On this day in movie history - Young Frankenstein (1974):

Young Frankenstein

directed by Mel Brooks,

written by Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks,

inspired by the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley,

was released in the United States on December 15, 1974.
Music by John Morris.

“Puttin’ on the Riiiiitz!”

– Peter Boyle, as The Monster.

Cast:

Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn, Liam Dunn, Danny Goldman, Oscar Beregi Jr., Arthur Malet, Richard A. Roth, Monte Landis, Rusty Blitz, Anne Beesley, Gene Hackman, John Madison, John Dennis, Rick Norman, Rolfe Sedan, Terence Pushman, Randolph Dobbs, Norbert Schiller, Pat O'Hara, Michael Fox, Lidia Kristen, Ian Abercrombie, Leon Askin, Benjie Bancroft, Mel Brooks, Ken Clayton, Jack Clinton, Robert Cole, Lou Cutell, Alphonso DuBois, Peter Eastman, Sig Frohlich, Michael J. Grayson, Peter Halton, Bob Harks, Lars Hensen, George Holmes, Kathryn Janssen, Michael Jeffers, Dale Johnson, Berry Kroeger, Ethelreda Leopold, Bob Liddle, John Marlin, Jeff Maxwell, John Hugh McKnight, Ernesto Molinari, Monty O'Grady, Tony Regan, Leoda Richards, Clark Ross, Paul Russell, Maida Severn, Norman Stevans, Don Terwilliger, Arthur Tovey, Clement von Franckenstein, Max Wagner.

Recommended reading - The Sixteenth Round (1974) & Lazarus and the Hurricane (1991):

The Sixteenth Round & Lazarus and the Hurricane

Both books filmed as The Hurricane (1999), directed by Norman Jewison.

The Sixteenth Round

From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472

By Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.

First published 1974.

Published by Chicago Review Press.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 1569765677

ISBN-13: 978-1569765678

Description:

A document of life lived in the center of hell. – Sports Illustrated.

When they come to list the greatest boxers, Hurrican's name isn't likely to pop up in the Top 10. But when they come to list the greatest figures of the 20th century, he'll be alone at the peak. – Boston Globe.

A shocking, savage and brilliant indictment of racial injustice and the inhumanity of the prison. – Globe and Mail.

Carter's scorching and poetic autobiography. – Toronto Sun.

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was riding a wave of success. The survivor of a difficult youth, he rose to become a top contender for the middleweight boxing crown. But his career crashed to a halt on May 26, 1967, when he and another man were found guilty of the murder of three white people and sentenced to three consecutive life terms. Written from prison and first published in 1974, The Sixteenth Round chronicles Hurricane's journey from the ring to solitary confinement. The book was his cry for help to the public, an attempt to set the record straight and force a new trial. Bob Dylan wrote his classic anthem "Hurricane" about his struggle, and Muhammad Ali and thousands of others took up his cause. The power of Carter's voice, as well as his ironic humor, makes this an eloquent, soul-stirring account of a remarkable life.

Lazarus and the Hurricane

The Freeing of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter

By Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton.

First published 1991.

Published by St. Martin's Griffin.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0312253974

ISBN-13: 978-0312253974

Description:

A moving chronicle of the seven-year-battle to free boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter from wrongful imprisonment reveals the role of a group of Canadians in winning Carter's release.

On this day in movie history - The Godfather Part II (1974):

The Godfather Part II

directed by Francis Ford Coppola,

written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola,

based on the novel by Mario Puzo,

was released in the United States on December 12, 1974.

Music by Nino Rota.

Cast:

Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, G.D. Spradlin, Richard Bright, Gastone Moschin, Tom Rosqui, Bruno Kirby, Frank Sivero, Francesca De Sapio, Morgana King, Marianna Hill, Leopoldo Trieste, Dominic Chianese, Amerigo Tot, Troy Donahue, John Aprea, Joe Spinell, Abe Vigoda, Tere Livrano, Gianni Russo, Maria Carta, Oreste Baldini, Giuseppe Sillato, Mario Cotone, James Gounaris, Fay Spain, Harry Dean Stanton, James Murdock, Carmine Caridi, Danny Aiello, Carmine Foresta, Nick Discenza, Joseph Medaglia, William Bowers, Joseph Della Sorte, Carmen Argenziano, Joe Lo Grippo, Ezio Flagello, Livio Giorgi, Kathleen Beller, Saveria Mazzola, Tito Alba, Johnny Naranjo, Elda Maida, Salvatore Po, Ignazio Pappalardo, Andrea Maugeri, Peter LaCorte, Peter Donat, Tom Dahlgren, Paul B. Brown, Phil Feldman, Roger Corman, Ivonne Coll, Joe De Nicola, Edward Van Sickle, Gabriella Belloni, Richard Watson, Venancia Grangerard, Erica Yohn, Teresa Tirelli, Margaret Bacon, Al Beaudine, Jack Berle, James Caan, Dick Cherney, Italia Coppola, Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Victor Pujols Faneyte, Len Felber, Julie Gregg, Raven Grey Eagle, Larry Guardino, Dan Harris, George Holmes, Buck Houghton, Shep Houghton, Karyn Jansen, Kathryn Janssen, Ken Koc, Shô Kosugi, Gary Kurtz, Alan Lee, Laura Lyons, Alan Marston, Richard Matheson, John Megna, Joe Pine, Felipe Polanco, Jay Rasumny, Harrison Ressler, Al Roberts, Hank Robinson, Rhea Ruggiero, Carmelo Russo, George Simmons, Filomena Spagnuolo, Nico Stevens, Arthur Tovey, Julian Voloshin, Wally West, Judith Woodbury.

Born on this day – Lisa Sheridan:

Lisa Sheridan

Actress

Producer

December 5, 1974 – February 25, 2019

Credits:

Strange Nature (2018); Six LA Love Stories (2016); Murder in the First (2016); Still the King (2016); The Fosters (2016); A Christmas Eve Miracle (2015); Only God Can (2015); Sick Day (2014); A Magic Christmas (2014); Taken Away (2014); Halt and Catch Fire (2014); Category 5 (2014); Elsa & Fred (2014); Perception (2013); Scandal (2013); Tiny Little Words (2012); Home Invasion (2012); Private Practice (2011); CSI: NY (2011); Healing Hands (2010); NCIS (2009); The Mentalist (2009); Conspiracy (2008); McCartney's Genes (2008); Saving Grace (2008); Shark (2008); CSI: Miami (2007–2008); Journeyman (2007); Moonlight (2007); The 4400 (2007); Invasion (2005–2006); Strong Medicine (2005); Without a Trace (2005); Monk (2004); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2004); Las Vegas (2004); The Practice (2003); Carolina (2003); Pirates (2003); FreakyLinks (2000–2001); Beat (2000); Diagnosis Murder (1999); Legacy (1998–1999); Any Day Now (1998); Step by Step (1997).

Born on this day – Kenneth Mitchell:

Kenneth Mitchell

Actor

November 25, 1974 – February 24, 2024

Credits:

The Old Man (2022); Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2021); Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020); Nancy Drew (2019–2020); See (2019); Captain Marvel (2019); The Detectives (2018); After Trek (2017); Blood Honey (2017); Frequency (2016–2017); Notorious (2016); Code Black (2016); Broad Squad (2015); Major Crimes (2015); Minority Report (2015); The Astronaut Wives Club (2015); CSI: Cyber (2015); NCIS (2014); Switched at Birth (2014); The Night Shift (2014); Haven (2013); Body of Proof (2013); Bones (2013); Monday Mornings (2013); NCIS: Los Angeles (2013); Tasmanian Devils (2013); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2012); Drop Dead Diva (2012); Grimm (2012); Partners (2011); The Mentalist (2011); Castle (2011); Private Practice (2011); The Quinn-tuplets (2010); Criminal Minds (2010); Detroit 1-8-7 (2010); Law & Order: LA (2010); Hawaii Five-0 (2010); Lie to Me (2009); AIDS: We Did It! (2010); Iron Road (2009); Without a Trace (2009); Ghost Whisperer (2008–2009); Meteor (2009); Flashpoint (2008); Jericho (2006–2008); Home of the Giants (2007); The Unit (2006); CSI: Miami (2006); Grey's Anatomy (2006); Tennis, Anyone...? (2005); Miracle (2004); The Recruit (2003); Why Don't You Dance (2002); Odyssey 5 (2002); Charms for the Easy Life (2002); Leap Years (2001); The Green (2001); No Man's Land (2000).

On this day in movie history - A Woman Under the Influence (1974):

A Woman Under the Influence

directed and written by John Cassavetes,

was released in the United States on November 18, 1974.
Music by Bo Harwood.

Cast:

Peter Falk, Gena Rowlands, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands, Katherine Cassavetes, Matthew Labyorteaux, Matthew Cassel, Christina Grisanti, George Dunn, Mario Gallo, Eddie Shaw, Angelo Grisanti, Charles Horvath, James Joyce, John Finnegan, Cliff Carnell, Frank Richards, Hugh Hurd, Leon Wagner, Dominique Davalos, Xan Cassavetes, Pancho Meisenheimer, Sonny Aprile, Ellen Davalos, Joanne Moore Jordan, John Hawker, Sylvester Words, Elizabeth Deering, Jackie Peters, Elsie Ames, N.J. Cassavetes.

On this day in movie history - Lenny (1974):

Lenny

directed by Bob Fosse,

written by Julian Barry,

based on the play by Julian Barry,

was released in the United States on November 10, 1974.
Music by Ralph Burns.

Cast:

Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, Jan Miner, Stanley Beck, Frankie Man, Rashel Novikoff, Gary Morton, Guy Rennie, Michele Yonge, Kathryn Witt, Monroe Myers, John DiSanti, Mickey Gatlin, Martin Begley, Mark Harris, Richard Friedman, Lee Sandman, Jack Nagle, Phil Philbin, Bruce McLaughlin, Ted Sorel, Clarence Thomas, Mike Murphy, Susan Malnik, George DeWitt, Judy LaScala, Don Newsome, Allison Goldstein, Winston Lee, Bridghid Glass, Joe Mencel, Richard O'Barry, Beth Challis, Robert Parsons, Cecil Seay, Bob Collins.

Recommended reading - 52 Pick-up (1974):

52 Pick-up

By Elmore Leonard.

aka Fifty-Two Pick Up.

Published by Mariner Books.

First published 1974.

ISBN-10: 0062266004

ISBN-13: 978-0062266002

Description:

Detroit businessman Harry Mitchell had had only one affair in his twenty-two years of happy matrimony. Unfortunately someone caught his indiscretion on film and now wants Harry to fork over one hundred grand to keep his infidelity a secret. And if Harry doesn't pay up, the blackmailer and his associates plan to press a lot harder – up to and including homicide, if necessary. But the psychos picked the wrong pigeon for their murderous scam. Because Harry Mitchell doesn't get mad ... he gets even.

"Probably no one knows this nation's rogues, bent cops, and sleazebags better than Elmore Leonard." – Newsday.

“An absolute master.” – The Detroit News.

Recommended reading - Carrie (1974):

Carrie

By Stephen King.

First published 1974.           

ISBN 13: 9781416524304

ISBN 10: 1416524304

ASIN: 1416524304

Mass Market Paperback.

Description:

Unpopular at school and subjected to her mother's religious fanaticism at home, Carrie White does not have it easy. But while she may be picked on by her classmates, she has a gift she's kept secret since she was a little girl: she can move things with her mind. Doors lock. Candles fall. Her ability has been both a power and a problem. And when she finds herself the recipient of a sudden act of kindness, Carrie feels like she's finally been given a chance to be normal. She hopes that the nightmare of her classmates' vicious taunts is over . . . but an unexpected and cruel prank turns her gift into a weapon of horror so destructive that the town may never recover.

A modern classic, Carrie introduced a distinctive new voice in American fiction – Stephen King. The story of misunderstood high school girl Carrie White, her extraordinary telekinetic powers, and her violent rampage of revenge, remains one of the most barrier-breaking and shocking novels of all time.

Make a date with terror and live the nightmare that is ... Carrie.

"Stephen King’s first novel changed the trajectory of horror fiction forever. Fifty years later, authors say it’s still challenging and guiding the genre." – Esquire.

“A master storyteller.” – The Los Angeles Times.

“Guaranteed to chill you.” – The New York Times.

"Gory and horrifying. . . . You can't put it down." – Chicago Tribune.

Recommended reading - Marathon Man (1974):

Marathon Man

By William Goldman.

First published 1974.

Published by Random House Publishing Group.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0345439724

ISBN-13: 978-0345439727

Description:

William Goldman's remarkable career spans more than five decades, and his credentials run the gamut from bestselling novelist to Oscar-winning screenwriter to Hollywood raconteur. He's beloved by millions of readers as the author of the classic comic-romantic fantasy The Princess Bride. And he's notorious for creating the most harrowing visit to the dentist in literary and cinematic history – in one of the seminal thrillers of the twentieth century. . . .

MARATHON MAN

Tom "Babe" Levy is a runner in every sense: racing tirelessly toward his goals of athletic and academic excellence – and endlessly away from the specter of his famous father's scandal-driven suicide. But an unexpected visit from his beloved older brother will set in motion a chain of events that plunge Babe into a vortex of terror, treachery, and murder – and force him into a race for his life . . . and for the answer to the fateful question, "Is it safe?"

"Superb . . . One hell of a read." – The Washington Post.

“An exciting – often funny, often sad – chase … Goldman does a masterly job.” – Associated Press.

“Well-plotted, expertly characterized, and fast-paced." – Los Angeles Times.

On this day in movie history - The Gambler (1974):

The Gambler

directed by Karel Reisz,

written by James Toback,

was released in the United States on October 2, 1974.
Music by Jerry Fielding.

Cast:

James Caan, Paul Sorvino, Lauren Hutton, Morris Carnovsky, Jacqueline Brookes, Burt Young, Carmine Caridi, Vic Tayback, Steven Keats, London Lee, M. Emmet Walsh, James Woods, Carl W. Crudup, Allan Rich, Stuart Margolin, Ric Mancini, Joel Wolfe, Raymond Serra, William Andrews, Joseph Attles, Antonio Fargas, Ernest Butler, Sully Boyar, Gregory Rozakis, Starletta DuPois, Lucille Patton, Ed Kovens, Baron Wilson, Richard Foronjy, Frank Sivero, Frank Adonis, Philip Sterling, Patricia Fay, Beatrice Winde, Leon Pinkney, Alisha Fontaine, Presley Caton, Mitch Stein, Jonathan Kushner, Charles Polk, Dick Schaap, Chick Hearn, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Jerry Leon, Melanie Mayron.

On this day in movie history - The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974):

The Taking of Pelham 123

directed by Joseph Sargent,

written by Peter Stone,

based on the novel by John Godey,

was released in the United States on October 2, 1974.
Music by David Shire.

Cast:

Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O'Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Beatrice Winde, Jerry Stiller, Nathan George, Rudy Bond, Kenneth McMillan, Doris Roberts, Julius Harris, Cynthia Belgrave, Anna Berger, Gary Bolling, Carol Cole, Alex Colon, Joe Fields, Mari Gorman, Michael Gorrin, Thomas La Fleur, María Landa, Louise Larabee, George Lee Miles, Carolyn Nelson, Eric O'Hanian, Lucy Saroyan, William Snickowski, Barry Snyder, Walter Jones, Jerry Holland, Robert Weil, Penny Krompier, Christopher Murney, Timothy Meyers, Ruth Attaway, Thomas Barbour, Marvin Silbersher, Neil Brooks Cunningham, Sal Viscuso, Tony Fasce, Burtt Harris, Gene Gross, Walter Lott, Conrad Yama, Sho Onodera, Toru Nagai, Tura Nakamura, Rowena Rollins, Joseph Attles, Willis Pinkett, Michelle Matthow, Isabella Hoopes, Bill Cobbs, Jim Pelham, Joe Seneca, Gino Gennaro, Carmine Foresta, Tony Roberts, Hy Anzell, Ines Hellendall, Jean-Paul Hellendall, Ben Lautman, Carey Loftin, James Mapes, Paul Nuckles, Jay Rasumny, Charles Silvern, Dominique St. Pierre, Dolph Sweet, Frank Ventgen.