Born on this day – Thomas Hardy:

Thomas Hardy

Writer

June 2, 1840 – January 11, 1928

Credits:

Books:

A Laodicean (1881); A Pair of Blue Eyes (1873); Desperate Remedies (1871); Far From the Madding Crowd (1874); Fathers: A Literary Anthology (2011); Jude the Obscure (1895); Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891); The Hand of Ethelberta (1876); The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886); The Oxford Book of Gothic Tales (1992); The Return of the Native (1878); The Trumpet-Major (1880); The Well-Beloved (1892); The Withered Arm (1888); The Woodlanders (1887); Two on a Tower (1882); Under the Greenwood Tree (1872); Victorian Short Stories: Stories of Successful Marriages (2022); War: An Anthology (1969); World War One British Poets: Brooke, Owen, Sassoon, Rosenberg and Others (1997); Writers: Their Lives and Works (2018).

Movies and television:

2nd House (1975); Actor's Studio (1949); And There Was a Great Calm (2017); Boston Blackie (1952–1953); Cheongchun mujeong (1970); Daags na de kermis (1974); Day Out (1985); Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967); Exploits at West Poley (1985); Far from the Madding Crowd (1915 / 1967 / 1998 / 2015); General Electric Theater (1956); Hora once (1970); ITV Play of the Week (1960); Jude (1996); Jude the Obscure (1971); Kraft Theatre / The United States Steel Hour (1959); Man Ki Jeet (1944); Romina (1980); Screen Two (1995); Tajemství dáblovy kapsy (1980); Tess (1979); Tess d'Urberville (1959); Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1913 / 1924 / 1952 / 1998 / 2008); The Claim (2000); The Day After the Fair (1986); The Distracted Preacher (1969); The Greenwood Tree (1929); The Mayor of Casterbridge (1921 / 1978 / 2003); The Return of the Native (1994 / 2010); The Scarlet Tunic (1998); The Secret Cave (1953); The Sunday Programme (2002); The Unforeseen (1958); The Woodlanders (1970 / 1997); Thomas Hardy: Fate, Exclusion & Tragedy (2021); Thomas Hardy's the Three Strangers (2014); Trishna (2011); Una romantica avventura (1940); Under the Greenwood Tree (2005); Wessex Tales (1973); Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021); Your Favorite Story (1953).

Francine Prose, on reading:

With so much reading ahead of you, the temptation might be to speed up.

But in fact it’s essential to slow down and read every word.

Because one important thing that can be learned by reading slowly is the seemingly obvious but oddly underappreciated fact that language is the medium we use in much the same way a composer uses notes, the way a painter uses paint.

I realize it may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how easily we lose sight of the fact that words are the raw material out of which literature is crafted.

– Francine Prose.

On this day in television history - Justified (2010):

Justified

Season 1. Episode 12.
Episode entitled: Fathers and Sons.
Released June 1, 2010.
Directed by Michael Katleman.
Written by Graham Yost, Fred Golan, Dave Andron, Wendy Calhoun and Chris Provenzano.
Based on the short story Fire in the Hole by Elmore Leonard.
Music by Steve Porcaro.

Cast:

Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel, Natalie Zea, Raymond J. Barry, Alexandra Barreto, Jordi Caballero, Mo Gaffney, M.C. Gainey, Linda Gehringer, Rick Gomez, William Ragsdale, David Meunier, Ray Porter, Omar Avila, Joshua Bitton, Pat Skipper, Walton Goggins, Lizabeth Allen, John Lee Ames, Ezra Buzzington, Chris Gorbos, Tommy Savas, Ronnie Steadman, Sarah Baldwin, Bill Blair, Matt Leonard.

On this day in movie history - Samuel Johnson: The Dictionary Man (2006):

Samuel Johnson: The Dictionary Man

directed and written by Richard Alwyn,

released in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2006.
Cast: Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Matthew Ashforde, Julie Covington, Emma Dewhurst, Ian Falconer, David Mallinson, James Cameron Stewart, Brian Timoney, Sue Wallace, Mitchell Zhangazha.

On this day in the Star Trek universe:

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock / book (1984)

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock The Making of the Classic Film / book (2025)

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1991)

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Directed by Leonard Nimoy.

Written by Harve Bennett.

Released June 1, 1984.

Music by James Horner.

Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Robin Curtis, Merritt Butrick, Phil Morris, Scott McGinnis, Robert Hooks, Carl Steven, Vadia Potenza, Stephen Manley, Joe W. Davis, Paul Sorensen, Cathie Shirriff, Christopher Lloyd, Stephen Liska, John Larroquette, David Cadiente, Bob K. Cummings, Branscombe Richmond, Phillip R. Allen, Jeanne Mori, Mario Marcelino, Allan Miller, Sharon Thomas Cain, Conroy Gedeon, James Sikking, Miguel Ferrer, Mark Lenard, Katherine Blum, Judith Anderson, Gary Faga, Doug Shanklin, Grace Lee Whitney, Frank Welker, Teresa E. Victor, Harve Bennett, Judi M. Durand, Jessica Biscardi, Claudia Lowndes, Nanci Rogers, Kimberly L. Ryusaki, Dee Giffin Scott, Rebecca Soladay, Philip Weyland.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

By Vonda N. McIntyre & Harve Bennett.

Published by Pocket Books.

Published 1984.

ISBN-10: 0671495003

ISBN-13: 9780671495008

Description:

No one on the Enterprise can believe that Mr. Spock is gone! As the crew grieves for Mr. Spock, the awesome Genesis Device, now controlled by the Federation, has transformed an inert nebula into a new planet teeming with life. But Genisis can also destroy existing worlds. The creators of the Device want it given freely to the Galaxy. But Starfleet Command fears that it will become a force for evil. And the enemies of the Federation will not rest until they seize it – as their most powerful weapon in the battle to conquer the Galaxy!

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

The Making of the Classic Film

By John Tenuto & Maria Jose Tenuto.

Published by Titan Books.

Published 2025.

ISBN-10: 1835412890

ISBN-13: 9781835412893

Description:

An in-depth look at the making of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, featuring rare and previously unseen production art and new and exclusive interviews.

Over 40 years ago, in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Admiral Kirk and his crew embarked on a perilous mission to retrieve Spock's body and reunite his soul with his physical form, defying Starfleet orders and facing off against Klingon enemies to save their friend.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock – The Making of the Classic Film delves into the untold stories behind the making of one of the most pivotal films in the Star Trek saga. From the pressures of continuing the iconic story after The Wrath of Khan to Leonard Nimoy stepping into the director's chair, this book explores the creative challenges, technical innovations, and behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the film. Featuring interviews with cast, crew, and production staff, it uncovers the intricate world-building, the special effects that brought Klingon battles and Genesis Planet to life, and the emotional weight of Spock’s resurrection.

Featuring a foreword from Robin Curtis, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock – The Making of the Classic Film is a must-read for Trek fans and film enthusiasts alike, celebrating the legacy of a film that solidified the franchise's place in pop culture history.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Season 4. Episode 25.

Episode entitled: In Theory.

Released June 1, 1991.

Directed by Patrick Stewart.

Written by Joe Menosky, Ronald D. Moore, David Carren, J. Larry Carroll, Brannon Braga.

Created by Gene Roddenberry.

Music by Jay Chattaway.

Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Michele Scarabelli, Rosalind Chao, Colm Meaney, Pamela Winslow, Whoopi Goldberg, Majel Barrett, Rachen Assapiomonwait, Joe Baumann, Gary Baxley, Thomas J. Booth, Michael Braveheart, Nyra Crenshaw, Gerard David Jr., Wendy L. Davies, Denise Deuschle, Jeremy Doyle, Keith Gearhart, Melanie Hathorn, Ritt Henn, Mark Lentry, Jeri McBride, Lorine Mendell, Keith Rayve, Denise Lynne Roberts, Joyce Robinson, Georgina Shore, K. Uchizono, Guy Vardaman.

On this day in movie history - Star Trek III: The Search for Spock:

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

directed by Leonard Nimoy,

written by Harve Bennett,

was released in the United States on June 1, 1984.
Music by James Horner.

Cast:

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Robin Curtis, Merritt Butrick, Phil Morris, Scott McGinnis, Robert Hooks, Carl Steven, Vadia Potenza, Stephen Manley, Joe W. Davis, Paul Sorensen, Cathie Shirriff, Christopher Lloyd, Stephen Liska, John Larroquette, David Cadiente, Bob K. Cummings, Branscombe Richmond, Phillip R. Allen, Jeanne Mori, Mario Marcelino, Allan Miller, Sharon Thomas Cain, Conroy Gedeon, James Sikking, Miguel Ferrer, Mark Lenard, Katherine Blum, Judith Anderson, Gary Faga, Doug Shanklin, Grace Lee Whitney, Frank Welker, Teresa E. Victor, Harve Bennett, Judi M. Durand, Jessica Biscardi, Claudia Lowndes, Nanci Rogers, Kimberly L. Ryusaki, Dee Giffin Scott, Rebecca Soladay, Philip Weyland.

On this day in movie history - The Shout (1978 movie & book):

The Shout

directed by Jerzy Skolimowski,

written by Michael Austin and Jerzy Skolimowski,

based on the short story by Robert Graves,

was released in the United Kingdom on June 1, 1978.
Music by Tony Banks.

Cast:

Alan Bates, Susannah York, John Hurt, Robert Stephens, Tim Curry, Julian Hough, Carol Drinkwater, John Rees, Jim Broadbent, Susan Wooldridge, Nick Stringer, Colin Higgins, Peter Benson, Joanna Szczerbic, Graham Kingsley Brown.

Recommended reading:

The Shout and Other Stories

By Robert Graves.

Short story anthology.

Paperback.

Published 1979.

Published by Penguin Books.

ISBN 13: 9780140048322

ISBN 10: 0140048324

ASIN: 0140048324

Description:

The shout can wound. The shout can kill. The shout can drive you mad. Unless the man who says he learned the magic shout eighteen years ago is only a lunatic. But is he? … ‘The Shout’ is the first of thirty intriguing stories collected here. They range from a tenement in ancient Rome to the trenches of World War I. Robert Graves assures us that most of them – even the most improbable ones – are true.

“Graves’s stories strike one … as the playfulness of an extremely lively, observant, and humorous spirit. … All of these tales must be read to be appreciated, let alone believed.” – Newsweek.

Originally published in hardcover under the title Collected Short Stories.

The film The Shout is distributed by Films incorporated and stars Alan Bates, Susannah York and John Hurt, with Robert Stephens and Tim Curry; produced by Jeremy Thomas; directed by Jerzy Skolimowski; screenplay by Michael Austin from the story by Robert Graves.