This day in history features a collection of captivating events spanning centuries. From a tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Hollywood star Carole Lombard to a sensational prank that shook London, and a secret war message that nearly ignited a conflict between the United States and Mexico, January 16th has witnessed moments of both tragedy and intrigue.
Comedian Carole Lombard was a passenger on a chartered plane in 1942, when the pilot decided to refuse her entry, citing a weight restriction. Lombard, however, argued that her war bond efforts were essential to the trip and was allowed to reboard. Tragedy struck soon after a refueling stop when the plane crash ed straight into a near-vertical cliff, resulting in the loss of all passengers. Lombard's final film, 'To Be or Not To Be', was in post-production at the time of her death.
Producers reportedly cut a line from her performance in which she remarked, 'What can happen on a plane?' Lombard's widower, Clark Gable, was in a strong legal position to sue the airline for a substantial payout. Despite marrying twice more in his life, Gable would ultimately be buried beside Lombard.A London theater was filled to capacity on January 16, 1749, after an advertisement promising a spectacle featuring an acrobat who could fit inside an empty wine bottle. The newspaper ad also declared that a man would perform on any ordinary walking stick, playing it like 'every instrument now in use'. The excitement reached fever pitch as theater benches were torn up and debris burned in the street.The prevailing belief is that John Montagu, the Second Duke of Montagu, orchestrated the stunt. 'All his talents lie in things only natural in boys of fifteen years old, and he is about two and fifty,' his mother-in-law lamented. Turning to international affairs, a telegram was sent between the governments of Germany and Mexico on January 16, 1917. Germany, in a bid to draw Mexico into World War I against the United States, urged the latter to declare war. The telegram, sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann, offered financial support to Mexico if they invaded the US. In exchange, Germany promised support for Mexico in annexing New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. However, the Mexican government harbored doubts about German reliability and believed the US would ultimately prevail in any conflict. The message, intercepted by the British, caused widespread outrage when revealed to the US public. Finally, on January 16, 1939, the Superman comic strip made its debut in US newspapers
Carole Lombard Plane Crash John Montagu German Telegram Superman
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