Historical Events
"The Effect of Gamma Rays"
"The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" film directed by Paul Newman and starring his wife Joanna Woodward, premieres in NYC
- Five civilians (four Catholics, one Protestant) killed in gun attack on the Top of the Hill Bar in Derry, North Ireland
"The Sunshine Boys"
Neil Simon's play "The Sunshine Boys" starring Jack Albertson and Sam Levene, and directed by Alan Arkin, opens at Broadhurst Theater (later transferring Shubert, then the Lunt-Fontanne), NYC; runs for 538 performances, winning 2 Tony Awards
Famous Birthdays
- Anders Odden, Norwegian musician, born in Stavanger, Norway
- Jan Caloun, Czech hockey forward (Team Czech Olympic gold 1998), born in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
- Jonathan Wyatt, New Zealand runner (6 x World Mountain Running Trophy; 8 x world mountain running GP Series champion), born in Wellington, New Zealand
Famous Deaths
- Gabby Hartnett, American Baseball Hall of Fame catcher (MLB All Star 1933–38; NL MVP 1935; Chicago Cubs) and manager (Chicago Cubs), dies of cirrhosis on his 72nd birthday
Died in 1972 1972 Highlights
About December 20, 1972
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 51 years, 4 months and 9 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Music Charts
#1 Song: Me And Mrs. Jones - Billy Paul
#1 Song: Long Haired Lover From Liverpool - Little Jimmy Osmond
