A star is born! If you've never seen the original Death Race 2000, then you should definitely put it in your bucket list. This SciFi/Cult flick premiered theatrically on this day in 1975 (per Wikipedia.org, not IMDB.com), and it delivered its unique kind of gleeful carnage and campy laughs to unsuspecting audiences everywhere. (Such is the life of many Roger Corman films!) Besides, where else are you going to see the magnificent Sylvester Stallone and the irreplaceable David Carradine in their cinematic prime? Here's the plot summary (for those of you who don't already know it) from IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian future, a cross country automobile race requires contestants to run down innocent pedestrians to gain points that are tallied based on each kill's brutality."
For the record:
Again, this release date is compliments of Wikipedia.org and not IMDB.com (which shows the original US premiere date in Los Angeles, California as April 30, 1975).
"In a dystopian future, a cross country automobile race requires contestants to run down innocent pedestrians to gain points that are tallied based on each kill's brutality."
For the record:
Again, this release date is compliments of Wikipedia.org and not IMDB.com (which shows the original US premiere date in Los Angeles, California as April 30, 1975).
Acting great Jack Klugman visited Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone an incredible four times during the show's successful run on television, and he still had time left over to make a visit to The Outer Limits in the year 2000. Though he's no longer with us, Klugman was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
While growing up, I can remember the voice of Casey Kasem from both television projects as well as radio. He lent his pipes to such noteworthy animated institutions as Super Friends, The Transformers, and (of course) Scooby Doo. Arguably, this guy had the most recognizable voice for a man of his generation. Though he's no longer with us, Kasem was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
Holy crud: what a tough name! Actor John Shrapnel has trafficked in the genre properties for some time now. He's been seen aboard such visual spectacles as Space:1999, Invasion: Earth, The 10th Kingdom, Alien Autopsy (2006), and Mirrors (2008). It isn't every day that SciFi gets to celebrate a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, so you're encouraged to seek out and explore his work. Though he's no longer with us, Shrapnel was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
Believe it or not, Kevin McNally trafficked with a certain Time Lord: back in 1984, he appeared as 'Hugo Lang' in a four-part installment of Doctor Who. He's also sported roles in Survivors, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, as well as Walt Disney's popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He's also enjoyed a recurring guest stint aboard TV's The Outpost in 2018. McNally was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Producer and Director Jon Cassar took a break from the popular 24 franchise to give Science Fiction a chance with his work aboard Fox TV's short-lived Terra Nova. Thankfully that experience didn't scare him off from genre entertainment, and he joined Seth MacFarlane to bring the Star Trek clone The Orville to life on the small screen. Cassar was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Pop songstress Sheena Easton made a glorious addition as a guest star to the zany world of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. for Fox TV. The talented lady also enjoyed a visit to the early days of William Shatner's TekWar. (On a side note, I also had the chance to see her perform in Las Vegas a few years back, and she can definitely still carry a tune!) Easton was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1997, actor John Philbin explored the fictional final frontier as part of the cast of Moonbase, a tale combining offworld penal colonies and nuclear Armageddon. Philbin was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
The exotic Eugenie Bondurant dialed up her exoticness even more in assuming the role of 'Tigris' for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015). She's also appeared aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation and Space Truckers (1996) for good measure. Bondurant was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented and award-nominated James Le Gros has enjoyed guest spots aboard such enduring genre properties as Knight Rider, Solarbabies (1986), Near Dark (1987), Batteries Not Included (1987), Phantasm II (1988), The Outer Limits, Visioneers (2008), Constantine, Person Of Interest, Fear The Walking Dead, and Castle Rock. Le Gros was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Cali Timmins played the space beauty named 'Nova,' one of three intergalactic princesses that drew Peter Strauss into the lead of his camp SciFi classic Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone (one of my personal favorite B-Movies). She's also booked guest visits to Highlander, RoboCop, and TekWar. Timmins was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though I've never done it, I suspect that running a TV show is no small feat ... but could you imagine the weight of the worlds resting on the shoulders of television veteran Russell T. Davies in reviving the BBC's much revered Doctor Who? I couldn't. He probably earned as many fans as he dismayed (if the internet is any indication), but kudos to the man who did a very respectable and reverential job in bringing the singular Time Lord back to television. Davies was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Vengeance Factor," viewers learned that Lisa Wilcox's 'Yuta' had the hots for both Commander Riker and cold-blooded murder, a volatile combination that Will just wouldn't stand for ... so he shot her. (Sorry: spoiler alert, I guess.) With a phaser. Twice. She dead. What can I say? Love hurts. But, thankfully, in space no one can hear you scream. Wilcox was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's probably better recognized for all of her dramatic work in far more conventional fare, the lovely Anna Chancellor did dabble in some pretty significant SciFi waters when she appeared as 'Questular Rontok' in 2005's big screen adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. She also booked appearances in something called Jupiter Moon in the 1990's, but, alas, I'm completely unfamiliar with it. Chancellor was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director, producer, and screenwriter Matt Reeves continues to impress by delivering audiences such visions on the silver screen as Cloverfield (2008), Let Me In (2010), Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014), and War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017). Reeves was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Scottish-born Erik Thomson has dabbled in popular Fantasy with guest appearances aboard Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Young Hercules ... playing no less than 'Hades' himself! Also, IMDB.com reports that the actor's professional debut was aboard an episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater. Thomson was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Frank Kowalski,' Paulino Nunes (above left) did what he could to hold off the vampire horde aboard FX's The Strain. Nunes has also scored roles aboard Highlander: The Raven, Total Recall 2070, Relic Hunter, Earth: Final Conflict, Witchblade, Mutant X, Rollerball (2002), Threshold (2003), Falling Skies, Alphas, Lost Girl, Haven, Bitten, and Dark Matter. Nunes was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, li'l Andre Gower headed up The Monster Squad (1987) for TriStar Pictures. He also enjoyed guest spots aboard Knight Rider and The Twilight Zone. Gower was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
French-born director Xavier Gens crafts exciting screen visuals for compelling genre features. He's helped bring Frontier(s) (2007), The Divide (2011), and The ABCs of Death (2012) to cinematic life. Gens was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bless you, Sally Hawkins! In playing the part of Dr. Vivienne Graham in 2014's wonderful Godzilla, you helped alert the proper authorities to the fact that the original 'big guy' was on his way to coastal United States. You're welcome to join our beloved genre any time you like! Hawkins was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
I just love the name 'Bottomley.' Kinda sexy, no? In any event, the lovely Christine Bottomley -- who enjoyed a guest spot aboard the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood -- turns one more year younger today. Bottomley was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
A luminous Janelle Marra shone a light into the realm of Fantasy with her work aboard Abelar: Tales Of An Ancient Empire (2010) for New Tales. Marra was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 2008, Ari Graynor was an absolutely drunken delight in the delicious rom/com Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but Fringe fans know her best as Rachel, Olivia Dunham's younger sister. Graynor was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Francis Capra has a couple of solid genre properties to his resume: he appeared in multiple episodes of both NBC's Heroes as well as FX's The Strain. Capra was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Anna Skellern recently turned up in a guest spot aboard AMC TV's highly-rated Humans, and I, for one, hope she does more genre work. Skellern was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, who couldn't love a pretty face? (Well, maybe the Daleks couldn't ...) Now, I didn't dislike fresh-faced Jenna Coleman as a companion; I'm just wasn't all that enamored with her character. She had a bit of a confusing backstory, one that never quite resolved itself simply enough for my tastes. Still, she burst onto the SciFi scene in 2012 when she became the next time-traveling partner to Matt Smith's pretty solid run on Doctor Who. Ms. Coleman -- lovely that she definitely is -- was born on this day back in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young William Moseley put a heroic face on the character of 'Peter Pevensie' in the big screen Narnia adaptations. Moseley was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
Before finding fame aboard such mainstream fare as FX's The Bridge and HBO's True Detective, lovely Emily Rios enjoyed a guest spot aboard Fox TV's short-lived Almost Human. Rios was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1955, Devil Girl From Mars touched down in U.S. theatres. Directed by David MacDonald, the SciFi feature starred Hazel Court, Adrienne Corri, and Hugh Beaumont; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An uptight, leather-clad female alien, armed with a ray gun and accompanied by a menacing robot, comes to Earth to collect Earth's men as breeding stock."
For the record:
Not to pick on anyone or anything but I think it bears mention that Devil Girl From Mars is listed as one of the worst films ever made as the opinion of John Wilson in his The Official Razzie Movie Guide. Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of being given streaming access to Film Movement's online portal so that I could view Devil Girl From Mars in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"An uptight, leather-clad female alien, armed with a ray gun and accompanied by a menacing robot, comes to Earth to collect Earth's men as breeding stock."
For the record:
Not to pick on anyone or anything but I think it bears mention that Devil Girl From Mars is listed as one of the worst films ever made as the opinion of John Wilson in his The Official Razzie Movie Guide. Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of being given streaming access to Film Movement's online portal so that I could view Devil Girl From Mars in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Godzilla: King Of The Monsters roared his way onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Ishiro Honda, the Monster Movie opus starred Raymond Burr, Takashi Shimura, and Momoko Kochi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 400-foot (122-meter) dinosaur-like beast, awoken from undersea hibernation off the Japanese coast by atomic-bomb testing, attacks Tokyo."
"A 400-foot (122-meter) dinosaur-like beast, awoken from undersea hibernation off the Japanese coast by atomic-bomb testing, attacks Tokyo."
On this day in 1956 (in Finland), a giant Tarantula crawled out over unsuspecting audiences. Directed by Jack Arnold, the SciFi feature starred John Agar and Mara Corday, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
On this day in 1960 (in France), Beginning Of The End enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by genre legend Bert I. Gordon, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Graves, Peggie Castle, and Morris Ankrum. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Enterprising journalist Audrey Ames (Peggie Castle) is determined to get the scoop on enormous grasshoppers that were accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm, and she endeavors to save Chicago despite a military cover-up."
"Enterprising journalist Audrey Ames (Peggie Castle) is determined to get the scoop on enormous grasshoppers that were accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm, and she endeavors to save Chicago despite a military cover-up."
On this day in 1962 (in West Germany), Hercules In The Haunted World took the hero into the darkest place. Written (in part) and directed by Mario Bava, the Fantasy feature starred Reg Park, Christopher Lee, and Leonora Ruffo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hercules must journey into Hades itself to retrieve the magic stone that will free his love from the powers of darkness."
"Hercules must journey into Hades itself to retrieve the magic stone that will free his love from the powers of darkness."
Here's another old gem that I've read plenty about but don't believe I've ever seen. The Day of the Triffids premiered on this day in 1963 (in the United States), and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A shower of meteorites produces a glow that blinds anyone that looks at it. As it was such a beautiful sight, most people were watching, and as a consequence, 99% of the population go blind. In the original novel, this chaos results in the escape of some Triffids: experimental plants that are capable of moving themselves around and attacking people. In the film version, however, the Triffids are not experimental plants. Instead they are space aliens whose spores have arrived in an earlier meteor shower."
"A shower of meteorites produces a glow that blinds anyone that looks at it. As it was such a beautiful sight, most people were watching, and as a consequence, 99% of the population go blind. In the original novel, this chaos results in the escape of some Triffids: experimental plants that are capable of moving themselves around and attacking people. In the film version, however, the Triffids are not experimental plants. Instead they are space aliens whose spores have arrived in an earlier meteor shower."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in France), the French language SciFi/Comedy Cartes sur table enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written and directed by Jesús Franco, the feature starred Eddie Constantine and Françoise Brion, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad scientist uses his army of mechanical monsters to control people who have Type O blood."
"A mad scientist uses his army of mechanical monsters to control people who have Type O blood."
On this day in 1977 (in France), Tentacles submerged at the box office. Directed by Ovidio G. Assonitis with a script from the team of Jerome Max, Tito Carpi, and Steven W. Carabatsos, the Horror feature starred John Huston, Shelley Winters, and Bo Hopkins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mutated giant octopus wreaks havoc on a California seaside community."
"A mutated giant octopus wreaks havoc on a California seaside community."
On this day in 1978 (in Italy), the robots went to war in the prophetically titled War Of The Robots! It starred Antonio Sabato and Yanti Somer, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An alien civilization, which facing eminent extinction, kidnaps two famous genetic scientists from Earth. A troop of soldiers is dispatched to combat the humanoid robots and rescue the victims."
For the record:
This premiere date is listed by Google.com, not IMDB.com (which lists the film as being released on April 21, 1978).
"An alien civilization, which facing eminent extinction, kidnaps two famous genetic scientists from Earth. A troop of soldiers is dispatched to combat the humanoid robots and rescue the victims."
For the record:
This premiere date is listed by Google.com, not IMDB.com (which lists the film as being released on April 21, 1978).
A star is born! On this day in 1979, The Dark shed some light on a Horror/SciFi conundrum. The feature starred Cathy Lee Crosby and William Devane, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At night the Mangler stalks the streets of Los Angeles, killing and mutilating random victims. On the trail are a TV reporter, the father of one of the victims, and a police detective, but despite their efforts only the mysterious psychic DeRenzy knows what the killer is and how to stop it."
"At night the Mangler stalks the streets of Los Angeles, killing and mutilating random victims. On the trail are a TV reporter, the father of one of the victims, and a police detective, but despite their efforts only the mysterious psychic DeRenzy knows what the killer is and how to stop it."
On this day in 1982 (in Italy), the 1972-produced Fantasy/Telefilm Moon Of The Wolf enjoyed an airing out on television. Directed by Daniel Petrie and adapted from a novel by Alvin Sapinsley, the feature starred David Janssen, Barbara Rush, and Bradford Dillman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After several locals are viciously murdered, a Louisiana sheriff starts to suspect he may be dealing with a werewolf."
"After several locals are viciously murdered, a Louisiana sheriff starts to suspect he may be dealing with a werewolf."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), Warrior Of The Lost World found itself cinematically. Written and directed by David Worth, the SciFi feature starred Robert Ginty and Persis Khambatta, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Rider is traveling through a post-apocalyptic world on his technically advanced motorcycle and his loyal computer Einstein. Being pure in spirit, he manages to pass through the wall of illusion and meets the resistance movement The Elders, fighting the tyranny of the evil despot Prossor. The resistance asks him to free professor McWayne, their leader, who has been sentenced to death by Prossor. The beautiful Nastasia and The Rider infiltrate the city, guarded by the Omega militia, where the professor is imprisoned."
"The Rider is traveling through a post-apocalyptic world on his technically advanced motorcycle and his loyal computer Einstein. Being pure in spirit, he manages to pass through the wall of illusion and meets the resistance movement The Elders, fighting the tyranny of the evil despot Prossor. The resistance asks him to free professor McWayne, their leader, who has been sentenced to death by Prossor. The beautiful Nastasia and The Rider infiltrate the city, guarded by the Omega militia, where the professor is imprisoned."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Creature went in for the cinematic kill with a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by William Malone, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Stan Ivar, Wendy Schaal, and Lyman Ward. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a member of a geological research team who was sent to Saturn's largest moon: Titan crashes their spacecraft into a space station, another team is sent to Titan to investigate, not knowing the terror that awaits them."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Creature earned two impressive nominations: 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"After a member of a geological research team who was sent to Saturn's largest moon: Titan crashes their spacecraft into a space station, another team is sent to Titan to investigate, not knowing the terror that awaits them."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Creature earned two impressive nominations: 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Japan), GoShogun: The Time Étranger enjoyed its exhibition ever with its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Forty years after the events of the TV series, Remy Shimada, ex-pilot of the GoShogun, suffers a terrible accident while on her way to a meeting with her former robot-piloting comrades. While they rush to the hospital, Remy floats between life and death. She sees visions of her life when she was young, and stranger still, experiences a hallucination of being with her friends, all of them young again, in a mysterious city filled with hostile fanatics. Far from being the reunion Remy hoped for, a ghastly letter arrives for each member of the team that predicts their gruesome deaths. Slated to die in two days, both in reality and in her dream, Remy struggles to find a way out of the City of Fate, relying on the memories of her friends to see her through, even as they surround her death bed in the waking world."
"Forty years after the events of the TV series, Remy Shimada, ex-pilot of the GoShogun, suffers a terrible accident while on her way to a meeting with her former robot-piloting comrades. While they rush to the hospital, Remy floats between life and death. She sees visions of her life when she was young, and stranger still, experiences a hallucination of being with her friends, all of them young again, in a mysterious city filled with hostile fanatics. Far from being the reunion Remy hoped for, a ghastly letter arrives for each member of the team that predicts their gruesome deaths. Slated to die in two days, both in reality and in her dream, Remy struggles to find a way out of the City of Fate, relying on the memories of her friends to see her through, even as they surround her death bed in the waking world."
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), The Last Starfighter soared into theatres. Directed by Nick Castle, the SciFi feature starred Lance Guest and Robert Preston, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
On this day in 1988 (in France), Cherry 2000 delivered Melanie Griffith in a SciFi-lite package to audiences hungry for a Fantasy/RomCom. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1989 (in Brazil), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the WorldFest Houston Film Festival had their motors running for a special screening of Chopper Chicks In Zombietown. Written and directed by Dan Hoskins, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jamie Rose, Catherine Carlen, and Lycia Naff. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gang of tough women bikers are the only thing that stands between a crowd of zombies, which have been accidentally let out of their secure cave, and those still alive in the town."
For the record:
At the 1991 Fantasporto Film Festival, Chopper Chicks earned the 'International Fantasy Film Special Jury Award' for all of its good deeds on film.
"A gang of tough women bikers are the only thing that stands between a crowd of zombies, which have been accidentally let out of their secure cave, and those still alive in the town."
For the record:
At the 1991 Fantasporto Film Festival, Chopper Chicks earned the 'International Fantasy Film Special Jury Award' for all of its good deeds on film.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Spaced Invaders touched down on Earth for its theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Patrick Read Johnson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Douglas Barr, Royal Dano, and Ariana Richards. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dimwitted Martians drop into a little Illinois town on the day that the local radio station happens to rebroadcast Orson Welles 1938 "War Of The Worlds"."
"Dimwitted Martians drop into a little Illinois town on the day that the local radio station happens to rebroadcast Orson Welles 1938 "War Of The Worlds"."
Occasionally, I experienced some weird 'technical' difficulty in searching the web for materials to use for some of these older, more obscure titles. The latest case in point: Nemesis 4: Death Angel. Oh, I had no trouble finding some production stills. The difficulty came in when I learned that most of them involved nudity. Much nudity. Go figure. It was released on home video on this day in 1999, and here's the film's plot synopsis from 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."
A star is born ... or is it animated? On this day in 2001 (in Japan), Malice@Doll enjoyed its release to the masses-at-large. Directed by Keitarô Motonaga from a script by Chiaki Konaka, the SciFi/Horror starred the voices of Yukie Yamada, Daiki Nakamura, and Rio Natsuki. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A sex bot named Malice is attacked by a creature with tentacles. After it has its way with the bot it destroys it, but Malice comes back to life with the ability to spread life to other bots like a disease."
"A sex bot named Malice is attacked by a creature with tentacles. After it has its way with the bot it destroys it, but Malice comes back to life with the ability to spread life to other bots like a disease."
A star is born! On this day in 2007, Unearthed played for audiences in attendance of the Tribeca Film Festival. Written and directed by Matthew Leutwyler, the feature starred Emmanuelle Vaugier and Luke Goss, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the desert area of Hat Creek, cows are found partially devoured and the farmers believe that a wolf is attacking the cattle. The alcoholic Sheriff Annie Flynn is called by the local farmer Rob Horn to witness the remains of an animal to request reimbursement from the government and for an accident with a tank truck that is blocking the road. However, Annie sooner discovers that an ancient alien creature sent to annihilate life on Earth hundreds of years ago was released by the Indian Kale during an archaeological excavation in the desert. The Indian Caya and a group of travelers stranded in the spot without gas together with Annie and Kale try to find a means to destroy the alien and save mankind."
"In the desert area of Hat Creek, cows are found partially devoured and the farmers believe that a wolf is attacking the cattle. The alcoholic Sheriff Annie Flynn is called by the local farmer Rob Horn to witness the remains of an animal to request reimbursement from the government and for an accident with a tank truck that is blocking the road. However, Annie sooner discovers that an ancient alien creature sent to annihilate life on Earth hundreds of years ago was released by the Indian Kale during an archaeological excavation in the desert. The Indian Caya and a group of travelers stranded in the spot without gas together with Annie and Kale try to find a means to destroy the alien and save mankind."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Area 407 -- one of those dastardly found footage films -- enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Dale Fabrigar and Everette Wallin, the SciFi/Horror starred Abigail Schrader, Samantha Belén, and James Lyons. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Survivors of an airplane crash find themselves within the borders of a government testing area and pursued by predators."
"Survivors of an airplane crash find themselves within the borders of a government testing area and pursued by predators."
On this day in 2015, Australiens played for audiences in attendance of the Studio 35 Cinema Comedy Film Festival. Written and directed by Joe Bauer, and SciFi/Comedy feature starred Rita Artmann and Tamara McLaughlin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At the age of 10, Australian-born Andi Gibson had what she describes as a close encounter with a flying saucer. Naturally, everyone assumed she was bonkers. That is until one notable evening, 17 years later, when an airborne extra-terrestrial armada launches a nation-wide assault on Andi's home country and at the same time, for unspecified reasons, kidnaps her mother. To add to the debacle, it seems the other nations of the world are far too insulted by their exclusion from the attack to come to Australia's aid. Now it is up to Andi, her hypochondriac brother Elliot, retired boxer cousin Keith and documentary filmmaker friend Cam to stop the attack and rescue Andi's mum. Enlisting the help of Andi's equal-parts mysterious and cringeworthy father, the gang must battle car-chasing spaceships, martial-arts aliens, giant killer robots and, perhaps most frighteningly, a deluge of family secrets in their fight to save Australia. Bloody hell, this is gonna be a long night."
"At the age of 10, Australian-born Andi Gibson had what she describes as a close encounter with a flying saucer. Naturally, everyone assumed she was bonkers. That is until one notable evening, 17 years later, when an airborne extra-terrestrial armada launches a nation-wide assault on Andi's home country and at the same time, for unspecified reasons, kidnaps her mother. To add to the debacle, it seems the other nations of the world are far too insulted by their exclusion from the attack to come to Australia's aid. Now it is up to Andi, her hypochondriac brother Elliot, retired boxer cousin Keith and documentary filmmaker friend Cam to stop the attack and rescue Andi's mum. Enlisting the help of Andi's equal-parts mysterious and cringeworthy father, the gang must battle car-chasing spaceships, martial-arts aliens, giant killer robots and, perhaps most frighteningly, a deluge of family secrets in their fight to save Australia. Bloody hell, this is gonna be a long night."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Germany), Snake Outta Compton enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Hank Braxtan, the Horror/Comedy starred Ricky Flowers Jr., Motown Maurice, and Donte Essien. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rap group on the verge of signing their first record deal is the city's only hope in a battle with a giant mutating snake monster."
"A rap group on the verge of signing their first record deal is the city's only hope in a battle with a giant mutating snake monster."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Escape Into Space." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A criminal known for his racketeering has fled to Earth where Rocky Jones takes him into custody, fooling him into giving Rocky a confession of his crimes."
"A criminal known for his racketeering has fled to Earth where Rocky Jones takes him into custody, fooling him into giving Rocky a confession of his crimes."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "From Another World." This served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Colonel McCauley returns from Asteroid 78-1. The mission was cut short by the failure of his suit oxygen supply. He is insistent that just before he passed out he saw fossil evidence of life on the asteroid. Unconnected with this, Air Force medical staff have recommended his prolonged series of missions requires a 60-day 'grounding' to recover from stress. Will McCauley be able to lead the return mission to the asteroid if its unpredictable orbit permits another rendezvous?"
For the record:
Though I suspect many consider this late 1950's / early 1960's Science Fiction program a bit lost to history, it bears mentioning that the Hugo Awards nominated it (in 1960) for 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' no small feat indeed.
"Colonel McCauley returns from Asteroid 78-1. The mission was cut short by the failure of his suit oxygen supply. He is insistent that just before he passed out he saw fossil evidence of life on the asteroid. Unconnected with this, Air Force medical staff have recommended his prolonged series of missions requires a 60-day 'grounding' to recover from stress. Will McCauley be able to lead the return mission to the asteroid if its unpredictable orbit permits another rendezvous?"
For the record:
Though I suspect many consider this late 1950's / early 1960's Science Fiction program a bit lost to history, it bears mentioning that the Hugo Awards nominated it (in 1960) for 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' no small feat indeed.
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "The Chameleon." This served as the thirty-first episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"To save Earth from invasion, scientists alter a human into a replica of one of the aliens. The human subject Mace is a remorseless killer, who easily adapts to any personality required. Giving up his body and life means little to him, he relishes this ultimate test of his chameleon powers. But how much loyalty will the vicious Mace have to his fellow humans?"
For the record:
While The Outer Limits didn't garner an awful lot of critical praise (which would've translated to awards recognition) during its original day on television, the series did enjoy a nomination at the 1964 Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Scenic Design.' It's also a program that's had a few TV reboots, cementing itself as one of the genre's popular franchises.
"To save Earth from invasion, scientists alter a human into a replica of one of the aliens. The human subject Mace is a remorseless killer, who easily adapts to any personality required. Giving up his body and life means little to him, he relishes this ultimate test of his chameleon powers. But how much loyalty will the vicious Mace have to his fellow humans?"
For the record:
While The Outer Limits didn't garner an awful lot of critical praise (which would've translated to awards recognition) during its original day on television, the series did enjoy a nomination at the 1964 Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Scenic Design.' It's also a program that's had a few TV reboots, cementing itself as one of the genre's popular franchises.
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "Follow The Leader." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An evil spirit possesses John Robinson and plans to fly the Jupiter 2 back to his home world, even at the expense of Will's life."
For the record:
During its time on the Boob Tube, Lost In Space did enjoy a nomination (in 1966) for the Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Individual Achievements in Cinematography - Special.'
"An evil spirit possesses John Robinson and plans to fly the Jupiter 2 back to his home world, even at the expense of Will's life."
For the record:
During its time on the Boob Tube, Lost In Space did enjoy a nomination (in 1966) for the Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Individual Achievements in Cinematography - Special.'
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Wheel In Space, Part 1." This served as the thirty-fifth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jamie arrive on a mysterious spacecraft whose only occupant is a dangerous Servo Robot."
"The Doctor and Jamie arrive on a mysterious spacecraft whose only occupant is a dangerous Servo Robot."
On this day in 1969 (in Japan), Star Trek aired "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The flight recorder of the 200-year-old U.S.S. Valiant relays a tale of terror--a magnetic storm at the edge of the galaxy!"
"The flight recorder of the 200-year-old U.S.S. Valiant relays a tale of terror--a magnetic storm at the edge of the galaxy!"
On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Steve Austin, Fugitive." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Steve Austin is framed for murder by a former adversary. With Oscar and Rudy out of town, the only one he can trust is Oscar's newest secretary, Miss Callahan."
"Steve Austin is framed for murder by a former adversary. With Oscar and Rudy out of town, the only one he can trust is Oscar's newest secretary, Miss Callahan."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Drumhead." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason."
"A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Super Force aired "Monkey's Breath." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach's new commanding officer isn't all that she seems to be. Can he and Zander find out what she's up to in time?"
"Zach's new commanding officer isn't all that she seems to be. Can he and Zander find out what she's up to in time?"
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Believers." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"An alien family refuses surgery to save their dying child."
"An alien family refuses surgery to save their dying child."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Tarzan: The Epic Adventures aired "Tarzan And The Amtorans." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The women of the jungle village are disappearing and when Tarzan investigates, he goes through a portal to another planet. There he encounters earthling adventurer Carson and purple skinned people who ride dirt bikes."
"The women of the jungle village are disappearing and when Tarzan investigates, he goes through a portal to another planet. There he encounters earthling adventurer Carson and purple skinned people who ride dirt bikes."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), The Outer Limits aired "Replica." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's seventh (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his wife enters a seemingly irreversible coma, a scientist uses his own discovery to clone her illegally. Complications arise when his wife awakens."
"After his wife enters a seemingly irreversible coma, a scientist uses his own discovery to clone her illegally. Complications arise when his wife awakens."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "Belly Of The Beast." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Andromeda investigates a "mythical" beast that eats planets. They soon discover it's real and are promptly swallowed by the beast. With Dylan on the outside trying to figure out how to save his ship and crew, each member of the crew is plagued by doubts about their mission on board the Andromeda."
"Andromeda investigates a "mythical" beast that eats planets. They soon discover it's real and are promptly swallowed by the beast. With Dylan on the outside trying to figure out how to save his ship and crew, each member of the crew is plagued by doubts about their mission on board the Andromeda."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Ex Marks The Spot." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shalimar's former boyfriend shows up and is trying to recover a Faberge Egg that holds a microchip of extraordinary power."
"Shalimar's former boyfriend shows up and is trying to recover a Faberge Egg that holds a microchip of extraordinary power."
On this day in 2004 (in Canada), Alienated aired "Binge." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roger loses his job; Sarah discovers she's pregnant."
"Roger loses his job; Sarah discovers she's pregnant."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Blank." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After The Talon is robbed, Clark chases perpetrator Kevin Grady, whom has the ability to erase peoples minds. Grady erases Clark's memories in his attempt to escape. Chloe helps Clark to protect his secret and recollect his memories while looking for Kevin's father, the scientist Lawrence Grady. They learn that Kevin was the subject of an experiment of his own father. Meanwhile, Lana becomes more uncertain where she stands with Jason and must decide if she wants to leave Smallville after graduation or stay there with him."
"After The Talon is robbed, Clark chases perpetrator Kevin Grady, whom has the ability to erase peoples minds. Grady erases Clark's memories in his attempt to escape. Chloe helps Clark to protect his secret and recollect his memories while looking for Kevin's father, the scientist Lawrence Grady. They learn that Kevin was the subject of an experiment of his own father. Meanwhile, Lana becomes more uncertain where she stands with Jason and must decide if she wants to leave Smallville after graduation or stay there with him."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Fade." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Standing outside the Metropolis courthouse with Chloe, Clark saves Graham Garrett from a car which would have crushed him. Graham insists to repay the favor by offering Clark whatever he wants, including the opportunity to be with Lana again. Graham later turns out to be a hired killer with chameleon powers that render him invisible. Clark also gets angry at Chloe for keeping Lana and Lex's affair from him. When Clark realizes that Graham wants to kill Lex and Lana to protect his identity, Clark rushes to find and ptotect them both."
"Standing outside the Metropolis courthouse with Chloe, Clark saves Graham Garrett from a car which would have crushed him. Graham insists to repay the favor by offering Clark whatever he wants, including the opportunity to be with Lana again. Graham later turns out to be a hired killer with chameleon powers that render him invisible. Clark also gets angry at Chloe for keeping Lana and Lex's affair from him. When Clark realizes that Graham wants to kill Lex and Lana to protect his identity, Clark rushes to find and ptotect them both."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Road Not Taken" as the thirteenth episode of the program's tenth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Now recovered from her wounds at the hands of the Ori, she continues to experiment with the Ancients cloaking device. Suddenly however, she finds herself shifted to a parallel universe where things are not quite the same: General Hammond is still in charge of the SGC; Hank Landry is President of the United States; and none of her colleagues are around anymore. Earth is expecting the Ori to attack in 5 days or so and she assists them by using the cloaking device. She soon finds herself a hero for having saved the planet and is named to the President's staff. This Earth is different however, with the U.S. under martial law and civil liberties curtailed. She turns to someone she knows to help her get back to her own reality. It seems that those in power have no intention of letting her leave however."
"Now recovered from her wounds at the hands of the Ori, she continues to experiment with the Ancients cloaking device. Suddenly however, she finds herself shifted to a parallel universe where things are not quite the same: General Hammond is still in charge of the SGC; Hank Landry is President of the United States; and none of her colleagues are around anymore. Earth is expecting the Ori to attack in 5 days or so and she assists them by using the cloaking device. She soon finds herself a hero for having saved the planet and is named to the President's staff. This Earth is different however, with the U.S. under martial law and civil liberties curtailed. She turns to someone she knows to help her get back to her own reality. It seems that those in power have no intention of letting her leave however."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Irresponsible" as the thirteenth episode of the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The team investigate rumours of an invincible hero off-world, only to find Lucius Lavin again manipulating a hapless village."
"The team investigate rumours of an invincible hero off-world, only to find Lucius Lavin again manipulating a hapless village."
On this day in 2013 (in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the US), Doctor Who aired "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS." This served as the eleventh episode of the re-launched program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Clara find themselves aboard a space freighter that has taken the TARDIS on-board as salvage. While the Doctor is ejected, Clara finds herself wandering through the vehicle exploring it's many - seemingly infinite - rooms. The Doctor re-enters the TARDIS accompanied by three workers from the salvage ship and they have but 30 minutes to find her. There are creatures in the depths of the TARDIS and the time travel machine will do whatever it takes to protect itself. There is a rupture in time however and the TARDIS is leaking recent history....which the Doctor can use to rectify their current predicament."
"The Doctor and Clara find themselves aboard a space freighter that has taken the TARDIS on-board as salvage. While the Doctor is ejected, Clara finds herself wandering through the vehicle exploring it's many - seemingly infinite - rooms. The Doctor re-enters the TARDIS accompanied by three workers from the salvage ship and they have but 30 minutes to find her. There are creatures in the depths of the TARDIS and the time travel machine will do whatever it takes to protect itself. There is a rupture in time however and the TARDIS is leaking recent history....which the Doctor can use to rectify their current predicament."
The red-blooded half of fandom needed a cold shower after things decidedly steamed up on the hour of Orphan Black that aired on this day in 2013 (in Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom). "Conditions Of Existence" saw our heroine taking a needed time-out from the action for some romance. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"After spending the night with Paul, Sarah begins to wonder whether a dream she had had the same night - of being examined by doctors - was in fact real. She believes Beth was spying on Paul and searches his apartment. He was once in the military but at his work, she finds that his desk drawers are empty. Sarah is almost caught out when Paul notices that a scar on her neck is no longer there. Vic's partners want their cocaine back, and later, he can't believe his eyes when he sees Alison - thinking she's Sarah. At school in Minnesota, Cosima continues to analyze the blood samples found in Katja's briefcase. She also meets a French exchange student, Delphine Cormier, to whom she finds herself attracted. Meanwhile, Alison harbors suspicions about her husband and is convinced he is hiding something. She takes her own steps to find out what it is."
"After spending the night with Paul, Sarah begins to wonder whether a dream she had had the same night - of being examined by doctors - was in fact real. She believes Beth was spying on Paul and searches his apartment. He was once in the military but at his work, she finds that his desk drawers are empty. Sarah is almost caught out when Paul notices that a scar on her neck is no longer there. Vic's partners want their cocaine back, and later, he can't believe his eyes when he sees Alison - thinking she's Sarah. At school in Minnesota, Cosima continues to analyze the blood samples found in Katja's briefcase. She also meets a French exchange student, Delphine Cormier, to whom she finds herself attracted. Meanwhile, Alison harbors suspicions about her husband and is convinced he is hiding something. She takes her own steps to find out what it is."
According to Memory Alpha it was on this day back in 2004 that the Star Trek novel "A Time To Harvest" was first published by Pocket Books. The book was written by Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore, and here's the (edited) plot summary from Amazon.com:
"On the cusp of their epic battle with Shinzon, many of Captain Jean-Luc Picard's long-time crew were heading for new assignments and new challenges. Among the changes were William Riker's promotion to captain and his new command, Riker's marriage to Counselor Deanna Troi, and Dr. Beverly Crusher's new career at Starfleet Medical. But the story of what set them on a path away from the Starship Enterprise™ has never been told ..."
"On the cusp of their epic battle with Shinzon, many of Captain Jean-Luc Picard's long-time crew were heading for new assignments and new challenges. Among the changes were William Riker's promotion to captain and his new command, Riker's marriage to Counselor Deanna Troi, and Dr. Beverly Crusher's new career at Starfleet Medical. But the story of what set them on a path away from the Starship Enterprise™ has never been told ..."
