Alice Ghostley is no doubt best remembered by TV audiences for her work in comedy, but genre fans might remember her from small and supporting roles aboard Get Smart, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Monster Squad, Tales From The Darkside, and Small Wonder. Though she's no longer with us, Ghostley was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and stuntman George Sawaya was a Hollywood bit player who enjoyed a career of well over one hundred different roles. He spent time in the worlds of Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Time Tunnel, Batman, Star Trek, Get Smart, Embryo (1976), Future Cop, Man From Atlantis, Voyagers!, The Powers of Matthew Star, and Repo Man (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Sawaya was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fran Bennett guest-starred as a Starfleet admiral aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Redemption: Part II." Her resume also boasts appearances aboard The Twilight Zone, ALF, NBC's popular Quantum Leap, New Nightmare (1994), and Team Knight Rider. Though she's no longer with us, Bennett was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Brenda Benet enjoyed some screen time in programs like The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., I Dream Of Jeannie, The Green Hornet, Wonder Woman, The Horror At 37,000 Feet (1973), Fantasy Island, and The Incredible Hulk. Though she's no longer with us, Benet was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Brenda struggled with life's challenges and eventually took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Brenda struggled with life's challenges and eventually took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
Though Joseph Marcell (above left) is probably remembered more for his work on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, the actor did sport a guest spot on the BBC's Doctor Who. Marcell was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lou Wagner is another one of those faces seen all over the map in comedies and dramas, but he does maintain a resume with some solid genre credentials. He's enjoyed roles aboard Lost In Space, Planet Of The Apes (1968), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972), The UFO Incident (1975), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and The Legend of Galgameth (1996). Wagner was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer/director Jim Wynorski has built an incredible resume of what most would consider B-movies, the likes of which stretch across a variety of genres. He's helped bring such properties to life as Deathstalker II (1987), Not Of This Earth (1988), The Return Of Swamp Thing (1989), Dinosaur Island (1994), The Wasp Woman (1995), Project Viper (2002), and much much more. Wynorski was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of my very favorite character actors -- Carl Lumbly -- had a short-lived superhero / SciFi-lite program as part of Fox TV's Friday night line-up for a season: he starred as M.A.N.T.I.S., a hero who used secret technology to circumvent his paralysis and, naturally, fight crime! FYI: he also voiced the Martian Manhunter as part of that stellar Justice League cartoon TV series. Even more recently, he played the father of the Martian Manhunter in an impressive stint aboard the CW's Supergirl. Lumbly was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout his lifetime, composer James Horner contributed scores to some of the most impactful Science Fiction films of our times. He's scored such flicks as Battle Beyond The Stars (1980), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Krull (1983), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Cocoon (1985), Aliens (1986), The Rocketeer (1991), Deep Impact (1998), and Avatar (2009). Though he's no longer with us, Horner was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Marcia Gay Harden (above center) found herself trapped between a mist and a hard place compliments of Stephen King's imagination in The Mist (2007). Otherwise, her genre appearances are reasonably slim: fans might catch glimpses of her doing her thing aboard Flubber (1997), Meet Joe Black (1998), Space Cowboys (2000), The Invisible (2007), and TRON:Uprising (animated). Harden was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Harden scored top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work aboard The Mist (2007).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Harden scored top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work aboard The Mist (2007).
Consider Russell Hodgkinson as just "livin' the dream" aboard the nightmare that is Syfy Channel's Apocalypse-themed Z Nation. The actor has also appeared in NBC's Grimm and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017). Hodgkinson was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lucinda Dickey dipped her delicate toes into the realm of cinematic Fantasy and came up with a Samurai sword for Ninja III: The Domination (1984), an odd actioner with a heavy hint of the Afterlife. Dickey was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The heavenly Emmanuelle Béart really got into the part of an Earthbound beauty aboard the Fantasy/Comedy Date With An Angel (1987). Béart was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sexy Cristi Conaway has a nifty li'l history in the realm of genre projects, including roles in such underappreciated projects as Batman Returns (1992), Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman (1993), The Advanced Guard (1998), and TV's incarnation of Timecop. Conaway was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brannon Braga is a figure in the history of Star Trek who honestly courts probably as much controversy as he has support. Arguably, he's responsible for creating some of the franchise's best moments with scripts like Star Trek: The Next Generation's "All Good Things ..." and Star Trek: Voyager's "Year Of Hell." But he's also penned TNG's plain awful "Sub Rosa" and Voyager's confusing "End Game." Still, he perseveres, and he's helped bring other solid properties to television life, including the underrated Threshold, Flashforward, and Terra Nova. Braga was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though Braga has been played as a kinda/sorta controversial figure here and there, I thought overall he had a reasonably measured approach to expanding the world of Star Trek even though that universe might suffer from its own intellectual bloat here and there. In any event, I'll try to do a fair and impartial accounting of those citations I feel relevant to his career.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though Braga has been played as a kinda/sorta controversial figure here and there, I thought overall he had a reasonably measured approach to expanding the world of Star Trek even though that universe might suffer from its own intellectual bloat here and there. In any event, I'll try to do a fair and impartial accounting of those citations I feel relevant to his career.
- At the 1994 Primetime Emmys Awards, Braga -- along with a slew of other screenwriters -- earned a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Drama Series' for his/their work in bringing Star Trek: The Next Generation to life.
- At the 1995 Hugo Awards, Braga earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Star Trek: Generations (1994) to the silver screen. That same year, he took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form' for his work on the Star Trek: The Next Generation series' finale, "All Good Things ..."
- At the 1997 Saturn Awards, he earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Writer' for his work in bringing Star Trek: The Next Generation to the silver screen with Star Trek: First Contact (1996).
- At the 1997 Hugo Awards, he -- along with his scriptmates -- earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Star Trek: First Contact (1996) to the screen.
- At the 2003 Hugo Awards, two of Braga's efforts aboard Star Trek: Enterprise earned nominations in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.'
- At the 2010 Hugo Awards, he earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form' for his work aboard an episode of the short-lived Flashforward television series.
- At the 2016 Saturn Awards, he was awarded a 'Special Recognition Award' for his work in an incredible array of Science Fiction and Fantasy to television.
Actress Halle Berry brought the fanboys to the cinemas to watch her work her magic as Storm, one of the mutant X-Men franchise. Now, they're kinda/sorta following suit by watching her Steven Spielberg produced SciFi television program, Extant, on CBS. (Rumor is, however, that she behaves like a diva on the set. Not cool, Halle.) Berry was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Catherine Bell achieved fame as one of the leads for CBS's popular JAG procedural, and thankfully she's hung around for more. The actress has enjoyed roles aboard Alien Nation: Body And Soul (1995), The Triangle (2005), and Threshold (2006). Bell was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ben Bass has a pretty solid record in genre entertainment, though it would seem that he's laid off it a bit as of late. Still, appearances in Forever Knight, First Wave, Stargate: SG-1, The 6th Day (2000), The Lone Gunmen, Jeremiah, and The Twilight Zone have to count for something, no? Bass was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Adrian Lester (above center) has popped up for good measure in a few good genre properties, including screen time aboard Jason and the Argonauts (TV miniseries), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Afterlife, and Doomsday (2008). Lester was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sylvia Jefferies has enjoyed modest exposure in supporting roles in such genre properties as Surface, Deja Vu (2006), and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). Jefferies was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days wherein superhero projects were largely just the most beautiful creatures known to man squeezed into black latex the lovely Michelle Lintel took a beating and dished it back out for her role as TV's Black Scorpion. Lintel was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The multi-talented Leah Purcell made a splash chewing scenery as the villainous 'The Black Apparition' aboard TV's Fantasy-themed BeastMaster. Purcell was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Raoul Bova braved the arctic frontier only to find himself caught between a rock and a hard place in 2004's AVP: Alien Vs Predator. Bova was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scott Michael Campbell went to a very dark place for his work aboard The CW's Supergirl. The veteran actor has also enjoyed screen time aboard such projects as Project: ALF (1996), Journeyman, Push (2009), Supernatural, The Event, Touch, and Wayward Pines. Campbell was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As part of the ensemble at the heart of Showtime's Odyssey 5, young Christopher Gorham (far left) played Neil Taggart. The versatile actor has also appeared in the Star Trek: Hidden Evil video game; Jake 2.0; and voiced Barry Allen in both the Justice League: War as well as the recent Justice League: Throne of Atlantis direct-to-DVD releases. Gorham was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jamie Sives made a splash as part of the early seasons of HBO's Fantasy epic, Game Of Thrones. He's also made an appearance in the BBC's greater world of Doctor Who. Sives was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After getting her start on the small screen, actress Mila Kunis broke out in a big way on the silver screen. Genre fans know her best from The Book of Eli where she paired up with Denzel Washington's strong silent type to brave their way through an Apocalyptic wasteland toward hope. Kunis was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman James Buckley delivered Science Fiction with a bit of a comic edge for his work aboard TV's Zapped (2016-2017). Buckley was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On a wing and a prayer, the lovely Cassi Thomson took a big swing at Biblical prophecy aboard the Nicolas Cage starring reboot of Left Behind. Thomson was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Brianna Hildebrand entered the Marvel Movie Universe in a big way with a key role in Deadpool (2016) alongside screen tough guy Ryan Reynolds. Hildebrand was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1933 (in Denmark), L'Atlantide delivered a bit of cinematic Fantasy to unsuspecting audiences. Directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst, the feature film starred Brigitte Helm, Pierre Blanchar, and John Stuart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Antinea. the Queen of Atlantis, rules her secret kingdom hidden beneath the Sahara Desert. One day two lost explorers stumble into her kingdom, and soon realize that they haven't really been saved--Antinea has a habit of taking men as lovers, then when she's done with them, she kills them and keeps them mummified."
"Antinea. the Queen of Atlantis, rules her secret kingdom hidden beneath the Sahara Desert. One day two lost explorers stumble into her kingdom, and soon realize that they haven't really been saved--Antinea has a habit of taking men as lovers, then when she's done with them, she kills them and keeps them mummified."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), the Curse Of The Faceless Man enjoyed a pair of theatrical premieres, playing for citizens of Kansas City as well as the good people of San Francisco, California. Directed by Edward L. Cahn with a script from Jerome Bixby, the SciFi/Horror starred Richard Anderson, Elaine Edwards, and Adele Mara. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A stone-encrusted body is unearthed at Pompeii, and people left alone with it keep dying of crushed skulls..."
"A stone-encrusted body is unearthed at Pompeii, and people left alone with it keep dying of crushed skulls..."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), It! The Terror From Beyond Space enjoyed two exclusive premiere events in the cities of Kansas City, Missouri and San Francisco, California! Directed by Edward L. Cahn from a story by Jerome Bixby, the SciFi/Horror starred Marshall Thompson, Shirley Patterson, and Kim Spalding. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first manned expedition to Mars is invaded by an unknown life form, which stows away on the rescue ship."
"The first manned expedition to Mars is invaded by an unknown life form, which stows away on the rescue ship."
On this day in 1975 (in Australia), Rollerball skated its way through bloody results and social commentary. The feature starred James Caan and Maud Adams, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
Never forget what grandma used to say: "Even the worst piece of garbage film can be made better with giant spiders." On this day in 1976 (in Japan), The Giant Spider Invasion was successfully launched. The feature starred Steve Brodie and Barbara Hale, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Giant spiders from another dimension invade Wisconsin."
"Giant spiders from another dimension invade Wisconsin."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Spain), Supersonic Man first took to the skies ... well, cinematically, he did. Written (in part) and directed by Juan Piquer Simon, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Antonio Cantafora, Cameron Mitchell, and José Luis Ayestarán. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The superhero Kronos, from a distant galaxy, tangles with the mad scientist Dr. Gulik over the fate of mankind."
"The superhero Kronos, from a distant galaxy, tangles with the mad scientist Dr. Gulik over the fate of mankind."
On this day in 1980 (in Mexico), Walt Disney's The Black Hole bored through our collective consciousness like a giant ball of hot melted butter. Directed by Gary Nelson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, and Robert Forster; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1980 (in the Netherlands), The Clones Of Bruce Lee served up some fisticuffs with a decidedly SciFi angle. The feature starred Dragon Lee and Bruce Le, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bruce Lee has just died, but the BSI is swinging into action to salvage the situation. Aided by the brilliant Professor Lucas, cells from the martial arts master's body are removed and grown into three adult Bruce Lee clones. After undergoing training to bring their skills up to the level of their 'father', the three are sent out to battle crime, with one sent to take on a gold smuggler, and the other two teaming up to shut down an evil mad scientist."
"Bruce Lee has just died, but the BSI is swinging into action to salvage the situation. Aided by the brilliant Professor Lucas, cells from the martial arts master's body are removed and grown into three adult Bruce Lee clones. After undergoing training to bring their skills up to the level of their 'father', the three are sent out to battle crime, with one sent to take on a gold smuggler, and the other two teaming up to shut down an evil mad scientist."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Brazil), Abrigo Nuclear enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Festival Internacional de Teatro de São Paulo. Written (in part) and directed by Roberto Pires, the SciFi/Drama starred Conceição Senna, Sasso Alano, and Ronny Pires. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Our planet was contaminated by many nuclear explosions that left the soil and the air filled with radiation, and now the few survivors of those catastrophic events live under the ground on a shelter controlled by scientists. After an incident inside the shelter, a group of rebellious scientists defy their leadership when they find a good possibility of returning to the surface."
"Our planet was contaminated by many nuclear explosions that left the soil and the air filled with radiation, and now the few survivors of those catastrophic events live under the ground on a shelter controlled by scientists. After an incident inside the shelter, a group of rebellious scientists defy their leadership when they find a good possibility of returning to the surface."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Canada and the U.S.), Deadly Blessing delivered a dose of Horror to the marketplace. Written (in part) and directed by Wes Craven, the Horror/Fantasy starred Maren Jensen, Sharon Stone, and Susan Buckner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, a widow becomes increasingly paranoid of the neighboring religious community that may have diabolical plans for her."
"After her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, a widow becomes increasingly paranoid of the neighboring religious community that may have diabolical plans for her."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Italy), audiences were asked to move into ... The House By The Cemetery! Directed by Lucio Fulci and inspired by a story from H.P. Lovecraft, the Horror/Fantasy starred Catriona MacColl, Paolo Malco, and Ania Pieroni. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A New England home is terrorized by a series of murders, unbeknownst to the guests that a gruesome secret is hiding in the basement."
"A New England home is terrorized by a series of murders, unbeknownst to the guests that a gruesome secret is hiding in the basement."
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in Italy), those deadly fish were back in action with the theatrical release of Piranha II: The Spawning. Directed by the team of James Cameron, Ovidio G. Assonitis, and Miller Drake, the SciFi/Thriller starred Tricia O'Neil, Steve Marachuk, and Lance Henriksen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scuba diving instructor, her biochemist boyfriend, and her police chief ex-husband try to link a series of bizarre deaths to a mutant strain of piranha fish whose lair is a sunken freighter ship off a Caribbean island resort."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Piranha II enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A scuba diving instructor, her biochemist boyfriend, and her police chief ex-husband try to link a series of bizarre deaths to a mutant strain of piranha fish whose lair is a sunken freighter ship off a Caribbean island resort."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Piranha II enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Inseminoid enjoyed a special screening for audiences of the Splatter Movie Festival. Directed by Norman J. Warren, the feature starred Robin Clarke and Jennifer Ashley, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of scientists are working in a lab located on a distant planet. One of them, Sandy, is attacked, raped and impregnated by a monstrous creature. She then begins to stalk her colleagues one by one, killing them and drinking their blood."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via my subscription to Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the film right here.
"A group of scientists are working in a lab located on a distant planet. One of them, Sandy, is attacked, raped and impregnated by a monstrous creature. She then begins to stalk her colleagues one by one, killing them and drinking their blood."
For the record:
- In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival.
- In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival.
- And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via my subscription to Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the film right here.
On this day in 1986 (in Australia), E.T. The Extraterrestrial enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially.
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially.
- The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues.
- The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors.
- It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
- In 1994, E.T. - The Extraterrestrial was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry for its preservation.
On this day in 1986 (in Portugal), Firestarter did what it could to light up the silver screen. Directed by Mark L. Lester, the SciFi/Horror starred young Drew Barrymore, David Keith, and George C. Scott. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Firestarter enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Firestarter enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1986 (in Hungary), Krull took audiences on what little of a Fantastical journey it could muster. Directed by Peter Yates from a story by Stanford Sherman, the film starred Ken Marshall, Lysette Anthony, and Freddie Jones. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
For the record:
Despite its overwhelming mediocrity, Krull did catch the attention of the fine folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. For the 1984 Saturn Awards, they gave it three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' It didn't win any trophies, however. But it did take home a coveted statue for 'Worst Picture' from the 1983 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. That's gotta count for something, no?
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
For the record:
Despite its overwhelming mediocrity, Krull did catch the attention of the fine folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. For the 1984 Saturn Awards, they gave it three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' It didn't win any trophies, however. But it did take home a coveted statue for 'Worst Picture' from the 1983 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. That's gotta count for something, no?
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), The Monster Squad tried to scare up what box office it could. Written (in part) and directed by Fred Dekker, the Horror/Comedy starred Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, and Stephen Macht. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young group of monster fanatics attempt to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters."
For the record:
"A young group of monster fanatics attempt to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters."
For the record:
- At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed an incredible four nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Supporting Actor.'
- At the 2008 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of The Monster Squad took home top honors in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1992, Stay Tuned turned its Comedy/Fantasy focus against TV viewing habits at the cineplex. The feature starred John Ritter and Pam Dawber, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A husband and wife are sucked into a hellish television set and have to survive a gauntlet of twisted versions of shows they find themselves in."
"A husband and wife are sucked into a hellish television set and have to survive a gauntlet of twisted versions of shows they find themselves in."
On this day in 1998 (in Iceland), Dark City questioned the audience's perception of what could be and what might not. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jennifer Connelly. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
Part dramatic mockumentary & part dramatic story, Neill Blomkamp's District 9 captivated audiences when it premiered on this day back in 2009. At its heart, the film told the story of a government official caught between doing his job and doing what's best for humanity. Blomkamp has often spoken about a sequel, and rumor is a story exists. Maybe we'll see it some day.
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.), The Time Traveler's Wife brought romance to Science Fiction with its big screen release. Directed by Robert Schwentke from an adaptation of the exceptional Audrey Niffenegger novel, the film starred Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, and Ron Livingston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary :
"A Chicago librarian has a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, creating complications in his marriage."
For the record:
At the 2010 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), The Time Traveler's Wife enjoyed a pair of nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"A Chicago librarian has a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, creating complications in his marriage."
For the record:
At the 2010 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), The Time Traveler's Wife enjoyed a pair of nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
A star is born ... or is that reborn? On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Fright Night enjoyed an exclusive theatrical premiere event. Directed by Craig Gillespie from a story by Marti Noxon and Tom Holland, the Horror/Fantasy starred Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, and David Tennant. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
""Fright Night" - A new neighbor moves in next to Charley, who discovers that he is an ancient vampire who preys on the community. Can he save his neighborhood from the creature with the help of the famous "vampire killer", Peter Vincent?"
""Fright Night" - A new neighbor moves in next to Charley, who discovers that he is an ancient vampire who preys on the community. Can he save his neighborhood from the creature with the help of the famous "vampire killer", Peter Vincent?"
On this day in 2013 (in Switzerland), Real played for audiences in attendance of the Locarno Film Festival. Adapted from a novel (in part) and directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the SciFi/Drama starred Takeru Satoh, Haruka Ayase, and Joe Odagiri; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man decides to use a new technology to go inside the mind of his comatose lover."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Real enjoyed a bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"A man decides to use a new technology to go inside the mind of his comatose lover."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Real enjoyed a bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2014 (in Austria), Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes amped up the action in the wild of the future. Directed by Matt Reeves, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Andy Serkis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences found it hard to believe with the theatrical release of Air. Written (in part) and directed by Christian Cantamessa, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Norman Reedus, Djimon Hounsou, and Sandrine Holt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, breathable air is nonexistent and two engineers tasked with guarding the last hope for mankind struggle to preserve their own lives while administering to their vital task at hand."
"In the near future, breathable air is nonexistent and two engineers tasked with guarding the last hope for mankind struggle to preserve their own lives while administering to their vital task at hand."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Poland), audiences were treated for exposure to the ... Doomsday Device! Written and directed by Christian Sesma, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Corin Nemec, Mike Hatton, and Mary Christina Brown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"2 FBI agents trying to arrest several crooks find that they have an ancient Japanese artifact of enormous power. They then try to stop the crooks from delivering the stone to the criminal mastermind who is a rich business man."
"2 FBI agents trying to arrest several crooks find that they have an ancient Japanese artifact of enormous power. They then try to stop the crooks from delivering the stone to the criminal mastermind who is a rich business man."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Thirst enjoyed its premiere on home video. The SciFi/Thriller starred John Redlinger and Jes Macallan, and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Stranded in the desert, a group of campers are hunted and attacked by a chameleon-like alien that feeds on the fluid of it victims, leaving behind a dehydrated, dusty corpse. They must find a way to destroy the creature or suffer a horrible death."
"Stranded in the desert, a group of campers are hunted and attacked by a chameleon-like alien that feeds on the fluid of it victims, leaving behind a dehydrated, dusty corpse. They must find a way to destroy the creature or suffer a horrible death."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Patient Zero enjoyed its first screening ever via digital platforms. Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky from a story by Mike Nguyen Le, the SciFi/Horror starred Matt Smith, Natalie Dormer, and Stanley Tucci. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an unprecedented global pandemic turns the majority of humankind into violent "Infected," a man gifted with the ability to speak the Infected's new language leads the last survivors on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure."
"After an unprecedented global pandemic turns the majority of humankind into violent "Infected," a man gifted with the ability to speak the Infected's new language leads the last survivors on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure."
On this day in 2021 (in Canada), theh 1960-produced Fantasy/Horror Mill Of The Stone Women played for audiences in attendance of the Fantasia International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Giorgio Ferroni, the Fantasy/Horror starred Pierre Brice, Scilla Gabel, and Wolfgang Preiss; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 19th century Holland, a professor of fine arts and an unlicensed surgeon run a secret lab where the professor's ill daughter receives blood-transfusions from kidnapped female victims who posthumously become macabre art."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of an all-new restoration for Mill Of The Stone Women. Interested in knowing what I thought? My review of the film can be found right here.
"In 19th century Holland, a professor of fine arts and an unlicensed surgeon run a secret lab where the professor's ill daughter receives blood-transfusions from kidnapped female victims who posthumously become macabre art."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of an all-new restoration for Mill Of The Stone Women. Interested in knowing what I thought? My review of the film can be found right here.
On this day in 1987 (in the Netherlands), Knight Rider aired "Knight Of A Thousand Devils." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael's CIA pal Lew Jonas gets killed during a raid on crime boss Ronald Becker. Becker plans to get out of the country using the illegal Baja race to Mexico as a cover. Michael vows to catch Becker if it's the last thing he does."
"Michael's CIA pal Lew Jonas gets killed during a raid on crime boss Ronald Becker. Becker plans to get out of the country using the illegal Baja race to Mexico as a cover. Michael vows to catch Becker if it's the last thing he does."
On this day in 1991 (in Germany), Quantum Leap aired "Her Charm." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As an FBI agent Sam has to protect a female witness when the people after her seem to know his every step."
"As an FBI agent Sam has to protect a female witness when the people after her seem to know his every step."
On this day in 1992 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "Tomorrow's Child." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An experimental childbirth procedure results in a couple's baby being born into another dimension. The child's non-human appearance puts a lot of strain on the new parents and threatens to send the wife into madness."
"An experimental childbirth procedure results in a couple's baby being born into another dimension. The child's non-human appearance puts a lot of strain on the new parents and threatens to send the wife into madness."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Family." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Teal'c's son Rya'c is kidnapped by Apophis and SG1 tries to rescue him. When Rya'c is recovered he denounces his father and helps to capture the team. They escape, but will they be able to return to Earth and cure Rya'c?"
"Teal'c's son Rya'c is kidnapped by Apophis and SG1 tries to rescue him. When Rya'c is recovered he denounces his father and helps to capture the team. They escape, but will they be able to return to Earth and cure Rya'c?"
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Lockdown." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"On John Colliers' birthday NTAC receives threatening e-mails and gets attacked by terror. Kyle is concerned that an innocent will be convicted for killing Collier. Maia gets a mysterious infection and is treated at NTAC. Isabelle has broken off her special communication with her mother and transfers it to her father. At school a girl is very interested in Kyle."
"On John Colliers' birthday NTAC receives threatening e-mails and gets attacked by terror. Kyle is concerned that an innocent will be convicted for killing Collier. Maia gets a mysterious infection and is treated at NTAC. Isabelle has broken off her special communication with her mother and transfers it to her father. At school a girl is very interested in Kyle."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Kyle XY aired "Memory Serves." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kyle, Lori and Declan investigate professor Kern."
"Kyle, Lori and Declan investigate professor Kern."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Defiance aired "Painted From Memory." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kenya has returned but not as she was before, Stahma has problems to deal with and Irias still isn't back in defiance."
"Kenya has returned but not as she was before, Stahma has problems to deal with and Irias still isn't back in defiance."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Defiance aired "Of A Demon In My View." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Nolan is unexpectedly freed from Votanis Collective custody, Amanda, Irisa, and Berlin hurry to free him from Kindzi's clutches. Datak regrets seeking Doc Yewll's help against the Omec. Nolan witnesses something startling in the mines."
"After Nolan is unexpectedly freed from Votanis Collective custody, Amanda, Irisa, and Berlin hurry to free him from Kindzi's clutches. Datak regrets seeking Doc Yewll's help against the Omec. Nolan witnesses something startling in the mines."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Killjoys aired "Enemy Khlyen." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dutch and John finally turn the tables on Khlyen by using his own advanced technology to track him down - only to discover the shocking truth behind his presence in the Quad, leaving Dutch to wonder: was she ever really free?"
"Dutch and John finally turn the tables on Khlyen by using his own advanced technology to track him down - only to discover the shocking truth behind his presence in the Quad, leaving Dutch to wonder: was she ever really free?"
It all came down to this: On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Stitchers aired "Maternis." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kirsten's mother's chamber is compromised forcing Kirsten to take a risk and stitch into her mom before all their brain mapping is complete."
"Kirsten's mother's chamber is compromised forcing Kirsten to take a risk and stitch into her mom before all their brain mapping is complete."
