Tag Archives: 1933

26 September 1933

Posted on by

As gangster Machine Gun Kelly surrenders to the FBI, he shouts out, “Don’t shoot, G-Men!”, which becomes a nickname for FBI agents.

Machine Gun Kelly was an infamous American gangster during the Prohibition era, best known for his involvement in organized crime, particularly kidnapping and bootlegging. His real name was George Kelly Barnes, and he was born on July 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee. He earned the nickname “Machine Gun Kelly” because of his notorious use of a Thompson submachine gun, also known as a “Tommy gun,” during his criminal activities.

14 July 1933

Posted on by

Nazi eugenics programme begins with the proclamation of the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring requiring the compulsory sterilization of any citizen who suffers from alleged genetic disorders

The “Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring” (Gesetz zur Verhütung erbkranken Nachwuchses) was a Nazi law enacted on July 14, 1933. This law was a cornerstone of the Nazi eugenics program and aimed to prevent people with certain genetic disorders from reproducing. The law mandated compulsory sterilization for individuals who were considered to have hereditary conditions that could be passed on to their offspring.

The conditions listed in the law included:

Congenital feeblemindedness (intellectual disability)
Schizophrenia
Manic-depressive (bipolar) disorder
Hereditary epilepsy
Huntington’s chorea (a type of hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder)
Hereditary blindness
Hereditary deafness
Severe hereditary physical deformities
Chronic alcoholism

The law was enforced by Hereditary Health Courts (Erbgesundheitsgerichte), which had the authority to decide whether individuals should be sterilized. The decisions of these courts were often based on minimal evidence and were influenced by the discriminatory and pseudoscientific beliefs of the time.

This legislation resulted in the forced sterilization of around 400,000 people by the end of the Nazi regime. It was part of the broader eugenics movement in Nazi Germany, which sought to create a “racially pure” society by eliminating those deemed “genetically unfit.” The law was a precursor to even more horrific policies, including the euthanasia programs and the genocide of the Holocaust.

25 May 1933

Posted on by

The Walt Disney Company cartoon Three Little Pigs premieres at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the hit song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”

“The Three Little Pigs” is an animated short film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by United Artists on May 27, 1933. Directed by Burt Gillett, it is based on the traditional fairy tale about three pigs who build three houses of different materials: one of straw, one of sticks, and one of bricks. The film is significant in the history of animation and holds a special place in Disney’s legacy.

Plot:
The story follows three pigs: Fifer Pig, Fiddler Pig, and Practical Pig. Fifer and Fiddler Pig build their houses quickly out of straw and sticks, respectively, and then spend their time playing music. Practical Pig, on the other hand, builds his house out of bricks, taking much longer but ensuring it is sturdy.
The Big Bad Wolf comes along and easily blows down the straw and stick houses. However, he is unable to blow down the brick house. The wolf tries various schemes to get into the brick house but fails each time. In the end, the pigs are safe inside Practical Pig’s house.

Animation and Music:
The film is notable for its use of character animation, particularly the distinct personalities of the three pigs and the wolf.
The song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” became a huge hit and is one of Disney’s most famous songs. It was composed by Frank Churchill and became an anthem of sorts during the Great Depression.

Impact and Legacy:
“The Three Little Pigs” was a major success both critically and commercially. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1934.
The success of the film demonstrated the potential for character-driven storytelling in animation and influenced future Disney productions.
The cartoon has been re-released several times and remains a beloved classic. It was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2007 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Sequels and Adaptations:
The popularity of the original short led to the production of several sequels, including “The Big Bad Wolf” (1934), “Three Little Wolves” (1936), “The Practical Pig” (1939), and “The Thrifty Pig” (1941).
The characters have appeared in various other Disney media over the years, including comic strips, television shows, and theme park attractions.

6 June 1933

Posted on by

The first drive-in theater opens in Camden, New Jersey.

Drive-in movie theaters are a type of cinema that allows moviegoers to watch films from the comfort of their cars. They offer a unique and nostalgic movie-watching experience, combining the excitement of going to the movies with the convenience of staying in your vehicle.

Features of drive-in movie theaters:

History: Drive-in theaters originated in the United States in the 1930s and became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. They were initially designed as a family-friendly entertainment option, providing a casual and relaxed atmosphere for movie viewing.

Outdoor Setting: Drive-in theaters are typically located in open fields or large parking lots. They feature a large screen positioned at the front, and rows of parking spaces facing the screen. The outdoor setting allows for a unique movie experience under the open sky.

Car-Based Viewing: The primary feature of drive-in theaters is that moviegoers watch the films from their own vehicles. Each parking space is designed to provide a clear view of the screen. People can sit inside their cars, recline their seats, and listen to the movie audio through their car radios. Some theaters also provide speakers that can be attached to car windows.

Snacks and Concessions: Like traditional theaters, drive-ins offer a concession stand or snack bar where viewers can purchase food and beverages. Popular choices include popcorn, candy, soda, hot dogs, nachos, and burgers. Many people bring their own snacks and drinks as well.

Socializing and Community: Drive-in theaters provide a social atmosphere where families and friends can gather together. People often set up chairs, blankets, or even create makeshift picnic areas outside their vehicles. This communal environment allows for interaction before the movie and during intermissions.

Double Features: Drive-in theaters commonly show double features, which means two movies are screened back-to-back. This provides viewers with extended entertainment and allows them to get the most out of their visit.

Seasonal Operation: Drive-in theaters are often seasonal and operate during spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities. However, some drive-ins in warmer climates may operate year-round.

Modern Innovations: In recent years, drive-in theaters have embraced modern technology. Some have transitioned to digital projectors, offering better image quality and the ability to showcase 3D movies. Many drive-ins also provide an FM radio frequency for audio transmission, allowing viewers to tune in directly from their car radios.

Drive-in movie theaters have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent times, offering a safe and socially distanced entertainment option during the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide a nostalgic and enjoyable movie experience that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

14 July 1933

Posted on by

Nazi eugenics programme begins with the proclamation of the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring requiring the compulsory sterilization of any citizen who suffers from alleged genetic disorders