On this day in 1953, Rod Brown Of The Rocket Rangers gave television audiences an early glimpse into Earth's 22nd century. Critically-lauded actor Cliff Robertson filled the shoes of the signature character for all of its fifty-nine episodes, but don't go looking for this one anywhere on the World Wide Web: it looks like the show was sued over some -- ahem -- blatant similarities to another space-based program of the era, and IMDB.com reports that -- as a consequence -- producers were ordered by the court to destroy all adventures filmed. Ouch. According to IMDB.com, here's the series' premise:
"On 22nd-Century Earth, the Rocket Rangers are a celestial defense organization, battling interplanetary evil from their headquarters on Omega Base."
"On 22nd-Century Earth, the Rocket Rangers are a celestial defense organization, battling interplanetary evil from their headquarters on Omega Base."
I think David Tennant deservedly gets an awful lot of credit for helping to revitalize the popularity of Doctor Who. He came along at just the right time of the Doctor's re-invention by the BBC, and the stories he was given really helped bring the character into the modern age of TV storytelling, so much so that I suspect there are fans who'll never love another Doctor so much as they do Tennant's. That deserves to be mentioned. Tennant was born on this day in 1971.
It's somewhat understandably should folks on my side of the pond (namely, the United States) admit to never having heard of Nigel Kneale, but I suspect fans of British Science Fiction -- especially that on television -- are familiar with it: his creation of 'Professor Quatermass' and the various serials and/or films exploring his adventures deserve greater study, especially the seminal Quatermass and The Pit which appeared originally on the BBC in its 1958-1959 season. (The story was somewhat dumbed down a bit and retooled by Hammer Films in 1967 under the name Five Million Years To Earth, which is pictured above at right.) Some scholars have even suggested that much of intelligent SciFi is owed to Kneale's original inspirations; and I, for one, would never argue otherwise. Though he's no longer with us, Kneale was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
The masterful David Whitaker was a screenwriter and story editor who (in fact) served as the first story editor aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Whitaker was born on this day in 1928.
Peter Jeffrey (above left) joined Tom Baker as Doctor Who aboard "The Androids of Tara" serial in 1978. Though he's no longer with us, Jeffrey was born on this day in 1929.
Before George Lucas got all "revisionist" on his own saga, the talented Clive Revill voiced Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Revill was born on this day in 1930.
One of the earliest roles for James Drury was as 'Crewman Strong' aboard the seminal Science Fiction classic, Forbidden Planet (1956). Later in his career, he enjoyed a visit to the world of TV's The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr. Though he's no longer with us, Drury was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Richard Colla has made some fabulous contributions to genre entertainment. He's directed such properties as The Questor Tapes (1974), The UFO Incident (1975), Battlestar Galactica (1978), Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Something Is Out There (miniseries). Colla was born on this day in 1936.
A small but pivotal role in any of the Star Trek films will almost always guarantee you a mention in my column, so hats off to Robert Hooks! In Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Hooks played Admiral Morrow, the man who had to order Kirk to stay away from the controversy brewing over Project Genesis. Hooks went on to a career in several other properties, but he'll always be known 'round here for his contribution to the Trek legacy. Hooks was born on this day in 1937.
On this day in 1938, SciFi and superhero history were made when what is accepted as the very first appearance of the Last Son of Krypton himself -- Kal-El -- came to fruition. Yes, it was cover-dated as June, 1938, but everyone knows that comics street much earlier than what they date; the Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel adventure changed the way comics were done!
Award-winning actress Hayley Mills made a guest appearance aboard the 1980's program from Steven Spielberg Amazing Stories. Mills was born on this day in 1946.
The venerable Dorothy Lyman enjoyed a guest spot aboard the Syfy Channel's Battlestar Galactica revisioning. Lyman was born on this day in 1947.
The fabulous and underrated Cindy Pickett braved the "Alien Under The Sea" motion picture that was DeepStar Six (1989). In 1987, she had a big role aboard the Alternate History miniseries Amerika, a program that saw the United States of America fallen under Soviet rule. (I recall the critics kinda/sorta trashing the project, but I thought it was quite good.) In 1992, she ventured into the world of Horror with a part in Sleepwalkers, a little something written by Stephen King. The actress also visited the worlds of TV's The Pretender, Ghost Whisperer, and Medium for good measure. In 2018, she enjoyed a recurring role aboard Age Of The Living Dead. Pickett was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
James Woods really ought to do more Science Fiction. As an actor, he generally has an amazing presence, and our genre could use a few more good acting men like him in it. He appeared in David Cronenberg's Videodrome, and -- in 1997 -- he played a man of some governmental authority aboard Contact for Warner Bros. In 1998, the Horror Master John Carpenter cast Woods as a modern day vampire hunter in Vampires for Columbia Pictures. Woods was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1999, Woods took home a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in Vampires (1998), a role he also scored a big Fangoria Chainsaw Award win with.
For the record:
In 1999, Woods took home a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in Vampires (1998), a role he also scored a big Fangoria Chainsaw Award win with.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Rick Moranis. What's he done? Well, how about Ghostbusters (1984)? Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)? Spaceballs (1987)? Ghostbusters II (1989)? Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)? The Rocket Boy (1989)? Honey, I Blew Up The Kid (1992)? The Flintstones (1994)? Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997)? Seriously, need I say more? Though he's pretty much retired from the whole acting scene, Moranis was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! Early in her career, the lovely Melody Thomas Scott made an appearance aboard the SciFi-lite Piranha (1978). As for other adventures in like-minded fare? In 1977, she took a ride in The Car for Universal Pictures. In 1978, she found a bit of screen time in Brian De Palma's Supernatural/Thriller The Fury. In 2003, she came face-to-face with biological terror with a role in The Paradise Virus for Regent Entertainment. Scott was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: Eric Roberts has to be one of the hardest working men in the entertainment industry as his IMDB.com profile shows that he's well on his way over six hundred different screen credits. As for SciFi or Fantasy roles? Well, there's definitely been a few here and there. He's boarded Doctor Who: The Movie (1996), The Odyssey (miniseries), The Shadow Men (1997), The Prophecy II (1998), The Hunger, Strange Frequency, Mindstorm (2001), Witchblade, Endangered Species (2002), Heroes, Sharktopus (2010), Cowboys Vs. Dinosaurs (2015), and Syfy's Lost Girl, to name but a few. Roberts was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Bravo 2,' Benedict Taylor played one of the starpilots who took to the heavens over Naboo during the final battle featured in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). Other adventures into the worlds of imagination include work aboard such projects as The Watcher In The Woods (1980), Tales Of The Unexpected, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, and The Watcher In The Woods (2017). Taylor was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nearly a decade after an uncredited appearance in Tony Scott's The Hunger for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the lovely Jane Leeves slipped in an appearance aboard TV's Red Dwarf in 1992. In 2016 adn 2017, she contributed voicework for a charactor aboard the animated Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures. Leeves was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
While Eric McCormack's career will undoubtedly always be defined by NBC TV's Will & Grace, he did give a nod to Science Fiction and Fantasy by appearing in Alien Trespass (2009), a bit of a send-up of classic SciFi tales. But, thankfully, that wasn't his only foray into the worlds of imagination! In 1992, he had a big role aboard The Lost World and Return To The Lost World. In 1994, he found work alongside Roger Moore in the Fantasy-themed The Man Who Wouldn't Die. In 1996, he confronted the supernatural in Night Visitors. Work in Highlander, The Outer Limits, The Andromeda Strain miniseries, and Dead Like Me followed. Then in 2016 through 2018, McCormack headlined a SciFi serial Travelers that saw him dealing with time travel. In 2023, the actor also dipped into some very dark territory with a recurring role aboard the Horror property Slasher. McCormack was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2019, the actor received a 'Best Lead Actor - Drama Series' nomination from the Canadian Screen Awards for his work in Travelers.
For the record:
In 2019, the actor received a 'Best Lead Actor - Drama Series' nomination from the Canadian Screen Awards for his work in Travelers.
Very few actresses can pull off a measure of humanity mixed in with some wholesome goofiness the way the lovely Camille Coduri did in the guise of 'Jackie Tyler' for the BBC's Doctor Who. Personally, I think it'd be great to have her return to the program for a guest spot or two. Coduri was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented actor and director Frederick Weller doesn't do much Science Fiction, but he did have a small appearance aboard Michael Bay's Armageddon (1998). Weller was born on this day in 1966.
The always inspiring Maria Bello joined Ben Winchell in bringing the SciFi-lite property Max Steel (2016) to the silver screen. Bello was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Stargate: Atlantis regular David Hewlett certainly hasn't let that program's cancellation dampen the man's love affair with Science Fiction. In fact, he wrote and directed his own SciFi feature -- Debug -- that's definitely worth your time and attention. Still, he's appeared in many other outlets worthy of your time and attention, including stops to such projects as Friday The 13th: The Series, Pin (1988), Scanners II: The New Order (1991), Forever Knight, Beyond Reality, Monster Force (animated), Ultraforce (animated), Cube (1997), Twice In A Lifetime, The Triangle, Cypher (2002), Mutant X, Boa Vs. Python (2004), Darklight (2004), Stargate: SG-1, Sanctuary, Splice (2009), Stargate Universe, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011), Time Machine: Rise Of The Morlocks (2011), Rage Of The Yeti (2011), Darknet, Dark Matter, Incorporated, The Shape Of Water (2017), and Guillermo del Torro's Cabinet Of Curiosities. Hewlett was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2018, Hewlett was part of the ensemble behind Guillermo del Torro's The Shape Of Water that enjoyed a Gold Derby Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Ensemble.'
For the record:
In 2018, Hewlett was part of the ensemble behind Guillermo del Torro's The Shape Of Water that enjoyed a Gold Derby Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Ensemble.'
The quality, depth, and popularity of Star Trek literature has been steadily declining for years, but that's not stopped longtime scribe Keith DeCandido from continuing to spin Trekkish yarns. Who knows? Maybe he'll eventually turn that book franchise around. (Don't hold your breath!) I did read some of his work in the Farscape comic book universe years ago; alas, I found it particularly boring (it just didn't seem like he was familiar with the characters). I've been told by the significant other in his life (she reached out to me via email) that he continues to toil away at franchise after franchise, and good for him! Keep up the good fight! DeCandido was born on this day in 1969.
The dreamy Lisa LoCicero appeared in the Star Trek: Voyager series finale Endgame in 2001, a role she's reprised aboard the Star Trek Online game. LoCicero was born on this day in 1970.
Writer/director Edgar Wright is no stranger to SciFi. His BBC sitcom, Spaced, pretty much spent the bulk of its two seasons deliciously poking fun at Science Fiction and its occasional rapid fans but in a heartwarming way. And Hot Fuzz as well as The World's End certainly aren't hard Science Fiction but any estimation, but they contain enough elements to get a polite nod around here. Wright was born on this day in 1974.
The lovely Melissa Joan Hart has provided vocals for such animated projects as Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000), and Justice League Unlimited ... plus she knows how to totally rock the 'Slave Leia' outfit like a boss. Hart was born on this day in 1976.
The hunky Sean Maguire robs from the rich and gives to the poor as 'Robin Hood' aboard ABC TV's popular Once Upon A Time fantasy. Maguire was born on this day in 1976.
Kevin Rankin (above right) enjoyed a small, ill-fated role aboard the stellar Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). Rankin was born on this day in 1976.
While her name may not be a household name, it certainly should be known to genre fans. Laura Mennell had a small but important role in Watchmen, but otherwise she's been spending her time exploring roles on television in such properties as Smallville, Supernatural, Flash Gordon, Sanctuary, The 4400, Stargate: Atlantis, Alphas, Eureka, Fringe, Haven, Legends Of Tomorrow, and The Man In The High Castle. That resume's none too shabby! Mennell was born on this day in 1980.
Jamie Davis (above left) enjoyed a guest spot aboard the popular The Sarah Jane Adventures during the show's run. Davis was born on this day in 1981.
Reeve Carney impressed in the role of 'Dorian Gray' aboard Showtime's Fantasy-themed Penny Dreadful. Carney was born on this day in 1983.
Wanting to be more than just a pretty face, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley launched an acting career appearing alongside the understandably-maligned Shia Lebeouf and a calvacade of CGI-nonsense in Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon ... where she mostly only served as little more than just a pretty face. Rosie was born on this day in 1987.
Young Britt Robertson did what she could with all her charm to elevate Walt Disney's Tomorrowland above the fray, but it just wasn't meant to be. Robertson was born on this day in 1990.
Though I've never been much of a Marvel fan, I can appreciate the talent and dedication that the young and lovely Chloe Bennet brings to the role of Daisy Johnson -- aka Skye -- aboard ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Bennet was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Bennet's contributions to the TV world of Marvel Entertainment didn't go unnoticed. In both 2015 and 2016, the actress enjoyed nominations in the category of 'Best TV Actress' from the Kids' Choice Awards.
For the record:
Bennet's contributions to the TV world of Marvel Entertainment didn't go unnoticed. In both 2015 and 2016, the actress enjoyed nominations in the category of 'Best TV Actress' from the Kids' Choice Awards.
Relative newcomer Moises Arias brought an intensity to his portrayal of Bonzo Madrid aboard Ender's Game (2013). Arias was born on this day in 1994.
Young Virginia Gardner brought a youthful exuberance to 2015's Project Almanac as the 'girl who just wants to have fun' jumping about through time. Thankfully, she's stuck around the world of genre entertainment to a degree. Fans have been able to enjoy her work in Lab Rats, Tell Me How I Die (2016), Zoo, Halloween (2018), Starfish (2018), Monster Party (2018), and Marvel's Runaways. Gardner was born on this day in 1995. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), The Man With Nine Lives enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Nicke Grinde, the SciFi/Horror starred Boris Karloff, Roger Pryor, and Jo Ann Sayers; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A medical researcher visits the deserted home of a pioneer in cryogenic science who disappeared 10 years earlier and finds him frozen in ice but still alive."
"A medical researcher visits the deserted home of a pioneer in cryogenic science who disappeared 10 years earlier and finds him frozen in ice but still alive."
A star is born ... and this one was stunning! On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), She set hearts racing at the box office. Directed by Robert Day, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, and Bernard Cribbins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Edwardian archaeologist and two companions stumble upon a lost city in East Africa, run by a beautiful queen whose love holds the promise of immortality."
"An Edwardian archaeologist and two companions stumble upon a lost city in East Africa, run by a beautiful queen whose love holds the promise of immortality."
A star is born! On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Creatures The World Forgot gave Hammer Films an opportunity to examine Earth's distant past. Directed by Don Chaffey from a script by Michael Carreras, the Fantasy film starred Julie Ege, Tony Bonner, and Robin John; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In prehistoric times, two brothers fight each other for the leadership of their tribe."
For the record:
According to both IMDB.com and Wikipedia.org, Creatures The World Forgot was Hammer Films fourth and last flick to dabble in what one might dub a bit of 'Cave Girl' exploitation, the most popular of which is likely 1967's One Million Years B.C. As you could argue, that film's success is largely owed to the casting of screen siren Raquel Welch as the scantilly-clad lead. Her picture was followed by Slave Girls (1967) and When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth (1970).
"In prehistoric times, two brothers fight each other for the leadership of their tribe."
For the record:
According to both IMDB.com and Wikipedia.org, Creatures The World Forgot was Hammer Films fourth and last flick to dabble in what one might dub a bit of 'Cave Girl' exploitation, the most popular of which is likely 1967's One Million Years B.C. As you could argue, that film's success is largely owed to the casting of screen siren Raquel Welch as the scantilly-clad lead. Her picture was followed by Slave Girls (1967) and When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth (1970).
A star is born! On this day in 1973, the groundbreaking SciFi film Soylent Green enjoyed its very first theatrical screening in Los Angeles, California. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the feature starred Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson in central roles, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
On this day in 1981 (in Japan), the Roger Corman produced Battle Beyond The Stars enjoyed its theatrical run. Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami and Roger Corman, the feature starred Richard Thomas, Darlanne Fluegel, and Sybil Danning; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
On this day in 1985 (in Argentina), The Terminator blazed his way through times and into the hearts of viewers everywhere. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, and Linda Hamilton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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.
On this day in 1986, New World Pictures released Star Crystal to unsuspecting audiences. [Source: Allmovie.com] Written (in part) and directed by Lance Lindsay, the SciFi/Horror feature starred C. Juston Campbell, John W. Smith, and Faye Bolt; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Crew members aboard a space ship encounter an alien life form intent on killing them."
For the record:
If you're interested in knowing a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
"Crew members aboard a space ship encounter an alien life form intent on killing them."
For the record:
If you're interested in knowing a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
On this day in 1998, the SciFi/Telefilm better known as Legion sprang into existence. It starred the fabulous Terry Farrell and Parker Stevenson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The story is set in the year 2036 and revolves around a special forces team led by Major Agatha Doyle (Farrell) formed from death-row prisoners and their ensuing mission. A former war hero on death row is offered the chance at a pardon if he will join the team and undertake their mission to infiltrate an enemy facility."
"The story is set in the year 2036 and revolves around a special forces team led by Major Agatha Doyle (Farrell) formed from death-row prisoners and their ensuing mission. A former war hero on death row is offered the chance at a pardon if he will join the team and undertake their mission to infiltrate an enemy facility."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Atlanta Film Festival were treated to the first cinematic presentation of Deadland. Directed by Damon O'Steen, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Weeks (who also scripted the affair), Brian Tee, and William Katt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man must cross post-world war III terrain and the new martial-law to save his missing wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Deadland enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A man must cross post-world war III terrain and the new martial-law to save his missing wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Deadland enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), audiences at home were treated to the broadcast television premiere of Riverworld. Directed by Stuart Gillard, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Tahmoh Penikett, Mark Deklin, and Peter Wingfield. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Welcome to Riverworld, a place of strange, watery beauty and the current abode of a fascinating cast of the recently (and not-so-recently) dead. It certainly isn't Heaven, but it just might be Hell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Riverworld garnered a bit of extra attention receiving nominations from such organizations as 2010's Gemini Awards and 2010's Leo Awards.
"Welcome to Riverworld, a place of strange, watery beauty and the current abode of a fascinating cast of the recently (and not-so-recently) dead. It certainly isn't Heaven, but it just might be Hell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Riverworld garnered a bit of extra attention receiving nominations from such organizations as 2010's Gemini Awards and 2010's Leo Awards.
On this day in 2012, the 1973-produced SciFi/Classic Soylent Green played for audiences in attendance of the RiverRun International Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A police officer in the year 2022 uncovers the deadly secret behind a mysterious synthetic food."
"A police officer in the year 2022 uncovers the deadly secret behind a mysterious synthetic food."
Sometimes the fine art of making a successful motion picture is not so much 'knowing' your audience as it is actually knowing what audience you want to reach. For example, I have a hard time trying to figure out just who exactly the makers of the Johnny Depp box office bomb Transcendence were trying to connect with. The man had recently cemented his place in cinema history by playing a comically drunken pirate in a series of Disney children's movies, for God's sake: what made anyone think they'd want to see him reduced to bytes in the form of artificial intelligence? Go figure. In any event, the film first screened for viewers on this day in 2014.
On this day in 2017, the SciFi/Horror The Dark Tapes appeared from the aether. The feature starred David Banks and Sara Castro, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genre-defying mixture of horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity."
"A genre-defying mixture of horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity."
On this day in 2018 (in Austria), A.I. Rising (aka Ederlezi Rising) played for audiences in attendance of the LET'S CEE Film Festival. Directed by Lazar Bodroza, the SciFi/Drama starred Sebastian Cavazza, Stoya, and Marusa Majer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Time To Go." This served as the twenty-ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"An alien race is dying, but Earth can save them - by depositing saved time in their bank. Natalie loves that she can get her time back with interest, adding years to her life, while the aliens manipulate the stored hours to save their advanced civilization. She hates to waste a minute anyway, but her husband enjoys his time so much, he's not eligible to be a depositor."
"An alien race is dying, but Earth can save them - by depositing saved time in their bank. Natalie loves that she can get her time back with interest, adding years to her life, while the aliens manipulate the stored hours to save their advanced civilization. She hates to waste a minute anyway, but her husband enjoys his time so much, he's not eligible to be a depositor."
It all began right here: on this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Rod Brown Of The Rocket Rangers blasted off onto the television airwaves with the premiere of its very first episode, "Operation Decoy." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Beta is dispatched to patrol an area from where a space pirate has been attacking spaceships in the shipping lanes."
"The Beta is dispatched to patrol an area from where a space pirate has been attacking spaceships in the shipping lanes."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Space Wanderer." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"A strange new planet is attracted to our solar system. An Earth scientist and his daughter set out to investigate the newly arrived visitor fearing that it may disappear just as suddenly as it had appeared. What they do not know is that the strange planet is largely composed of an atmosphere that decomposes metals in a matter of minutes."
"A strange new planet is attracted to our solar system. An Earth scientist and his daughter set out to investigate the newly arrived visitor fearing that it may disappear just as suddenly as it had appeared. What they do not know is that the strange planet is largely composed of an atmosphere that decomposes metals in a matter of minutes."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who continued its march onward through its inaugural season, airing an episode titled "The Velvet Web." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends arrive in the apparently idyllic city of Morphoton but Barbara soon begins to realise there is more to their hosts than meets the eye."
"The Doctor and his friends arrive in the apparently idyllic city of Morphoton but Barbara soon begins to realise there is more to their hosts than meets the eye."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "The Invaders." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Stingray crew fall into a trap set by aliens at a weather station."
"The Stingray crew fall into a trap set by aliens at a weather station."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "Moonshot." This served as the fifteenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"David is drawn into the space program by a series of coincidences that convince him of alien involvement. But why do the aliens want to put one of their own on a manned mission?"
"David is drawn into the space program by a series of coincidences that convince him of alien involvement. But why do the aliens want to put one of their own on a manned mission?"
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who aired "The Ambassadors of Death, Part 5." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor decides to take Recovery 7 back into space to search for the missing astronauts but Reegan sabotages the launch."
"The Doctor decides to take Recovery 7 back into space to search for the missing astronauts but Reegan sabotages the launch."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired the twentieth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bobby and Shelly reaffirm their love. Cooper calls Shelly, Donna and Audrey together to warn them about Earle. Briggs shows Cooper a tape of Windom Earle making a report on his quest for the Black Lodge."
"Bobby and Shelly reaffirm their love. Cooper calls Shelly, Donna and Audrey together to warn them about Earle. Briggs shows Cooper a tape of Windom Earle making a report on his quest for the Black Lodge."
Lwaxana Troi was a character I thought best used in moments of comic relief as the serious stuff just didn't quite lend itself to Majel Roddenberry's strengths as an actress. Still, I appreciate the effort she put into bringing the elder Troi to life, and on this day in 1992, Star Trek: The Next Generation gave her a somber reality titled "Cost of Living." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"A metal-consuming substance transfers to the hull of the Enterprise when Lwaxana Troi beams aboard on her way to get married to Minister Campio. She soon begins to interfere with Worf's relationship with Alexander, showing the boy how to rebel against authority."
"A metal-consuming substance transfers to the hull of the Enterprise when Lwaxana Troi beams aboard on her way to get married to Minister Campio. She soon begins to interfere with Worf's relationship with Alexander, showing the boy how to rebel against authority."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Vortex." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man named Croden tells Odo he can take him to a place where aliens much like Odo himself exist, which would help Odo find out where he truly comes from."
"A man named Croden tells Odo he can take him to a place where aliens much like Odo himself exist, which would help Odo find out where he truly comes from."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Ghosts of War." This served as the seventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the (edited) plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A band of mercenaries begins terrorizing Delta City, and RoboCop must put a stop to them before they carry out a terrorist attack. However, this is no ordinary band of thugs, as the members of this particular group fancy their own identities after their own childhood superheroes."
"A band of mercenaries begins terrorizing Delta City, and RoboCop must put a stop to them before they carry out a terrorist attack. However, this is no ordinary band of thugs, as the members of this particular group fancy their own identities after their own childhood superheroes."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Perfect Pair." This served as the ninth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A partner of Darien's from the future is sent back to help him track down a dangerous fugitive, now impersonating a police chief."
"A partner of Darien's from the future is sent back to help him track down a dangerous fugitive, now impersonating a police chief."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Spellbinder aired "Hospitality." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Riana is injured trying to get away from the authorities and at the hospital, a psychiatrist takes an interest in her. Paul tries to recharge the power suit to convince his father that he's telling the truth."
"Riana is injured trying to get away from the authorities and at the hospital, a psychiatrist takes an interest in her. Paul tries to recharge the power suit to convince his father that he's telling the truth."
On this day in 1998, Saban's Power Rangers In Space aired "The Great Evilyzer." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Phenomenus develops a ray that can turn objects evil which Astronema decides to use against the Power Rangers."
"Professor Phenomenus develops a ray that can turn objects evil which Astronema decides to use against the Power Rangers."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Milagro." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A strange writer infatuated with Scully moves in next door to Mulder and proceeds to slowly bewitch her through his writing. Mulder investigates the man and realizes that he may be behind a series of killings involving psychic surgery."
"A strange writer infatuated with Scully moves in next door to Mulder and proceeds to slowly bewitch her through his writing. Mulder investigates the man and realizes that he may be behind a series of killings involving psychic surgery."
I 'get' that most folks loved Star Trek: Voyager's resident holographic physician -- aka Dr. Zimmerman -- but, to be perfectly honest, I tend to think a lot of that admiration is because everybody loves Robert Picardo. The doctor wore me out all too often, but I appreciated some of the smaller moments where he wasn't always searching for whatever version of humanity he could find. On this day in 2001, "Author, Author" saw the good doctor coming to terms with his shipmates learning what he really thought of them by way of a discovered holo-novel.
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Flora or Fauna." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After two scientists are burned by acid, Burt and the others discover a bizarre animal/plant hybrid growing in the valley and hurry to destroy it before it spreads seeds."
"After two scientists are burned by acid, Burt and the others discover a bizarre animal/plant hybrid growing in the valley and hurry to destroy it before it spreads seeds."
During Battlestar Galactica's fourth season on Syfy, characters began coming apart at the seams. (And if you think that's bad then imagine how viewers were feeling!) On this day in 2008, they aired the third episode for that year, an hour titled "The Ties That Bind." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The aftermath of a coup among the Cylons leads to further violence, Lee finds himself facing off against Roslin during his first meeting with the Quorum of Twelve as the new representative of Caprica, and Cally discovers the horrible truth about her husband Galen Tyrol. Meanwhile, Starbuck aimlessly searches for Earth with Anders and other Galactica officers."
"The aftermath of a coup among the Cylons leads to further violence, Lee finds himself facing off against Roslin during his first meeting with the Quorum of Twelve as the new representative of Caprica, and Cally discovers the horrible truth about her husband Galen Tyrol. Meanwhile, Starbuck aimlessly searches for Earth with Anders and other Galactica officers."
On this day in 2008, the Doctor Who special "Voyage of the Damned" aired. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the episode's plot summary:
"A spacecraft set on an apocalyptic collision course with Earth, a host of killer robot angels and an evil severed headed mastermind - it's just another Christmas for the Doctor... 2007 Christmas special guest starring Kylie Minogue."
"A spacecraft set on an apocalyptic collision course with Earth, a host of killer robot angels and an evil severed headed mastermind - it's just another Christmas for the Doctor... 2007 Christmas special guest starring Kylie Minogue."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired "A Gigantic Problem." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An anomaly opens at an aircraft hanger and reporter Mick Harper arrives with a television crew. To make matters worse, a giant giganotosaurus comes through and a stubborn Danny Quinn arrives to help the team."
"An anomaly opens at an aircraft hanger and reporter Mick Harper arrives with a television crew. To make matters worse, a giant giganotosaurus comes through and a stubborn Danny Quinn arrives to help the team."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Continuum aired "Minute To Win It." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kiera has to solve a series of Liber8 connected bank heists, and discovers the robbers are controlled by a recently escaped, Lucas."
"Kiera has to solve a series of Liber8 connected bank heists, and discovers the robbers are controlled by a recently escaped, Lucas."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the BBC series Tatau enjoyed its premiere on U.S. television (a few days after its original premiere in the United Kingdom). According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Londoners Kyle Connor and Pete "Budgie" Griffiths travel to the Cook Islands for an eagerly anticipated holiday. But when they drink a traditional local hallucinogen Kyle begins seeing visions of a beautiful woman in a red dress."
"Londoners Kyle Connor and Pete "Budgie" Griffiths travel to the Cook Islands for an eagerly anticipated holiday. But when they drink a traditional local hallucinogen Kyle begins seeing visions of a beautiful woman in a red dress."
On this day in 2015, Thunderbirds Are Go aired "Crosscut." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Thunderbird 5 picks up an unusual radiation spike from a remote corner of Africa, and Scott rushes in with Thunderbird 1 to check it out. Using special equipment, Scott enters the mine and discovers the source to be a leak of unstable uranium. Moments later he is attacked by a mysterious woman who claims that the mine belongs to her family. During their confrontation, the mine begins to crumble - and Scott and she must find a way out."
"Thunderbird 5 picks up an unusual radiation spike from a remote corner of Africa, and Scott rushes in with Thunderbird 1 to check it out. Using special equipment, Scott enters the mine and discovers the source to be a leak of unstable uranium. Moments later he is attacked by a mysterious woman who claims that the mine belongs to her family. During their confrontation, the mine begins to crumble - and Scott and she must find a way out."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "IFF." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Rocinante answers an unexpected distress signal. Bobbie and Avasarala find themselves being hunted by a mysterious captor. UN Secretary-General Sorrento-Gillis brings in a colleague from his past to lend an ear during this crucial time of war."
"The Rocinante answers an unexpected distress signal. Bobbie and Avasarala find themselves being hunted by a mysterious captor. UN Secretary-General Sorrento-Gillis brings in a colleague from his past to lend an ear during this crucial time of war."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A time distortion affects Ed and Kelly's relationship."
"A time distortion affects Ed and Kelly's relationship."
On this day in 2017, Kieran Shea's Off Rock was released to the general marketplace in paperback. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the premise behind the SciFi novel:
"In the year 2778, Jimmy Vik is feeling dissatisfied. After busting his ass for assorted interstellar mining outfits for close to two decades, downsizing is in the wind, his ex-girlfriend/supervisor is climbing up his back, and daily Jimmy wonders if he’s played his last good hand. So when Jimmy stumbles upon a significant gold pocket during a routine procedure on Kardashev 7-A, he believes his luck may have changed—larcenously so. But smuggling the gold “off rock” won’t be easy. To do it, Jimmy will have to contend with a wily criminal partner, a gorgeous covert assassin, the suspicions of his ex, and the less than honorable intentions of an encroaching, rival mining company. As the clock ticks down, treachery and betrayal loom, the body count rises, and soon Jimmy has no idea who to trust."
"In the year 2778, Jimmy Vik is feeling dissatisfied. After busting his ass for assorted interstellar mining outfits for close to two decades, downsizing is in the wind, his ex-girlfriend/supervisor is climbing up his back, and daily Jimmy wonders if he’s played his last good hand. So when Jimmy stumbles upon a significant gold pocket during a routine procedure on Kardashev 7-A, he believes his luck may have changed—larcenously so. But smuggling the gold “off rock” won’t be easy. To do it, Jimmy will have to contend with a wily criminal partner, a gorgeous covert assassin, the suspicions of his ex, and the less than honorable intentions of an encroaching, rival mining company. As the clock ticks down, treachery and betrayal loom, the body count rises, and soon Jimmy has no idea who to trust."
