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Events on Friday 25 May 1979 2
1979Alien released in cinemasRidley Scott's film redefines the science-fiction horror genreRidley Scott's Alien, starring Sigourney Weaver, opened in US cinemas on 25 May 1979. Its tagline "In space no one can hear you scream" and the design of its creature by H. R. Giger made it an instant genre landmark. The film spawned a long-running franchise of sequels and spin-offs.
1979American Airlines Flight 191 crashes in ChicagoAn engine separation causes the deadliest US air disasterAmerican Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, crashed shortly after takeoff from Chicago O'Hare on 25 May 1979 after an engine detached from the wing. All 271 people on board and two on the ground were killed. It remains the deadliest aviation accident to occur in the United States.