George: he's so fine. Oops, another Chiffons reference.    (Photo by Mark Sullivan/Contour by Getty Images)

Thirty-five years ago today, August 31st, 1976, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]George Harrison[/lastfm] was found guilty of “subconsciously plagiarizing” [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Chiffons[/lastfm]‘ “He’s So Fine” in writing his first number-one song, 1970′s “My Sweet Lord”…

Harrison claimed that if he ripped off any song, it was “Oh Happy Day,” made popular by the [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Edwin Hawkins Singers[/lastfm].

In 1978, before the court decided on the damages, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Beatles[/lastfm]‘ former manager Allen Klein, who represented Harrison earlier in the proceedings, purchased the copyright to “He’s So Fine.” The decision cost Harrison almost $600,000 in royalties.

Almost three months after the decision, Harrison released his sixth post-Beatles album, Thirty-Three and a Third, which included “This Song,” written about his frustration with the plagiarism lawsuit.

The rare video, which aired on Saturday Night Live, shows Harrison in a courtroom with many of his friends, including [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jim Keltner[/lastfm] and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Ronnie Wood[/lastfm], dressed up as the jury, bailiff, defense experts and witnesses.

This is a great video if you’ve never seen it…enjoy!  You’re welcome. ~JZ.