The Artistic Crime of the Century: A High-Altitude Stroll

The Man Who Walked on Air (and the Law)\n\nOn August 7, 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit decided that the view from the ground was far too boring. In a stunt known as the "artistic crime of the century," Petit spent 45 minutes walking, dancing, and even lying down on a tightrope suspended 1,350 feet in the air between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center Today in History: August 7, Twin Tower tightrope walk. Petit and his crew had spent months sneaking equipment into the towers disguised as construction workers. He made eight passes across the wire while police waited at the edges, presumably wondering how to handcuff someone currently standing on a cloud.\n\nOther Bizarre August 7th Highlights:\n\n* The Cursed Debut (1606): Shakespeare’s "Scottish Play," Macbeth, was performed for the first time for King James I August 7: Facts & Historical Events On This Day. Actors still refuse to say its name in theaters today—talk about long-lasting opening night jitters!\n* The Flying Housewife (1948): At the London Olympics, Fanny Blankers-Koen helped the Dutch team win the 4x100 relay while pregnant with her third child On This Day - What Happened on August 7. She proved that "running for two" is a literal gold-medal strategy!