Great Caesar's ghost! Well, no ... but how about The Ghosts Of Motley Hall? On this day back in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), the spectrally-themed comedy got its start on the Boob Tube, giving audiences a glimpse into what awaits us in one possible incarnation of the afterlife. This serial starred Arthur English, Freddie Jones, Nicholas Le Prevost, Sean Flanagan, and Sheila Steafel; and here's the series' premise as provided by the good folks at IMDB.com:
"Motley Hall was built in 1577 and was home to the Uproar family. Empty of living inhabitants, it is home to Five Ghosts from different periods of the Halls history who are compelled to get along with each other as best as they might and try some how to keep the 20th century away from their doorstep that they might remain undisturbed as the sole occupants of their ancestral Hall home."
"Motley Hall was built in 1577 and was home to the Uproar family. Empty of living inhabitants, it is home to Five Ghosts from different periods of the Halls history who are compelled to get along with each other as best as they might and try some how to keep the 20th century away from their doorstep that they might remain undisturbed as the sole occupants of their ancestral Hall home."
Appearing on this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Parallel 9 tried to bridge the gap between adult and children's entertainment by offering up a space Fantasy with characters that perhaps might be more relatable for the youngest among us. Though I've been unable to locate very little substantive information about the series, I have found a summary of its content on Wikipedia.org that's worth sharing:
"The show focused on Mercator, an old alien 'Time Baron' with very long eyebrows who had been banished to Parallel 9 after summoning an earth girl named Calendular as a result of his thirst for knowledge – a criminal offence on his home planet 'Zarb'. As part of his punishment, he was allowed to awake for only 2 hours a week; from 9am to 11am on 'the day the Earthlings call Saturday', and had the ability to 'beam up' guests from Earth to Parallel 9, to take part in interviews and features with Calendular, who had decided to take up permanent residence in Parallel 9."
"The show focused on Mercator, an old alien 'Time Baron' with very long eyebrows who had been banished to Parallel 9 after summoning an earth girl named Calendular as a result of his thirst for knowledge – a criminal offence on his home planet 'Zarb'. As part of his punishment, he was allowed to awake for only 2 hours a week; from 9am to 11am on 'the day the Earthlings call Saturday', and had the ability to 'beam up' guests from Earth to Parallel 9, to take part in interviews and features with Calendular, who had decided to take up permanent residence in Parallel 9."
Yes, it might be a technical throwback to a time when entertainment was simpler, but -- for what it's worth -- SuperMarionation ruled the day. And -- also, for what it's worth -- it's great that it can still be seen again because on this day in 2020 (in the United Kingdom) SuperMarionation took center stage once more with the broadcast premiere of Nebula-75! Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Commander Ray Neptune of the spaceship Nebula-75 was all set for a long mission with his crew of civilian recruits, but nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of the ship being flung into the far reaches of space by forces unknown. Now, the crew strive to make their way back to Earth, encountering an array of strange characters along the way. Filmed in Supermarionation."
"Commander Ray Neptune of the spaceship Nebula-75 was all set for a long mission with his crew of civilian recruits, but nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of the ship being flung into the far reaches of space by forces unknown. Now, the crew strive to make their way back to Earth, encountering an array of strange characters along the way. Filmed in Supermarionation."
The Last Starfighter (1984) remains a piece of sugary SciFi confection for viewers of a certain generation, and screen veteran Kay E. Kuter did the film justice in the role of 'Enduran.' The actor also enjoyed guest roles on The Mole People (1956), The Outer Limits, The Wild Wild West, The Intruders, V (NBC), The Twilight Zone, Zombie High (1987), Beauty And The Beast, Frankenstein General Hospital (1988), Warlock (1989), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Kuter was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only eight professional credits to her name, Ruth Hampton still did right by fandom by making an appearance -- even in a small way -- aboard 1953's Abbott And Costello Go To Mars. Though she's no longer with us, Hampton was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I guess if you're going to be remembered for something that there are a lot worse things to be remembered for than falling for the Vulcan neck pinch. Who knows? You could be remembered for playing an evil Nazi! Peter Canon played one aboard Star Trek's "Patterns Of Force," and the actor also turned up in guest spots aboard Irwin Allen's Land of the Giants and The Six Million Dollar Man. Though he's no longer with us, Canon was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Denny Miller (shown above in a scene from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's second season outing "The Dorian Secret") was a terrific character actor who made a solid impression in genre entertainment throughout his career. Due to his size, he was usually cast somewhat as a heavy, but he almost always brought real compassion along with his muscle. He's been seen in such properties as The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, Doomsday Machine (1972), The Six Million Dollar Man, Quark, Battlestar Galactica, Beyond Westworld, and NBC's original V. Though he's no longer with us, Miller was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Why, even legendary actor Al Pacino (above right) has found himself in the realm of Science Fiction, albeit briefly, with the lead role in S1m0ne (2002), a cautionary tale about digital creations. Pacino was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Bonnie Beecher (above right) was smitten with Ensign Pavel Chekov during her appearance aboard "Spectre of the Gun," a third season outing for Star Trek. Beecher was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1979, the lovely Talia Shire found herself wrapped up in the SciFi/Horror hybrid Prophecy for Paramount Pictures. I suspect audiences first came to know the talented and award-winning actress for her work opposite Sylvester Stallone in the much-loved Rocky saga, but she did dabble elsewhere, including work aboard such genre projects as Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star (1986) and Faerie Tale Theatre. Shire was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeffrey DeMunn is a versatile character actor who has been caught stealing scenes aboard such properties as The Twilight Zone, The Blob (1988), RocketMan (1997), The X-Files (1998), The Mist (2007), and The Walking Dead. DeMunn was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I admit to never quit enjoying all that much of Babylon 5 during its run, I've always said that I thought it had some of the most gifted players in any SciFi ensemble, and Peter Jurasik (above left) was so slouch. He embodied 'Londo Mollari' with just the right mix of charisma and hubris, chewing scenery when the script required it and even softening for some quiet moments. In 1996, he even won the "Best Supporting Player in a Genre TV Series" for Universe Reader's Choice Awards. Kudos on earning such distinction. Jurasik was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After "cutting his teeth" in the realm of TV producing for the series Bigfoot and Wildboy, Peter Lauritson soared to the heavens by helping to bring Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise to the masses. Lauritson was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Oh, but to be remember for getting some alien goo on your hand! Daniel Kash was part of the early corpses lining up for James Cameron's epic Aliens (1986). He also enjoyed a small role aboard the RoboCop (2014) reboot as well as a larger role on Syfy's The Expanse. Kash was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Christopher Gilman has toiled behind-the-scenes in Art and Special Effects for such properties as The Ice Pirates (1984), The Terminator (1984), The Blob (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), Stargate (1994), Twelve Monkeys (1995), and Watchmen (2009). Gilman was born on this day in 1991. Gilman was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elena Wohl has enjoyed a solid handful of roles in such genre enterprises over the years as Something Is Out There, Quantum Leap, Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction, and Sheena. Wohl was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Hank Azaria found himself in a none-too-funny predicament when he needed to capture footage of Godzilla (1998) in the ill-fated monster franchise reboot. Azaria was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While most SciFi fans know her from Joss Whedon's short-lived Firefly, I remember Gina Torres from her earlier appearances in the pulpy Cleopatra 2525 and even her guest spots in Alias. She continues working in the industry to this day, garnering an impressive number of small but significant roles in every production she seeks. Torres was born on this day back in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
The Alma Awards celebrate the portrayal of Latinos in the entertainment industry, and in 2001 Gina Torres took home their 'Outstanding Lead Actress in a Syndicated Drama Series' for her work aboard Cleopatra 2525.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
The Alma Awards celebrate the portrayal of Latinos in the entertainment industry, and in 2001 Gina Torres took home their 'Outstanding Lead Actress in a Syndicated Drama Series' for her work aboard Cleopatra 2525.
Funnyman Jason Lee provided the voice for 'Buddy Pine' (aka Syndrome) aboard the Walt Disney/Pixar feature The Incredibles (2004). Lee was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her name may not be what's considered 'household,' Katie Dickie has certainly built a career with big and small roles in some of entertainment's most memorable places. Fans have appreciated her gifts in such properties as Prometheus (2012), Game Of Thrones, The Witch (2015), The Frankenstein Chronicles, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017), and The Green Knight (2021). Dickie was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ragnarok (2013) is one of those cinematic fantasies I've heard so many conflicting reports about that I have yet to see it so consider it part of my ever expanding Bucket List at present. Still, kudos to the lovely Sofia Helin for appearing aboard the property. Helin was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I would suspect conventional dramas and comedies are more to her liking, the lovely Emily Bergl has dabbled in other realms with roles aboard The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), Taken (TV miniseries), Star Trek: Enterprise, and Syfy's Warehouse 13. Bergl was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Becky Wahlstrom enjoyed a prominent guest-starring role aboard Star Trek: Enterprise's "Cogenitor" in 2003. Wahlstrom was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
At present, the resume of Marguerite Moreau on IMDB.com is fast approaching one hundred different screen roles, and -- kudos -- a good number of them have been in some quality genre properties. Fans might recognize her from appearances in such places as 3rd Rock From The Sun, Mighty Joe Young (1998), Queen Of The Damned (2002), Firestarter 2: Rekindled, Smallville, Lost, Ghost Whisperer, The Uninvited (2008), Cupid, The Unsettling, and The Birch. Moreau was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As photogenic as she is, it isn't hard to figure out why showrunners would hire the lovely Tiffani Timms to fill out secondary roles, and she's been privileged to be a small part of Alienated, Jake 2.0, Stargate: SG-1, Kyle XY, and Elysium (2013). Timms was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Finnish actress Linda Zilliacus brought a bit of magic and mystery to the role of The Snow Queen (2014) for Visual Norden. Zilliacus was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Giuseppe Andrews' earliest screen roles was as 'Troy' aboard Roland Emmerich's landmark Independence Day (1996). Andrews was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Samuel Barnett delivered a winning amount of quirk as the lead aboard Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for the BBC. Barnett was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
At times, MTV's foray into Fantasy -- their adaptation of The Shannara Chronicles -- was quite good, but late in the first season it became so jumbled I'm not sure anyone knew exactly what was going on. Still, kudos to Daniel MacPherson for his involvement in the property. MacPherson was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Finnish actress Laura Birn continues to toil away on projects that put her particular skill sets to the best uses. Genre fans might recognize her from such properties as The Innocents and Foundation. Birn was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fantasies just don't get much richer than Immortals (2011) in which Ares (the Greek God of war) was played by Daniel Sharman. Sharman was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sara Paxton put her tail where her mouth is ... erm ... not really ... but reasonably close as she grew an all-new tail for her work aboard the Fantasy-themed Aquamarine (2006) for Fox 2000 Pictures. Paxton was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jonathan Bailey had a terrific guest-starring gig on an eighth season outing of the BBC's uber-popular Doctor Who. In it, he played Psi, a psi-gifted thief who joined the Doctor himself for the immortal "Time Heist." Bailey was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona continues to creep her way deeper and deeper into the realm of quality genre projects. Not long after a pair of guest appearances to Person Of Interest, she found herself with much larger exposure as the lead in the short-lived TV adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz, the single season Emerald City. Since then, she's racked up performances aboard Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) and Amazon's Good Omens that have only increased her creative potential. Arjona was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Just about the time when you figure out that there aren't enough fish in the sea ... That would likely be what actress Allisyn Snyder thought to herself when she joined the cast of the Horror/Comedy Ozark Sharks (2015) for Active Entertainment. But this former Disney semi-regular has also enjoyed screen time aboard such genre properties as Miracles and Meet Dave (2008). Snyder was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1941 (in London), The Devil Bat sunk its fangs into audiences. Directed by Jean Yarbrough, the SciFi/Horror starred Bela Lugosi and Suzanne Kaaren, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it."
"A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it."
A star is born! On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Five delivered one dark look at the Apocalypse in its first theatrical engagement ever playing for the good people of New York City. Director Arch Oboler also adapted the poem written by James Wheldon Johnson ("Creation") for the silver screen, and the film starred William Phipps, Susan Douglas Rubes, and James Anderson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
In 1952, the Writers Guild Of America nominated Five in the category of 'Best Written American Low Budget' Feature.
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
In 1952, the Writers Guild Of America nominated Five in the category of 'Best Written American Low Budget' Feature.
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), Night Of The Eagle (aka Burn, Witch, Burn!) delivered a bit of fantastical Horror to the masses-at-large. Directed by Sidney Hayers, the feature starred Peter Wyngarde, Janet Blair, and Margaret Johnston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman who may be a witch defends her husband from forces attempting to harm him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Eagle was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1963 Hugo Awards.
"A woman who may be a witch defends her husband from forces attempting to harm him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Eagle was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1963 Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1962 (in France), The Magic Sword swung onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Bert I. Gordon, the Fantasy feature starred Basil Rathbone and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, embarks on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard."
"The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, embarks on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard."
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), The Day Of The Triffids finally arrived. (Well ... cinematically, that is.) Directed by Steve Sekely and Freddie Francis, the SciFi/Horror starred Howard Keel, Nicole Maurey, and Janette Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an unusual meteor shower leaves most of the human population blind, a merchant navy officer must find a way to conquer tall, aggressive plants which are feeding on people and animals."
"After an unusual meteor shower leaves most of the human population blind, a merchant navy officer must find a way to conquer tall, aggressive plants which are feeding on people and animals."
On this day in 1968 (in France), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of Victoria, Texas were treated to the silver screen premiere of Beyond Atlantis. Directed by Eddie Romero, the Fantasy feature starred Patrick Wayne, John Ashley, and Leigh Christian. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A band of adventurers invade a native island determined to grab a reported fortune in buried treasure. The islanders are just as determined to keep their sacred treasure. Complications ensue."
"A band of adventurers invade a native island determined to grab a reported fortune in buried treasure. The islanders are just as determined to keep their sacred treasure. Complications ensue."
On this day in 1984 (in France), Forbidden Zone delivered more than a bit of camp to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Elfman, the feature film starred Gene Cunningham, Marie-Pascale Elfman, and Virginia Rose; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The bizarre and musical tale of a girl who travels to another dimension through the gateway found in her family's basement."
"The bizarre and musical tale of a girl who travels to another dimension through the gateway found in her family's basement."
On this day in 1984 (in France), Panic broke out cinematically. Directed by Tonino Ricci, the SciFi/Horror starred David Warbeck and Janet Agren, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
On this day in 1985 (in the Netherlands), Death Warmed Up warmed up audiences at the box office. Written (in part) and directed by David Blyth, the Horror/Fantasy starred Michael Hurst, Margaret Umbers, and Norelle Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A kid is hypnotized by a scientist to kill his parents and ends in a mental institution. As a grown up he returns to seek revenge over the scientist."
"A kid is hypnotized by a scientist to kill his parents and ends in a mental institution. As a grown up he returns to seek revenge over the scientist."
On this day in 1985 (in Italy), Return Of The Living Dead came to life on the silver screen. Directed by Dan O'Bannon, the Fantasy/Horror starred Clu Galager, James Karen, and Don Calfa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Return Of The Living Dead enjoyed four nominations -- yet no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"When two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Return Of The Living Dead enjoyed four nominations -- yet no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1986 (in Japan), Roger Corman's Galaxy Of Terror enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Written (in part) and directed by Bruce D. Clark, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Erin Moran, Edward Albert, and Ray Walston; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A ragtag spaceship crew sent on a rescue mission encounter a formidable enemy, their worst fears projected by their own imaginations."
"A ragtag spaceship crew sent on a rescue mission encounter a formidable enemy, their worst fears projected by their own imaginations."
On this day in 1986 (in East Germany), Star Trek: The Motion Picture enjoyed a run at the theaters. Directed by Robert Wise, the SciFi feature brought William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley back into roles they created for television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
On this day in 1991 (in Peru), RoboCop 2 reported for duty on the silver screen. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi feature starred Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
A star is born! On this day in 1944, Hercules And The Amazon Women aired on US television, giving birth to the entire Hercules: The Legendary Journeys franchise! Directed by Bill L. Norton, the script was penned by Andrew Dettman, Jule Selbo, and Daniel Truly. The telefilm starred the incredible man himself Kevin Sorbo as the titular strongman and also cast Michael Hurst as his sidekick, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Hercules and Iolaus take time out from Iolaus' wedding preparations, to help a distant village under attack from 'monsters.' When they reach their destination, they find the monsters are in fact Amazonian women who are controlled by Hera."
"Hercules and Iolaus take time out from Iolaus' wedding preparations, to help a distant village under attack from 'monsters.' When they reach their destination, they find the monsters are in fact Amazonian women who are controlled by Hera."
On this day in 1997 (in Canada), Nemesis 4: Death Angel was introduced to the masses-at-large. Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Blanka Copikova, Andrew Divoff, and Michael Gucik; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), the original Resident Evil enjoyed its release, starting a major film 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."
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in Canada), the small screen adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time enjoyed its television premiere. Directed by John Kent Harrison, the Fantasy feature starred Katie Stuart, David Dorfman, and Gregory Smith; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl and her genius kid brother are aided by three curious witches in their search for their missing scientist father, captive of an omnipotent otherworldly villain simply called 'It' whose evil is slowly infecting the universe."
"A young girl and her genius kid brother are aided by three curious witches in their search for their missing scientist father, captive of an omnipotent otherworldly villain simply called 'It' whose evil is slowly infecting the universe."
On this day in 2007 (in Argentina), the SciFi/Telefilm A For Andromeda enjoyed a debut on home video. Directed by John Strickland, this updating of the 1960's SciFi/Serial starred Tom Hardy, Kelly Reilly, and Charlie Cox; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the Yorkshire Dales, a group of scientists receive radio signals from the Andromeda Galaxy. Once decoded, these give them a computer program that can design a human clone. One physicist decides it is a Trojan horse and decides to destroy the computer."
"In the Yorkshire Dales, a group of scientists receive radio signals from the Andromeda Galaxy. Once decoded, these give them a computer program that can design a human clone. One physicist decides it is a Trojan horse and decides to destroy the computer."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in Belgium and France), Next took audiences on a ride with precognition. Directed by Lee Tamahori, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore, and Jessica Biel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Las Vegas magician who can see into the future is pursued by FBI agents seeking to use his abilities to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack."
For the record:
Though the Razzie Awards are not always an effect barometer on filmmaking, they sometimes do steer us culturally in the right direction. At their 2008 ceremony, Next earned two nominations -- 'Worst Actor' and 'Worst Supporting Actress' -- for all its troubles.
"A Las Vegas magician who can see into the future is pursued by FBI agents seeking to use his abilities to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack."
For the record:
Though the Razzie Awards are not always an effect barometer on filmmaking, they sometimes do steer us culturally in the right direction. At their 2008 ceremony, Next earned two nominations -- 'Worst Actor' and 'Worst Supporting Actress' -- for all its troubles.
A star is born ... but this one needs a makeover! Stat! On this day in 2009 (in Brazil), The House Of The Devil opened its doors for theatrical business. Written and directed by Ti West, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, and Mary Woronov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1983, financially struggling college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret, putting her life in mortal danger."
For the record:
On top of earning such extra praise on the film festival circuit, The House Of The Dead earned a 2010 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
"In 1983, financially struggling college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret, putting her life in mortal danger."
For the record:
On top of earning such extra praise on the film festival circuit, The House Of The Dead earned a 2010 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), a little SciFi ditty called Beyond played for audiences in attendance of the London Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival. Written and directed by Joseph Baker and Tom Large, the film starred Richard J. Danum, Gillian MacGregor, and Paul Brannigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Beyond is a suspenseful sci-fi journey tracking the turbulent relationship of Cole and Maya as they struggle to survive in a world where the human population has been left decimated after an extra-terrestrial attack."
"Beyond is a suspenseful sci-fi journey tracking the turbulent relationship of Cole and Maya as they struggle to survive in a world where the human population has been left decimated after an extra-terrestrial attack."
A star is born! Or is that eaten? Hmm. As they say, "the more, the merrier!" On this day in 2015, the SciFi/Telefilm Lake Placid Vs. Anaconda pitted the giant gators of the world versus the giant anacondas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A giant crocodile goes head to head with a giant Anaconda. The town sheriff must find a way to destroy the two monsters before they kill the whole town."
"A giant crocodile goes head to head with a giant Anaconda. The town sheriff must find a way to destroy the two monsters before they kill the whole town."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Plague From Space." This served as the thirtieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"USAF Colonel Jeffrey Ward's abilities are put to the ultimate test when a Martian spaceship lands at his base. At first glance the craft has only one passenger, but when an infection breaks out it becomes clear that there was more than one Martian on the ship."
"USAF Colonel Jeffrey Ward's abilities are put to the ultimate test when a Martian spaceship lands at his base. At first glance the craft has only one passenger, but when an infection breaks out it becomes clear that there was more than one Martian on the ship."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Johnny Jupiter aired the sixth episode in the program's first season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Johnny and Mr. Duckweather compare educational systems on Earth and Jupiter."
"Johnny and Mr. Duckweather compare educational systems on Earth and Jupiter."
"The Screaming Jungle" was an episode of Doctor Who that aired as part of its first season in 1964. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The search for the second key takes the travellers to a jungle where Ian and Barbara come under threat from rapidly growing plants."
"The search for the second key takes the travellers to a jungle where Ian and Barbara come under threat from rapidly growing plants."
On this day in 1965, Stingray aired "A Nut For Marineville." Officially, this served as the thirtieth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a seemingly indestructible craft is sighted heading towards Marineville on a collision course, the eccentric Professor Burgoyne is called in to help develop a new super missile with which to destroy it."
"When a seemingly indestructible craft is sighted heading towards Marineville on a collision course, the eccentric Professor Burgoyne is called in to help develop a new super missile with which to destroy it."
It all began right here! On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), The Ghosts Of Motley Hall aired "The Last Uproar." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"There has always been an Uproar at Motley Hall, until now. The last Uproar, Sir Humphrey, has died leaving caretaker Gudgin facing two scheming men who are plotting to steal Motley Hall out from under him. It's up to the ghosts to figure out a way to save Motley Hall and their way of life (death)!"
"There has always been an Uproar at Motley Hall, until now. The last Uproar, Sir Humphrey, has died leaving caretaker Gudgin facing two scheming men who are plotting to steal Motley Hall out from under him. It's up to the ghosts to figure out a way to save Motley Hall and their way of life (death)!"
It all began right here! On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Parallel 9 aired the first episode in the program's first season. As I've been unable to locate any episode-specific information online, I'm instead posting the (edited) series' premise at provided by our friends at Wikipedia.org:
"The show focused on Mercator, an old alien 'Time Baron' with very long eyebrows who had been banished to Parallel 9 after summoning an earth girl named Calendular as a result of his thirst for knowledge – a criminal offence on his home planet 'Zarb'. As part of his punishment, he was allowed to awake for only 2 hours a week; from 9am to 11am on 'the day the Earthlings call Saturday', and had the ability to 'beam up' guests from Earth to Parallel 9, to take part in interviews and features with Calendular, who had decided to take up permanent residence in Parallel 9."
"The show focused on Mercator, an old alien 'Time Baron' with very long eyebrows who had been banished to Parallel 9 after summoning an earth girl named Calendular as a result of his thirst for knowledge – a criminal offence on his home planet 'Zarb'. As part of his punishment, he was allowed to awake for only 2 hours a week; from 9am to 11am on 'the day the Earthlings call Saturday', and had the ability to 'beam up' guests from Earth to Parallel 9, to take part in interviews and features with Calendular, who had decided to take up permanent residence in Parallel 9."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), the venerable Capt. Jean-Luc Picard gets his heart broken (like a little schoolgirl!) in TV syndication with the airing of "The Perfect Mate." (Curse you, cruel fate!) This served as the twenty-first hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"The Enterprise continues its mission to take cargo - an unusual cocoon - to meet Alrik of Volt so that two worlds can end centuries of conflict. Two Ferengi damage the cocoon, which melts away to reveal the empath Kamala who mistakes Picard for her mate."
"The Enterprise continues its mission to take cargo - an unusual cocoon - to meet Alrik of Volt so that two worlds can end centuries of conflict. Two Ferengi damage the cocoon, which melts away to reveal the empath Kamala who mistakes Picard for her mate."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Battle Lines." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After showing Bajoran spiritual leader Kai Opaka the wormhole, she, Sisko, Bashir and Kira crash land on a moon. Kai Opaka dies and the three meet the unfriendly locals."
"After showing Bajoran spiritual leader Kai Opaka the wormhole, she, Sisko, Bashir and Kira crash land on a moon. Kai Opaka dies and the three meet the unfriendly locals."
On this day in 1994, RoboCop: The Series aired "Zone Five." This served as the eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"OCP appoints a vigilante group as new neighborhood watch team in order to solve an ongoing drug problem. They are too hasty in their decision, as it becomes clear that they are actually the drug pushers, and using the watch group as a cover for their operation. RoboCop feels he must step in and expose the operation, especially when he finds his son has been recruited by the group."
"OCP appoints a vigilante group as new neighborhood watch team in order to solve an ongoing drug problem. They are too hasty in their decision, as it becomes clear that they are actually the drug pushers, and using the watch group as a cover for their operation. RoboCop feels he must step in and expose the operation, especially when he finds his son has been recruited by the group."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "Catch Me If You Can." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"While in pursuit of Morgan Pierce, a fugitive from the future Darien has spent a lot of time tracking in the past, Darien teams up with a female police captain, Sheriff Jobeth."
"While in pursuit of Morgan Pierce, a fugitive from the future Darien has spent a lot of time tracking in the past, Darien teams up with a female police captain, Sheriff Jobeth."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Slither." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Quinn and Rembrandt get snared in a rare South American snake deal and wind up getting Maggie and Wade trapped during a rescue attempt."
"Quinn and Rembrandt get snared in a rare South American snake deal and wind up getting Maggie and Wade trapped during a rescue attempt."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "The Unnatural." Officially, this episode served as the nineteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Searching through an FBI reference book, Mulder finds a photograph of Arthur Dales with a baseball team and the alien bounty hunter. Mulder goes to Arthur Dales' house to ask him about the photograph. There he finds Arthur Dales' brother, also named Arthur. Mr. Dales proceeds to tell Mulder a story of a 1940s Negro baseball player in Roswell named Josh Exley who was closing in on breaking some professional baseball records. Mr. Dales tells how he was assigned to protect this player from the KKK and that Exley was actually an alien."
"Searching through an FBI reference book, Mulder finds a photograph of Arthur Dales with a baseball team and the alien bounty hunter. Mulder goes to Arthur Dales' house to ask him about the photograph. There he finds Arthur Dales' brother, also named Arthur. Mr. Dales proceeds to tell Mulder a story of a 1940s Negro baseball player in Roswell named Josh Exley who was closing in on breaking some professional baseball records. Mr. Dales tells how he was assigned to protect this player from the KKK and that Exley was actually an alien."
The crew of Star Trek: Voyager were finally given a new mission from Starfleet in "Friendship One": recover a 21st century probe from a nearby planet. The episode first aired on this day in 2001.
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Hit and Run." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two Vegas mobsters arrive in Perfection, wanting to see El Blanco. After El Blanco eats one of them, swallowing an important key in the process, a hit is put on him, and Burt and the others must save him."
"Two Vegas mobsters arrive in Perfection, wanting to see El Blanco. After El Blanco eats one of them, swallowing an important key in the process, a hit is put on him, and Burt and the others must save him."
On this day in 2008, Syfy's Battlestar Galactica aired the fourth episode of its fourth season. It was an hour titled "Escape Velocity," and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's the plot summary:
"Gaius Baltar causes intense unrest within the fleet when he begins to openly promote belief in the Cylon god. Colonel Tigh, Galen Tyrol, and Tory Foster argue over how far they should go to ensure their secret is not revealed."
"Gaius Baltar causes intense unrest within the fleet when he begins to openly promote belief in the Cylon god. Colonel Tigh, Galen Tyrol, and Tory Foster argue over how far they should go to ensure their secret is not revealed."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired the fifth episode of its third season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An anomaly appears in the flat of unsympathetic millionaire Sir Richard Bentley, ultimately turning him into a flesh-eating monster, slowly evolving into a giant fungus. Sir James allows an enthusiastic Danny to replace Cutter at the ARC and, along with Connor, he destroys the former Sir Richard by exposure to extreme cold. Jenny sees an old photograph of herself from the days when she was Claudia and decides to move on."
"An anomaly appears in the flat of unsympathetic millionaire Sir Richard Bentley, ultimately turning him into a flesh-eating monster, slowly evolving into a giant fungus. Sir James allows an enthusiastic Danny to replace Cutter at the ARC and, along with Connor, he destroys the former Sir Richard by exposure to extreme cold. Jenny sees an old photograph of herself from the days when she was Claudia and decides to move on."
On this day in 2011, Sanctuary aired "One Night." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"What started as an innocent first date for Will and Abby turns into a dangerous kidnapping by a gang whose leader faces certain death without their help."
"What started as an innocent first date for Will and Abby turns into a dangerous kidnapping by a gang whose leader faces certain death without their help."
On this day in 2014 (in the United States), Continuum aired "A Minute Changes Everything." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Kiera works to free a college student caught in a police cover-up, her perspective on police behaviour is thrown into question. Carlos discovers Liber8's influence reaches right inside of VPD. Alec secures an unlikely ally."
"As Kiera works to free a college student caught in a police cover-up, her perspective on police behaviour is thrown into question. Carlos discovers Liber8's influence reaches right inside of VPD. Alec secures an unlikely ally."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds Are Go aired "Fireflash." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by our friends at TV.com:
"Kayo is riding aboard Fireflash, a supersonic airliner invented by Brains, but she is unaware that its controls have been tampered with. International Rescue notices the plane has vanished from their monitors and attempt to locate it. Kayo realises that the plane is flying in the wrong direction, and manages to avoid a powerful gas attack that has knocked out both passengers and crew."
"Kayo is riding aboard Fireflash, a supersonic airliner invented by Brains, but she is unaware that its controls have been tampered with. International Rescue notices the plane has vanished from their monitors and attempt to locate it. Kayo realises that the plane is flying in the wrong direction, and manages to avoid a powerful gas attack that has knocked out both passengers and crew."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Ministry Of Time aired "Oleo sobre tiempo." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team visits Madrid's Royal Palace in 1734 after paintings that were lost in a fire then begin to appear in modern day auctions."
"The team visits Madrid's Royal Palace in 1734 after paintings that were lost in a fire then begin to appear in modern day auctions."
On this day in 2018, The Expanse aired "Assured Destruction." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth strategizes a costly ploy to gain advantage in the war against Mars; Anna struggles to convince Sorrento-Gillis to do the right thing; Avasarala and Bobbie seek refuge aboard the Rocinante."
"Earth strategizes a costly ploy to gain advantage in the war against Mars; Anna struggles to convince Sorrento-Gillis to do the right thing; Avasarala and Bobbie seek refuge aboard the Rocinante."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "The Road Not Taken." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second season -- it's second season finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew must contend with the disastrous fallout from Kelly's decision."
"The crew must contend with the disastrous fallout from Kelly's decision."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in the United Kingdom), Nebula-75 aired the curiously titled "Nebula-75." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stranded millions of miles from home by forces unknown, Commander Neptune and the crew of the Nebula-75 must come to terms with their new life amongst the stars. Their isolation is interrupted, however, by two alien visitors."
"Stranded millions of miles from home by forces unknown, Commander Neptune and the crew of the Nebula-75 must come to terms with their new life amongst the stars. Their isolation is interrupted, however, by two alien visitors."