[ { "date": "09-13", "isVerified": true, "formattedDate": "September 13", "title": "Thousands Cheer", "maker": "[George Sidney], [Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]", "releaseYear": 1943, "category": "movies", "estimatedSales": "$3,751,000 Box Office", "significance": "World Theatrical Premiere Date", "wikimediaFile": "", "affiliateSearchTerms": { "amazon": "Thousands Cheer", "ebay": "Thousands Cheer", "link": "", "linkLabel": "" }, "content": { "intro": "On September 13, 1943, a star-spangled spectacle arrived in New York City: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's \"Thousands Cheer.\" This date marked the world theatrical premiere of a film designed not only to entertain but to uplift the spirits of a nation deep in the throes of World War II. It swiftly became one of the highest-grossing films of its year, raking in an impressive $3,751,000 in box office rentals for the studio. More than just a commercial success, \"Thousands Cheer\" served as a vibrant cinematic pep talk, bringing together an unprecedented array of MGM's biggest stars in a single production, making its debut a genuinely special event in wartime Hollywood history.", "whatItIs": "\"Thousands Cheer\" is a lavish Technicolor musical showcasing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's deep roster of talent, all under the direction of George Sidney. The main story centers on Susie Abbott (Kathryn Grayson), the daughter of a U.S. Army general (John Boles), who falls in love with Private Eddie Marsh (Gene Kelly), a former circus aerialist now serving his country. The romantic narrative provides a framework for an extraordinary parade of guest stars, who perform musical and comedic numbers as entertainment for the troops. This includes iconic appearances from Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Frank Morgan, Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and many more, transforming the film into a grand variety show and a testament to MGM's star power during the era.", "howItCameToBe": "Conceived during the height of World War II, \"Thousands Cheer\" was MGM's ambitious answer to the nation's need for morale-boosting entertainment. The studio sought to create a film that would not only be a box office triumph but also a patriotic statement, showcasing its stars performing for the troops. Director George Sidney helmed the massive production, navigating a complex schedule to accommodate the numerous cameo appearances from actors, singers, and comedians who frequently juggled multiple projects. The challenge lay in weaving these disparate acts into a cohesive narrative, a task accomplished by using the central romance and the setting of an army camp. The film became a testament to Hollywood's commitment to the war effort, both on and off-screen.", "howManyItSold": "\"Thousands Cheer\" proved to be a resounding commercial success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, earning an estimated $3,751,000 in domestic (US and Canada) box office rentals. It's important to note that \"rentals\" typically refer to the portion of the box office gross that the film distributor receives from the exhibitors, after the theaters take their share. This figure made it one of MGM's highest-grossing films of 1943, demonstrating its immense popularity with wartime audiences seeking escapism and star power. While specific worldwide figures or a precise production budget are harder to pin down from this era, the substantial rental income undoubtedly indicates a highly profitable venture for the studio, solidifying its place as a significant financial triumph in the golden age of Hollywood musicals.", "whyItResonated": "\"Thousands Cheer\" resonated deeply with audiences primarily due to its potent blend of star power, musical spectacle, and unwavering patriotism during a tumultuous period. For a nation embroiled in World War II, the film offered much-needed escapism and a powerful sense of unity, with beloved stars \"performing\" for the troops. Critics generally praised the film for its entertainment value, acknowledging its ambitious scale and the sheer magnetism of its cast. Audiences particularly embraced the all-star lineup, viewing it as a collective effort from Hollywood to support the morale of the nation. The film’s vibrant Technicolor, catchy tunes, and lighthearted romance provided a comforting distraction, reinforcing national pride and the resilience of the American spirit.", "impactToday": "Today, \"Thousands Cheer\" is remembered as a quintessential example of the all-star Technicolor musical that defined MGM during its Golden Age. While perhaps not as frequently cited as \"Singin' in the Rain\" or \"An American in Paris,\" it holds significant historical value as a major wartime production showcasing an incredible array of talent. It remains a valuable snapshot of 1940s popular culture, demonstrating Hollywood's role in national morale during WWII. The film's influence can be seen in subsequent ensemble-cast musicals and variety shows. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to transport viewers back to a time when pure escapism, grand musical numbers, and the collective charisma of Hollywood's biggest stars were paramount, cementing its place as an important piece of cinematic history." }, "sources": [ { "name": "Wikipedia - Thousands Cheer", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Thousands%20Cheer" }, { "name": "eBay Affiliate Search", "url": "https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Thousands%20Cheer" } ], "imageUrl": "", "streaming": [], "youtubeId": "GZnVCs7UJUA" }, { "date": "09-13", "isVerified": true, "formattedDate": "September 13", "title": "Crime of the Century", "maker": "[Supertramp], [A&M Records]", "releaseYear": 1974, "category": "music", "estimatedSales": "4x Platinum in Canada", "significance": "Official Album Release", "imageUrl": "", "wikimediaFile": "", "youtubeId": "GpAUDOI24Oo", "affiliateSearchTerms": { "amazon": "Crime of the Century", "ebay": "Crime of the Century", "link": "", "linkLabel": "" }, "content": { "intro": "On September 13, 1974, British rock band Supertramp released their third studio album, \"Crime of the Century.\" This date marks a pivotal moment in the band's history, transforming them from a struggling progressive rock act into international stars. The album represented a complete creative rebirth, featuring a stabilized lineup and a more focused, commercially accessible sound. It served as their breakthrough record in the UK, Canada, and Europe, laying the essential groundwork for their future global superstardom with 1979's \"Breakfast in America.\" \"Crime of the Century\" was the moment Supertramp's signature sound was truly born.", "whatItIs": "“Crime of the Century” is a concept album that loosely explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and mental instability. Musically, it's a sophisticated blend of art rock, progressive rock, and pop, defined by the contrasting songwriting and vocal styles of its two frontmen, Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies. Hodgson's soaring, introspective tracks like \"Dreamer\" and \"Hide in Your Shell\" are balanced by Davies's grittier, more cynical compositions like \"Bloody Well Right\" and the title track. The album is noted for its lush arrangements, which include strings, saxophone, and clarinet, and the prominent use of the Wurlitzer electric piano, which became a hallmark of the band's sound.", "howItCameToBe": "Following two commercially unsuccessful albums, Supertramp was on the brink of collapse. Their Dutch millionaire patron, Stanley 'Sam' Miesegaes, agreed to fund one more record. The band solidified its classic lineup, featuring Hodgson, Davies, bassist Dougie Thomson, saxophonist John Helliwell, and drummer Bob Siebenberg. They retreated to a 17th-century farmhouse in Somerset, England for months of intensive writing and rehearsing. With producer Ken Scott (known for his work with David Bowie and The Beatles) at the helm, the band meticulously crafted the album at various London studios, aiming for a level of sonic perfection that would set a new standard for their work.", "howManyItSold": "While not an immediate blockbuster in the United States, \"Crime of the Century\" was a massive commercial success elsewhere. It peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold. In Canada, it was a phenomenon, reaching number one and eventually being certified Diamond for sales of over one million copies. In the U.S., it was a sleeper hit, reaching number 38 on the Billboard 200 and achieving Gold status in 1977, after the success of subsequent albums. Its enduring popularity has ensured consistent sales for decades, cementing its status as a cornerstone of their catalog.", "whyItResonated": "The album's appeal lies in its perfect marriage of musical ambition and melodic accessibility. The lyrics, which delve into themes of confusion and societal disillusionment, struck a chord with a post-60s audience grappling with uncertainty. The pristine production quality made it an audiophile's delight, while the memorable hooks of songs like \"Dreamer\" and \"Bloody Well Right\" earned it significant radio airplay. The dynamic interplay between Hodgson's spiritual, searching vocals and Davies's bluesy, world-weary delivery provided a rich emotional texture that listeners found compelling and deeply relatable, creating an experience that was both musically complex and universally human.", "impactToday": "\"Crime of the Century\" is widely regarded by fans and critics as Supertramp's artistic masterpiece. Its songs remain staples on classic rock radio worldwide, and the album is frequently listed among the greatest progressive and art rock albums of the 1970s. It established the sonic template that would lead to even greater success and has influenced countless artists with its blend of intricate arrangements and pop sensibilities. Its reputation has only grown over time, celebrated as a flawlessly executed concept album that showcases a band at the absolute peak of its creative powers." }, "sources": [], "imageSource": "" }, { "date": "09-13", "isVerified": true, "formattedDate": "September 13", "title": "Super Mario Bros.", "maker": "[Nintendo R&D4], [Nintendo]", "releaseYear": 1985, "category": "games", "estimatedSales": "58 Million Copies Sold", "significance": "Famicom launch in Japan", "imageUrl": "", "wikimediaFile": "", "youtubeId": "c_b9Yn34pdI", "affiliateSearchTerms": { "amazon": "Super Mario Bros. game", "ebay": "Super Mario Bros. video game", "link": "", "linkLabel": "" }, "content": { "intro": "On September 13, 1985, the landscape of home entertainment changed forever with the release of Super Mario Bros. in Japan for the Family Computer, or Famicom. While the Famicom had been on the market for two years, this was the game that defined the console and revitalized a global industry still reeling from the video game crash of 1983. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, it wasn't just another game; it was a killer application that showcased the Famicom's capabilities with its large, scrolling worlds and fluid gameplay. Its Japanese debut created a blueprint for success that would soon be replicated worldwide, cementing Nintendo's place as a dominant force in gaming.", "whatItIs": "Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling platformer that established the core tenets of the genre for decades to come. Players control Mario (or his brother Luigi in two-player mode) on a quest through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from the villainous King Bowser. The core gameplay loop involves running, jumping, and navigating treacherous levels filled with enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas. Players can break blocks to find coins and powerful items like the Super Mushroom, which makes Mario grow, or the Fire Flower, which grants him the ability to shoot fireballs. The game is a masterclass in accessible yet challenging fun.", "howItCameToBe": "Developed by Nintendo's R&D4 division, Super Mario Bros. was created by the legendary duo of Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, with programming by Toshihiko Nakago and music by Koji Kondo. Initially conceived as a farewell to the ROM cartridge format before the Famicom Disk System launched, the team aimed to create a grand culmination of their work. They pushed the hardware to its limits, creating a large, scrolling world which was a technical marvel at the time. Miyamoto's design philosophy focused on creating a sense of adventure and discovery, with intuitive physics and secrets that would encourage players to explore every corner of the Mushroom Kingdom.", "howManyItSold": "Super Mario Bros. became a system-seller of unprecedented scale. The game has sold over 58 million copies worldwide across all its versions, with the original Famicom/NES release accounting for over 40 million units. For years, it held the title of the best-selling video game of all time. This staggering success was largely fueled by its inclusion as a pack-in title with the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America, which introduced an entire generation to video games. Its sales single-handedly revived the home console market in the West and established Mario as Nintendo's official mascot and a global pop culture icon.", "whyItResonated": "The genius of Super Mario Bros. lies in its near-perfect design. The controls were incredibly tight and responsive, giving players a direct and satisfying connection to the on-screen action. Its level design, particularly the iconic World 1-1, is still studied today as a masterclass in teaching mechanics organically without tutorials. The vibrant art style and Koji Kondo's unforgettable, cheerful score created an inviting world that was a joy to inhabit. The game was filled with secrets, from hidden 1-Up mushrooms to warp zones, which fostered a sense of wonder and made players feel like they were true explorers, ensuring immense replayability and playground chatter.", "impactToday": "The legacy of Super Mario Bros. is immeasurable; it didn't just sell consoles, it codified an entire genre. Its design principles are foundational to countless platformers that followed. The franchise it launched remains one of the most successful and critically acclaimed in all of entertainment, with Mario himself being more recognizable than Mickey Mouse in some parts of the world. The original game has been ported and re-released on nearly every Nintendo console, is a cornerstone of the speedrunning community, and its characters, music, and sound effects are universally recognized cultural touchstones. Its influence is still felt in game design today." }, "sources": [], "imageSource": "" }, { "date": "09-13", "isVerified": true, "formattedDate": "September 13", "title": "Law & Order", "maker": "[Dick Wolf], [NBC]", "releaseYear": 1990, "category": "tv", "estimatedSales": "Averaged over 18 million viewers at its peak", "significance": "Series premiere of Law & Order on NBC.", "imageUrl": "", "wikimediaFile": "", "youtubeId": "RzN8cPlcMTU", "affiliateSearchTerms": { "amazon": "Law & Order", "ebay": "Law & Order", "link": "", "linkLabel": "" }, "content": { "intro": "On September 13, 1990, a new kind of crime drama premiered on NBC, forever changing the television landscape. \"Law & Order\" debuted not with a splashy, character-driven pilot, but with a grounded, dual-perspective story that treated the process as the protagonist. In an era dominated by more serialized dramas and traditional cop shows, its unique bifurcated format—half police investigation, half legal prosecution—was a gamble. This premiere episode, \"Prescription for Death,\" established the show's signature \"ripped from the headlines\" style and its methodical, almost documentary-like tone. It was the quiet beginning of a television institution that would run for decades and spawn a massive, globally recognized franchise.", "whatItIs": "\"Law & Order\" is an American police procedural and legal drama series known for its distinctive two-part structure. Each episode is typically self-contained and follows a crime, usually a murder, from two separate but related viewpoints. The first half-hour focuses on the investigation of the crime by a pair of New York City Police Department homicide detectives, showcasing their methodical police work, interviews, and the eventual arrest. The second half-hour shifts to the prosecution of the defendant by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, detailing the legal battles, plea bargains, and courtroom drama. The show famously prioritized plot over character development, creating a revolving-door cast that allowed the format to be the true star.", "howItCameToBe": "Creator Dick Wolf conceived of \"Law & Order\" in the late 1980s, wanting to create a series that depicted the entire criminal justice system more realistically than other shows on air. He pitched a concept that would show not just the \"whodunit\" but also the complex legal aftermath. The initial pilot was filmed in 1988 for CBS, but the network passed, reportedly finding the concept too cerebral and different. The pilot sat on a shelf for two years until it was shown to NBC's Brandon Tartikoff, who saw its potential. NBC ordered a full season, and the show was finally launched in 1990, with its gritty, New York-filmed authenticity and unique structure setting it apart from its television peers.", "howManyItSold": "\"Law & Order\" grew from a modest performer into a ratings juggernaut for NBC. During its golden era in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the series was a consistent fixture in the Nielsen Top 20, often averaging over 18 million viewers weekly. Its success was not limited to its initial run; the show became an incredibly lucrative property in syndication. Reruns aired constantly on cable networks like A&E and TNT, drawing strong viewership for years and generating hundreds of millions in revenue. At the time of its initial cancellation in 2010, its 20-season run tied it with \"Gunsmoke\" as the longest-running live-action scripted primetime series in American television history.", "whyItResonated": "The show's success was rooted in its compelling and repeatable formula. Its \"ripped from the headlines\" approach gave each episode a sense of immediate relevance and moral weight, allowing audiences to engage with complex social and ethical issues through the lens of a fictional case. The objective, non-serialized format made it easy for new viewers to jump in at any time. Rather than focusing on the private lives of its characters, the show made the legal and investigative process the central focus. This, combined with its authentic New York City setting and the iconic \"dun-dun\" sound effect, created a viewing experience that felt both intelligent and dramatically satisfying, turning viewers into armchair detectives and lawyers each week.", "impactToday": "The legacy of \"Law & Order\" is monumental. It fundamentally redefined the procedural genre and established one of the most successful and prolific franchises in television history, including long-running spinoffs like \"Law & Order: SVU\" and \"Law & Order: Criminal Intent.\" Its format has been emulated by countless crime and legal dramas worldwide. The series proved the viability of a plot-driven show with a rotating cast, a model that has influenced television production ever since. The original series was revived by NBC in 2022, a testament to its enduring formula and cultural significance, proving that its compelling look at crime and justice remains as relevant today as it was in 1990." }, "sources": [], "imageSource": "", "streaming": [ { "platform": "Netflix", "url": "https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Law%20%26%20Order" }, { "platform": "Hulu", "url": "https://www.hulu.com/search?q=Law%20%26%20Order" }, { "platform": "FuboTV", "url": "https://www.google.com/search?q=FuboTV%20Law%20%26%20Order%20watch%20streaming" }, { "platform": "Peacock", "url": "https://www.peacocktv.com/" }, { "platform": "NBC", "url": "https://www.google.com/search?q=NBC%20Law%20%26%20Order%20watch%20streaming" }, { "platform": "Philo", "url": "https://www.google.com/search?q=Philo%20Law%20%26%20Order%20watch%20streaming" } ], "justWatchUrl": "https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/549-law-order/watch?locale=US" }, { "date": "09-13", "isVerified": true, "formattedDate": "September 13", "title": "Almost Famous", "maker": "[Cameron Crowe], [DreamWorks Pictures], [Columbia Pictures]", "releaseYear": 2000, "category": "movies", "estimatedSales": "$47.4 Million Box Office", "significance": "Limited Theatrical Release", "imageUrl": "", "wikimediaFile": "", "youtubeId": "aQXh_AaJXaM", "affiliateSearchTerms": { "amazon": "Almost Famous", "ebay": "Almost Famous", "link": "", "linkLabel": "" }, "content": { "intro": "On September 13, 2000, writer-director Cameron Crowe's deeply personal film, \"Almost Famous,\" began its limited theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles before a wider release. This initial debut introduced audiences to a heartfelt and nostalgic journey into the world of 1970s rock and roll. The film, a semi-autobiographical account of Crowe's own experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone, was met with immediate critical acclaim. Its release marked the arrival of a future classic, a film that would transcend its initial box office performance to become one of the most beloved movies about music and youth ever made.", "whatItIs": "\"Almost Famous\" is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that centers on 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring music journalist who lands a dream assignment to write a story about the fictional mid-level rock band Stillwater for Rolling Stone magazine. Leaving his protective mother's home, William joins the band on their chaotic tour bus. He navigates the intoxicating and disillusioning world of rock stardom, forming complex relationships with the enigmatic lead guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and the charismatic 'Band Aid' Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). The film is a poignant exploration of fandom, disillusionment, and finding one's identity.", "howItCameToBe": "The story is a direct reflection of Cameron Crowe's own life. As a teenager in the early 1970s, Crowe wrote for publications like Creem and Rolling Stone, touring with legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers Band, and Eagles. He poured his personal memories, archived notes, and passion for the era's music into the script. The band Stillwater is a composite of the various bands Crowe encountered, and Penny Lane is based on a real-life group of women he met known as the 'Flying Garter Girls.' This deep personal connection allowed Crowe to create a film brimming with authenticity, detail, and a profound love for its subject matter.", "howManyItSold": "Despite rave reviews from critics, \"Almost Famous\" struggled at the box office. Against a production budget of $60 million, it grossed only $32.5 million domestically and a total of $47.4 million worldwide. The studio's platform release strategy, designed to build word-of-mouth, did not translate into mainstream commercial success. However, the film found its true audience in the home video market. Its release on DVD and VHS was a massive success, transforming the box office disappointment into a beloved cult classic with a dedicated and ever-growing fanbase that continues to discover it years later.", "whyItResonated": "The film's magic lies in its heartfelt sincerity and genuine affection for its characters and the music that defines them. It captures the universal feeling of being a fan and the thrilling, terrifying experience of being welcomed into an exclusive world. The movie's brilliant ensemble cast, Oscar-winning script filled with memorable lines like \"It's all happening,\" and an iconic, meticulously curated soundtrack created an immersive and emotionally resonant experience. It wasn't just a movie about a rock band; it was a film about family, friendship, first love, and the bittersweet process of growing up, all set to the perfect 1970s playlist.", "impactToday": "Today, \"Almost Famous\" is widely considered a masterpiece of the 21st century and one of the greatest films ever made about music. It won Cameron Crowe the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and launched Kate Hudson to stardom with a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination. The film's influence is seen in its popular stage musical adaptation, which premiered in 2022. It remains a cultural touchstone, beloved for its warmth, wit, and timeless story. For countless fans, it serves as the ultimate comfort movie, a nostalgic celebration of an era and a poignant reminder to be \"honest and unmerciful\" in life and art." }, "sources": [], "imageSource": "", "streaming": [ { "platform": "FuboTV", "url": "https://www.google.com/search?q=FuboTV%20Almost%20Famous%20watch%20streaming" }, { "platform": "Paramount+", "url": "https://www.paramountplus.com/" } ], "justWatchUrl": "https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/786-almost-famous/watch?locale=US" } ]