On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 18.

Episode entitled: The Infernal Machine.

Released December 29, 1975.

Directed by David Tomblin.

Written by Anthony Terpiloff, Elizabeth Barrows.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast:

Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Leo McKern, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Nick Tate, Gary Waldhorn, Tony Allyn, Sarah Bullen, Loftus Burton, Andy Dempsey, Barbara Kelly, Quentin Pierre, Michael Stevens.

On this day in movie history - Hustle (1975):

Hustle

directed by Robert Aldrich,

written by Steve Shagan,

was released in the United States on December 25, 1975.
Music by Frank De Vol.

Cast:

Burt Reynolds, Catherine Deneuve, Ben Johnson, Paul Winfield, Eileen Brennan, Eddie Albert, Ernest Borgnine, Colleen Brennan, Catherine Bach, Jack Carter, Robert Englund.

On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 16.

Episode entitled: Another Time, Another Place.

Released December 22, 1975.

Directed by David Tomblin.

Written by Johnny Byrne.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast:

Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Prentis Hancock, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Alan Carter, Judy Geeson, Tony Allyn, Emily Bolton, Loftus Burton, Andy Dempsey, Alan Harris, Barbara Kelly, Claire McLellan, Robert Phillips, Quentin Pierre, Alan Roberto, Suzanne Roquette, Michael Stevens.

On this day in movie history - Barry Lyndon (1975 movie & novel):

Barry Lyndon

directed and written by Stanley Kubrick,

based on the novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray,

was released in the United States on December 18, 1975.
Music by Leonard Rosenman and Ralph Ferraro.
Main theme Sarabande by George Frideric Handel.
Women of Ireland by Peadar Ó Doirnín and Seán Ó Riada, performed by The Chieftains.

Cast:

Michael Hordern, Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, Gay Hamilton, Godfrey Quigley, Steven Berkoff, Marie Kean, Murray Melvin, Frank Middlemass, Leon Vitali, Dominic Savage, Leonard Rossiter, André Morell, Anthony Sharp, Philip Stone, David Morley, Diana Koerner, Arthur O'Sullivan, Billy Boyle, Jonathan Cecil, Peter Cellier, Geoffrey Chater, Wolf Kahler, Liam Redmond, Roger Booth, Ferdy Mayne, John Sharp, Pat Roach, Hans Meyer.

Recommended reading:

The Luck of Barry Lyndon

By William Makepeace Thackeray.

Filmed as Barry Lyndon (1975), directed and written by Stanley Kubrick.

First published 1844.

Published by East India Publishing Company.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 1778940242

ISBN-13: 978-1778940248

Description:

Step into the world of 18th-century Europe with "The Luck of Barry Lyndon" by acclaimed author William Makepeace Thackeray. This captivating novel offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the life of its eponymous protagonist, Barry Lyndon, as he navigates the precarious paths of ambition, love, and fortune.

Thackeray's exquisite storytelling paints a vivid portrait of a charismatic and cunning protagonist, whose relentless pursuit of wealth and status takes him from the Irish countryside to the glittering courts of Europe. Through Barry's adventures, readers are immersed in a world of decadence, intrigue, and social climbing, where each twist of fate presents new opportunities and perilous challenges.

"The Luck of Barry Lyndon" is not merely a tale of personal ambition, but also a scathing social commentary on the moral bankruptcy and vanity of the aristocracy. Thackeray's sharp wit and incisive observations cut through the veneer of high society, exposing the hypocrisy and pitfalls that lie beneath.

With its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters, this novel stands as a testament to Thackeray's masterful storytelling. "The Luck of Barry Lyndon" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers, inviting them to reflect on the elusive nature of fortune and the consequences of relentless ambition.

Prepare to be enthralled by Thackeray's intricate narrative, as he weaves a tale of passion, deceit, and unexpected turns of fate. This extraordinary novel promises an unforgettable journey into a world where luck can both make and break a man.

On this day in television history - The Blue Knight (1975 TV series & novel):

The Blue Knight

created by Albert Ruben and E. Jack Neuman,

based on the novel by Joseph Wambaugh,

was released in the United States on December 17, 1975, and ran for two seasons until October 20, 1976.

The pilot episode was shown on May 9, 1975.
Theme music by Henry Mancini.

Partial cast:

George Kennedy, John Steadman, Barbara Rhoades, Lee Weaver, Lucy Saroyan, Robert Hays, Phillip Pine, Al Hansen, Jess Nadelman, Don Maxwell, Bruce Glover, Gerald McRaney, Tom Bower, Anthony Geary, James A. Watson Jr., Jason Bernard, Ben Frank, Kelly Thordsen, Marc Alaimo, Hoke Howell, Don Hanmer, Byron Mabe, Phillip Simms, Jonathan Goldsmith, Jan Peters, Harry Lauter, Ross Elliott, Alex Rocco, Vic Tayback, Joanna Moore, Mitchell Ryan, John Ireland, Verna Bloom, Steve Sandor, Suzanne Charny, Carmen Zapata, Jacqueline Scott, T.J. Castronovo, Mel Novak, Juno Dawson, Christina Hart, Claire Brennen, Edward James Olmos, Judson Pratt, Lewis Charles, Claudia Bryar, Thomas Carter, Joseph Wambaugh, Kitty Carl, Paul Fierro, Peter Brandon, Booth Colman, Roy West, Lisa Moore, Dorothy Dells, William C. Coleman, Hilary Beane, Sharon Compton, Lieux Dressler, Jason Sommers, Curtis Henderson, Dorothy Meyer, Rita Gomez, Brooks Almy, Michael O'Keefe, Aneta Corsaut, Anjanette Comer, Judith McConnell, Janet MacLachlan, Charles Aidman, Davis Roberts, Kathryn Reynolds, Michael Swan, Helen Craig, Lucy Marlow, Jeff Goldblum, Sherry Jackson, P. J. Soles, Katherine Helmond, Gary Lockwood, Joanne Linville, Elisha Cook Jr., Jim Davis, James Whitmore Jr., Salome Jens, Norman Fell, Guy Stockwell, John Quade, John Lone, Woodrow Parfrey, Hampton Fancher, Jillian Kesner, Kathleen Hughes, Rudy Ramos.

Recommended reading:

The Blue Knight

By Joseph Wambaugh.

First published 1972.

Published by Grand Central Publishing.

Mass Market Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0446509191

ISBN-13: 978-0446509190

Description:

Ex-cop turned #1 New York Times bestselling writer Joseph Wambaugh forged a new kind of literature with his great early police procedurals. Gritty, luminous, and ultimately stunning, this novel is Wambaugh at his best – a tale of a street cop on the hardest beat of his life.

The Blue Knight.

Twenty and two. Those are the numbers turning in the mind of William "Bumper" Morgan: twenty years on the job, two days before he "pulls the pin" and walks away from it forever. But on the gritty streets of L.A., people look at Bumper like some kind of knight in armor – they've plied him with come-ons, hot tips, and the hard respect a man can't earn anywhere else. Now, with a new job and a good woman waiting for him, a kinky thief terrorizing L.A.'s choice hotels, and a tragedy looming, Bumper Morgan is about to face the only thing that can scare him: the demons that he's been hiding behind his bright and shiny badge...

“Marvelous … realistic, frightening, touching in its humanity. – Detroit Free Press.

“An extraordinary piece of craftsmanship.” – Los Angeles Times.

On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 15.

Episode entitled: The Full Circle.

Released December 15, 1975.

Directed by Bob Kellett.

Written by Jesse Lasky Jr., Pat Silver.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast:

Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Prentis Hancock, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Alan Carter, Oliver Cotton, Glenda Allen, Tony Allyn, Sarah Bullen, Andy Dempsey, Annie Lambert, Chai Lee, Kathleen Mallory, Alan Meacham, Robert Phillips, Colin Rix, Suzanne Roquette, Michael Stevens, Lynda Westover, Chris Williams.

On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 14.

Episode entitled: Earthbound.

Released December 8, 1975.

Directed by Charles Crichton.

Written by Anthony Terpiloff.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast:

Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Roy Dotrice, Christopher Lee, Prentis Hancock, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Nick Tate, Tony Allyn, Emily Bolton, Sarah Bullen, Loftus Burton, Andy Dempsey, Roy Everson, Alan Harris, Joy Harrison, Christine Hewett, Barbara Kelly, Rhonda Parker, Robert Phillips, Quentin Pierre, Suzanne Roquette, Angela Staines.

On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 13.

Episode entitled: Matter of Life and Death.

Released December 1, 1975.

Directed by Charles Crichton.

Written by Art Wallace, Johnny Byrne.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast: Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Richard Johnson, Prentis Hancock, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Nick Tate, Stuart Damon, Tony Allyn, Jeremy Anthony, Loftus Burton, Melita Clarke, Andy Dempsey, Saad Ghazi, Alan Harris, Barbara Kelly, Chai Lee, Christopher Matthews, John Oxley, Quentin Pierre, Shane Rimmer, Suzanne Roquette.

December in music history - Dream Weaver, by Gary Wright (1975):

Dream Weaver

Song by Gary Wright,
released in December, 1975.
Exact release date unknown.

On this day in television history - Space 1999 (1975):

Space 1999

Season 1. Episode 6.

Episode entitled: Voyager’s Return.

Released November 24, 1975.

Directed by Bob Kellett.

Written by Johnny Byrne.

Series created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson.

Music by Barry Gray.

Cast:

Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Barry Morse, Jeremy Kemp, Barry Stokes, Prentis Hancock, Clifton Jones, Zienia Merton, Anton Phillips, Nick Tate, Alex Scott, Lawrence Trimble, Tony Allyn, Sarah Bullen, Loftus Burton, John Clifford, Maxwell Craig, Andy Dempsey, Alan Harris, Quentin Pierre, Suzanne Roquette, Michael Stevens, Anita West, Chris Williams.

On this day in movie history - One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (movie & novel):

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

directed by Miloš Forman,

written by Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman,

based on the novel by Ken Kesey,

was released in the United States on November 19, 1975.
Music by Jack Nitzsche.

Cast:

Jack Nicholson, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco, Dean R. Brooks, Alonzo Brown, Scatman Crothers, Mwako Cumbuka, Danny DeVito, William Duell, Josip Elic, Lan Fendors, Louise Fletcher, Nathan George, Ken Kenny, Mel Lambert, Sydney Lassick, Kay Lee, Christopher Lloyd, Dwight Marfield, Ted Markland, Louisa Moritz, William Redfield, Philip Roth, Will Sampson, Mimi Sarkisian, Mews Small, Delos V. Smith, Tin Welch, Brad Dourif, Aurore Clément, Bill Gratton, Anjelica Huston, Ingeborg Kjeldsen, Audrey Landers, Tom McCall, James V. Shore, Saul Zaentz.

Recommended reading:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

By Ken Kesey.

Paperback.

First published 1962.

Published by Picador.

ISBN 13: 9780774033442

ISBN 10: 0774033444

ASIN: 0774033444

Description:

An international bestseller and the basis for the hugely successful film, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the defining works of the 1960s.

In this classic novel, Ken Kesey’s hero is Randle Patrick McMurphy, a boisterous, brawling, fun-loving rebel who swaggers into the world of a mental hospital and takes over. A lusty, life-affirming fighter, McMurphy rallies the other patients around him by challenging the dictatorship of Nurse Ratched. He promotes gambling in the ward, smuggles in wine and women, and openly defies the rules at every turn. But this defiance, which starts as a sport, soon develops into a grim struggle, an all-out war between two relentless opponents: Nurse Ratched, backed by the full power of authority, and McMurphy, who has only his own indomitable will. What happens when Nurse Ratched uses her ultimate weapon against McMurphy provides the story’s shocking climax.

Tyrannical Nurse Ratched rules her ward in an Oregon State mental hospital with a strict and unbending routine, unopposed by her patients, who remain cowed by mind-numbing medication and the threat of electric shock therapy. But her regime is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy – the swaggering, fun-loving trickster with a devilish grin who resolves to oppose her rules on behalf of his fellow inmates. His struggle is seen through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a seemingly mute half-Indian patient who understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the powers that keep them imprisoned. Ken Kesey's extraordinary first novel is an exuberant, ribald and devastatingly honest portrayal of the boundaries between sanity and madness.

“BRILLIANT!” – Time.