When it comes to Science Fiction movies, I'm usually no 'fairweather' fan. I tend to embrace almost all of them -- the good, the bad, and the ugly -- trying at the very least to find something of value in each of them. Granted, it gets difficult when searching for that nugget of gold in some of the laziest direct-to-DVD releases, but I still look.
And because I'm such a fan, I'm honestly not opposed to embracing remakes. Or reboots. Or reimaginings. In fact, I approach practically every potential rebranding asking for the same basic requirements: (1) it must not destroy the original; (2) it should in some small way honor the original's intentions; and (3) it should build upon the original's vision in such a way as to make this potential retread not feel like a retread. Some may believe those challenges to be Herculean; I see them instead as respectful.
I'm such a huge fan of the original The Day The Earth Stood Still that I approached the Keanu-Reeves-ified version -- released on this day in 2008 -- with a huge degree of skepticism. I really and truly expected to hate it. But, for all of its posturing, I didn't. As it wore on, I actually enjoyed it quite a bit as a jazzy riff on its predecessor ... all the way up until the last 20 minutes or so, when it seems like somebody threw out the script and produced a really hackneyed, cock-eyed ending that made little sense.
Alas, it is what it is, and I can only hope that sometime somewhere someone will do a remake with as much heart but finer closure.
And because I'm such a fan, I'm honestly not opposed to embracing remakes. Or reboots. Or reimaginings. In fact, I approach practically every potential rebranding asking for the same basic requirements: (1) it must not destroy the original; (2) it should in some small way honor the original's intentions; and (3) it should build upon the original's vision in such a way as to make this potential retread not feel like a retread. Some may believe those challenges to be Herculean; I see them instead as respectful.
I'm such a huge fan of the original The Day The Earth Stood Still that I approached the Keanu-Reeves-ified version -- released on this day in 2008 -- with a huge degree of skepticism. I really and truly expected to hate it. But, for all of its posturing, I didn't. As it wore on, I actually enjoyed it quite a bit as a jazzy riff on its predecessor ... all the way up until the last 20 minutes or so, when it seems like somebody threw out the script and produced a really hackneyed, cock-eyed ending that made little sense.
Alas, it is what it is, and I can only hope that sometime somewhere someone will do a remake with as much heart but finer closure.
Only an actor the caliber of Edward G. Robinson could've shared the screen so powerfully alongside SciFi legend Charlton Heston in 1973's prophetic Soylent Green. In fact, it was the veteran's last motion picture. Though he's no longer with us, Robinson was born on this day in 1893.
Star Trek's infamous episode, "Wolf in the Fold" (the second season episode featuring a space-based Jack the Ripper), is one of those hours I've found that Trek fans either love or they hate. Granted, I think most love it as it gives some much needed screen time to Jimmy Doohan (as Scotty), and kudos to character actor Joseph Bernard for playing a small role in the murder mystery. Though he's no longer with us, Bernard was born on this day in 1923.
Yes, I know that Darth Vader was obviously the real 'heavy' in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, but I don't think anyone wanted to walk up to Grand Moff Tarkin and deliver the bad news, either. That's what Leslie Schofield had to do as one of the Imperial Commanders, and that alone was a tough enough gig to warrant a mention here. Schofield was born on this day in 1938.
As an actor, Michael Keenan has left his imprint on such projects as Lucan, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Earth vs. The Spider (2001). Keenan was born on this day in 1939.
Phyllis Somerville doesn't exactly "traffic" in roles rich in the realm of Science Fiction, but she has appeared on the Americanized version of Life on Mars, Fringe, and Netflix's Daredevil. Somerville was born on this day in 1943.
As a Hollywood producer, the great Paula Wagner has toiled behind the scenes in bringing some of the biggest and most influential films of an era to the box office. She's helmed such projects as several of the Mission:Impossible films and the Steven Spielberg-directed War of the Worlds (2005). Wagner was born on this day in 1946.
Screen veteran Wings Hauser has been in all kinds of properties, including a great guest spot aboard CBS's short-lived Space Rangers back in 1993. Hauser was born on this day in 1947.
In another time, in another place, maybe even in another reality, veteran screen actor Bill Nighy would've PLAYED Doctor Who ... but -- in our frame of existence -- he'll just have to settle for a stellar guest spot on the program, which he did in Matt Smith's inaugural season as the timelord from Gallifrey. Nighy was born on this day in 1949.
According to IMDB.com, Darleen Carr hasn't done much for the screen in quite some time, but I'm thankful we had her experience in a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (at right) when we did. She's also been a part of Man from Atlantis, V, Superman (voicework), and Captain Planet and the Planeteers (voicework). Carr was born on this day in 1950.
Mark my words: God just doesn't make enough women the caliber of Sarah Douglas.
In fact, go back and watch Superman II sometime. Terence Stamp gets all the credit -- granted, his General Zod had far more screen time than the other outlaw Kryptonians -- but I dare you to conclude that Douglas's Ursa wasn't his menacingly chilly equal. And as far as genre entertainment is concerned? She's appeared in The Last Days of Man on Earth, Rollerball, Space:1999, Superman - The Movie, V: The Final Battle, Conan the Destroyer, Solarbabies, Nightfall, Super Force, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time, Babylon 5, Stargate: SG-1, and completed voice work for a series of Doctor Who video games. My friend, THAT is Science Fiction. Douglas was born on this day in 1952.
In fact, go back and watch Superman II sometime. Terence Stamp gets all the credit -- granted, his General Zod had far more screen time than the other outlaw Kryptonians -- but I dare you to conclude that Douglas's Ursa wasn't his menacingly chilly equal. And as far as genre entertainment is concerned? She's appeared in The Last Days of Man on Earth, Rollerball, Space:1999, Superman - The Movie, V: The Final Battle, Conan the Destroyer, Solarbabies, Nightfall, Super Force, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time, Babylon 5, Stargate: SG-1, and completed voice work for a series of Doctor Who video games. My friend, THAT is Science Fiction. Douglas was born on this day in 1952.
Though she hasn't worked all that much as of late (if IMDB.com is any indication), Ana Alicia (above right) has still given us great guest appearances on Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and Galactica 1980 to keep us mesmerized. Alicia was born on this day in 1956.
In her almost four decades in the business, the lovely Holly Gagnier managed to sneak in more than a few roles in terrific genre properties, including work aboard Alligator II: The Mutation (1991), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., SeaQuest 2032, and Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (video game). Gagnier was born on this day in 1958.
No one loves 'fetching companions' more than the Doctor ... well, maybe except for Doctor Who fans! The lovely Sarah Sutton played Nyssa aboard the time traveling program for nearly fifty episodes, and Sutton was born on this day in 1961.
Turbo Kid (2015) is one of those flicks that seems to keep popping up in my daily research, so I'll definitely have to move it a notch higher up in the bucket list. The talented Romano Orzari has a role in the film, and Orzari was born on this day in 1964.
Saints be praised, they broke the mold when the made something as ravishing as Madchen Amick! This Twin Peaks alum has jumped from property to property ever since bursting onto the screen, and thankfully she made time in her schedule for an appearance in Priest (2011) so that we could sing her praises from here. Amick was born on this day in 1970.
Lovely Jennifer Connelly brought a kind of starry-eyed innocence to the role of Helen Benson in the 2008 remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. She was also the only thing really worth watching in 1998's cult-flick Dark City. And need I remind everyone of her portrayal as Jenny in 1991's The Rocketeer? Connelly was born on this day in 1970.
As I say every time CBS's long-running The Big Bang Theory comes up, it is most definitely not a Science Fiction program. But it's such a SciFi-friendly property, I can't help but give it a shout from time to time out of respect. As such, today marks the birthday of the lovely Mayim Bialik who plays Amy Farrah Fowler on the sitcom. Bialik was born on this day in 1975.
HubbaHubba Alert! One of Monica Barladeanu's earliest roles was a guest spot aboard ABC TV's popular and long-running Lost program. Barladeanu was born on this day in 1978.
Gbenga Akinnagbe's star continues to rise. Fans might recognize him from work aboard Fringe, CBS's Limitless, and Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). Akinnagbe was born on this day in 1978.
Early in her acting career, the luscious Tamara Duarte showed up in a guest spot aboard Syfy's Warehouse 13. Duarte was born on this day in 1991.
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in the United Kingdom), 1984 enjoyed its very first airing on television. Directed by Rudolph Cartier from an adaptation of the George Orwell novel, the telefilm starred Peter Cushing, John Baker, and Janet Barrow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a society that has eliminated many imbalances, surplus goods, and even class struggle, there are bound to be deviates; Winston Smith is one of those. He starts, due to his inability to doublethink, with thoughtcrime. This is in a society that believes the thought is as real as the deed. Eventually, he graduates through a series of misdemeanors to illicit sex and even plans to overthrow the very government that took him in as an orphan."
"In a society that has eliminated many imbalances, surplus goods, and even class struggle, there are bound to be deviates; Winston Smith is one of those. He starts, due to his inability to doublethink, with thoughtcrime. This is in a society that believes the thought is as real as the deed. Eventually, he graduates through a series of misdemeanors to illicit sex and even plans to overthrow the very government that took him in as an orphan."
On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), How To Make A Monster showed interested audiences how, in fact, to make a monster. Directed by Herbert L. Strock, the Horror/SciFi starred Robert H. Harris, Paul Brinegar, and Gary Conway. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a master monster make-up artist is sacked by the new bosses of American International studios, he uses his creations to exact revenge."
"When a master monster make-up artist is sacked by the new bosses of American International studios, he uses his creations to exact revenge."
On this day in 1968 (in Italy), 2001: A Space Odyssey set viewers on course toward the great unknown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in England), the good people of London were treated to a full-scale charity premiere of the Fantasy-fueled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Directed by Ken Hughes, the picture starred Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, and Lionel Jeffries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A down-on-his-luck inventor turns a broken-down Grand Prix car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang enjoyed a single Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Music - Original Song.'
"A down-on-his-luck inventor turns a broken-down Grand Prix car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang enjoyed a single Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Music - Original Song.'
A star is born ... and it's alive! It's alive! On this day in 1972 (in Italy), Frankenstein '80 sought to contemporize the manmade monster, even giving him a hat for good measure. Written (in part) and directed by Mario Mancini, the Fantasy/Horror starred John Richardson, Gordon Mitchell, and Renato Romano. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist creates a monster called "Mosaico," who breaks out of the laboratory to hunt down and kill beautiful women."
"A mad scientist creates a monster called "Mosaico," who breaks out of the laboratory to hunt down and kill beautiful women."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in France), Dream One (aka Nemo) delivered a mix of Fantasy and Adventure for audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Arnaud Sélignac, the film starred Seth Kibel, Jason Connery, and Mathilda May. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy imagines being in a tale he's about to hear. In this magical world he encounters many famous characters from other tales, aliens and other beings and, of course, a beautiful princess."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dream One enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A young boy imagines being in a tale he's about to hear. In this magical world he encounters many famous characters from other tales, aliens and other beings and, of course, a beautiful princess."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dream One enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1985 (in Iceland and the Netherlands), Marty McFly went on a journey Back To The Future. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown."
"Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), Enemy Mine enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dennis Quaid, Louis Gossett Jr., and Brion James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During a long space war, the lives of two wounded enemies become dependent on their ability to forgive and to trust."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Enemy Mine enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the film enjoyed a 1986 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"During a long space war, the lives of two wounded enemies become dependent on their ability to forgive and to trust."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Enemy Mine enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the film enjoyed a 1986 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Mars Attacks! Directed by Tim Burton, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jack Nicholson, Lukas Haas, and Natalie Portman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home a single trophy -- 'Best Music' for composer Danny Elfman -- while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the picture scored a solid 1997 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home a single trophy -- 'Best Music' for composer Danny Elfman -- while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the picture scored a solid 1997 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the good people of Burbank, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Postman. Directed by Kevin Costner (who also starred) and adapted from the novel by David Brin, the film also starred Will Patton, Larenz Tate, and Olivia Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A nameless drifter dons a postman's uniform and bag of mail as he begins a quest to inspire hope to the survivors living in post-apocalyptic America."
For the record:
While some thought The Postman was little more than Costner's achieving his lifelong dream of leaving it all behind to deliver mail, others celebrated the film for what it truly was. At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the project enjoyed three nominations: 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, it didn't go home with any trophy ... but it took home an incredible five statues from the 1998 Razzie Awards in such categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"A nameless drifter dons a postman's uniform and bag of mail as he begins a quest to inspire hope to the survivors living in post-apocalyptic America."
For the record:
While some thought The Postman was little more than Costner's achieving his lifelong dream of leaving it all behind to deliver mail, others celebrated the film for what it truly was. At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the project enjoyed three nominations: 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, it didn't go home with any trophy ... but it took home an incredible five statues from the 1998 Razzie Awards in such categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 1998 (in Japan), Bruce Willis sacrificed himself on behalf of humanity aboard Michael Bay's Armageddon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas is going to impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet."
"After discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas is going to impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet."
On this day in 2001 (in Argentina), Code Name Phoenix enjoyed its debut in the home video market. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Hong Kong martial artist joins forces with a U.S. marshal in 2020 to stop the release of a virus that halts the aging process."
"A Hong Kong martial artist joins forces with a U.S. marshal in 2020 to stop the release of a virus that halts the aging process."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in Brazil), Acquaria brought the struggle of man's survival to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Flavia Moraes, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sandy, Junior Lima, and Emílio Orciollo Netto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After constant attacks on nature, the planet's water is practically depleted and the young Sarah and Kim try to find a way to obtain this precious and indispensable asset for the survival of humanity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Acquaria enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After constant attacks on nature, the planet's water is practically depleted and the young Sarah and Kim try to find a way to obtain this precious and indispensable asset for the survival of humanity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Acquaria enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2007 (in Australia), Anonymous Rex roared onto the screen. Directed by Julian Jarrold, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sam Trammell, Daniel Baldwin, and Stephanie Lemelin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The dinosaurs didn't go completely extinct when the asteroids hit 65 million years ago. Today, every ten thousandth person in the country is a dinosaur, evolved to be human-sized, wearing sophisticated solid-light holographic disguises to maintain the facade, getting stoned off regular cooking herbs like basil, rosemary and tarragon, and living by their own shadow government's laws; any human who stumbles upon them is to be immediately executed. Two dino private investigators, velociraptor Vincent Rubio and triceratops Ernie Watson, are hired by one of Ernie's old girlfriends to find out why her younger brother committed suicide, and discover a dino cult called Voice Of Progress that wants dinokind to come out of the closet and reclaim the planet."
"The dinosaurs didn't go completely extinct when the asteroids hit 65 million years ago. Today, every ten thousandth person in the country is a dinosaur, evolved to be human-sized, wearing sophisticated solid-light holographic disguises to maintain the facade, getting stoned off regular cooking herbs like basil, rosemary and tarragon, and living by their own shadow government's laws; any human who stumbles upon them is to be immediately executed. Two dino private investigators, velociraptor Vincent Rubio and triceratops Ernie Watson, are hired by one of Ernie's old girlfriends to find out why her younger brother committed suicide, and discover a dino cult called Voice Of Progress that wants dinokind to come out of the closet and reclaim the planet."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Annihilation Earth took yet another SciFi swipe at the Big Blue Marble. Directed by Nick Lyon, the feature starred Luke Goss, Marina Sirtis, and Colin Salmon. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two scientists must save the planet when terrorists destroy a supercollider."
"Two scientists must save the planet when terrorists destroy a supercollider."
On this day in 2012 (in Belgium), the 1954-produced Target Earth enjoyed its release on DVD home video. Directed by Sherman A. Rose, the SciFi feature starred Richard Denning, Kathleen Crowley, and Virginia Grey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Giant robots from Venus invade Chicago. Stranded in the deserted city are strangers Frank and Nora."
"Giant robots from Venus invade Chicago. Stranded in the deserted city are strangers Frank and Nora."
On this day in 2014, Bill The Galactic Hero enjoyed its US premiere, playing exclusively in the great city of Boulder, Colorado. The feature starred James Miller and Devon Wycoff, and here's the premise from a search of Google.com:
"In the far reaches of the galaxy, humans wage war against an alien reptilian species."
"In the far reaches of the galaxy, humans wage war against an alien reptilian species."
On this day in 2019 (in Serbia), A.I. Rising (aka Ederlezi Rising) enjoyed a release in theaters. Directed by Lazar Rodroza, the feature starred Sebastian Cavazza and Marusa Majer, and here's the premise that's provided on IMDB.com:
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
On this day in 2019 (in Brazil), After Darkness shone a bit of light for audiences. Directed by Batan Silva, the SciFi/Drama starred Kyra Sedgwick, Natalia Dyer, and Tim Daly. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the sun burns out, an American family gathers at the end of the world, their hopes for rescue slowly crumbling as they also confront long lasting divides amongst each other."
"As the sun burns out, an American family gathers at the end of the world, their hopes for rescue slowly crumbling as they also confront long lasting divides amongst each other."
On this day in 1951, TV's Tales of Tomorrow aired "The Invader." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A research team led by Dr. Burroughs witnesses a UFO crash into the sea. Burroughs' son Roy makes a dive on the ship, but when he surfaces, his father begins to realize that Roy is not himself."
"A research team led by Dr. Burroughs witnesses a UFO crash into the sea. Burroughs' son Roy makes a dive on the ship, but when he surfaces, his father begins to realize that Roy is not himself."
On this day in 1952, Adventures of Superman aired "The Stolen Costume." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A criminal breaks into Clark Kent's apartment, finds a hidden closet and steals Clark's Superman costume. The criminal is fatally wounded but not before he takes the costume to hood Ace and his girlfriend Connie. Clark is desperate to find the missing costume."
"A criminal breaks into Clark Kent's apartment, finds a hidden closet and steals Clark's Superman costume. The criminal is fatally wounded but not before he takes the costume to hood Ace and his girlfriend Connie. Clark is desperate to find the missing costume."
Also on this day in 1952, TV's Tales of Tomorrow aired "The Fatal Flower." This cautionary tale served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A botanist breeding a monstrous carnivorous plant spars with his assistant, in the isolation and oppressive heat of their research compound in a remote sector of the Amazon. Dr. Alden's gleeful obsession with his hybrid plant buoys him along, until his aide Merriman's boredom inspires a means to play on the older man's weak heart and narrow mind."
"A botanist breeding a monstrous carnivorous plant spars with his assistant, in the isolation and oppressive heat of their research compound in a remote sector of the Amazon. Dr. Alden's gleeful obsession with his hybrid plant buoys him along, until his aide Merriman's boredom inspires a means to play on the older man's weak heart and narrow mind."
On this day in 1953, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Machine That Could Plot Crimes." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist develops an advanced computer he dubs "Mr. Kelso." A criminal gains the confidence of the scientist and access to Mr. Kelso. The result: a series of perfectly timed bank robberies. Mr. Kelso is even able to come up with a strategy to defuse the threat from Superman. The computer suggests a bluff: sending a message to the Daily Planet saying Superman's secret identity will be exposed if he attempts to stop the criminals."
"A scientist develops an advanced computer he dubs "Mr. Kelso." A criminal gains the confidence of the scientist and access to Mr. Kelso. The result: a series of perfectly timed bank robberies. Mr. Kelso is even able to come up with a strategy to defuse the threat from Superman. The computer suggests a bluff: sending a message to the Daily Planet saying Superman's secret identity will be exposed if he attempts to stop the criminals."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Robot's Escape." Officially, this served as the fiftieth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Commander Corry continues his fight to protect the United Planets from falling under the clutches of Letha, an alien woman from deep in the Outer Galaxy. Letha, with her human-like robot and a weapon called the Retardo-ray, seeks to destroy the security of the solar system."
"Commander Corry continues his fight to protect the United Planets from falling under the clutches of Letha, an alien woman from deep in the Outer Galaxy. Letha, with her human-like robot and a weapon called the Retardo-ray, seeks to destroy the security of the solar system."
On this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), The Invisible Man aired "Shadow Bomb." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The invisible man is called in after a malfunction with a light sensitive bomb. Brady must somehow disarm the weapon before approaching darkness makes detonation inevitable."
"The invisible man is called in after a malfunction with a light sensitive bomb. Brady must somehow disarm the weapon before approaching darkness makes detonation inevitable."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who aired "End of Tomorrow." This served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"While Susan and David try to find a way out of London, Ian and Larry infiltrate the Dalek mine workings."
"While Susan and David try to find a way out of London, Ian and Larry infiltrate the Dalek mine workings."
On this day in 1965, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired the rather ominously titled "The Machines Strike Back." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Admiral Nelson is under pressure when a drone sub system he pioneered malfunctions and fires three missiles at New York City. The race is on to establish what went wrong and how to stop it happening again."
"Admiral Nelson is under pressure when a drone sub system he pioneered malfunctions and fires three missiles at New York City. The race is on to establish what went wrong and how to stop it happening again."
On this day in 1966, The Space Giants aired "Battle Of The Behemoths." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.TV:
"Arriving on the scene, Goldar finds the boys trapped in Noronda’s giant hand. He forces the monster to drop Mikko and Gam, and fights the creature as Rodak infuses it with more power from his spaceship. Transportation in the city stops as Noronda freezes all mechanical parts. Meanwhile, Rodak causes all laws of nature to act in reverse… rivers run backwards, the Earth begins to split into sections and plate glass begins to shatter on its own. Rodak’s new Titalia bacteria spread, covering its victims with a brown mold. One of the scientists suggests that a certain chemical will counteract the bacteria. Gam is called to disperse the chemical into the air. An x-ray photo is taken of Noronda’s heart. Mathusam tells Goldar that the heart of the creature is located just below the rib cage. When Noronda breaks up, Goldar must catch and destroy the heart, making it impossible for Noronda to reform. "
For the record:
Trakt.tv notes that this episode aired on December 11, 1966, but as I do tend to favor IMDB.com air dates (until I can definitely prove them inaccurate, I'll stick with this date for the time being.
"Arriving on the scene, Goldar finds the boys trapped in Noronda’s giant hand. He forces the monster to drop Mikko and Gam, and fights the creature as Rodak infuses it with more power from his spaceship. Transportation in the city stops as Noronda freezes all mechanical parts. Meanwhile, Rodak causes all laws of nature to act in reverse… rivers run backwards, the Earth begins to split into sections and plate glass begins to shatter on its own. Rodak’s new Titalia bacteria spread, covering its victims with a brown mold. One of the scientists suggests that a certain chemical will counteract the bacteria. Gam is called to disperse the chemical into the air. An x-ray photo is taken of Noronda’s heart. Mathusam tells Goldar that the heart of the creature is located just below the rib cage. When Noronda breaks up, Goldar must catch and destroy the heart, making it impossible for Noronda to reform. "
For the record:
Trakt.tv notes that this episode aired on December 11, 1966, but as I do tend to favor IMDB.com air dates (until I can definitely prove them inaccurate, I'll stick with this date for the time being.
On this day in 1976, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "A Bionic Christmas Carol." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an accident at a NASA contractor, Steve uses his bionic abilities to convince the gruff, penny-pinching head of the company to change his callous ways."
"After an accident at a NASA contractor, Steve uses his bionic abilities to convince the gruff, penny-pinching head of the company to change his callous ways."
On this day in 1981 (in the Netherlands), Battlestar Galactica aired "Take The Celestra." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a celebration honoring Commander Kronus, Starbuck recognizes an old flame of his, Aurora and breaks off a date with Cassiopeia to follow his lost love to the Celestra. On their arrival, Starbuck and Apollo find themselves in the midst of a mutiny."
"During a celebration honoring Commander Kronus, Starbuck recognizes an old flame of his, Aurora and breaks off a date with Cassiopeia to follow his lost love to the Celestra. On their arrival, Starbuck and Apollo find themselves in the midst of a mutiny."
On this day in 1982, Voyagers aired "An Arrow Pointing East." This served as the tenth episode to the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In old England, Phineas and Jeffery save both Robin and Maid Marian and help Lindbergh get ready for his flight to Paris in 1927."
"In old England, Phineas and Jeffery save both Robin and Maid Marian and help Lindbergh get ready for his flight to Paris in 1927."
On this day in 1986, Starman aired "The Gift." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Forrester gets a letter supposedly from Forrester's mother inviting him to come home for Christmas. When he arrives she claims that she didn't send him a letter. And it seems that Forrester was not exactly a good son and neither his mom nor the rest of the town like him. But he and Scott try to make it a good Christmas for her because she's dying."
"Forrester gets a letter supposedly from Forrester's mother inviting him to come home for Christmas. When he arrives she claims that she didn't send him a letter. And it seems that Forrester was not exactly a good son and neither his mom nor the rest of the town like him. But he and Scott try to make it a good Christmas for her because she's dying."
On this day in 1988 (in West Germany), Misfits Of Science aired "The Avenging Angel." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lovable loser Mort believes he can wrestle when Gloria helps him save an elderly couple from being attacked. Unfortunately, it's a Mob-controlled protection racket, making things dangerous for Mort and Gloria."
"Lovable loser Mort believes he can wrestle when Gloria helps him save an elderly couple from being attacked. Unfortunately, it's a Mob-controlled protection racket, making things dangerous for Mort and Gloria."
"Chains of Command" is honestly one of those episodes where the enduring popularity honestly confuses me. (Part 1 of this two-parter first aired in Star Trek: The Next Generation's syndication run on this day back in 1992.) Don't get me wrong: I think it features some powerhouse performances by Patrick Stewart, David Warner, and Ronny Cox; but, otherwise, I just never saw it as a highwater mark in all of Trekdom that most Trek fans do.
On this day in 1993, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Honeymoon in Metropolis." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lois Lane takes a vacation and happens to spy a congressman possibly making a dirty deal involving a top secret government project. Back at the Daily Planet, Perry White decides to send his two best reporters to keep spying. The catch, however, is that Lois and Clark has to pretend to be a newly married couple during their stay at the luxurious hotel. While on the story, they experience what it is like to live with someone else."
"Lois Lane takes a vacation and happens to spy a congressman possibly making a dirty deal involving a top secret government project. Back at the Daily Planet, Perry White decides to send his two best reporters to keep spying. The catch, however, is that Lois and Clark has to pretend to be a newly married couple during their stay at the luxurious hotel. While on the story, they experience what it is like to live with someone else."
On this day in 2002, the Steven Spielberg-produced miniseres, Taken, aired its ninth episode. This one was called "John," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With Mary Crawford now aboard the disabled alien vessel, the military start to move in. She sees her grandfather and has a conversation with him while an army Lieutenant gets to talk with his late mother. In order to save herself and those she cares about, Allie uses her powers in a very special way. On the road again, Lisa, Charlie and Allie have to keep a low profile as their photos are constantly on the news. Lisa meets a relative she has never met before and Allie has to use her powers to save him."
"With Mary Crawford now aboard the disabled alien vessel, the military start to move in. She sees her grandfather and has a conversation with him while an army Lieutenant gets to talk with his late mother. In order to save herself and those she cares about, Allie uses her powers in a very special way. On the road again, Lisa, Charlie and Allie have to keep a low profile as their photos are constantly on the news. Lisa meets a relative she has never met before and Allie has to use her powers to save him."
On this day in 2008, Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Warriors." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"When an old friend of Will's goes missing his wife contacts him for help. With the help of Helen and Ashley, Will finds that his friend has been taken and forced to fight underground. But as they continue to search, things start to become quite familiar to Helen."
"When an old friend of Will's goes missing his wife contacts him for help. With the help of Helen and Ashley, Will finds that his friend has been taken and forced to fight underground. But as they continue to search, things start to become quite familiar to Helen."
On this day in 2009 (in Germany), Firefly aired "Objects In Space." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Serenity encounters a ruthlessly professional bounty hunter, Jubal Early, who will stop at nothing to retrieve River. But River, feeling unwelcome on the ship, takes a novel approach to escaping from the Alliance."
"Serenity encounters a ruthlessly professional bounty hunter, Jubal Early, who will stop at nothing to retrieve River. But River, feeling unwelcome on the ship, takes a novel approach to escaping from the Alliance."
On this day in 2011, Terra Nova aired "Within." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lucas races to assemble the final pieces of his mystery device, in advance of the 11th Pilgrimage's arrival. Also, Jim and Taylor confront the colony's "Sixer" mole, Skye is reunited with a familiar face and Terra Nova prepares for war."
"Lucas races to assemble the final pieces of his mystery device, in advance of the 11th Pilgrimage's arrival. Also, Jim and Taylor confront the colony's "Sixer" mole, Skye is reunited with a familiar face and Terra Nova prepares for war."
On this day in 1954, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Cloth Of Death." According to our friends on The Shadow Wiki, it looks like the details surrounding this tale have sadly been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
