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 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…

What Happened On December 17th?

The origins of “The Simpsons” can be traced back to a series of animated shorts that first appeared on “The Tracey Ullman Show” in 1987. Matt Groening, the creative mind behind the dysfunctional Simpson family, brought his unique brand of humor to the small screen, presenting a satirical take on the typical American family through the lens of the Simpsons—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.

On December 17, 1989, television was changed forever as “The Simpsons” made its debut on the Fox network. Created by Matt Groening, this animated sitcom introduced viewers to the unconventional, yellow-hued residents of Springfield and embarked on a journey that would redefine the boundaries of humor, satire, and cultural commentary on television.

The first full-length episode of “The Simpsons” titled “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” aired on this day in 1989. Groening’s preliminary episode set the tone for the series, blending irreverent humor with poignant social commentary. The story revolved around the Simpson family’s attempts to make Christmas memorable despite a series of comical misadventures.

What set “The Simpsons” apart was its bold departure from the conventional norms of animated television. The use of yellow-skinned characters, irreverent humor, and a satirical take on societal norms challenged the traditional family-friendly animated content. The show’s success was immediate, grasping the attention of a diverse audience and quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon.

“The Simpsons” holds the distinction of being the longest-running American sitcom, animated program, and scripted primetime television series. As it continued to evolve, the show retained its core elements while adapting to changing times, addressing contemporary issues, and satirizing the ever-shifting landscape of American society.

Are You A Simpsons Fan?

Did you know that Matt Groening based this show off names in his family? His parents were named Homer and Margaret and his sisters are the real Lisa and Maggie!

This is my favorite animation of all time. I can’t wait to talk about it with you below!