Born on this day – Barbara Valentin:

Barbara Valentin

Actress

December 15, 1940 – February 22, 2002

On this day in movie history - Charter Pilot (1940):

Charter Pilot

directed by Eugene Forde,

written by Stanley Rauh and Lester Ziffren,

based on the story by J. Robert Bren and Norman Houston,

was released in the United States on December 6, 1940.
Music by Emil Newman, Cyril J. Mockridge and Alfred Newman.

Cast:

Lloyd Nolan, Lynn Bari, Arleen Whelan, George Montgomery, Hobart Cavanaugh, Henry Victor, Etta McDaniel, Andrew Tombes, Charles C. Wilson, Chick Chandler, James Blaine, George Chandler, Andre Cuyas, William B. Davidson, Mary Field, Sherry Hall, Ethan Laidlaw, Hank Mann, Chris-Pin Martin, Bert Moorhouse, Francisco Moreno, Steve O'Brien, Jack Pennick, Cyril Ring, Henry Roquemore, Hector V. Sarno, Robert Spindola.

Born on this day – Ed Askew:

Ed Askew

Painter

Folk singer

Songwriter

December 1, 1940 – January 4, 2025

Credits:

Albums:

Art and Life (2017); Ask The Unicorn (1968); Ask the Unicorn (2015); For the World (2013); Imperfiction (2011); Little Eyes (2005); London (2020); Rainbow Bridge (2014); Rainy Day Song (2008); Rose (2014); These Nights and Days (1999).

Movie:

Marvins Platz (2017).

Born on this day – Richard Pryor:

Richard Pryor

Actor

Comedian

December 1, 1940 – December 10, 2005

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August 1986.

Born on this day – Helma Sanders-Brahms:

Helma Sanders-Brahms

Director

Writer

Producer

November 20, 1940 – May 27, 2014

Born on this day – Julie Parrish:

Julie Parrish

Actress

Director

October 21, 1940 – October 1, 2003

In Star Trek (1966).

Credits:

10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2004); ABC Afterschool Specials (1989); Baby M (1988); Ben Casey (1965); Beverly Hills, 90210 (1996–1998); Boeing, Boeing (1965); Bonanza (1966); Burke's Law (1965); Cane Fire (2020); Capitol (1982); Captain Nice (1967); Dallas (1978); Days of Our Lives (1980); Death Valley Days (1967); Dynasty (1981); Family Affair (1967–1970); FBI: The Untold Stories (1991); Fireball 500 (1966); Gidget (1965); Good Morning World (1967–1968); Greatest Heroes of the Bible (1979); Gunsmoke (1964); Hank (1966); Harlow (1965); Hotel (1986); Hour Magazine (1985); Hunter (1989); It's Only Money (1962); Jessie (1984); Laverne & Shirley (1979); Mannix (1970–1972); Mountain Melody Magic (1990); Murder, She Wrote (1988); My Three Sons (1963–1967); Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966); Pistols 'n' Petticoats (1966); Remembering Elvis (1998); Return to Peyton Place (1972–1974); Star Trek (1966); Temple Houston (1964); The Definitive Elvis: Elvis and the Colonel (2002); The Definitive Elvis: The Hollywood Years - Part II: 1962-1969 (2002); The Devil and Max Devlin (1981); The Doberman Gang (1972); The F.B.I. (1965–1966); The Folks in Them 'Thar' Hills (1989); The Last Fling (1987); The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1962); The Next Step Beyond (1978); The Nutty Professor (1963); The Politics of Desire (1998); The Rockford Files (1979); The Search (1994); The Smith Family (1971); The Time Machine (1978); This Is the Life (1971); What on Earth Is a Coal Tipple? (1990); When She Was Bad... (1979); Winter A-Go-Go (1965); You and Me Kid (1983).

Born on this day – Michael Gambon:

Michael Gambon

Actor

October 19, 1940 – September 28, 2023

Credits:

Cordelia (2019); Judy (2019); Fortitude (2015–2018); Johnny English Strikes Again (2018); King of Thieves (2018); The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018); Citizen Lane (2018); The Last Witness (2018); Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (2018); Little Women (2017); Paddington 2 (2017); Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017); Victoria & Abdul (2017); Fearless (2017); The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind (2017); Mad to Be Normal (2017); Viceroy’s House (2017); The Hollow Crown (2016); Churchill’s Secret (2016); Dad’s Army (2016); Hail, Caesar! (2016); The Nightmare Worlds of H.G. Wells (2016); The Casual Vacancy (2015); On Angel Wings (2014); Paddington (2014); Common (2014); The Elder Scrolls Online (2014); Quirke (2014); Quartet: Deleted Scenes (2013); Lucan (2013); Fifty Years on Stage (2013); Restless (2012); Quartet (2012); Luck (2012); Karalu Miriyalu (2011); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011); Page Eight (2011); Comic Relief: Uptown Downstairs Abbey (2011); Doctor Who (2010); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010); The King’s Speech (2010); Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (2010); The Book of Eli (2010); Emma (2009); Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009); Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009); Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire (2009); Brideshead Revisited (2008); Cranford (2007); Joe’s Palace (2007); Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007); The Baker (2007); The Alps (2007); Celebration (2007); The Good Night (2007); The Good Shepherd (2006); John Duffy’s Brother (2006); Amazing Grace (2006); The Omen (2006); Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005); The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); Layer Cake (2004); Being Julia (2004); Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004); Angels in America (2003); Ghost Hunter (2003); Sylvia (2003); Little Wolf’s Book of Badness (2003); Open Range (2003); Standing Room Only (2003); The Actors (2003); The Lost Prince (2003); Gosford Park: Deleted Scenes (2002); Path to War (2002); Ali G Indahouse (2002); Gosford Park (2001); Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001); High Heels and Low Lifes (2001); Perfect Strangers (2001); Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure (2001); Endgame (2000); Longitude (2000); Dead on Time (1999); Wives and Daughters (1999); Sleepy Hollow (1999); The Insider (1999); A Monkey’s Tale (1999); The Last September (1999); Plunkett & Macleane (1999); Dancing at Lughnasa (1998); The Gambler (1997); The Wings of the Dove (1997); The Willows in Winter (1996); Samson and Delilah (1996); Mary Reilly (1996); Midnight in Saint Petersburg (1996); The Wind in the Willows (1995); Bullet to Beijing (1995); The Innocent Sleep (1995); Two Deaths (1995); Nothing Personal (1995); Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale (1994); A Man of No Importance (1994); Faith (1994); The Browning Version (1994); Clean Slate (1994); Mama’s Back (1993); Performance (1993); Maigret (1992–1993); Toys (1992); Minder (1991); Mobsters (1991); The Storyteller: Greek Myths (1991); Blood Royal: William the Conqueror (1990); The Heat of the Day (1989); About Face (1989); A Dry White Season (1989); The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989); MuppeTelevision (1989); The Rachel Papers (1989); Mountain Language (1988); Missing Link (1988); Paris by Night (1988); Theatre Night (1987); Bergerac (1987); The Singing Detective (1986); Absurd Person Singular (1985); Turtle Diary (1985); The Holy Experiment (1985); Tropical Moon Over Dorking (1985); Oscar (1985); ITV Playhouse (1982); La ronde (1982); Tales of the Unexpected (1980); The Other One (1977–1979); Premiere (1978); Play for Love (1978); BBC Play of the Month (1967–1978); Chalk and Cheese (1977); The Sunday Drama (1977); Play for Today (1972–1976); ITV Sunday Night Drama (1976); Centre Play (1976); The Secret Agent (1975); Masquerade (1974); The Beast Must Die (1974); Second City Firsts (1974); Zodiac (1974); Orson Welles’ Great Mysteries (1973); ITV Saturday Night Theatre (1973); Six Days of Justice (1973); Arthur of the Britons (1973); Special Branch (1973); A Picture of Katherine Mansfield (1973); Menace (1973); Love Story (1973); Nothing But the Night (1973); Softly Softly: Task Force (1972); Kate (1972); The Man Outside (1972); The Challengers (1972); Confession (1970); The Borderers (1968–1970); Fraud Squad (1969); Public Eye (1968); Much Ado About Nothing (1967); Softly Softly (1967); Othello (1965).

Born on this day – Gloria Milland:

Gloria Milland

Actress

October 11, 1940 – August 27, 1989

Born on this day – Stephen Mendillo:

Stephen Mendillo

Actor

October 9, 1940 – September 3, 2025

In Star Trek: Enterprise (2002).

Credits:

100 Centre Street (2001); Alias (2002); American Comedy (2023); BlackMale (2000); Cold Case (2009); Do Not Go Gentle (2018); Drop in Any Mailbox (2014); Empire Falls (2005); E-Ring (2005); G.I. Jane (1997); Ghost Light (2025); Kisses Over Babylon (2009); Last of the Romantics (2007); Law & Order (1991–1997); Little Minx Exquisite Corpse: Waffles for Breakfast (2008); Lonely Lil (2016); Medium (2009); Our Town (2003); Son of the Beach (2002); Soul Man (1997); Star Trek: Enterprise (2002); Sympathy for Delicious (2010); The Artist (2011); The City (1997); The Invincible Iron Man (2007); The Miserabilist (2018); The Practice (2004); The Public Eye (1992); The Shrink Is In (2001); The Whole Truth (2011); Thumb Runner (2020); Uninvited (1999).

Born on this day – Thom Christopher:

Thom Christopher

Actor

October 5, 1940 – November 5, 2024

Credits:

ADDicted (2017); Andy Colby's Incredible Adventure (1989); Betrayed by Innocence (1986); Blood and Wine (1996); Bridget (2002); Bronk (1975); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1981); Cannon (1975); Cyberchase: Castleblanca Quest (2003); Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell (1988); Firepower (1979); Guiding Light (2001–2002); Harry O (1976); Hellinger's Law (1981); Hunter (1986); Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot (2001); Kojak (1976); Law & Order (2000–2004); Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2004); Love of Life (1951–1980); Loving (1993–1994); McClain's Law (1981); Movin' On (1975); Murder, She Wrote (1987–1989); Nola (2003); One Life to Live (1990–2008); Peril (2000); Prana (2008); S.H.E: Security Hazards Expert (1980); Simon & Simon (1982–1987); Space Raiders (1983); Street Hunter (1990); T.J. Hooker (1983–1984); Tempting Adam (2004); Ten Hundred Kings (2000); The Eddie Capra Mysteries (1978); The Edge of Night (1956–1984); The Renegades (1983); The Rookies (1976); The Stranger (2000); The Warrior Class (2007); They're Just My Friends (2006); Vicki! (1992); Voices (1979); We Love Soaps TV (2012); Wizards of the Lost Kingdom (1985).

Born on this day – Anna Karina:

Anna Karina

Actress

Director

Writer

Model

Singer

September 22, 1940 – December 14, 2019

Born on this day – Lorella De Luca:

Lorella De Luca

Actress

September 17, 1940 – January 9, 2014

Born on this day – Raquel Welch:

Raquel Welch

Actress

September 5, 1940 – February 15, 2023

Recommended reading - The Embezzler (1940):

The Embezzler

aka Money and the Woman.

By James M. Cain.

Published by‎ Avon Books, Inc.

Published 1940.

Paperback novella.

ASIN: B002MICS6C

Description:

A bank employee’s wife teams up with his boss – with fatal results – in this noir novella by the legendary author of The Postman Always Rings Twice.

Despite an ulcer that requires surgery, workaholic Charles Brent doesn’t want to take time off from his job as a head teller at the bank. What eventually convinces him to give in and take a break is the prospect of his young wife, Sheila, temporarily taking over his responsibilities. Then, in Charles’s absence, his wife and his boss discover the embezzlement he’s been hiding—and the reason behind it. But instead of reporting Charles, the two form a pact . . .

Originally published under the title Money and the Woman, The Embezzler is a standout novella from James M. Cain, celebrated crime writer and master of the noir thriller.

“James M. Cain is one novelist who has something to teach just about any writer, and delight just about any reader.” – Anne Rice, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Interview with a Vampire.

“One of the greats of American noir.” – The Guardian.

Born on this day – Marie Versini:

Marie Versini

Actress

August 10, 1940 – November 22, 2021

On this day in movie history - Pier 13 (1940):

Pier 13

directed by Eugene Forde,

written by Stanley Rauh and Clark Andrews,

based on a story by Harry Connors and Philip Klein,

was released in the United States on August 8, 1940.
Music by Cyril J. Mockridge.

Cast:

Lynn Bari, Lloyd Nolan, Joan Valerie, Douglas Fowley, Chick Chandler, Oscar O’Shea, Adrian Morris, Louis Jean Heydt, Frank Orth, Stanley Blystone, Charles D. Brown, Maurice Cass, Frank Darien, Hal K. Dawson, Edward Earle, Sherry Hall, Hamilton MacFadden, Kitty McHugh, Mantan Moreland, Don Rowan, Hector V. Sarno, Florence Shirley, Harry Strang, Ben Taggart, Phil Tead, Harry Tyler, Max Wagner, Fred Walburn, Jack Woody.

Born on this day – Natalie Trundy:

Natalie Trundy

Actress

August 5, 1940 – December 5, 2019

Credits:

77 Sunset Strip (1964); A Great American Tragedy (1972); Adventures in Paradise (1960); Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973); Behind the Planet of the Apes (1998); Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970); Bonanza (1960); Climax! (1957); Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972); Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971); Espionage Target: You (1964); Goodyear Playhouse (1955); Huckleberry Finn (1974); Judd for the Defense (1967); Kraft Theatre / The Philco Television Playhouse (1955); Lincoln's Little Correspondent (1953); Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962); New York Confidential (1959); Perry Mason (1963–1964); Pony Express (1960); Quincy, M.E. (1978); Shannon (1962); Studio One (1957); The Alcoa Hour (1955); The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1963); The Asphalt Jungle (1961); The Blue Angels (1961); The Brothers Brannagan (1961); The Careless Years (1957); The Dakotas (1963); The Eleventh Hour (1963); The Felony Squad (1967); The Montecarlo Story (1956); The New Breed (1962); The Silent Force (1970); The Twilight Zone (1963); The Way of the World (1955); This Is the Life (1961); Thriller (1960); Wagon Train (1963); Walk Like a Dragon (1960).

Born on this day – Co Hoedeman:

Co Hoedeman

Animator

Cinematographer

Director

Writer

August 1, 1940 – May 26, 2025

Credits:

Awarded the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, for The Sand Castle / Le Château de sable (1977), at the 50th Academy Awards (1978).

Movies and television:

55 chaussettes (2011); Bästa knattefilmerna 6 / Segment: Ludovic och dockan, Ludovic och krokodilen (2005); Canada Vignettes: Dancing Dolls (1980); Charles and François (1987); Co Hoedeman, Animator (1980); Continental Drift (1968); Coucou l'ourson! (2000); Dehors novembre (2005); DNA (1969); Eaude (2004); In the Animator's Eye: A Conjurer's Tales - Co Hoedeman (1996); Juke-Bar (1990); La boîte (1989); Le beau plaisir (1968); Le jardin d'Écos (1997); Le théâtre de Marianne (2004); Legends and Life of the Inuit (1978); L'homme et le géant (1975); L'ours renifleur (1992); Ludovic (2009); Ludovic II: un crocodile dans mon jardin (2001); Ludovic: Magic in the Air (2002); Ludovic: The Snow Gift (2002); Ludovic: Visiting Grandpa (2001); Lumaaq: An Eskimo Legend (1977); Making Movie History: Co Hoedeman (2013); Mascarade (1984); Matrioska (1970); Monsieur Pointu (1976); Oddball (1969); Running Time (1974); Sabina (1991); Tchou-tchou (1972); The Blue Marble (2014); The Cardinal (2016); The Mountain Head (2002); The Owl and the Lemming: An Eskimo Legend (1971); The Owl and the Raven: An Eskimo Legend (1973); The Owl Who Married a Goose: An Eskimo Legend (1974); The Rogers' Cable (1998); The Sand Castle (1977); The Treasure of the Grotoceans (1980); Une histoire comme une autre (1981); Vacas d'Avanca (1998); Walter's Internal Battle (2022); Winter Days (2003).

Born on this day – Stanley R. Jaffe:

Stanley R. Jaffe

Director

Producer

July 31, 1940 – March 10, 2025

Credits:

Bad Company (1972); Black Rain (1989); Black Rain: Making the Film - Part 2 (2006); Black Rain: Post-Production (2006); Black Rain: The Script, the Cast (2006); Bravo Profiles (2002); Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003); Fatal Attraction (2023); Fatal Attraction: Visual Attraction (2002); Finding the Truth: The Making of 'Kramer vs. Kramer' (2001); Firstborn (1984); Forever Fatal: Remembering 'Fatal Attraction' (2002); Goodbye, Columbus (1969); HBO First Look (2000); I Dreamed of Africa (2000); I Start Counting (1970); Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Madeline (1998); Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood (2010); Racing with the Moon (1984); Racing with the Moon: The Story - The People (2004); Racing with the Moon: The Story Goes On (2004); School Ties (1992); Taps (1981); The 52nd Annual Academy Awards (1980); The 60th Annual Academy Awards (1988); The Accused (1988); The Bad News Bears (1976); The Four Feathers (2002); The Making of 'Racing with the Moon' (2004); Without a Trace (1983).

On this day in movie history - They Drive by Night (1940):

They Drive by Night

directed by Raoul Walsh,

written by Jerry Wald and Richard Macaulay,

based on the novel Long Haul by A. I. Bezzerides,

was released in the United States on July 26, 1940.

Music by Adolph Deutsch.

Cast:

George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, Humphrey Bogart, Gale Page, Alan Hale, Roscoe Karns, John Litel, George Tobias, Henry O'Neill, Charles Halton, Paul Hurst, John Ridgely, George Lloyd, Joyce Compton, Charles Wilson, Pedro Regas, Norman Willis, Joe Devlin, William Haade, Vera Lewis, John Hamilton, Eddie Acuff, Howard Hickman, Lillian Yarbo.