If you're completely unfamiliar with the works of Roger Corman, then ... gosh ... where do I begin?
First, on one level, I feel very, very sorry for you because -- despite some (ahem) obvious blemishes -- many of Corman's features are just downright fun. Granted, they may not make the most sense, but the filmmaker essentially elevated B-movies to an art form throughout his decades' worth of contribution to what rational people often dismiss as stinkers. I grew up on a steady diet of his particular flicks, and I think I ended up ok ... didn't I?
Corman was born on this day in 1926.
First, on one level, I feel very, very sorry for you because -- despite some (ahem) obvious blemishes -- many of Corman's features are just downright fun. Granted, they may not make the most sense, but the filmmaker essentially elevated B-movies to an art form throughout his decades' worth of contribution to what rational people often dismiss as stinkers. I grew up on a steady diet of his particular flicks, and I think I ended up ok ... didn't I?
Corman was born on this day in 1926.
The great Spencer Tracy only flirted briefly with the realm of Science Fiction, giving audiences a chance to experience terror brought on by the tinkering with science in 1941's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Though he's no longer with us, Tracy was born on this day in 1900.
Late in her professional career, acting legend Bette Davis found the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Return From Witch Mountain (1978). Though she's no longer with us, Davis was born on this day in 1908.
Personally, I've always thought that the James Bond films were their own animal. Though they're not pure Fantasy, they certainly contain elements common to the genre; and the same could definitely be said for Science Fiction. Still, I've always tried to give them appreciative nods when it comes to SciFiHistory.Net, so sing a tune for Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli who celebrates his birthday today. Though he's no longer with us, Broccoli was born on this day in 1909. [Source: IMDB.com]
Unfortunately, screen legend Gregory Peck just never did much Science Fiction ... but can you imagine a world in which he did? Wow. Just ... wow. He did give us 1969's Marooned, so I guess we have to be thankful for small miracles. Though he's no longer with us, Peck was born on this day in 1916.
The venerable Robert Bloch provided scripts to such memorable properties as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Star Trek, Journey to the Unknown, Night Gallery, Gemini Man, Tales from the Darkside, and Monsters. Though he's no longer with us, Bloch was born on this day in 1917.
One of the better B movies in all of Sylvester Stallone's forays into such dubious territory, Demolition Man enlisted the aid of the venerable Nigel Hawthorne as Dr. Raymond Cocteau, a genius who helped pull society up by its bootstraps when it needed it most. Though he's no longer with us, Hawthorne was born on this day in 1929.
As much as I love the classic Star Trek (and I do love it dearly), I'll concede that the program still had episodes where the writers worked a bit too 'hard' at making some of their allegories work. (Dare I say, many of them came during the program's much maligned third season?) Still, Frank Gorshin (pictured above left) experienced little problem in 'selling' the idea of contestable race relations to the audience, and that's a credit to his skills as an actor. Though he's no longer with us, Gorshin was born on this day in 1933.
The lovely Virginia Kiser enjoyed a brief stint aboard the much-beloved Max Headroom in the 1980's as one of Network 23's behind-the-scenes executives. In her career, she also appeared in Poltergeist (1982), Space Raiders (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and The Twilight Zone. Kiser was born on this day in 1939.
When the Cylons finally made it to Earth in pursuit of the Colonial fleet on Galactica 1980, Roger Davis enjoyed a meaty guest spot alongside the original 'toasters.' The talented actor also appeared on The Twilight Zone, Dark Shadows, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, and NightMan. Davis was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Moriarty is a brilliant character actor who manages to create big moments with many of his smaller characters. With several decades in the entertainment business, he's been able to serve a solid number of respectable franchises, including It's Alive III: Island of the Alive, The Twilight Zone, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Strange World, PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, The Outer Limits, Stephen King's Dead Zone, and The 4400. Moriarty was born on this day in 1941.
Accomplished actress Jane Asher gave SciFi a look at her acting goods with a two-part appearance in the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, in 2007. Asher was born on this day in 1946.
The late, great A.C. Crispin played in a good number of SciFi universes, Star Trek and Star Wars and the original V ranking among her most prolific. Even her own StarBridge series bears more than a passing resemblance to the world of Trek, wherein she explores a growing universe alongside a group of young space explorers housed on an asteroid. Though she's sadly no longer with us, the illuminating Ms. Crispin was born on this day in 1950.
One of my favorite secondary characters in all of The X-Files TV run was Assistant Director Walter Skinner, played brilliantly by the underrated Mitch Pileggi. Pileggi had this way of giving Skinner this simmering undercurrent -- was he a good guy? was he a bad guy? etc. -- that just gave the fictional creation the kind of depth needed to help make the ongoing search for the truth out there work. Pileggi was born on this day in 1952.
Michael Rider had a few appearances as an unnamed transporter chief aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's earlier episodes. He also booked an appearance in the curious Pulse (1988), a SciFi thriller-chiller about 'intelligent electricity.' Rider was born on this day in 1952.
I'm still discovering much of the syndicated SciFi series Earth: Final Conflict, and I certainly recognize Von Flores for his work as 'Ronald Sandoval' from the show. He's also visited War of the Worlds, TekWar, TekWar: TekLords, TekWar: Tek Justice, Forever Knight, Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (1996), The Adventures of Sinbad, Johnny 2.0 (1997), Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms (1998), Starhunter, ReGenesis, Lost Girl, Killjoys, and Dark Matter. Flores was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Lisa Zane joined Heath Ledger and a host of familiar faces aboard the TV/Fantasy series Roar (1997). She's also booked roles on Iron Man (animated), The Incredible Hulk (animated), The Outer Limits, Monkeybone (2001), and Dinotopia. Zane was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though the subject of her death belongs to one of the most bizarre Hollywood trials of all time, Lana Clarkson's life is definitely worth celebrating by SciFi and Fantasy fans. In her time in the business, she acted in such properties as Deathstalker (1983), Brainstorm (1983), Knight Rider, Barbarian Queen (1985), Amazing Stories, Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II (1989), Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back, and Black Scorpion. Though she's no longer with us, Clarkson was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rebecca McFarland shared the fruits of her domain with a very happy Neelix aboard Star Trek: Voyager. She also appeared on Syfy's short-lived Tremors series. McFarland was born on this day in 1966. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Always appreciate the smaller roles because you never know when you're going to brush with greatness again: such is the case for actress Tasia Valenza who -- at first glance -- may not have much cause for celebration 'round these parts if only her appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's relatively forgettable first season episode, "Coming Of Age," is any indication. Closer inspection shows you that she's also worked on the fantastic Space: Above and Beyond, provided scores of voice work for any number of terrific animated projects, as well as bringing no less than Jedi master Shaak Ti alive on Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show. Valenza was born on this day in 1967.
Wendy Braun has dabbled in screen roles as well as voiceovers in the realm of genre entertainment. She's contributed to such projects as The Burning Zone, Good Vs Evil, Evolution (2001), Lost, Mass Effect (video game), Children of the X Files (2009), and Lego Jurassic World (video game). Braun was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Krista Allen may not be that much of an accomplished actress, but -- to her credit -- she's easy on the eyes and she gets plenty of work. That has to count for something. She's booked appearances in such properties as The X-Files, Mutant X, Smallville, Andromeda, Paycheck, Feast, and Alien Presence. Allen was born on this day in 1971.
Alexander Enberg enjoyed a pretty terrific run in SciFi entertainment. Since being bitten with the acting bug, he's been a part of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Invisible Man, and Star Trek: Voyager. Enberg was born on this day in 1972.
Actor Tom Riley (pictured above with Jenna Coleman) has quite an impressive history at playing characters from history lately. Over on the Starz Network original, he's doing a masterful job bringing Leonardo da Vinci to life on the stellar Da Vinci's Demons (highly recommended by my household), and he recently appeared as no less than Robin Hood in a clever episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Riley was born on this day in 1981.
I gave ABC TV's Agent Carter a chance to ignite a fire in me. And why wouldn't it? You take the stunningly lovely Hayley Atwell -- the same British actress who brought the character to life in Capt. America: The First Avenger -- and give her a limited-run series on the boob tube. Why, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Meh. Color me unimpressed. Still, I assign no blame to Hayley. She's a beaut! Atwell was born on this day in 1982.
The gifted Marshall Allman turned up in the 2016 season of AMC's popular Artificial Intelligence drama, Humans. Allman was born on this day in 1984.
It's war! The lovely Mélanie St-Pierre served up a SciFi slice of cheese in the direct-to-DVD release, Garm Wars: The Last Druid (2014). The actress has also contributed voicework to several gaming properties. St-Pierre was born on this day in 1985.
The stunning Lily James continues to impress in works that heavily flirt with the fantastical. She's been seen aboard such hot properties as Wrath of the Titans (2012), Cinderella (2015), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016). James was born on this day in 1989.
Freddie Fox dipped his toes into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard Victor Frankenstein (2015). He's also enjoyed screen time in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017). Fox was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1940, one of the earlier big screen Fantasies of note -- One Million B.C. -- premiered. The feature starred Victor Mature and Carole Landis, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tale of Prehistoric survival and love between a male and a female belonging to opposing tribes that happened to be at slightly different stages of evolution."
"Tale of Prehistoric survival and love between a male and a female belonging to opposing tribes that happened to be at slightly different stages of evolution."
On this day in 1962, Walt Disney's Moon Pilot took a shot for the stars. It starred Tom Tryon and Brian Keith, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
On this day in 1968 (in Finland), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed theatrical release. The SciFi/Classic starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
On this day in 1979 (in Italy), Encounters In The Deep rose up from the depths. The feature starred Andrés García and Gabriele Ferzetti, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
On this day in 2019 (in Argentina), Alien played as part of the film's fortieth anniversary celebration for audiences in attendance of the Buenos Aires Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
A star is born! On this day in 2019, Alien Warfare enjoyed its internet premiere in several countries around the world compliments of Netflix. Directed by Jeremiah Jones, the SciFi feature starred Clayton Snyder and David B. Meadows, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of Navy Seals investigates a mysterious science outpost only to have to combat a squad of formidable alien soldiers."
"A team of Navy Seals investigates a mysterious science outpost only to have to combat a squad of formidable alien soldiers."
On this day in 1952, Space Patrol aired "The Mysterious Moonquakes." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"While surveying the site of a new Lunar Fleet Base on the Earth's moon, the chief engineer, Lt Bruce, discovers a rich surface deposit of rare Exonium. Keeping the discovery secret he recommends that the base be constructed elsewhere due to tremors that he reports having felt. Commander Corry rejects his recommendation and the base is constructed. Major Robertson and Tonga are in charge of selecting personnel and opening operations. Securing the position of maintenance engineer, Lt. Bruce then creates his own moonquakes, damaging several buildings and endangering the lives of the Space Patrollers until Buzz uncovers the lieutenant's greedy scheme."
"While surveying the site of a new Lunar Fleet Base on the Earth's moon, the chief engineer, Lt Bruce, discovers a rich surface deposit of rare Exonium. Keeping the discovery secret he recommends that the base be constructed elsewhere due to tremors that he reports having felt. Commander Corry rejects his recommendation and the base is constructed. Major Robertson and Tonga are in charge of selecting personnel and opening operations. Securing the position of maintenance engineer, Lt. Bruce then creates his own moonquakes, damaging several buildings and endangering the lives of the Space Patrollers until Buzz uncovers the lieutenant's greedy scheme."
On this day in 1957, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Man Who Made Dreams Come True." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A con man uses an aging monarch's superstitious beliefs against him to get the throne for himself."
"A con man uses an aging monarch's superstitious beliefs against him to get the throne for himself."
On this day in 1967, Lost In Space aired "The Mechanical Men." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's second season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The planet is invaded by an army of tiny robots who closely resemble the Robinsons' Robot and proclaim him as their long-predicted king. The Robot agrees to become their king, but when he is not the ruthless ruler they expected, they decide that he needs some "Dr. Smith" in him."
"The planet is invaded by an army of tiny robots who closely resemble the Robinsons' Robot and proclaim him as their long-predicted king. The Robot agrees to become their king, but when he is not the ruthless ruler they expected, they decide that he needs some "Dr. Smith" in him."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Battlestar Galactica aired "The Last Warrior." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
It all began right here: on this day in 1992, the short-lived Mann & Machine enjoyed its television debut. The series starred David Andrews and Yancy Butler, and here's the premise behind the pilot episode called "Prototype" from IMDB.com:
"Los Angeles Police Detective Bobby Mann is teamed with a cyborg cop named Eve to investigate the murders of international steel brokers. Eve finds evidence that implicates another cop, who is also Mann's childhood friend."
"Los Angeles Police Detective Bobby Mann is teamed with a cyborg cop named Eve to investigate the murders of international steel brokers. Eve finds evidence that implicates another cop, who is also Mann's childhood friend."
On this day in 1993, "The Price of Honor" aired as the tenth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man who is destined to be the President is approached and shaken down by a man from the future who knows a secret he doesn't reveal till several years later. When he announces that he plans to resign, Darien who idolizes the man offers to help him."
"A man who is destined to be the President is approached and shaken down by a man from the future who knows a secret he doesn't reveal till several years later. When he announces that he plans to resign, Darien who idolizes the man offers to help him."
On this day in 1997, Crime Traveller aired "Death Minister." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Holly takes Slade to task over his dependency on the machine and begs him to try and solve his latest case in the normal way."
"Holly takes Slade to task over his dependency on the machine and begs him to try and solve his latest case in the normal way."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired its penultimate episode for its only season, a tale titled "The Court-Martial of Lt. Razak." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Roughnecks are about to be dropped on Klendathu into a hot LZ. Lt Razak tells Carmen to clear the LZ as he thinks it's too dangerous for the squad to land. Carman tells him INTEL in the form of Lt Walker ordered no weapons to be used, stealth drop only. Lt Razak overrides her and the LZ is cleared by bombs. As soon as Lt Walker finds out he tells Lt Razak that 6 squads were in that area under General Redwing but they'd lost radio contact. Lt Razak asks why he wasn't told and Walker tells him it was a covert op. on a need to know basis - and Razak didn't need to know. Back at the base Lt Razak faces a court of inquiry with Walker as prosecutor. Lt Walker charges Razak with endangering the squad and wrecking S.I.C.O.N. equipment needlessly, using troopers evidence and flash backs as proof. As the hearing goes on a swarm of bugs attacks the base prompting Lt Walker to exclaim there was a traitor in their midst feeding information to the Bugs and he points at LT Razak. One of the three Generals immediately calls for Razak to be destroyed. As soon as this happens Razak hits him with a stun charge. Whilst the court is in shock a Mind Control Bug escapes from the Generals power suit. Razak grabs a chair and kills it. Immediately the screen clears and General Redwing appears telling Lt Razak the trap for the bugs is ready and that they have no back door to escape from. Lt Walker looks at Razak and asks what was happening. Razak replies "covert operation to find the traitor. need to know basis and YOU didn't need to know". The bug assualt party is totally destroyed."
"The Roughnecks are about to be dropped on Klendathu into a hot LZ. Lt Razak tells Carmen to clear the LZ as he thinks it's too dangerous for the squad to land. Carman tells him INTEL in the form of Lt Walker ordered no weapons to be used, stealth drop only. Lt Razak overrides her and the LZ is cleared by bombs. As soon as Lt Walker finds out he tells Lt Razak that 6 squads were in that area under General Redwing but they'd lost radio contact. Lt Razak asks why he wasn't told and Walker tells him it was a covert op. on a need to know basis - and Razak didn't need to know. Back at the base Lt Razak faces a court of inquiry with Walker as prosecutor. Lt Walker charges Razak with endangering the squad and wrecking S.I.C.O.N. equipment needlessly, using troopers evidence and flash backs as proof. As the hearing goes on a swarm of bugs attacks the base prompting Lt Walker to exclaim there was a traitor in their midst feeding information to the Bugs and he points at LT Razak. One of the three Generals immediately calls for Razak to be destroyed. As soon as this happens Razak hits him with a stun charge. Whilst the court is in shock a Mind Control Bug escapes from the Generals power suit. Razak grabs a chair and kills it. Immediately the screen clears and General Redwing appears telling Lt Razak the trap for the bugs is ready and that they have no back door to escape from. Lt Walker looks at Razak and asks what was happening. Razak replies "covert operation to find the traitor. need to know basis and YOU didn't need to know". The bug assualt party is totally destroyed."
On this day in 2002, Dark Angel aired "Hello, Goodbye." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After nearly infecting Logan, Max decides to end their affair for good; Alec's haunted by the sins of his Manticore twin; also Aimes White triggers a witch hunt by leaking information about the Manticore transgenics."
"After nearly infecting Logan, Max decides to end their affair for good; Alec's haunted by the sins of his Manticore twin; also Aimes White triggers a witch hunt by leaking information about the Manticore transgenics."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Fail Safe" as the seventeenth episode of the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A large asteroid is discovered on a heading straight towards Earth. If it hits, all life on Earth would likely be destroyed. SG-1 initiates a plan to repair a crashed Goa'uld cargo ship and deliver a naqahdah bomb to destroy the asteroid before it hits."
"A large asteroid is discovered on a heading straight towards Earth. If it hits, all life on Earth would likely be destroyed. SG-1 initiates a plan to repair a crashed Goa'uld cargo ship and deliver a naqahdah bomb to destroy the asteroid before it hits."
On this day in 2017, The Expanse aired "Here There Be Dragons." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bobbie makes a decision that changes her life forever."
"Bobbie makes a decision that changes her life forever."
On this day in 2018, Siren aired "Interview With A Mermaid." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dale and the local police's investigation points directly to Ryn; Xander and Calvin's search for Chris heats up."
"Dale and the local police's investigation points directly to Ryn; Xander and Calvin's search for Chris heats up."
