Critical darling director David Lynch took a swing at SciFi in a big way on this day back in 1984 with his theatrical adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal Dune. (Trivia: at one point, Lynch was actually under consideration to handle directing Return of the Jedi, I believe it was; I wonder how he would've handled that whole Luke/Leia brother/sister fiasco, eh?) Audiences weren't all that thrilled with it -- I only recall not truly understanding what all the fuss was about -- but it deservedly remains a bit of a cult classic for those of us who reach for the stars.
The very last professional work of record -- if IMDB.com is to be trusted -- for the late Margaret John was her work as 'Old Nan' aboard HBO's adaptation of George Martin's Game Of Thrones for the pay cable service. The actress also paid visits to the worlds of Doctor Who, Doomwatch, Blake's 7, Shadows, The Boy Merlin, and Being Human. Though she's no longer with us, John was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, hubba hubba, indeed! At one point in her career, the lovely Abbe Lane was deemed "too sexy" to appear on broadcast television, and network executives for NBC were actually instructed to insure she'd be properly covered up before appearing in front of the studio audience. As an actress, she did what she could to calm down disturbed passenger John Lithgow aboard the big screen adaptation of Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983). IMDB.com reports that she also made an appearance in the 1980's incarnation of Amazing Stories for good measure. Lane was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Lee Remick definitely had cause for concern in her role as the adoptive mother for a young boy who might grow up to spell mankind's doom in The Omen (1976). As for other genre appearances? Her resume is a bit slim, but she did squeeze in work in such properties as The Satan Bug (1965), The Medusa Touch (1978), and Faerie Tale Theatre. Though she's no longer with us, Remick was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Toward the end of his professional career, the gifted Lewis Arquette put in a guest role aboard the fondly-remembered Babylon 5. He was also fortunate to secure spots aboard The Incredible Hulk, Challenge of the GoBots (animated), Down To Earth, ALF, Akira (animated), Quantum Leap, Syngenor (1990), SeaQuest 2032, and Captain Planet and the Planeteers (animated). Though he's no longer with us, Arquette was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A terror-stricken (but still luminous) Janette Scott found herself backed into a corner against those dastardly creatures in The Day of the Triffids (1963). Scott was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
This entry will likely be one of those "don't know the face" opportunities, but you may know the voice: actor Eric Server (abobe left) brought to life the robotic 'Dr. Theopolis' on the 80's SciFi series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The man also booked appearances on such programs as Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Automan, Starman, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Server was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamy Dee Wallace properly personified the 'hot mom' phenomenon of the early 80's when she appeared as Elliott's ol' lady, Mary, in Steven Spielberg's seminal E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. Hubba-hubba! So far as this guy's concerned, she's still hot today. Wallace was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Wallace played the lead -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Wallace played the lead -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The lovely Vicki Michelle signed aboard "The Taybor" for an uncredited appearance in the cult hit, Space:1999. Much more recently, she appeared in C.O.O.L.I.O. Time Travel Gangster (2014), a SciFi/Thriller pairing up time travel with crime. Michelle was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Vijay Amritraj enjoyed a small role as a somewhat doomed Starfleet captain aboard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). Amritraj was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented James Horan signed aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation for two separate roles. Besides having a massively impressive resume in voice acting, the man has also appeared aboard Highlander, Scanner Cop (1994), Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Enterprise, and -- more recently -- The Orville. Horan was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Debbie Lee Carrington filled up some big shoes alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall. As far as Science Fiction goes, she's also performed (sometimes under heavy make-up or costumes) in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Earthlings, The Ewok Adventure, Amazing Stories, Invaders from Mars, Howard the Duck, Captain EO, Spaced Invaders, and Men In Black. Though she's no longer with us, Carrington was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Don Franklin first caught fandom's attention as part of the cast for NBC's SeaQuest DSV, and then he stepped it up further by playing a regular as part of the UPN's cult time-travel series Seven Days. Franklin was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rebecca Gibney proved she could monkey up the universe along with the big boys in a guest spot aboard Syfy's fantastic Farscape. Gibney was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ted Raimi has impacted genre entertainment from both in-front-of and behind the camera. He's best remembered for his appearances on Xena: Warrior Princess, but he truly made his first big splash as part of the ensemble that was SeaQuest DSV. Raimi was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Comely Natascha McElhone has a terrific record as an actress, but her adventures in Science Fiction and Fantasy are, alas, far too few: in 2002, she appeared alongside political activist George Clooney in a remake of Solaris. McElhone was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers' citation: the affable Archie Kao found small screen success early in the business as part of Power Rangers Lost Galaxy as well as guest appearances across a few other of the Rangers' properties. Kao was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hyperdrive is a SciFi/Comedy I've stumbled across from time to time yet can't find much information about online. In any event, Miranda Hart played 'Teal' aboard the program alongside Nick Frost. Hart was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Sophie Monk explored the possibility of having a little more meat in her diet with a role aboard Blood Feast (2016) from Gundo Entertainment. Monk was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Christine Horne (above left) put in an appearance on Syfy's signature Dark Matter. She's also been a part of The Dresden Files, Cybergeddon, Survival Code (2013), Lost Girl, and Killjoys. Horne was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Vanessa Hudgens' earliest screen roles was aboard the stunningly awful Thunderbirds (2004), a heavily flawed family comedy that attempted to reboot Gerry Anderson's beloved franchise with live actors. (It failed.) Still, Hudgens' star continues to rise, and -- for that -- we're thankful. She's also been a part of Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch (2011) and NBC's superhero comedy Powerless. Hudgens was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers' citation: the talented Ryan Carter chewed scenery alongside the cast of Power Rangers Dino Charge. Carter was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1958 (in the United Kingdom), The Lost Missile landed in theaters and went ka-boom in a cinematic way. Directed by Lester W. Berke (with some uncredited work from William Berke), the feature starred Robert Loggia, Ellen Parker, and Phillip Pine. Here's the premise listed on IMDB.com:
"A strange missile from outer space circles the Earth at low altitudes, destroying everything in its path."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, the project's original director -- William Berke -- passed from a heart attack on the first day of shooting. After this event, Berke's son took over control of the project.
"A strange missile from outer space circles the Earth at low altitudes, destroying everything in its path."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, the project's original director -- William Berke -- passed from a heart attack on the first day of shooting. After this event, Berke's son took over control of the project.
Well, I'll bet this reception was interesting! On this day in 1959 (in Sweden), the 1958-produced I Married A Monster From Outer Space enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Gene Fowler Jr., the feature starred Tom Tryon, Peter Baldwin, and Gloria Talbott; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Aliens arrive on Earth to possess the bodies of humans. One of their first victims is a young man, whose new wife soon realizes something is wrong with him."
"Aliens arrive on Earth to possess the bodies of humans. One of their first victims is a young man, whose new wife soon realizes something is wrong with him."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), the 1960-produced Beyond The Time Barrier enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, the feature starred Robert Clarke, Arianne Ulmer, and Darlene Tompkins; and here's the plot summary as provided by the reliable IMDB.com:
"In 1960, a military test pilot is caught in a time warp that propels him to year 2024 where he finds a plague has sterilized the world's population."
For the record:
Technically, this is not Beyond The Time Barrier's first release date. However, I've been unable to locate the precise first airing, so I'm using this date until further clarification can be established.
"In 1960, a military test pilot is caught in a time warp that propels him to year 2024 where he finds a plague has sterilized the world's population."
For the record:
Technically, this is not Beyond The Time Barrier's first release date. However, I've been unable to locate the precise first airing, so I'm using this date until further clarification can be established.
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), the 1958-produced Night Of The Blood Beast enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, the feature starred Michael Emmet, John Baer, and Angela Greene; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut is killed on reentry to Earth, but his body is seeded with rapidly gestating aliens."
For the record:
Technically, this is not Night Of The Blood Beast's first release date. However, I've been unable to locate the precise first airing, so I'm using this date until further clarification can be established.
"An astronaut is killed on reentry to Earth, but his body is seeded with rapidly gestating aliens."
For the record:
Technically, this is not Night Of The Blood Beast's first release date. However, I've been unable to locate the precise first airing, so I'm using this date until further clarification can be established.
On this day in 1984, the theatrical adaptation of George Orwell's seminal piece of literature -- itself titled 1984 -- launched into U.S. movie houses with a limited release schedule. (For those curious, it did open into a wider release schedule in the U.S. during 1985.) Directed by Michael Radford (who also adapted the Orwell novel), the film starred John Hurt, Richard Burton, and Suzanna Hamilton. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"George Orwell's novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 1984 enjoyed a good amount of attention and praise from the film festival circuit.
"George Orwell's novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 1984 enjoyed a good amount of attention and praise from the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in Australia), Lorca And The Outlaws (aka Starship) soared onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Roger Christian, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Tarrant, Donogh Rees, and Deep Roy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Things are not going well on the mining planet Ordessa: the conditions are awful, the workers are disgruntled and the management is cracking down by using killer security robots. Only the underground resistence movement, led by Lorca, has a chance of turning around the brutal regime, but the management has hired Danny the bounty hunter to track him and his followers down. Will any of them stand a chance against the brutal hunter and his robot assistants?"
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Lorca And The Outlaws enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
"Things are not going well on the mining planet Ordessa: the conditions are awful, the workers are disgruntled and the management is cracking down by using killer security robots. Only the underground resistence movement, led by Lorca, has a chance of turning around the brutal regime, but the management has hired Danny the bounty hunter to track him and his followers down. Will any of them stand a chance against the brutal hunter and his robot assistants?"
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Lorca And The Outlaws enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Runaway explored mankind's fears of too much technology. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, the film starred Tom Selleck, Gene Simmons, and Cynthia Rhodes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, a police officer specializes in malfunctioning robots. When a robot turns out to have been programmed to kill, he begins to uncover a homicidal plot to create killer robots... and his son becomes a target."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actress Kirstie Alley enjoyed a 1985 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
"In the near future, a police officer specializes in malfunctioning robots. When a robot turns out to have been programmed to kill, he begins to uncover a homicidal plot to create killer robots... and his son becomes a target."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actress Kirstie Alley enjoyed a 1985 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
A star is born! On this day back in 1984, John Carpenter's Starman found its way into theatres just in time for the holiday season. Directed by John Carpenter, the film starred Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, and Charles Martin Smith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien takes the form of a young widow's husband and makes her drive him across the country. The government tries to stop them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jeff Bridges enjoyed a 1985 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actor In A Leading Role.' At the 1985 Saturn Award ceremony (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Jeff Bridges took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actor' while the film missed out on wins in the categories of 'Best Actress' (Karen Allen) and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"An alien takes the form of a young widow's husband and makes her drive him across the country. The government tries to stop them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jeff Bridges enjoyed a 1985 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actor In A Leading Role.' At the 1985 Saturn Award ceremony (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Jeff Bridges took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actor' while the film missed out on wins in the categories of 'Best Actress' (Karen Allen) and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1984 (in Ireland), The Last Starfighter soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Nick Castle, the film starred Lance Guest, Robert Preston, and Catherine Mary Stewart. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the United Kingdom), Captain America enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by genre's Albert Pyun, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Matt Salinger, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Frozen in the ice for decades, Captain America is freed to battle against arch-criminal, The Red Skull."
"Frozen in the ice for decades, Captain America is freed to battle against arch-criminal, The Red Skull."
On this day in 1990 (in Finland), Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall enjoyed its theatrical release. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, and Sharon Stone, the SciFi flick was based on a tale by Philip K. Dick, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Germany), Die Sturzflieger soared into its cinematic existence. Directed by Peter F. Bringmann from a story by Matthias Seelig, the SciFi/Comedy starred Götz George, Ingo Naujoks, and Anja Kling. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wanna-be rebellic space pilot and his old and clumsy cyborg get each other in trouble."
"A wanna-be rebellic space pilot and his old and clumsy cyborg get each other in trouble."
On this day in 2001 (in Brazil), the Fantasy-themed telefilm She Creature (aka Mermaid Chronicles Part 1) enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, the feature starred Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino, and Jim Piddock. Here's the premise as referenced on IMDB.com:
"In Ireland, two carnies abduct a mermaid and decide to take her to America. In their sea route, the seductive and mysterious creature reveals an uncontrollable darker side."
For the record:
To the film's credit, She Creature scored a 2002 Saturn Awards nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.' In 2003, the film also scored two nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX' (for Stan Winston Studios) and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-to-Video Film.'
"In Ireland, two carnies abduct a mermaid and decide to take her to America. In their sea route, the seductive and mysterious creature reveals an uncontrollable darker side."
For the record:
To the film's credit, She Creature scored a 2002 Saturn Awards nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.' In 2003, the film also scored two nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX' (for Stan Winston Studios) and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-to-Video Film.'
On this day in 2007 (in Canada, India, Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S.), I Am Legend put yet another take of the Richard Matheson novel back at the box office. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film starred Will Smith, Alice Braga, and Charlie Tahan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), I Am Legend enjoyed a wee bit of attention. Actor Will Smith took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actor,' but the flick had to settle for the honor alone of being a nominee in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), I Am Legend enjoyed a wee bit of attention. Actor Will Smith took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actor,' but the flick had to settle for the honor alone of being a nominee in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Dark Metropolis made its way into our artistic consciousness with a premiere on home video. Written and directed by Stewart St. John, the film starred Bailey Chase, Eric Scott Woods, and Virginia Agcayab. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mankind has lost a 300-year war against a genetically enhanced race that man created, abused and finally tortured. Now the descendants of that race - known as the 'Ghen' - control the planet Earth from advanced underground cities. An entire new universe has risen inside the remnants of our world known as Hollow Earth. Humans now work the surface in factories as slaves in the New World Order with pockets of resistance carrying on the fight. As rising Ghen Politician Crecilius Pryme takes power he urges his people to annihilate the remaining human population unleashing a shocking secret that will change the world forever."
"Mankind has lost a 300-year war against a genetically enhanced race that man created, abused and finally tortured. Now the descendants of that race - known as the 'Ghen' - control the planet Earth from advanced underground cities. An entire new universe has risen inside the remnants of our world known as Hollow Earth. Humans now work the surface in factories as slaves in the New World Order with pockets of resistance carrying on the fight. As rising Ghen Politician Crecilius Pryme takes power he urges his people to annihilate the remaining human population unleashing a shocking secret that will change the world forever."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (with a very rare limited theatrical release in Los Angeles, California), B4 came to life. Written and directed by Matthew Stedman, the feature starred Phillip Daniel, Joanne Spracklen, and Sean Durrie. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three friends find themselves trapped in an underground parking garage. They soon discover it is no ordinary parking garage with doorways leading into the past and future and floors that repeat themselves for eternity. As their perception of time and space crumbles around them, they must struggle to keep their sanity, if not their lives - because not even death is an escape..."
"Three friends find themselves trapped in an underground parking garage. They soon discover it is no ordinary parking garage with doorways leading into the past and future and floors that repeat themselves for eternity. As their perception of time and space crumbles around them, they must struggle to keep their sanity, if not their lives - because not even death is an escape..."
On this day in 2013 (in Norway), The Colony didn't exactly turn up the heat (snicker snicker) with its home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Renfroe, the SciFi/Drama starred Kevin Zegers, Laurence Fishburne, and Bill Paxton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
A star is born ... or is that a 'Star Wars' was born?! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen return of a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens premiered. Written (in part) and directed by J.J. Abrams, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, and Harrison Ford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace."
"As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), two of the big screen's biggest stars joined forces in a SciFi/Fantasy that kinda/sorta fizzled when the good people of Westwood, California were treated to the debut of Passengers. Directed by Morten Tyldum from a story by Jon Spaihts, the feature film starred Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, and Jennifer Lawrence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A malfunction in a sleeping pod on a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet wakes one passenger 90 years early."
"A malfunction in a sleeping pod on a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet wakes one passenger 90 years early."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Beyond White Space turned out the colors in and beyond Outer Space. Directed by Ken Locsmandi, the SciFi feature starred Holt McCallany, Dave Sheridan, and Zulay Henao. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"2156 A.D. The Essex, a deep space fishing vessel for industry giant, AmberCorp, is ready to make its final harvest of the season. The ship brushes with a rare creature, mammoth in size and highly territorial. Could this be the same leviathan that killed Richard and Owen's father? To make matters worse, a vicious band of scavengers intercept the transmission and infiltrate the Essex, leaving them with nothing. With no cargo and few supplies, the captain makes a daring decision, they will venture into uncharted territory, playing for keeps, to capture the creature for a large black market take."
"2156 A.D. The Essex, a deep space fishing vessel for industry giant, AmberCorp, is ready to make its final harvest of the season. The ship brushes with a rare creature, mammoth in size and highly territorial. Could this be the same leviathan that killed Richard and Owen's father? To make matters worse, a vicious band of scavengers intercept the transmission and infiltrate the Essex, leaving them with nothing. With no cargo and few supplies, the captain makes a daring decision, they will venture into uncharted territory, playing for keeps, to capture the creature for a large black market take."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Galaxy Lords delivered adventure and comedy in a SciFi package. Written (in part) and directed by Von Bilka, the feature starred Dan Underhill (also credited as screenwriter) and Zachary Hart Baker, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mere decade after the Heptigalaxial Cosmic Eternity War, the Kingdom of the Seven Galaxies is once again on the precipice of oblivion. The evil prince ADORASTIUS has escaped his icy incarceration and threatens the universe with the most fantastical yet calamitous power imaginable. The multiverse cries out in peril, and the beleaguered hero GALACTIC COMMANDER HELIOS must forge a crew of old friends and new allies to defend the sanctity of the cosmos. Still tormented by the shadows of the past, he must once again breathe the air that smells of interstellar combat. From the tranquil glades of KELVADOR to the perilous crags of GRINDLEBAR, the fate of the history of all existence rests upon the shoulders of the GALAXY LORDS."
"A mere decade after the Heptigalaxial Cosmic Eternity War, the Kingdom of the Seven Galaxies is once again on the precipice of oblivion. The evil prince ADORASTIUS has escaped his icy incarceration and threatens the universe with the most fantastical yet calamitous power imaginable. The multiverse cries out in peril, and the beleaguered hero GALACTIC COMMANDER HELIOS must forge a crew of old friends and new allies to defend the sanctity of the cosmos. Still tormented by the shadows of the past, he must once again breathe the air that smells of interstellar combat. From the tranquil glades of KELVADOR to the perilous crags of GRINDLEBAR, the fate of the history of all existence rests upon the shoulders of the GALAXY LORDS."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Sun Gold." Officially, this served as the thirty-second episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Radioactive 'green glass,' formed by the heat of an atomic blast, is said to have been found in the Andes of Peru. A pair of scientists search for the source of the 2000-year-old sample and discover evidence of an Incan civilization with scientific knowledge provided by a 'visitor in the sky.'"
"Radioactive 'green glass,' formed by the heat of an atomic blast, is said to have been found in the Andes of Peru. A pair of scientists search for the source of the 2000-year-old sample and discover evidence of an Incan civilization with scientific knowledge provided by a 'visitor in the sky.'"
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Firemaker." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kal accuses Za of Old Mother's murder but the Doctor exposes him as the real killer. However, Za then insists the travellers be held prisoner until they show him how to make fire."
"Kal accuses Za of Old Mother's murder but the Doctor exposes him as the real killer. However, Za then insists the travellers be held prisoner until they show him how to make fire."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "The Ghost of Moby Dick." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Whale specialist Walter Bryce has taken his family to sea in pursuit of the largest living creature ever to exist, an immense whale twice the size of the previously known largest creature to exist! He wants metabolic data, including heart rate; to get it, he harpoons the whale with a special sensor. The enraged animal destroys the Bryce boat, killing Walter's son Jimmy and crippling Walter. After recovering, Walter seeks out Nelson and Seaview to continue his research - but does he have an ulterior motive?"
"Whale specialist Walter Bryce has taken his family to sea in pursuit of the largest living creature ever to exist, an immense whale twice the size of the previously known largest creature to exist! He wants metabolic data, including heart rate; to get it, he harpoons the whale with a special sensor. The enraged animal destroys the Bryce boat, killing Walter's son Jimmy and crippling Walter. After recovering, Walter seeks out Nelson and Seaview to continue his research - but does he have an ulterior motive?"
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Irwin Allen's Lost In Space aired "Wreck Of The Robot." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The robot is stolen to create more robots so they can conquer the earth."
"The robot is stolen to create more robots so they can conquer the earth."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Invasion: Part 7." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the entire world unconscious apart from the Doctor and his friends, the Cybermen are poised to invade and only Zoe, the Brigadier and a missile crew can stop them."
"With the entire world unconscious apart from the Doctor and his friends, the Cybermen are poised to invade and only Zoe, the Brigadier and a missile crew can stop them."
On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants aired "Land Of The Lost." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"While the castaways are collecting fireworks at a carnival for gun powder to use to make explosives, Barry is injured when a young giant boy shoots off a roman candle. Steve, Mark and Valerie take him into a miniature balloon gondola to keep him from getting hit by more sparks, but the balloon is accidentally released and heads for the sky. They immediately are caught in an incredible windstorm and are taken to the other side of the planet where they find a society run by the dictator Titus. Titus can't believe that there is another society on the other side of the planet and orders Steve to go back and bring back proof with the ultimatum that if he doesn't return within hours that Mark, Val and Barry will be killed."
"While the castaways are collecting fireworks at a carnival for gun powder to use to make explosives, Barry is injured when a young giant boy shoots off a roman candle. Steve, Mark and Valerie take him into a miniature balloon gondola to keep him from getting hit by more sparks, but the balloon is accidentally released and heads for the sky. They immediately are caught in an incredible windstorm and are taken to the other side of the planet where they find a society run by the dictator Titus. Titus can't believe that there is another society on the other side of the planet and orders Steve to go back and bring back proof with the ultimatum that if he doesn't return within hours that Mark, Val and Barry will be killed."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Land Of The Lost aired "Elsewhen." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious woman named Rani steps through a time door and gives Holly advice on dealing with her fears and helping her family."
"A mysterious woman named Rani steps through a time door and gives Holly advice on dealing with her fears and helping her family."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "The Roobits." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"Danny's get-rich scheme of raising cute interplanetary pets called Roobits backfires when they reproduce at an alarming rate. To settle the problem, the family offers a free Roobit to all attending their sold-out concert."
"Danny's get-rich scheme of raising cute interplanetary pets called Roobits backfires when they reproduce at an alarming rate. To settle the problem, the family offers a free Roobit to all attending their sold-out concert."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Blakes 7 aired "Warlord." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The success of Avon's attempt to forge an anti-Federation alliance is threatened by the treachery of a key delegate."
"The success of Avon's attempt to forge an anti-Federation alliance is threatened by the treachery of a key delegate."
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), Star Trek aired "The Alternative Factor." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Existence itself comes under threat from a man's power-struggle with his alternate self, with the Enterprise's strained dilithium crystals presenting his key to a final solution."
"Existence itself comes under threat from a man's power-struggle with his alternate self, with the Enterprise's strained dilithium crystals presenting his key to a final solution."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Greatest Show In The Galaxy: Part 1." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor persuades Ace to visit the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax despite her fear of clowns."
"The Doctor persuades Ace to visit the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax despite her fear of clowns."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Soul Mates." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Visitors to the station include Londo's three wives and Talia's ex-husband. Delenn has a bad hair day."
"Visitors to the station include Londo's three wives and Talia's ex-husband. Delenn has a bad hair day."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Dark Skies aired "We Shall Overcome." This served as the ninth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John and Kim uncover a Hive breeding operation amidst the struggle for civil rights in Mississippi."
"John and Kim uncover a Hive breeding operation amidst the struggle for civil rights in Mississippi."
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "The Naked Time." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Lieutenant Junior Grade Tormolen brings aboard an infection that killed the science team on Psi 2000, the crew of the Enterprise soon find themselves unable to control their most pre-dominant emotions. Soon the entire starship is in a shambles and plummeting toward the self destructing planet."
"When Lieutenant Junior Grade Tormolen brings aboard an infection that killed the science team on Psi 2000, the crew of the Enterprise soon find themselves unable to control their most pre-dominant emotions. Soon the entire starship is in a shambles and plummeting toward the self destructing planet."
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Awakening Sword." This served as the eleventh 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 2011 (in Japan), Doctor Who aired "The Runaway Bride." Officially, this served as the premiere of the Modern Era of Doctor Who's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.) on Fox TV's Fringe, Walter Bishop realizes that he's opened an all-new Pandora's Box of problems when he learns that he's trapped a young Observer in a pocket universe. "Black Blotter" truly set the stage for the show's grand finale.