Meh. There are those who'd insist that any discussion of the particular involved with the groundbreaking The Wizard Of Oz (1939) really has no place amongst serious investigation of Science Fiction and Fantasy ... and to those I say, "Bah!" Billie Burke shone as the original 'Glinda' in the feature, and I'm thrilled to give her a shout in this space. Though she's no longer with us, Burke was born on this day in 1884.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On behalf of all mankind, Grandon Rhodes took charge of the U.S. military aboard Fred F. Sears' Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956). Though he's no longer with us, Rhodes was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Following a fabulous acting start in the world of radio dramas, the lovely Jane Adams transitioned to motion pictures with relative ease, finding roles in such projects as House Of Dracula (1945), Batman And Robin (1949), and TV's Adventures Of Superman. Though she's no longer with us, Adams was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leaving behind a resume of just over twenty different screen roles, Karen Randle's greatest work in the realms of the Fantastic include a solid bitof work in Mysterious Island (1951), film serial from Sam Katzman Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Randle was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dudley Foster enjoyed a terrific guest spot aboard "The Space Pirates," a 1969 serial of the BBC long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Foster was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly for reasons unknown, Foster took his own life in 1973. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly for reasons unknown, Foster took his own life in 1973. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
With only three professional screen credits to her name, Adele Lamont made her swan song as a screen actress aboard the SciFi/Fantasy schlockfest The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) for Rex Carlton Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Lamont was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his short time on Planet Earth, the talented Steve Ihnat managed to rack up over seventy different screen credits, those most notably to genre fans being his appearances aboard In Like Flint (1967), Countdown (1967), and Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Ihnat was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sue Lloyd enjoyed guest spots aboard a handful of solid genre properties, including roles aboard The Avengers, Journey To The Unknown, and U.F.O. (1993). Though she's no longer with us, Lloyd was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his IMDB.com profile boasts only a scant ten entries, the talented Bill Lithgow still found time for an appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Lithgow was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During her theatrical travels, the lovely Marlyn Mason left a few footprints in the world of Science Fiction with roles aboard The Invaders, Project U.F.O., The Amazing Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman. Mason was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Here's a little known and/or little appreciated fact: James Cameron's 1984 Sci-Fi Classic The Terminator -- the film that sent Arnold Schwarzenegger's career into high gear -- featured not one but two signature cyborgs. Of course, the first was played by Arnie himself, but the other -- known only in the script as 'Future Terminator' -- was played by another strongman who answers to the name Franco Columbu. He also did some minor screen work alongside Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian and The Running Man. Though he's no longer with us, Columbu was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Professor Laird,' Chloe Ashcroft appeared in a pair of episodes aboard the Doctor Who serial "Resurrection Of The Daleks." Ashcroft was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
As of late, actor Tobin Bell has found fame with the horror franchise Saw; as the chief antagonist Jigsaw, he puts various players through some fairly torturous paces to kinda/sorta find their freedom. However, he's also done some great work in Science Fiction, appearing in such genre properties as Alien Nation, Stargate: SG-1, The X-Files, and Decoys 2: Alien Seduction. Bell was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- To be blunt, Bell's work aboard the popular Horror franchise Saw has been bloodied and bruised, all to the delight of audiences. His performances have been recognized three times by the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, twice with nominations in 2006 in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Villain' (he took home the trophy for 'Villain') for Saw II (2005) and then again in 2024 with a nomination for 'Best Lead Performance' in Saw X (2023).
- In 2010, Fangoria inducted the talented actor in their Fangoria Horror Hall Of Fame.
I know most folks don't consider anything Superman related to be legitimate Science Fiction, but I've always thought tales of an alien hero coming to Earth kinda/sorta fits the bill. In that vein, let me give a shout out to veteran character actor John Glover, who played the sometimes-duplicitous-sometimes-not father to Lex Luthor -- Lionel Luthor -- to great delight on the WB's Smallville. In fact, I thought the show lost some of its charm when Lionel left. Glover was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of We Go On (2016) -- in which Glover played a prominent role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1991 Saturn Awards, Glover earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990).
- At the 2003 and 2004 Saturn Awards, the talented earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television' for his work aboard Smallville.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of We Go On (2016) -- in which Glover played a prominent role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
David Rasche (above right) -- whose work I've enjoyed since his days aboard the cult TV comedy Sledge Hammer -- had the role of 'Agent X' aboard 2012's Men In Black III. Rasche was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Like a chameleon, actress Caroline Aaron can insert herself comfortably into any potential genre. Fans of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror might have to look closely, but they'll eventually see her contributions to such projects as The Brother From Another Planet (1984), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Early Edition, What Planet Are You From? (2000), and Ghosts. Aaron was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Seinfeld alum Wayne Knight ("Newman!") made a fateful trip to the island of Isla Nublar in the movie that begat a franchise: Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Knight was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the best things to happen to the world of DC Animation -- so far as this viewer is concerned -- is the hire of Paul Dini. The man handles comic book properties with great respect, and he has brought such properties to the small screen as Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and many, many others. Dini was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shannon Cochran, you can play dress-up in our Trek universe any time you like! She's been seen aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) in supporting roles. Cochran was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm one of those fans who think The X-Files is a franchise that really has no excuse for never being in production either on the small screen or the big. The way the Chris Carter franchise embraces both Science Fiction, mainstream horror, and political thriller makes it flexible in such a way to tell hundreds if not thousands of stories. And the man who put a face on the program -- David Duchovny as the singular FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder -- turns another year wiser today. Duchovny was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- Indeed, Duchovny's work as the intrepid FBI Special Agent has been memorable in a variety of ways, but perhaps his single greatest claim to fame is that in the role he was nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' an incredible five times (1997, 1998, 1999 -- twice with The X-Files film release -- and 2016).
- Furthermore, the actor earned two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the category of 'Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series' for his work aboard The X-Files in 1997 and 1998.
The lovely DeLane Matthews joined Scott Bakula both in an episode of the long-running Quantum Leap as well as the mid-1990's The Invaders reboot. Matthews was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The funny Maggie Wheeler took a spin with a guest spot aboard Fox TV's popular The X-Files during its run. Wheeler was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and director Julia Ford has left some footprints in intellectual properties genre fans know and love. She's booked appearances aboard such entities as Ghosts, Dinotopia, Being Human, The Secret Of Crickley Hall, and Misfits. Ford was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I also understand that most folks consider ABC's Lost to be more fantasy than it ever was Science Fiction. In most regards, I'd agree, but around Season Three through Season Five it explored some up-close-and-personal stories relating to time travel and parallel universes in a very compelling way. One of the program's regulars -- Harold Perrineau -- calls today his birthday. He also played Link in The Matrix Reloaded (pictured above) and The Matrix Revolutions. Perrineau was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the Jodie Whittaker era, actress Shobna Gulati paid a small handful of visits to the world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Gulati was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think the lovely Charlotte Lewis can to mankind's attention with her breakout role opposite Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child. Since then, she's also scored screen time aboard Embrace of the Vampire (1995), Viper, and Highlander: The Raven. Lewis was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cathy Murphy is a veteran character actor who has filled out small roles aboard such entities as She-Wolf of London, Doctor Who, and The 7th Dimension. Murphy was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
About the same time she was finding critical success for her role opposite Clint Eastwood in Pale Rider (1985), the lovely Sydney Penny (above right) dabbled in Science Fiction with a role aboard Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star (1986). Penny was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By God, that there is some serious, serious girl power: Rachel York voiced 'Circe' for her work aboard Justice League Unlimited. York was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Heather Kadin is a television producer who continues to draw accolades from fans of her work. She's helped bring such visionary projects to the small screen as Limitless, Sleepy Hollow, Star Trek: Discovery, and Salvation. Kadin was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Greg Serano dipped his toes into the wide, wide world of Marvel Entertainment with a guest spot aboard TV's Agent Carter. He's also visited the universes of The Postman (1997), The Twilight Zone, The Dead Zone, and Terminator Salvation (2009). Serano was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critics seem to love the work of Michael Shannon. I'm a bit more reserved. While I enjoyed his take on General Zod in 2013's Man Of Steel, I do prefer Terrence Stamp's version more. It was much less action-figure-ish. Shannon was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Megan Gale proved she can brave the Australian Apocalypse with the best of them with a breakout role in 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road. Gale was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a while there, it looked like veteran actress Charlize Theron had become a go-to-gal when it came to a script requiring smart female leads in Science Fiction. She's been a part of The Astronaut's Wife (1999), Aeon Flux (2005), Prometheus (2012), and the wonderful Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Theron was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hans Matheson has left his acting imprint on such projects as The Mists of Avalon, Clash of the Titans (2010), and 300: Rise of an Empire (2014). Matheson was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Li'l Jake Sisko (not so li'l anymore) had a pretty sweet gig (well, until the Dominion War came along as part of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's epic storyline). He got to grow up on a space station on the edge of the galactic frontier. His dad was always busy, so he pretty much had the lay of the place to himself ... and his buddy, Nog. Not a shabby existence if you ask me! Join me in celebrating Cirroc Lofton's birthday, as he was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Eric Johnson suited up to play the original swashbuckling space hero -- Flash Gordon (pictured) -- for the WB (back when it was the WB). Unfortunately, the show just never caught on, leaving the actor lost in the shuffle. A veteran of Smallville, the actor has also boasted appearances aboard NightMan, The Dead Zone, Supernatural, Alcatraz, and Orphan Black. Johnson was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
London-born Simon Kassianides has turned up in a handful of great genre properties including Quantum of Solace (2008), How To Train Your Dragon 2 (animated), Zoo, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Kassianides was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2014, Randy Wayne ventured dead into the heart of Science Fiction by playing a synthetic police officer paired up with seasoned veteran Michael Jai White. The film was titled Android Cop. Wayne was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've heard it said that women love their machines, but this is ridiculous! Abbie Cornish starred alongside Joel Kinnaman in the 2014 reboot of the beloved SciFi franchise RoboCop. In it, she played Detroit police detective Alex Murphy's wife Clara, and, as such, she really became the 'heart' of that film. Cornish was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young actress Brit Marling has a way to go to earn her street cred in SciFi, but she has appeared in the critical favorite Another Earth (2011). Her star turn aboard Netflix's The OA has certainly elevated her standing amongst general fandom. Marling was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, actress Mimi Paley brought to life the character of 'Samantha Mulder' for "Closure," an episode of Fox TV's popular The X-Files. Paley was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All the way back to such flicks as Barbarella (1968) or Flesh Gordon (1974) or any number of early Roger Corman entries, filmmakers have found Science Fiction ripe for crossover into the -- ahem -- Adult film market. Today's exhibit: 2014's Apocalypse X gave the lovely Anikka Albrite to explore her sexuality against the landscape littered with the fall of man ... and bless her for doing so! Albrite was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty Francesca Eastwood had her shot at the crown with a plum role aboard Kids Vs. Monsters (2015). She also enjoyed some screen time aboard Heroes Reborn. Eastwood was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Everyone has to start somewhere, so why not start with the end of the world as we know it? Young Liam James broke into stardom as part of the ensemble headlining Roland Emmerich's 2012 ... and nobody destroys planet Earth like Roland Emmerich! Good choice, little warrior. James was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Aiden Longworth is well on his way toward building a resume genre fans will appreciate. He's already enjoyed screen time aboard Supernatural, The Tomorrow People, The Returned, The X-Files, Legends Of Tomorrow, and NBC's Timeless. Longworth was born on this day in 2004.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1922 (in the U.S.), The Young Diana took audiences on one of its earliest trips into screen Fantasy. Directed by Albert Capellani and Robert G. Vignola, the feature starred Marion Davies, Macklyn Arbuckle, and Forrest Stanley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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.""
"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.""
A star is born! On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.),the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the big screen premiere of Hold That Ghost. Directed by Arthur Lubin, the Horror/Comedy starred Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, and Richard Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After inheriting a fortune from a gangster, two dim-witted service station attendants find themselves stranded in a haunted house."
"After inheriting a fortune from a gangster, two dim-witted service station attendants find themselves stranded in a haunted house."
A star is born! On this day in 1942 (in the U.S.), A-Haunting We Will Go took its frights and laughs to the silver screen. Directed by Alfred L. Werker, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and Dante. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Stan and Ollie get involved with con men, crooks, a genial magician, and two interchangeable coffins with disastrous but funny results."
"Stan and Ollie get involved with con men, crooks, a genial magician, and two interchangeable coffins with disastrous but funny results."
On this day in 1942, Invisible Agent stirred up some Science Fiction intrigue. Directed by Edwin L. Marin, the feature starred Ilona Massey, Peter Lorre, and Jon Hall. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Invisible Man's grandson uses his secret formula to spy on Nazi Germany."
For the record:
Not even a film as interesting as Invisible Agent could pass by without a notice, it would seem. At the 1943 Academy Awards, it was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' Also, at the 1943 Hugo Awards, the feature enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.'
"The Invisible Man's grandson uses his secret formula to spy on Nazi Germany."
For the record:
Not even a film as interesting as Invisible Agent could pass by without a notice, it would seem. At the 1943 Academy Awards, it was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' Also, at the 1943 Hugo Awards, the feature enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.'
On this day in 1953, Spaceways gave mankind another of its early looks at life above the heavens. Directed by Terence Fisher, the feature starred Howard Duff, Alan Wheatley, and Eve Bartok. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A small group of closely-guarded British scientists test their first rocket amidst indications of matrimonial strife in the community. After the partial failure of the firing, a couple go missing - have they gone off together or are their murdered bodies circling the earth in the remains of the rocket?"
"A small group of closely-guarded British scientists test their first rocket amidst indications of matrimonial strife in the community. After the partial failure of the firing, a couple go missing - have they gone off together or are their murdered bodies circling the earth in the remains of the rocket?"
A star is born! On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Wonderful World Of The Brothers Grimm enjoyed exclusive premiere engagements in the cities of New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California. Directed by Henry Levin and George Pal, the Fantasy feature starred Laurence Harvey, Claire Bloom, and Barbara Eden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The story of Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, and three of their stories."
For the record:
At the 1963 Academy Awards, The Wonderful World Of The Brothers Grimm enjoyed four nominations -- 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' and 'Best Costume Design' -- but only managed to take home a single trophy in Costume Design.
"The story of Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, and three of their stories."
For the record:
At the 1963 Academy Awards, The Wonderful World Of The Brothers Grimm enjoyed four nominations -- 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' and 'Best Costume Design' -- but only managed to take home a single trophy in Costume Design.
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Jason And The Argonauts. Directed by Don Chaffey, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, and Gary Raymond. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece."
"The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece."
On this day in 1964 (in West Germany), Son of Flubber soared into theatres. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the feature returned Fred MacMurray as the originally absent-minded professor, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Professor Brainard experiments further on Flubber derivatives, he gets in trouble and only his students can help."
"When Professor Brainard experiments further on Flubber derivatives, he gets in trouble and only his students can help."
On this day in 1969 (in Portugal), 2001: A Space Odyssey took audiences on a wild ride. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the feature starred Keir Dullea 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.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
"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.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
A star is born ... and this one's carved into a man's heaving chest! On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Devil's Rain. Directed by Robert Fuest, the Horror/Drama starred Ernest Borgnine, Eddie Albert, and William Shatner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A satanist cult leader is burnt alive by the local church. He vows to come back to hunt down and enslave every descendant of his congregation, by the power of the book of blood contracts, in which they sold their souls to the devil."
"A satanist cult leader is burnt alive by the local church. He vows to come back to hunt down and enslave every descendant of his congregation, by the power of the book of blood contracts, in which they sold their souls to the devil."
1981's animated flick, Heavy Metal (based on the graphic magazine), is another one of those films whose fans seem to have fonder memories of it than I do. I recall seeing it theatrically and pretty much thinking, "Meh." Still, it had a few nice ideas, as well as a few nice sequences and a killer soundtrack. It premiered on this day back then, and, yes, I'll be the first to admit even I would welcome a reboot. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A glowing green orb - which embodies ultimate evil - terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Heavy Metal scored an impressive 1982 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A glowing green orb - which embodies ultimate evil - terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Heavy Metal scored an impressive 1982 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), Horror and Comedy collided with the theatrical release of Student Bodies. Written (in part) and directed (in part) by Mickey Rose, the film starred Kristen Riter, Matthew Goldsby, and Jerry Belson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A serial killer with his signature heavy breathing proceeds to systematically kill the students and teachers of Lamab high school."
"A serial killer with his signature heavy breathing proceeds to systematically kill the students and teachers of Lamab high school."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in France), Diesel was first released in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Kramer, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gerard Klein, Agnes Soral, and Richard Bohringer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A prositute (Anges Sorel) tries to change her life after her release from prison, but a murderous slave organization, the Consortium, is determined to bring her back to the fole or kill her, which forces her to seek help from Liberty, an anti-Consortium organization."
"A prositute (Anges Sorel) tries to change her life after her release from prison, but a murderous slave organization, the Consortium, is determined to bring her back to the fole or kill her, which forces her to seek help from Liberty, an anti-Consortium organization."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Real Genius blended Comedy with its SciFi premise set in a university environment where chaos kinda/sorta ruled the day. Directed by Martha Coolidge, the feature film starred Val Kilmer, Stacy Peralta, and Daniel Ades. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An uptight teenage prodigy enters a top engineering college, but feels awkward among the freewheeling students. When a professor aims to turn their laser project into a military weapon, he and his offbeat roommate plot to ruin the plan."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Real Genius enjoyed a bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"An uptight teenage prodigy enters a top engineering college, but feels awkward among the freewheeling students. When a professor aims to turn their laser project into a military weapon, he and his offbeat roommate plot to ruin the plan."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Real Genius enjoyed a bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Australia), Playing Beatie Bow took audiences on a trip into the near past. Directed by Donald Crombie, the Fantasy feature starred Imogen Annesley, Peter Phelps, and Mouche Phillips. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A discontented Sydney teenager travels back in time to 1873, whilst watching an old fashioned children's game."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Playing Beatie Bow enjoyed a lot of praise from the Australian Film Institute.
"A discontented Sydney teenager travels back in time to 1873, whilst watching an old fashioned children's game."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Playing Beatie Bow enjoyed a lot of praise from the Australian Film Institute.
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), He-Man made his manly way to the silver screen with the theatrical release of Masters Of The Universe. Directed by Gary Goddard, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, and Meg Foster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The heroic warrior He-Man battles against the evil lord Skeletor and his armies of darkness for control of Castle Grayskull."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Masters Of The Universe awarded writer/director Gary Goddard with the Golden Scroll for his work on the film. Otherwise, it had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The heroic warrior He-Man battles against the evil lord Skeletor and his armies of darkness for control of Castle Grayskull."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Masters Of The Universe awarded writer/director Gary Goddard with the Golden Scroll for his work on the film. Otherwise, it had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1990 (in Italy), the Horror/SciFi flick Metamorphosis opened in theatres. Written and directed by George Eastman, the feature starred Gene LeBrock and Catherine Baranov, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Dr. Peter Houseman is a brilliant geneticist who is working on a serum which will stop human aging, but his colleagues don't believe in his work. When his university funding is threatened by his skeptical benefactors, the doctor takes a desperate measure to justify his work. He administers the serum to himself, but the results are unexpected and horrendous."
"Dr. Peter Houseman is a brilliant geneticist who is working on a serum which will stop human aging, but his colleagues don't believe in his work. When his university funding is threatened by his skeptical benefactors, the doctor takes a desperate measure to justify his work. He administers the serum to himself, but the results are unexpected and horrendous."
On this day in 1991 (in France), Hard To Be A God enjoyed a theatrical run. The feature starred Edward Zentara and Aleksandr Filippenko, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Another planet in the period of medieval times. An employee of the institute of experimental history from Earth, who is send under the name of noble don Rumata of Estor as a spy with a mission to contact the local resident of the institute, arrives in the city of Arkanar. But the resident perishes under an unlucky attempt to make a palace coup, and Rumata have to take his place as the resident. Soon he meets all the horrors of the medieval society - a peasant war, palace coups, mass executions. To continue to be an indifferent watcher of all these horrors turns out to be simply impossible..."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hard To Be A God enjoyed a good amount of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
"Another planet in the period of medieval times. An employee of the institute of experimental history from Earth, who is send under the name of noble don Rumata of Estor as a spy with a mission to contact the local resident of the institute, arrives in the city of Arkanar. But the resident perishes under an unlucky attempt to make a palace coup, and Rumata have to take his place as the resident. Soon he meets all the horrors of the medieval society - a peasant war, palace coups, mass executions. To continue to be an indifferent watcher of all these horrors turns out to be simply impossible..."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hard To Be A God enjoyed a good amount of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and this one's a killer! On this day in 1992 (in Canada and the U.S.), Raising Cain raised a little cain on the silver screen. Written and directed by Brian De Palma, the Horror/Fantasy starred John Lithgow, Lolita Davidovich, and Steven Bauer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The oncologist wife of a prominent child psychologist suspects her husband has an unhealthy scientific obsession with their child, unaware of what - or who - is really going on inside his head."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Raising Cain enjoyed two nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Actor.'
"The oncologist wife of a prominent child psychologist suspects her husband has an unhealthy scientific obsession with their child, unaware of what - or who - is really going on inside his head."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Raising Cain enjoyed two nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Actor.'
On this day in 1993 (in Japan), the SciFi/Anime Patlabor 2 enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"When a terrorist attack is blamed on the Air Force, Special Vehicle Unit 2 gets caught in the middle of a growing political conflict."
"When a terrorist attack is blamed on the Air Force, Special Vehicle Unit 2 gets caught in the middle of a growing political conflict."
On this day in 1998 (in Brazil, Ireland, and the United Kingdom), audiences were treated to Armageddon. The big budget extravaganza starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Will Patton as the warriors sent to save the Earth itself from an extinction level event. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Universal Soldiers marched onto the cinematic battlefield. Directed by Griff Furst, the feature starred Kristen Quintrall and Dario Deak, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The U.S. government initiates a program to create genetically-modified cybernetic super soldiers, but it goes awry when the test subjects escape from their holding cells. Set on an island in an undisclosed location."
"The U.S. government initiates a program to create genetically-modified cybernetic super soldiers, but it goes awry when the test subjects escape from their holding cells. Set on an island in an undisclosed location."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Russia), Mutant Chronicles blazed its tale of war and and retribution to the masses-at-large. Directed by Simon Hunter from a story by Philip Eisner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Thomas Jane, Devon Aoki, and Sean Pertwee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"28th century soldier Mitch Hunter leads a fight against an army of underworld Mutants."
"28th century soldier Mitch Hunter leads a fight against an army of underworld Mutants."
On this day in 2010, Frost Giant (aka Arctic Predator) aired as a SciFi/Telefilm. The feature starred Dean Cain and Steven Waddington, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A dedicated explorer and his team search for a 19th century shipwreck off an island in the Arctic ocean. After the team digs up an alien ice creature that has been buried in the ice for over 200 hundred years, the creature kills the explorers to gain energy needed to return to it's original form."
"A dedicated explorer and his team search for a 19th century shipwreck off an island in the Arctic ocean. After the team digs up an alien ice creature that has been buried in the ice for over 200 hundred years, the creature kills the explorers to gain energy needed to return to it's original form."
On this day in 2013 (in Australia and Sweden), Antiviral enjoyed a release on home video. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, the SciFi feature starred Caleb Landry Jones, Lisa Berry, and Sarah Gadon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
For the record:
Antiviral was the recipient of a lot of praise -- as well as a few awards and nominations -- when it made the rounds on the film festival circuit. For example, at the Chicago International Film Festival it won the coveted Gold Hugo Award in the 'After Dark Competition.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional copy of Antiviral during its original home video release schedule in the U.S. Interested in my thoughts of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
For the record:
Antiviral was the recipient of a lot of praise -- as well as a few awards and nominations -- when it made the rounds on the film festival circuit. For example, at the Chicago International Film Festival it won the coveted Gold Hugo Award in the 'After Dark Competition.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional copy of Antiviral during its original home video release schedule in the U.S. Interested in my thoughts of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born ... and it looks like this one ruined the city! On this day in 2013 (in Taiwan), Elysium delivered audiences with another look at global devastation. Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth. A man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Elysium earned a bit of praise from a handful of technical organizations during the awards season.
"In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth. A man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Elysium earned a bit of praise from a handful of technical organizations during the awards season.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Alien Code (aka The Men) enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by Michael G. Cooney, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kyle Gallner, Azura Skye, and Mary McCormack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After deciphering a message found in a satellite, brilliant cryptographer Alex Jacobs finds himself being stalked by government agents and otherworldly beings."
"After deciphering a message found in a satellite, brilliant cryptographer Alex Jacobs finds himself being stalked by government agents and otherworldly beings."
On this day in 2020 (in Spain), the 1977-produced Cinderella 2000 enjoyed a rare theatrical engagement for patrons of the Sala Equis in Madrid. Directed by Al Adamson from a story by Budd Donnelly, the Adult-themed flick starred Catherine Burgess, Jay B. Larson, and Vaughan Armstrong. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), Max Reload And The Nether Blasters enjoyed a limited theatrical release along with an internet streaming release. Written and directed by the team of Scott Conditt and Jeremy Tremp, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tom Plumley, Hassie Harrison, and Joey Morgan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town video game store clerk must go from zero to hero after accidentally unleashing the forces of evil from a cursed Colecovision video game cartridge."
"A small town video game store clerk must go from zero to hero after accidentally unleashing the forces of evil from a cursed Colecovision video game cartridge."
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in Switzerland), After Blue enjoyed its big screen debut when it was first screened for audiences in attendance of the Locarno Film Festival. Written and directed by Bertrand Mandico, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Elina Löwensohn, Paula Luna, and Vimala Pons. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A chimeric future on After Blue, a planet from another galaxy, a virgin planet where only women can survive in the midst of harmless flora and fauna."
For the record:
To the film's credit, After Blue earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A chimeric future on After Blue, a planet from another galaxy, a virgin planet where only women can survive in the midst of harmless flora and fauna."
For the record:
To the film's credit, After Blue earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Message in a Bottle." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"SG-1 discovers an ancient artifact and brings it back to the SGC. Ariving at the SGC, it becomes active, pins O'Neill to the gate room wall, and unleashes a virus into him."
"SG-1 discovers an ancient artifact and brings it back to the SGC. Ariving at the SGC, it becomes active, pins O'Neill to the gate room wall, and unleashes a virus into him."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired the second episode of its only season. According to our friends at TV.com,here's the plot summary for the installment:
"Cybergirl knows that she has to do something in order to get the replicants off her trail. In order to do this, she has to ask a favour of Jackson and Hugh, and they have to agree - fast."
"Cybergirl knows that she has to do something in order to get the replicants off her trail. In order to do this, she has to ask a favour of Jackson and Hugh, and they have to agree - fast."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Witchblade aired "Apprehension." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sara learns about the White Bulls from her late father who left her a video statement. She also knows who killed Prospero, a local pimp - Detective Orlinsky. She also learns of the long standing feud between Captain Dante and her father. She visits her old Captain, Joe Siri, who tells her of the role the White Bulls and Captain Dante played in her father's death. Kenneth Irons offers to help Sara but she is wary and it turns out that Dante also has powerful friends."
"Sara learns about the White Bulls from her late father who left her a video statement. She also knows who killed Prospero, a local pimp - Detective Orlinsky. She also learns of the long standing feud between Captain Dante and her father. She visits her old Captain, Joe Siri, who tells her of the role the White Bulls and Captain Dante played in her father's death. Kenneth Irons offers to help Sara but she is wary and it turns out that Dante also has powerful friends."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Hidden." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"NTAC is keen to find Jordan Collier's killer as Tom is desperate to find Kyle."
"NTAC is keen to find Jordan Collier's killer as Tom is desperate to find Kyle."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), TNT's Falling Skies closed out their first season with a special two-part event. Officially, the first hour was titled "Mutiny," and here's the plot summary for the show's ninth episode from IMDB.com:
"As the 2nd Mass. prepares for a major assault, divisions within the ranks threaten to tear the group apart. Tom has difficulty processing the profound implications of Anne's latest discovery."
"As the 2nd Mass. prepares for a major assault, divisions within the ranks threaten to tear the group apart. Tom has difficulty processing the profound implications of Anne's latest discovery."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Falling Skies closed out their first season with the airing of "Eight Hours." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With Weaver leading several squads of fighters against the aliens, Tom remains behind to help protect the civilians as they evacuate. But a major breach in security endangers both the soldiers and the civilians. Tom is confronted with a decision that may lead him to discovering what the aliens want with the captured teenagers, humankind and the planet."
"With Weaver leading several squads of fighters against the aliens, Tom remains behind to help protect the civilians as they evacuate. But a major breach in security endangers both the soldiers and the civilians. Tom is confronted with a decision that may lead him to discovering what the aliens want with the captured teenagers, humankind and the planet."
On this day in 1940, The Adventures Of Superman Radio Serial aired "Taos: Pillar Of Fire At Graves End." According to our friends at The Old Time Radio Downloads, here's the plot summary:
"A strange evening with the elder of Gravesend, and then Lois Lane disappears from a locked room! Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound! Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s SUPERMAN!'"
"A strange evening with the elder of Gravesend, and then Lois Lane disappears from a locked room! Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound! Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s SUPERMAN!'"
