Born on this day in 1916, Arthur C. Clarke is renowned around the world for his written works in science fiction. Most folks are familiar with his series of books involving the world of "2001: A Space Odyssey," but Clarke's "Rendezvous with Rama" (1972) and "The Fountains of Paradise" (1979) have the distinction of winning both the Nebula and Hugo Awards for Best Novel in the respective years when they were eligible. Additionally, he was a driving force behind three television programs investigating paranormal phenomenon despite becoming a skeptic to things that go bump in the night later on in his life.
Though he's no longer with us today, his words live on to inspire no doubt many generations that will follow.
Though he's no longer with us today, his words live on to inspire no doubt many generations that will follow.
As much as I was modestly entertained by that newfangled Battlestar Galactica, I really enjoyed the charm and chemistry of the original players far more. (So sue me!) The original's Colonel Tigh was played by Terry Carter (above left), and Carter was born on this day in 1928.
If you're a legitimate SciFi fan, you may recognize the face ... but you'll definitely know the name. Philip K. Dick because a published author in 1952, and, after that, he produced an astonishing amount of material throughout the next three decades. Despite his amazing record, he was often known to scrape from one writing assignment to the next, mostly because he worked for some low-paying publishers who paid little more than an advance fee for whatever he was penning. However, he achieved a bit of financial security when the producers of Blade Runner -- who co-opted his premise from "Do Androids Dream Electric Sheep?" -- paid him a respectable premium for the rights. Sadly, he never saw the film as he died not long before it premiered. Though he's no longer with us, Dick was born on this day in 1928.
Funny lady Joyce Bulifant strutted her comic stuff in a recurring guest spot aboard TV's Weird Science, a spin-off of the movie of the same name. Bulifant was born on this day in 1937.
Another long-time veteran of the big and small screen is actor Terence Knox. He's made appearances in such genre hits as V, The Twilight Zone (updated version), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, SeaQuest 2032, and The Burning Zone. Knox was born on this day in 1946.
Veteran character actor Ben Cross brought a welcome splash of gravitas to playing 'Sarek' in JJ Abrams' rebooted Star Trek (2009). Though he's no longer with us, Cross was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Xander Berkeley has one of those faces you recognize, and that's mostly because he's had appearances in all kinds of films and TV shows, including Gattaca, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and The X-Files. Berkeley was born on this day in 1955, and he has to be one of the hardest working people in the showbiz.
Screenwriter Shane Black briefly got the chance to play onscreen as Hawkins in 1987's Predator and again as Donnelly in 1993's Robocop 3. Otherwise he can be found behind-the-screen occasionally even directing (2013's Iron Man 3). Black was born on this day in 1961.
Sam Robards got to play in the realm of Science Fiction by way of a solid performance aboard Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). Robards was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMBD.com]
While he's certainly not well known for his work in the realm of Science Fiction, Jon Tenney has still managed to squeeze in small roles aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Radio Free Albemuth (2010), and DC Comic's Green Lantern (2010). Tenney was born on this day in 1961.
The great Melanie Smith has attached herself to some quality genre properties. Star Trek fans probably know her best for playing the Cardassian Ziyal (above left) aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but she's also had roles in Trancers III (1992), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., and UPN's Nowhere Man. Smith was born on this day in 1962.
In 2008, Benjamin Bratt helped headline a remake of the SciFi classic The Andromeda Strain for the A&E Network. Bratt was born on this day in 1963.
Director James Mangold brought his A-game as an artist to the final cinematic journey of Marvel's Logan (2017). Interestingly enough, it was a character he's previously toyed with on the silver screen with 2013's The Wolverine. Also -- as a producer -- he's tinkered in television by bringing the SciFi/Drama Zoo to home audiences. Mangold was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Miranda Otto -- best known for her turn as Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy -- also crossed over into the sci-fi genre with a brief appearance in Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds (2005). Otto was born on this day in 1967.
Though her IMDB.com profile makes it appear that she's possibly retired from the acting business, Christina Cabot did make an appearance in the Marvel cinematic universe: she played Major Kathleen Sparr in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Cabot was born on this day in 1969.
Jonathan Scarfe (above center) chewed scenery as the commanding survivor aboard Syfy's Van Helsing in its inaugural season on the popular cable network. Scarfe was born on this day in 1975.
Good looker Krysten Ritter headlines Marvel's Jessica Jones on Netflix for the streaming service (sorry, but I'm not up on that franchise). Ritter was born on this day in 1981.
Hunky Theo James helped Shailene Woodley take charge in 2014's Divergent and its 2015 sequel Insurgent. IMDB.com reports that his character, Four, is onboard for the franchise. James was born on this day in 1984.
Though she's probably better remembered right now for her work in The Chronicles of Narnia saga, Anna Popplewell did have a prominent role aboard Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (2012). Popplewell was born on this day in 1988.
On this day in 1934 (in Croatia), Universal Pictures' The Invisible Man didn't appear so invisible as to keep him from the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
On this day in 1953 (in France), It Came From Outer Space and invaded Earth theaters! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
On this day in 1960 (in Finland), the Battle In Outer Space was waged on Earth's silver screens! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Munchkin-like aliens invade Earth full force with their flying saucers and laser weapons, rendering cities helpless. All eyes turn to the most powerful nations on Earth as they unite to concoct a plan to vanquish the aliens and return Earth to the hands of humans, thus, resulting in the most fierce and ultimate battle royale in outer space the galaxy as ever seen."
"Munchkin-like aliens invade Earth full force with their flying saucers and laser weapons, rendering cities helpless. All eyes turn to the most powerful nations on Earth as they unite to concoct a plan to vanquish the aliens and return Earth to the hands of humans, thus, resulting in the most fierce and ultimate battle royale in outer space the galaxy as ever seen."
On this day in 1968 (in Sweden), Frankenstein Conquers The World (aka Frankenstein Vs. Baragon) took to the big screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Near the end of WWII, Germans transport the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster to Japan, where it is seeming lost in the bombing of Hiroshima. Years later a wild boy is found, born from the immortal heart."
"Near the end of WWII, Germans transport the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster to Japan, where it is seeming lost in the bombing of Hiroshima. Years later a wild boy is found, born from the immortal heart."
On this day in 1977 (in Finland and Sweden), the original Star Wars soared onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
On this day in 1978 (in Spain), the theatrical release of the original Battlestar Galactica enjoyed a round in the cinemas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
On this day in 1982 (in Portugal), TRON brought mankind into the digital age. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
A star is born! It isn't every day that SciFiHistory.Net gets a featured a SciFi/Musical, and thank goodness for that 'cause I hate musicals ... but on this day back in 1986 (in Japan), Vicious Lips came alive on the silver screen. This sprang from the mind of B-Movie master Albert Pyun, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A band finally gets the opportunity for that breakthrough gig if they can make it to an "in" club on another planet in time."
"A band finally gets the opportunity for that breakthrough gig if they can make it to an "in" club on another planet in time."
A star is born! On this day in 1988, an older pop song inspired a major motion picture with the release of Purple People Eater. Written and directed by Linda Shayne, the SciFi/Comedy starred Ned Beatty and Linda Talcott, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A kid plays the old novelty song 'Purple People Eater' and the creature actually appears. The two then proceed to help an elderly couple who are being evicted by their greedy landlord."
"A kid plays the old novelty song 'Purple People Eater' and the creature actually appears. The two then proceed to help an elderly couple who are being evicted by their greedy landlord."
A star is born! Science gone mad! On this day in 1992, Hellmaster rose from the depths to reign ... well, theatrically, that is. Written and directed by Douglas Schulze, the Horror feature starred John Saxon and Amy Raasch, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A psychotic college professor uses unwitting students as laboratory rats, injecting them with a drug that mutates them into gory killers."
"A psychotic college professor uses unwitting students as laboratory rats, injecting them with a drug that mutates them into gory killers."
A star is born ... or is that porn?!?! Lest we forget that Science Fiction from time to time truly embraces its campy roots, let me remind readers that Beach Babes from Beyond found an audience on this day back in 1993. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"An intergalactic babe borrows her dad's T-bird ship to do a little planet-hopping with her two friends, but they run out of fuel unexpectedly, and must land on Earth. They land on the California coast, where they have fun and a few close encounters with some guys. One of the guys' Uncle Bud, who just wants to meditate and hang out, is being threatened with condemnation of his beach house unless he puts some money into repairs. The alien babes offer to enter the bikini contest with their way-out designs to try and win the money he needs, but they are hampered by the garment designer who will stop at nothing to win."
"An intergalactic babe borrows her dad's T-bird ship to do a little planet-hopping with her two friends, but they run out of fuel unexpectedly, and must land on Earth. They land on the California coast, where they have fun and a few close encounters with some guys. One of the guys' Uncle Bud, who just wants to meditate and hang out, is being threatened with condemnation of his beach house unless he puts some money into repairs. The alien babes offer to enter the bikini contest with their way-out designs to try and win the money he needs, but they are hampered by the garment designer who will stop at nothing to win."
On this day in 1994 (in Germany), the SciFi/Crime thriller New Crime City was released for the home video market. It starred Rick Rossovich and Sherrie Rose, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the year 2005, the government has sealed off Los Angeles and turned the city into a massive prison called Crime Zone. Criminal Tony Ricks is given one last chance. In exchange for his life and a chance at freedom, he must journey into the Crime Zone to recover a deadly biochemical device threatening the entire world."
"In the year 2005, the government has sealed off Los Angeles and turned the city into a massive prison called Crime Zone. Criminal Tony Ricks is given one last chance. In exchange for his life and a chance at freedom, he must journey into the Crime Zone to recover a deadly biochemical device threatening the entire world."
A star is born! On this day in 1997, Time Tracers enjoyed its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi feature:
"When the discovery of a five-thousand year old artifact of a humanoid reptile leads an investigative reporter to the Kronos Project, he uncovers an experimental device created to send humans through time, controlled by a ruthless multi-billionaire. As the Kronos experiment progresses through the Civil War era to the Jurassic age, high-tech sabotage and deceit ensue, resulting in devastating events that lead to a ripple in time, a paradox, that if not contained could change the entire course of evolution and destroy the universe as we know it."
"When the discovery of a five-thousand year old artifact of a humanoid reptile leads an investigative reporter to the Kronos Project, he uncovers an experimental device created to send humans through time, controlled by a ruthless multi-billionaire. As the Kronos experiment progresses through the Civil War era to the Jurassic age, high-tech sabotage and deceit ensue, resulting in devastating events that lead to a ripple in time, a paradox, that if not contained could change the entire course of evolution and destroy the universe as we know it."
For all intents and purposes, I think Walt Disney's real experiment begins right here with the theatrical debut of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). The Force Awakens built on some already established characters and expanded the existing mythology in such a way as to draw in established fans; even writer/director JJ Abrams' went so far as to say that film was meant to be made specifically for the fans. Rogue One, by comparison, branches off into its own corner of the George Lucas universe. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow."
"The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow."
- For my thoughts on Rogue One, follow the link right here.
On this day in 1959, Men Into Space aired "First Woman on the Moon." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It is decided to conduct an experiment to see if women could handle the rigors of spaceflight and living on the Moon. The plan is to send a woman to the Moon for 90 days. Initially she doesn't cope very well through a lack of training or projects to complete. Eventually she comes up with a novel set of activities to try and show her value to the mission."
"It is decided to conduct an experiment to see if women could handle the rigors of spaceflight and living on the Moon. The plan is to send a woman to the Moon for 90 days. Initially she doesn't cope very well through a lack of training or projects to complete. Eventually she comes up with a novel set of activities to try and show her value to the mission."
"A Most Unusual Camera" exploited the popular 'What if?' motif so common to the best of The Twilight Zone's episodes. The program first aired on this day in 1960, and it featured three crooks who find a camera with the uncanny ability to photograph the future.
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "Operation Crash-Dive." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An experimental passenger plane (Fireflash) crashes while being tested to understand what may have led to a previous accident. Unlike previous flights International rescue believe there may be survivors trapped in the wreckage at the bottom of the sea. After the rescue the boys review the information and notice some odd behavior by the plane shortly before the crash. They request permission to test fly the plane and discover the terrible secret behind the crashes."
"An experimental passenger plane (Fireflash) crashes while being tested to understand what may have led to a previous accident. Unlike previous flights International rescue believe there may be survivors trapped in the wreckage at the bottom of the sea. After the rescue the boys review the information and notice some odd behavior by the plane shortly before the crash. They request permission to test fly the plane and discover the terrible secret behind the crashes."
On this day in 1966, The Time Tunnel aired the fourteenth episode of its only season. "Night of the Long Knives" saw the agents meeting up with Rudyard Kipling, while their counterparts in the future are experiencing technical difficulties finding where and when the men have disappeared!
On this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired "The Lost Diablo." This served as the seventh episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bill learns of a lost gold mine and tricks Ralph and the kids into helping him search for it."
"Bill learns of a lost gold mine and tricks Ralph and the kids into helping him search for it."
On this day in 1998, UPN's Seven Days aired "Sleepers." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Several Agents are hypnotized into killing highly important Scientists then committing suicide after the murders. Frank is sent back to stop the man hypnotizing them, known as 'Father.'"
"Several Agents are hypnotized into killing highly important Scientists then committing suicide after the murders. Frank is sent back to stop the man hypnotizing them, known as 'Father.'"
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Voyager pitted the crew of the Voyager against a race of telepathic aliens who control a particular region of space.
On this day in 2013, Fox TV's Almost Human aired its sixth episode. The adventure was titled Arrhythmia, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kennex and Dorian respond to a suspicious death at a hospital where - before having a fatal cardiac arrest - a man claimed someone was trying to kill him, and inexplicably knew his exact time of death. As the investigation unfolds, a black market for vital organs is uncovered in which bio-mechanical hearts can be resold and remotely "shut off." As the team fights to find the pulse of this 2048 tech-centric crime, Dorian reconnects with a decommissioned DRN."
"Kennex and Dorian respond to a suspicious death at a hospital where - before having a fatal cardiac arrest - a man claimed someone was trying to kill him, and inexplicably knew his exact time of death. As the investigation unfolds, a black market for vital organs is uncovered in which bio-mechanical hearts can be resold and remotely "shut off." As the team fights to find the pulse of this 2048 tech-centric crime, Dorian reconnects with a decommissioned DRN."
On this day in 2014, Syfy aired Part 2 of its ambitious SciFi miniseries Ascension. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the summary for this installment:
"Lorelei's killer is exposed, while the truth behind Ascension's purpose is revealed."
"Lorelei's killer is exposed, while the truth behind Ascension's purpose is revealed."
On this day in 2015, The Expanse aired "Remember The Cant." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Avasarala plays a dangerous game of politics, Holden and his crew are forced to turn on one another while held captive by the Martian Navy."
"While Avasarala plays a dangerous game of politics, Holden and his crew are forced to turn on one another while held captive by the Martian Navy."
On this day in 2015, The Expanse aired "CQB." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Holden and crew are caught in the middle of a desperate battle as mysterious war ships attack and board the Donnager. As Miller continues to investigate Julie Mao, his partner Havelock continues to go missing."
"Holden and crew are caught in the middle of a desperate battle as mysterious war ships attack and board the Donnager. As Miller continues to investigate Julie Mao, his partner Havelock continues to go missing."
It all began right here: on this day in 2016, The OA premiered with the episode titled "Homecoming." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After 7 years missing, a blind girl, Prairie, is found and can now see. She also says her name is The OA, and a lot more mysteries surround her."
"After 7 years missing, a blind girl, Prairie, is found and can now see. She also says her name is The OA, and a lot more mysteries surround her."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "New Colossus." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The OA retraces the dramatic twists and turns in her life after a childhood accident, leading up to a fateful encounter far from home many years later."
"The OA retraces the dramatic twists and turns in her life after a childhood accident, leading up to a fateful encounter far from home many years later."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Champion." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A journalist approaches the family with an offer. At Hap's, a bond is forged with Homer and the others as they hatch a desperate plan."
"A journalist approaches the family with an offer. At Hap's, a bond is forged with Homer and the others as they hatch a desperate plan."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Away." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An agonizing dilemma gives OA a new perspective on the group's plight. Homer resolves to find out what Hap's experiments are really about."
"An agonizing dilemma gives OA a new perspective on the group's plight. Homer resolves to find out what Hap's experiments are really about."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Paradise." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Hap zeroes in on a new test subject in Cuba, Homer and OA work to perfect their escape plan. Scott reaches his breaking point."
"While Hap zeroes in on a new test subject in Cuba, Homer and OA work to perfect their escape plan. Scott reaches his breaking point."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Forking Paths." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the group continues its search for the final movement, a startling turn of events gives Hap's work a new urgency."
"As the group continues its search for the final movement, a startling turn of events gives Hap's work a new urgency."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Empire Of Light." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An ominous new dream and a tense outing with Nancy and Abel take a toll on OA. Steve finds his life in turmoil once again."
"An ominous new dream and a tense outing with Nancy and Abel take a toll on OA. Steve finds his life in turmoil once again."
On this day in 2016, The OA aired "Invisible Self." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season -- its season finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After OA recounts a dramatic final night at Hap's, the others begin to see her story in a new light. The fragments of the dream click into place."
"After OA recounts a dramatic final night at Hap's, the others begin to see her story in a new light. The fragments of the dream click into place."
Sorry, folks, but I don't game, so I can tell you next-to-nothing about practically all of these citations except for what I find online. And -- in that respect -- I do show that Dreamcast's Space Channel 5 was released to the commerical marketplace on this day back in 1999. Here's the premise behind the action as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"In the music video game Space Channel 5, players take on the role of Ulala, a reporter working for the titular news channel in a 1960s-styled science fiction future filled with competing news channels. When an alien race called the Morolians begin attacking, Ulala simultaneously reports on the events, fights off the threat, and clashes with rival reporters. The invasion is revealed to have been staged by Space Channel 5 boss Chief Blank to drive up ratings for the channel. With help from fellow reporters and support from her fans, Ulala defeats Blank."
"In the music video game Space Channel 5, players take on the role of Ulala, a reporter working for the titular news channel in a 1960s-styled science fiction future filled with competing news channels. When an alien race called the Morolians begin attacking, Ulala simultaneously reports on the events, fights off the threat, and clashes with rival reporters. The invasion is revealed to have been staged by Space Channel 5 boss Chief Blank to drive up ratings for the channel. With help from fellow reporters and support from her fans, Ulala defeats Blank."
