Davy Crockett, American hero and transplanted Tennessean, dies at the Alamo, fighting for Texas' independence from Mexico--but not before passing on his lineage to Lana Berry, mother of Kate 

A star is born: Kate is named for Kate, but a Kate by any other name-- 

Kate Hepburn wins the first of her record-holding number of Academy Awards for Morning Glory 

Birth of Daily television broadcast in the UK by the British Broadcasting Corporation 

Ronald Reagan's first screen test lands him a Hollywood contract. He goes on to appear in 53 films. 

Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life 

Ruth Handler models her doll after the German doll "Lilli," a sex toy for men. In 1958 the first Barbie is produced in Japan 

Patsy Cline's single "Crazy" is released to the masses (Willie Nelson pens the lyrics and sells them to the fledgling singer for $50) 

Who shot JFK? 

The Graduate 

Skipper, Barbie's only gal pal, finally sprouts breasts  

Taxi Driver 

Star Wars 

"Dallas" premieres (Who shot J. R. Ewing?)  

Grease: John Travolta in black leather 

Ronald Reagan assumes his greatest role. 

John Hinckley, Jr., having formed a pathological obsession with Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver, shoots President Ronald Reagan. In the film, De Niro's character stalks the president. 

"E.T., phone home." 

Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan 

"Family Ties": the myth of the functional family, WASP-style 

My only appearance on TV. A walk-on part as background scenery with several classmates during the shooting of a news story segment on debates over closing down the British "Grammar School" system. 

Sixteen Candles 

Footloose 

Red Dawn 

"The Cosby Show": the myth of the functional family continues