamed “Blade Runner” because of the J-shaped carbon fiber blades he wears to run, Pistorius inspired people around the world.

The future seemed bright for the athlete, but all of that changed in February of 2013 when Pistorius was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend. On September 12, 2013, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide. Pistorius was released on parole on January 5, 2024, with conditions in place until his sentence expires on December 5, 2029. (Image: Wikimedia)

1942: ‘Holiday Inn’ Premieres in New York

Ever wonder why the hotel chain, Holiday Inn, chose that name? It was inspired by the Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire musical, Holiday Inn, which also starred Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale. The movie premiered at the New York Paramount Theatre on this day.

Holiday Inn’s odd plot centers around an inn that is only open on the holidays. Each holiday offers a good excuse for more musical numbers. The film contains 12 songs all written by Irving Berlin including “Easter Parade.” The movie earned an Oscar for Best Original Song (“White Christmas”) and two nominations for Best Score and Best Original Story (which was also written by Berlin).

While the movie has been shown on TV numerous times, one scene has often been edited out. If you happen to catch an unedited version, you might be surprised. During the song number which appears during the celebration about President Lincoln’s birthday, a blackface minstrel show is incorporated into an act.

Holiday Inn is often confused with the 1954 movie White Christmas which was sort of a remake, featured the same song and also starred Crosby. Astaire was also supposed to star in the latter film, but he declined. (Image: Wikipedia)