Samuel Johnson, on writing:

In this work are exhibited, in a very high degree, the two most engaging powers of an author.

New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new.

- Samuel Johnson.

On this day in music history - The album Sketches, by Michele McLaughlin (2020)

Sketches

by Michele McLaughlin

was released on December 5, 2020.

On this day in movie history - Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Beverly Hills Cop

directed by Martin Brest,

written by Daniel Petrie Jr.,

based on a story by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr.,

was released in the United States on December 5, 1984.

Music by Harold Faltermeyer.

Cast:

Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox, Steven Berkoff, James Russo, Jonathan Banks, Stephen Elliott, Gilbert R. Hill, Art Kimbro, Joel Bailey, Bronson Pinchot, Paul Reiser, Michael Champion, Frank Pesce, Gene Borkan, Michael Gregory, Alice Cadogan, Philip Levien, Karen Mayo-Chandler, Gerald Berns, William Wallace, Israel Juarbe, Randy Vasquez, Damon Wayans, Chuck Adamson, Chip Heller, Rick Overton, Rex Ryon, Mike Pniewski, Douglas Warhit, Paul Drake, Tom Everett, Sally Kishbaugh, Barry Shade, Jack Heller, Michael Harrington, David Wells, Scott Murphy, Dennis Madden, John Achorn, John Pettis, Nicholas Shields, Carl Weintraub, Anthony De Fonte, Darwyn Carson, Mark E. Corry, Thomas J. Hageboeck, Martin Brest, Earl Jolly Brown, Donald Chaffin, Dan Cotter, Bob Davis, Peter Paul Eastman, Robert Hitchcock, David Patrick Kelly, Paul LeClair, Freeman Love, Farrell Mayer, Danny Nero, Walter Spear, Nico Stevens.

On this day in movie history - Serpico (1973)

Serpico

directed by Sidney Lumet,

written by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler,

based on the book by Peter Maas,

was released in the United States on December 5, 1973.

Music by Mikis Theodorakis.

Cast:
Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young, Cornelia Sharpe, Edward Grover, Tony Roberts, Allan Rich, Albert Henderson, Joseph Bova, Woodie King Jr., James Tolkan, Bernard Barrow, Nathan George, M. Emmet Walsh, Ted Beniades, F. Murray Abraham, Judd Hirsch.

Born on this day – Lisa Sheridan:

Actress

Producer

December 5, 1974 – February 25, 2019

Credits:

Strange Nature (2018); Six LA Love Stories (2016); Murder in the First (2016); Still the King (2016); The Fosters (2016); A Christmas Eve Miracle (2015); Only God Can (2015); Sick Day (2014); A Magic Christmas (2014); Taken Away (2014); Halt and Catch Fire (2014); Category 5 (2014); Elsa & Fred (2014); Perception (2013); Scandal (2013); Tiny Little Words (2012); Home Invasion (2012); Private Practice (2011); CSI: NY (2011); Healing Hands (2010); NCIS (2009); The Mentalist (2009); Conspiracy (2008); McCartney's Genes (2008); Saving Grace (2008); Shark (2008); CSI: Miami (2007–2008); Journeyman (2007); Moonlight (2007); The 4400 (2007); Invasion (2005–2006); Strong Medicine (2005); Without a Trace (2005); Monk (2004); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2004); Las Vegas (2004); The Practice (2003); Carolina (2003); Pirates (2003); FreakyLinks (2000–2001); Beat (2000); Diagnosis Murder (1999); Legacy (1998–1999); Any Day Now (1998); Step by Step (1997).

Born on this day – Carrie Hamilton:

Actress

Writer

December 5, 1963 – January 20, 2002

Credits:

Lunchtime Thomas (2001); The Pretender (2000); P.1 (1999); The X-Files (1999); Brooklyn South (1998); Touched by an Angel (1997); Walker, Texas Ranger (1995); Cool World (1992); A Mother's Justice (1991); Thirtysomething (1991); Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991); Equal Justice (1991); Murder, She Wrote (1990); Checkered Flag (1990); Carol & Company (1990); The 61st Annual Academy Awards (1989); Single Women Married Men (1989); Tokyo Pop (1988); Knightwatch (1988); Shag (1988); Tokyo Pop (1988); Hostage (1988); Fame (1986–1987); Love Lives On (1985).

Born on this day – Pamela Blair:

Actress

December 5, 1949 – July 23, 2023