Today in History: Monday, August 15, 2022

Television:
In 1994, HBO introduced the satirical comedy “The Larry Sanders Show” with comedian Garry Shandling as host of a “Tonight Show”-style talk show. It ran through May 31, 1998, producing 89 episodes.

Movies:
“The Wizard of Oz”, the American musical fantasy film directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor, opened at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood in 1939. It starred Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion), Frank Morgan (Wizard), Billie Burke (Glinda), and Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch). “The Wizard of Oz” received 13 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture) and it won two: Best Music, Original Song and Best Musical, Original Score…“Apocalypse Now”, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen opened in 1979.

Music:
The Woodstock Festival opened in Bethel, New York on Max Yasgur’s Dairy Farm in 1969. The performers included Richie Havens, Tim Hardin, Melanie, Arlo Guthrie, and Joan Baez.

Celebrity Birthdays:
Kathie Lee Gifford is 69; director James Cameron (“Titanic”) is 68; Madonna is 64; Oscar nominated actress Angela Bassett is also 64; “The Office” star Steve Carell is 60.

Did You Know?:
At the height of its popularity, ABC was airing “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” five nights per week, which led to a quick burnout. Looking for their own primetime game show hits, NBC revived “Twenty One,” with host Maury Povich; Fox introduced “Greed” and “It’s Your Chance of a Lifetime,” and CBS presented “Winning Lines,” hosted by Dick Clark. All these years later, and I still personally feel the need for “Greed!