August 12, 1972
A Big Mac cost $0.60 that summer of 1972, and the Dow Jones sat at 1,020 — while the Senate was voting 49 to 47 to adopt a proposal for ending the war in Vietnam, signaling that public and political pressure to withdraw from Southeast Asia was reaching a critical threshold. On movie screens across the country, "The Godfather" was pulling in record crowds and cementing itself as the dominant film of the year, while Bill Withers held the top spot on the radio with "Lean On Me," a song built around themes of community and mutual support that resonated widely. That same summer, the United States sent its athletes to the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, where they returned with 33 gold, 31 silver, and 30 bronze medals, a total of 94, making it one of the most decorated American Olympic performances of the era.
On the cover
Magazine Covers — August 12, 1972
NY Times Headlines — Week of August 12, 1972
Dayan Says Move By Cairo Reduces His Army'S Needs
Mrs. Birth Says Key Issue In Talks Is Saigon'S Rule
Last G.I. Combat Troops Leave Quietly
World Events — August 1972
Time Person of the Year — 1972
On the radio
Billboard Charts — August 12, 1972
Grammy Awards
On the bookshelf
On the television
Nielsen Top 10 — 1971–72 Season
Emmy Winners — 1972
At the movies
Box Office & Oscar Winners — August 12, 1972
Ebert 4-Star Films — August 12, 1972
On the field
Sports Champions — August 12, 1972
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