Historical Events
The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz", American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood; directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor with cast featuring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion), Frank Morgan (Wizard), Billie Burke (Glinda), and Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch); songs by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg
- 13 Nazi Luftwaffe Stuka dive bombers crash into the ground during a disastrous practice-demonstration at Neuhammer-am-Queis, Silesia, Germany (now Świętoszów, Poland) . No survivors.
- First night game at baseball's Comiskey Park in Chicago, White Sox beat Cleveland Browns 5-2
Famous Birthdays
- (Herman) Onno Ruding, Dutch politician (CDA) (Financial Minister, 1982-89), and businessman (Director of Amrobank, 1971-77), born in Breda, Netherlands
- Herman van Keeken, Dutch singer ("Daddy Don't Run So Fast"), born in Hilversum, Netherlands (d. 1995)
- Norma Waterson, British folk music revivalist, and singer-songwriter, born in Hull, East Yorkshire, England (d. 2022)
About August 15, 1939
Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 84 years, 8 months and 12 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Leo
