The Woody Allen satire film Sleeper, starring Diane Keaton, is released

It Happened on
December 17, 1973

50 years ago...

"Sleeper" is a 1973 science fiction comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The plot of the film is set in a dystopian future and follows the adventures of Miles Monroe, played by Woody Allen himself. Miles Monroe is a jazz musician and owner of a health food store in the 1970s. Due to a bizarre medical mishap during a routine dental procedure, he is cryogenically frozen and remains in suspended animation for 200 years. When he is accidentally thawed out in the future, he wakes up in a world that has undergone significant changes.

In this future society, the government is ruled by a totalitarian regime, and people live in a conformist and absurdly bureaucratic world. There are various satirical elements and humorous exaggerations of futuristic technology, fashion, and social norms. Woody Allen's character, Miles, becomes an unwitting rebel as he navigates this strange world. Miles is eventually joined by a rebellious woman named Luna Schlosser, played by Diane Keaton, who is involved in a plot to overthrow the oppressive government. Together, they go on a series of comical and daring adventures as they try to disrupt the regime and bring about change. "Sleeper" is known for its humor, social commentary, and satirical take on science fiction themes. It blends Woody Allen's trademark wit with futuristic elements to create a unique and entertaining film that explores issues such as totalitarianism, conformity, and the role of technology in society.

Nine months later


born on September 19, 1974

Jimmy Fallon

American stand-up comedian, television host and actor

born on January 05, 1946

Diane Keaton

American actress

born on November 30, 1935

Woody Allen

[a] American filmmaker, actor, and comedian whose career spans more than six decades

born on September 19, 1974

Jimmy Fallon

American stand-up comedian, television host and actor

People featured in this post:


Woody Allen

[a] American filmmaker, actor, and comedian whose career spans more than six decades


Diane Keaton

American actress

Harvard Club Bans Princess

This bit of fabricated controversy appeared in the New York Times on December 6, 1909. Princess Vilma caused much stir with her feminist operations. Princess Vilma has also declared that she is the cousin of the Dean of Harvard…

“But I haven’t come to see the men; I have come to examine your portraits.”

HARVARD CLUB BARS PRINCESS
Russian Portrait Artist Not Permitted to Enter Its Doors.

The Princess Lwoff-Parlaghy of Russia, who is staying at the Plaza and paints portraits, encountered a rebuff yesterday at the Harvard Club on West Forty-fourth Street. She created a sensation when she arrived in her gilded and colorful crested landau in front of the club in the early afternoon. Young men at the windows observed her footman, adorned with epaulets and cockades, jump from the box and approach the door. He was met by a bellboy who, after much discussion, fetched a member of the House Committee.

This committee member took a visiting card from the Princess, which belonged to a club member, with the following note written on it:
‘Please allow the Princess to inspect the portraits in Harvard Hall.’

The House Committee member stated that this was impossible.
“If you could visit on another day, Princess,” he began.
“But,” she said,
“I have come today,
and I am introduced by a club member’s card.”
“This is a men’s club,” said the member.
“There are only men here.”
“I understand,” replied the Princess,
“But I haven’t come to see the men; I have come to examine your portraits.”

By this time, a crowd had gathered on the other side of the street to witness the incident. Children were marveling at the splendid coachman and footman, and onlookers peered out from all the windows. So, the Princess instructed her coachman, and the glittering landau turned around and rolled away up the avenue.”

Harvard Club remembers Princess Vilma Lwoff Parlaghy and has created this 7-page dossier about her

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Princess Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy

Her serene Highness - Prolific portraitist of notable Europeans and Americans