1949: Comments

Australian Citizenship

The British Colonies, which were to become Australian States, had been granted self-government between 1856 (New South Wales) and 1890 (Western Australia). The Colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901. But until 1949, (European) Australians remained British citizens.

Silly Putty

During the Second world War, James Wright, a G.E. engineer, discovered that a compound of boric acid and silicone oil formed a pink, bounceable substance. He could find no conceivable use for it. 
In 1949, Peter Hodgeson, an unemployed copyrighter, got the idea of marketing the substance as "Silly Putty". It was an immediate hit with kids who found innumerable uses for it. Hodge eventually grossed $140,000,000 from the product.

Comment on "Samson & Delilah"

from Kathy Cheer (cheer@scruznet.com) from Santa Cruz, CA

I saw this movie when I was about 6 or so. I could not decide between Mr. Mature, Howard Keel or Robert Taylor who was my favorite. All tall, dark and handsome, all pretty much bad or "hammy" actors. When Victor fought the lion with his bare hands and brought the columns down, I was enthralled. Hedy Lamarr as Delilah was the first female villain I remember in the movies except for the Wicked Witch in Oz.

Comment on "White Heat"

from New Jersey

TOP OF THE WORLD, MA!
Nobody played the down on his luck tough guy better than Jimmy Cagney. This is a must-have for Cagney fans and like most of his pictures, this is sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

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