It was only a matter of time that the whole mapping the human genome was bound to show up in some Science Fiction programming ... and, lo and behold, the streaming giant Netflix took the reins and made it happen when on this day in 2020 they spawned a little something something called Biohackers. Created by Christian Ditter, it's described as a techno-thriller that very cleverly draws back the curtain hiding the secrets of what may be going on in a German university. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fast-paced thriller following medical student Mia Akerlund who discovers the use of highly advanced biohacking technology in her university town."
"A fast-paced thriller following medical student Mia Akerlund who discovers the use of highly advanced biohacking technology in her university town."
The older one grows, the more convinced one gets about how there's really no such thing as an 'overnight success' for success is the eventual reward of hard work, a dedication to principles, and the fostering of important supporters along the way who contribute directly or indirectly to achieving the desired results. That might be a bit too much to chew for some folks, but it's really what happens when the stars align in the proper configuration, and society as a whole embraces the new vision.
Well, it was on this day back in 1973 that Twentieth Century Fox Studio executive Alan Ladd Jr. saw something in an aspiring storyteller named George Lucas; and what he saw no one else did -- that Lucas's little project dubbed "The Star Wars" had real business potential at the box office. Ladd blessed the auteur with a small contract to first develop a shooting script and then direct the film for the silver screen.
The rest -- as they say -- is history; as even today the Star Wars franchise continues to grow unabated in ways previously unimagined.
(Source: Star Wars FAQ; written by Mark Clark; published 2015; p. 20-21)
Well, it was on this day back in 1973 that Twentieth Century Fox Studio executive Alan Ladd Jr. saw something in an aspiring storyteller named George Lucas; and what he saw no one else did -- that Lucas's little project dubbed "The Star Wars" had real business potential at the box office. Ladd blessed the auteur with a small contract to first develop a shooting script and then direct the film for the silver screen.
The rest -- as they say -- is history; as even today the Star Wars franchise continues to grow unabated in ways previously unimagined.
(Source: Star Wars FAQ; written by Mark Clark; published 2015; p. 20-21)
I'm honestly not as familiar with the works of H.P. Lovecraft as I should be, but I do know he's responsible in no small part for the great SciFi/Horror franchise Re-Animator. His dark works continue to inspire others to this day, and for that we should all be respectful to the master. Though he's no longer with us, Lovecraft was born on this day in 1890.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- Sometime during the original promotional tour of Banshee Chapter (2013), I received a complimentary DVD from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. (FYI: the premise is based on a Lovecraft story.) Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In early 2023, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of The Dunwich Horror (1970) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In late 2023, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Re-Animator (1985) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
As I write this, I'll admit that I only relatively recently discovered the wonderful Quatermass And The Pit, the 1959 television serial of the BBC. (I was vastly familiar with its 1967 remake, Five Million Years To Earth, but I was honestly unaware of the original.) If you haven't seen it, then I heartily recommend it as I think it's arguably one of the finest moments of SciFi television ever. (Yes, it's that good.) The great André Morell played Professor Bernard Quatermass in it, and it's some fantastic work. The actor also made a visit to the world of Doctor Who, and he voiced no less than 'Elrond' himself in 1978's Ralph Bakshi's The Lord Of The Rings animated adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien work. Though he's no longer with us, Morell was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Bernard Archard leaves behind a rich resume with well over one hundred different screen credits. Genre fans might remember him best from appearances aboard Out Of The Unknown, Doctor Who, and Krull (1983). Though he's no longer with us, Archard was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the Doctor Who serial "The Smugglers," Michael Godfrey played 'Capt. Samuel Pike.' Though he's no longer with us, Godfrey was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For an earlier generation of Doctor Who viewers, Anthony Ainley was 'The Master,' playing the villain many times between 1981-1989. Though he's no longer with us, Ainley was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
William O'Connell played a scheming Andorian aboard "Journey To Babel," a stellar second season outing for the original Star Trek. Thankfully, that wasn't the man's only foray into the realms of the Fantastic; and fans can see his work on display in such properties as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Munsters, Batman, Way ... Way Out (1966), Mission: Impossible, The Wild Wild West, The Dead Don't Die (1975), The Fantastic Journey, and The Haunted (1991). Though he's no longer with us, O'Connell was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! Libyan born Rossana Podestà dabbled in the realm of cinematic mythmaking with roles aboard The Seven Dwarfs To The Rescue (1951), Ulysses (1954), Helen Of Troy (1956), and Hercules (1983). Though she's no longer with us, Podestà was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Eddie Paskey remains another one of Star Trek's secondary heroes, appearing in largely uncredited work (mostly as 'Lieutenant Leslie') throughout most of the original series three seasons. Paskey was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Isaac Hayes made his reputation in the music industry long before he appeared up on the silver screen as 'The Duke' in John Carpenter's Escape From New York, but that's where SciFi fans will remember him best. Naturally, there's his voice work on South Park, too, if that's your inclination. Though he's no longer with us, Hayes was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If I'm being perfectly honest, then I'd have to admit that Sylvester McCoy is probably my least favorite incarnation of the legendary Doctor Who. It isn't that his stories were all that bad; it's just that of those I can remember watching there was a stronger undercurrent of some zany humor that never quite fit with the character so much as I saw him in my mind. Still, I can always appreciate a good 'doctor' as much as the next. Mr. McCoy was born on this day back in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That there, kiddies, is Ray Wise; and he's forgotten more about acting gravitas than most Thespians ever learn. While I remember him best as 'Leland Palmer' from the 1990's cult series Twin Peaks, he's been in genre work all over the map. Plus, he played The Devil in the cult series Reaper. And he also had a plumb li'l role in the original RoboCop as a villainous street thug. Wise was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- Sometime during the original home video promotional push of Big Ass Spider (2013) -- in which Wise played a role -- I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- Sometime during the original home video promotional push of Cywork 7 (2006) -- in which Wise played a key role -- I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2022, I received a promotional copy of RoboCop (1987) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Swamp Thing (1982) -- in which Wise played a part -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
John Noble did a terrific turn in the world of sci fi when he took the role of Dr. Walter Bishop in JJ Abrams' Fringe for Fox TV. As the sometimes whacked out mad scientist hell bent on saving the world, Noble certainly played as the intellect as well as the heart of the time travel drama. Mr. Noble was born on this day back in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Patrick Kilpatrick came from the future as the T-888 cyborg assasin aboard Fox TV's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. The talented actor has also had appearances in The Toxic Avenger (1984), Time Trax, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, The Stand, Scanner Cop II (1995), Legend, Babylon 5, Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus (1996), Timecop, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, The X-Files, Dark Angel, Roswell, and Minority Report (2002). Kilpatrick was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The prolific Greg Bear has been winning awards for his works in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy for some time now. You can access his Amazon.com author's page right here, and Bear was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Breon Gorman enjoyed a small but critical role aboard Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) as it was her activities on the Baku Planet that set the film's entire events in motion. Gorman was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Theresa Saldana was an actress who did both live acting as well as voiceovers. Her resume isn't all that deep in genre properties -- sadly, she's passed away -- but it does boasts contributions to The Twilight Zone, Tales From The Darkside, Werewolf, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, and Batman Beyond. Though she's no longer with us, Saldana was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Al Roker: the TV celebrity unusually pleased with (ahem) crapping his pants while meeting President Obama and felt that necessary to share on morning television turns another year older and (ahem) wiser this year. Oh, yeah, and he also is one of the few and the proud who appeared in a Sharknado flick. Roker was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over 100 screen credits to his name, Jay Acovone certainly knows his way around the acting block. Fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Beauty and the Beast, Independence Day (1996), Viper, The Invisible Man, The X-Files, and Stargate: SG-1. Acovone was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the SciFi property Death Race endured its inevitable reboot back in 2008, thankfully it brought along Joan Allen -- one of my all-time personal favorite actresses -- in a prominent role as the scheming warden Hennessey. Allen was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's the face of a Bond girl! Twice! The lovely Mary Stavin enjoyed a supporting role in both Octopussy (1983) and a bigger one in A View To A Kill (1985). As far as genre work goes, she also enjoyed screen time in House (1985) and TV's Twin Peaks. Stavin was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Ace,' the young Sophie Aldred joined Sylvester McCoy as his Companion aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Alfred was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Genre fans are certainly familiar with the work of Geoffrey Blake. He's been involved with such programs as The Last Starfighter (1984), Alien Nation, Philadelphia Experiment II (1993), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Strange Luck, Contact (1997), Max Q (1998), Beauty And The Beast, The Man In The High Castle, Grimm, and The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow. Blake was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
James Marsters burst onto the fan scene with a breakout performance as the vampire Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but he's hung around and shown he has great range. Since then, he's appeared in Caprica, Smallville, and Warehouse 13, to name but a few. Marsters was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For all of its three seasons, the UPN's 7 Days was one of the better SciFi programs on television in the late 1990's. Its chief problem was they didn't use its central premise -- that mankind could travel back in time but only in a seven-day window -- to its greatest potential. But, boy, did they use the lovely Justina Vail to the best of hers! As Dr. Olga Vukavitch, her brains and body was one terrific reason to tune in every week. Vail was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Falling Skies is a hard program to love: each season, the writers and producers build up for something great, and then they inevitably let the audience down hard it seems. However, Colin Cunningham plays the character "Pope" -- a rebel without a cause who's disillusioned with the ongoing battle to retake planet Earth from invading aliens -- to pretty solid conviction. In fact, he's one of my personal favorites, and I definitely wish they'd give him a bit more to do. Cunningham was born on this day back in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably better remembered for his work in conventional programs, Adrian Bower has still tried out Science Fiction and Fantasy with roles aboard The Quatermass Experiment (2005) and a guest spot on TV's Outcasts. Bower was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Jonathan Ke Quan played the scene-stealing 'Short Round' opposite Harrison Ford in 1984's Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. The following year, he joined The Goonies (1985) on the silver screen. Quan was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman David Walliams enjoyed a funny guest spot aboard "The God Complex," a sixth season episode of the popular Doctor Who. Walliams was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I thought she was just all wrong as Lois Lane in Man of Steel, Amy Adams still drew my attention to her magical cleavage in American Hustle from that same year (2013). Plus, she truly turned heads as the brainy scientist aboard 2016's popular SciFi/Drama Arrival. Let's just hope that when we grow up and set out on an alien world to uncover the galaxy's secrets that those aliens greet us with something as lovely as her. Adams was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The eclectic Misha Collins braved the Stonehenge Apocalypse (2010), a SciFi/Telefilm from Cinetel Films. He's also appeared aboard UPN's Seven Days, Supernatural, and NBC's Timeless. Collins was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Kristen Miller lent her pipes to the character of 'Roh Hohenheim' aboard Lifeline (2003), a SciFi video game from Sony Computer Entertainment. Miller was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early episodes of Syfy's popular 12 Monkeys adaptation had 'Dr. Cassandra Railly' paired up with then fiance Aaron Marker who was played by Noah Bean. Bean was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Rileah Vanderbilt looked nothing short of 'wondrous' with her work aboard the Wonder Woman short film back in 2013. She also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the schlocktacular Mega Shark Vs. Kolossus (2015) for Lawson Digital and Syfy. Vanderbilt was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've mentioned plenty of times that HBO's Westworld wasn't quite my cup of tea, but that has nothing to do with any of the performances, which I found quite nice. Ben Barnes (above center) played dual roles -- both somewhat villainous -- aboard the Artificial Intelligence drama, and Barnes was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
NBC's Timeless earned a curious villain in its second season: Michael Rady joined the show as the time-hopping and nefarious 'Nicholas Keynes.' Rady was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Ali Liebert continues to shine on the small screen at every opportunity. Fans might known her best from work aboard Legends Of Tomorrow and Disney's Mech-X4. Liebert was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If I do say so myself, Meghan Ory dressed up quite nicely in the guise of 'Red Riding Hood' aboard ABC TV's Fantasy-themed Once Upon A Time. She's also visited The Outer Limits, Dark Angel, Vampire High, Smallville, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Knight Rider, Sanctuary, and Supernatural. Ory was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jennifer Pudavick has left her mark on genre projects with work aboard Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001), Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled (2002), 2030 CE, and Category 7: The End of the World. Pudavick was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That guy? The one right there? Why, he was easily 80% of why I liked SGU: Stargate Universe so much. Jamil Walker Smith played 'Master Sgt. Ronald Greer,' a soldier who may or may not have been "all right" yet still managed to "get it right" when the story needed it. His was a fabulous, nuanced performance about a guy with internal conflicts. Smith was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a short time, Andrew Garfield was in the superhero business, suiting up as the famous webslinger aboard The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Garfield was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nikki SooHoo shown as one of the semi-regulars aboard Miss 2059, a SciFi/Comedy from New Form Digital. SooHoo was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Win Morisaki enjoyed a role of some prominence aboard Steven Spielberg's cinematic adaptation of the SciFi novel Ready Player One (2018). Morisaki was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Billy Jenkins turned in the performance of his just-started career with solid work aboard AMC's Humans, a program that's arguably one of the best contemporary explorations of Artificial Intelligence that, sadly, so few people have experienced. Jenkins was born on this day in 2007.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1948 (in France), audiences were smitten with a little Night Monster. Directed by Ford Beebe from a story by Clarence Upson Young, the Horror/Fantasy starred Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, and Leif Erickson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kurt Ingston, a rich recluse, invites the doctors who left him a hopeless cripple to his desolate mansion in the swamps as one by one they meet horrible deaths."
"Kurt Ingston, a rich recluse, invites the doctors who left him a hopeless cripple to his desolate mansion in the swamps as one by one they meet horrible deaths."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Italy), The Mistresses Of Dr. Jekyll dished out some gothic-style Fantasy with a twist on a Horror classic. Written (in part) and directed by Jesus Franco, the feature starred Hugo Blanco, Agnes Spaak, and Perla Cristal; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The teenager Melissa travels from her small town in Austria with the Spanish Juan Manuel, who flirts with her, to the creepy castle of her uncle Dr. Conrad Jekyll in Holfen to spend Christmas with him and her aunt Inglud. Melissa's father Andros has mysteriously died at the house of his brother Conrad sometime ago. Now she has just reached majority and Conrad intends to transfer the inheritance to her. Melissa is received by the servant Ciceron and she meets the strange Inglud. Then she meets Conrad in his laboratory, where he secretly carries out a sinister experiment. Melissa wants to get information about the death of her father but she is ignored by Conrad and Inglud. In the past, Andros and Inglud had a love affair and Conrad surprised them and killed Andros. Now, Conrad has turned Andros into a killer zombie controlled by ultrasonic radio wave and uses him to kill women with easy life. Inspector Klein is investigating the murders but has no clue. Will Melissa find the truth about her father?"
For the record:
IMDB.com shows that The Mistresses Of Dr. Jekyll actually premiered sometime in 1964 in Spain; however, as I've been unable to locate an actual date for its release, I'm using this one in lieu of it. Should that '64 date ever turn up, I'll correct it as needed.
"The teenager Melissa travels from her small town in Austria with the Spanish Juan Manuel, who flirts with her, to the creepy castle of her uncle Dr. Conrad Jekyll in Holfen to spend Christmas with him and her aunt Inglud. Melissa's father Andros has mysteriously died at the house of his brother Conrad sometime ago. Now she has just reached majority and Conrad intends to transfer the inheritance to her. Melissa is received by the servant Ciceron and she meets the strange Inglud. Then she meets Conrad in his laboratory, where he secretly carries out a sinister experiment. Melissa wants to get information about the death of her father but she is ignored by Conrad and Inglud. In the past, Andros and Inglud had a love affair and Conrad surprised them and killed Andros. Now, Conrad has turned Andros into a killer zombie controlled by ultrasonic radio wave and uses him to kill women with easy life. Inspector Klein is investigating the murders but has no clue. Will Melissa find the truth about her father?"
For the record:
IMDB.com shows that The Mistresses Of Dr. Jekyll actually premiered sometime in 1964 in Spain; however, as I've been unable to locate an actual date for its release, I'm using this one in lieu of it. Should that '64 date ever turn up, I'll correct it as needed.
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Countdown dabbled in the great US/Soviet Space Race and finally put a man on the moon! Directed by Robert Altman, the SciFi/Drama starred James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Joanna Moore; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the U.S. learns the Soviets are about to launch a manned mission to the moon, they feel it imperative that they get there first. The moon program isn't ready to launch yet so they decide to send one man in a modified Gemini capsule that will be able to land on the moon. The astronaut will have to stay there for up to a year - in a special built shelter that will be sent ahead of time - until an Apollo mission can rescue him. The obvious choice for the mission is Chiz, who knows the Gemini inside out but the Soviets are sending civilians, not military men, so geologist Lee Stegler is asked to go. He has only three weeks however to learn about the intricacies of the spacecraft and no one is sure if he will make it."
"When the U.S. learns the Soviets are about to launch a manned mission to the moon, they feel it imperative that they get there first. The moon program isn't ready to launch yet so they decide to send one man in a modified Gemini capsule that will be able to land on the moon. The astronaut will have to stay there for up to a year - in a special built shelter that will be sent ahead of time - until an Apollo mission can rescue him. The obvious choice for the mission is Chiz, who knows the Gemini inside out but the Soviets are sending civilians, not military men, so geologist Lee Stegler is asked to go. He has only three weeks however to learn about the intricacies of the spacecraft and no one is sure if he will make it."
On this day in 1970 (in Australia), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed brought the classic monster back to life ... just be see him destroyed again. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Baron Frankenstein travels to a new town to meet Dr. Brandt with whom his has been corresponding and with whom he had hoped to collaborate. He arrives however to learn that Brandt is in a mental institution, having lost his mind completely. He takes a room in a boarding house run by the pretty young Anna who just happens to be engaged to Karl, a doctor who works at the asylum where Dr. Brandt is being kept. When Frankenstein learns that Karl has been stealing drugs, he blackmails him and Anna to work as his assistants. He is desperate to learn a secret that Brandt was going to share with him and kidnaps him with the intent of extracting that secret by transplanting his brain into another body."
"Baron Frankenstein travels to a new town to meet Dr. Brandt with whom his has been corresponding and with whom he had hoped to collaborate. He arrives however to learn that Brandt is in a mental institution, having lost his mind completely. He takes a room in a boarding house run by the pretty young Anna who just happens to be engaged to Karl, a doctor who works at the asylum where Dr. Brandt is being kept. When Frankenstein learns that Karl has been stealing drugs, he blackmails him and Anna to work as his assistants. He is desperate to learn a secret that Brandt was going to share with him and kidnaps him with the intent of extracting that secret by transplanting his brain into another body."
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in France), The Beast stirred up more than a few mixed emotions as it dabbled in the taboo subject of -- ahem -- sex between the species. Written and directed by Walerian Borowczyk, the Fantasy feature starred Sirpa Lane, Lisbeth Hummel, and Elisabeth Kaza; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Under the condition that within six months from the death of the accomplished businessman Philip Broadhurst, his beloved daughter and heiress to his immense fortune Lucy gets married to Marquis Pierre de l'Esperance's son Mathurin, innocent fair Lucy heads with her aunt to the crumbling estate of her soon-to-be husband. But the once noble estate is nestled deep in the French dense woods, where centuries ago, a wild and ravenous supernatural beast roamed the very forests driven by a raw and unquenchable lust for virginal unprotected girls. Before long, young Lucy completely unaware of the menacing legend and the strange rumours that cloud the family's name will begin experiencing appalling, yet sensually charged visions of an unprecedented vividness. Is there a bit of truth in the legend of the Beast of Gévaudan?"
For the record:
Technically, this date was not The Beast's first official airing. It played for an arts festival sometime in January of 1975, but as I've been unable to locate the specific date I'm doing as I do and using this as the date in lieu of the other. Should I uncover it in research, I'll happily correct.
"Under the condition that within six months from the death of the accomplished businessman Philip Broadhurst, his beloved daughter and heiress to his immense fortune Lucy gets married to Marquis Pierre de l'Esperance's son Mathurin, innocent fair Lucy heads with her aunt to the crumbling estate of her soon-to-be husband. But the once noble estate is nestled deep in the French dense woods, where centuries ago, a wild and ravenous supernatural beast roamed the very forests driven by a raw and unquenchable lust for virginal unprotected girls. Before long, young Lucy completely unaware of the menacing legend and the strange rumours that cloud the family's name will begin experiencing appalling, yet sensually charged visions of an unprecedented vividness. Is there a bit of truth in the legend of the Beast of Gévaudan?"
For the record:
Technically, this date was not The Beast's first official airing. It played for an arts festival sometime in January of 1975, but as I've been unable to locate the specific date I'm doing as I do and using this as the date in lieu of the other. Should I uncover it in research, I'll happily correct.
On this day in 1980 (in France), The Empire Strikes Back showed that despite losing the Death Star in the last film the reach of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader was far from over. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi Master's help will Luke survive when the Dark Side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi Master's help will Luke survive when the Dark Side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in France), The Night Of The Hunted enjoyed its big screen theatrical premiere. Written and directed by Jean Rollin, the French Horror film starred Brigitte Lahaie, Vincent Gardère, and Dominique Journet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman is taken to a mysterious clinic whose patients have a mental disorder in which their memories and identities are disintegrating as a result of a strange environmental accident."
"A woman is taken to a mysterious clinic whose patients have a mental disorder in which their memories and identities are disintegrating as a result of a strange environmental accident."
From time-to-time, some films drift almost entirely into obscurity, so much so that I'll find little to no graphics available on the Information Superhighway. Such is the case with F, an X-rated SciFi/Fantasy that opened on this day in 1983 (in Japan). Directed by Svetlana Mischoff from a story by David I. Frazer, the film starred Annette Haven, John Leslie, and Sharon Adams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A dream girl lures a cab driver to the House of F, a bizarre, dangerous "wet dream factory.""
"A dream girl lures a cab driver to the House of F, a bizarre, dangerous "wet dream factory.""
On this day in 1984 (in Hungary), an updated version of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed an airing. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respectable Victorian scientist, concocts a drug which releases another side to his personality - a brutal, murderous alter ego."
For the record:
For clarification's sake, this version is an incarnation created by the BBC that aired in the United Kingdom in 1980. It did win a 1981 BAFTA Award for 'Best Television Lighting' ... and I never knew there was such a category.
"Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respectable Victorian scientist, concocts a drug which releases another side to his personality - a brutal, murderous alter ego."
For the record:
For clarification's sake, this version is an incarnation created by the BBC that aired in the United Kingdom in 1980. It did win a 1981 BAFTA Award for 'Best Television Lighting' ... and I never knew there was such a category.
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the Soviet Union), Return From Orbit (aka Vozvrashchenie s orbity) touched down into movie theaters. Directed by Aleksandr Surin from a story by Yevgeni Mesyatseve, the SciFi feature starred Juozas Budraitis, Vitali Solomin, and Aleksandr Porokhovshchikov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An accident occurs on an orbital space station due to meteor storm, as a result of which the ship's commander is seriously injured. He must be urgently delivered to Earth and testing must be continued. It can only be done by the crew of Kuznetsov-Mukhin, who have been preparing for the flight for many years."
"An accident occurs on an orbital space station due to meteor storm, as a result of which the ship's commander is seriously injured. He must be urgently delivered to Earth and testing must be continued. It can only be done by the crew of Kuznetsov-Mukhin, who have been preparing for the flight for many years."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Germany), the Critters franchise grew by one more installment with a home video release of Critters 4. Written (in part) and directed by Rupert Harvey, the Horror/Comedy starred Don Keith Opper, Terrence Mann, and Paul Whitthorne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After being cryogenically frozen and waking up on a space station in the near future, the Critters aim to have the unwitting crew for lunch."
"After being cryogenically frozen and waking up on a space station in the near future, the Critters aim to have the unwitting crew for lunch."
On this day in 1993 (in Brazil), Full Moon Pictures' Robot Wars enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Albert Band, the SciFi feature starred Don Michael Paul and the lovely Barbara Crampton, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
A star is born ... and it's the end of the world as we know it! Again! On this day in 1993 (in Finland), The Last Border took audiences on another trip through the End of Man. Written (in part) and directed by Mika Kaurismäki, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jolyon Baker, Jürgen Prochnow, and Fanny Bastien. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an environmental disaster, the arctic regions of Scandinavia have become a wasteland, a battlefield for the army and rebels' guerrilla troops. A bunch of crooks with motorbikes, lead by 'Duke', is terrorizing the civilians. An escaped prisoner, Jake, has personal reasons for killing Duke, and he gets help from the locals, including a girl suffering of amnesia and a harmless nutcase. The time for payback is to come, but Duke has decided to strike first."
"After an environmental disaster, the arctic regions of Scandinavia have become a wasteland, a battlefield for the army and rebels' guerrilla troops. A bunch of crooks with motorbikes, lead by 'Duke', is terrorizing the civilians. An escaped prisoner, Jake, has personal reasons for killing Duke, and he gets help from the locals, including a girl suffering of amnesia and a harmless nutcase. The time for payback is to come, but Duke has decided to strike first."
On this day in 1993 (in the United States), the 1987-produced Japanese anime Wicked City found its release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two agents - a lady-killer human and a voluptuous demon - attempt to protect a signatory to a peace ceremony between the human world and the "Black World" from radicalized demons."
"Two agents - a lady-killer human and a voluptuous demon - attempt to protect a signatory to a peace ceremony between the human world and the "Black World" from radicalized demons."
A star is born! On this day in 1995, the SciFi/Telefilm Amanda & The Alien aired on the boob tube. Based on a story by SciFi's Robert Silverberg, the feature starred Nicole Eggert, Michael Dorn, and John Diehl; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young Bohemian female artist falls in love with a hot human-eating alien and teaches him how to be more human. However, the police is on his trail."
"A young Bohemian female artist falls in love with a hot human-eating alien and teaches him how to be more human. However, the police is on his trail."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Darkman III: Die Darkman Die enjoyed its home video release. Directed by Bradford May from a story by Michael Colleary and Mike Werb, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Fahey, Arnold Vosloo, and Darlene Fluegel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When he double-crosses a drug kingpin, Darkman must free himself of his remote-control clutches."
"When he double-crosses a drug kingpin, Darkman must free himself of his remote-control clutches."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Germany), Dragon Fury II enjoyed stiring up a bit of fury all of its own with a home video release. Directed by Bryan Michael Stoller from a story by Parker Bostwick, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Robert Chapin, Mike Norris, and Walter O'Neil. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The fate of the world is once again at stake. When a demonic wizard vows to enslave the future, only a hero from the past can save the present from becoming history."
"The fate of the world is once again at stake. When a demonic wizard vows to enslave the future, only a hero from the past can save the present from becoming history."
On this day in 2010 (in Mexico), Predators dished up another entry in the popular Predator universe of films. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Cuba), Omega 3 took audiences onto a look at a dire tomorrow. Directed by Eduardo del Llano, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Yerandy Basart, Omar Franco, and Carlos Gonzalvo. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at SciFiCentral.com:
"One hundred years into the future, a world war is taking place. People don't fight for territories, nor do they fight for ideologies. They fight to establish a healthy nourishing regime above all others."
"One hundred years into the future, a world war is taking place. People don't fight for territories, nor do they fight for ideologies. They fight to establish a healthy nourishing regime above all others."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Buffalo, New York were treated to the theatrical debut of Stand Off. Written and directed by Joseph Springer Jr., the SciFi/Horror starred Bill Kennedy, Erika Frase, and David Clemons. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary;
"When a biochemical weapon goes wrong and leaks into the local water systems, four strangers must work together in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. As they begin to uncover new information regarding the virus, the infected begin to grow stronger, faster, smarter, and larger in numbers."
"When a biochemical weapon goes wrong and leaks into the local water systems, four strangers must work together in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. As they begin to uncover new information regarding the virus, the infected begin to grow stronger, faster, smarter, and larger in numbers."
On this day in 2016 (in Canada), A.R.C.H.I.E. took the box office to the dogs. The SciFi/Family feature starred Michael J. Fox and Katharine Isabelle, and here's the plot summary from Amazon.com:
"Feeling alone and friendless, Isabel Sullivan befriends a stray dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, A.R.C.H.I.E. is actually a talking robotic canine that can run with blinding speed, has super strength, and x-ray vision! They become an unstoppable team as Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. try to save their small town, and create an unbreakable bond in the process."
"Feeling alone and friendless, Isabel Sullivan befriends a stray dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, A.R.C.H.I.E. is actually a talking robotic canine that can run with blinding speed, has super strength, and x-ray vision! They become an unstoppable team as Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. try to save their small town, and create an unbreakable bond in the process."
On this day in 2016, Here Alone played for audiences in attendance of the Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman struggles to survive on her own in the wake of a mysterious epidemic that has killed much of society, and forced her deep into the unforgiving wilderness."
"A young woman struggles to survive on her own in the wake of a mysterious epidemic that has killed much of society, and forced her deep into the unforgiving wilderness."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in France) Jurassic Galaxy crashed down to Earth for its home video premiere. Directed by the team of James and Jon Kondeliki, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ryan Budds, Doug Burch, and Eric Paul Erickson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Galileo spaceship crashes on the wild and inhospitable surface of a barren planet somewhere in the depths of space. A handful of mismatched survivors (a security officer, the edgy flight commander, a floating circular robot thing and a few faceless randoms) realize that their only possible way of escape is to locate the downed ship's short-hop shuttle pod. But the group discover that the planet's only inhabitants seem to be dinosaurs who are vicious, hungry and on the prowl."
"The Galileo spaceship crashes on the wild and inhospitable surface of a barren planet somewhere in the depths of space. A handful of mismatched survivors (a security officer, the edgy flight commander, a floating circular robot thing and a few faceless randoms) realize that their only possible way of escape is to locate the downed ship's short-hop shuttle pod. But the group discover that the planet's only inhabitants seem to be dinosaurs who are vicious, hungry and on the prowl."
On this day in 1999 (in Australia and the U.S.), Farscape aired "A Human Reaction." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A wormhole appears before Moya, the crew can see Earth on the other side. Crichton flies down the wormhole to the world he left behind. But when the rest of the crew comes looking for him, Crichton's loyalties are tested does he side with his new found friends, or Earth."
"A wormhole appears before Moya, the crew can see Earth on the other side. Crichton flies down the wormhole to the world he left behind. But when the rest of the crew comes looking for him, Crichton's loyalties are tested does he side with his new found friends, or Earth."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Easy Slider." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sliders arrive in a world where internal combustion engines have been banned. Some on this world - The 'Smokers' oppose the law and wage a war against one of the few surviving oil refineries."
"The Sliders arrive in a world where internal combustion engines have been banned. Some on this world - The 'Smokers' oppose the law and wage a war against one of the few surviving oil refineries."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), Code Name: Eternity aired "Deep Down." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"While retrieving an object from a plane that crashed into a lake a female diver, Robin Morley, is lost as a tremor strikes. The plane belonged to one of Banning's corporations and Byder tells Ethaniel that there must be something important on board if he wants it back. Ethaniel and Laura head of to the lake to help look for Robin and to find out what was onboard the plane that Banning is so eager to recover."
"While retrieving an object from a plane that crashed into a lake a female diver, Robin Morley, is lost as a tremor strikes. The plane belonged to one of Banning's corporations and Byder tells Ethaniel that there must be something important on board if he wants it back. Ethaniel and Laura head of to the lake to help look for Robin and to find out what was onboard the plane that Banning is so eager to recover."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Poisoning The Well." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Atlantis offers help to the Hoffans, who are working on a defense against the Wraith."
"Atlantis offers help to the Hoffans, who are working on a defense against the Wraith."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Affinity." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the long-running program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Having obtained permission to live off the base, Teal'c rents an apartment telling neighbors that he has recently arrived from Mozambique. He's under orders to keep a low profile but can't seem to help himself when it comes to helping his neighbors. He helps one of who is about to be assaulted by three thugs but it's his next door neighbor who seems to need assistance. Krista is having problems with her boyfriend Doug. Teal'c soon realizes that he is beating her and warns him that should he hurt her, Teal'c will kill him. It all becomes very difficult when Doug is found dead in Krista's apartment. Daniel Jackson soon after receives an offer - translate a Goa'uld text and he will get ironclad evidence that Teal'c is innocent. Meanwhile, Carter is shocked when her boyfriend Pete Shanahan tells he asked for a transfer to the local police department - and asks her to marry him."
"Having obtained permission to live off the base, Teal'c rents an apartment telling neighbors that he has recently arrived from Mozambique. He's under orders to keep a low profile but can't seem to help himself when it comes to helping his neighbors. He helps one of who is about to be assaulted by three thugs but it's his next door neighbor who seems to need assistance. Krista is having problems with her boyfriend Doug. Teal'c soon realizes that he is beating her and warns him that should he hurt her, Teal'c will kill him. It all becomes very difficult when Doug is found dead in Krista's apartment. Daniel Jackson soon after receives an offer - translate a Goa'uld text and he will get ironclad evidence that Teal'c is innocent. Meanwhile, Carter is shocked when her boyfriend Pete Shanahan tells he asked for a transfer to the local police department - and asks her to marry him."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Terrible Swift Sword." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Nova Group escapes from prison, so Hyland decides to develop his troops at the fastest and most ruthless possible."
"The Nova Group escapes from prison, so Hyland decides to develop his troops at the fastest and most ruthless possible."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Alphas aired "Gaslight." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A powerful Alpha seems to have lost his mind and is attacking people at a hospital forcing, but as the team tracks him down they each begin to lose touch with reality."
"A powerful Alpha seems to have lost his mind and is attacking people at a hospital forcing, but as the team tracks him down they each begin to lose touch with reality."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Warehouse 13 aired "No Pain No Gain." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pete and Myka investigate a hockey player who seems to be miraculously and instantly recovering from serious game injuries, while Claudia is invited to a mysterious lunch by Mrs. Frederic. Elsewhere, Artie and Steve discover someone has been stealing artifacts from inside the Warehouse."
"Pete and Myka investigate a hockey player who seems to be miraculously and instantly recovering from serious game injuries, while Claudia is invited to a mysterious lunch by Mrs. Frederic. Elsewhere, Artie and Steve discover someone has been stealing artifacts from inside the Warehouse."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Twin Peak: The Return aired Part 15 of its single season existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"There's some fear in letting go."
"There's some fear in letting go."
It all began right here: on this day in 2020 (in a whole host of countries around the globe), Biohackers enjoyed its debut on the streaming giant that is Netflix. Officially, the first episode was titled "Arrival," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After meeting her unconventional roommates, Mia attends her first class with Dr. Lorenz and cozies up to the professor's research assistant, Jasper."
"After meeting her unconventional roommates, Mia attends her first class with Dr. Lorenz and cozies up to the professor's research assistant, Jasper."
On this day in 2020 (in Germany), Biohackers aired "Secrets." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mia tries to wheedle her way into a job at Dr. Lorenz's biomedical institute but runs into a problem when she's asked to participate in a genetic study."
"Mia tries to wheedle her way into a job at Dr. Lorenz's biomedical institute but runs into a problem when she's asked to participate in a genetic study."
Sorry, folks, but I don't game, so I can't really tell you all that much about The Bureau: XCOM Declassifield. I can tell you that it was released to the general marketplace on this day in 2013, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a covert government unit begins investigating and concealing a series of mysterious alien attacks, Special Agent William Carter must make the decisions and lead his squad into a covert war, defending the human race, and protecting the truth."
"As a covert government unit begins investigating and concealing a series of mysterious alien attacks, Special Agent William Carter must make the decisions and lead his squad into a covert war, defending the human race, and protecting the truth."
On this day in 1950, The Shadow radio serial aired the 452nd adventure in the annals of the hero. Unfortunately, The Shadow Wiki reports that its name and plot details have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!