'Die Hard' — proof that Bruce Willis once had hair"Die Hard" was released in U.S. theaters 20 years ago today, simultaneously reinventing the action genre and launching Bruce Willis' film career.

Yippee-ki-yay, indeed.

The basic formula of "Die Hard" became the template for countless inferior copycats, and a handful of cool knockoffs. "Speed," starring Keanu Reeves, was billed as "Die Hard" on a bus and it rocked. "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," billed as "Die Hard" in a chocolate factory, was not so good. Kidding.

Hey, here's a little known fact for ya. There's a sort-of prequel out there for "Die Hard." See, "Die Hard" was adapted from Roderick Thorp's 1979 novel, "Nothing Lasts Forever." That novel was actually a sequel to Thorp's 1966 book, "The Detective," which was adapted for the screen in 1968 and starred Frank Sinatra.

I've never seen "The Detective," so I have no idea how well the two would make for a double feature, but if any of you Frankie fans have seen it, let me know what you think.

OK, enough blathering from me. [2] Check out the original "Die Hard" trailer below if you're bored.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [3])