It was 75 years ago today that newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst forbid his newspapers to run ads for “Citizen Kane.”
“Citizen Kane” has been declared the greatest film of all time more than any other movie, but at the time of its release, it struggled at the box office. The film garnered more acclaim gradually over the years. Its difficulty getting into theaters and breaking even is often pinned on Hearst, who refused to let any of his wide network of newspapers advertise or review the movie clearly based on his own life.
Hearst”s ban of “Citizen Kane” ads in his newspapers came a few days after columnists and critics attended a screening of an early cut of the film on January 3, 1941. The movie was released the following May – so the celebrated film will commemorate its 75th anniversary this year.
Other notable January 8 happenings in pop culture history:
• 1946: Elvis Presley got his first guitar, as a present for his 11th birthday.
• 1966: The Beatles” “We Can Work It Out” hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the chart for three weeks.
• 1966: The final episode of music variety show “Shindig!” aired.
• 1968: Otis Redding released his single “(Sittin” On) The Dock Of The Bay.”
• 1979: The Canadian government named the band Rush Canada”s official Ambassadors of Music.
• 1997: Fred Rogers was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Birthdays: David Bowie (turns 69 today), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actress Amber Benson (39), R&B artist R. Kelly (49), The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger (71), “Continuum” actress Rachel Nichols (36), reggae singer Sean Paul (43), “The Sweet Hereafter” actress Sarah Polley (37), “Supernatural” actress Genevieve Padalecki (35), “On the Road” actor Sam Riley (36)