Truth be told, it was a little difficult to explain the plot of Fox TV's pretty interesting genre program The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. to those who weren't watching. In its simplest terms, the show was a true hybrid -- part Science Fiction, part Action, part Western, and part Comedy. Granted, the pieces didn't always go together the way that they should've, but with a talented cast headlined by fan favorite Bruce Campbell and occasional guest star John Astin let me assure you that it was always interesting to watch. It premiered on this day in 1993, and here's the program's premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hired by local robber barons, Harvard Law Graduate Brisco County, Jr. searches for the members of the infamous John Bly gang, the same men who killed his father, a famous marshal and western legend. Accompanied by his one-time rival and fellow bounty hunter Lord Bowler, Brisco rides through the West trying to bring his father's killers to justice. Along the way, he encounters mysterious golden orbs with strange abilities and colorful characters who help or hinder his mission as he hunts down the Bly gang one by one."
"Hired by local robber barons, Harvard Law Graduate Brisco County, Jr. searches for the members of the infamous John Bly gang, the same men who killed his father, a famous marshal and western legend. Accompanied by his one-time rival and fellow bounty hunter Lord Bowler, Brisco rides through the West trying to bring his father's killers to justice. Along the way, he encounters mysterious golden orbs with strange abilities and colorful characters who help or hinder his mission as he hunts down the Bly gang one by one."
Martha Raye mustered a bit of affable menace for her part as the 'Boss Witch' aboard the Pufnstuf (1970) theatrical movie. Though she's no longer with us, Raye was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leo Penn -- father to actor and political activist Sean Penn -- was invited to directed an episode of Star Trek. He completed his installment -- 1966's "The Enemy Within" -- over budget and was never asked back to the program for future work. Guess his son isn't the only controversial Penn in Hollywood. Though he's no longer with us, Penn was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
While you may not know his name, serious Science Fiction enthusiasts have no doubt stumbled across the work of the late Frank Kelly Freas, only the second artist to be inducted into the Science Fiction Hall Of Fame for his contributions to the genre. Among his many lists of accomplishments includes distinctions as an illustrator and as a teacher as well as several Hugo Awards for Best Artist. Though he's no longer with us, Freas was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Though I've no idea of how much Ira Levin's works are thought of today, he definitely left an indelible trace on genre works of the bygone era. Genre fans would do well to bone up on the source material for such greats as Rosemary's Baby (1968), The Stepford Wives (1975), and The Boys From Brazil (1978) as they represent solid works with thought-provoking ideas against the backdrop of history and culture. Though he's no longer with us, Levin was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1969 Hugo Awards, Levin earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Rosemary's Baby (1968) to live.
- At the 1997 Bram Stoker Awards, the author was recognized with a much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
If you ever served aboard the Starship Enterprise, then SciFiHistory.Net is going to find you! And find Janet MacLachlan we did in the guise of 'Lt. Charlene Masters' back in 1967. The actress also paid visits to the worlds of The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, Beauty And The Beast, and The Thirteenth Floor (1999). Though she's no longer with us, MacLachlan was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor G.W. Bailey (pictured above left) joined Tom Selleck in the futuristic cop thriller Runaway (1984). As far as Science Fiction goes, he's also enjoyed work aboard Earthlings (1984) and Short Circuit (1986). Bailey was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acclaimed actress Marianne Sägebrecht earned a bit of screen time aboard Asterix And Obelix Vs. Caesar (1999) for AMLF and Canal+. Sägebrecht was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I'll always remember her more for her work as Agent XXX alongside Roger Moore in 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, the lovely Barbara Bach did give SciFi fans something to crow about when she appeared as Lady Agatha in 1979's cultish The Humanoid. Bach was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow's fourth season ended up a bit divisive with fans: the show largely sidelined its time travel gimmick in lieu of exploring some downright goofy Fantasy, such as having dolls possessed by vengeful spirits, unicorns, and fairy godmothers. (Blech!) In any event, the sidebar did give funnyman Paul Reubens the chance to voice a homicidal ventriloquist's dummy, so there is that. Reubens was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To this day, Peter Stormare remains a brilliant, underappreciated character actor who shows up in just about anything. While most folks recognize him as 'Slippery Pete' from an episode of 1998's Seinfeld, SciFi fans know him from genre work in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Minority Report, and as the man who brought down a space station in Michael Bay's Armageddon. Big shout out for his comic turn in 2007's Gone With The Woman, which I loved. Stormare was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You can check out Diana Scarwid's resume on IMDB.com, and you'll see that the lady owns an impressive resume in a variety of dramatic projects. SciFi fans might recognize her from roles aboard Strange Invaders (1983), The Outer Limits (1996), The X-Files (1998), Wonderfalls (2004), Lost (2007), and Heroes (2009). Scarwid was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Audiences are constantly treated to the 'A game' from actor Peter Mensah as it would appear that's all the man knows. Genre fans might recognize him from work aboard Highlander: The Raven, Earth: Final Conflict, Jason X (2001), Witchblade, Cypher (2002), Star Trek: Enterprise, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Avatar (2009), True Blood, Sleepy Hollow, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Midnight, Texas. While Starz's series exploring the tale of Spartacus certainly isn't SciFi, it's required viewing for those interested in Peter's leading man potential. Mensah was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Birthday wishes today go out to producer Dean Devlin. In his line of work, he was responsible for bringing to life the Stargate franchise when, back in 1994, he and his partners premiered the Kurt Russell / James Spader original movie. He's also responsible for 1996's Independence Day, as well as the pretty awful 1998 reboot of Godzilla. Mr. Devlin was born on this day back in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you get a chance to play Star Trek's incomparable Captain James T. Kirk, then that should automatically grant you a place in the SciFi History books so far as this reader/writer/viewer is concerned; and Vic Mignogna has earned that right. He's had the conn since 2013 as part of the ever-popular fan-based web series Star Trek Continues playing on a PC monitor near you. If you haven't seen his work, then you've no idea what you're missing. Mignogna was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the dark days of TV superhero shows, Frankie Thorn paid a visit to the world of CBS's incarnation of The Flash. Thorn was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Xavier Sotelo suited up to represent Starfleet aboard an episode of Star Trek: Discovery. The actor has also made an appearance in X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) for Twentieth Century Fox and Marvel. Sotelo was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Among his many voice acting gigs, Dan Donohue went to that galaxy far, far away to play the character of 'Shriv' aboard Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017). Donohue was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ann Russo enjoyed a little bit of screen time aboard Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and even lent her voice to a character in Captain America: Civil War (2016). Russo was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Monica Lacy entered the virtual nightmare that was the psycho-sexual Thriller known as The Cell (2000) for New Line Cinema. IMDB.com reports that she also paid a guest visit to the world of Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. during its run on broadcast television. Lacy was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Lt. Brendan Constanza,' Bodie Olmos (pictured here next to his father) enjoyed a fair amount of screen time aboard Syfy's retooled incarnation of Battlestar Galactica. Olmos was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sarah Chalke provided lip service (aka voicework) to the character of 'Marie Antoinette' aboard the SciFi/Animation project Clone High during its run. Chalke was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely lady sandwiched between well-known horror scribe Neil Gaiman (on the left) and Doctor Who's 11th doctor himself Matt Smith is none other than Suranne Jones. She was given the daunting chance of playing (kinda/sorta) the good Doctor's wife in the curiously named episode, "The Doctor's Wife", during the program's sixth season, an installment penned by Gaiman back at a time when he wasn't such a controversial figure. Jones was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whoever said "it ain't easy bein' green" never knew how tough it was to play an Orion Slave Girl! Why just take a look at all that magnificent emerald beauty wrapped up in a sensual package! Actress Bobbi Sue Luther sure made it look easy so far as I can tell when she jumped at the chance to become one such Orion temptress as part of the Star Trek: Enterprise legacy. (FYI: she also had a credited role as 'bar skank' on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.) Luther was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Understandably, AMC's Breaking Bad made Aaron Paul a household name, but I'd like to think the actor's first love is genre entertainment, much like his role in the final season of Fox's The X-Files. Paul was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sweet-as-sugar Sugar Lyn Beard dipped her lovely toes into the realm of Fantasy with a terrific guest-star turn aboard The CW's The Flash. Beard was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
TV audiences most likely recognize Patrick J. Adams from his role aboard USA's Suits, but SciFi fans will recognize him from his guest-starring stint aboard the BBC's stellar Orphan Black (pictured above left). He's also done work for Lost and FlashForward. Adams was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A quick glance at her professional profile suggests that Kelly Thiebaud has gone on to -- ahem -- safer pursuits, but an appearance aboard Hostel: Part III (2011) should definitely draw a mention 'round these parts. Thiebaud was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acclaimed Danish actress Danica Curcic found a measure of breakout success with her work aboard the Supernatural-themed Equinox for Danish television. Curcic was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a brief time, actress Kayla Ewell found herself exploring the Great American Conspiracy that remains Roswell, New Mexico during that franchise's short-lived second coming. Thankfully, the lady has a solid track record in genre projects. Fans might know her from work aboard The Demented (2013), Lucifer, The Vampire Diaries, and Agent Revelation (2021). Ewell was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Michelle Pierce has only dabbled very circumstantially in Science Fiction, having enjoyed small roles in such properties as Transformers (2007) and Battle Los Angeles (2011). Pierce was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Apparently, the CW had a little something SciFi going in their line-up that goes by the name The Tomorrow People. I say "apparently" because I Googled the name of one of its stars -- the luscious Alexa PenaVega -- and I came up with this picture. Now, there's never anything wrong with a bit of skin in your SciFi diet (just ask Barbarella!), so let's be open-minded about it, peeps. PenaVega was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Blake Jenner enjoyed a pair of visits to the wide, wide world of DC Comics' TV universe with his work aboard The CW's Supergirl. Jennfer was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Relative newcomer Ariana Greenblatt squeezed herself into a small role aboard Avengers: Infinity War (2018) for Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney. Greenblatt was born on this day in 2007.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1922, the Silent/SciFi/Fantasy film The Young Diana enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Marion Davies and Forrest Stanley, and here's the premise provided by Turner Classic Movies:
"The father of young Diana May wishes to marry her to British nobility although she is in love with Richard Cleeve, a sailor, and is pursued by Dr. Dimitrius, a scientist in search of the "elixir of youth." Dimitrius informs Diana that Richard is eloping with Lady Anne, and she believes the false accusation. Twenty years later, as an embittered spinster, she goes to Switzerland in answer to a scientist's advertisement for an experimental subject. Leaving indications of her suicide, she finds Dimitrius, who restores Diana's youth and beauty. Amid the social whirl of Europe, she meets Cleeve, now married, whom she spurns though he offers to desert his wife. Diana awakens to find she has only been dreaming. Cleeve returns, explaining he had received sudden orders for departure, now revoked, and that he was escorting Lady Anne to her new husband. The picture fades out on the wedding of Diana and Cleeve."
"The father of young Diana May wishes to marry her to British nobility although she is in love with Richard Cleeve, a sailor, and is pursued by Dr. Dimitrius, a scientist in search of the "elixir of youth." Dimitrius informs Diana that Richard is eloping with Lady Anne, and she believes the false accusation. Twenty years later, as an embittered spinster, she goes to Switzerland in answer to a scientist's advertisement for an experimental subject. Leaving indications of her suicide, she finds Dimitrius, who restores Diana's youth and beauty. Amid the social whirl of Europe, she meets Cleeve, now married, whom she spurns though he offers to desert his wife. Diana awakens to find she has only been dreaming. Cleeve returns, explaining he had received sudden orders for departure, now revoked, and that he was escorting Lady Anne to her new husband. The picture fades out on the wedding of Diana and Cleeve."
On this day in 1932, Doctor X enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the SciFi/Horror starred Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A monster lurks as New York newspaperman Lee Taylor investigates one of the 'Moon Killer' murders, in which the victims are strangled, cannibalized and surgically incised under the light of the full moon. The trail leads to the cliffside mansion of Dr. Xavier, where the doctor and his colleagues conduct a strange experiment."
"A monster lurks as New York newspaperman Lee Taylor investigates one of the 'Moon Killer' murders, in which the victims are strangled, cannibalized and surgically incised under the light of the full moon. The trail leads to the cliffside mansion of Dr. Xavier, where the doctor and his colleagues conduct a strange experiment."
On this day in 1959 (in Mexico), I Married A Monster From Outer Space landed in Earth's darkened theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Norrisville, Bill Farrell leaves his bachelor party on the eve of his marriage with Marge Bradley. He is abducted by an alien that takes his shape and marries Marge on the next day. Marge feels something strange with Bill and one year later she realizes that he is a totally different man. One day, Marge follows Bill and he goes to the woods; she finds that he is an alien and sees his spacecraft. She tries to tell to Washington and to the FBI, but the aliens have dominated key people in town that do not allow any sort of communication with the exterior world. What is the intention of the alien invasion?"
For the record:
At present, the original premiere date -- which IMDB.com cites as taking place in 1958 -- is lost to history. In the meantime, we'll honor this airing in Mexico as its first showing of record.
"In Norrisville, Bill Farrell leaves his bachelor party on the eve of his marriage with Marge Bradley. He is abducted by an alien that takes his shape and marries Marge on the next day. Marge feels something strange with Bill and one year later she realizes that he is a totally different man. One day, Marge follows Bill and he goes to the woods; she finds that he is an alien and sees his spacecraft. She tries to tell to Washington and to the FBI, but the aliens have dominated key people in town that do not allow any sort of communication with the exterior world. What is the intention of the alien invasion?"
For the record:
At present, the original premiere date -- which IMDB.com cites as taking place in 1958 -- is lost to history. In the meantime, we'll honor this airing in Mexico as its first showing of record.
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Mexico), El hacha diabólica (aka The Diabolical Axe, aka Santo Vs. The Diabolical Hatchet) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by José Díaz Morales from a story by Rafael García Travesi and Fernando Osés, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Santo, Lorena Velázquez, and Mario Orea. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"El Santo is chased throughout 4 centuries by a mysterious masked man called El Encapuchado Negro."
"El Santo is chased throughout 4 centuries by a mysterious masked man called El Encapuchado Negro."
On this day in 1968 (in Sweden), 2001: A Space Odyssey took audiences on one of the most incredible journeys into the Final Frontier. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke, the feature starred Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, and Gary Lockwood; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born!
On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun enjoyed its theatrical premiere when it played for the good people of Detroit, Michigan. Coming from a story by genre master Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson, Donald James, and Tony Williamson, the SciFi/Drama was directed by Robert Parrish. The film starred Roy Thinnes, Ian Hendry, Lynn Loring, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The European Space Exploration Council sends two astronauts to explore a planet similar to the Earth but located on the opposite side of the sun."
"The European Space Exploration Council sends two astronauts to explore a planet similar to the Earth but located on the opposite side of the sun."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/Musical/Comedy Toomorrow enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred a very young Olivia Newton-John, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Dying aliens kidnap the group Toomorrow, whose "vibrations" are needed for their race to survive."
"Dying aliens kidnap the group Toomorrow, whose "vibrations" are needed for their race to survive."
On this day in 1979 (in Estonia), the SciFi/Drama 'Hukkunud Alpinisti' Hotell (translation: Dead Mountaineer's Hotel) enjoyed its first theatrical release. Directed by Grigori Kromanov, the SciFi/Drama starred Uldis Pucitis, Nijole Ozelyte, and Lembit Peterson; and, according to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Police gets a call-out to a lonely hotel in the Alps. When an officer gets to the hotel everything seems to be alright. Suddenly an avalanche cuts them out from the rest of the world and strange things are going to happen."
For the record:
I've done a bit of reading on this title, and it sounds like this is a Fantasy-themed police procedural very similar in tone and execution to Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None." The screenplay was adapted from a novel by Arkadiy and Boris Strugataskiy. You're welcome.
"Police gets a call-out to a lonely hotel in the Alps. When an officer gets to the hotel everything seems to be alright. Suddenly an avalanche cuts them out from the rest of the world and strange things are going to happen."
For the record:
I've done a bit of reading on this title, and it sounds like this is a Fantasy-themed police procedural very similar in tone and execution to Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None." The screenplay was adapted from a novel by Arkadiy and Boris Strugataskiy. You're welcome.
On this day in 1979 (in Sweden), Planet Of Dinosaurs roared theatrically. Directed by James K. Shea, the SciFi feature starred Mary Appleseth and Derna Wylde, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A space-ship gets lost and is forced to make an emergency landing on an unknown planet. The planet looks much like Earth, only with no trace of civilization. Soon the crew discovers that there are dinosaurs on the planet, and blood-thirsty buggers at that. The crew hopes to be found and rescued, but they have to struggle to survive until then."
"A space-ship gets lost and is forced to make an emergency landing on an unknown planet. The planet looks much like Earth, only with no trace of civilization. Soon the crew discovers that there are dinosaurs on the planet, and blood-thirsty buggers at that. The crew hopes to be found and rescued, but they have to struggle to survive until then."
A star is born! On this day in 1982, Timerider: The Adventure Of Lyle Swann premiered in theatres before the good people of Austin, Texas. Written and directed by William Gear (with some assistance from Michael Nesmith of The Monkees' music fame), the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward and Belinda Bauer, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A maverick motorbike racer wanders into a top-secret time-travel research test site which unintentionally teleports him to the mid-1800s and ends up having to fight violent outlaws for his survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Timerider earned a wee bit of praisie from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A maverick motorbike racer wanders into a top-secret time-travel research test site which unintentionally teleports him to the mid-1800s and ends up having to fight violent outlaws for his survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Timerider earned a wee bit of praisie from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), Nightflyers gave audiences a first look at a cinematic adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novella. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientific group set out on a journey into space to find a magical creature. What they find is a killer computer on the ship they chartered."
"A scientific group set out on a journey into space to find a magical creature. What they find is a killer computer on the ship they chartered."
On this day in 1996, the 1989-produced SciFi/Action flick Gunhed enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The feature starred Masahiro Takashima and Brenda Bakke, and here's the premise that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"In a cyberpunk future, Kyron-5 supercomputer attempts to exterminate the human race, but Gunhed mechs stop it. In 2038, five thieves break into a condemned island facility to steal Kyron's dead CPU. The place turns out to be a deathtrap."
"In a cyberpunk future, Kyron-5 supercomputer attempts to exterminate the human race, but Gunhed mechs stop it. In 2038, five thieves break into a condemned island facility to steal Kyron's dead CPU. The place turns out to be a deathtrap."
On this day in 1996 (in Bolivia), Independence Day put a hurt on the global political situation. Directed by Roland Emmerich (who co-wrote with Dean Devlin), the SciFi/Thriller starred Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Margaret Colin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Spain), The Omeda Code explored what mankind's future might entail. Directed by Robert Marcarelli from a story by Stephan Blinn and Hollis Barton, the SciFi/Thriller starred Casper Van Dien, Michael York, and Catherine Oxenberg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ancient codes hidden within the Torah reveal the secrets of global events, past (i.e., Hitler, the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf War), present, and future. One man (York) is after the Code, seeking the power to change the world as we know it... for the worse. Another (Van Dien) seeks the truth, risking his life and everything he stands for in order to stop him."
"Ancient codes hidden within the Torah reveal the secrets of global events, past (i.e., Hitler, the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf War), present, and future. One man (York) is after the Code, seeking the power to change the world as we know it... for the worse. Another (Van Dien) seeks the truth, risking his life and everything he stands for in order to stop him."
On this day in 1999 (in France), Watchers IV (aka Watchers Reborn) sat and stayed in theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An extra-smart dog and detective team up to stop a DNA enhanced killer."
"An extra-smart dog and detective team up to stop a DNA enhanced killer."
A star is born! And the butler did it! That's Yancy Butler, my friends! Yancy Butler! On this day in 2000, the original Fantasy/Telefilm adaptation of Witchblade premiered. Directed by Ralph Hemecker, the feature also starred Anthony Cistaro, David Chokachi, and Kenneth Welsh; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini's main goal in life was to bring down Tommy Gallo, the hitman who killed her father, her best friend, and eventually her partner. While chasing down one of Gallo's thugs, she acquires the Witchblade, an enchanted armored glove once used by Joan of Arc that deflects bullets, extends into bladed weapons, produces visions, and neatly compacts itself into a bracelet. She uses it to help her take down Gallo with the aid of businessman Kenneth Irons and his enigmatic and lethal compatriot Ian Nottingham."
For the record: I'd be remiss in my duties if I failed to point out that the original telefilm enjoyed a much-deserved Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation' for its 2001 ceremonies. Congrats!
"NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini's main goal in life was to bring down Tommy Gallo, the hitman who killed her father, her best friend, and eventually her partner. While chasing down one of Gallo's thugs, she acquires the Witchblade, an enchanted armored glove once used by Joan of Arc that deflects bullets, extends into bladed weapons, produces visions, and neatly compacts itself into a bracelet. She uses it to help her take down Gallo with the aid of businessman Kenneth Irons and his enigmatic and lethal compatriot Ian Nottingham."
For the record: I'd be remiss in my duties if I failed to point out that the original telefilm enjoyed a much-deserved Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation' for its 2001 ceremonies. Congrats!
On this day in 2010 (in Spain), Predators took audiences for another wild ride within that franchise. 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 2011 (in the U.S.), Killer Mountain enjoyed its very first exhibition on broadcast television. Written (in part) and directed by Sheldon Wilson, the Horror/Thriller starred Emmanuelle Vaugier, Aaron Douglas, and Paul Campbell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of mountain climbers disappears while climbing the Himalayas in the 1950s. In the present, another group takes the same route and also disappears. A shady rich man hires a professional mountaineer and some scientists to find them."
"A group of mountain climbers disappears while climbing the Himalayas in the 1950s. In the present, another group takes the same route and also disappears. A shady rich man hires a professional mountaineer and some scientists to find them."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Brazil), The Man From The Future (aka O Homem do Futuro) enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by Cláudio Torres, the SciFi/Comedy starred Wagner Moura, Alinne Moraes, and Maria Luisa Mendonça. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), American Mary enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Film4 FrightFest. Written and directed by the team of Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska, the Horror/Fantasy starred Katharine Isabelle, Antonio Cupo, and Tristan Risk. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The allure of easy money sends Mary Mason, a medical student, into the world of underground surgeries which ends up leaving more marks on her than her so-called "freakish" clients."
For the record:
To the film's credit, American Mary enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2012, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD release of American Mary via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Interested readers can find my review right here.
"The allure of easy money sends Mary Mason, a medical student, into the world of underground surgeries which ends up leaving more marks on her than her so-called "freakish" clients."
For the record:
To the film's credit, American Mary enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2012, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD release of American Mary via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Germany), Don't Kill It enjoyed its first exhibition ever for audiences of the Fantasy Filmfest. Directed by Mike Mendez from a story by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the Fantasy/Horror starred Dolph Lundgren, Kristina Klebe, and Tony Bentley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an ancient demon is accidentally unleashed in a sparsely populated Mississippi town of Chickory Creek, their only hope of survival lies in the hands of a grizzled old demon hunter Jebediah Woodley and his reluctant partner FBI agent Evelyn Pierce."
"When an ancient demon is accidentally unleashed in a sparsely populated Mississippi town of Chickory Creek, their only hope of survival lies in the hands of a grizzled old demon hunter Jebediah Woodley and his reluctant partner FBI agent Evelyn Pierce."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), The Creature Below can up for air with its first screening ever for audiences of the Horror Channel FrightFest. Written (in part) and directed by Stewart Sparke, the Horror/Fantasy starred Anna Dawson, Daniel Thrace, and Michaela Longden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young scientist discovers a malevolent entity which sets her on a bloody descent into the jaws of insanity."
"A young scientist discovers a malevolent entity which sets her on a bloody descent into the jaws of insanity."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Imitation Girl played for audiences in attendance of FrightFest. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious young woman materializes in the middle of the southwest desert, where each step teaches her about her new world and her new body. As she assumes a new life, she discovers she has a twin with whom she shares more than just an outward appearance."
"A mysterious young woman materializes in the middle of the southwest desert, where each step teaches her about her new world and her new body. As she assumes a new life, she discovers she has a twin with whom she shares more than just an outward appearance."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the Horror Channel FrightFest were treated to the big screen debut of Incontrol. Written and directed by Kurtis David Harder, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sarah Troyer, Anja Savcic, and Valerie Planche. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Incontrol follows a group of university students who discover a device that allows them to take control of others, and experience the world through someone else. As they push the machine's abilities to its limits, they begin to question the device itself."
"Incontrol follows a group of university students who discover a device that allows them to take control of others, and experience the world through someone else. As they push the machine's abilities to its limits, they begin to question the device itself."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the Horror Channel FrightFest were treated to the big screen debut of The End? (aka In un giorno la fine). Written (in part) and directed by Daniele Misischia, the Horror/Fantasy starred Alessandro Roja, Roberto Scotto Pagliara, and Benedetta Cimatti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Claudio is a businessman at the top of his game. On his way to an important meeting, his elevator gets stuck. What starts out as a mere technical difficulty turns out to be a catastrophe of much larger proportions. Bit by bit and with his cell phone being the only source of information as he is trapped between floors, Claudio realizes that the world as he knew it has completely gone down the drain. Once familiar faces have turned savage and blood-smeared. A lethal virus is transforming people into highly contagious, homicidal zombies. Trapped inside a metal cage, with the ravenous ghouls out to get him, Claudio must rely entirely on his wits and survival instincts to break out of this hell on earth."
"Claudio is a businessman at the top of his game. On his way to an important meeting, his elevator gets stuck. What starts out as a mere technical difficulty turns out to be a catastrophe of much larger proportions. Bit by bit and with his cell phone being the only source of information as he is trapped between floors, Claudio realizes that the world as he knew it has completely gone down the drain. Once familiar faces have turned savage and blood-smeared. A lethal virus is transforming people into highly contagious, homicidal zombies. Trapped inside a metal cage, with the ravenous ghouls out to get him, Claudio must rely entirely on his wits and survival instincts to break out of this hell on earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Black Site gave audiences of FrightFest a bit of a spark. Written and directed by Tom Paton, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sophia Del Pizzo, Bentley Kalu, and Lauren Ashley Carter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An elite military unit encounters a supernatural entity, known as The Elder Gods, that forces them into battle against an army from another world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Site earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"An elite military unit encounters a supernatural entity, known as The Elder Gods, that forces them into battle against an army from another world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Site earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in Russia), Cosmoball (aka Vratar galaktiki) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Dzhakhongir Fayziev, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Viktoriya Agalakova, Georgiy Bestaev, and Khristina Blokhina. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"2071. Galactic wars have destroyed the Moon and changed the climate on the Earth. Now tropical forests are covering Moscow, while New York is iced all over. A huge alien ship towers over Moscow - it is the stadium where spectacular intergalactic Cosmoball competitions take place. The game combines both sport and gladiator fights. When the game is on, the whole world stops in its tracks to watch it. The players are called Athletes, only they are allowed to contest because of their powers and ability to control them. Everyone adores Cosmoball except Anton - a regular guy who wants to find a job to help his family. But once he reveals his powers and gets to the worlds Cosmoball team. Now he's one of the Athletes. Anton has no idea what special role is destined for him, and that the final game will become the battle for the Earth."
"2071. Galactic wars have destroyed the Moon and changed the climate on the Earth. Now tropical forests are covering Moscow, while New York is iced all over. A huge alien ship towers over Moscow - it is the stadium where spectacular intergalactic Cosmoball competitions take place. The game combines both sport and gladiator fights. When the game is on, the whole world stops in its tracks to watch it. The players are called Athletes, only they are allowed to contest because of their powers and ability to control them. Everyone adores Cosmoball except Anton - a regular guy who wants to find a job to help his family. But once he reveals his powers and gets to the worlds Cosmoball team. Now he's one of the Athletes. Anton has no idea what special role is destined for him, and that the final game will become the battle for the Earth."
A star is born ... and this one has bite! On this day in 2020 (in Brazil), Sky Sharks took to the skies ... well, cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Marc Fehse, the SciFi/Comedy starred Yan Birch, Eva Habermann, and Barbara Nedeljakova. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Deep in the ice of the antarctic, a team of geologists uncover an old Nazi laboratory still intact where dark experiments had occurred. In order to conquer the world, the Nazis created modified sharks who were able to fly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Sky Sharks earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Deep in the ice of the antarctic, a team of geologists uncover an old Nazi laboratory still intact where dark experiments had occurred. In order to conquer the world, the Nazis created modified sharks who were able to fly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Sky Sharks earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), Megalodon Rising tried to take a bite out of the box office ... along with a few sea vessels. Directed by Brian Nowak from a story by Koichi Petetsky, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tom Sizemore, Wynter Eddins, and O'Shay Neal. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When history's greatest aquatic predator returns, the armada of modern warships sent to destroy it has no chance at all."
"When history's greatest aquatic predator returns, the armada of modern warships sent to destroy it has no chance at all."
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the United Kingdom), Monsters Of War came to life with its release via the World Wide Web. Directed by Jack Peter Mundy from a story by Scott Chambers, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Chelsea Greenwood, Sofia Lacey, and Chrissie Wunna. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Something has awoken, and a group of strangers must work together before prehistoric monsters and other deadly creatures take back the planet."
"Something has awoken, and a group of strangers must work together before prehistoric monsters and other deadly creatures take back the planet."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "The World Below." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a deep sea dive in a special device, three men swear that they saw an underwater city, but Navy investigators can find no evidence of the city's existence."
"On a deep sea dive in a special device, three men swear that they saw an underwater city, but Navy investigators can find no evidence of the city's existence."
It all began right here: on this day in 1993, The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. premiered on network television with its exceptional pilot movie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Brisco County Jr. is hired by the attorney of a group of robber barons to track down and apprehend the infamous John Bly and his gang, a job that was previously entrusted to his late father Brisco County Sr."
"Brisco County Jr. is hired by the attorney of a group of robber barons to track down and apprehend the infamous John Bly and his gang, a job that was previously entrusted to his late father Brisco County Sr."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Fatal Error." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Following up information supplied by Byder Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens set up surveillance on a missile base. Byder told them that he thinks Banning is going to try and take it over. The attack starts while they are watching and a 'super-robot' controlled by Dent leads Banning's forces. Laura and Tawrens infiltrate the base and join forces with an American officer to stop Banning, Dent and Nivik, the super robot, for gaining control of the missiles. Meanwhile Ethaniel tries to design a way to either disrupt the radio transmissions controlling Nivik or create a virus to infect him with."
"Following up information supplied by Byder Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens set up surveillance on a missile base. Byder told them that he thinks Banning is going to try and take it over. The attack starts while they are watching and a 'super-robot' controlled by Dent leads Banning's forces. Laura and Tawrens infiltrate the base and join forces with an American officer to stop Banning, Dent and Nivik, the super robot, for gaining control of the missiles. Meanwhile Ethaniel tries to design a way to either disrupt the radio transmissions controlling Nivik or create a virus to infect him with."
On this day in 2004, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Covenant." This served as the eighth episode to the long-running program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Owner and CEO of Colson Industries declares in a press conference that there is alien life and that he has proof. SGC fails in its attempts to keep him quiet on the battle over the Antarctic. However, they are greatly surprised when the proof he shows the media are not his satellite images, but a living Asgard."
"Owner and CEO of Colson Industries declares in a press conference that there is alien life and that he has proof. SGC fails in its attempts to keep him quiet on the battle over the Antarctic. However, they are greatly surprised when the proof he shows the media are not his satellite images, but a living Asgard."
On this day in 2006, The 4400 aired "Fifty-fifty." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jordan Collier's strategy is spread out 4400-abilities to everybody who wants them, and Devon is eager to be the first to try."
"Jordan Collier's strategy is spread out 4400-abilities to everybody who wants them, and Devon is eager to be the first to try."
On this day in 2007 (in Japan), Heroes aired "Chapter 1: Genesis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
On this day in 2008, Gemini Division aired "In Deep." This served as the fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Anna processes the bizarre sight of Nick's 'procedure' things go from surreal to deadly as more mysterious figures enter the fray."
"As Anna processes the bizarre sight of Nick's 'procedure' things go from surreal to deadly as more mysterious figures enter the fray."
On this day in 2011, Doctor Who aired "Let's Kill Hitler." This served as the eighth episode in the (relaunched) program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The search for Melody Pond brings the Doctor and his friends to Berlin in 1938, face-to-face with Adolf Hitler, River Song and a justice-serving, shapeshifting robot."
"The search for Melody Pond brings the Doctor and his friends to Berlin in 1938, face-to-face with Adolf Hitler, River Song and a justice-serving, shapeshifting robot."
On this day in 2012, Alphas aired "Alphaville." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Rosen and his team travel to a remote village of Alphas to ask Skylar Adams to look into the function of the photo stimulator. But Parish has people in the village, and soon the lives of both Skylar and her daughter, Zoe, are in jeopardy."
"Rosen and his team travel to a remote village of Alphas to ask Skylar Adams to look into the function of the photo stimulator. But Parish has people in the village, and soon the lives of both Skylar and her daughter, Zoe, are in jeopardy."
Sorry, folks, but I don't "game," so I really can't tell you much of anything about Lost Planet 3 ... except, of course, that it was released to the general marketplace on this day in 2013. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the action:
"This prequel to Lost Planet game series follows Jim Peyton, a space miner and family man who arrives on E.D.N. III, a frozen planet, to work for NEVEC, a murky company that supplies Earth with energy. EDN hides many monsters and secrets."
"This prequel to Lost Planet game series follows Jim Peyton, a space miner and family man who arrives on E.D.N. III, a frozen planet, to work for NEVEC, a murky company that supplies Earth with energy. EDN hides many monsters and secrets."
