Between the years of 1967 through 1973, Graham Leaman enjoyed no less than four different guest spots to the various serials of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Leaman was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alethea Charlton guest-starred aboard early Doctor Who serials not once but twice, first in 1963 and then again in 1965. Though she's no longer with us, Charlton was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ron Gans was an incredible voice actor who occasionally showed himself on camera, much more so in the earlier parts of his career. Star Trek fans probably know his pipes best: he provided the vocals for the creature 'Armus' who was responsible in The Next Generation's first season for killing off security chief Tasha Yar. Though he's no longer with us, Gans was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Denys Hawthorne enjoyed the role of an important chief of security aboard Doctor Who's "The Trial Of A Time Lord" in 1986. Though he's no longer with us, Hawthorne was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dick Anthony Williams' career spanned just under 100 different screen credits. Fans might recognize him from roles in such properties as Man From Atlantis, Brave New World (1980), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Williams was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
French actress Michele Girardon shone opposite Kirk Morris (as Anthar) aboard 1964's Devil Of The Desert Against The Son Of Hercules (aka The Slave Merchants). Though she's no longer with us, Girardon was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Michele struggled with depression and ultimately took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Michele struggled with depression and ultimately took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
I would imagine the fact that he's probably most recognized from work in Westerns that Robert Zemeckis brought Burton Gilliam into a small role aboard Back To The Future III, the Time Travel Fantasy's chapter set in the Old West. He also visited the worlds of Knight Rider, Out Of This World, The Terror Within II (1991), and Weird Science. Gilliam was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran television director Winrich Kolbe certainly left an imprint in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy programming. With over twenty-five years in the business, he entertained fans by bringing to life episodes to such programs as Battlestar Galactica, A Man Called Sloane, Tales Of The Gold Monkey, Voyagers!, Automan, Knight Rider, War Of The Worlds, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Space: Above & Beyond, Millennium, Dark Skies, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Angel, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Kobe was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, actor Sam Elliott has one of the best voices in all of the universe. Quite probably, he also has one of the best mustaches. He took a brief sojourn into Science Fiction with a role in Hulk (2003), but -- alas -- that picture was a creative and financial dud. Elliott was born on this day in 1944.
The very talented Amanda McBroom joined Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner aboard "The Measure Of A Man," arguably one of the finest hours of Star Trek: The Next Generation's stellar run on television. McBroom was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Jillian Kesner truly only dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction. She enjoyed small roles aboard TV's Mork & Mindy and the SciFi/Telefilm Subliminal Seduction (1996). Though she's no longer with us, Kesner was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Candace Glendenning enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Weapon," an episode of the BBC's Blake's 7. Glendenning was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adam Nimoy continues to explore the various worlds of Science Fiction from the far side of the camera. He's directed episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5, and The Outer Limits as well as a terrific documentary examining the legacy of his father's work (Leonard Nimoy) titled For The Love Of Spock (2016). Nimoy was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Melanie Griffith doesn't exactly have an acting resume heavy on Science Fiction, but she did make one grand entrance so far as I'm concerned: she played a delicious guide-and-gun-for-hire E. Johnson in 1987's cult favorite Cherry 2000. Griffith was born on this day in 1957.
Early in her professional career, Amy Stiller enjoyed a small part aboard the Fantasy-themed Highway To Hell (1991) for Goodman/Rosen Productions. Stiller was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jay Leggett played the alien 'Phlox' aboard "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy," a popular episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Though he's no longer wtih us, Leggett was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and celebrity Hoda Kotb used her powerful position as a morning talk show host to thwart the nefarious efforts of Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015) Kotb was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gillian Anderson stormed onto the pop culture scene when, in 1993, she joined Special Agent Fox Mulder by playing his partner Dana Scully on Fox TV's phenomenal The X-Files. She's reprised the role in two major motion pictures and some video game properties, and I, for one, can never get enough of her. Anderson was born on this day in 1968.
Believe it or not, I vaguely remember reading some criticism involved JJ Abrams' Star Trek reboot in 2009, and the critic was nitpicking the fact that actor Eric Bana appeared in the film as Nero but was -- and here's the weird part -- completely unrecognizable as Eric Bana. Go figure. Bana was born on this day in 1968.
When visionary director McG got to play in the greater Terminator universe, his Terminator Salvation (2009) didn't exactly set the box office on fire ... but it did offer a look into those dark days involving mankind's fall with a screaming mad Christian Bale in the role of 'John Connor.' McG was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nikki Ziering is one of those lovely ladies who's tried a bit of everything from modeling to acting to Playboy playmating. She's even enjoyed guest spots aboard Babylon 5: The River of Souls (1998), Black Scorpion, and Code Name: Eternity. Ziering was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
OMG, what's not to love about Liz Vassey? She had a terrific stint in the lab that was C.S.I. - Crime Scene Investigations (which FYI did have a terrific episode poking fun at Star Trek), but personally I fell in love with her heroic sidekick paired with a bumbling space man in the super-short-lived The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space (which, incidentally, guest-starred Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols). Vassey was born on this day in 1972.
Fandom circled its wagons around actor Kevin McKidd when he time traveled into our midst with NBC's short-lived Journeyman. It was a terrific program about a man and a woman who were mysteriously being plucked through time to correct events that had specifically gone wrong in their lives; and -- because it was so good -- you just knew it wasn't going to last. McKidd was born on this day in 1973.
Syfy's Continuum is one of those shows that didn't much impress me with the first few episodes, so I tuned it out. I've since been told that it got much better with the second season onward, so it is on my list of things to see. Anjali Jay (center above) joined the program for several episodes, and there's one more reason to catch up with it! Jay was born on this day in 1975.
One of Jessica Capshaw's earliest screen appearances was aboard her stepfather Steven Spielberg's big screen adaptation of Philip K. Dick's Minority Report (2002). Capshaw was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I could sing the praises of the lovely Rhona Mitra all day long! Personally, I'm thrilled she's found a TV home presently aboard TNT's SciFi-lite The Last Ship, but she's tinkered in SciFi for quite some time. To name but a few? Hollow Man (2000), Doomsday (2008), and a great little multi-episode arc as part of Stargate Universe. Mitra was born on this day in 1976.
Critical favorite Audrey Tautou provided the voice for 'Mary,' one of the key characters in the Fantasy-themed Phantom Boy (2015). Tautou was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've only seen a handful of episodes of Torchwood, but now that I know talent the likes of Daniela Denby-Ashe made appearances I'll definitely have to check it out. Denby-Ashe was born on this day in 1978.
Jes Macallan joined the cast of The CW's popular Legends Of Tomorrow with so much ease in Season 3 that she was invited back for Season 4. Macallan was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daniel Henshall was probably one of the less controversial elements of the otherwise controversial adaptation of Ghost In The Shell (2017). Henshall was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Score one for the little guys ... or is that little gals? Ashley Johnson plays the most popular waitress in all of the Marvel Movie Universe with her star turn aboard The Avengers (2012). Otherwise, she can be found as a regular on NBC's Blindspot. Johnson was born on this day in 1983.
Scrappy Anna Kendrick made a splash in the Tween/Fantasy saga Twilight (2008) before moving on to more conventional features. Kendrick was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamily sexy Etalvia Cashin joined Starfleet in the role of a cadet for the JJ Abrams' theatrical reboot of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek (2009). Cashin was born on this day in 1989.
You've come a long way, baby: the youthful Adelaide Kane burned up the small screen in the role of 'Tenaya' for the Fantasy-driven Power Rangers R.P.M. Afterwards, she enduring The Purge (2013) and visited the Fantasy world of ABC's Once Upon A Time. Kane was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty-as-a-picture Emily Tennant continues to turn heads with her versatile performances. She's been involved with Dark Angel, I Robot (2004), Kingdom Hospital, Sanctuary, Falling Skies, Supernatural, Legends of Tomorrow, and Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Tennant was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Bill Skarsgård showed up in the Divergent film Allegiant (2016) in the role of 'Matthew.' Currently, IMDB.com shows him returning to the franchise when it transfers to television, but I'd imagine we'll have to wait and see about that. Skarsgård was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Burkely Duffield is no stranger to genre projects, having already made appearances aboard Masters of Science Fiction, Mega Cyclone (2011), Supernatural, House of Anubis, The Tomorrow People, Minority Report, Warcraft: The Beginning (2016), and Beyond. Duffield was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Justice Smith entered the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy in a big, big way when he appeared screaming (along with Bryce Dallas Howard) in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Smith was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1932 (in the U.S.), The Thirteenth Guest overstayed its welcome ... cinematically, that is. Directed by Albert Ray, the Horror/Mystery starred Ginger Rogers, Lyle Talbot, and J. Farrell MacDonald. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thirteen years ago, somebody murdered the wealthy host of a dinner party. Now, the guests from that event reunite at the creepy house where the crime took place to figure out who inherited the victim's estate."
"Thirteen years ago, somebody murdered the wealthy host of a dinner party. Now, the guests from that event reunite at the creepy house where the crime took place to figure out who inherited the victim's estate."
On this day in 1948 (in Sweden), Miranda served up a bit of Fantasy and Comedy for audiences. Directed by Ken Annakin, the film starred Glynis Johns, Googie Withers, and Griffith Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young married physician discovers a mermaid, and gives into her request to be taken to see London. Comedy and romantic entanglements ensue soon after."
"A young married physician discovers a mermaid, and gives into her request to be taken to see London. Comedy and romantic entanglements ensue soon after."
A star is born ... and this one had claws! On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), The Bat fluttered across the silver screen and into film history. Written (in part) and directed by Crane Wilbur, the Horror/Fantasy starred Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, and Gavin Gordon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazed killer known as "The Bat" is on the loose in a mansion full of people."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate enough to receive an all new release of The Bat via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A crazed killer known as "The Bat" is on the loose in a mansion full of people."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate enough to receive an all new release of The Bat via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to ... A Taste Of Blood! (Ewwwwwww!) Directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis from a story by Donald Stanford, the Horror/Fantasy starred Bill Rogers, Elizabeth Lee, and William Kerwin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A businessman turns into a vampire after drinking brandy laced with vampire blood and sets out on an odyssey of killing the descendent's of Dracula's executioners."
"A businessman turns into a vampire after drinking brandy laced with vampire blood and sets out on an odyssey of killing the descendent's of Dracula's executioners."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), the Italian-made Science Fiction/Fantasy The Wild Wild Planet enjoyed a run through the theaters. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the feature film starred Tony Russel, Lisa Gastoni, and Massimo Serato; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A deranged scientist is using his employer's top-secret bio-laboratory to engage in clandestine experiments. When he starts kidnapping leading citizens for use in his twisted tests, it's up to rogue cop Mike Halstead to come to the rescue."
"A deranged scientist is using his employer's top-secret bio-laboratory to engage in clandestine experiments. When he starts kidnapping leading citizens for use in his twisted tests, it's up to rogue cop Mike Halstead to come to the rescue."
On this day in 1972 (in France), Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes brough the original films in the Apes franchise full circle. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the feature starred Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, and Ricardo Montalban; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
On this day in 1978 (in Spain), audiences were chilled by The Medusa Touch. Directed by Jack Gold, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Richard Burton, Lee Remick, and Lino Ventura; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A telekinetic novelist causes disasters simply by thinking about them."
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards, The Medusa Touch enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"A telekinetic novelist causes disasters simply by thinking about them."
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards, The Medusa Touch enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in West Germany), those dreaded Cylons were up to their usual shenanigans with the theatrical release of Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack. Directed by Vince Edwards and Christian I. Nyby II, the film starred Richard Hatch, Lorne Greene, and Dirk Benedict; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Running low on fuel, the Battlestar Galactica receives the help of the supposedly lost Battlestar Pegasus which is taking the offensive with the Cylons."
"Running low on fuel, the Battlestar Galactica receives the help of the supposedly lost Battlestar Pegasus which is taking the offensive with the Cylons."
On this day in 1979 (in Argentina), James Bond went into orbit with the theatrical release of Moonraker. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the film saw Roger Moore back in action as Agent 007 on his majesty's secret service; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born ... and this one has a very curious diet! On this day in 1980 (in Italy), Anthropophagus: The Grim Reaper took a bite out of box office receipts. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tisa Farrow, Saverio Vallone, and Serena Grandi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of friends and a hitchhiker become stranded on a tourist island where they are stalked by a disfigured cannibalistic killer who is prowling the island after killing its residents."
"A group of friends and a hitchhiker become stranded on a tourist island where they are stalked by a disfigured cannibalistic killer who is prowling the island after killing its residents."
A star is born! "The funniest sci-fi movie of the summer," you say? Good grief! It must have been a slow summer! On this day in 1985, the deliriously awful My Science Project premiered in theatres, and, for the most part, audiences stayed away from this stinker. It had a great idea -- a mysterious glowing orb possesses the ability to blend the past, present, and the future -- but it ended up being pretty forgettable for all involved. Written and directed by Jonathan R. Betuel, the film starred John Stockwell, Danielle von Zerneck, and Fisher Stevens. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A high school student and his friend find a strange, orb-like piece of equipment to use as a science project, but must stop it when it begins to threaten mankind."
"A high school student and his friend find a strange, orb-like piece of equipment to use as a science project, but must stop it when it begins to threaten mankind."
Full disclosure: I never much cared for James Cameron's The Abyss when it premiered in theatres on this day back in 1989. Still don't. It could be that I thought the ending was a bit rushed (and more than a bit convoluted), though I've been told that the Special Edition deals more with those elements. Who knows? Whatever the case, James Cameron certainly cemented himself as a movie and a shaker with this hit. In any event, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and face danger while encountering an alien aquatic species."
For the record:
At the 1990 Academy Awards, The Abyss took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1991 Saturn Awards, the film received an incredible seven nominations but only took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Director.' At the 1990 Hugo Awards, the feature enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and face danger while encountering an alien aquatic species."
For the record:
At the 1990 Academy Awards, The Abyss took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1991 Saturn Awards, the film received an incredible seven nominations but only took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Director.' At the 1990 Hugo Awards, the feature enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! The good and bad truth regarding direct-to-DVD releases is that they give established celebrities the chance to try on genre entertainment to see if someone can maybe make up buck or two from it. Evidence A: voluptuous Playboy centerfold Kathy Shower played Robo-C.H.I.C. (aka Cyber-C.H.I.C.) in one such release which hit video shelves on this day back in 1990 (in the U.S.). Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A cybernetic agent is assigned to break up a drug smuggling ring."
"A cybernetic agent is assigned to break up a drug smuggling ring."
A star is born! Curse you, John Carpenter, and I will forever curse you for what you did in besmirching the good name of Snake Plissken by allowing the travesty that is Escape From L.A. from ever seeing the light of day. It first premiered theatrically on this day in 1996 (in Canada and the U.S.), and it brought back Kurt Russell who this time was joined by Steve Buscemi, A.J. Langer, and Cliff Robertson. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Snake Plissken is once again called in by the United States government to recover a potential doomsday device from Los Angeles, now an autonomous island where undesirables are deported."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Escape From L.A. escaped the ceremony with nominations only (no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also -- at the 1996 Stinkers Awards -- the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Sequel.' Ouch.
"Snake Plissken is once again called in by the United States government to recover a potential doomsday device from Los Angeles, now an autonomous island where undesirables are deported."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Escape From L.A. escaped the ceremony with nominations only (no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also -- at the 1996 Stinkers Awards -- the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Sequel.' Ouch.
On this day in 1996 (in the U.K., Ireland, Israel, and Thailand), a whole lot of Earth went up in smoke with the release of Independence Day. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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.'
On this day in 1997 (in the Netherlands), the original TekWar telefilmed introduced audiences to the harms of Tek. Based on the novel by William Shatner (who also directed the first film), the project starred Greg Evigan, Eugene Clark, and Torri Higginson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After four years, Jake Cardigan is prematurely awoken from his fifteen year cryogenic punishment to a world very different than the one he knew. Much more than before 'Tek', the highly-addictive electronic designer narcotic of the 21st century, seems to be prevalent. His wife has divorced him and disappeared together with their son. He wants them back and he wants justice for those undercover policemen who were murdered by unknown conspirators which led to his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. He links up with his ex-partner Sid Gomez, now also an ex-cop, and they go to work for the mysterious Bascom who owns and runs the giant Cosmos security corporation. Their first job is a seemingly easy missing persons case trying to locate a missing scientist who may have developed a crystal to destroy Tek chips. The more the two men investigate the more the dark and powerful forces of the hidden Tek lords are sent to thwart them. What is the connection between this case and his wrongful imprisonment four years ago? Will he ever be able to trace his lost family through the infinite twists and turns of this new technological age? In a race against time Jake struggles to come to terms with this new world where nothing is as it seems and his place within it."
For the record:
To the telefilm's credit, the original TekWar enjoyed a 1995 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"After four years, Jake Cardigan is prematurely awoken from his fifteen year cryogenic punishment to a world very different than the one he knew. Much more than before 'Tek', the highly-addictive electronic designer narcotic of the 21st century, seems to be prevalent. His wife has divorced him and disappeared together with their son. He wants them back and he wants justice for those undercover policemen who were murdered by unknown conspirators which led to his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. He links up with his ex-partner Sid Gomez, now also an ex-cop, and they go to work for the mysterious Bascom who owns and runs the giant Cosmos security corporation. Their first job is a seemingly easy missing persons case trying to locate a missing scientist who may have developed a crystal to destroy Tek chips. The more the two men investigate the more the dark and powerful forces of the hidden Tek lords are sent to thwart them. What is the connection between this case and his wrongful imprisonment four years ago? Will he ever be able to trace his lost family through the infinite twists and turns of this new technological age? In a race against time Jake struggles to come to terms with this new world where nothing is as it seems and his place within it."
For the record:
To the telefilm's credit, the original TekWar enjoyed a 1995 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), the Vampire Assassin went into the vampire assassinating business with its release on home video. Written by, directed by, and starring Ron Hall, the Horror/Fantasy also starred Mel Novak, Gerald Okamura, and Merry Birchfield. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Martial artist Ron Hall stars in this dark vampire thriller reminiscent of BLADE. Ambitious cop Derek (Hall) is dogged by a phobia that is unfortunate in his line of work. Having witnessed his father's murder as a young child, he is deathly afraid of blood, but when he takes the law into his own hands to catch underworld counterfeiter Gustoff Slovak, he is forced to face his fear. The operation blows up in his face, resulting in a massacre that leaves Derek the only one of his team to survive. Derek reaches the shocking conclusion that Slovak is actually a vampire, and joins forces with the last in a long line of vampire hunters, Master Kao, who agrees to train Derek in his ancient art. However, in order to combat Slovak--whose past intersects with Derek's own in disturbing ways--Derek must become that which he hates the most: a vampire."
"Martial artist Ron Hall stars in this dark vampire thriller reminiscent of BLADE. Ambitious cop Derek (Hall) is dogged by a phobia that is unfortunate in his line of work. Having witnessed his father's murder as a young child, he is deathly afraid of blood, but when he takes the law into his own hands to catch underworld counterfeiter Gustoff Slovak, he is forced to face his fear. The operation blows up in his face, resulting in a massacre that leaves Derek the only one of his team to survive. Derek reaches the shocking conclusion that Slovak is actually a vampire, and joins forces with the last in a long line of vampire hunters, Master Kao, who agrees to train Derek in his ancient art. However, in order to combat Slovak--whose past intersects with Derek's own in disturbing ways--Derek must become that which he hates the most: a vampire."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Monster Ark served up a thriller with a side of religion. Written (in part) and directed by Declan O'Brien, the Fantasy feature starred Renee O'Connor, Amanda Crew, and Tim DeKay; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Archaeologist Nicholas Zavatero and his student find a vase with antique inscription on where Noah's Ark is hidden in the underlying monster called Tama. They decide to go looking, but things get out of control."
"Archaeologist Nicholas Zavatero and his student find a vase with antique inscription on where Noah's Ark is hidden in the underlying monster called Tama. They decide to go looking, but things get out of control."
On this day in 2012 (in Argentina, Denmark, Israel, and a whole host of additional countries), Total Recall dipped back into filmdom's magical waters for an unnecessary remake. This time, Len Wiseman directed this adaptation of the Philip K. Dick story, and it starred Colin Farrell, Bokeem Woodbine, and Bryan Cranston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run."
For the record:
This incarnation of Total Recall enjoyed a bit of attention from Hollywood-themed organizations -- some of it centered around the feature's marketing -- but nothing of great significance.
"A factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run."
For the record:
This incarnation of Total Recall enjoyed a bit of attention from Hollywood-themed organizations -- some of it centered around the feature's marketing -- but nothing of great significance.
On this day in 2013 (in the Netherlands), the 2011-produced Bloodrayne: The Third Reich enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Uwe Boll, the film starred Natassia Malthe, Brendan Fletcher, and Annett Culp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S. and a whole host of countries around the world), Elysium first premiered theatrically. Neither critics nor audiences were impressed. Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, the film 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:
While Elysium did enjoy a modest amount of praise for its technical prowess, perhaps the most telling nomination it received was from the Golden Schmoes where it enjoyed a joint nomination in the categories of 'Best SciFi Movie Of The Year' alongside 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.'
"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:
While Elysium did enjoy a modest amount of praise for its technical prowess, perhaps the most telling nomination it received was from the Golden Schmoes where it enjoyed a joint nomination in the categories of 'Best SciFi Movie Of The Year' alongside 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.'
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), the 1984-produced Trancers played for audiences in attendance of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention held in Chicago, Illinois. Directed by filmdom's Charles Band, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, and Michael Stefani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gruff bounty hunter travels back in time to 1980s Los Angeles to stop a twisted criminal who can transform people into zombie-like creatures."
"A gruff bounty hunter travels back in time to 1980s Los Angeles to stop a twisted criminal who can transform people into zombie-like creatures."
On this day in 2016, the Fantasy/Horror film Dark Waves found a wider release after some festival circuit acclaim. Directed by Domiziano Cristopharo, the film starred Giovanni Andriuoli, Nancy de Lucia, and Angelo Campus. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Strange events in the open sea haunt two young lovers in this supernatural fantasy. When the couple finds rare gold, they unlock a dark adventure filled with zombie pirates out for vengeance."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, the film did score an incredible amount of positive attention from the film festival circuit, indeed. Check out the citation right here.
"Strange events in the open sea haunt two young lovers in this supernatural fantasy. When the couple finds rare gold, they unlock a dark adventure filled with zombie pirates out for vengeance."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, the film did score an incredible amount of positive attention from the film festival circuit, indeed. Check out the citation right here.
A star is born ... and this one's possessed! On this day in 2009, Exorcism At 60,000 Feet premiered when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Hollywood Horrorfest. Directed by Chad Ferrin from a story by Daniel Benton and Robert Rhine, the Horror/Fantasy starred Robert Miano, Bai Ling, and Lance Henriksen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On the last flight of a transatlantic passenger airliner, a priest, a rabbi and the airline crew team together to save a plane from a pandemic of demonic possessions."
"On the last flight of a transatlantic passenger airliner, a priest, a rabbi and the airline crew team together to save a plane from a pandemic of demonic possessions."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Stained enjoyed a general release via the Internet. Written (in part) and directed by Joston Theney, the Horror/Thriller starred Angelica Bridges, Rachel Reilly, and Michel Wayne Foster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A terrifying, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in Scotland, CA. Scorning the mediocrity of their mundane lives, John and Jane Macbeth carry out a horrific plan to make the American dream a reality."
"A terrifying, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in Scotland, CA. Scorning the mediocrity of their mundane lives, John and Jane Macbeth carry out a horrific plan to make the American dream a reality."
On this day in 2021 (in the United Kingdom), the 1977-produced curiously named Murder To The Tune Of Seven Black Notes (aka The Psychic) enjoyed a dual release on home video and the internet. Written (in part) and directed by Lucio Fulci, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jennifer O'Neill, Gabriele Ferzetti, and Marc Porel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A clairvoyant woman discovers a skeleton in a wall in her husband's house, and seeks to find the truth about what happened to the victim."
"A clairvoyant woman discovers a skeleton in a wall in her husband's house, and seeks to find the truth about what happened to the victim."
A star is born ... and this one might be cursed! On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), Of The Devil came to life with its home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Kelton Jones, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jonathan Stoddard, Daniela Palavecino, and Eileen Dietz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Of The Devil follows a family desperate to find a cure for their young son's brain cancer. When unconventional treatments lead to the child being possessed by an ancient evil, the parents must fight not only for the child's life but his very soul."
"Of The Devil follows a family desperate to find a cure for their young son's brain cancer. When unconventional treatments lead to the child being possessed by an ancient evil, the parents must fight not only for the child's life but his very soul."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Stones Began To Move." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A research scientist working on a top secret government project disappears. When he mysterious returns, he acts as if he has been brainwashed."
"A research scientist working on a top secret government project disappears. When he mysterious returns, he acts as if he has been brainwashed."
On this day in 1983, Astronauts aired the fourth episode of its second season. According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the plot summary:
"Ackroyd is concerned that he is now maintaining some of the systems beyond their level of tolerance — emergency repairs are now the norm. During one of the blackouts Gentian sees a bright object outside her lab window."
"Ackroyd is concerned that he is now maintaining some of the systems beyond their level of tolerance — emergency repairs are now the norm. During one of the blackouts Gentian sees a bright object outside her lab window."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Battlestar Galactica aired "The Hand Of God." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Galactica crew detects that a Cylon Basestar has swung around to attempt to intercept the refugee fleet, Commander Adama decides to attack."
"When the Galactica crew detects that a Cylon Basestar has swung around to attempt to intercept the refugee fleet, Commander Adama decides to attack."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Allegiance." This served as the ninth episode of the long-running program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Tok'ra are forced to evacuate their newly established base under attack from the Goa'uld. They flee to the SGC's Alpha site. Tensions rise between the allied factions, the Free Jaffa, Tau'ri, and Tok'ra. Jacob and Selmac feel the end of the Tok'ra is near and Sam finds a Naquadah generator has been sabotaged to function as a bomb. Jack suspects the recently arrived Tok'ra and attempts to weed out the traitor."
"The Tok'ra are forced to evacuate their newly established base under attack from the Goa'uld. They flee to the SGC's Alpha site. Tensions rise between the allied factions, the Free Jaffa, Tau'ri, and Tok'ra. Jacob and Selmac feel the end of the Tok'ra is near and Sam finds a Naquadah generator has been sabotaged to function as a bomb. Jack suspects the recently arrived Tok'ra and attempts to weed out the traitor."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Spiral Of Encounters." This served as the forty-fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2007, Hyperdrive aired "Dreamgate." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew discovers the Dreamgate, a device that can give its owner the ability to walk in others dreams without their knowledge. Henderson and York get trapped in Vine's dream of owning the pub in the 1990s. Can the crew rescue them?"
"The crew discovers the Dreamgate, a device that can give its owner the ability to walk in others dreams without their knowledge. Henderson and York get trapped in Vine's dream of owning the pub in the 1990s. Can the crew rescue them?"
On this day in 2009, Defying Gravity aired "Threshold." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As instructed, Ted visits Pod 4 and is so disturbed by the experience that he is barely able to function. His wife Eve and one other person are the only ones to have been selected by the pod, as she explains it, and it is trying to communicate with him. He retreats to his room and provides little leadership, particularly when Donner determines there is a problem with the lander and he begins to suspect there is more going on than meets the eye. When Mission Control medical officer Claire Deroux discovers the crew is undergoing genetic changes, Eve reveals their well-kept secret. Having undergone various tests Ajay learns his fate."
"As instructed, Ted visits Pod 4 and is so disturbed by the experience that he is barely able to function. His wife Eve and one other person are the only ones to have been selected by the pod, as she explains it, and it is trying to communicate with him. He retreats to his room and provides little leadership, particularly when Donner determines there is a problem with the lander and he begins to suspect there is more going on than meets the eye. When Mission Control medical officer Claire Deroux discovers the crew is undergoing genetic changes, Eve reveals their well-kept secret. Having undergone various tests Ajay learns his fate."
On this day in 2015, AMC's Humans aired the seventh episode of the program's popular first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Karen goes in search of Niska, Pete tries to uncover the strange truth about his former partner. Laura provides a refuge for the hunted Synths, giving hope that they and humans can peacefully co-exist but Hobb is on their trail."
"When Karen goes in search of Niska, Pete tries to uncover the strange truth about his former partner. Laura provides a refuge for the hunted Synths, giving hope that they and humans can peacefully co-exist but Hobb is on their trail."
On this day in 2015, Falling Skies aired "Everybody Has Their Reasons." This served as the seventh episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The group finds a safe haven in the form of a functional military base run by Weaver's old flame. Meanwhile, plans spin into motion for a final assault on the Espheni, yet it dawns on the 2nd Mass that things aren't exactly as they seem."
"The group finds a safe haven in the form of a functional military base run by Weaver's old flame. Meanwhile, plans spin into motion for a final assault on the Espheni, yet it dawns on the 2nd Mass that things aren't exactly as they seem."
On this day in 2016, Zoo aired "Zero Sum." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson learns his mother is missing in Africa; a hostile force takes over the team's plane; Jamie discovers a shocking secret about Abraham."
"Jackson learns his mother is missing in Africa; a hostile force takes over the team's plane; Jamie discovers a shocking secret about Abraham."
On this day in 2017, Salvation aired "Chip Off The Ol' Block." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"Darius recruits Grace, Harris and Liam for a dangerous mission, and Jillian confronts Liam about his secret."
"Darius recruits Grace, Harris and Liam for a dangerous mission, and Jillian confronts Liam about his secret."
