Back in the 70's, director Richard Donner was tapped to bring Superman to the silver screen. The ambitious project was initially conceived as a two-part affair, with the events of the first picture setting up what was to follow in Superman II. Just how good was his first Supes film? Well, the feature won the 1979 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, an accolade he shares the story and screenwriter staff. However -- as can happen in Hollywood -- creative differences emerged, causing Donner's termination, and some of what he and the original script planned ended up re-envisioned by his replacement, director Richard Lester. After decades, Warner Bros. finally agreed to a limited home video release of Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut; this pleased some fans, but alas what was delivered was little more than some modest narrative tweaking (in my opinion). The storyteller also gave comic book fans a further taste of what he could've done had he stayed with the movie franchise by penning a few installments for DC Comics. Though he's no longer with us, Donner was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In Memoriam:
I wrote a few words regarding Donner's passing, and those interested can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1986 Hugo Awards, Donner enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Ladyhawke (1985) to the big screen.
- In 2000, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films presented Donner with the President's Award, an honor signifying that organization's recognition of quality genre entertainment.
In Memoriam:
I wrote a few words regarding Donner's passing, and those interested can find them right here.
Larry J. Blake leaves behind a resume rich with 266 different credits, including work aboard such programs as The Twilight Zone, The Immortal, Diamons Are Forever (1971), Demon Seed (1977), Project UFO, and Time After Time (1979). Though he's no longer with us, Blake was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though she only enjoyed a brief professional career, kudos to Virginia Huston for squeezing in the Flight To Mars (1951) for Monogram Pictures. (After all, shouldn't all lovely actresses enjoy a trip through Science Fiction?) Though she's no longer with us, Huston was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Bruce Kirby has had a long career in great roles. Fans of TV's Superhero/Drama The Greatest American Hero may remember his work in the second season episode -- indeed, the show's season two premiere -- "The Two-Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Fastball." Kirby was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Let it be known that Jabba's palace is tolerant of all kinds of -- ahem -- persuasions, and that's given way to actress Claire Davenport playing 'Yarna D'al' Gargan' in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi. And shame on IMDB.com for referring to her in the role of 'Fat Dancer.' Though she's no longer with us, Davenport was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Imagine you're Leonard Nimoy. You show up to work on Star Trek one day, and the director tells you that, today, your normally dispassionate character of 'Spock' gets romanced by none other than Jill Ireland. Is that not the best day ever? This stunning woman became one of the seminal Vulcan's love affairs (pictured above from season one's "This Side of Paradise"). Though she's no longer with us, Ireland was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Judy Levitt dabbled in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy on several occasions appearing alongside her husband (Star Trek's Walter Koenig). While perhaps never having a wealth of screen time, I still think it's pretty grand that the two of them managed to work together on a few occasions. Though her resume is a bit slim, she still lit of the big and small screen with work aboard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Moontrap (1988), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), Star Trek: Generations (1994), Babylon 5, and InAlienable (2007). Though she's no longer with us, Levitt was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whether serving in the role of some unnamed Enterprise guard or as 'Lt. Galloway,' actor David L. Ross paid nine visits to the world of classic Star Trek during the program's original run on television. (FYI: not many crewmen who wore red returned all that often, folks. This guy must be invincible!) Ross was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the beautiful Luree Holmes doesn't have a resume rich in genre work, she does boast an appearance in the quirky SciFi feature Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965). Holmes was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer Steven Lisberger introduced us to the original world of TRON, and then his characters were used to some confusion in the eventual sequel, TRON: Legacy. (Honestly, I enjoyed the sequel quite a bit, though it received only a lukewarm reception from audiences.) Interestingly enough, Lisberger holds the Guiness World Record in the title of 'First Use Of Computer-Generated Animation.' Lisberger was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Editor's Note:
Lisberger is not only credited with creating one of Science Fiction's bigger franchises, but he's also directed a few other flicks. Perhaps the other most notable contribution is his work at crafting 1989's Slipstream for the silver screen. While it isn't a grand motion picture, it's a respectable B-Movie. Interested readers can check out my review of it right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Editor's Note:
Lisberger is not only credited with creating one of Science Fiction's bigger franchises, but he's also directed a few other flicks. Perhaps the other most notable contribution is his work at crafting 1989's Slipstream for the silver screen. While it isn't a grand motion picture, it's a respectable B-Movie. Interested readers can check out my review of it right here.
Veteran character actor Glenn Morshower suffered the wrath of a vengeful Kevin Bacon in 2011's X-Men: First Class. The actor is a well-established familiar face to many properties, and he's appeared in such franchises as The Philadelphia Experiment, Quantum Leap, Intruders, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Generations, Babylon 5, Alien Nation: Body and Soul, Star Trek: Voyager, Dark Skies, The X-Files, Millennium, Godzilla (1998), Harsh Realm, First Wave, and much, much more. Morshower was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Djimon Hounsou enjoyed a small but critical role in the early stages of the Marvel Studios' blockbuster Guardians Of The Galaxy in 2014. Hounsou was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely actress Stacy Haiduk first came to the attention of genre fans when she appeared on SeaQuest. Since then, she's had a long career of -- mostly -- many guest spots, but she still looks good and knows a thing or two about chewing scenery. Haiduk was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Viewers never know just how much to trust Aidan Gillen in his role of 'Petyr Baelish' (aka 'Littlefinger') aboard HBO's Game Of Thrones; just about the time you think he's doing something selfless he'll turn it all around on you. The actor also appeared in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), and the History Channel's Project Blue Book. Gillen was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the sexy Melinda Clarke is probably more well known for her work in the realm of soap operas or traditional dramas, she actually maintains some very fine genre credits. She's worked aboard Strange Luck, Xena: Warrior Princess, Sliders, Spawn, The Pretender, Star Trek: Enterprise, Charmed, Tremors, Firefly, Chuck, Gotham, and The Vampire Diaries ... and that's not too shabby at all. Clarke was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rory McCann knows good Fantasy. He's been a part of HBO's stellar Game Of Thrones for some time, and he also had a role in the criminally underrated Solomon Kane (2009). McCann was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2009, actor and stuntman Dida Diafat took a stand against Mutants, a French SciFi/Horror hybrid about the end of the world. Diafat was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Stelio Savante went in for the kill against the 'bugs' for his work aboard Starship Troopers 3: Marauders (2008). Savante was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Love him or hate him, Damon Lindelof somehow still manages to find work in Hollywood. He and his cohorts really did all they could to upend Lost in its final season and then irritated fandom further by insisting that the show was never really about the endless questions they posed. (What?!) Anyhow, the screenwriter turns another year older, but it's yet to be proven that he's grown another year wiser. Lindelof was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noah Dalton Danby has enjoyed a recurring role of Sukar on Syfy's alien apocalypse drama Defiance. The man has also appeared in a wealth of SciFi and Fantasy properties, including Lexx, Stargate: SG-1, Mutant X, Andromeda, The 4400, Smallville, and Eureka. Danby was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Eric Kripke is one of the storytellers behind such terrific genre properties as Supernatural, Revolution, and NBC's Timeless. Kripke was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critically-acclaimed actor Derek Luke enjoyed a small role aboard Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Luke was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Rebecca Mader came aboard ABC TV's Lost late in its run, but she certainly helped herself to a commanding presence amongst the survivors as well as stealing the hearts of fanboys everywhere. She's also found guest starring works aboard such properties as No Ordinary Family, Alphas, Fringe, and Warehouse 13. Mader was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Eric Balfour built a home for himself as one of the supporting leads to Syfy's popular Haven. In 2010, he also braved the alien invasion that was the underperforming Skyline. Balfour was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Austin Nichols has experience with a few Apocalypses, come to think of it. He braved the ecological type in The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and then he wrestled with the Zombie version as part of AMC's The Walking Dead. Nichols was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fans of AMC's stellar Artificial Intelligence drama Humans would do well to acquaint themselves with the Swedish original Real Humans. The lovely Josephine Alhanko plays Florentine, a synthetic with some decidedly quirky outlooks on normal things. Alhanko was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sasha Barrese got in touch with her 'inner demon' for work aboard The CW's long-running Supernatural back in 2007. Barrese was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Lindsey Gort entered the world of DC Comics with a role aboard their streaming property Titans in 2018. She's also enjoyed guest visits to the world of Fox TV's Lucifer. Gort was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's another case of being able to put a face with a voice: on the right above is Elizabeth from the wildly popular Bioshock video game franchise and -- on the left -- is the source of her real-life counterpart, actress Courtnee Draper. Draper was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tahyna MacManus enjoyed some very modest screen time aboard X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). She's also credited with some voice work for the Dead Space video game franchise. MacManus was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Alexis Ford combined a love for cosplay with the realm of Adult Film for her work as the Fantastic Four's 'Sue Storm' aboard She-Hulk XXX: An Axel Braun Parody (2013). Ford was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I'm quick to remind readers, Science Fiction comes in all shapes, sizes, and persuasions. In that spirit, the lovely Carter Cruise has appeared as Supergirl in the Axel Braun Porn Parody of the popular property. She's also appeared in the SciFi-themed Cosmis Calendar Girls (2016). Cruise was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing all the way from the fictional land of Panem's District 1, young Jack Quaid made his theatrical debut as part of 2012's wildly popular The Hunger Games. He returned briefly for the second installment. Quaid was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Larramie Doc Shaw helped bring the character of 'Ash' to digital life for his work aboard Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). Shaw was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young, lovely, and talented Ryan Newman (above left) can save the day any time she likes. She's appeared aboard Zoom (2006), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No (2015), Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016), and The Thundermans. Newman was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, well, well ... it looks like there's a new Duchovny in town! The daughter of David Duchovny (of The X-Files' fame) and Téa Leoni has only started to build a career in film and television, but so far West Duchovny has turned in some impressive work as part of her daddy's series as well as a guest stint aboard The Magicians. Duchovny was born on this day in 1999.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1963 (in Uruguary), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in West Germany), audiences were treated to another alien conspiracy with the release of No Survivors, Please (aka Der Chef wünscht keine Zeugen). Directed by Hans Albin and Peter Berneis, the SciFi/Drama starred Maria Perschy, Uwe Friedrichsen, and Robert Cunningham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens attempt to take over the Earth by taking over the bodies of humans at the moment of their death, and using them as tools for their invasion plans."
"Aliens attempt to take over the Earth by taking over the bodies of humans at the moment of their death, and using them as tools for their invasion plans."
On this day in 1985 (in France and Greece), James Cameron's The Terminator came back through time and landed in theatres. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sent back from a dystopian 2029--where the cold machines have conquered the entire world--to 1984 Los Angeles, the indestructible cyborg-assassin known as the "Terminator" commences his deadly mission to kill humankind's most important woman: the unsuspecting, Sarah Connor. However, from the same war-torn post-apocalyptic future comes a battle-scarred defender--Kyle Reese, a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army--bent on stopping the cybernetic killer from eliminating the world's last hope. But, the Terminator has no feelings, he doesn't sleep, and above all, he won't stop until he carries out his grim task. Does our future lie in our past?"
"Sent back from a dystopian 2029--where the cold machines have conquered the entire world--to 1984 Los Angeles, the indestructible cyborg-assassin known as the "Terminator" commences his deadly mission to kill humankind's most important woman: the unsuspecting, Sarah Connor. However, from the same war-torn post-apocalyptic future comes a battle-scarred defender--Kyle Reese, a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army--bent on stopping the cybernetic killer from eliminating the world's last hope. But, the Terminator has no feelings, he doesn't sleep, and above all, he won't stop until he carries out his grim task. Does our future lie in our past?"
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (according to Google.com), Programmed To Kill enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever in the U.S. Directed by Allan Holzman and Robert Short (who also penned the script), the SciFi feature starred Sandahl Bergman, Robert Ginty, and James Booth; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A middle eastern female terrorist is captured by the CIA in Greece, after an attack on a marketplace. Transported back to the USA, the terrorist undergoes an operation where she is transformed into a cybernetic killing machine. Now the CIA have a secret weapon to send back to the Middle East, but how long can they control her?"
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Programmed To Kill from a distributor in exchange for coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A middle eastern female terrorist is captured by the CIA in Greece, after an attack on a marketplace. Transported back to the USA, the terrorist undergoes an operation where she is transformed into a cybernetic killing machine. Now the CIA have a secret weapon to send back to the Middle East, but how long can they control her?"
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Programmed To Kill from a distributor in exchange for coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Tarzan And The Lost City swung into the multiplexes. Directed by Carl Schenkel and based on the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Casper Van Dien, Jane March, and Steven Waddington. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"England 1913. Bent on finding the fabled lost city of Opar, a sacred Atlantean colony located deep in the wild jungles of Africa, the unscrupulous opportunist, Nigel Ravens, burns and kills his way to the city of gold. Plagued by disturbing visions of destruction, John Clayton II, Viscount Greystoke, decides to return to his roots in the heart of mother Africa, determined to get to the bottom of his vivid nightmares. Once more, John becomes mighty Tarzan, and along with Mugabe, the shaman, they embark on a peril-laden mission to prevent the invaders from robbing the secret realm of its riches. Can Tarzan, the magnificent lord of the jungle, save the lost city?"
"England 1913. Bent on finding the fabled lost city of Opar, a sacred Atlantean colony located deep in the wild jungles of Africa, the unscrupulous opportunist, Nigel Ravens, burns and kills his way to the city of gold. Plagued by disturbing visions of destruction, John Clayton II, Viscount Greystoke, decides to return to his roots in the heart of mother Africa, determined to get to the bottom of his vivid nightmares. Once more, John becomes mighty Tarzan, and along with Mugabe, the shaman, they embark on a peril-laden mission to prevent the invaders from robbing the secret realm of its riches. Can Tarzan, the magnificent lord of the jungle, save the lost city?"
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), those mutant-y X-Men were back in business with the theatrical release of X2: X-Men United for its London premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Bryan Singer, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Halle Berry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When anti-mutant Colonel William Stryker kidnaps Professor X and attacks his school, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto to stop him."
For the record:
"When anti-mutant Colonel William Stryker kidnaps Professor X and attacks his school, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto to stop him."
For the record:
- Though the feature earned an incredible 8 nominations at the 2004 Saturn Awards, the film took home only one ... the much coveted win in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2004 Hugo Awards, X2 earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! Casshern is one of the those films whose trailers look absolutely fantastic, but -- wow -- the film for me was flat. It was released on this day in 2004 (in Japan), and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"After 50 years of bitter warfare in the late 21st century, a new crisis looms. A threat to the future and the overall existence of mankind. But, there is hope a savior will emerge: Casshern. Casshern is an action-packed, sci-fi thriller that blends Japanamation and manga-inspired live action to create a new hybrid form of filmmaking that is both visually stunning and thought provoking."
"After 50 years of bitter warfare in the late 21st century, a new crisis looms. A threat to the future and the overall existence of mankind. But, there is hope a savior will emerge: Casshern. Casshern is an action-packed, sci-fi thriller that blends Japanamation and manga-inspired live action to create a new hybrid form of filmmaking that is both visually stunning and thought provoking."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Starship Troopers 2: Hero Of The Federation took the fight back to the bugs in a sequel to 1997's Starship Troopers. Directed by Phil Tippett from a script by Edward Neumeier, the SciFi/Thriller starred Richard Burgi, Billy Brown, and Kelly Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the sequel to Paul Verhoeven's loved/reviled sci-fi film, a group of troopers taking refuge in an abandoned outpost after fighting alien bugs, failing to realize that more danger lays in wait."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Starship Troopers 2 actually took home a 2005 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Release.' It also scored a 2005 Fangoria Chainsaw Award in the category of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX.'
"In the sequel to Paul Verhoeven's loved/reviled sci-fi film, a group of troopers taking refuge in an abandoned outpost after fighting alien bugs, failing to realize that more danger lays in wait."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Starship Troopers 2 actually took home a 2005 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Release.' It also scored a 2005 Fangoria Chainsaw Award in the category of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX.'
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), it was the end of the world as we know it (yet again!) with the TV broadcast premiere of Locusts. Directed by David Jackson from a script by Doug Prochilo, the Fantasy/Horror starred Lucy Lawless, John Heard, and Dylan Neal. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Maddy Rierdon, an investigator for the Department of Agriculture, is the only person who can protect America from a deadly breed of bioengineered locusts."
"Dr. Maddy Rierdon, an investigator for the Department of Agriculture, is the only person who can protect America from a deadly breed of bioengineered locusts."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the Netherlands), audiences in attendance of the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the very first theatrical presentation of Perfect Creature! Written and directed by Glenn Standring, the Fantasy/Horror starred Dougray Scott, Saffron Burrows, and Leo Gregory; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The vampire myth is given a stylish 1960s treatment, where a human cop partners with a vampire cop to stop a vamp bent on creating a war between the two "separate but equal" races."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Perfect Creature enjoyed a modest bit of attention at the 2008 New Zealand Film And TV Awards.
"The vampire myth is given a stylish 1960s treatment, where a human cop partners with a vampire cop to stop a vamp bent on creating a war between the two "separate but equal" races."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Perfect Creature enjoyed a modest bit of attention at the 2008 New Zealand Film And TV Awards.
On this day in 2009 (in the UK), FAQ About Time Travel premiered in theatres. (To my knowledge, this one has never had a DVD release in the United States.) Here's the straight skinny from IMDB.com:
"While drinking at their local pub, three social outcasts attempt to navigate a time-travel conundrum."
"While drinking at their local pub, three social outcasts attempt to navigate a time-travel conundrum."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the Third Reich was at it again with the home video release of Nazis At The Center Of The Earth. Directed by Joseph J. Lawson from a script by Paul Bales, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dominique Swain, Jake Busey, and Joshua Michael Allen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Researchers in Antarctica are abducted and dragged underground by a team of Nazi survivors planning the revival of the Third Reich."
"Researchers in Antarctica are abducted and dragged underground by a team of Nazi survivors planning the revival of the Third Reich."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Chrysalis opened up. Well, theatrically, that is. Directed by John Klein from a script by Ben Kurstin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sara Gorsky, Cole Simon, and Tanya Thai McBride. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Joshua and Penelope are survivors of a deadly infection that laid waste to humanity 25 years ago. When they encounter fellow survivor Abira, their lives are forever changed as they fight off the remnants of the infected."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chrysalis enjoyed a good amount of love earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Joshua and Penelope are survivors of a deadly infection that laid waste to humanity 25 years ago. When they encounter fellow survivor Abira, their lives are forever changed as they fight off the remnants of the infected."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chrysalis enjoyed a good amount of love earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2014, Alex Garland's Ex Machina gave SciFi fans another look at a potential tomorrow involving a fully-formed Artificial Intelligence. The film starred Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breath-taking humanoid A.I."
"A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breath-taking humanoid A.I."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the Sci-Fi-London film festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Lost Time. Written (in part) and directed by Christian Sesma, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rochelle Vallese, Luke Goss, and Robert Davi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After leaving a doctor visit with the worst news, Valerie Dreyfuss and her sister Melissa come to a stop on a lonely stretch of road. Their car is engulfed by a blinding light....12 hours later Valerie wakes to the horror that her sister is gone, nowhere to be found."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lost Time earned an extra bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"After leaving a doctor visit with the worst news, Valerie Dreyfuss and her sister Melissa come to a stop on a lonely stretch of road. Their car is engulfed by a blinding light....12 hours later Valerie wakes to the horror that her sister is gone, nowhere to be found."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lost Time earned an extra bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Indianapolis, Indiana were treated to the silver screen premiere of Ezekial's Landing. Written (in part) and directed by James Treakle, the SciFi/Thriller starred Naphatia St. Pierre, Abigail White, and Ransom Pugh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The fraudulent author of an alien abduction memoir and a skeptic with a supernatural secret join forces to fight a UFO cult."
"The fraudulent author of an alien abduction memoir and a skeptic with a supernatural secret join forces to fight a UFO cult."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Devil's Gate enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Tribeca Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Clay Staub, the SciFi/Horror starred Amanda Schull, Shawn Ashmore, and Milo Ventimiglia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Seeking a missing woman in North Dakota, an FBI agent and a sheriff focus on her religious zealot husband but discover something far more sinister."
For the record:
In 2018, Devil's Gate did enjoy a nomination in the category of 'Best Editing' from the Independent Horror Movie Awards.
"Seeking a missing woman in North Dakota, an FBI agent and a sheriff focus on her religious zealot husband but discover something far more sinister."
For the record:
In 2018, Devil's Gate did enjoy a nomination in the category of 'Best Editing' from the Independent Horror Movie Awards.
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Iron Sky: The Coming Race enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Timo Vuorensola, the SciFi/Comedy starred Lara Rossi, Vladimir Burlakov, and Kit Dale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A follow-up to the film Iron Sky (2012) in which Nazis plan to take over the world after lying dormant in a secret military base on the moon."
For the record:
At the 2020 Jussi Awards (recognizing film excellence in Finland), Iron Sky: The Coming Race enjoyed two nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Costume Design.'
"A follow-up to the film Iron Sky (2012) in which Nazis plan to take over the world after lying dormant in a secret military base on the moon."
For the record:
At the 2020 Jussi Awards (recognizing film excellence in Finland), Iron Sky: The Coming Race enjoyed two nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Costume Design.'
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Please Omit Flowers." Officially, this served as the thirty-sixth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Looking for a way to boost his business clientele, a ruthless mortician comes across a potion that causes a very deep sleep to come on people, making others think that they are dead."
"Looking for a way to boost his business clientele, a ruthless mortician comes across a potion that causes a very deep sleep to come on people, making others think that they are dead."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Comet Of Death." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The Polaris crosses the path of a comet, imperiling both ship and crew."
"The Polaris crosses the path of a comet, imperiling both ship and crew."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Space Museum." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS arrives on a planet that has been turned into a space museum but the Doctor and his friends are puzzled when they find themselves out of phase with their surroundings."
"The TARDIS arrives on a planet that has been turned into a space museum but the Doctor and his friends are puzzled when they find themselves out of phase with their surroundings."
On this day in 1967 (in Japan), The Space Giants aired "Magno's Strangest Weapon." Officially, this served as the forty-third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV Time:
"Rodak heads out into deep space to regroup his forces. His flight is tracked on radar via satellite. Rodak leaves his assistant Tocka on Earth to plant a bomb in an art museum. Mathusam senses something wrong at the art museum and tells Mikko, Gam, Tom Mura, and Kita to investigate. They drive to the museum and discover an unusual statue, which suddenly emits a strange smoke. Everyone flees the building just before the museum is destroyed. A new beast, Magno (Jigira), appears and traps Gam against one of its magnetic horns. Mikko calls for Goldar, but Magno drops Gam and retreats. Tocka records Mikko’s whistle and uses hundreds of recordings to lead Goldar on a wild goose chase. The confused Space Avenger reports back to Mathusam, who informs him that he is not listening carefully enough as only Mikko’s whistle emits a natural sound. Magno attacks an electrical power plant and Goldar is called for help!"
"Rodak heads out into deep space to regroup his forces. His flight is tracked on radar via satellite. Rodak leaves his assistant Tocka on Earth to plant a bomb in an art museum. Mathusam senses something wrong at the art museum and tells Mikko, Gam, Tom Mura, and Kita to investigate. They drive to the museum and discover an unusual statue, which suddenly emits a strange smoke. Everyone flees the building just before the museum is destroyed. A new beast, Magno (Jigira), appears and traps Gam against one of its magnetic horns. Mikko calls for Goldar, but Magno drops Gam and retreats. Tocka records Mikko’s whistle and uses hundreds of recordings to lead Goldar on a wild goose chase. The confused Space Avenger reports back to Mathusam, who informs him that he is not listening carefully enough as only Mikko’s whistle emits a natural sound. Magno attacks an electrical power plant and Goldar is called for help!"
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Colony In Space: Part 3." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor makes it back to the colony and warns Ashe what Dent is up to but when Jo and Winton try to find proof they are captured."
"The Doctor makes it back to the colony and warns Ashe what Dent is up to but when Jo and Winton try to find proof they are captured."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "My Soul To Keep." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The aliens are forced to move their unborn infants to a refrigeration facility to save them. Meanwhile Suzanne's ex-husband, an investigative journalist appears, seeking to uncover the truth about the Blackwood project."
"The aliens are forced to move their unborn infants to a refrigeration facility to save them. Meanwhile Suzanne's ex-husband, an investigative journalist appears, seeking to uncover the truth about the Blackwood project."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Chase" as the twentieth episode to the popular program's sixth season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Galen comes aboard the Enterprise in an attempt to recruit Picard for a private expedition. Picard turns down Galen's offer, but later finds himself taking up the project when Galen's ship is attacked and destroyed."
"Professor Galen comes aboard the Enterprise in an attempt to recruit Picard for a private expedition. Picard turns down Galen's offer, but later finds himself taking up the project when Galen's ship is attacked and destroyed."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Maquis: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The destruction of a Cardassian ship leads Sisko, Dukat, and Sisko's old friend Cal Hudson to the fact that there is an unofficial war between the Maquis and the Cardassians."
"The destruction of a Cardassian ship leads Sisko, Dukat, and Sisko's old friend Cal Hudson to the fact that there is an unofficial war between the Maquis and the Cardassians."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Improbable Cause." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After an attempt is made on Garak's life, Odo conducts the investigation on who tried to murder the Cardassian tailor - and why."
"After an attempt is made on Garak's life, Odo conducts the investigation on who tried to murder the Cardassian tailor - and why."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Heroes and Demons." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After Harry Kim disappears during his 'Beowulf' holonovel program, Chakotay and Tuvok are sent to investigate and they disappear. Not wanting to lose any more crew-members, the Doctor is transfered to the holodek to investigate."
"After Harry Kim disappears during his 'Beowulf' holonovel program, Chakotay and Tuvok are sent to investigate and they disappear. Not wanting to lose any more crew-members, the Doctor is transfered to the holodek to investigate."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Detained." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Archer and Mayweather are investigating a strange energy reading from the other side of a moon. The next moment they find themselves in a complex inhabited by Sulibans. The Sulibans are kept against their will by the Tandarans, who are in war with the Cabal, a Suliban terrorist organization. Archer and Mayweather are held prisoner because of trespassing, but Tandaran colonel Grat assures their release will only be a formality. While captain Archer is suspicious of the Suliban at first, he soon finds out they're innocent and makes plan to release them. Meanwhile Grat discovers evidence of Enterprise' earlier encounters with the Cabal."
"Captain Archer and Mayweather are investigating a strange energy reading from the other side of a moon. The next moment they find themselves in a complex inhabited by Sulibans. The Sulibans are kept against their will by the Tandarans, who are in war with the Cabal, a Suliban terrorist organization. Archer and Mayweather are held prisoner because of trespassing, but Tandaran colonel Grat assures their release will only be a formality. While captain Archer is suspicious of the Suliban at first, he soon finds out they're innocent and makes plan to release them. Meanwhile Grat discovers evidence of Enterprise' earlier encounters with the Cabal."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), the re-launched Doctor Who aired "The Time Of Angels." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Amy emerge from the TARDIS to find the wreck of the Byzantium spaceship. Down below the Weeping Angels are stirring, but the Doctor has someone else to contend with; none other than the mysterious Professor River Song."
"The Doctor and Amy emerge from the TARDIS to find the wreck of the Byzantium spaceship. Down below the Weeping Angels are stirring, but the Doctor has someone else to contend with; none other than the mysterious Professor River Song."
