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Today in History: Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Television
The BBC introduced the first incarnation of “Doctor Who” in 1963, which follows the exploits of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. The “Day of the Doctor” 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who” screened on BBC One in 2013, which was the first episode to feature the 12th Doctor (played by Peter Capaldi)…The Dynamic Duo (Adam West and Burt Ward) and Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) headed to fictional Londinium to battle Lord Marmaduke Ffogg (Rudy Vallee) and Lady Penelope Peasoup (Glynis Johns) in the first of a three-part installment of ABC’s “Batman” in 1967. Glynis Johns died in January 2024 at the age of 100…Mystery horror anthology series “The Hitchhiker” debuted on HBO in 1983. After four seasons, it moved over to USA Network in May 1989 where it aired for an additional two seasons.

Movies:
Cecil B. DeMille’s first version of “The Ten Commandments,” which was silent, opened in 1923. It was the first in DeMille’s biblical trilogy, followed by “The King of Kings” in 1927 and “The Sign of the Cross” in 1932…”Scrooged“, the comedic remake of “A Christmas Carol” starring Bill Murray opened in theaters in 1988.

Music:
The Beatles released singles “I Feel Fine” and “She’s a Woman” in 1964…George Harrison released single “My Sweet Lord” in 1970…Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” was released in 1979…The “Doggystyle” debut album by Snoop Dogg was released in 1993. It was named the Billboard Album of the Year.

Sports:
In one of the most memorable moments in college sports history, quarterback Doug Flutie threw a last-second 64-yard Hail Mary pass for a touchdown to lift his Boston College Eagles over the Miami Hurricanes 47-45 in 1984… Wayne Gretzky scored his 600th NHL goal in 1988.
 
Celebrity Birthdays:
Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (“Basic Instinct”, “Showgirls”) is 79; comedy writer Bruce Vilanch (“Hollywood Squares”) is 75; singer Bruce Hornsby is 69; actor Maxwell Caulfield (“The Colbys”, “Grease 2”) is 64; “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts is 63; actor John Henton (“Living Single”) is also 63; comedian/game show host Chris Hardwick (“The Wall”) is 52; “Jersey Shore” star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is 36; Singer and actress Miley Cyrus is 31.

Did You Know?
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” was the first number-one single in America and Britain by an ex-Beatle.