On This Day

Film "Lolita" is released, based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick, and starring James Mason and

Film "Lolita" is released, based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick, and starring James Mason and Sue Lyon

Lolita is a 1962 black comedy-psychological drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov. The black-and-white film follows a middle-aged literature professor who develops an infatuation with an adolescent. It stars James Mason as Humbert Humbert, Shelley Winters as Mrs. Haze, Peter Sellers as Quilty, and Sue Lyon (in her film debut) as Dolores "Lolita" Haze.

The novel was considered "unfilmable" when Kubrick acquired the rights around the time of its U.S. publication. Owing to restrictions imposed by the Hays Code (1934–68), Kubrick and producer James B. Harris were compelled to tone down the pedophilic elements that were central to the novel's narrative.

Historical Significance

Lolita is a 1962 black comedy-psychological drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov.

Key People

Vladimir Nabokov

American novelist

Russian and American novelist

Vladimir Nabokov

American novelist

Russian and American novelist

Stanley Kubrick

filmmaker and photographer

American filmmaker and photographer

Events Before

  1. Gabrielle Carteris is born

    Gabrielle Carteris is born

  2. Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike

    Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike

  3. Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records

    The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes.

  4. First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK

    First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK

  5. "I Fall to Pieces" single released by Patsy Cline (Billboard Song of the Year 1961)

    "I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline.

Events After

  1. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

    Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.

  2. David Cone is born

    David Cone athlete, known for american baseball player and analyst, was born on 1963-01-02.

  3. American banker George Woods succeeds Eugene Black as president of the World Bank

    George David Woods (July 27, 1901 – August 20, 1982) was an American investment banker and financier. He served as the fourth President of the World Bank, from January 1963 until March 1968.

  4. Beatles release the single "Please Please Me" / "Ask Me Why"; peaks at #2 in UK, and #3 in US

    Introducing... The Beatles is the first studio album released by the English rock band the Beatles in the United States.

  5. Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens (inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2006)

    The Yardbirds are an English rock band formed in London in 1963. The band started the careers of three of rock's most famous guitarists: Eric Clapton (1963–1965), Jeff Beck (1965–1966) and Jimmy Page...

More from the 1960s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 13, 1962?
Lolita is a 1962 black comedy-psychological drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov. The black-and-white film follows a middle-aged literature professor who develops an infatuation with an adolescent. It stars James Mason as Humbert Humbert, Shelley Winters as Mrs.
Why is Film "Lolita" is released, based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel, directed by Sta... significant?
Lolita is a 1962 black comedy-psychological drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov.
Who was involved in Film "Lolita" is released, based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel, directed by Sta...?
Key figures include Vladimir Nabokov (American novelist), Vladimir Nabokov (American novelist), Stanley Kubrick (filmmaker and photographer).

Explore More