What Happened On May 19th?

On the evening of May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe took the stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City, for one of her final performances. To support a Democratic fundraiser and celebrate President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday, 15,000 guests attended. The guest list included the political and social elite of the era.

The Dress

Monroe dressed in a stunning dress that has since become famous in its own right. As she took to the stage to serenade the President, her performance was as provocative as it was memorable. The dress, an elaborate creation by designer Jean Louis, was covered in 2,500 rhinestones and so tightly fitted that Monroe had to be sewn into it. This garment would later be sold at auction for an astounding $4.8 million!

Context & Underlying Tensions

What made Monroe’s performance so notable was not just her intimate delivery, but the context and the undercurrents of the era. By 1962, Monroe was already a symbol of Hollywood glamour and sensuality, yet she also symbolized the struggles of an actress battling personal demons and professional difficulties.

Her relationship with Kennedy, rumored to be far more than a simple acquaintance, added a layer of speculation which intrigued the imagination of the public. It was a rare moment where the worlds of politics, entertainment, and scandalous intrigue intersected so publicly​.

The Performance Itself

The evening’s emcee, actor Peter Lawford, introduced Monroe with a quip about her notorious tardiness, saying she was “the late Marilyn Monroe.” When she finally appeared, her rendition of “Happy Birthday” was delivered in a manner so suggestive that it immediately created controversy and gossip.

It wasn’t just a birthday song; her performance oozed with charisma and allure, demonstrating Monroe’s unique ability to mesmerize audiences. This was not just any performance; it was a moment that encapsulated the mix of sex appeal and celebrity that defined Monroe’s career and persona.

What People Did Not Know

Interestingly, Monroe’s gown was not the only attention-grabbing element of the night. Her decision to perform despite feeling ill and exhausted added to the mystique of her appearance.

Reports suggest that she was suffering from a variety of ailments, including a sinus infection and significant stress, which makes her poised performance all the more remarkable. It’s also worth noting that Monroe had recently been fired from the set of “Something’s Got to Give” just days before, due to her frequent absences and health issues, making her decision to appear at Kennedy’s birthday celebration a defiant and bold move​.

Not only that, but Monroe performed shortly after, she attended a benefit for muscular dystrophy at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

This demonstrated her her strong character despite undergoing personal difficulties. This further underscores the complexity of Monroe’s character – a woman who, despite her struggles, continued to use her fame for philanthropic efforts​.

More Drama

Monroe’s performance has been the subject of much analysis and speculation. Some see it as a reflection of the close, possibly intimate, relationship she had with Kennedy. The rumors of their affair have been a source of fascination and debate for decades, fueled by the palpable chemistry visible during the performance.

Others interpret it as a desperate bid for attention from a woman whose career and personal life were increasingly tumultuous. Monroe’s appearance at the event, so brief yet so impactful, is often viewed through the lens of her tragic narrative, which culminated in her untimely death less than three months later​.​​

A Tragic Coincidence

A somewhat odd twist in this story is the tragic coincidence that Kennedy’s wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, passed away on the same date (May 15th) as Monroe’s iconic performance—though years later, in 1994. This date, therefore, links two of the most prominent women in Kennedy’s life in a way that continues to evoke a sense of poignancy.

Just over a year after Monroe’s performance, on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Kennedy’s death brought an abrupt end to the youthful optimism that had characterized his presidency and ushered in a period of national mourning.

Politics & Celebrity Culture

Kennedy, a charismatic and youthful president, had effectively harnessed the power of celebrity to bolster his image and political appeal. His connections with Hollywood stars like Monroe and Frank Sinatra helped create an aura of glamour around his presidency.

This contrasted sharply with the more staid and conservative image of his predecessors. This intertwining of Hollywood glitz and political power is a dynamic that continues to shape American culture to this day​.

What Happened On February 29th?

On February 29th, 1940 was a day that Hollywood would and will never forget. At the prestigious 12th Academy Awards ceremony, Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar, being the first African American actress to do so.

Her win for Best Supporting Actress for her iconic portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind was a bittersweet victory, drawing attention to her extraordinary talent along with challenges faced by people of color in the entertainment industry.

The year, 1940 was a revolutionary one for the entertainment industry, television, and movies. Earlier this year, cartoons started to become popular, as “Tom & Jerry” debuted for the first time.

The night itself was fraught with racial segregation. McDaniel was seated at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s cast, starkly reminding us of the racism she, and other Black performers, endured. Public segregation was a work in progress then, as Rosa Park’s resistance occurred only 5 years prior.

However, as her name was announced as the winner, her beaming smile and graceful acceptance speech broke boundaries of that time.

Her win was powerful, but it came with controversy. Some criticized her acceptance of a role which fit the racist stereotypes of Black women. Others believed she shouldn’t have even attended the segregated event in the first place! Yet, McDaniel handled these complexities with dignity.

In her speech, she said, “I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you.”

These genuine words reflected a mix of pride, gratitude, and the hope for greater opportunities to come for African Americans.

McDaniel’s Oscar didn’t immediately open doors. It would take decades for more Black actors, actresses, writers, and directors to consistently gain recognition and opportunities within the industry.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

This victory at the 12th Academy Awards was a great victory for Hattie McDaniel and for African Americans around the world.

As the Oscars occurs around this time of the year, I have to ask:

Who is your favorite Oscar performer of all time and why?

Let me know below!

What Happened On February 10th?

February 10th wasn’t just any Saturday. Today in 1940, a mischievous alley cat named Jasper and a determined little mouse named Jinx (later Tom and Jerry) “paw-printed” their way into animation history. Though names and titles would definitely change, they stole the show in their debut, “Puss Gets the Boot,” entertaining both adults and children across the nation!

“Puss Gets the Boot” premiered alongside a lower-budget double feature at a small New York City theater. It was not your standard ‘Hollywood premiere,” yet, amidst the trivial main attraction, something magical happened. Tom, with his relentless pursuit, and Jerry, with his nimble wit, fascinated those who were watching.

Creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were ingenious and used their creativity to co-found this show. This lead to one of the best collaborations of all time, “Hanna-Barbera,” which created shows, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs, Yogi Bear, etc.

With their slapstick antics and over-the-top chase sequences, Tom chased Jerry across walls, furniture, and even windows, each attempt foiled by the tricky mouse’s clever traps and outlandish escapes.

While “Puss Gets the Boot” didn’t win the day at the box office, it did earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject: Cartoons. Such recognition propelled the duo forward, which led to more shorts where they finally took center stage. Their cartoons and animation style set the tone for future cartoon such as “The Simpsons.”

While they entered the scene subtly, Tom and Jerry’s debut ignited a legacy of laughter, timeless chases, and the enduring battle between predator and prey. Whether you grew up watching this show or not, “Puss Gets the Boot” inspired creators and authors alike to create new shows that we enjoy today.

What’s Your Favorite Cartoon Of All Time?

I grew up watching “Tom and Jerry” when I was younger, and I have to say it was one of my favorite cartoons of all time, along with “Popeye.”

What was your favorite show growing up, or what is your favorite cartoon to watch now?

Let’s discuss… It better not be SpongeBob…