In the 1980's, nobody but nobody played "girl-next-door-goodness" like Catherine Mary Stewart. She brought her immeasurable charm to such sleeper hits as The Last Starfighter, and her pluckiness elevated even such forgettable fare as Night of the Comet. She's continued to work off and on over the years, but unfortunately she's never found the kind of fanboy acclaim she experienced during her early career. Stewart was born on this day in 1959.
Though his name might not be a household one, Byron Haskin certainly left an impression on fans of a certain era. As a director, special effects expert, and cinematographer, he leaves behind a resume rich in the realms of the Fantastic, so much so that it's a shame he's all but been forgotten by modern audiences. Those interested in checking out what he's done need only look to such entries as Treasure Island (1950), Tarzan's Peril (1951), The War Of The Worlds (1953), Conquest Of Space (1955), From The Earth To The Moon (1958), World Of Giants, Captain Sindbad (1963), Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964), The Outer Limits, and The Power (1968). Though he's no longer with us, Haskin was born on this day in 1899.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I did a 'retro review' considering The Outer Limits' episode, "Demon With A Glass Hand," to which Haskin served as director. Interested in my thoughts on the effort? Readers can check out my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I did a 'retro review' considering The Outer Limits' episode, "Demon With A Glass Hand," to which Haskin served as director. Interested in my thoughts on the effort? Readers can check out my review right here.
At first glance, it might be easy to dismiss veteran actor Eddie Albert as a stranger to Science Fiction and Fantasy, but a closer inspection would show any good researcher that he was, in fact, no stranger to them. In his career, he made appearances aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Escape To Witch Mountain (1975), Goliath Awaits (1981), Dreamscape (1984), The Twilight Zone, The Ray Bradbury Theatre, The Girl From Mars (1991), and Time Trax. Though he's no longer with us, Albert was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've read that Estelle Harris was a funny lady best known for her ability to comically exaggerate, and I suppose -- based on her work in the Seinfeld sitcom -- that's probably accurate. She leaves behind a resume of just over one hundred different screen credits, thankfully giving us a bit more reserved performance aboard an episode of Star Trek: Voyager so that we could appreciate her range as an actress. Though she's no longer with us, Harris was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know people who loathe Tim Burton's Mars Attacks, and I know folks who love it. Personally, I'm part of the group that has an awful lot of fun with it, though I could quibble that a few actors weren't really right for their parts. Jack Nicholson starred as the ruler of the free world, and he did a pretty bang-up job proving why we should never leave galactic peace to our elected officials. Nicholson was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Walt Disney Studios wanted their piece of the sci-fi action after Star Wars made it big, and they decided to investigate The Black Hole. One of its stars, Joseph Bottoms, celebrates his birthday today. Bottoms was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The likable Ken Olandt enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Bloodlines," an hour that aired in its last season. Olandt was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shari Goodhartz has penned scripts for such genre programs as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Exosquad (animated), and Phantom 2040 (animated). Goodhartz was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
The delightful Dana Barron explored the dark side of TV's syndicated Babylon 5 with a role in "The Corps Is Mother, The Corps Is Father." Barron was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeffrey Dean Morgan can only get so far on talent and good looks, but I wish he'd get more sci-fi related work. He had a great turn as Edward Blake (aka 'The Comedian') from 2009's big screen adaptation of DC Comics' Watchmen, and he recently cemented his leading man persona in STARZ TV's under-appreciated 60's crime drama, Magic City. (Seriously, if you like period crime dramas, pick that up on DVD.) Morgan was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Lynch's Twin Peaks is one of those rare, rare programs that defies attempts to categorize it. Is it a Comedy? Is it a Drama? Is it a Fantasy? I've always argued that it's all of the above, and that's why I tend to feature its performers in this space. Sheryl Lee starred as the property's ill-fated 'Laura Palmer,' and Lee was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Eric Mabius joined Milla Jovovich in the very first installment of the SciFi/Horror franchise hit Resident Evil (2002). He's also found screen time aboard Fox TV's Millennium and the BBC's Outcasts. Mabius was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Manu Intiraymi's character of Icheb was created during Star Trek: Voyager's television run, a formerly Borgified teen who gets de-Borged by the Federation crew; and thankfully the actor was given a chance to revisit the character aboard the web-based project, Star Trek: Renegades. Intiraymi was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Malcolm Barrett is one of the central reasons I find NBC's otherwise kinda/sorta corny time travel drama Timeless so watchable: even though a hardened scientist, he always looks at the world -- past and present -- with a cynicism without the blatant snarkiness that often consumes televised brainiacs. Plus, he was downright fantastic (also as a scientist) aboard the so underrated comedy Better Off Ted. Barrett was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wow! Color me clueless but Smallville alum Cassidy Freeman must have a relatively huge internet following. I say this because I went searching for a photo to use for this birthday announcement, and there are scads and scads and scads of stills from the various shows she's been in. The lovely lady Freeman was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark my words: scream queens come and go ... but it's only the truly gifted ladies who stay committed to the genre who have a way of surpassing all of the rest, transcending time and place because they're interested in building a legacy. Today's evidence: Sarah French is well on her way to one hundred different screen credits, and a great many of them take place well within the dark and deadly walls of the beloved Horror genre. She is, indeed, a force all of her own to be reckoned with. French was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh my gosh, I could believe how much I fell in love with Syfy's Krypton while it was on the channel. I talked it up at every opportunity I got as I knew its ratings were not quite what the network wanted for such an expensive show. I'm heartbroken that it was cancelled on such an incredible cliffhanger, but I'm thankful for all of the talent who managed to serve in the program ... and that includes actress and voice actress Amy De Bhrún. Hopefully she'll find her way into some other genre property and milk the good times for all that they're worth. De Bhrún was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michelle Ryan -- who endured an all-too-brief stint as a companion-of-sorts for Doctor Who -- also turns a year older and a year wiser today. I remember her relatively brief claim-to-fame on this side of the pond, taking over the plumb role of 'Jaime Sommers' in the short-lived 2007 reboot of Bionic Woman. Ryan was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So you thought everyone hated Justice League (2017)? Well, I didn't. I'll agree it had some flaws that probably could've been addressed, but -- all-in-all -- I enjoyed it as a comic book movie. And I even was grateful that Amber Heard had a brief appearance -- more of a cinematic tease of things to come -- as Mera, the Atlantean who maybe stole Aquaman's heart. Heard was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meng'er Zhang exploded onto the silver screen with her theatrical debut performance as 'Xialing' aboard Marvel Studios and Walt Disney's Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021). Zhang was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rapper-turned actor Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) entered the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Captive State (2019) for DreamWorks and Amblin Partners. Baker was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume is certainly grounded in much more conventional fare, the lovely Leonie Benesch did enjoy a small role aboard the exceptional SciFi/Fantasy serial Counterpart during its run on television. Benesch was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1934 (in Palestine), the original monster movie classic King Kong blazed a glorious trail on the silver screen. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the film used some pioneering special effects to bring the king to life; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
Invaders from Mars -- released on this day back in 1953 -- is one of those films I'm sure I've seen, but, for some odd reason, it just never registered with me the way it did with most fans of classic SciFi. Directed by William Cameron Menzies with a script by Richard Blake, the feature starred Helena Carter Arthur Franz, and Jimmy Hunt; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One night, young David McLean sees a spaceship crash into a nearby sandpit. His father goes to investigate, but comes back changed. Where once he was cheerful and affectionate, he's now sullen and snarlingly rude. Others fall into the sandpit and begin acting like him: cold, ill-tempered and conspiratorial. David knows that aliens are taking over the bodies of humans, but he'll soon discover there have been far more of these terrible thefts than he could have imagined. The young doom-monger finds some serious help in a lady doctor and a brilliant astronomer. Soon they meet the aliens: green creatures with insect-like eyes. These beings prove to be slaves to their leader: a large, silent head with ceaselessly shifting eyes and two tentacles on either side, each of which branches off into three smaller tentacles. It's up to the redoubtable earth trio to stop its evil plans."
For the record:
The 1953 original of Invaders From Mars was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation Hugo for the 1954 awards season, but it lost out to George Pal's The War Of The Worlds. A remake from director Tobe Hooper was produced in 1986, but that version's greatest recognition would appear to be two Razzie Award nominations. Ouch.
"One night, young David McLean sees a spaceship crash into a nearby sandpit. His father goes to investigate, but comes back changed. Where once he was cheerful and affectionate, he's now sullen and snarlingly rude. Others fall into the sandpit and begin acting like him: cold, ill-tempered and conspiratorial. David knows that aliens are taking over the bodies of humans, but he'll soon discover there have been far more of these terrible thefts than he could have imagined. The young doom-monger finds some serious help in a lady doctor and a brilliant astronomer. Soon they meet the aliens: green creatures with insect-like eyes. These beings prove to be slaves to their leader: a large, silent head with ceaselessly shifting eyes and two tentacles on either side, each of which branches off into three smaller tentacles. It's up to the redoubtable earth trio to stop its evil plans."
For the record:
The 1953 original of Invaders From Mars was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation Hugo for the 1954 awards season, but it lost out to George Pal's The War Of The Worlds. A remake from director Tobe Hooper was produced in 1986, but that version's greatest recognition would appear to be two Razzie Award nominations. Ouch.
On this day in 1959, The Monster Of Piedras Blancas enjoyed its world theatrical premiere in Los Angeles, California. Directed by Irvin Berwick from a script by H. Haile Chace, this Horror/SciFi feature starred Les Tremayne, Forrest Lewis, and John Harmon; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The monster, which looks like a snarling "Creature from the Black Lagoon," invades a sleepy seaside town. The lighthouse keeper, newly widowed and estranged from the town folk, has been leaving food out for the monster for years, unaware of it's blood lust. When the monster's appetite outstrips the keeper's ability to serve it, bloodless decapitated corpses start to show up."
For the record:
If you think you've seen this monster before, then you might be correct as IMDB.com reports that its claws were costume props reused from The Mole People (1956) with its bottom half being recyled from the Metalunan mutant on display in the seminal This Island Earth (1955). Though his career as director stretched only a scant eight credits (still more than I've done, haha), Irvin Berwick owes his big screen debut to this picture.
"The monster, which looks like a snarling "Creature from the Black Lagoon," invades a sleepy seaside town. The lighthouse keeper, newly widowed and estranged from the town folk, has been leaving food out for the monster for years, unaware of it's blood lust. When the monster's appetite outstrips the keeper's ability to serve it, bloodless decapitated corpses start to show up."
For the record:
If you think you've seen this monster before, then you might be correct as IMDB.com reports that its claws were costume props reused from The Mole People (1956) with its bottom half being recyled from the Metalunan mutant on display in the seminal This Island Earth (1955). Though his career as director stretched only a scant eight credits (still more than I've done, haha), Irvin Berwick owes his big screen debut to this picture.
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Italy), Lightning Bolt thundered and flashed on the silver screen. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Anthony Eisley, Wandisa Guida, and Diana Lorys. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
On this day in 1974 (in Norway), Doomwatch served up yet one more cinematic look at science gone awry. Directed by Peter Sasdy, the script was fashioned by the team of Kit Pedler, Gerry Davis, and Clive Exton. The feature starred Judy Geeson and Ian Bannen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The waters surrounding an island become contaminated by chemical dumping, and people who eat fish caught in those waters become deformed and violent."
For the record:
In case you're wondering, yes! This big screen feature film was derived from the BBC television series of the same name which was produced in the same timeframe. The characters from the series, however, were not the film's main stars, though several did appear in smaller roles.
"The waters surrounding an island become contaminated by chemical dumping, and people who eat fish caught in those waters become deformed and violent."
For the record:
In case you're wondering, yes! This big screen feature film was derived from the BBC television series of the same name which was produced in the same timeframe. The characters from the series, however, were not the film's main stars, though several did appear in smaller roles.
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), mankind was treated to a somewhat more colorful version of society's collapse with the release of 1990: The Bronx Warriors. Written (in part) and directed by Enzo G. Castellari, the feature starred Fred Williamson, Mark Gregory, and Vic Morrow; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
On this day in 1983 (in the Philippines), Megaforce revved up what box office gold it could. (FYI: it wasn't much.) Written (in part) and directed by Hollywood stuntman Hal Needham, the SciFi feature starred Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck, and Persis Khambatta; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Megaforce still has the distinction of earning three nominations from the 1983 Razzie Awards in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.' Ouch.
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Megaforce still has the distinction of earning three nominations from the 1983 Razzie Awards in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.' Ouch.
On this day back in 1983, The Deadly Spawn first premiered in theatres. (Sorry, but I've never seen it. Actually, I'd never even heard of it until I stumbled across it.) Written (in part) and directed by Douglas McKeown, the SciFi/Horror starred Charles George Hildebrandt, Tom DeFranco, and Richard Lee Porter. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Alien creatures invade a small town and a group of four teenagers, plus one little boy, try to escape from them."
For the record:
Alas, this is another release whose original theatrical presentation date appears to be lost to history at present. IMDB.com reports a 1983 home video release for West Germany but fails to offer a specific date ... so in lieu of any further evidence SciFiHistory.Net will choose to honor this date as its first release.
"Alien creatures invade a small town and a group of four teenagers, plus one little boy, try to escape from them."
For the record:
Alas, this is another release whose original theatrical presentation date appears to be lost to history at present. IMDB.com reports a 1983 home video release for West Germany but fails to offer a specific date ... so in lieu of any further evidence SciFiHistory.Net will choose to honor this date as its first release.
Something on your mind? On this day in 1988, Brain Damage enjoyed its full US theatrical release. Written and directed by Frank Henenlotter, the SciFi/Horror starred Rick Hearst, Gordon MacDonald, and Jennifer Lowry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return."
"One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return."
On this day in 1988, the Apocalypse got a little prettier when Michael Pare and Catherine Mary Stewart strutted their stuff for World Gone Wild. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the nuclear ravaged wasteland of Earth 2087 water is as precious as life itself. The isolated Lost Wells outpost survived the holocaust and the inhabitants guard the source of their existence. Now an evil cult of renegades want control of their valuable water supply. And the villagers are no match for such brute military force. Only one man can help the stricken community - a mercenary living in a distant cannibal city. But even he, and his strange henchmen, may not be able to survive in the world gone wild."
For the record:
Alas, this is another release whose original theatrical presentation date appears to be lost to history at present. IMDB.com reports that it played for some screening in Italy (the citation is unclear) back in 1987, so SciFiHistory.Net is using this date as its original premiere date in lieu of any additional research.
"In the nuclear ravaged wasteland of Earth 2087 water is as precious as life itself. The isolated Lost Wells outpost survived the holocaust and the inhabitants guard the source of their existence. Now an evil cult of renegades want control of their valuable water supply. And the villagers are no match for such brute military force. Only one man can help the stricken community - a mercenary living in a distant cannibal city. But even he, and his strange henchmen, may not be able to survive in the world gone wild."
For the record:
Alas, this is another release whose original theatrical presentation date appears to be lost to history at present. IMDB.com reports that it played for some screening in Italy (the citation is unclear) back in 1987, so SciFiHistory.Net is using this date as its original premiere date in lieu of any additional research.
On this day in 1994, SciFi went cerebral with the release of Brainscan. The feature starred Edward Furlong and T. Ryder Smith, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A teenager is part of an interactive video game where he kills innocent victims. Later, the murders become real."
For the record:
As can happen in time, Brainscan's original release date appears to be lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was released on home video in Finland prior to this U.S. release, but I've not been able to locate it as of yet ... meaning that this may inevitably serve as its first theatrical engagement. Interestingly enough, the film does boast an award nomination: Fangoria Magazine nominated T. Ryder Smith for its Chainsaw Award for 'Best Supporting Actor.' No slouch there.
"A teenager is part of an interactive video game where he kills innocent victims. Later, the murders become real."
For the record:
As can happen in time, Brainscan's original release date appears to be lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was released on home video in Finland prior to this U.S. release, but I've not been able to locate it as of yet ... meaning that this may inevitably serve as its first theatrical engagement. Interestingly enough, the film does boast an award nomination: Fangoria Magazine nominated T. Ryder Smith for its Chainsaw Award for 'Best Supporting Actor.' No slouch there.
On this day in 2002 (in Denmark), Contagion delivered a virus all of its own with a release on home video. Directed by John Murlowski, the SciFi/Drama starred Bruce Boxleitner, Megan Gallagher, and Lin Shaye. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
On this day in 2003 (in Kuwait), the very first Resident Evil opened its doors for some cinematic business, launching a grand SciFi/Fantasy franchise. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the feature film starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Colin Salmon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
It's no small feat to launch an all-new franchise, and that's what Resident Evil did. In the process, the first film garnered a healthy bit of attention. At the 2002 Golden Schmoes Awards, the flick enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in such categories as 'Best Horror Movie Of The Year,' 'Most Underrated Movie Of The Year,' and -- curiously -- 'Best T&A Of The Year.' (You fanboys!) From the slightly more prestigious Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Resident Evil received two nominations from their 2003 Saturn Awards: 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
It's no small feat to launch an all-new franchise, and that's what Resident Evil did. In the process, the first film garnered a healthy bit of attention. At the 2002 Golden Schmoes Awards, the flick enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in such categories as 'Best Horror Movie Of The Year,' 'Most Underrated Movie Of The Year,' and -- curiously -- 'Best T&A Of The Year.' (You fanboys!) From the slightly more prestigious Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Resident Evil received two nominations from their 2003 Saturn Awards: 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2006, Mammoth reared up on television. Written (in part) and directed by Abram Cox, the feature starred Vincent Ventresca, Summer Glau, and Tom Skerritt; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a hot summer afternoon in the sleepy town of Blackwater, Louisiana locals exiting a retro-fitted theater excitedly watch as a meteor streaks across the sky and crashes through the roof of the local Natural History Museum. No one realizes that the meteor is actually a spaceship containing a shape-shifting life form. In order to adapt to Earth's atmosphere, the life form latches on to the first organism it comes in contact with - a partially frozen Woolly Mammoth found in the historic exhibit for which the town is famous. As a series of uncanny disasters unfold, the town quickly finds itself overrun by the alien-possessed mammoth. Local authorities and Government Investigators join forces with Frank Abernathy, the Museum Curator, and his father Simon, a B-Movie enthusiast to bring down the mighty mammoth, thus saving the town (and the world) in a wild adventure that blends the 50s alien-invasion flick, and the 70s revenge-of-nature opus into a marauding monster mash!"
"On a hot summer afternoon in the sleepy town of Blackwater, Louisiana locals exiting a retro-fitted theater excitedly watch as a meteor streaks across the sky and crashes through the roof of the local Natural History Museum. No one realizes that the meteor is actually a spaceship containing a shape-shifting life form. In order to adapt to Earth's atmosphere, the life form latches on to the first organism it comes in contact with - a partially frozen Woolly Mammoth found in the historic exhibit for which the town is famous. As a series of uncanny disasters unfold, the town quickly finds itself overrun by the alien-possessed mammoth. Local authorities and Government Investigators join forces with Frank Abernathy, the Museum Curator, and his father Simon, a B-Movie enthusiast to bring down the mighty mammoth, thus saving the town (and the world) in a wild adventure that blends the 50s alien-invasion flick, and the 70s revenge-of-nature opus into a marauding monster mash!"
On this day in 2007 (in the Netherlands), Walt Disney's Flight Of The Navigator played for audiences in attendance of the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, and Cliff De Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2011 (in Italy), Battle Los Angeles turned up the heat with an alien invasion. Written by Christopher Bertolini and directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi/Actioner starred Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Bridget Moynahan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
For the record:
The film enjoyed a handful of screen nominations as well as a single win (for composer Brian Tyler). Talk was strong for some time promising a sequel, but to date there's been no follow-up.
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
For the record:
The film enjoyed a handful of screen nominations as well as a single win (for composer Brian Tyler). Talk was strong for some time promising a sequel, but to date there's been no follow-up.
On this day in 2011, Beyond The Black Rainbow was screened for audiences in attendance of the Tribeca Film Festival. Written and directed by Panos Cosmatos, the feature starred Eva Bourne, Michael Rogers, and Scott Hylands; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Despite being under heavy sedation, a young woman tries to make her way out of the Arboria Institute, a secluded, quasifuturistic commune."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond The Black Rainbow enjoyed a bit of positive recognition on the film festival circuit.
"Despite being under heavy sedation, a young woman tries to make her way out of the Arboria Institute, a secluded, quasifuturistic commune."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond The Black Rainbow enjoyed a bit of positive recognition on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and let it be written: ain't no warriors like Sexy Warriors! This Adult-themed Fantasy/Comedy starred Jazy Berlin and Erika Jordan. It was released on this day in 2014, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"When the Mystic Orb of Atos is disturbed by two warring Amazons they are magically transported from their primitive island in the Dark Ages to the modern world of Los Angeles. Lost in time they continue their campaign of combat as each seeks out the other in an attempt to settle their deadly score once and for all. Their desire to fight is only matched by their desire to conquer every new form of pleasure they encounter."
"When the Mystic Orb of Atos is disturbed by two warring Amazons they are magically transported from their primitive island in the Dark Ages to the modern world of Los Angeles. Lost in time they continue their campaign of combat as each seeks out the other in an attempt to settle their deadly score once and for all. Their desire to fight is only matched by their desire to conquer every new form of pleasure they encounter."
On this day in 2014 (in Singapore), Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century went big with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Gianfranco Parolini, the Horror/Fantasy starred Antonella Interlenghi, MimmoCrao, and Jim Sullivan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
On this day in 2015 (in Australia), Survivor enjoyed its release in the home video marketplace. Written and directed by John Lyde, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Danielle C. Ryan, Kevin Sorbo, and Rocky Myers. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During their search for a habitable planet the last living humans crash-land on a barren world, inhabited by bloodthirsty aliens and mysterious post-apocalyptic warriors."
"During their search for a habitable planet the last living humans crash-land on a barren world, inhabited by bloodthirsty aliens and mysterious post-apocalyptic warriors."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Rezort opened its doors for cinematic business. Directed by Steve Barker from a script by Paul Gerstenberger, the SciFi/Horror starred Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, and Martin McCann. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The ReZort, a safari park, offers paying guests the opportunity to kill as many zombies as they please following an outbreak."
"The ReZort, a safari park, offers paying guests the opportunity to kill as many zombies as they please following an outbreak."
On this day in 1967, Doctor Who aired "The Faceless Ones." This served as the thirty-third episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Sam manage to convince Crossland to trust them and he persuades the Commandant to let them continue their investigation."
"The Doctor, Jamie and Sam manage to convince Crossland to trust them and he persuades the Commandant to let them continue their investigation."
On this day in 1972, Doctor Who aired "The Mutants, Part 3." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Varan travel down to Solos to search for Jo and Ky but the Marshal orders his men to pursue them."
"The Doctor and Varan travel down to Solos to search for Jo and Ky but the Marshal orders his men to pursue them."
On this day in 1977, Future Cop aired "Carlisle Girl." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seemingly reputable businessman uses his company as a front to sell drugs."
"A seemingly reputable businessman uses his company as a front to sell drugs."
On this day in 1977, Man From Atlantis aired "The Death Scouts." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Second pilot film for TV series "The Man from Atlantis;" a human scientist capable of living underwater discovers similar alien life inhabiting human bodies, and looks to them for a clue to his origin."
"Second pilot film for TV series "The Man from Atlantis;" a human scientist capable of living underwater discovers similar alien life inhabiting human bodies, and looks to them for a clue to his origin."
On this day in 1989, "The Icarus Factor" aired as the fourteenth episode to Star Trek: The Next Generation's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Riker's delight at being offered a command of the USS Aries turns to frustration when the man sent to prepare him for his mission is his estranged father; Worf's behavior leads Wesley to delve into Klingon tradition."
"Riker's delight at being offered a command of the USS Aries turns to frustration when the man sent to prepare him for his mission is his estranged father; Worf's behavior leads Wesley to delve into Klingon tradition."
On this day in 1989, TV's Superboy aired the simply titled "Mutant." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Clark witnesses the kidnapping of Professor Craig Lipcott, a famous nuclear scientist. As Superboy, he follows the kidnappers to a rooftop and sees them enter a strange ship just before he is attacked by a powerful ray that leaves him disoriented."
"Clark witnesses the kidnapping of Professor Craig Lipcott, a famous nuclear scientist. As Superboy, he follows the kidnappers to a rooftop and sees them enter a strange ship just before he is attacked by a powerful ray that leaves him disoriented."
On this day in 1992, Quantum Leap aired "The Curse of Ptah-Hotep." This served as the twentieth episode to the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At an archaeological dig in Egypt Sam has to deal with an approaching sandstorm and a 3000 year old curse."
"At an archaeological dig in Egypt Sam has to deal with an approaching sandstorm and a 3000 year old curse."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files made a curious move, going back to revisit a villain introduced only a few episodes earlier. "Tooms" brought back guest star Doug Hutchison in the role he created as Eugene Victor Tooms, a kind of shapeshifter. As the twentieth episode of the program's first season, the hour showed that Chris Carter and company weren't afraid to push the program in interesting directions when the opportunity presented itself. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Eugene Tooms, a supernatural killer whom Mulder helped incarcerate, is released on parole."
"Eugene Tooms, a supernatural killer whom Mulder helped incarcerate, is released on parole."
On this day in 1995 (in Puerto Rico), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 1996, "A Late Delivery From Avalon" aired as the thirteenth episode of Babylon 5's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An impressive man in medieval armor arrives on the station, claiming to be King Arthur. Is he the genuine hero, sent by the Vorlons? If not, who is he and what are his secrets?"
"An impressive man in medieval armor arrives on the station, claiming to be King Arthur. Is he the genuine hero, sent by the Vorlons? If not, who is he and what are his secrets?"
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine first aired "Shattered Mirror." This served as the twentieth episode to the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Mirror Universe Jennifer lures Jake back to her universe with her, as part of a plan to coerce Sisko into helping finish the mirror version of the U.S.S. Defiant. Sisko follows, and finds himself in a race against time to prepare the ship before the arrival of an Alliance fleet."
"Mirror Universe Jennifer lures Jake back to her universe with her, as part of a plan to coerce Sisko into helping finish the mirror version of the U.S.S. Defiant. Sisko follows, and finds himself in a race against time to prepare the ship before the arrival of an Alliance fleet."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "His Way." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as posted to TrekCore.com:
"Bashir shows off his new Holosuite program, a 1960s Vegas singer named Vic Fontaine. Vic immediately senses Odo's unrequited love for Kira. Soon afterward, Kira leaves for Bajor to visit her ex-lover Shakaar - a move which clearly upsets Odo. He borrows Bashir's program and asks Vic for a little romantic advice."
"Bashir shows off his new Holosuite program, a 1960s Vegas singer named Vic Fontaine. Vic immediately senses Odo's unrequited love for Kira. Soon afterward, Kira leaves for Bajor to visit her ex-lover Shakaar - a move which clearly upsets Odo. He borrows Bashir's program and asks Vic for a little romantic advice."
Also on this day in 1998, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Unforgettable" on the UPN Network. This served as the twenty-second episode to the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Chakotay meets a woman who claims that they fell in love weeks before, but he has no memories of the event. He soon discovers her race has a technology which wipes the memory of all those who encounter them and must make a difficult decision when she asks for asylum."
"Chakotay meets a woman who claims that they fell in love weeks before, but he has no memories of the event. He soon discovers her race has a technology which wipes the memory of all those who encounter them and must make a difficult decision when she asks for asylum."
On this day in 2000, Batman Beyond aired "April Moon." This served as the twenty-second episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Batman must battle a gang of cyborgs made possible by blackmailing a bionics specialist."
"Batman must battle a gang of cyborgs made possible by blackmailing a bionics specialist."
On this day in 2000, Harsh Realm aired the fifth episode of its single season existence. The hour was titled "Reunion," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Captured and pressed into a work camp in Harsh Realm, Hobbes and Pinocchio meet a VC of Hobbes' dying mother and try to rescue her and escape without getting rendered by the sadistic warden and his zombie trackers. In the real world, Sophie comforts Hobbes' real mom in her last days."
"Captured and pressed into a work camp in Harsh Realm, Hobbes and Pinocchio meet a VC of Hobbes' dying mother and try to rescue her and escape without getting rendered by the sadistic warden and his zombie trackers. In the real world, Sophie comforts Hobbes' real mom in her last days."
On this day in 2000, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "The Chosen One" in television syndication. This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man and his teenage pupil are in the jungle when the man gets badly injured. Roxton gets to the man who lays dying who begs Roxton to make sure his teenage pupil is returned to his tribe in order to become their leader."
"A man and his teenage pupil are in the jungle when the man gets badly injured. Roxton gets to the man who lays dying who begs Roxton to make sure his teenage pupil is returned to his tribe in order to become their leader."
On this day in 2001, Fox TV's long-running The X-Files aired "Empedocles." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Upon being fired, an office worker murders his employers, believed to be under the influence of pure evil. Agent Reyes believes this evil may be linked to the death of Doggett's son."
"Upon being fired, an office worker murders his employers, believed to be under the influence of pure evil. Agent Reyes believes this evil may be linked to the death of Doggett's son."
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), The Lost World aired "Tapestry." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roxton's wartime record is exposed by a stranded enemy agent, who has also been trapped on the plateau. Plus some other secrets about Marguerite and Challenger come to light."
"Roxton's wartime record is exposed by a stranded enemy agent, who has also been trapped on the plateau. Plus some other secrets about Marguerite and Challenger come to light."
On this day in 2005, Star Trek: Enterprise boldly went where many other incarnations of Trek had gone before with great glee as they finally dabbled with the Mirror Universe. "In A Mirror Darkly" was part one of a two-part adventure in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from TrekCore.com:
"In the mirror universe, Commander Archer seizes control of Enterprise and takes the vessel deep into Tholian space where rumors of an Earth ship from the future turn out to be true; in the form of a 23rd century-Constitution class cruiser."
"In the mirror universe, Commander Archer seizes control of Enterprise and takes the vessel deep into Tholian space where rumors of an Earth ship from the future turn out to be true; in the form of a 23rd century-Constitution class cruiser."
On this day in 2011, Smallville aired "Booster." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Just as Clark Kent decides to lay low, DC Comics character Booster Gold arrives from the future to save Metropolis...and the Blue Beetle is born!"
"Just as Clark Kent decides to lay low, DC Comics character Booster Gold arrives from the future to save Metropolis...and the Blue Beetle is born!"
On this day in 2014, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "The Only Light In The Darkness." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Agent Koenig puts the team through the ultimate lie detector test and Coulson races to protect an old flame from an old enemy."
"Agent Koenig puts the team through the ultimate lie detector test and Coulson races to protect an old flame from an old enemy."
On this day in 2017, Class aired "The Coach With The Dragon Tattoo." This served as the second episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ram struggles to cope following events at the Prom, isolating himself from the others. But when the school is faced with a dreadful new threat, the gang must unite to fight it."
"Ram struggles to cope following events at the Prom, isolating himself from the others. But when the school is faced with a dreadful new threat, the gang must unite to fight it."
On this day in 2017, Doctor Who aired "Smile." This served as the second episode in the program's tenth relaunched season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the far future, at the edge of the galaxy, there is a gleaming, perfect city. This brand new human settlement is said to hold the secret of human happiness - but the only smiles the Doctor and Bill can find are on a pile of grinning skulls. Something is alive in the walls, and the emojibots are watching from the shadows, as the Doctor and Bill try to unravel a terrifying mystery..."
"In the far future, at the edge of the galaxy, there is a gleaming, perfect city. This brand new human settlement is said to hold the secret of human happiness - but the only smiles the Doctor and Bill can find are on a pile of grinning skulls. Something is alive in the walls, and the emojibots are watching from the shadows, as the Doctor and Bill try to unravel a terrifying mystery..."
On this day in 2018 (in the United States and Canada), Timeless aired "King Of The Delta Blues." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Rufus and Jiya add a fourth seat to the Lifeboat, for the first time ever, Connor Mason joins the team as they travel back to the dusty backroads and smoky juke joints of the Depression-era South to rescue the life and legacy of Robert Johnson, who, legend has it, bought his musical genius from the devil for the price of his soul. Meanwhile, Agent Christopher keeps Wyatt in the present to execute a dangerous raid on Rittenhouse headquarters."
"When Rufus and Jiya add a fourth seat to the Lifeboat, for the first time ever, Connor Mason joins the team as they travel back to the dusty backroads and smoky juke joints of the Depression-era South to rescue the life and legacy of Robert Johnson, who, legend has it, bought his musical genius from the devil for the price of his soul. Meanwhile, Agent Christopher keeps Wyatt in the present to execute a dangerous raid on Rittenhouse headquarters."
On this day in 2018, HBO's largely incoherent re-imagining of Michael Crichton's Westworld premiered its second season with the airing of "Journey Into Night." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The hosts revolt against the guests while searching for a new purpose; Maeve sets out to find her daughter with some unexpected help."
"The hosts revolt against the guests while searching for a new purpose; Maeve sets out to find her daughter with some unexpected help."
On this day in 1955, the classic SciFi radio program -- X Minus One -- aired their 'Audition' Episode. It was titled "And The Moon Be Still As Bright," and here's the plot summary as provided by Jerry Haendiges Vintage Radio Logs:
"An expedition to Mars finds all the Martians dead due to chickenpox brought to them by previous Earthmen expeditions. All the men except for one sets about destroying Martian artifacts. Ernest Kinoy wrote the radio play, and the cast included John Larkin and Nelson Olmstead."
"An expedition to Mars finds all the Martians dead due to chickenpox brought to them by previous Earthmen expeditions. All the men except for one sets about destroying Martian artifacts. Ernest Kinoy wrote the radio play, and the cast included John Larkin and Nelson Olmstead."
