1955

1955

Director Wilder emphasizes assets other than Miss Monroe's brains in "The Seven Year Itch."

Bebop jazz artist Charlie Parker dies

Saxaphone master Charlie "Bird" Parker is dead following a history of drug abuse and a recent nervous breakdown.  He was 34.  Parker was a seminal figure in the development of bebop, a form of jass breaking with traditional rhythmic and harmonic patterns.

Disneyland is world of a child's dreams

Disneyland, a steel-and-concrete "Never-Never-Land" for younsters has come to life at Anaheim, California.Walt Disney, who gave North America Mickey Mouse, has let a fantastic kingdom drop out of a cloud.

Dean lived too fast and died too young

Driving his Porsche to Salinas to compete in a race, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a highway crash.  Dean had a brief but spectacular screen career.   In just a little over a year, his popularity soared and many regarded him as a personification of the alienated American youth.  This year, he played a tender but rebellious boy in East of Eden and gave an equally outstanding performance as a restless teenager in Rebel Without Cause. He had just finished the movie Giant with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.

Crazy man, crazy!  The '55 Chevy is the hottest ing on wheels.  Cruise your date to the diner or the drive-in and soar to the latesst sounds.  But take that V-8 where the cops don't go cause Dad ain't payin' no tickets.

Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" premiered in New York. 

As usual, a Southern family is caught up in deceit.   The characters reveal themselves in simple conversation and an occasional monologue. This is Williams' truest work yet.

Marion Anderson debuts at Met

Contralto Marian Anderson debuted at the New York Metropolitan Opera House.  Miss Anderson is the first Negro to sing at the met.   Reports from newspapers nationwide were there.  Two employees of the Met bought seats and proudly listened.

"Blackboard Jungle" debuts in New York with Sydney Poitier

CBS starts new program with Johnny Carson to counter George Gobel on NBC

Chuck Berry has given the blues a rocking new sound with his hit "Maybellene."