With his time in the business, Donald Curtis amassed a resume of over one hundred different screen credits. Genre fans probalby know him best from work aboard Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe (1940), Invisible Agent (1942), The Amazing Mr. X (1948), It Came From Beneath The Sea (1955), Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956) several appearances to Science Fiction Theatre, Get Smart, and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Though he's no longer with us, Curtis was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of The Amazing Mr. X via a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. (FYI: Curtis had a role in the production.) Interested in my thoughts on the film? Check out my post right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of The Amazing Mr. X via a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. (FYI: Curtis had a role in the production.) Interested in my thoughts on the film? Check out my post right here.
The lovely Lynn Cartwright didn't leave behind a resume of great reknown so far as Science Fiction goes, but she did leave an imprint on such features as Science Fiction Theatre, Queen Of Outer Space (1958), The Wasp Woman (1959), Far Out Space Nuts, and The Lucifer Complex (1978). Though she's no longer with us, Cartwright was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By no stretch of the imagination is Joanne Woodward known for her work in SciFi, but -- I kid you not -- IMDB.com reports that she enjoyed her professional debut in a role aboard 1952's Tales Of Tomorrow. Woodward was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in her professional career, screen legend Elizabeth Taylor provided some voicework for TV's Captain Planet and The Planeteers. Though she's no longer with us, Taylor was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the mid-1960's, hunky Van Williams was contracted to bring the Fantasy-themed The Green Hornet to life for the small screen. Though he's no longer with us, Williams was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As 'Dr. Hayashida,' the esteemed Yôsuke Natsuki faced down the threat of a generation when he went toe-to-toe with Godzilla 1985 (1984) from Toho Company. Though he's no longer with us, Natsuki was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Barbara Babcock had several contributions to the SciFi classic Star Trek, but perhaps the most memorable was her turn as Mea 3 in "A Taste of Armageddon." Babcock was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
P. H. Moriarty had a small but critical role in Outland (1981), and he turned in a meatier performance in both Dune and Children of Dune television miniseries. Moriarty was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Howard Hesseman has built a solid career in the entertainment business, but he hasn't done much Science Fiction. He has put in time aboard Flight of the Navigator (1986), The Ray Bradbury Theatre, The Outer Limits, and Level 9. Though he's no longer with us, Hesseman was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Charlotte Stewart joined Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward in the brilliant SciFi/Comedy Tremors (1990). She's also boasted appearances aboard UFOria (1985), Journey to the Center of the Earth (1988), Twin Peaks, Dark Angel: The Ascent (1994), and Tremors 3: Back To Perfection (2001). Stewart was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the 1970's, the lovely Mary Frann joined Bill Bixby aboard an episode of TV's popular The Incredible Hulk. So far as genre work goes, the actress made visits to such worlds as The Fantastic Journey and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. Though she's no longer with us, Frann was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bolo Yeung -- aka 'the Chinese Hercules' -- joined fitness guru Billy Blanks aboard TC 2000 (1993) for Film One Productions. Yeung was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Roger Pratt helped bring to life some astounding visuals with his work aboard Brazil (1985), Batman (1989), Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), Twelve Monkeys (1995), and a few of the Harry Potter features. Pratt was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Angela Aames is one of those ladies who, sadly, is no longer with us. It's hard to say the direction her career may've gone, but she certainly made the most of her time in the business, capturing hearts with her work aboard Mork & Mindy, Automan, The Lost Empire (1984), and Chopping Mall (1986). Though she's no longer with us, Aames was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Timothy Spall's bigger roles of late have put him firmly in the realm of Fantasy (as seen from his above appearance in the Harry Potter saga), the actor dabbled in SciFi with a guest role aboard Red Dwarf in 1992. Spall was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You say you were a Klingon? Then you'll definitely get a mention! James Worthy took time out of playing professional basketball player to suit up in the guise of a Klingon warrior aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Qapla', I say! Worthy was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've said many times before, I never much cared for Firefly or its subsequent theatrical outing Serenity. It was all well and good ... just not my cup of tea. But I love the work of Adam Baldwin. He's been a terrific addition to The Last Ship on TNT, if you caught any of its run on that network. Plus, I follow him on Twitter. Baldwin was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious and leatherbound Andrea Savio did like most actresses who were delicious and leatherbound did in the 1980's: she braved one of the many cinema versions of the Apocalypse, this one titled Stryker for HCI International. Savio was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Seriously, one of my all-time favorite character actors is the talented and charismatic John Pyper-Ferguson. He first caught my eye in Fox TV's unappreciated The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., and -- since then -- he's continued to turn in noteworthy work on Highlander, Legend, Space Marines (1996), The Sentinel, The X-Files, The Warlord: Battle for the Galaxy (1998), Millennium, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Viper, Harsh Realm, The Outer Limits, Jeremiah, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica (Syfy), Night Stalker, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Lost, Caprica, Fringe, Grimm, Alphas, The Last Ship, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Pyper-Ferguson was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noah Emmerich -- from the underrated time-travel gem Frequency as well as the grossly overrated Super 8 -- also celebrates his birthday today. More recently, he enjoyed much acclaim as the CIA officer torn between his duty to his home and his county in FX's The Americans. Emmerich was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his career, the talented Donal Logue enjoyed a guest role aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Logue was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the dreamy Jacqueline Collen caught fandom's attention -- and a bird, from the looks of it -- with her work aboard the TV Fantasy adaptation of The Adventures Of Sinbad. Collen was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Breaking Bad's Charles Baker made an appearance in the pilot episode for USA Network's interesting Colony series. Baker was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: Grabbers (2012) was one of the funnest discoveries I had the good pleasure to experience. The SciFi flick bears a lot of similarities with another SciFi/Horror favorite of mine -- Tremors (1990) -- so I encourage folks to check it out when they can find it on home video or cable. In any event, the venerable Richard Coyle played a key role in the film, and Coyle was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bingbing Li has found modest fame as a semi-regular in the Resident Evil franchise. She also recently appeared in the cast of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Li was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, the lovely Christina Nigra built a solid resume in the world of genre entertainment, appearing in such projects as Goliath Awaits (1981), The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), Out Of This World, and Harry And The Hendersons. Nigra was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Australian-born Quentin Kenihan played a minor but nevertheless somewhat villainous role aboard Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Kenihan was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nikki Amuka-Bird played the role of Diomika Tsing (second from right) aboard the Wachowskis' box office failure Jupiter Ascending for Warner Bros. Pictures. Amuka-Bird was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
English-born Stephen Wight has certainly built himself a few solid genre credentials with work aboard Hex, Highlander: The Source (2007), Ashes To Ashes, Apparitions, Misfits, and Men In Black: International (2019). Wight was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Stephanie Beran faced down the dangerous Planet Of The Sharks (2016) for Syfy and Asylum Pictures. Beran was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Think what you may, but I suspect lovely Kate Mara's star is on the rise. She turned in some pretty significant work on the Netflix original House of Cards, though fandom swooned for the woman when she appeared as Sue Storm in the newfangled version of the Fantastic Four. Also, she appeared in The Martian (2015). Mara was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As 'Raven Reyes,' the lovely Lindsey Morgan plays one of the key regulars fighting for survival aboard The CW's The 100. Morgan was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Theo Stevenson played a big role in AMC's adaptation of the Swedish-language SciFi series, Humans. Stevenson was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), Curse Of The Demon reached out from the screen to grab the heart of audiences. Directed for the screen by Jacques Tourneur, the feature starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, and Athene Seyler. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), the First Man Into Space blasted off ... well, cinematically, that is. Directed by Robert Day, the SciFi/Thriller starred Marshall Thompson, Marla Landi, and Bill Edwards. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first pilot to leave Earth's atmosphere lands, then vanishes; but something with a craving for blood prowls the countryside..."
"The first pilot to leave Earth's atmosphere lands, then vanishes; but something with a craving for blood prowls the countryside..."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Hypnotic Eye focused its evil retinaes on audiences. Directed by George Blair from a script by Gitta Woodfield and William Read Woodfield, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jacques Bergerac, Merry Anders, and Marcia Henderson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious hypnotist is suspected by the police of being responsible for a wave of female mutilation victims."
"A mysterious hypnotist is suspected by the police of being responsible for a wave of female mutilation victims."
On this day in 1970 (in Czechoslavokia), the SciFi/Comedy I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Oldrich Lipský, the SciFi/Comedy feature starred Jirí Sovák, Jana Brejchová, and Petr Cepek. Here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"This futuristic science fiction comedy features an atomic bomb blast that causes women to grow beards and lose the ability to have children. A summit meeting is held at the United Nations, with the proposed solution of building a time machine. The decision is made to travel back in time and murder Einstein, with the hopeful result being that without the noted mathematician's research there will be no atomic bombs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen earned an extra bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"This futuristic science fiction comedy features an atomic bomb blast that causes women to grow beards and lose the ability to have children. A summit meeting is held at the United Nations, with the proposed solution of building a time machine. The decision is made to travel back in time and murder Einstein, with the hopeful result being that without the noted mathematician's research there will be no atomic bombs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen earned an extra bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in Italy), the good people of Milan were treated to the big screen launch of The Bird With The Crystal Plumage. Written (in part) and directed by genre master Dario Argento, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, and Eva Renzi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American expatriate in Rome attempts to unmask a serial killer he witnessed in the act of an attempted murder - and is now hunting him and his girlfriend."
"An American expatriate in Rome attempts to unmask a serial killer he witnessed in the act of an attempted murder - and is now hunting him and his girlfriend."
On this day in 1974 (in West Germany), the SciFi-lite adventure Wonder Women enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Nancy Kwan and Ross Hagen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An insurance investigator battles Dr. Tsu and her sexy all-girl army."
"An insurance investigator battles Dr. Tsu and her sexy all-girl army."
On this day in 1979 (in West Germany), Starship Invasions enjoyed its premiere on television. Written and directed by Ed Hunt, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Vaughn, Christopher Lee, and Daniel Pilon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth."
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), Final Exam enjoyed its big screen debut for the good people of Dayton, Ohio. Written and directed by Jimmy Huston, the Horror/Fantasy starred Cecile Bagdadi, Joel S. Rice, and Ralph Brown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A psycho killer shows up on college campus to slash up pretty co-eds and dumb jocks."
"A psycho killer shows up on college campus to slash up pretty co-eds and dumb jocks."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), audiences were taken on a terrifying journey known as Road Games. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Franklin, the Horror/Fantasy starred Stacy Keach, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Marion Edward. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A laid-back American truck driver in south Australia suspects that the driver of a green van is killing young women along his route, and plays a game of cat-and-mouse to catch him."
"A laid-back American truck driver in south Australia suspects that the driver of a green van is killing young women along his route, and plays a game of cat-and-mouse to catch him."
On this day in 1981 (in Portugal), The Final Countdown raced against the clock cinematically. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Martin Sheen and Kirk Douglas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), Starflight (aka Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land) blasted off on television. Directed by Jerry Jameson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lee Majors, Hal Linden, and Lauren Hutton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On the maiden flight of the first hypersonic commercial plane which can make the flight from New York City to London in four hours, a minor disaster occurs resulting in the plane actually leaving the Earth's atmosphere and orbiting around the globe. A lack of heat-resistant tiling prevents the plane from simply re-entering the atmosphere. With oxygen (and therefore time) running out, the crew of the plane and the crew on the ground must figure out a way to return the plane and its passengers to safety."
"On the maiden flight of the first hypersonic commercial plane which can make the flight from New York City to London in four hours, a minor disaster occurs resulting in the plane actually leaving the Earth's atmosphere and orbiting around the globe. A lack of heat-resistant tiling prevents the plane from simply re-entering the atmosphere. With oxygen (and therefore time) running out, the crew of the plane and the crew on the ground must figure out a way to return the plane and its passengers to safety."
On this day in 1984 (in Denmark), Stryker brought his brand of justice to the Apocalypse. Written (in part) and directed by Cirio H. Santiago, the film starred Steve Sandor, Andrea Savio, and William Ostrander. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
On this day in 1985 (in Switzerland), The Terminator came back from the future to destroy the past. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), From The Dead Of Night enjoyed its first broadcast of record. Directed by Paul Wendkos, the Horror/Thriller starred Lindsay Wagner, Bruce Boxleitner, and Robin Thomas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After having a near death experience Joanna finds her life in constant danger. She begins to believe that certain forces are trying to bring her back into the world of the dead. Her boyfriend Glen thinks she's crazy so Joanna turns to her ex-boyfriend, Peter. It just so happens that Peter is a strong believer in the supernatural and even teaches a course on it at a local college. Together they must confront the "walkers" so that Joanna can live to see another day."
"After having a near death experience Joanna finds her life in constant danger. She begins to believe that certain forces are trying to bring her back into the world of the dead. Her boyfriend Glen thinks she's crazy so Joanna turns to her ex-boyfriend, Peter. It just so happens that Peter is a strong believer in the supernatural and even teaches a course on it at a local college. Together they must confront the "walkers" so that Joanna can live to see another day."
A star is born! On this day in 1994, TekLab aired as one of the telefilms launching William Shatner's TekWar SciFi series. The film starred Greg Evigan and Eugene Clark, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The actual sword of Excalibur has been stolen in London, and futuristic detectives Jake Cardigan and Sid Gomez are assigned to track it down and to find out who is trying to block the British reign from its rightful heir."
"The actual sword of Excalibur has been stolen in London, and futuristic detectives Jake Cardigan and Sid Gomez are assigned to track it down and to find out who is trying to block the British reign from its rightful heir."
On this day in 1998, Dark City brightened up moviehouses. The feature starred Rufus Sewell and Jennifer Connelly, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun."
"A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun."
On this day in 1998 (in Brazil and Italy), Starship Troopers took the fight to those nasty bugs. Paul Verhoeven directed this adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel, and it starred Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in Portugal), Undead enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever when it played for audiences in attedance of the Fantasporto Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Michael and Peter Spierig, the Horror/Fantasy starred Felicity Mason, Mungo McKay, and Rob Jenkins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A quaint Australian fishing village is overcome by meteorites that turn its residents into the ravenous undead, leaving a small group of those unharmed to find a way out."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Undead enjoyed a good amount of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A quaint Australian fishing village is overcome by meteorites that turn its residents into the ravenous undead, leaving a small group of those unharmed to find a way out."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Undead enjoyed a good amount of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2004 (in Canada), the SciFi/Horror flick Decoys enjoyed its release. The feature starred Corey Sevier and Kim Poirier, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Luke and Roger are just another couple of college guys trying to lose their virginity. But when Luke sees something unusual, he begins to suspect that the girls on campus aren't exactly human."
"Luke and Roger are just another couple of college guys trying to lose their virginity. But when Luke sees something unusual, he begins to suspect that the girls on campus aren't exactly human."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Meltdown: Days Of Destruction enjoyed its home video launch. Directed by J.P. Howell from a story by Rick Drew, the SciFi/Thriller starred Casper Van Dien, Vincent Gale, and Stefanie von Pfetten. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Despite scientist Nathan's warnings, his boss continues an experiment meant as publicity for his satellite firm: exploding an asteroid. Instead it splits, and the major piece, the size of Iceland, changes course to earth. It is deflected but so close that it shift our course closer to the sun, causing rapid extreme heating, hopefully only mid-term. Nathan warns his sister, TV journalist Carly, and she her lover, police detective Tom. He brings his unruly daughter Kim, her ex-con lover C.J. and her mother, nurse Bonnie, when Nathan offers a flight to a friend's Arctic weather station. Tom takes charge of a dangerous trip to the airport, as everywhere on earth things catch fire and people fight for water, transport and sheer looting."
"Despite scientist Nathan's warnings, his boss continues an experiment meant as publicity for his satellite firm: exploding an asteroid. Instead it splits, and the major piece, the size of Iceland, changes course to earth. It is deflected but so close that it shift our course closer to the sun, causing rapid extreme heating, hopefully only mid-term. Nathan warns his sister, TV journalist Carly, and she her lover, police detective Tom. He brings his unruly daughter Kim, her ex-con lover C.J. and her mother, nurse Bonnie, when Nathan offers a flight to a friend's Arctic weather station. Tom takes charge of a dangerous trip to the airport, as everywhere on earth things catch fire and people fight for water, transport and sheer looting."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), the 1987-produced Beyond The Rising Moon (aka Outerworld) enjoyed a new release on home video. Written and directed by Philip J. Cook, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tracy Davis, Hans Bachmann, and Michael Mack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien spaceship is being sought by various factions on Earth. A female cyborg and a rogue trader team up to stop evil forces from taking over the ship."
"An alien spaceship is being sought by various factions on Earth. A female cyborg and a rogue trader team up to stop evil forces from taking over the ship."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to Dreamland. Written (in part) and directed by James P. Lay, the SciFi/Horror starred Jackie Kreisler, Shane Elliott, and Jonathan Breck. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Meghan and Dylan are crossing the Nevada desert in an old car to visit her foster parents, and Meghan sees a little girl alone in the desert. They stop at the "Little A'Le'Inn" diner, a weird place decorated with alien motif, to eat a hamburger with milkshake and they have a conversation with the bartender Blake, who tells stories about UFOs. They leave the diner and they have to stop in the middle of nowhere due a car problem. Dylan faints and Meghan sees the little girl and ghost that tell her that they know who she is. Is Meghan losing her mind or are the weird events for real?"
"Meghan and Dylan are crossing the Nevada desert in an old car to visit her foster parents, and Meghan sees a little girl alone in the desert. They stop at the "Little A'Le'Inn" diner, a weird place decorated with alien motif, to eat a hamburger with milkshake and they have a conversation with the bartender Blake, who tells stories about UFOs. They leave the diner and they have to stop in the middle of nowhere due a car problem. Dylan faints and Meghan sees the little girl and ghost that tell her that they know who she is. Is Meghan losing her mind or are the weird events for real?"
A star is born ... and this one's packin' heat! On this day in 2011 (in Japan), audiences in attendance of the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the silver screen debut of Yakuza Weapon (aka Gokudô heiki). Written (in part) and directed by the team of Tak Sakaguchi and Yûdai Yamaguchi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Akaji Maro, Shingo Tsurumi, and Mei Kurokawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his father is killed, a young yakuza comes back to Japan for revenge - and a machine gun for an arm."
"After his father is killed, a young yakuza comes back to Japan for revenge - and a machine gun for an arm."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in France), Goal Of The Dead took a shot at cinematic greatness. Directed by the team of Thierry Poiraud and Benjamin Rocher, the Horror/Comedy starred Alban Lenoir, Charlie Bruneau, and Tiphaine Daviot. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A professional football team arrives at their lowly rivals stadium to find a zombie apocalypse has turned the hostile fans into rabid undead hooligans."
"A professional football team arrives at their lowly rivals stadium to find a zombie apocalypse has turned the hostile fans into rabid undead hooligans."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Astraea was first unveiled on the silver screen for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Directed by Kristjan Thor from a story by Ashlin Halfnight, the SciFi/Drama starred Scotty Crowe, Jessica Cummings, and Nerea Duhart. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Astraea, a telepathic teenage girl, follows her visions through a post-apocalyptic America and into a snowy wilderness. She hopes to find her family and re-build her way of life, but first she must control her gift and survive the winter."
"Astraea, a telepathic teenage girl, follows her visions through a post-apocalyptic America and into a snowy wilderness. She hopes to find her family and re-build her way of life, but first she must control her gift and survive the winter."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Portugal), Prisoner X enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Fantasporto - Oporto International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Gaurav Seth, the SciFi/Drama starred Julian Richings, Michelle Nolden, and Damon Runyan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the world rages in war and civil strife, a CIA agent arrives at a secret underground prison to interrogate a time-traveling terrorist, who she believes is responsible for the unfolding catastrophe."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Prisoner X earned a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Prisoner X via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? SciFiHistory.Net readers can find my review right here.
"As the world rages in war and civil strife, a CIA agent arrives at a secret underground prison to interrogate a time-traveling terrorist, who she believes is responsible for the unfolding catastrophe."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Prisoner X earned a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Prisoner X via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? SciFiHistory.Net readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2017, Realive played at the Oporto International Film Festival. The feature starred Tom Hughes and Oona Chaplin, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Marc (Tom Hughes) is diagnosed with a disease and is given one year left to live. Unable to accept his own end, he decides to freeze his body. Sixty years later, in the year 2084, he becomes the first man to be revived in history. It is then he discovers that the love of his life, Naomi (Oona Chaplin), has accompanied him this entire time in a way that he'd never expected."
"Marc (Tom Hughes) is diagnosed with a disease and is given one year left to live. Unable to accept his own end, he decides to freeze his body. Sixty years later, in the year 2084, he becomes the first man to be revived in history. It is then he discovers that the love of his life, Naomi (Oona Chaplin), has accompanied him this entire time in a way that he'd never expected."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Starwatch enjoyed an exclusive theatrical premiere for good people of Dallas, Texas. Written and directed by Kevin Birnbaum, the SciFi/Drama starred CB Ferrari, Carlos Gallardo, and Ron Kolb. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A trial is held in the asteroid belt in the year 2075 to determine the fate of humanity."
"A trial is held in the asteroid belt in the year 2075 to determine the fate of humanity."
On this day in 2018, the U.S. suffered an Alien Psychosis via its internet release. Written and directed by Jason Mills, the feature starred Steve Baran and Jackson Berlin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ryan O'Neil, a War Veteran suffering from PTSD after being wounded in combat, returns home to his pregnant wife, Stephanie. Her brother Tony, a corrupt cop, has been helping her out while her husband has been serving the country. Ryan and Tony have never been fond of each other, and things get heated as Tony attempts to meddle with their marriage. But when Ryan starts to have flashes and visions of killers, extraterrestrials, and other strange beings in his house at night, he's not sure whether it is real or if it is just in his mind. Stephanie, already on edge with Ryan, is deeply concerned about her husband's behavior. As the days go by, Ryan will soon find out what sinister presence has been haunting him in his nightmares."
"Ryan O'Neil, a War Veteran suffering from PTSD after being wounded in combat, returns home to his pregnant wife, Stephanie. Her brother Tony, a corrupt cop, has been helping her out while her husband has been serving the country. Ryan and Tony have never been fond of each other, and things get heated as Tony attempts to meddle with their marriage. But when Ryan starts to have flashes and visions of killers, extraterrestrials, and other strange beings in his house at night, he's not sure whether it is real or if it is just in his mind. Stephanie, already on edge with Ryan, is deeply concerned about her husband's behavior. As the days go by, Ryan will soon find out what sinister presence has been haunting him in his nightmares."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in England), the good people of London were treated to the silver screen premiere of Captain Marvel. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ben Mendelsohn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races."
"Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures of Superman aired "Crime Wave." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As a massive crime wave unfolds, Superman vows to put top mobsters behind bars. His ultimate target is the mysterious "No. 1 man." The top criminal devises a trap for the Man of Steel."
"As a massive crime wave unfolds, Superman vows to put top mobsters behind bars. His ultimate target is the mysterious "No. 1 man." The top criminal devises a trap for the Man of Steel."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Rescue In Space." Sadly, neither IMDB.com nor TV.com are able to furnish us with any plot summary, so it would appear the details may be lost to history.
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation concluded the two-parter "Birthright," as part of its sixth season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Having discovered survivors from the Romulan attack on Kittomer (the famed attack that established peace between the Klingons and the Federation), Worf resists becoming one of them, even though he becomes a prisoner, himself. Instead, he begins to teach the younger Klingons about their ancestry and the proud tradition that exists among them, much to the chagrin of the Elders."
"Having discovered survivors from the Romulan attack on Kittomer (the famed attack that established peace between the Klingons and the Federation), Worf resists becoming one of them, even though he becomes a prisoner, himself. Instead, he begins to teach the younger Klingons about their ancestry and the proud tradition that exists among them, much to the chagrin of the Elders."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "The Rival." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Metropolis Star seems able to scoop The Daily Planet on every story. Lois and Clark cannot discover how, until Clark embarks on a plan to investigate the Star and it's publisher Preston Carpenter, a man in the mold of Charles Foster Kane."
"The Metropolis Star seems able to scoop The Daily Planet on every story. Lois and Clark cannot discover how, until Clark embarks on a plan to investigate the Star and it's publisher Preston Carpenter, a man in the mold of Charles Foster Kane."
True story: a guy one time gave me the suggestion that should I ever get a screen-cap of the lovely Terry Farrell in a towel then I should run it. Best advice I ever got! On this day in 1994, TV audiences for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine were indeed treated to the lovely aforementioned Ms. Farrell in a towel as part of "Playing God." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"A Trill named Arjin comes to DS9 to learn what it is to be a Trill with a symbiont but finds his teacher, Dax, to be less than he expected."
Did I mention you get to see Terry Farrell in a towel?
"A Trill named Arjin comes to DS9 to learn what it is to be a Trill with a symbiont but finds his teacher, Dax, to be less than he expected."
Did I mention you get to see Terry Farrell in a towel?
Hey! O'Brien! Who's that good-looking guy over your shoulder? Why, it's you! On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine delivered audiences two O'Briens for the price of one as part of the storyline titled "Visionary." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"While a Romulan delegation tries to get information about the Dominion, O'Brien gets visions of unpleasant things that are about to happen in the future."
"While a Romulan delegation tries to get information about the Dominion, O'Brien gets visions of unpleasant things that are about to happen in the future."
On this day in 1996 (in Finland), The X-Files aired "Fearful Symmetry." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a small town in Idaho, a man is killed by what seems to be an invisible elephant. Mulder's investigation into the local zoo, its owners and a local animal rights group uncovers evidence of insidious alien experiments."
"In a small town in Idaho, a man is killed by what seems to be an invisible elephant. Mulder's investigation into the local zoo, its owners and a local animal rights group uncovers evidence of insidious alien experiments."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Politics." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Stargate team must justify the project's continuation when a doubtful senator, Head of the Congressional Military Appropriations Committee, comes to review the project's performance."
"The Stargate team must justify the project's continuation when a doubtful senator, Head of the Congressional Military Appropriations Committee, comes to review the project's performance."
On this day in 1999 (in Hungary), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Contagion." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Encountering the superior technology of a very ancient race creates system malfunctions for a doomed Federation starship, for the Enterprise, and for an eavesdropping Romulan warbird."
"Encountering the superior technology of a very ancient race creates system malfunctions for a doomed Federation starship, for the Enterprise, and for an eavesdropping Romulan warbird."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Seven Days aired "Parkergeist." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An inside job ends up killing Frank in a sabotaged Backstep, but surprisingly he finds he's a ghost and with some help, must stop the security leak and find a way to fix things."
"An inside job ends up killing Frank in a sabotaged Backstep, but surprisingly he finds he's a ghost and with some help, must stop the security leak and find a way to fix things."
On this day in 2008 (in Bulgaria), Heroes aired "Chapter 01 - Genesis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the ending was in sight at Syfy aired the seventeenth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth and final season. This hour was titled "Someone To Watch Over Me," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Kara meets a pianist who reminds her of her father. She tries to play a melody she remembers from her childhood, and a drawing made by Hera helps her. Meanwhile, Boomer is to be tried for treason. Tyrol takes her side, and helps her escape."
"Kara meets a pianist who reminds her of her father. She tries to play a melody she remembers from her childhood, and a drawing made by Hera helps her. Meanwhile, Boomer is to be tried for treason. Tyrol takes her side, and helps her escape."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), 12 Monkeys aired "The Keys." Officially, this hour served as the seventh episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Cole, Railly and Aaron race to stop the virus from being deployed as a bio-weapon in Chechnya."
"Cole, Railly and Aaron race to stop the virus from being deployed as a bio-weapon in Chechnya."
On this day in 2018 (in Australia and the Netherlands), DC's Legends Of Tomorrow aired "The Curse Of The Earth Totem." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Sara takes some private time, the Legends follow a lead on the whereabouts of the Earth Totem and find themselves in 1717 on the hunt for Blackbeard's treasure."
"While Sara takes some private time, the Legends follow a lead on the whereabouts of the Earth Totem and find themselves in 1717 on the hunt for Blackbeard's treasure."