Although the movie was produced by Eon Productions in
1962, its official premiere in London occurred on May 8,
1963.
This release introduced audiences to the iconic elements
of the franchise, including the suave spy persona, exotic
locations, and the signature gun barrel opening sequence.
2001: A Space Odyssey had its world premiere on April 2, 1968,
at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C..
Directed by Stanley Kubrick and co-written with Arthur C.
Clarke, this landmark science fiction film launched in
theaters shortly after, with its general release starting
April 3, 1968, in New York and other cities.
On March 31, 1999, the writing and directing sibling team of
Lana and Lilly Wachowski released their second film, the
mind-blowing science-fiction blockbuster The Matrix.
The Matrix grossed $27.8 million during its opening weekend,
as well as earning $37.4 million in its first five days.
It surpassed the film Lost in Space and Indecent Proposal simultaneously for having the biggest April and Easter
opening weekends.
The film also had the second-highest opening weekend for
a spring starter film, trailing only behind Liar Liar.
The Matrix won four Academy Awards, for Best Editing,
Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects and Best
Sound.
Lana (left) and Lilly Wachohski.
TIM MAGUIRE
In one of Hollywood’s zaniest movie premiere stunts, Mel Brooks’
1974 western spoof Blazing Saddles screened at the Pickwick
Drive-In Theater in Burbank, California. Guests attend not in
cars—but on horseback.
Attendees, many sporting cowboy hats, watched the movie from
atop their steeds. Movie sound came through speakers attached
to saddle pommels, and the studio set up a “Horsepitality Bar”
where guests got “horse d’oeuvres.”
Brooks, one of Hollywood’s most legendary comedic directors,
was reportedly thrilled with the memorable publicity stunt, and
wrote to Warner Bros.’ publicist, Marty Weiser, who came up
with the clever idea. Its message: “You’re crazier than I am!”
Mel Brooks will be 100 years old on June 28th.
