Within all of human history, there are benchmarks, and there are hallmarks.
“Benchmarks” indicate a high-water mark – a new zenith, a new line drawn in the sand for others to meet or cross – while “hallmarks” are achievements that deserve regular, repeatable celebration. “Benchmarks” will fluctuate over time – once a new “benchmark” is met, then it’s time for someone to come along and set a new one. “Hallmarks”, on the other hand, are staples that deserve to be called upon every now and then, revered for what they’ve achieved, studied for what they mean, and remembered throughout eternity. While these two points are similar, “benchmarks” tend to fade into the passage of time as newcomers stake out new ground and new territory, but “hallmarks” last forever.
And it’s rare for a single hour-long episode of popular culture television to retain both “benchmark” and “hallmark” status, but, with each passing year, Star Trek’s “City of the Edge of Forever” continues to defy critics and astound viewers with its subtle mix of romance, fantasy, and poignancy told against the backdrop of both yesterday and tomorrow.
On this day in 1967, “City on the Edge of Forever” first aired on NBC, and Star Trek has never really ever been the same since.
“Benchmarks” indicate a high-water mark – a new zenith, a new line drawn in the sand for others to meet or cross – while “hallmarks” are achievements that deserve regular, repeatable celebration. “Benchmarks” will fluctuate over time – once a new “benchmark” is met, then it’s time for someone to come along and set a new one. “Hallmarks”, on the other hand, are staples that deserve to be called upon every now and then, revered for what they’ve achieved, studied for what they mean, and remembered throughout eternity. While these two points are similar, “benchmarks” tend to fade into the passage of time as newcomers stake out new ground and new territory, but “hallmarks” last forever.
And it’s rare for a single hour-long episode of popular culture television to retain both “benchmark” and “hallmark” status, but, with each passing year, Star Trek’s “City of the Edge of Forever” continues to defy critics and astound viewers with its subtle mix of romance, fantasy, and poignancy told against the backdrop of both yesterday and tomorrow.
On this day in 1967, “City on the Edge of Forever” first aired on NBC, and Star Trek has never really ever been the same since.
Later in her professional career, Kaaren Verne made a visit to the Fantastical realm of The Twilight Zone. According to IMDB.com, her death remains a bit of mystery as it's unclear whether she passed of a heart issue or perhaps committed suicide. Alas, we may never know. Though she's no longer with us, Verne was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert: the luminous Joi Lansing joined George Reeves for a sixth season episode of Adventures of Superman. She also had an uncredited role aboard the oft-maligned Queen Of Outer Space (1958). As for other forays into the realm of the fantastic? She earned a bit of screen time in such projects as Son Of Sinbad (1955), The Atomic Submarine (1959), and Bigfoot (1970). Though she's no longer with us, Lansing was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ted Gehring left his mark of a whole slew of SciFi and Fantasy properties, including roles aboard Captain Nice, The Invaders, Star Trek, The Invisible Man, Tales Of The Unexpected, Supertrain, Battlestar Galactica (ABC), Galactica 1980, The Greatest American Hero, Fantasy Island, and Starman. Though he's no longer wth us, Gehring was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though later in life Ivan Dixon's focus turned toward directing, he managed to build up a resume impressive in Science Fiction well before doing so. He appeared aboard The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and the oft-forgotten Amerika miniseries from 1987. Though he's no longer with us, Dixon was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Leon Eagles enjoyed appearances in such Science Fiction programs as Doctor Who, The Tomorrow People, and Chocky's Challenge. Though he's no longer with us, Eagles was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Terrence Hardiman dipped himself deep into the realm of Fantasy for the BBC television adaptation of The Demon Headmaster. Hardiman was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Rogues and lovers take many shapes, but, in the Star Wars universe, the notable ones are few and far between. Lando Calrissian first owned the Millenium Falcon before he lost it in a bet to his buddy, Han Solo, and is there any other actor alive who could’ve brought the lovable cheat Lando to life better than Billy Dee Williams? Today, he celebrates his birthday! Billy Dee was born on this day in 1937.
While I’ve not seen much of the show, The Invaders has been credited as having inspired a whole slew of TV conspiracy shows. Its lead – Roy Thinnes – also celebrates his birthday today. Other prominent franchise appearances include the original Battlestar Galactica as well as Fox TV's The X-Files. Thinnes was born in 1938.
Anita Pallenberg joined Jane Fonda aboard the mildly depraved Barbarella (1968), a film that arguably remains the absolute zenith of SciFi camp. Though she's no longer with us, Pallenberg was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: one of Judith McConnell's earliest screen roles was 'Yeoman Tankris' aboard "Wolf In The Fold," an episode of the SciFi classic Star Trek. The actress also enjoyed roles aboard such entities as The Wild Wild West, Get Smart, The Brotherhood Of Satan (1971), The Thirsty Dead (1974), Alien Nation: Body And Soul (1995), Baywatch Nights, Sliders, Zombie Whisperer, The Purge: Anarchy (2014), and The Darkness (2016). McConnell was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
That fellow there? The one on the right? With the mustache? That's none other than Pixar 'regular' John Ratzenberger with his fleeting role in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Ratzenberger was born on this day in 1947.
Lovely and talented ladies never shy away from roles in genre projects; and that's even when some of those genre projects aren't quite what we'd call up-to-snuff. Janet Agren has booked quality screen time aboard Red Sonja (1985), Hands of Steel (1986), and plenty of other curious flicks. Agren was born on this day in 1949.
Composer Patrick Doyle has left his particular musical imprint on such genre features as Eragon (2006), Thor (2011), and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011). Doyle was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
For all of its technical merits, 1981's Clash Of The Titans hasn't aged all that well ... but you know what has aged well? The lovely Judi Bowker. She played 'Andromeda' in the motion picture. Still, her career includes visits to other properties like Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1973), Count Dracula (1977), Tales Of The Unexpected, Worlds Beyond, and Tales Of Albion (2016). Bowker was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
I think it's pretty terrific when a longtime favorite finally finds some measure of mainstream success, and such is the case for Michael Rooker. He's toiled away in a lot of lesser works for many years, and his efforts have finally been rewarded with work in The Walking Dead and even Guardians of the Galaxy. Bravo! Rooker was born on this day in 1955.
Glen Murphy got to play in the world of Doctor Who, taking on the role of 'Dibber' in the serial titled "The Trial Of A Timelord: The Mysterious Planet." Murphy was born on this day in 1957. [Source: Doctor Who Online]
In the role of 'Varsh,' Richard Willis joined Tom Baker for the "Full Circle" serial aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Willis was born on this day in 1958. [Source: Doctor Who Online]
Fans of the 1980's era of the long-running Doctor Who should recall the talented Mark Strickson in the role of 'Turlough,' a Companion to the time traveler from Gallifrey. Strickson was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tracy Kolis showed up in an episode of Quantum Leap, though she's largely remembered for her work in more conventional programs. Kolis was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though I'll always recognize her from her work aboard Christopher Guest's exceptional mockumentaries, kudos to the great Deborah Theaker for squeezing in a guest spot aboard Stargate: SG-1 so that I can mention her here. Theaker was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Paul Rudd may finally be forced to hang up his funnyman shoes now that he's hitched his wagon to the Marvel Universe in the forthcoming Ant Man. Methinks those Marvel fans will gobble him up just fine! Rudd was born on this day in 1969.
Call me old-fashioned (if you will) but I really believe sitting behind the wheel of a Federation starship earns you a birthday shout ... and such is the case for the lovely Mona Grudt who helped fly the Enterprise 1701-D for a single episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Grudt was born on this day in 1971. [Source: Memory Alpha]
When he was but an urchin, Jason Hervey sat down at the cinematic table for a small role aboard Back To The Future (1985). Hervey was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though Lori Heuring's resume is decidedly more mainstream, she has enjoyed roles aboard such genre properties as The Visitor and Early Edition which stray close to SciFi and Fantasy. Heuring was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her career, Candace Cameron Bure found her bedroom visited by some otherworldly beings in TV's Visitors of the Night (1995). Looking so luscious, can you blame the aliens? Bure was born on this day in 1976.
Though he's now found under the name 'Scott Thomas' on IMDB.com, Scott Miles enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Voyager during its run. Miles was born on this day in 1973. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Kudos to Teddy Sears for joining the CW's The Flash program in its second season and willing to play both a good version of a classic character as well as a bad one! Sears was born on this day in 1977.
You may not know Cecily Fay's name or face, but odds are -- if you're a serious genre fan -- you may've seen some of her stunt and creature work in projects like The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005), Prometheus (2012), or Snow White and the Huntsmen (2012). If you want to see what she really brings to a picture, then check out the Apocalyptic-themed Warrioress (2011). Fay was born on this day in 1978.
If she's what the future looks like, then count me in! Eliza Coupe shares her considerable star power and good looks aboard Future Man, a SciFi comedy airing on Hulu. Coupe was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I don't Netflix. That company's owner had some very unkind things to say about Americans in general, so I cancelled my subscription and have never gone back. (I get that way sometimes.) Still, I can appreciate what some folks bring to the genre, and Miguel Ángel Silvestre is bringing his A game to that streaming services signature SciFi show, Sense8. Silvestre was born on this day in 1982.
Meh. I didn't much care for ABC TV's reboot of the kinda/sorta beloved V franchise. It was all well and good, I suppose, but it never seemed to have much of a purpose. Actor Bret Harrison joined the program as Dr. Sidney Miller, so for that I'm thankful. Harrison was born on this day in 1982.
Trust me when I say that if you go green then SciFiHistory.Net is gonna find you! Case in point: the lovely Diora Baird had an uncredited appearance aboard the JJ Abrams' vehicle Star Trek (2009) as an equally lovely Orion ... but not the one that the young James Kirk slept with. Baird was born on this day in 1983.
When Star Trek: The Next Generation was properly 'pornified' for an Adult film project, producers smartly cast the lovely Bobbi Starr in the role of 'Dr. Leah Brahms.' Starr was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Peyton List (above right) joined Logan Paul aboard The Thinning, a YouTube project which explores an Apocalyptic tomorrow and high school aptitude tests. List was born on this day in 1998.
And not to be left out of all the fun his twin sister is having (see above), young Spencer List made an appearance aboard Fox TV's Fringe as some creepy feral kid who gets befriended by Olivia Dunham. List was born on this day in 1998.
A star is born! It was on this immortal day in 1936 that the first installment of the wildly popular serial adventure, Flash Gordon: Space Soldiers, was released in theatres. Go, Flash, go! Directed by Frederick Stephani and Ray Taylor, the scripts were written by Stephani along with Ella O'Neill in their adaptation of the Alex Raymond original strips. The serial starred Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton, and Frank Shannon. Here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
For the record:
Just how great is Flash Gordon? Well, it was good enough that the National Film Registry inducted the first serial into its archives so that it could be preserved for the ages. And that's pretty damn good! This original serial spawned two serial sequels, a handful of television incarnations -- both live action and animated -- and continues to inspire storytellers to this day.
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
For the record:
Just how great is Flash Gordon? Well, it was good enough that the National Film Registry inducted the first serial into its archives so that it could be preserved for the ages. And that's pretty damn good! This original serial spawned two serial sequels, a handful of television incarnations -- both live action and animated -- and continues to inspire storytellers to this day.
On this day in 1951, The Thing From Another World showed itself on silver screens for the audiences of Washington, D.C. With a screenplay by Charles Lederer adapted from a story by John W. Campbell Jr., the SciFi/Classic starred Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, and James Arness. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
A star is born! On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), a famed comedy duo took to the stars and fell short with the theatrical release of Abbott And Costello Go To Mars. Directed by Charles Lamont, the Family/Comedy starred Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, and Robert Paige. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two workmen accidentally launch a space rocket intended for Mars, and find mistakenly landing in New Orleans just the beginning of their misadventures."
"Two workmen accidentally launch a space rocket intended for Mars, and find mistakenly landing in New Orleans just the beginning of their misadventures."
A star is born ... and this one's Lucha Libre! On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), audiences were treated to the cinematic spectacle that was Neutrón, el enmascarado negro (aka Neutron And The Black Mask). Written (in part) and directed by Federico Curiel, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Wolf Ruvinskis, Julio Alemán, and Armando Silvestre. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Neutron, a masked wrestler/superhero, battles a gang of crooks who are plotting to steal a secret formula."
"Neutron, a masked wrestler/superhero, battles a gang of crooks who are plotting to steal a secret formula."
On this day in 1962 (in West Germany), The Killer Shrews gnawed its way to a theatrical premiere. Directed by Ray Kellogg from a script by Jay Simms, the feature starred James Best, Ingrid Goude, and Ken Curis. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"On an isolated island, a small group of people are terrorized by giant voracious shrews in the midst of a hurricane."
"On an isolated island, a small group of people are terrorized by giant voracious shrews in the midst of a hurricane."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in Japan), Mighty Jack enjoyed its first airing on television. Directed by Kazuho Mitsuta from a script by Shin'ichi Sekizawa and Hiroshi Minami, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Hideaki Nitani, Naoko Kubo, and Hiroshi Minami. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Espionage team "Mighty Jack", headquartered on a flying submarine, opposes the plans of Q, which is trying to take over the world using... um... ice that doesn't melt."
"Espionage team "Mighty Jack", headquartered on a flying submarine, opposes the plans of Q, which is trying to take over the world using... um... ice that doesn't melt."
On this day in 1969 (in Madrid, Spain), Dr. Who And The Daleks enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Peter Flemyng, the feature starred Peter Cushing as the 'man with a plan' from Gallifrey along with Roy Castle, Jennie Linden, and Roberta Tovey in supporting roles. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
On this day in 1979 (in Brazil), Superman soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Richard Donner and long-regarded to be one of the best cinematic adaptations in the entire Superhero genre, the feature starred Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981 (in Spain), the good people of Barcelona were treated to the release of Death Watch. Bernard Tavernier both directed and helped adapt the David Compton novel ("The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe, Or The Unsleeping Eye") for the silver screen, and the project starred Romy Schneider, Harvey Keitel, and Harry Dean Stanton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in East Germany), The Flying Windmill (aka Die fliegende Windmühle) took off for untold heights. Written (in part) and directed by Günter Rätz, the Family/Fantasy starred the voices of Peter Groeger, Volkmar Kleinert, and Evelyn Opoczynski. According to our friends at Mubi.com (link), here's the plot summary:
"Olli runs away from home, ashamed by her bad school report, and discovers an old windmill with her animal friends Pinkus and Alexander."
"Olli runs away from home, ashamed by her bad school report, and discovers an old windmill with her animal friends Pinkus and Alexander."
On this day in 1982 (in West Germany), the 1936-produced The Invisible Ray enjoyed an airing on television. Directed by Lambert Hillyer, the SciFi feature starred Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Frances Drake. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in France), Le Dernier Combat enjoyed its commercial theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Luc Besson, the SciFi/Drama starred Pierre Jolivet, Jean Bouise, and Jean Reno; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic future where no one is able to speak, the few remaining humans fight over resources in order to survive."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Le Dernier Combat enjoyed an impressive amount of praise on the film festival circuit, securing a few trophies in the category of 'Best Film.'
"In a post-apocalyptic future where no one is able to speak, the few remaining humans fight over resources in order to survive."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Le Dernier Combat enjoyed an impressive amount of praise on the film festival circuit, securing a few trophies in the category of 'Best Film.'
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Conquest took audiences on a magical journey. Directed by Lucio Fulci, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Jorge Rivero, Andrea Occhipinti, and Conrado San Martin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man, armed with a magical bow and arrows, embarks on a mystical journey through a mystical land to rid it of all evil and joins forces with an outlaw to take down an evil witch bent on claiming the magic bow for evil."
"A young man, armed with a magical bow and arrows, embarks on a mystical journey through a mystical land to rid it of all evil and joins forces with an outlaw to take down an evil witch bent on claiming the magic bow for evil."
On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), it was the end of the world as we know it (yet again) with the release of Endgame. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, this SciFi feature starred Al Cliver, Laura Gemser, and George Eastman. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S. per Google.com), Space Raiders soared into film history. Written and directed by Howard R. Cohen, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Vince Edwards, David Mendenhall, and Patsy Pease. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A futuristic, sensitive tale of adventure and confrontation when a 10 year old boy is accidentally kidnapped by a spaceship filled with a motley crew of space pirates."
For the record:
At the 1985 Young Artist Awards, Space Raiders enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Family Motion Picture - Adventure.'
"A futuristic, sensitive tale of adventure and confrontation when a 10 year old boy is accidentally kidnapped by a spaceship filled with a motley crew of space pirates."
For the record:
At the 1985 Young Artist Awards, Space Raiders enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Family Motion Picture - Adventure.'
A star is born ... and isn't it magical? On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), The Neverending Story defied its title by running for only one hour and forty-two minutes. Written (in part) and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the Family/Fantasy starred Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, and Tami Stronach. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book."
For the record:
Along with some positive praise earned from festival appearances, The Neverending Story caught the attention of the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. Actor Noah Hathaway took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' while the picture had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book."
For the record:
Along with some positive praise earned from festival appearances, The Neverending Story caught the attention of the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. Actor Noah Hathaway took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' while the picture had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Terrorvision unleashed its ... erm ... terror on unsuspecting audiences. Written and directed by Ted Nicolaou, the SciFi/Comedy starred Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, and Jon Gries. Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"A family's new satellite TV system starts receiving signals from another planet, and soon it becomes the passageway to an alien world."
"A family's new satellite TV system starts receiving signals from another planet, and soon it becomes the passageway to an alien world."
A star is born ... and this one's animated! On this day in 1990 (in Spain), Peraustrinia 2004 enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Ángel García from a script by Joan Marimón, the Animated/Fantasy starred the voices of Josep Linuesa, Anton Alemany, and Blanca Pàmpols. According to our friends at the Digital Film Library (link), here's the plot summary:
"The most powerful Empire of Chance, made by creatures in perpetual mutation, the Hazardous, who deliberately cause chaos in human society, live in the year 2004 a period of deep decline because of a young scientist, Tristán Peraustrinia, who seems to control everything. Peraustrinia is the city of science, where the news programs predict the future. The only thing beyond the control of Tristan is love, what prevents him to dominate the will of the beautiful Princess Priscilla, who hates him. The Big Ton, Emperor of the Hazardous, wants to come to an agreement with Tristan: if he helps them, the Hazardous would get the princess fall in love with him."
"The most powerful Empire of Chance, made by creatures in perpetual mutation, the Hazardous, who deliberately cause chaos in human society, live in the year 2004 a period of deep decline because of a young scientist, Tristán Peraustrinia, who seems to control everything. Peraustrinia is the city of science, where the news programs predict the future. The only thing beyond the control of Tristan is love, what prevents him to dominate the will of the beautiful Princess Priscilla, who hates him. The Big Ton, Emperor of the Hazardous, wants to come to an agreement with Tristan: if he helps them, the Hazardous would get the princess fall in love with him."
On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), justice went small but mighty with the release of Dollman. Directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tim Thomerson, Jackie Earle Haley, and Kamala Lopez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A hard-boiled, intergalactic policeman lands on Earth where he is only 12 inches tall."
"A hard-boiled, intergalactic policeman lands on Earth where he is only 12 inches tall."
A star is born! On this day in 1994, the SciFi/Horror hybrid Skeeter did what it could to bug audiences with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Clark Brandon, the film starred Tracy Griffith, Jim Youngs, and Charles Napier. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As the result of a corrupt businessman's illegal toxic waste dumping, a small desert town is beset by a deadly swarm of huge bloodthirsty mutant mosquitoes!"
"As the result of a corrupt businessman's illegal toxic waste dumping, a small desert town is beset by a deadly swarm of huge bloodthirsty mutant mosquitoes!"
On this day in 1996 (in Germany), the 1962-produced Apocalypse/Drama Panic In Year Zero premiered on television. Directed by Ray Milland (who also headlined), the Apocalypse/Thriller also starred Jean Hagen, Frankie Avalon, and Mary Mitchel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
On this day in 2000 (in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore), the Red Planet was within reach again (theatrically, anyway) with the release of Mission To Mars. Directed by Brian De Palma, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, and Don Cheadle; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
A star is born! On this day in 2001, Just Visiting paid a visit to U.S. theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Jean-Marie Poiré, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Jean Reno, Christina Applegate, and Christian Clavier. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A French count is in England to marry the princess. She's killed. A wizard helps him to time travel back before the murder - except they end up in Chicago, April 2000. A descendant helps him. He looks for the wizard to return to the 1100s."
"A French count is in England to marry the princess. She's killed. A wizard helps him to time travel back before the murder - except they end up in Chicago, April 2000. A descendant helps him. He looks for the wizard to return to the 1100s."
A star is born ... or is that reborn? On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the good people of Austin, Texas were treated to the silver screen premiere event when Paramount Pictures reinvented Star Trek for the modern era -- for better or for worse. Directed by J.J. Abrams from a script by Robert Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Leonard Nimoy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father's legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful Romulan from the future creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time."
For the record:
Star Trek won the 2010 Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Make-Up,' an honor it also clinched at the 2010 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). The flick also enjoyed a 2010 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"The brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father's legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful Romulan from the future creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time."
For the record:
Star Trek won the 2010 Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Make-Up,' an honor it also clinched at the 2010 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). The flick also enjoyed a 2010 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the lovely ladies were packing heat in celebration of the home video release of Denizen. Written and directed by J.A. Steel, the SciFi/Thriller starred Julie Corgill, Glen Jensen, and Ben Bayless. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Creature terrorizes a small town and it is up to a small group of scientists to stop it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Denizen enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A Creature terrorizes a small town and it is up to a small group of scientists to stop it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Denizen enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Battledogs sat up and begged for an audience on the Boob Tube. Directed by Alexander Yellen from a script by Shane Van Dyke, the feature starred Craig Sheffer, Kate Vernon, and Dennis Haysbert. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A werewolf virus is unleashed upon New York, and Major Hoffman looks for a cure while Lt. General Monning wants to establish a new canine army."
"A werewolf virus is unleashed upon New York, and Major Hoffman looks for a cure while Lt. General Monning wants to establish a new canine army."
On this day in 2016 (in Belgium), time travel was played for laughs with The Visitors: Bastille Day. Written (in part) and directed by Jean-Marie Poiré, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Christian Clavier, Jean Reno, and Franck Dubosc. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Knight Godefroy de Montmirail and squire Jacquouille are stranded in 1793. Using trickery to break free from their shackles, both perilously partake in the Montmirail family's run away in the quest for an exiting time-shift."
"Knight Godefroy de Montmirail and squire Jacquouille are stranded in 1793. Using trickery to break free from their shackles, both perilously partake in the Montmirail family's run away in the quest for an exiting time-shift."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Russia), Dance To Death enjoyed its original theatrical debut. Directed by Andrey Volgin from a script by Andrey Zolotarev, the feature starred Deni Alasaniya, Agniya Ditkovskite, and Nikita Volkov. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Moscow, 2070s. In a sealed bunker in the post-apocalyptic ruins of Moscow, young people struggle against each other in a deadly dancing tournament. Only the winners will live."
"Moscow, 2070s. In a sealed bunker in the post-apocalyptic ruins of Moscow, young people struggle against each other in a deadly dancing tournament. Only the winners will live."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Sequence Break was screened for the very first time for audiences in attendance of the Chattanooga Film Festival. Written and directed by Graham Skipper, the SciFi/Horror starred John Dinan, Md Anan Islam, and Lyle Kanouse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A surreal sci-fi romance wherein a beautiful young woman and strange metaphysical forces threaten the reality of a reclusive video arcade technician, resulting in bizarre biomechanical mutations and a shocking self-realization."
"A surreal sci-fi romance wherein a beautiful young woman and strange metaphysical forces threaten the reality of a reclusive video arcade technician, resulting in bizarre biomechanical mutations and a shocking self-realization."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Humanity Bureau enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Rob W. King, the SciFi feature starred Nicolas Cage, Sarah Lind, and Jakob Davies. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A dystopian thriller set in the year 2030 that sees the world in a permanent state of economic recession and facing serious environmental problems as a result of global warming."
"A dystopian thriller set in the year 2030 that sees the world in a permanent state of economic recession and facing serious environmental problems as a result of global warming."
On this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Bobby's Comet: Chapter I." This served as the fourth episode of the show's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"After a missile strikes the Earth, Rocky's crew departs for the moon called Fornax, the origin of the missile's launch."
"After a missile strikes the Earth, Rocky's crew departs for the moon called Fornax, the origin of the missile's launch."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Flash in the Sky." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A ship tasked with retrieving a malfunctioning Venus probe runs into issues when the scientist in charge, a friend of McCauley's insists on going despite previously disobeying McCauley's orders."
"A ship tasked with retrieving a malfunctioning Venus probe runs into issues when the scientist in charge, a friend of McCauley's insists on going despite previously disobeying McCauley's orders."
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "Fury From The Deep, Part 4." This served as the thirty-second episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Van Lutyens' investigation of the base of the impeller places the Doctor and Jamie in danger from the Weed Creature."
"Van Lutyens' investigation of the base of the impeller places the Doctor and Jamie in danger from the Weed Creature."
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "The Monster of Peladon, Part 3." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Sarah pacify Aggedor and the Doctor encourages the Queen to make peace with the miners, but Ortron soon has him under arrest again."
"The Doctor and Sarah pacify Aggedor and the Doctor encourages the Queen to make peace with the miners, but Ortron soon has him under arrest again."
There are two people who just don't look happy together! On this day in 1995, William Shatner's TekWar aired "Deadline." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Winger is attacked by someone that steals his CRU. Without it he has 18 hours until he dies because he cannot replace it due to a new law. They are phasing out androids so he has to be quiet and try to fix things on his own."
"Winger is attacked by someone that steals his CRU. Without it he has 18 hours until he dies because he cannot replace it due to a new law. They are phasing out androids so he has to be quiet and try to fix things on his own."
On this day in the year 2000, the second half of "The Court-Martial of Lt. Razak" aired, bringing to close (as best showrunners could) the stories for Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles. What sucks is that -- those of us who followed the show know -- it all ended on a pretty massive cliffhanger that's left resolved ... mostly. For those willing to search it out on the World Wide Web, the audio for the unproduced final arc of the program exists ... so one can get a sense of where all of the action would've ended up had producers been given the greenlight to complete the final arc. That -- as they say -- is how it goes.
On this day in 2001, Farscape aired the fourth season of its third season, an hour entitled "Self-Inflicted Wounds, Part 2: Wait for the Wheel." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The two ships are still linked together. The crews are being attacked by a strange creature, Moya's taking a heavy beating. Crichton finds a transmission from Earth. The ships will finally be separated, with one of the Moya crew making the Ultimate sacrifice."
"The two ships are still linked together. The crews are being attacked by a strange creature, Moya's taking a heavy beating. Crichton finds a transmission from Earth. The ships will finally be separated, with one of the Moya crew making the Ultimate sacrifice."
On this day in 2013, Doctor Who aired "The Rings Of Akhaten." This served as the eighth episode of its (rebooted) seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Still not quite able to explain just who she is, the Doctor and Clara set off on their first adventure. He takes her to see the Rings of Akhaten and its famous pyramid. The residents of the 7 planets rotating around the same sun all believe the pyramid is the source of all life in the universe. There are quite a few visitors there for the Festival of Offering and Clara and helps a young girl, Merry, to have the confidence to perform an important ceremony to sooth and keep the Old God asleep. When Merry is drawn into the pyramid the Doctor and Clara go after her. When the Old God awakens, it's no match for the Doctor...or for Clara for that matter."
"Still not quite able to explain just who she is, the Doctor and Clara set off on their first adventure. He takes her to see the Rings of Akhaten and its famous pyramid. The residents of the 7 planets rotating around the same sun all believe the pyramid is the source of all life in the universe. There are quite a few visitors there for the Festival of Offering and Clara and helps a young girl, Merry, to have the confidence to perform an important ceremony to sooth and keep the Old God asleep. When Merry is drawn into the pyramid the Doctor and Clara go after her. When the Old God awakens, it's no match for the Doctor...or for Clara for that matter."
On this day in 2013, the plot thickened (quite a bit!) on the BBC's Orphan Black as the episode "Instinct" aired to the program's hungry audience. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"With a dead identical in her car and an assassin on her tail, Sarah just wants to dump the body and get out of town. But with Beth's cop partner Art holding the money she stole, Sarah is forced to continue her con and earn "Beth" a second chance on the force, only to find out that Beth's past is shadier than she thought. Now, her only hope of finding answers lies with another twin, Alison. But to win Alison's trust, Sarah is going to have to come clean about stealing Beth's life."
"With a dead identical in her car and an assassin on her tail, Sarah just wants to dump the body and get out of town. But with Beth's cop partner Art holding the money she stole, Sarah is forced to continue her con and earn "Beth" a second chance on the force, only to find out that Beth's past is shadier than she thought. Now, her only hope of finding answers lies with another twin, Alison. But to win Alison's trust, Sarah is going to have to come clean about stealing Beth's life."
On this day in 2015, The Department Of Time aired "Tiempo de venganza." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Armando Leiva faked his death and is ready to strike back against the Ministry of Time - in 1844, when it was visited by young Queen Isabel II."
"Armando Leiva faked his death and is ready to strike back against the Ministry of Time - in 1844, when it was visited by young Queen Isabel II."
