Universal Studios' Tram Tour Opens (July 15)

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Today, Universal Studios theme park is better known for its movie-themed rides and “lands”, but in 1964, its selling point was the Tram Tour. With special surprises along the way, the tram tour is a real tour through the movie studio and is still a highlight for many.

1964 – Universal Studios Ride Through the Movies

Universal Studios Tram Tour — *(Wikimedia Commons)*

Universal Studios theme park in Hollywood has allowed guests to see the magic of making movies since 1915, but the official “GlamorTram” Studio 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.

In 1990, Universal opened Universal Studios Florida. Unlike its California cousin, it is not a working movie studio, but it did offer its own tram tours through 1995.

2016 – ‘Stranger Things’ Begin to Happen

A group of kids ride their bikes against a red sky background. — *(Netflix)*

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 series stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Milly Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton and Matthew Modine.

In November 2023, Stranger Things: The First Shadow opened in London’s West End. It also opened on Broadway on April 22, 2025, and will continue playing there through January 3, 2027.

1997 – Hanna-Barbera’s Last Show

A cartoon cow and chicken run away in terror. — *(Cartoon Network via TVDB)*

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. This cartoon’s designs are drastically different from HB’s usual stylings. The show follows 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.

2012: Gangnam Style

Psy poses in front of a "Gangnam style" sign. — *(Wikimedia Commons)*

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

Michael Storm and Amy Levitt from "One Life to Live" — *(ABC via Wikipedia)*

One Life to Live 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 Ridgway was convicted of killing at least 48 victims over 16 years.

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

Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" — Bruce Willis *(20th Century Fox via TVDB)*

What does it take to make a Christmas movie … a Christmas movie? For years, people have been debating if Die Hard fills the bill. Even the studio wasn’t sure releasing the film during the summer. Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and Bonnie Bedelia, Die Hard 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).