Richard Coogan's stint as the namesake Science Fiction here 'Captain Video' aboard Captain Video And His Video Rangers lasted a scant seven episodes ... but what glorious adventures they were! Sigh. IMDB.com reports that he had to surrender the role to another because of its vigorous production schedule conflicting with his other efforts. Otherwise his career was spent in mainstream properties, so be thankful for what he left audiences. Though he's no longer with us, Coogan was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Yowza! The late, great Peter Vaughan leaves behind a resume rich in well over two hundred different screen roles. He definitely never shied away from genre work, dabbling in small role and even meatier parts whenever the opportunity presented itself. Fans might know him best from appearances aboard Village Of The Damned (1960), Dimensions Of Fear, Adam Adamant Lives!, The Avengers, Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), Fatherland (1994), The 10th Kingdom, and HBO's Game Of Thrones. Though he's no longer with us, Vaughan was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
She launched herself into the entertainment industry as a showgirl, but she quickly moved into acting gigs ... and the lovely Noreen Nash braved the lukewarm Phantom From Space (1953) for Planet Filmplays. Also, the actress also dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard Aladdin And His Lamp (1952) for Walter Wanger Productions. Nash was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anthony Perkins made a name for himself -- heck, he made a career for himself! -- by appearing as the psychologically confused 'Norman Bates' in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960); but SciFi fans know him best as 'Dr. Alex Durant' in Walt Disney's The Black Hole (1979). His character met a rather grisly fate, nonetheless, one that probably could even have been imagined by Norman Bates! Though he's no longer with us, Perkins was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It bears mention that the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Perkins for the 'Best Actor' Saturn Award for his work in Psycho III (1986), though he lost out the honor to another.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It bears mention that the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Perkins for the 'Best Actor' Saturn Award for his work in Psycho III (1986), though he lost out the honor to another.
Arguably one of the greatest Russian film directors of all-time, Andrei Tarkovsky helmed such Science Fiction stories as Solaris (1972) and Stalker (1979). His various projects have garnered him an incredible amount of representation in awards and nominations, many of which come via presentation at the highly-regarded Cannes Film Festival. Though he's no longer with us, Tarkovsky was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Kenneth Mars was a genius of a wallflower player, the kind of guy hanging out in the background just waiting to steal the big scene. Fans no doubt recognize him from his work in Young Frankenstein (1974), Wonder Woman (TV), Project UFO, Supertrain, Misfits of Science, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, M.A.N.T.I.S., and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. Though he's no longer with us, Mars was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've often argued that -- based on the quality of The Incredibles (2004) alone -- all superhero films should be all-CGI all the time. It's just a perfect recipe for success! And, yes, that includes the voicework, of which the great actor Craig T. Nelson is included. Nelson was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Caroline McWilliams knew her way around drama and comedy. Genre fans might recognize her from appearances aboard The Incredible Hulk, Project UFO, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Though she's no longer with us, McWilliams was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer/Director Jeffrey Bloom has gravitated toward some unconventional fare, including involvement in such projects as Nightmares (1983) and Starcrossed (1985). Bloom was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The only thing I've read from renowned author Dan Simmons is his horror novel Song of Kali ... which was pretty darn frightening if I do say so myself. However, I'm told his Science Fiction works are exceptional -- several of them are award-nominated -- and that definitely warrants a mention for our purposes. Hailing from Peoria, Illinois (not all that far from my original stomping grounds), Simmons was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
I've always had a fondness for the camp sensibilities of Roger Corman's Death Race 2000 (1975). I have an even greater fondness for the fetching Simone Griffeth, who appeared opposite David Carradine in the flick. She also guested aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, The Next Step Beyond, The Incredible Hulk, and The Greatest American Hero. Griffeth was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Christine Lahti is not necessarily a name one associates with genre projects, but she does have a few appearances definitely deserving of mention. She established herself with the proper credentials back in 1980 with a role aboard the SciFi telefilm The Henderson Monster. A few years later, she turned up in a big role aboard the oft-overlooked SciFi/Fantasy miniseries Amerika, an underrated drama that depicted what a fallen U.S. could look like under a Communist oppressor. And then in 2019 she turned up with a supporting role aboard CBS's stellar Evil series. Lahti was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Cherie Lunghi took on the role of 'Guinivere' aboard the John Boorman-helmed silver screen adaptation of the King Arthur mythology, Excalibur (1981). Lunghi was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Mary-Margaret Humes gave fans something to think about with her work aboard the curious Eerie, Indiana during its run on television. She's also made visits to such worlds as Knight Rider, Manimal, Shadow Chasers, Time Trax, Legend, Touched By An Angel, Ghost Whisperer, The Portal (2010), and Fire City: End Of Days (2015). Humes was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine gave a good handful of actors the chance to play some monumental 'baddies' in the shape of the Cardassians, and Casey Biggs certainly rose to the challenge. He gave his character Damar the chance to go from bad to kinda/sorta good as he led the resistance effort to take back Cardassia from the Dominion. Biggs was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Let's just call it a-swing-and-a-miss, shall we? Veteran television producer and screenwriter David E. Kelley was invited to take a shot at bringing the DC Comics' character Wonder Woman to the small screen back in 2011 ... but, alas, his effort just wasn't meant to be as it was cancelled before even given a screening on the Boob Tube. Still, his screenplay for Lake Placid (1999) certainly made waves in the Horror business, establishing a small franchise. Kelley was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On the face of it, one might not know exactly how many SciFi roles character actor Phil Morris has had throughout his rather impressive career in the business. Granted, Star Trek fans certainly know him from his work in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager, but a quick review of his resume on IMDB.com will show you he's dabbled in far more franchises than I've space to mention. Morris was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Lorraine Toussaint certainly knows how to occupy a role. Genre fans have been rewarded with her presence aboard such gems as M.A.N.T.I.S., Dark Skies, Forever, Fast Color (2018), and AMC's Into The Badlands. She's also provided vocals to such entities as She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power and Star Wars: Visions. Toussaint was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know most folks say that they can't think of The Matrix films without thinking of Keanu Reeves, but -- so far as this fan is concerned -- I can't think of any of the films and not think of character actor Hugo Weaving. I mean ... come on! Neo would be nothing without a villain the likes of Agent Smith to face-off against! Weaving was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Proving once and for all that she's far more than just a pretty face, popular Playboy Playmate Ava Fabian took to the Final Frontier for a role as 'the Queen of Mars' aboard the campy Lobster Man From Mars (1989) for Electric Pictures. Me? Well, I prefer those Playboy pictures. Fabian was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be tied to any single individual, then that person could quite possibly be actor Robert Downey Jr. He inhabited the lead, millionaire 'Tony Stark,' with the same manic intensity and corporate narcissism of the graphic novels, and it translated very well to the big screen. And Marvel even gave the character a fitting, respectful death. Kudos to perfect casting! Downey Jr. was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Weird Science (1985) -- in which Downey had a small role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Weird Science (1985) -- in which Downey had a small role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Whuut?! Nancy McKeon -- a perfect 10 in any man's book -- was downgraded to a perfect 6?! Oh ... that's Category 6: Day Of Destruction (2004), a SciFi/Fantasy telefilm she headlined for the good people at MAT IV. McKeon was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Xenia Seeberg delivered sex appeal (and then some!) to Lexx, one of the quirkiest Science Fiction series perhaps of all time. Seeberg was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hmm. Well, I guess if you're going to star in a single Science Fiction film in your acting lifetime, then why not headline one that's said to be one of the worst ever made? That's something Barry Pepper can say after joining John Travolta's vanity project to bring Battlefield Earth to the silver screen. Pepper was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Chris Conner took a break for more conventional fare for a dip into the well of Science Fiction when he signed aboard as a semi-regular for Netflix's Altered Carbon. Conner was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Matthew MacCaull enjoyed a recurring role in the guise of 'Commander Steel' aboard The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow. He's also booked appearances aboard Jeremiah, Riverworld (2010), Fringe, Supernatural, Tomorrowland (2015), iZombie, and Star Trek Beyond (2016). MacCaull was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The very talented Natasha Lyonne (above center) joined Willem Dafoe and Shanyn Leigh in the Apocalypse-themed 4:44 Last Day On Earth (2011). Lyonne was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critically-acclaimed actor Heath Ledger left us well before his time, but fans still have an incredible body of work available to study. Though his resume includes only a scant 23 individual screen credits, his roles certainly left an impression with those who watched. Projects include such names as TV's Roar, A Knight's Tale (2001), The Brothers Grimm (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (2009). Though he's no longer with us, Ledger was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Collette Wolfe delivered her looks and some laughs with her work aboard Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) and Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015). Wolfe was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not long after hanging up her badge from CBS's crime procedural The Mentalist, the lovely Amanda Righetti signed aboard USA Networks' SciFi procedural, Colony. She also had a teeny-tiny role in Captain America: The First Avenger. Righetti was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the curiously under-appreciated flick Antiviral! Those of us who have seen know and appreciate the power of one of the smartest Science Fiction commentaries of the modern era, and those of you who haven't seen it don't know what you're missing. The lovely Sarah Gadon played the ultimate celebrity on the cutting edge of social destruction, and she's also aboard Hulu's alternate history tale, 11.22.63. Gadon was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Maggie Geha went belly-up (or is that belly-down) for a chance to portray no less than 'Poison Ivy' aboard the TV exploration of the Batman universe, Gotham, during its run. Geha was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Holy mother of dragons! Playboy Playmate and adult film temptress Spencer Scott certainly dressed the part for her work aboard the porn parody This Ain't Game Of Thrones XXX (2014) for Hustler Video. Scott was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alexa Nikolas is just one of the many actors who has enjoyed to kill zombies aboard AMC's popular The Walking Dead franchise. Nikolas was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, will you lookie there? Fresh-faced Daniela Bobadilla voiced green-faced 'Miss Martian' for her work aboard the DC direct-to-DVD release, Justice League Vs. The Fatal Five (2019). This talented young lady also dipped her human toes into the world of The CW's long-running Supernatural for a guest appearance. Bobadilla was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1924 (in France), The Man From Beyond enjoyed a run through theaters. Directed by Burton L. King, the Fantasy/Mystery starred Harry Houdini, Arthur Maude, and Albert Tavernier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man who has been frozen in the Arctic ice for 100 years returns to civilization to find his lost love."
"A man who has been frozen in the Arctic ice for 100 years returns to civilization to find his lost love."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed its limited theatrical premiere in Los Angeles, California! Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now a race begins between computers (HAL) and human (Bowman) to reach the monolith placers. The winner will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now a race begins between computers (HAL) and human (Bowman) to reach the monolith placers. The winner will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1968 (in West Germany), the 1958-produced Invention For Destruction played delivered magic and mirth to the silver screen. Directed by Karel Zeman from an adaptation of a Jules Verne novel, the Fantasy feature starred Lubor Tokos, Arnost Navrátil, and Miroslav Holub; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An evil millionaire named Artigas plans to use a super-explosive device to conquer the world from his headquarters inside an enormous volcano."
For the record:
For all intents and purposes, I'm treating this date as the film's first theatrical engagement date: IMDB.com reports that it played before this at a film festival but that exhibition date seems to be lost to history. Also, it bears mentioning that in 1962 it was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for the Hugo Awards.
"An evil millionaire named Artigas plans to use a super-explosive device to conquer the world from his headquarters inside an enormous volcano."
For the record:
For all intents and purposes, I'm treating this date as the film's first theatrical engagement date: IMDB.com reports that it played before this at a film festival but that exhibition date seems to be lost to history. Also, it bears mentioning that in 1962 it was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1968 (in Argentina), Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the feature starred Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, and Roddy McDowall. 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."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"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."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
On this day in 1979 (in Colombia), the late-1970's remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers ratcheted up paranoia amongst the masses. Directed by Philip Kaufman, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, and Leonard Nimoy; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Starship (aka Lorca and the Outlaws) opened theatrically. This one proved to be more than a bit elusive, folks, and I've been able to find very little about it. The writer/director is Roger Christian, and -- so far as SciFi goes -- he has a slight but impressive resume, having performed set decoration and production work on both the original Star Wars movie, Alien, and even some second unit directing on both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. In any event, here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Things are not going well on the mining planet Ordessa: the conditions are awful, the workers are disgruntled and the management is cracking down by using killer security robots. Only the underground resistence movement, led by Lorca, has a chance of turning around the brutal regime, but the management has hired Danny the bounty hunter to track him and his followers down. Will any of them stand a chance against the brutal hunter and his robot assistants?"
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Lorca And The Outlaws enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
"Things are not going well on the mining planet Ordessa: the conditions are awful, the workers are disgruntled and the management is cracking down by using killer security robots. Only the underground resistence movement, led by Lorca, has a chance of turning around the brutal regime, but the management has hired Danny the bounty hunter to track him and his followers down. Will any of them stand a chance against the brutal hunter and his robot assistants?"
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Lorca And The Outlaws enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), an entertainment icon was born when the original SciFi/Telefilm Max Headroom enjoyed its first broadcast ever. Directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton (who both also had a hand in the story and script), the film starred Matt Frewer, Amanda Pays, and Nickolas Grace; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the dystopic near future, a crusading TV reporter investigates news stories with the help of a wisecracking computer version of himself."
For the record:
At the 1986 BAFTA Awards, Max Headroom took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Graphics.'
"In the dystopic near future, a crusading TV reporter investigates news stories with the help of a wisecracking computer version of himself."
For the record:
At the 1986 BAFTA Awards, Max Headroom took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Graphics.'
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), it was all smiles and bare chests with the release of Warriors Of The Apocaylpse. Written (in part) and directed by Bobby A. Saurez, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael James, Deborah Moore, and Ken Metcalfe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After civilization is wiped out by nuclear war, an adventurer leads a group of wanderers on a search for the fabled Mountain of Life. "Along the way they encounter pygmy tribes, bands of savage outlaws and a tribe of Amazon women."
"After civilization is wiped out by nuclear war, an adventurer leads a group of wanderers on a search for the fabled Mountain of Life. "Along the way they encounter pygmy tribes, bands of savage outlaws and a tribe of Amazon women."
On this day in 1987 (in Japan), Critters tried to take a bite out of the interested viewers. Directed by Stephen Herek, the SciFi/Horror starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, and Billy Green Bush. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Bigfoot himself (herself? itself?) was sighted! Well, on home video, that is ... as the feature film Bigfoot: The Unforgettable Encounter enjoyed its release. Written and directed by Corey Michael Eubanks, the Family/Fantasy starred JoJo Adams, Brian Avery, and Derek Barton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An 11 year old boy, an age old legend, a life long friendship."
"An 11 year old boy, an age old legend, a life long friendship."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Telefilm Secrets Of The Bermuda Triangle emerged from the mystery. Directed by Ian Toynton, the feature starred Sam Behrens, Susanna Thompson, and Lisa Jakub. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a strange storm in the Carribean causes a boat to sink, a family finds itself stranded on an island in the "27th dimension"."
"After a strange storm in the Carribean causes a boat to sink, a family finds itself stranded on an island in the "27th dimension"."
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), the nation that was Alien Nation got just a little bit bigger with the home video release of Alien Nation: Millennium. Written (in part) and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the film starred Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alien Nation: Millennium took home the 1996 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alien Nation: Millennium took home the 1996 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
A star is born ... and this one's got teeth! On this day in 1997 (in Spain), Lycantropus: The Moonlight Murders bared its theatrical fangs for all to see in a limited run through theaters. Directed by Francisco Rodriguez Gordillo from a story by Paul Naschy, the Horror/Fantasy starred Naschy alongside Amparo Muñoz, Antonio Pica, and Eva Isanta. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Waldemar Daninsky, a best-seller writer, is exhausted and needs help from Dr. Westenra, the daughter of the local coroner. Meanwhile, gruesome murders are happening."
"Waldemar Daninsky, a best-seller writer, is exhausted and needs help from Dr. Westenra, the daughter of the local coroner. Meanwhile, gruesome murders are happening."
On this day in 1997 (in Norway and Poland), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back: Special Edition enjoyed its theatrical presentation. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Total Reality served up a SciFi/Actioner for anyone interested. Written (in part) and directed by Phillip J. Roth, the feature starred Ely Pouget, David Bradley, and Misa Koprova. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David Bradley, stars as the roguish soldier Anthony Rand, who follows a ruthless general back through time in a last ditch attempt to save the universe."
"David Bradley, stars as the roguish soldier Anthony Rand, who follows a ruthless general back through time in a last ditch attempt to save the universe."
On this day in 1998 (in Finland), Cast A Deadly Spell cast a deadly spell on audiences. Directed by Martin Campbell from a story by Joseph Dougherty, the Fantasy/Horror starred Fred Ward, David Warner, and Julianne Moore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a fantastical 40's where magic is used by everyone, a hard-boiled detective investigates the theft of a mystical tome."
For the record:
"In a fantastical 40's where magic is used by everyone, a hard-boiled detective investigates the theft of a mystical tome."
For the record:
- At the 1992 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Cast A Deadly Spell enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Television Series.'
- At the 1992 Primetime Emmy Awards, the feature took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics.' It also had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in South Korea), Save The Green Planet (aka Jigureul jikyeora!) enjoyed it theatrical debut. Written and directed by Joon-Hwan Jang, the SciFi/Comedy starred Shin Ha-kyun, Yun-shik Baek, and Jung-min Hwang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Byeong-gu believes that the world is on the verge of an alien invasion, and sets out to save the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Save The Green Planet is one of the more highly regarded Science Fiction comedies to come out of South Korea. The picture scored an incredible number of festival appearances and trophy wins. Furthermore, at the 2003 Grand Bell Awards (honoring excellence in film production for South Korea), the flick took home three trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound Effects,' 'Best New Director,' and 'Best Supporting Actor.'
"Byeong-gu believes that the world is on the verge of an alien invasion, and sets out to save the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Save The Green Planet is one of the more highly regarded Science Fiction comedies to come out of South Korea. The picture scored an incredible number of festival appearances and trophy wins. Furthermore, at the 2003 Grand Bell Awards (honoring excellence in film production for South Korea), the flick took home three trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound Effects,' 'Best New Director,' and 'Best Supporting Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Mexico), IMDB.com reports that Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow enjoyed its debut to the masses-at-large with a video release. (FYI: it would eventually premiere on screens in the U.S. a few months later.) Written and directed by Kerry Conran, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world."
For the record:
At the 2005 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Sky Captain took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2005 Hugo Awards, the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"After New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world."
For the record:
At the 2005 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Sky Captain took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2005 Hugo Awards, the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), the weather report was showing a high probability for a Nuclear Hurricane. Directed by Fred Olen Ray from a script by Anna Lorenzo, the film starred Jamie Luner, Jack Scalia, and Meredith McGeachie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A "highly sophisticated computer system" at a nuclear power plant goes crazy. To make matters worse, it develops a capacity for reason and malice while a tropical island storm is blowing into town."
"A "highly sophisticated computer system" at a nuclear power plant goes crazy. To make matters worse, it develops a capacity for reason and malice while a tropical island storm is blowing into town."
On this day in 2007 (in Denmark), The Fountain sprang to life ... well, cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the SciFi/Drama starred Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Sean Patrick Thomas; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Fountain enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Fountain enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2008, the Apocalyptic/Thriller Doomsday enjoyed a pair of importance appearances. First -- in the far off land of Iceland -- the film enjoyed its theatrical debut. Second -- in Finland -- the film was screened for audiences in attendance of the Night Visions Film Festival. Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the feature starred Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Alexander Siddig; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Doomsday did enjoy a single nomination in the category of 'Best Make-up.'
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Doomsday did enjoy a single nomination in the category of 'Best Make-up.'
On this day in 2008 (in Venezuela), Pulse delivered some flickers of fear to the box office. Directed by Jim Sonzero, the SciFi/Horror starred Kristen Bell, Rick Gonzalez, and Christina Milian; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world."
"When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world."
On this day in 2008 (in Japan), The Hive took flight on home video. Directed by Peter Manus from a script by T.S. Cook, the SciFi/Horror starred Tom Wopat, Kal Weber, and Elizabeth Healey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When ants, displaying never-before-seen behavior, seize an island, the controversial Thorax Team is called to stop the massive threat only to discover that the ants are controlled by something beyond this world."
"When ants, displaying never-before-seen behavior, seize an island, the controversial Thorax Team is called to stop the massive threat only to discover that the ants are controlled by something beyond this world."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Germany), Project Genesis: Crossclub 2 enjoyed its bold, new theatrical life. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Oliver Krekel and Jochen Taubert, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Thomas Kercmar, Martin Hentschel, and Tanja Karius. According to our friends at Letterboxd.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a “death zone”, a self-proclaimed “leader” with his 5-man army and zombie mutants created by him wants to take over the rule. For this he must first pursue three women dressed in lingerie through a German mixed forest …"
"In a “death zone”, a self-proclaimed “leader” with his 5-man army and zombie mutants created by him wants to take over the rule. For this he must first pursue three women dressed in lingerie through a German mixed forest …"
On this day in 2012 (in Finland), the Reich was back in business with the theatrical release of Iron Sky. Written (in part) and directed by Timo Vuorensola, the SciFi/Comedy starred Julia Dietze, Udo Kier, and Christopher Kirby. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Nazis set up a secret base on the dark side of the moon in 1945 where they hide out and plan to return to power in 2018."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Iron Sky earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The Nazis set up a secret base on the dark side of the moon in 1945 where they hide out and plan to return to power in 2018."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Iron Sky earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2013 (in Belgium), Spiders (aka Spiders 3D) crawled into the lap of audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Tibor Takacs, the SciFi/Fantasy starred William Hope, Shelly Varod, and Brian Hankey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a Soviet space station crashes into a New York City subway tunnel, a species of venomous spiders is discovered, and soon they mutate to gigantic proportions and wreak havoc on the city."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Spiders earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After a Soviet space station crashes into a New York City subway tunnel, a species of venomous spiders is discovered, and soon they mutate to gigantic proportions and wreak havoc on the city."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Spiders earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Alien Abduction enjoyed its first exhibition ever with a release via the internet. Directed by Matty Beckerman from a script by Robert Lewis, the SciFi/Horror starred Katherine Sigismund, Corey Eid, and Riley Polanski. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A vacationing family encounters an alien threat in this thriller based on the real-life Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon in North Carolina."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alien Abduction enjoyed a nomination in 2015 in the category of 'Best SciFi/Horror Film' from the iHorror Awards.
"A vacationing family encounters an alien threat in this thriller based on the real-life Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon in North Carolina."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alien Abduction enjoyed a nomination in 2015 in the category of 'Best SciFi/Horror Film' from the iHorror Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2014, Bermuda Tentacles made television audiences afraid to go back into the ... Bermuda? (Wait, haven't we ALWAYS been afraid of going into the Bermuda Triangle?) This Fantasy-themed Comedy starred Trevor Donovan and Linda Hamilton, and, according to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Air Force One goes down over the Bermuda Triangle, the Navy sends its best rescue team. But in saving the president, the team awakens a monster which threatens America's entire Eastern Seaboard and, ultimately, the world."
"When Air Force One goes down over the Bermuda Triangle, the Navy sends its best rescue team. But in saving the president, the team awakens a monster which threatens America's entire Eastern Seaboard and, ultimately, the world."
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, and Poland), Shailene Woodley got up in everyone's business with the silver screen premiere of Divergent. Directed by Neil Burger, the SciFi/Fantasy also starred Theo James, Kate Winslet, and Ashley Judd; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Canada), SOS: Save Our Skins enjoyed its launch on the small screen. Directed by Kent Sobey from a story by Chris Hayward and Nat Saunders, the Horror/Comedy starred Sonny Adegboruwa, Tom Bolton, and Arcade Riley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"SOS: Save Our Skins is the tale of two hapless British geeks who wake up in New York City only to find that the entire human race has vanished. But as they explore the seemingly empty world before them, Ben and Stephen soon realize they're not alone after all... Juggling sci-fi, comedy and horror, SOS: Save Our Skins sends Ben and Stephen on a desperate journey to find their loved ones, escape the jaws of death and work out why they're one of the few remaining people on Earth. But the answer to the mystery is bigger, crazier and more apocalyptic than they could ever have imagined, and puts the fate of the planet into their very stupid hands."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the feature earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"SOS: Save Our Skins is the tale of two hapless British geeks who wake up in New York City only to find that the entire human race has vanished. But as they explore the seemingly empty world before them, Ben and Stephen soon realize they're not alone after all... Juggling sci-fi, comedy and horror, SOS: Save Our Skins sends Ben and Stephen on a desperate journey to find their loved ones, escape the jaws of death and work out why they're one of the few remaining people on Earth. But the answer to the mystery is bigger, crazier and more apocalyptic than they could ever have imagined, and puts the fate of the planet into their very stupid hands."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the feature earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and this one's undead! On this day in 2016 (in Belgium), audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of Attack Of The Lederhosen Zombies. Written (in part) and directed by Dominik Hartl, the Fantasy/Horror starred Laurie Paul Calvert, Gabriela Marcinková, and Oscar Dyekjær Giese. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zombie action in the Alps: a group of young snowboarder is stuck in a remote mountain ski resort, where an all-night aprés-ski party soon turns into a hellish nightmare of zombie mayhem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Attack Of The Lederhosen Zombies enjoyed a good amount of attention while screening on the film festival circuit.
"Zombie action in the Alps: a group of young snowboarder is stuck in a remote mountain ski resort, where an all-night aprés-ski party soon turns into a hellish nightmare of zombie mayhem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Attack Of The Lederhosen Zombies enjoyed a good amount of attention while screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... so lock and load! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), soldiers reported for duty with the theatrical release of Beyond The Call To Duty. Written and directed by Xander, the Horror/Thriller starred Kevin Tanski, Robert Woodley, and Chris Clark. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five Spec Ops, Alpha Squad, head a simple Recon Mission that turns into an all out war for survival against a wave of undead experiments. Alpha Squad must fight, not just for the sake of their own survival, but the fate of the world."
"Five Spec Ops, Alpha Squad, head a simple Recon Mission that turns into an all out war for survival against a wave of undead experiments. Alpha Squad must fight, not just for the sake of their own survival, but the fate of the world."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Vixens From Venus enjoyed its debut on television. Written and directed by Sal V. Miers, the SciFi/Adult film starred Katie Morgan, Erika Jordan, and Ryan McLane; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Things get funky for a strike team of sexy female aliens when they come to Earth in search for 'male seeds.'"
"Things get funky for a strike team of sexy female aliens when they come to Earth in search for 'male seeds.'"
On this day in 2017, Albion: The Enchanted Stallion enjoyed a U.S. release via the Internet. Written (in part) and directed by Castille Landon, the Fantasy feature starred Avery Arendes, Stephen Dorff, and Johnny Sequoyah; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A twelve-year-old girl is transported by a magical black stallion to the mystical world of ALBION, where she discovers that she alone is the key to saving an entire race of people."
"A twelve-year-old girl is transported by a magical black stallion to the mystical world of ALBION, where she discovers that she alone is the key to saving an entire race of people."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to a SciFi-flavored tribute short film under the name of The Alpha Omega Man. Written by and starring Joshua Kennedy, the film also gave roles to Laura Laureano, Kat Kennedy, and Dexter John Scott. According to our friends at YouTube.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this tribute to the classic 1971 apocalyptic film THE OMEGA MAN, Robert Neville, the last man on Earth, does battle with a race of bloodthirsty vampires led by the maniacal Matthias, all the while attempting to find a cure for the plague that wiped out humanity."
"In this tribute to the classic 1971 apocalyptic film THE OMEGA MAN, Robert Neville, the last man on Earth, does battle with a race of bloodthirsty vampires led by the maniacal Matthias, all the while attempting to find a cure for the plague that wiped out humanity."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in France and Australia), A Breath Away (aka Dans La Brume) put audiences face-to-face with a looming catastrophe. Directed by Daniel Roby, the SciFi/Thriller starred Romain Duris, Olga Kurylenko, and Fantine Harduin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family fights to survive as the streets of Paris fill with a deadly gas."
For the record:
At the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards, A Breath Away took home two top honors while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in six others.
"A family fights to survive as the streets of Paris fill with a deadly gas."
For the record:
At the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards, A Breath Away took home two top honors while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in six others.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Japan), Hidden Peaks became a little less hidden with its release on home video. Directed by Adrian Castro from a story by Laurent Boiteux, the film starred Boiteux alongside Tamara Guo, Jonathan Lee Jones, and Jackie Brooke. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two survivors struggle through a dangerous journey in a world shrouded with evil and terror."
"Two survivors struggle through a dangerous journey in a world shrouded with evil and terror."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "And A Little Child." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to locate a plot summary anywhere on the world wide web.
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Johnny Jupiter aired the third episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mr. Duckweather is invited to appear on a Jupiter television program, but first there are endless rehearsals."
"Mr. Duckweather is invited to appear on a Jupiter television program, but first there are endless rehearsals."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Vital Factor." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by The TV Database:
"Carol is poisoned by a corrosive chemical while on a mission aboard Commander Corry's ship and needs immediate medical attention. The only medic in nearby space has been abducted by a wounded criminal and his henchman who have just escaped the authorities on Mars. Can Buzz and Happy locate the physician before it is too late to save Carol's life?"
"Carol is poisoned by a corrosive chemical while on a mission aboard Commander Corry's ship and needs immediate medical attention. The only medic in nearby space has been abducted by a wounded criminal and his henchman who have just escaped the authorities on Mars. Can Buzz and Happy locate the physician before it is too late to save Carol's life?"
On this day in 1964 (in France), Astro Boy aired "The Birth Of Astro Boy." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Assassin at Peking" as part of its first season and the finale to this storyline involving Marco Polo. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Tegana finally makes his move to assassinate the Khan, giving the Doctor and his friends an opportunity to thwart his plans and regain the TARDIS."
"Tegana finally makes his move to assassinate the Khan, giving the Doctor and his friends an opportunity to thwart his plans and regain the TARDIS."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "The Disappearing Ships." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When three disused freighters that are to be blown up by remote control mysteriously vanish, Troy and Phones set off in Stingray to find them."
"When three disused freighters that are to be blown up by remote control mysteriously vanish, Troy and Phones set off in Stingray to find them."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "Storm." Officially, this served as the thirteenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious hurricane strikes, sparing only a small Florida town. That draws David's attention, and he soon discovers a nest of aliens there, determined to use the weather against humanity."
"A mysterious hurricane strikes, sparing only a small Florida town. That draws David's attention, and he soon discovers a nest of aliens there, determined to use the weather against humanity."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Ambassadors Of Death, Part 3." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Carrington is holding the astronauts at a secret location but when he takes the Doctor, Liz and the Brigadier there they find they have been kidnapped."
"Carrington is holding the astronauts at a secret location but when he takes the Doctor, Liz and the Brigadier there they find they have been kidnapped."
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Hulk aired "Nine Hours." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mobsters want to dispose of an old gangster while he's in hospital. They kidnap the son of David 'Breck''s landlady so he has to let them into the hospital he works at as an orderly. David teams up with another tenant, a washed up ex cop, to find the boy before his time runs out."
"Mobsters want to dispose of an old gangster while he's in hospital. They kidnap the son of David 'Breck''s landlady so he has to let them into the hospital he works at as an orderly. David teams up with another tenant, a washed up ex cop, to find the boy before his time runs out."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Knight Rider bowed out of its original broadcast existence with the airing of "Voo Doo Knight." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael walks in on a robbery at Towers Gemstones Inc to find three men seemingly under the influence of a voodoo princess. While investigating incidents involving wealthy art collectors, Michael meets Elizabeth Wesley who explains that the object every one is after is the fabled crown of Tequatl."
For the record:
From what I've read, it would seem that Knight Rider was still garnering a decent share of audience ratings in the year of its cancellation. As can happen with any show as its stretches on in time, productions costs were on-the-rise (I'd imagine keeping David Hasselhoff's hair in perfect shape didn't come cheap, either); so an executive decision was made to cancel it rather than continue to pay out what appeared to be a slowly dying golden goose ... or is that K.I.T.T.?
"Michael walks in on a robbery at Towers Gemstones Inc to find three men seemingly under the influence of a voodoo princess. While investigating incidents involving wealthy art collectors, Michael meets Elizabeth Wesley who explains that the object every one is after is the fabled crown of Tequatl."
For the record:
From what I've read, it would seem that Knight Rider was still garnering a decent share of audience ratings in the year of its cancellation. As can happen with any show as its stretches on in time, productions costs were on-the-rise (I'd imagine keeping David Hasselhoff's hair in perfect shape didn't come cheap, either); so an executive decision was made to cancel it rather than continue to pay out what appeared to be a slowly dying golden goose ... or is that K.I.T.T.?
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Starman aired "Starscape: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul recognizes his home star in a painting. He seeks out and finds the artist who painted it: Jenny Hayden."
"Paul recognizes his home star in a painting. He seeks out and finds the artist who painted it: Jenny Hayden."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Maybe Baby." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam is involved with the kidnapping of a baby while crossing Texas with his stripper accomplice."
"Sam is involved with the kidnapping of a baby while crossing Texas with his stripper accomplice."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired the eighteenth episode in its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Harry is attacked by Jones in his sleep. Audrey and Wheeler begin a relationship. Gordon Cole returns with a report that Windom Earle worked with Major Briggs on Project Bluebook. Cole reinstates Cooper in the FBI."
"Harry is attacked by Jones in his sleep. Audrey and Wheeler begin a relationship. Gordon Cole returns with a report that Windom Earle worked with Major Briggs on Project Bluebook. Cole reinstates Cooper in the FBI."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Robocop: The Series aired "Officer Missing." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Feeling like the Chairman has been enjoying the spoils of OCP for too long, Robocop decides to take him on a tour of the rundown part of Old Detroit. There he witnesses first hand the chaos and destruction left in the wake of big business. To make matters worse, a bizarre band of pirates has been terrorizing the streets, and RoboCop gets attacked by them and starts malfunctioning. In order to escape this nightmare, the two must team up with the parents of a sick child who needs a heart transplant."
"Feeling like the Chairman has been enjoying the spoils of OCP for too long, Robocop decides to take him on a tour of the rundown part of Old Detroit. There he witnesses first hand the chaos and destruction left in the wake of big business. To make matters worse, a bizarre band of pirates has been terrorizing the streets, and RoboCop gets attacked by them and starts malfunctioning. In order to escape this nightmare, the two must team up with the parents of a sick child who needs a heart transplant."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Spellbinder aired "The Final Challenge." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captured by the Summoner, Paul must convince Riana's mother to help him escape before Ashka arrives. Alex and Katrina make their way back to the cave to set up the cable that will reopen the portal. In a last effort to stop Paul, Ashka damages the Summoning Tower, and Paul is forced to take Riana through the portal with him as he finally makes his way back home."
"Captured by the Summoner, Paul must convince Riana's mother to help him escape before Ashka arrives. Alex and Katrina make their way back to the cave to set up the cable that will reopen the portal. In a last effort to stop Paul, Ashka damages the Summoning Tower, and Paul is forced to take Riana through the portal with him as he finally makes his way back home."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Saban's Power Rangers In Space aired "The Wasp With A Heart." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the show's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Waspicable, a kind-hearted monster from Earth, is torn between his caring nature and his loyalty to his evil brother Sting King."
"Waspicable, a kind-hearted monster from Earth, is torn between his caring nature and his loyalty to his evil brother Sting King."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "The Final Countdown." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As tensions with North Korea increase, the by-the-book commander of an American nuclear silo fires a missile despite incomplete information, causing a war. Parker must travel back to try and convince the man what is the right action to be taken."
"As tensions with North Korea increase, the by-the-book commander of an American nuclear silo fires a missile despite incomplete information, causing a war. Parker must travel back to try and convince the man what is the right action to be taken."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Tremors: The Series aired "Night of the Shriekers." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After Burt finds and kills a Shrieker in the valley, a government-funded science project with the goal of turning Shriekers into rescue animals is discovered. When the creatures escape, it's up to Burt and the others to prevent the multiplying packs from leaving the valley."
"After Burt finds and kills a Shrieker in the valley, a government-funded science project with the goal of turning Shriekers into rescue animals is discovered. When the creatures escape, it's up to Burt and the others to prevent the multiplying packs from leaving the valley."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2006 (in Canada), The Collector bowed out of its original broadcast existence with the airing of "The Exorcist." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Morgan's client is a 17th century scientist who sold his soul for alchemy's greatest secrets."
"Morgan's client is a 17th century scientist who sold his soul for alchemy's greatest secrets."
On this day in 2007 (in France), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Virtuoso." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by an alien species that he considers resigning his commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by an alien species that he considers resigning his commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the new-fangled Battlestar Galactica roared into its fourth and final season with an episode aptly titled "He That Believeth In Me." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During a seemingly hopeless battle, Kara Thrace appears in a pristine Viper, claiming that she has been to Earth and can lead the Fleet there -- but the terminal Laura Roslin believes otherwise. Meanwhile, four of the so-called Final Five are forced to tackle the repercussions of their newfound nature, while Gaius Baltar discovers he has a commune of nubile female cultists who believe him to be an agent of the "one true God"."
"During a seemingly hopeless battle, Kara Thrace appears in a pristine Viper, claiming that she has been to Earth and can lead the Fleet there -- but the terminal Laura Roslin believes otherwise. Meanwhile, four of the so-called Final Five are forced to tackle the repercussions of their newfound nature, while Gaius Baltar discovers he has a commune of nubile female cultists who believe him to be an agent of the "one true God"."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "Exit Wounds." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the villainous Captain John Hart returns to abduct Captain Jack Harkness whilst unleashing a wave of destruction and terror upon an unsuspecting Cardiff, it's up to Gwen, Ianto, Owen and Tosh to save the day. Meanwhile, Captain Jack Harkness is forced to face some demons from his past."
"When the villainous Captain John Hart returns to abduct Captain Jack Harkness whilst unleashing a wave of destruction and terror upon an unsuspecting Cardiff, it's up to Gwen, Ianto, Owen and Tosh to save the day. Meanwhile, Captain Jack Harkness is forced to face some demons from his past."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Continuum aired "Minute By Minute." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Keira Cameron's world has disintegrated. Alec Sadler betrayed her chance of going back to 2077, using the time travel device in hope of saving his girlfriend. Now Kiera & Liber8, prisoners of the Freelancers scramble to escape their grasp."
"Keira Cameron's world has disintegrated. Alec Sadler betrayed her chance of going back to 2077, using the time travel device in hope of saving his girlfriend. Now Kiera & Liber8, prisoners of the Freelancers scramble to escape their grasp."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds Are Go aired "Ring Of Fire: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A powerful underwater seaquake turns a busy day for International Rescue into a perilous one. Gordon's mission is to rescue a research team trapped in an undersea lab, but in doing so he discovers a chain of seismic destabilisers positioned along the bottom of the ocean floor. Lady Penelope is contacted to help the Thunderbirds find the person responsible."
"A powerful underwater seaquake turns a busy day for International Rescue into a perilous one. Gordon's mission is to rescue a research team trapped in an undersea lab, but in doing so he discovers a chain of seismic destabilisers positioned along the bottom of the ocean floor. Lady Penelope is contacted to help the Thunderbirds find the person responsible."
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Sex And Violence." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doomwatch's Anne Tarrant and Spencer Quist are placed on a government committee investigating whether the UK's censorship laws should be revised. The committee's work brings them into contact with both anti-pornography pressure groups and a man who hopes to one day be a dictator."
For the record:
This one, peeps, is a bit of an oddity, and I'll try to relay my understanding of it based entirely on some internet gossip. Doomwatch -- for those unaware -- ran on the BBC during 1970 and 1972; so how exactly did this episode finally find the day of light in 2016? Well, apparently this installment missed its original airing back in that era due to the BBC determining it was a 'subpar production.' It would appear that what was really a problem was that the BBC was unhappy with the episode's subject matter and, thus, shelved it for posterity's sake.
"Doomwatch's Anne Tarrant and Spencer Quist are placed on a government committee investigating whether the UK's censorship laws should be revised. The committee's work brings them into contact with both anti-pornography pressure groups and a man who hopes to one day be a dictator."
For the record:
This one, peeps, is a bit of an oddity, and I'll try to relay my understanding of it based entirely on some internet gossip. Doomwatch -- for those unaware -- ran on the BBC during 1970 and 1972; so how exactly did this episode finally find the day of light in 2016? Well, apparently this installment missed its original airing back in that era due to the BBC determining it was a 'subpar production.' It would appear that what was really a problem was that the BBC was unhappy with the episode's subject matter and, thus, shelved it for posterity's sake.
It all began right here: on this day in 2016 (in France), the French-language Science Fiction show Section Zero enjoyed its premiere on the boob tube. The network ran two episodes -- "La chimère" and "Au royaume des morts" -- back-to-back, and here are the related summaries compliments of IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian near-future, the police can barely manage crime. A new drug appears which is both addictive and hallucinogenic. The police search for links between the drug and a recent homicide. For one, it may be a little closer to home."
"After his daughter's injury, Sirius throws himself into the investigation. Black Squad overseer, Marcus, gives Sirius an ultimatum. Sirius's team make an arrest which may lead to the drug distributor. At Black Squad, Dan is tortured."
"In a dystopian near-future, the police can barely manage crime. A new drug appears which is both addictive and hallucinogenic. The police search for links between the drug and a recent homicide. For one, it may be a little closer to home."
"After his daughter's injury, Sirius throws himself into the investigation. Black Squad overseer, Marcus, gives Sirius an ultimatum. Sirius's team make an arrest which may lead to the drug distributor. At Black Squad, Dan is tortured."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Ministry Of Time aired "Tiempo de valientes (II)." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After learning of Julián's whereabouts, the Ministry sends Alonso on a top secret mission to bring him to the present day. Meanwhile, Pacino returns to 1981 to attend his father's retirement party."
"After learning of Julián's whereabouts, the Ministry sends Alonso on a top secret mission to bring him to the present day. Meanwhile, Pacino returns to 1981 to attend his father's retirement party."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), DC's Legends Of Tomorrow aired "Aruba." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season -- its season finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a massive timequake rocks the ship while the legends are preparing for their next destination, they must break a cardinal rule of time travel."
"When a massive timequake rocks the ship while the legends are preparing for their next destination, they must break a cardinal rule of time travel."
On this day all the way back in the year 1914 (according to Google.com), the first installment of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Fantasy novel At The Earth's Core saw print (with other installments following through all of April) in the pages of All-Story Weekly. (The completed and collected novel would first see print in July, 1922.) According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five hundred miles beneath the earth's surface lies a fantastic, timeless world of eternal daylight, prehistoric beasts, and primeval peoples -- Pellucidar. Pellucidar is a world within our world, a place where the horizon curves upward and merges with the sky. Here time stands still, for Pellucidar is illuminated by a miniature sun that never sets but hovers motionless in the sky. Scattered throughout the savage, prehistoric wilderness are communities of distrustful humans and the cities of the reptilian, highly evolved Mahars. David Innes and Abner Perry break through into this mysterious inner world. Their discovery of Pellucidar and the ensuing struggle to unite the human communities and overthrow the Mahars is a top-notch, thrilling tale of conquest, deceit, and wonder."
"Five hundred miles beneath the earth's surface lies a fantastic, timeless world of eternal daylight, prehistoric beasts, and primeval peoples -- Pellucidar. Pellucidar is a world within our world, a place where the horizon curves upward and merges with the sky. Here time stands still, for Pellucidar is illuminated by a miniature sun that never sets but hovers motionless in the sky. Scattered throughout the savage, prehistoric wilderness are communities of distrustful humans and the cities of the reptilian, highly evolved Mahars. David Innes and Abner Perry break through into this mysterious inner world. Their discovery of Pellucidar and the ensuing struggle to unite the human communities and overthrow the Mahars is a top-notch, thrilling tale of conquest, deceit, and wonder."
