on this Day

1937: George Gershwin, American composer whose work included Rhapsody In Blue and Porgy And Bess, died aged 38 of a brain tumour.

1949: The first film made specially for British television, A Dinner Date With Death, was shot at Marylebone Studios between July 11 and 14.

1950: Puppets Andy Pandy, Teddy and Looby Loo first appeared on BBC Television. The episodes were repeated for more than 25 years, until the film began to wear out, and Andy waved his last goodbye from the basket.

1975: China’s great Terracotta Army was uncovered near the ancient capital of Xian. More than 6,000 life-sized warriors were made around 206BC to guard the tomb of the first emperor.

1979: America’s Skylab I returned to Earth after 34,981 orbits in six years.

1989: Theatre lights were dimmed in London and around Britain as a mark of respect to Lord Olivier, pictured, who died in his sleep, aged 82.