On this day in movie history - La Jetée (1962 movie & book):

La Jetée

aka The Jetty / The Pier,

directed and written by Chris Marker,

the inspiration for 12 Monkeys (1995), directed by Terry Gilliam,

was released in France on February 16, 1962.
Narrated by Jean Négroni.
Music by Trevor Duncan.

Cast:

Hélène Châtelain, Davos Hanich, Jacques Ledoux, André Heinrich, Jacques Branchu, Pierre Joffroy, Etienne Becker, Philbert von Lifchitz, Ligia Borowczyk, Janine Klein, William Klein, Germano Facetti.

Recommended reading:

La Jetée: Ciné-Roman

By Chris Marker.

Zone Books

Distributed by The MIT Press.

Published 1992.

ISBN-10: 0942299663

ISBN-13: 978-0942299663

The inspiration for the movie 12 Monkeys (1995), directed by Terry Gilliam.

Description:

In the aftermath of World War III, both the earth’s surface and all of history – everything ever dreamed or known – lies irretrievably buried in a heap of radioactive devastation. Space has become off-limits, and the war’s few remaining survivors, huddled underground in the dank galleries beneath Chaillot, seek desperately an alternative path to survival – one perhaps that passes through Time. At the expense of madness, death, and unspeakable cruelty, they begin a set of experiments whose purpose will be to launch emissaries, in search of food, medicine and energy, through a hole in Time. A man is chosen for his unique quality of having retained a single clear image from pre-war days; no more than an ambiguous memory fragment from childhood – a visit to the jetty at Orly airport, the troubling glance of an unknown woman, the crumbling body of a dying man. These elements become crucial hinge-points in the ensuing narrative, thickening and accumulating nuance with each successful expedition into the historical past. The image of a woman, increasingly suffused with the time – and eros – bestowing capacities of a deep and impossible love, provides both the kernel for the recovery of the dimension through which humankind and history will be saved, as well as the tragic abyss into which both the hero and the narrative inexorably fall.

Although Chris Marker’s legendary film is no more than 29 minutes long and contains but a single moving image, perhaps no other film has matched its combination of devastating emotional power, former brilliance and philosophical complexity. The story marker tells – a stunning parable of our modern fate – is about the death of the world, about loss, memory, hope, and the indomitable power of love.

“This strange and poetic film, a fusion of science fiction, psychological fable, and photomontage … creates its own conventions from scratch. It triumphantly succeeds where science fiction invariably fails.” – J.G. Ballard.

On this day in music history - Victoria And Her Blues, by Victoria Spivey (1962):

Victoria And Her Blues

Album by Victoria Spivey,

recorded February 12, 1962.

Track list:

Grant Spivey; When I Was Seven; Talk About Moanin'; Mr. Daddy; So Long Buddy; From Broadway to 7th Ave.; Brooklyn Bridge; Thirteen Years; Cool Papa; New York Moan; New York Tombs; Buddy Tate.

Born on this day – Zoë Lund:

Zoë Lund

Composer

Musician

Actress

Writer

Producer

February 9, 1962 – April 16, 1999

Credits:

Dreamland (1997); Hand Gun (1994); Hot Ticket (1993); Bad Lieutenant (1992); The Houseguest (1989); Exquisite Corpses (1989); Hothouse (1988); Miami Vice (1985); Special Effects (1984); Ms .45 (1981); Times Square (1980).

On this day in movie history - Days of Wine and Roses (1962 movie & books):

Days of Wine and Roses

directed by Blake Edwards,

written by JP Miller,

based on the 1958 teleplay by JP Miller,

was released in the United States on December 26, 1962.
Music by Henry Mancini.

Cast:

Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford, Jack Klugman, Alan Hewitt, Tom Palmer, Debbie Megowan, Maxine Stuart, Jack Albertson, Leon Alton, Don Anderson, Carl Arnold, Roger Barrett, Russ Bender, Mary Benoit, Mel Blanc, Gail Bonney, Lynn Borden, Dick Crockett, Russell Custer, George DeNormand, Jennifer Edwards, Ella Ethridge, James Gonzalez, Lisa Guiraut, Chuck Hicks, Barbara Hines, Charlene Holt, Tai Yen Horowitz, Jerry Jensen, Kenner G. Kemp, Rita Kenaston, James Lanphier, Ken Lynch, John Bard Manulis, Mathew McCue, Harold Miller, Richard O'Brien, Doye O'Dell, Pat O'Malley, Alan Paige, Peggy Patten, Jack Riley, Tom Rosqui, Myrna Ross, Doc Scortt, Robert 'Buddy' Shaw, Stanley Sober, Olan Soule, Katherine Squire, Florence Stark, Bert Stevens, Lynn Terry, Arthur Tovey, John Truax, Charles Watts, Charles Wood.

Recommended reading:

Days of Wine and Roses

By J.P. Miller.

Published by Dramatist's Play Service.
Teleplay first published 1958.
Paperback.
ISBN-10: 0822202816
ISBN-13: 9780822202813

Description:

In the fast-moving milieu of Madison Avenue, social drinking is almost an occupational necessity, and one that fast-rising young Joe Clay adopts with too ready ease. Unfortunately, the girl he meets and marries shares his proclivity, and while they continue to tell themselves that they drink because they choose to, it is soon apparent that their habit has become a serious problem. But their failure to acknowledge this plunges them headlong into the shattering events of the play a career in shambles, a marriage destroyed, the esteem of friends and family lost, and a child who has become the innocent victim of their obsession. In the poignant ending of the play a spectre of hope arises but, more important, so does a galvanizing awareness of the depth of their torment, and of the lesson which their compulsive self-destruction must have for others.

Days of Wine and Roses

By David Westheimer.

Mass Market Paperback.

ISBN: B0000CLO9H

Published 1963.

Published by Bantam Books.

Description:

A story of Brandy Alexander and the insidious way alcohol can destroy a life. Based on J.P. Miller's play and includes three still pictures on back cover from the movie of the same name.

On this day in movie history - To Kill a Mockingbird (1962 movie & novel):

To Kill a Mockingbird

directed by Robert Mulligan,

written by Horton Foote,

based on the novel by Harper Lee,

was released in the United States on December 25, 1962.

Music by Elmer Bernstein.

Cast:

Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy, Ruth White, Brock Peters, Estelle Evans, Paul Fix, Collin Wilcox Paxton, James Anderson, Alice Ghostley, Robert Duvall, William Windom, Crahan Denton, Richard Hale, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, R.L. Armstrong, Walter Bacon, Eddie Baker, Bobby Barber, John Barton, Audrey Betz, Danny Borzage, John Breen, Jess Cavin, Noble 'Kid' Chissell, Jack Clinton, Steve Condit, May Couch, David Crawford, Frank Ellis, Jamie Forster, Charles Fredericks, Raoul Freeman, Herman Hack, Jester Hairston, Chuck Hamilton, Kim Hamilton, Kim Hector, Michael Jeffers, Dick Johnstone, Chester Jones, Colin Kenny, Ethan Laidlaw, Nancy Marshall, Clyde McLeod, Charles McQuary, Charles Morton, Paulene Myers, William H. O'Brien, Charles Perry, Joe Ploski, Hugh Sanders, Barry Seltzer, Edward C. Short, Mabel Smaney, Eddie Smith, Walter Smith, Cap Somers, George Sowards, Ray Spiker, Kim Stanley, Jay Sullivan, Kelly Thordsen, Arthur Tovey, George Tracy, Sailor Vincent, Max Wagner, Bill Walker, Joe Walls, Dan White, Guy Wilkerson, Chalky Williams.

Recommended reading:

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee.

First published 1960.

Published by Harper Perennial Modern Classics.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0060935464

ISBN-13: 978-0060935467

Description:

Winner of the 1961 Pulitzer Prize.

Voted America's Best-Loved Novel in PBS's The Great American Read.

“A first novel of such rare excellence that it will no doubt make a great many readers slow down to relish more fully its simple distinction. . . . A novel of strong contemporary national significance.” – Chicago Tribune.

Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South – and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred.

One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father – a crusading local lawyer – risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

On this day in movie history - Le Doulos (1962):

Le Doulos

aka The Finger Man,

directed and written by Jean-Pierre Melville,

based on the novel by Pierre Lesou,

was released in Italy on December 13, 1962.
Music by Paul Misraki.

Cast:

Jean-Paul Belmondo, Serge Reggiani, Jean Desailly, René Lefèvre, Marcel Cuvelier, Philippe March, Fabienne Dali, Monique Hennessy, Carl Studer, Christian Lude, Jacques De Leon, Jack Leonard, Paulette Breil, Philippe Nahon, Charles Bayard, Daniel Crohem, Charles Bouillaud, Michel Piccoli.

Born on this day – Ray Garton:

Ray Garton

Writer

December 2, 1962 – April 21, 2024

Credits:

Books, including titles published as Joseph Locke:

1-900-Killer (1994); 411 (1998); All That Glitters (1998); Been There, Done That (1998); Bestial (2009); Biofire (1996); Can't Hardly Wait (1998); Crawlers! (2005); Crucifax / aka Crucifax Autumn (1988); Cut Corners (2015); Cut Corners Volume 1 (2012); Cut Corners Volume 3 (2017); Dark Channel (1992); Darklings (1985); Deadly Relations (1994); Game Over (1993); Good Burger (1997); Hocus Pocus! (1997); Invaders from Mars (1986); Invitation Only (2012); Kill the Teacher's Pet (1991); Kiss of Death (1992); Lights, Camera, Action! (1998); Live Girls (1987); Lot Lizards (1991); Loveless (2011); Meds (2011); Methods of Madness (1990); Murder Was My Alibi (2010); Nids (2006); Night Life (2005); No Place Like Home (2008); No Shelter (2024); Petrified (1992); Pieces of Hate (1996); Ravenous (2008); Resurrecting Ravana (1999); Scissors (2004); Seductions (1984); Serpent Girl / aka Cemetery Dance (2008); Sex and Violence in Hollywood (2001); Shackled (1997); Slivers of Bone (2008); Sunny Pines (2023); The Folks (2001); The Girl in the Basement (2010); The Loveliest Dead (2005); The Man in the Palace Theater (2012); The Man Who Killed Halloween (2014); The New Neighbor (1991); The Nightmares on Elm Street Part 4 (1989); The Nightmares on Elm Street Part 5 (1989); The Teacher (1993); The Troll Bride (1998); Trade Secrets (1990); Trailer Park Noir (2011); Unearthed (2016); Vampire Heart (1994); Vengeance (1994); Vortex (2016); Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth (2016); Warlock (1989); Website (1997); Zombie Love (2003).

Documentary and movie:

Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010); The Profane Exhibit (2013).

Born on this day – Atsuko Tanaka:

Atsuko Tanaka

Voice actress

Narrator

November 14, 1962 – August 20, 2024

Among her many roles, she is known as the voice of the character Major Kusanagi Motoko, in the Ghost in the Shell series.

Credits:

3-Nen D-Gumi Glass no Kamen (2016); 7th Dragon 2020-II (2013); A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009–2010); A.I.C.O. Incarnation (2018); ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. (2017); Advancer Tina (1997); Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple (2004–2005); Agent Aika (1997–1999); Akasaka (2008); Angelique (2004–2005); Anime-Gataris (2017); Another Code: Recollection (2024); Aquapazza: Aquaplus Dream Match (2011); Armored Core: For Answer (2008); Armored Core: Formula Front (2004); Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020); Assault Gunners (2012); Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland (2011); Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland (2009); AWOL: Absent Without Leave (1998); Azur Lane (2017); Bang Brave Bang Bravern (2024); Batman Ninja (2018); Battle Programmer Shirase (2003–2004); Bayonetta (2009); Bayonetta 2 (2014); Bayonetta 3 (2022); Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (2023); Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (2013); Berserk (1998); Berserk Millennium Falcon Arc: Chapter of the Holy Demon War (2004); Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (2017); Black Butler: Public School Arc (2024); Black Jack (1993–2018); Blade (2011); Boku no Natsuyasumi 2: Umi no Bouken-hen (2002); Bokura no Kazoku (2005); Bread of Happiness (2012); Bubu Chacha (1999); Buddy Mission Bond (2021); Busou Shinki (2012); Call of Duty: Mobile (2022); Campione! (2012); Carnival Phantasm (2011); Chaos Rings Omega (2011); Chicken Race (2013); Chieri and Cherry (2015); Cowboy Bebop (1999); Cutie Honey Universe (2018); Daemon X Machina (2019); Darcrows (2003); Demon Gaze (2014); Demons' Score (2012); Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (2004); Detective Conan: The Scarlet Alibi (2021); Detective Pikachu (2016); Detroit: Become Human (2023); Devil May Cry 4 (2008); Devil May Cry 5 (2019); Devil May Cry: The Animated Series (2007); Devilman: Crybaby (2018); Devil's Third (2015); Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (2006); Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy (2011); Dissidia Final Fantasy NT (2018); Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia (2017); Dissidia: Final Fantasy (2008); DokiDoki! PreCure (2013–2014); Dokyusei II (1995); Doraemon: Nobita and the Island of Miracles ~Animal Adventure~ (2012); Dragon's Crown (2013); Epidemic (1995); Ergo Proxy (2006); Fate/Grand Carnival (2021); Fate/Grand Order (2015); Fate/stay night (2004); Fate/stay night (2006); Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower (2017); Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] (2014–2015); Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel (2017); Final Fantasy Type-0 (2011); Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (2015); Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (2012); Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward (2015); Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood (2017); Fire Emblem: Awakening (2012); Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023–2024); Fullmetal Alchemist 3: The Girl Who Succeeds God (2005); Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011); Gallery Fake (2005); Garo: Vanishing Line (2017); Gekijouban Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2010); Ghost in the Shell (1995); Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (2008); Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004); Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. Solid State Society 3D (2011); Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 (2020); Ghost in the Shell: Production Report (1995); Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG - Individual Eleven (2006); Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 - Sustainable War (2021); Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 the Last Human (2023); Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online (2017); Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society (2006); Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man (2005); Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002–2005); Gintama (2011); Girl Friend BETA (2014); Glasslip (2014); God Eater (2015–2016); God Eater Prologue (2009); God Eater: Resurrection (2015); Gods Eater Burst (2010); Golgo 13 (2008); Guardian Tales (2020); Gundam Reconguista in G (2014–2015); Halo Legends / Segment: The Package (2010); Hatenkô yûgi (2008); Heart Cocktail Again (2003); Hermes: Winds of Love (1997); Hoop Days (2003); Hoshi no Samidare (2022); Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds (2007); I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018); Ikki tousen (2010); JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2013); JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (2013); JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R (2022); JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven (2015); Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–2023); Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash (2024); Juken Sentai Gekiranger (2007–2008); Jump Force (2019); Kamen No Maid Guy (2008); Kimi to Fit Boxing (2021); Knight's & Magic (2017); Knights of Sidonia (2014); Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars (2021); Kobo-chan (1993); Kôdo eiji komandâzu: Tsugu mono tsugareru mono (2005); Kokoro Connect (2012); Kyûketsuki Sugu Shinu (2023); Last Cloudia (2019); Legend of Himiko (1999); Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette (2007); Light of the River (2009); Listeners (2020); Lupin III (2015); Lupin III: Angel Tactics (2005); Lupin III: Voyage to Danger (1993); Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine (2012); Macross 7: The Galaxy Is Calling Me! (1995); Magic Kyun! Renaissance (2016); Magic User's Club! (1996); Magical Circle Guru Guru (1994–1995); Magical Warfare (2014); Mahô no stêji fanshî Rara (1998); Mahô shôjo tai Arusu (2004); Mahou Sentai Magiranger (2005); Make My Day (2023); Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000); Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011); Master Keaton (1999); Master of Mosquiton '99 (1997–1998); Mazinkaiser SKL (2010–2011); Megami Paradise (1995); Mighty No. 9 (2016); Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge (2004); Mirror's Edge: Catalyst (2016); Mister Mosquito (2002); Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015–2017); Mobile Suit V Gundam (1993–1994); Monster (2004–2005); My Sexual Harassment (1994–1995); Namco X Capcom (2005); Naruto SD: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals (2012); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 (2009); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Impact (2011); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 (2010); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 (2013); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 (2016); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations (2012); Naruto Shippûden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution (2014); Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker (2018); Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections (2023); Naruto: Shippuden (2009–2016); NieR (2010); NieR Replicant: ver.1.22474487139... (2021); NieR: Reincarnation (2021); Nioh (2017); Noein: To Your Other Self (2005–2006); Nyankoi! (2009); Ogenki Clinic Adventures (1991); Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (2002); Oninaki (2019); OVA Utawarerumono: Bôrô no komoriuta (2009); Ozuma (2012); Pandora in the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn (2015 / 2016); Parasyte: The Maxim (2014–2015); Persona 5 Tactica (2023); Persona 5 Tactica: Repaint Your Heart Challenge Pack (2023); Philosoma (1995); Piano no mori (2007); Pokémon (2006–2011); POP TEAM EPIC TV Special (2019); Princess Lover! (2009); Princess Minerva (1995); Professor Layton and the Curious Village (2007); Project Sylpheed (2006); Project X Zone 2 (2015); Psycho Diver: Soul Siren (1997); Psycho-Pass (2019); Psycho-Pass: Providence (2023); Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye (2009); Queen's Blade Unlimited (2018–2020); Queen's Blade: Beautiful Warriors (2010–2011); Queen's Blade: Rebellion (2012); Queen's Blade: The Exiled Virgin (2009); RahXephon (2002); Rapid Angel (1998); Reideen: The Superior (1996); Reign of the Seven Spellblades (2023); Reign: The Conqueror (1997–2000); Reverse: 1999 (2023); Rifurein rabu: Anata ni aitai (1997); Ryuu ga gotoku Online (2018); S.A: Supesharu ê (2008); SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions (2019); Sand Land (2024); Shadowverse: Champion's Battle (2020); Shattered Angels (2007); Shin Megami Tensei IV (2013); Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (2024); Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2 (2018); Shonen onmyoji (2007); Sleep tight my baby, cradled in the sky (2014); SoniAni: Super Sonico the Animation (2014); Soulcalibur Legends (2007); Space Battleship Yamato Resurrection (2009); Star Ocean: Anamnesis (2016); Star Ocean: Second Evolution (2008); Star Ocean: The Second Story R (2023); Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry (2006–2007); Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike - Fight for the Future (1999); Street Fighter V (2016); Street Fighter X Tekken (2012); Summer Ski Jumping (2015); Summon Night X: Tears Crown (2009); Super Doll Lika-chan (1998); Super Robot Wars: Original Generation: The Animation (2005); Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (2014); Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (2014); Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018); Tales of Arise (2021); Tales of Innocence (2007); Tales of Innocence R (2012); Tales of the Rays: Last Cradle (2020); Tari Tari (2012); Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee (2010); The Cat Returns (2002); The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016); The File of Young Kindaichi 2: Murderous Deep Blue (1999); The Helpful Fox Senko-san (2019); THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS (2014); The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014); The Last Remnant (2008); The Mystery of Nonomura Hospital (1996); The Phoenix: Hagoromo Chapter (2004); The Rolling Girls (2015); The Sword of Etheria (2005); The Way of the Househusband (2021–2023); The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015); The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic (2024); Today's Menu for the Emiya Family (2018); Tomb Raider II (1997); Top Runner (2004); Trigun (1998); Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011); Ultra Street Fighter IV (2014); Utawarerumono (2006); Utawarerumono Mask of Truth (2022–2023); Utawarerumono: The False Faces (2015–2016); Valkyria Chronicles (2008); Valkyria Chronicles (2009); Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (2006); Variable Geo (1996); Varukirî purofairu: Toga o seou mono (2008); Virtua Fighter (1995–1996); Way of the Samurai 4 (2011); When Seagulls Cry (2009); Wolf's Rain (2003); WXIII: Patlabor (2001); Yakuza 3 (2009); Yakuza Kiwami (2016); YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master (2024); Your Lie in April (2014–2015); Yukikaze (2002–2005); Zen'koku Seifuku Bishoujou Grand Prix: Find Love (1997).

On this day in movie history - Tower of London (1962):

Tower of London

directed by Roger Corman,

written by Leo Gordon, F. Amos Powell and James B. Gordon,

based on a story by Leo Gordon and F. Amos Powell,

was released in the United States on October 24, 1962.
Music by Michael Andersen.

Cast:

Vincent Price, Michael Pate, Joan Freeman, Robert Brown, Bruce Gordon, Joan Camden, Richard Hale, Sandra Knight, Charles Macaulay, Justice Watson, Sarah Selby, Donald Losby, Sara Taft, Eugene Mazzola, Morris Ankrum, Paul Frees, Gene Roth, Jack Tornek.