I ask you: who doesn't love a good incarnation of one of Science Fiction and Fantasy's greatest creations, Flash Gordon? Well, methinks the 2007-2008 television season audience didn't, if ratings were any indication, as this one was pretty much on life support right out of the gate. I think I stuck with it for two or maybe three episodes, but I just couldn't get a quality vibe off of much of it. Perhaps I'd been spoiled by the love I still have for the previous versions (both in print and the silver screen), but Flash always deserved a big audience. He'll save every one of us, you know? Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hometown Celebrity Steven 'Flash' Gordon discovers a secret his father tried desperately to keep hidden. He then embarks on a journey to another dimension in hopes of finding his father who was believed to be killed in a fire. Flash becomes involved with the struggles of Planet Mongo. A tyrannical leader controls the only source of clean water on the planet. Flash makes many allies during his struggles leading to a Revolution."
"Hometown Celebrity Steven 'Flash' Gordon discovers a secret his father tried desperately to keep hidden. He then embarks on a journey to another dimension in hopes of finding his father who was believed to be killed in a fire. Flash becomes involved with the struggles of Planet Mongo. A tyrannical leader controls the only source of clean water on the planet. Flash makes many allies during his struggles leading to a Revolution."
Noah Beery, Jr. soared into film history as well as the Final Frontier with his work aboard the SciFi classic Rocketship X-M (1950). Though he's no longer with us, Beery, Jr. was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Jeff Corey always played a role of authority in Science Fiction projects, including a guest stint aboard the classic Star Trek series as well as a key part setting the events of Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) in motion. Though he's no longer with us, Corey was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I recently rewatched First Men In The Moon (1964), having not seen it since my youth, and it's one of those mid-1960's SciFi family flicks that didn't age quite that well. But the lovely Martha Hyer? She aged quite well! Though she's no longer with us, Hyer was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and stuntman Peter Diamond played the Tusken Raider who attacked a young Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars (1977). As an actor, he also visited the worlds of The Invisible Man, Out of the Unknown, Doctor Who, and Highlander (1986). Though he's no longer with us, Diamond was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the cult SciFi series Starhunter, Murray Melvin played the Carvaggio A.I. The talented actor also appeared twice in a guest role on the BBC's Torchwood. Though he's no longer with us, Melvin was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lynn Cohen's IMDB.com profile boasts nearly 100 different projects, but SciFi fans probably recognize her most as 'Mags' from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Though she's no longer with us, Cohen was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the mid-1980's, Kate O'Mara played a key role aboard one of the major stories within the greater TV universe of the BBC's Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, O'Mara was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the 1996 telefilm Special Report: Journey To Mars, the lovely and talented Diane Venora (above right) played Lt. Tanya Sadavoy on the trip to the Red Planet. She dabbled in SciFi sparingly, securing screen time aboard Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001) and CBS's short-lived Threshold. Venora was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I don't know Daniel Hugh Kelly, nor have I met the man, but he appears to me (in interviews) to be one of the more likable characters in the entertainment industry. He had a role in Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) as Sojef, a leader I would've liked to have seen more of in the flick. Kelly was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and comedian Rick Overton (pictured above left from Groundhog Day) is surprisingly well-schooled in the realm of Science Fiction. He's enjoyed roles aboard Amazing Stories; Earth Girls Are Easy (1988); the animated Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Honey, I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show; The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne; Lost; Cloverfield (2008); and a few other genre hits. Overton was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I could be mistaken, Don Swayze seems to turn up in roles largely requiring a background of ill repute. Genre fans probably recognize him from work aboard Beach Babes From Beyond (1993), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998), The X-Files, Tremors, Carnivàle, and HBO's Fantasy-themed True Blood. Swayze was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, the terrific Rosanna Arquette rarely ventures into the realm of Science Fiction, but she did see the end of life as we know it in 2012's The Divide, an Apocalyptic thriller that didn't get much notice. Arquette was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Antonio Banderas made a rare appearance in SciFi: 2014's Autómata played largely to art house crowds, giving the actor the opportunity to play an insurance investigator who uncovers a secret involving robots violating their programming. Banderas was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you rise up against any of the various alien threats to our existence, then you're likely to get a mention on these pages ... and Marilyn Ghigliotti has done so in both Alien Armageddon (2011) and Starship: Rising (2014). IMDB.com suggests she may have more fights on screen yet to come! Ghigliotti was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear at present that Una Damon has left acting behind, she still appeared in such SciFi properties as SeaQuest 2032, Knight Rider 2010, Virtuosity (1995), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Sliders, Gattaca (1997), and Impostor (2001). Damon was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I remember first seeing the lovely Claudia Christian at a late-night showing of The Hidden, an alien invasion flick of a decidedly different variety. It was only natural that her star would rise and rise it did, for it wasn't all that much later that Christian signed aboard the J. Michael Straczynski SciFi epic, Babylon 5. Christian was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor Brian Drummond maintains a resume active in genre greatness much too vast to mention, but I'll throw up a few notices for those inclined to know more: he's been involved with Starship Operators, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny, Transformers: Cybertron, and Max Steel for good measure. Drummond was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The diverse Justin Theroux had a small, supporting role aboard Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) that, sadly, will probably never warrant an action figure. Theroux was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Longtime readers of SciFiHistory.Net know all too well of my fondness for the animated Batman Beyond series. Aboard that program, the ever-lovely Angie Harmon played an older, wiser (Commissioner) 'Barbara Gordon,' a sometimes legal foil for the aged Bruce Wayne and his young protege. Harmon was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of you who either missed UPN's Queen of Swords or never heard of it would do well to look it up. Tessie Santiago played the heroine Maria Teresa Alvarado much in the same vein as Zorro, and she was spectacular. She hasn't done much Science Fiction (maybe she can remedy that in the years ahead) but did star in the direct-to-video release of The Cell 2. Santiago was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With guest roles aboard Forever Knight and PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, the lovely Joanna Bacalso definitely deserves more to do in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Bacalso was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her career, JoAnna Garcia Swisher gave SciFi a reasonable try with roles aboard Superboy and SeaQuest 2032. Swisher was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Classically beautiful Roxanne McKee made a huge splash joining the cast of Syfy's Fantasy-themed Dominion, and SciFi fans got an eye-full of her aboard Alt, an adventure of friends trapped in a parallel world. Add to that work aboard HBO's stellar Game Of Thrones and The CW's Pandora, and she becomes a delicious first lady of genre entertainment! McKee was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It may've been only a single episode of Heroes for the lovely Katherine Boecher, but we'll take it if that gives SciFiHistory.Net the chance to showcase her wonderful face! Boecher was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Devon Aoki appears to have forsaken a big screen acting career, but thankfully while she was in the business she gave genre fans some solid performances, including her role aboard Mutant Chronicles. Aoki was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Australian-born actress Bonnie Piesse hopped aboard that galaxy far, far away with a good role in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones (2002), and she was granted a little more screen time in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith (2005). Thankfully, she was able to even reprise her work as 'Aunt Beru' in the Disney+ streaming series Obi-Wan Kenobi during its run on the platform. Piesse was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tone Bell enjoyed a pair of guest appearances to The CW's popular Superhero/Drama The Flash. Bell was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2014's The Giver was a vastly more popular young adult novel than it was a theatrical release. I saw it in theatres, and I appreciated young Brenton Thwaites' performance in the titular role of 'Jonas.' Thwaites was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the current incarnation of the big screen X-Men universe, Lucas Till has done a great job in playing the mutant Havoc. He's garnered screen time in X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and X-Men: Apocalypse. Till was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Snowpiercer (2013) remains a polarizing movie. Many who've seen it not only didn't care for it but also wonder what it was all about. Me? I thought it was a great SciFi satire that delivered precisely the message it intended from the get-go. Ah-Sung Ko (as Ko Asung) had a key role in the film. Ko was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2014, young Jacob Latimore broke into genre entertainment in a big way with a role in The Maze Runner, the popular cinematic adaptation based on a Young Adult / SciFi novel. Latimore was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1929 (in the U.S.), The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical run after enjoying a few special engagements. Directed by Rowland V. Lee and based on the novels of Sax Rohmer, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Warner Oland, Neil Hamilton, and Jean Arthur. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During the Boxer Rebellion in China during the early 20th century, in which a Chinese secret society attacked all westerners and anyone who associated with them, Dr. Fu Manchu's wife and child are killed by foreigners. Enraged, he vows to take his revenge on the British army officers he holds responsible for the killings."
"During the Boxer Rebellion in China during the early 20th century, in which a Chinese secret society attacked all westerners and anyone who associated with them, Dr. Fu Manchu's wife and child are killed by foreigners. Enraged, he vows to take his revenge on the British army officers he holds responsible for the killings."
A star is born! On this day in 1939 (in the U.S.), the good people of Green Bay, Wisconsin were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event when The Wizard Of Oz graced the silver screen for the first time ever. Adapted from the popular book by L. Frank Baum, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, and Ray Bolger. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes."
For the record:
Decades after its initial screening, The Wizard Of Oz remains one of the memorable screen experiences for viewers of nearly every age group.
"Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes."
For the record:
Decades after its initial screening, The Wizard Of Oz remains one of the memorable screen experiences for viewers of nearly every age group.
- At the 1940 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed an incredible 5 nominations ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Music - Original Song,' 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction,' and 'Best Picture') but only Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg went home with the gold in the category of 'Best Original Song.'
- In 1989, The Wizard Of Oz was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, the organization which seeks to preserve films for their enduring cultural, historical, or aesthetic aspects.
A star is born ... and isn't this one dapper? On this day in 1951 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the silver screen premiere event of The Man In The White Suit. Written (in part) and directed by Alexander Maxkendrick, the SciFi/Comedy starred Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, and Cecil Parker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An altruistic chemist invents a fabric which resists wear and stain as a boon to humanity, but big business and labor realize it must be suppressed for economic reasons."
For the record:
At the 1953 Academy Awards, The Man In The White Suit enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Writing - Screenplay.'
"An altruistic chemist invents a fabric which resists wear and stain as a boon to humanity, but big business and labor realize it must be suppressed for economic reasons."
For the record:
At the 1953 Academy Awards, The Man In The White Suit enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Writing - Screenplay.'
On this day in 1956 (in Japan), all eyes were fixed on the sky as audiences were mesmerized with the battle of Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers. Directed by Fred F. Sears, the SciFi/Thriller starred Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor, and Donald Curtis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Extraterrestrials traveling in high-tech flying saucers contact a scientist as part of a plan to enslave the inhabitants of Earth."
"Extraterrestrials traveling in high-tech flying saucers contact a scientist as part of a plan to enslave the inhabitants of Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of Birmingham were treated to an exclusive premiere engagement of The Abominable Snowman. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Forrest Tucker, Peter Cushing, and Maureen Connell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A kindly English botanist and a gruff American scientist lead an expedition to the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti."
"A kindly English botanist and a gruff American scientist lead an expedition to the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), it was 'Jurassic Park' all over again with the full theatrical release of Dinosaurus! Directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr., the feature starred Ward Ramsey, Paul Lukather, and Kristina Hanson; and here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"After undersea explosions near a Caribbean island, prehistoric creatures are unleashed on the unsuspecting population. Freed from his watery tomb, as well, is a very friendly Neanderthal man who proceeds to befriend a local orphan boy. The boy, Neanderthal and irritated dinosaur make for an interesting dramatic climax."
"After undersea explosions near a Caribbean island, prehistoric creatures are unleashed on the unsuspecting population. Freed from his watery tomb, as well, is a very friendly Neanderthal man who proceeds to befriend a local orphan boy. The boy, Neanderthal and irritated dinosaur make for an interesting dramatic climax."
On this day in 1961 (in Portugal), Quatermass 2 gave audiences another look at one of Science Fiction's smartest characters. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the film starred Brian Donlevy, John Longden, and Sidney James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
Still trying to get ahead? Well, on this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Brain That Wouldn't Die proved it wouldn't die ... cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Joseph Green, the feature starred Jason Evers, Anthony La Penna, and Virginia Leith; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A doctor experimenting with transplant techniques keeps his girlfriend's head alive when she is decapitated in a car crash, then goes hunting for a new body."
"A doctor experimenting with transplant techniques keeps his girlfriend's head alive when she is decapitated in a car crash, then goes hunting for a new body."
On this day in 1972 (in West Germany), the apes had gone wild with the cinematic glee of Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the film starred Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, and Ricardo Montalban. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cornelius and Zira's son Caesar leads apes to revolution in this installment of the apes saga. Dogs and cats have been wiped out by a plague and now apes are household pets that are treated like slaves. Caesar has the intelligence to fight this oppression."
"Cornelius and Zira's son Caesar leads apes to revolution in this installment of the apes saga. Dogs and cats have been wiped out by a plague and now apes are household pets that are treated like slaves. Caesar has the intelligence to fight this oppression."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in Mexico), it was all lucha libre again with the theatrical release of Santo Vs. Frankenstein's Daughter. Directed by Miguel M. Delgado from a story by Fernando Oses, the Fantasy/Horror starred Santo, Gina Romand, and Carlos Agosti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad female scientist needs Santo's blood for a youth serum; and she has Frankenstein's reliable old monster to help her get it."
"A mad female scientist needs Santo's blood for a youth serum; and she has Frankenstein's reliable old monster to help her get it."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of Fargo, North Dakota were titillated beyond belief with the theatrical release of the Adult-themed The Adult Version Of Jekyll & Hide. Directed by Lee Raymond, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Laurie Rose, Rene Bond, and John Barnum. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazed doctor, who has already murdered a man, finds Dr. Jekyll's diary and mixes up Jekyll's formula. He mixes up a batch of the potion, turns into the Jekyll monster and begins to stalk, rape and murder women."
"A crazed doctor, who has already murdered a man, finds Dr. Jekyll's diary and mixes up Jekyll's formula. He mixes up a batch of the potion, turns into the Jekyll monster and begins to stalk, rape and murder women."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane. Directed by Nicolas Gessner from a story by Laird Koenig, the Horror/Thriller starred Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen, and Alexis Smith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A thirteen-year-old girl, who lives with her absentee father, befriends a disabled teenage amateur magician and invites him, gradually, into her tenuous struggle against a predatory local neighbor."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), the film enjoyed an incredible four nominations but only went home with two big trophies in the categories of 'Best Actress' (for Jodie Foster) and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A thirteen-year-old girl, who lives with her absentee father, befriends a disabled teenage amateur magician and invites him, gradually, into her tenuous struggle against a predatory local neighbor."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), the film enjoyed an incredible four nominations but only went home with two big trophies in the categories of 'Best Actress' (for Jodie Foster) and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), the good people of Mandan, South Dakota were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Prophecy. Directed by John Frankenheimer from a story by David Seltzer, the Fantasy/Horror starred Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, and Armand Assante. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A government health inspector is dispatched to assess the damage a logging company is causing to a patch of forest claimed by Native Americans, and comes face to face with true terror wreaking havoc in the woods."
"A government health inspector is dispatched to assess the damage a logging company is causing to a patch of forest claimed by Native Americans, and comes face to face with true terror wreaking havoc in the woods."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in West Germany), The Sheriff And The Satellite Kid (aka Uno sceriffo extraterrestre... poco extra e molto terrestre) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Michele Lupo, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bud Spencer, Cary Guffey, and Raimund Harmstorf. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young humanoid alien who gets stranded on earth hooks up with a grizzled old sheriff in a western town and tries to help him solve a tough case, but the sheriff doesn't want any help from a "kid.""
"A young humanoid alien who gets stranded on earth hooks up with a grizzled old sheriff in a western town and tries to help him solve a tough case, but the sheriff doesn't want any help from a "kid.""
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Venice, California), Sador invaded, Shad rebelled, and the ultimate Battle Beyond The Stars was begun when the Science Fiction film enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami and Roger Corman, the feature starred Richard Thomas, Darlanne Fluegel, and Sybil Danning; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shad, a young farmer, assembles a band of diverse mercenaries in outer space to defend his peaceful planet from the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors. Among the mercenaries are Space Cowboy, a spacegoing truck driver from Earth; Gelt, a wealthy but experienced assassin looking for a place to hide; and Saint-Exmin, a Valkyrie warrior looking to prove herself in battle."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
"Shad, a young farmer, assembles a band of diverse mercenaries in outer space to defend his peaceful planet from the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors. Among the mercenaries are Space Cowboy, a spacegoing truck driver from Earth; Gelt, a wealthy but experienced assassin looking for a place to hide; and Saint-Exmin, a Valkyrie warrior looking to prove herself in battle."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
On this day in 1984, David Cronenberg's Crimes Of The Future enjoyed a theatrical run. It was produced much earlier (in 1970) but withheld from release for reasons unknown by me, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"Crimes of the Future details the wanderings of Tripod (Mlodzik), sometime director of a dermatological clinic called the House of Skin, who is searching for his mentor, the mad dermatologist Antoine Rouge. Rouge has disappeared following a catastrophic plague resulting from cosmetic products, which has killed the entire population of sexually mature women. Tripod joins a succession of organisations including Metaphysical Import-Export and the Oceanic Podiatry Group, and meets various individuals and groups of men who are trying to adjust themselves to a defeminized world. One man parodies childbirth by continually growing new organs which are removed from his body. Eventually Tripod comes upon a group of paedophiles which is holding a 5 year-old girl, and they urge him to mate with her. He senses the presence of Antoine Rouge."
"Crimes of the Future details the wanderings of Tripod (Mlodzik), sometime director of a dermatological clinic called the House of Skin, who is searching for his mentor, the mad dermatologist Antoine Rouge. Rouge has disappeared following a catastrophic plague resulting from cosmetic products, which has killed the entire population of sexually mature women. Tripod joins a succession of organisations including Metaphysical Import-Export and the Oceanic Podiatry Group, and meets various individuals and groups of men who are trying to adjust themselves to a defeminized world. One man parodies childbirth by continually growing new organs which are removed from his body. Eventually Tripod comes upon a group of paedophiles which is holding a 5 year-old girl, and they urge him to mate with her. He senses the presence of Antoine Rouge."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Red Dawn blazed a trail of ... Wolverines! Written (in part) and directed by John Milius, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and Lea Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It is the dawn of World War III. In the west mountains of America, a group of teenagers band together to defend their town, and their country, from invading Soviet forces."
"It is the dawn of World War III. In the west mountains of America, a group of teenagers band together to defend their town, and their country, from invading Soviet forces."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical release. Directed by W.D. Richter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Weller, John Lithgow, and Jeff Goldblum; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adventurer, brain surgeon, rock musician Buckaroo Banzai and his crime-fighting team, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, must stop evil alien invaders from the eighth dimension who are planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Buckaroo Banzai enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Writing.'
"Adventurer, brain surgeon, rock musician Buckaroo Banzai and his crime-fighting team, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, must stop evil alien invaders from the eighth dimension who are planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Buckaroo Banzai enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Writing.'
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Lifeforce blazed its way onto the silver screen. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the script by Dan O'Bannon and Don Jakoby was an adaptation of the Colin Wilson novel ("The Space Vampires"). The SciFi/Thriller starred Steve Railsback, Mathilda May, and Colin Firth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Odin enjoyed its run in the theatres. The SciFi/Anime kinda/sorta tinkers in the realm of Norse Mythology, and here's the premise that's been provided via IMDB.com:
"It is the year 2099, and mankind has taken great advances in its development of space travel: people sail through space in ships powered by photon-laser engines, and parts of the solar system have been colonized. The newly-built space schooner the Starlight is launched on a maiden voyage to venture beyond the boundaries of the system and investigate a distress signal from a lost starship near Jupiter. Starlight comes across a wrecked spacecraft, holding a lone survivor: a mysterious young female amnesiac named Sara Cyanbaker. Starlight is then immediately attacked by some sort of weaponized probes and sucked into a vortex that takes them to a moon called Oberon near Uranus. There they find an artifact in the form of an ancient galactic map that points to an ancient Norwegian mariner's folk song which mentions the Norse god Odin. Sara starts to have strange dreams of a place called Odin; with these facts, the crew deduces that Odin may actually exist as a planet, the place of paradise ..."
"It is the year 2099, and mankind has taken great advances in its development of space travel: people sail through space in ships powered by photon-laser engines, and parts of the solar system have been colonized. The newly-built space schooner the Starlight is launched on a maiden voyage to venture beyond the boundaries of the system and investigate a distress signal from a lost starship near Jupiter. Starlight comes across a wrecked spacecraft, holding a lone survivor: a mysterious young female amnesiac named Sara Cyanbaker. Starlight is then immediately attacked by some sort of weaponized probes and sucked into a vortex that takes them to a moon called Oberon near Uranus. There they find an artifact in the form of an ancient galactic map that points to an ancient Norwegian mariner's folk song which mentions the Norse god Odin. Sara starts to have strange dreams of a place called Odin; with these facts, the crew deduces that Odin may actually exist as a planet, the place of paradise ..."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Condor enjoyed its only release of note. Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ray Wise, Wendy Kilbourne, and Vic Polizos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Unsold TV pilot about a hardboiled special police agent prejudiced towards robots and his beautiful new female android partner hunting his nemesis, an escaped female terrorist known as Black Widow, in the noir future of 1999."
"Unsold TV pilot about a hardboiled special police agent prejudiced towards robots and his beautiful new female android partner hunting his nemesis, an escaped female terrorist known as Black Widow, in the noir future of 1999."
A star is born! On this day in 1986, the failed TV pilot Northstar still enjoyed life as a SciFi/Telefilm starring Greg Evigan and Deborah Wakeham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"An astronaut's ship passes through a strange magnetic field on its way back to Earth, and when he emerges from it after landing, he finds he has acquired superhuman powers and a super-genius IQ."
"An astronaut's ship passes through a strange magnetic field on its way back to Earth, and when he emerges from it after landing, he finds he has acquired superhuman powers and a super-genius IQ."
Oh, my! Somebody's proud of his pearly whites! On this day in 1988 (in Japan), Night Of The Werewolf was all the rage in home video. Written by, directed by, and starring Paul Naschy, this Horror feature also gave Julia Saly and Silvia Aguilar a little something to do. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An evil witch brings back to life the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, who was executed several hundred years previously for murdering young woman and bathing in their blood."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Werewolf earned a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"An evil witch brings back to life the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, who was executed several hundred years previously for murdering young woman and bathing in their blood."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Werewolf earned a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Flatliners took audiences on a trip behind the veil of life. Directed by Joel Schumacher from a story by Peter Filardi, the SciFi/Horror starred Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, and Kevin Bacon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five medical students experiment with "near death" experiences, until the dark consequences of past tragedies begin to jeopardize their lives."
For the record:
"Five medical students experiment with "near death" experiences, until the dark consequences of past tragedies begin to jeopardize their lives."
For the record:
- At the 1991 Academy Awards, Flatliners enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing.'
- At the 1991 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed two nominations: Julia Roberts was nominated in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress,' and the film itself enjoyed a nom in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), audiences were taken down the Highway To Hell. Directed by Bret McCormick from a story by Gary Kennamer, the Horror/Thriller starred Benton Jennings, Richard Harrison, and Blue Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Escaped mass murderer goes on a rampage and is hunted by the cop who sent him up the first time."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), Highway To Hell enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
"Escaped mass murderer goes on a rampage and is hunted by the cop who sent him up the first time."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), Highway To Hell enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
On this day in 1990 (in the Netherlands), Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall stormed onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Douglas Quaid is haunted by a recurring dream about a journey to Mars. He hopes to find out more about this dream and buys a holiday at Rekall Inc. where they sell implanted memories. But something goes wrong with the memory implantation and he remembers being a secret agent fighting against the evil Mars administrator Cohaagen. Now the story really begins and it's a rollercoaster ride until the massive end of the movie."
"Douglas Quaid is haunted by a recurring dream about a journey to Mars. He hopes to find out more about this dream and buys a holiday at Rekall Inc. where they sell implanted memories. But something goes wrong with the memory implantation and he remembers being a secret agent fighting against the evil Mars administrator Cohaagen. Now the story really begins and it's a rollercoaster ride until the massive end of the movie."
On this day in 2006 (in Canada and the U.S.), Skinwalkers walked onto the skin that is the silver screen. Directed by James Isaac, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jason Behr, Elias Koteas, and Rhona Mitra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 12-year-old boy and his mother become the targets of two warring werewolf packs, each with different intentions and motives."
"A 12-year-old boy and his mother become the targets of two warring werewolf packs, each with different intentions and motives."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Israel), time wasn't exactly fluid again with the theatrical release of The Butterfly Effect 2. Directed by John R. Leonetti from a story by Michael D. Weiss and John Frankenheimer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eric Lively, Erica Durance, and Dustin Milligan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Nick Larson discovers a supernatural way to alter his life and travel back in time to key moments in his life by looking at photographs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Butterfly Effect 2 enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in 2007 in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
"Nick Larson discovers a supernatural way to alter his life and travel back in time to key moments in his life by looking at photographs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Butterfly Effect 2 enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in 2007 in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
On this day in 2007 (in Canada and the U.S.), there was magic afoot with the theatrical release of Stardust. Adapted (in part) for the silver screen and directed by Matthew Vaughn, the Fantasy feature starred Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, and Sienna Miller; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm."
"In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm."
A star is born! On this day in 2008, the Force was once again strong with us when Star Wars: The Clone Wars enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement ever in Hollywood, California! Marshaled to the screen by Dave Filoni, the motion picture featured the voices of Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, and James Arnold Taylor. It delivered audiences with an early look at the forthcoming television series; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano find themselves on a mission with far-reaching consequences, one that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt. But Count Dooku and his sinister agents, including the nefarious Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side ..."
For the record:
Always keep in mind, my young padawans, that we must accept the Dark with the Light. Though the film opened to somewhat middling reviews, I fell in love with that galaxy far, far away when I enjoyed it on the silver screen. But about that Dark and Light? It received a nomination for 'Best Animated Film' for the 2009 Saturn Awards as well as a nod as the 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel' from the 2009 Razzie Awards. (Ahem: it lost both ... so there's that.)
"As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano find themselves on a mission with far-reaching consequences, one that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt. But Count Dooku and his sinister agents, including the nefarious Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side ..."
For the record:
Always keep in mind, my young padawans, that we must accept the Dark with the Light. Though the film opened to somewhat middling reviews, I fell in love with that galaxy far, far away when I enjoyed it on the silver screen. But about that Dark and Light? It received a nomination for 'Best Animated Film' for the 2009 Saturn Awards as well as a nod as the 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel' from the 2009 Razzie Awards. (Ahem: it lost both ... so there's that.)
On this day in 2010 (in Argentina), Predators took to the hunting grounds against one another. Directed by Nimród Antal, the SciFi/Thriller starred Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Topher Grace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race."
"A group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race."
If you haven't seen Grabbers (2012), then buy yourself the DVD. Methinks you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you get in this SciFi/Comedy that's very, very much in the vein of Ron Underwood's Tremors (1990). If you're interested, then surf over here to check out the official movie trailer. Oh, yeah, and it opened on this day in 2012 in Ireland ... which is perfectly fitting considering the hilarious subject matter! Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When an island off the coast of Ireland is invaded by bloodsucking aliens, the heroes discover that getting drunk is the only way to survive."
"When an island off the coast of Ireland is invaded by bloodsucking aliens, the heroes discover that getting drunk is the only way to survive."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Ireland and the United Kingdom), things were looking a little bit Jurassic once again with the theatrical release of The Dinosaur Project. Written (in part) and directed by Sid Bennett, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Richard Dillane, Peter Brooke, and Matt Kane. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A British expedition formed by the lead researcher Jonathan Marchant, his assistant, a doctor and a TV crew, travels to Congo to seek evidence of a dinosaur."
"A British expedition formed by the lead researcher Jonathan Marchant, his assistant, a doctor and a TV crew, travels to Congo to seek evidence of a dinosaur."
On this day in 2012, the 1990-produced version of Total Recall enjoyed a rare and limited theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Douglas Quaid is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting the colonized Mars. He visits "Rekall," a company that plants false memories into people's brains, in order to experience the thrill of Mars without having to travel there. But something goes wrong during the procedure; Quaid discovers that his entire life is actually a false memory and that the people who implanted it in his head now want him dead."
"Douglas Quaid is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting the colonized Mars. He visits "Rekall," a company that plants false memories into people's brains, in order to experience the thrill of Mars without having to travel there. But something goes wrong during the procedure; Quaid discovers that his entire life is actually a false memory and that the people who implanted it in his head now want him dead."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Automation enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Hollywood Horrorfest. Written (in part) and directed by Garo Setian, the SciFi feature starred Elissa Dowling, Sadie Katz, and Parry Shen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A workplace robot, AUTO, transforms into a killing machine when he discovers he will be replaced by a more efficient model. AUTO fears being terminated and will stop at nothing to prevent his own destruction. The human employees must band together to stop him before it's too late."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Automation enjoyed a wealth of praise during its run on the film festival circuit.
"A workplace robot, AUTO, transforms into a killing machine when he discovers he will be replaced by a more efficient model. AUTO fears being terminated and will stop at nothing to prevent his own destruction. The human employees must band together to stop him before it's too late."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Automation enjoyed a wealth of praise during its run on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1951, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Blunder." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Scientists race to warn a colleague that his experiment could destroy life on Earth."
"Scientists race to warn a colleague that his experiment could destroy life on Earth."
On this day in 1953, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Unknown People, Part 1." This served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Clark Kent and Lois Lane travel to Silsby, Texas, site of the deepest well ever drilled. But when they arrive, the well is being shut down and the oil company manager present isn't saying why. Meanwhile, two short beings with large heads and furry hands come up from the well to explore. Luke Benson leads a mob of townspeople wanting to kill the "unknown people." Despite Superman's efforts to calm things down, the mob has tracked the two creatures to the top of a dam, trying to kill them. What the mob doesn't know is the creatures cause things they touch to glow in the dark -- and may be radioactive."
"Clark Kent and Lois Lane travel to Silsby, Texas, site of the deepest well ever drilled. But when they arrive, the well is being shut down and the oil company manager present isn't saying why. Meanwhile, two short beings with large heads and furry hands come up from the well to explore. Luke Benson leads a mob of townspeople wanting to kill the "unknown people." Despite Superman's efforts to calm things down, the mob has tracked the two creatures to the top of a dam, trying to kill them. What the mob doesn't know is the creatures cause things they touch to glow in the dark -- and may be radioactive."
Also on this day in 1953, Adventures Of Superman closed out its first season with the airing of "The Unknown People, Part 2." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the first season, and here's that installment's plot summary:
"One of the "unknown people" is shot while atop a dam near Silsby, Texas. Superman catches him before he falls into water and takes him to the Silsby hospital. Superman, in his Clark Kent identity, assists a doctor who operates on the creature. The doctor discovers his patient has all the organs and internal body structure as humans. Meanwhile, the Luke Benson-led mob tries to kill the other visitor from the center of the Earth. That creature escapes, later bringing up more of his people along with a weapon. Superman races to defuse an explosive situation."
"One of the "unknown people" is shot while atop a dam near Silsby, Texas. Superman catches him before he falls into water and takes him to the Silsby hospital. Superman, in his Clark Kent identity, assists a doctor who operates on the creature. The doctor discovers his patient has all the organs and internal body structure as humans. Meanwhile, the Luke Benson-led mob tries to kill the other visitor from the center of the Earth. That creature escapes, later bringing up more of his people along with a weapon. Superman races to defuse an explosive situation."
On this day in 1993 (in Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Transfigurations." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise finds a deserted planet where a ship has crashed, and, with it, the lone survivor with no memory, but extraordinary healing powers."
"The Enterprise finds a deserted planet where a ship has crashed, and, with it, the lone survivor with no memory, but extraordinary healing powers."
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "Babylon Squared." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"B5's immediate predecessor, Babylon 4, suddenly reappears after mysteriously vanishing years ago."
"B5's immediate predecessor, Babylon 4, suddenly reappears after mysteriously vanishing years ago."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Beast Of Burden." This served as the seventh episode to the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"When Daniel's Unas friend, Chaka, is captured by another world's slavers, SG-1 goes to that world to rescue him."
"When Daniel's Unas friend, Chaka, is captured by another world's slavers, SG-1 goes to that world to rescue him."
It all began right here: on this day in 2007, Flash Gordon beamed onto the television set in yet another incarnation. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the pilot episode:
"Local track star "Flash" Gordon learns that his scientist father, believed dead for more than a decade, actually disappeared through a trans-dimensional rift."
"Local track star "Flash" Gordon learns that his scientist father, believed dead for more than a decade, actually disappeared through a trans-dimensional rift."
On this day in 2014, The Lottery aired "Genie." This served as the fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Vanessa has second thoughts about the lottery and consults with Darius and the President."
"Vanessa has second thoughts about the lottery and consults with Darius and the President."
On this day in 2014, TNT's Falling Skies aired "A Thing With Feathers." This served as the eighth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The 2nd Mass picks up the pieces after a devastating alien attack leaves Maggie fighting for her life... and Hal fighting for Maggie. Meanwhile, Tom and Dingaan are cut off from the rest of the group, buried under tons of rubble, where they must rely on an Enemy Ship to rescue them."
"The 2nd Mass picks up the pieces after a devastating alien attack leaves Maggie fighting for her life... and Hal fighting for Maggie. Meanwhile, Tom and Dingaan are cut off from the rest of the group, buried under tons of rubble, where they must rely on an Enemy Ship to rescue them."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Zoo aired "Wham, Bam, Thank You Sam." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the team launches a rescue mission for Issac, Jaime and Mitch hunt for a large snake creature. Abigail's master plan comes to light."
"As the team launches a rescue mission for Issac, Jaime and Mitch hunt for a large snake creature. Abigail's master plan comes to light."
