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! TODAY IN ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On December 15th, 1939, "Gone with the Wind" had its world premiere in Atlanta. It starred Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.

In 1943, keyboardist Fats Waller died during a cross-country trip to New York. He was 39.

In 1944, a plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller disappeared during a flight over the English Channel. He was a U.S. Army major at the time. Forty years later, British authorities said the plane was probably hit by explosives jettisoned from British fighters.

In 1959, the Everly Brothers recorded "Let It Be Me" in New York. It was the first time they didn't record in Nashville and the first time they recorded with strings.

In 1966, movie producer Walt Disney died of lung cancer in Los Angeles. He was 65.

In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Plastic Ono Band made its concert debut in London.

In 1977, members of the Sex Pistols were denied visas to enter the U.S., two days before they were to appear on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." Their replacement was Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

In 1985, Sylvester Stallone and Brigitte Nielsen got married.

In 1988, singer James Brown was sentenced to six years in prison for leading police on a chase through two states.

In 1990, singer Rod Stewart married model Rachel Hunter in Beverly Hills, California. They've since split up.

Today's birthdays: Actor-comedian Tim Conway is 74. Singer Cindy Birdsong of The Supremes is 68. Drummer Dave Clark of the Dave Clark Five is 65. Drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge is 61.

Actor Don Johnson is 58. Actor Justin Ross is 53. Bassist Paul Simonon (SIM'-uh-nun) of The Clash is 52. Country singer Doug Phelps (The Kentucky Headhunters, Brothers Phelps) is 47. Actress Helen Slater is 44. Actress Molly Price ("Third Watch") is 42.

Actor Adam Brody ("The O.C.") is 28. Actor George O. Gore II ("My Wife and Kids") is 26.

(Previous for release Saturday, December 15th) Copyright 2007, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-03-07 1005CST | save this article / add to your favorites list