Author Archives: dcaligari

April 11, 1983 –R.E.M. release their debut album, Murmur, on this date. Radio Free Europe was R.E.M.’s first single, released in 1981 before they signed to a major label. A better-produced version was included on Murmur, the band’s first full-length album, in 1983.

April 10, 1925 –…So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past… F. Scott Fitzgerald third book, The Great Gatsby, was published on this date. Among various titles considered were Among Ashheaps and Millionaires, Gold-Hatted Gatsby, The High-Bouncing Lover, On the Road to West Egg and Fitzgerald’s favorite Trimalchio’s BanquettContinue reading “…her voice is full of money”

It’s National Siblings Day (AKA Brothers and Sisters Day) This US holiday was conceived by Claudia Evart in 1995 to honor the memory of her brother and sister, whom she lost at a young age She sought to establishing a National Siblings Day on April 10, the anniversary of her sister Lisette’s birthday.

April 10, 1981 –The medieval fantasy film Excalibur directed by John Boorman, based loosely on the 15th-century classic Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory, and starring Nigel Terry , Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi, Paul Geoffrey, and Nicol Williamson, opened on this date. Helen Mirren and Nicol Williamson were initially reluctant to work with eachContinue reading “Excalibur premiered”

April 10, 1953 – Warner Bros.‘ first 3-D movie, House of Wax, starring Vincent Price, premiered on this date. The director Andre DeToth was unable to see in 3D himself, having lost an eye at an early age. (The film revived Vincent Price’s career, positioning him as the go-to guy when you needed a madContinue reading “House of Wax opened”

April 10, 1937 – The Merrie Melodies short She Was an Acrobat’s Daughter, directed by Friz Freleng., opened on this date The list of “Cast Off Characters” for the movie The Petrified Florist, which goes by too fast to see, reads as so: The Hero… Lester Coward; The Shero… Bettie Savis; Rich Man… John P.Continue reading “She Was an Acrobat’s Daughter premiered”

April 10, 1948 – The Merrie Melodies short, Rabbit Punch, directed by Chuck Jones, and starring Bugs Bunny, opened on this day. The gag where Bugs gets hit to the corner and comes back with encouragement for his adversary was last used in 1946s Baseball Bugs and would be used again in 1949’s Knights MustContinue reading “Rabbit Punch premiered”

April 10, 1970 –Elton John released his self-titled second studio album which included the breakthrough single Your Song, on this date. Grammy nominated for Album of the Year and certified 2x Platinum, it was Elton’s debut LP in the U.S. and established the singer–songwriter’s career.

April 10, 1970 – Answering questions concerning his upcoming debut solo album, Paul McCartney ‘accidentally‘ announced on this date, that the Beatles were breaking up. Many were devastated when the legendary band announced that members were going their separate ways after more than 20 years of working together. The breakup itself took over three yearsContinue reading “Paul called it quits”

April 9, 1865 –General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War, on this date. On April 5, Grant sent a message to his old college friend Lee that said, “General: The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness ofContinue reading “The afternoon they drove Ole Dixie down”