Historical Events
- German U-boat torpedoes passenger ship
Event of Interest
Jerome Kern/Hammerstein II's "Very Warm for May" premieres in NYC

Jerome Kern
- The Rome-Rio de Janeiro air connection is created.
Famous Birthdays
- Auberon Waugh, British author (d. 2001)
1939 Highlights
About November 17, 1939
Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 81 years, 2 months and 11 days
Leap Year: No
Generation Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Scorpio