It's hard to think about Science Fiction movies and not think about Steven Spielberg. He's one of those rare cinematic geniuses who seems entirely capable of stepping in to almost any project in almost any genre, but I tend to think he has a particular gift in creating entire universes for all kinds of life to play in.
In fact, a list of his films -- both ones he's directed and ones he's produced -- looks something like "required viewing" for a generation. Close Encounters of the Third Kind. E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. Poltergeist. Twilight Zone: The Movie. Back to the Future. Gremlins. Jurassic Park. Minority Report. War of the Worlds. If he isn't trying to tell us that he loves Science Fiction, then perhaps we just don't know how to read the man. Personally, I think he's trying to tell us he loves Science Fiction, and I'm sticking with that for as long as it takes.
Mr. Spielberg was born on this day in 1946.
In fact, a list of his films -- both ones he's directed and ones he's produced -- looks something like "required viewing" for a generation. Close Encounters of the Third Kind. E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. Poltergeist. Twilight Zone: The Movie. Back to the Future. Gremlins. Jurassic Park. Minority Report. War of the Worlds. If he isn't trying to tell us that he loves Science Fiction, then perhaps we just don't know how to read the man. Personally, I think he's trying to tell us he loves Science Fiction, and I'm sticking with that for as long as it takes.
Mr. Spielberg was born on this day in 1946.
On this day in 2013, the film Forbidden Planet (1956) was selected by the United States Library of Congress for induction in the National Film Registry. The registry is meant to preserve those films selected as cultural highpoints in the history of film. Congrats to SciFi for earning another spot in the archives!
Wow: the venerable Bill Zuckert leaves behind a screen legacy of over 230 different credits! That's nothing to sneeze at! SciFi fans probably know him best from his appearance as 'Johnny Behan' in "Spectre of the Gun," a third season outing for the classic Star Trek series. Though he's no longer with us, Zuckert was born on this day in 1915. [Source: IMDB.com]
Pin-up queen Lynn Bari leaves behind a resume of well over one hundred and fifty different screen roles, not many of which have anything to do with Science Fiction and Fantasy. Still, a single appearance in TV's world of Science Fiction Theatre will draw you a mention in these parts of the Information Superhighway. Though she's no longer with us, Bari was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction author Jack C. Haldeman II leaves behind a legacy of novels and short stories, including Vector Analysis (1978), The Fall of Winter (1985), and Echoes of Thunder (1991). Though he's no longer with us, Haldeman II was born on this day in 1941. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
The name of Susan Sackett is one known by Trekkers, Trekkies, and general Trekkists around the world as she served as Gene Roddenberry's production assistant through Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and several of the motion pictures involving the original cast. Sackett was born on this day in 1943. [Source: Memory Alpha]
The original Star Trek never shirked its responsibilities of putting up some of the loveliest women of its generation into Outer Space. Today's Evidence A: Judi Sherven played an Enterprise nurse aboard "Wolf In The Fold." Sherven was born on this day in 1943. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Irish-born actress Jeananne Crowley enjoyed a visit to the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who during the 1980's. Crowley was born on this day in 1949. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
Candice Rialson scored an uncredited appearance in the realm of the cinematic look at our future Logan's Run (1976), but that was about it for her genre credentials. Though she's no longer with us, Rialson was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jeff Kober (shown above from AMC's The Walking Dead) is another one of television's great craftsman, turning in big things in small roles. SciFi fans know him from work in V, The Twilight Zone, Viper, Alien Nation, The X-Files, Tank Girl, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Kober was born on this day in 1953.
The venerable Ray Liotta tried Science Fiction on for size in 1994's lukewarm thriller No Escape ... and he really hasn't been back since. (Well, not in any big way.) Ray deserved better than a SciFi prison flick. (I don't know that you can really blame the man because he's been very successful in more conventional stuff.) Though he's no longer with us, Liotta was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I wrote a few words regarding Mr. Liotta's passing in mid-2022. Interested readers can find them right here.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I wrote a few words regarding Mr. Liotta's passing in mid-2022. Interested readers can find them right here.
Grungy Brad Pitt looked like he couldn't spare a minute to so much as wash his hair while saving mankind from the ultimate zombie apocalypse in the stunningly tepid adaptation of Max Brooks vastly superior novel, World War Z. (Seriously, the book is one of the best I've ever read, and the film just didn't really do it justice.) More recently, he cracked into the Final Frontier with a starring role in the poorly-received Ad Astra. Pitt was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
She's gone on to work in the renewable energy sector since kinda/sorta dropping out of the entertainment business, but kudos to Nicole Hansen for making appearances in American Cyborg: Steel Warrior (1993) and the serialized Afterworld so that we can feature her here. Hansen was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critically darling Rachel Griffiths recently took charge in the role of 'General Lynex' in the SciFi/Indie film The Osiris Child (2016). Griffiths was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Casper Van Dien made Starship Troopers (1997) what it was, good or bad. While fans of the Heinlein book weren't all that won over with the Paul Verhoeven film, I thought it was a nice piece of popcorn entertainment. Van Dien was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
I hate to sound overly sexist but Victoria Pratt and her lovely, lovely abs made the total cheesefest sci-fi-lite Cleopatra 2525 everything it possibly could've been: a fanboy paradise of toned lady flesh fighting for survival against the forces of evil that had imprisoned mankind in a world beneath its surface. And did I mention her lovely, lovely abs? Pratt went on to the equally forgettable Mutant X and a host of other lesser roles, but I sure loved her (and her abs) in Cleo. Pratt was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Apoc,' actor Julian Arahanga entered the visionary and mind-bending world of The Matrix (1999) for Warner Bros. Arahanga was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
TV's Mythbusters extraordinaire Kari Byron took a break from her day job of debunking things to put in a guest appearance in the world of television's The Orville. Byron was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sexy Katie Holmes (even sexier now that she's shed Tom Cruise as a marital appendage) made a splash in SciFi appearing as the 'concerned mother with more than just a little bit to hide' in 2014's unnecessarily controversial The Giver. Holmes was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
That egg-shaped malcontent/entity is none of than Thor's Josh Dallas making an appearance early in his career as part of an episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. He's also sported characters for Thor (2011) and ABC TV's Once Upon A Time. Dallas was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amy Grabow dipped her toes into the realm of television Fantasy with a guest appearance to the wide, wide world of Supernatural. Grabow was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Emily Swallow took fandom by storm with a supporting role aboard Walt Disney's streaming sensation set in the greater Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian. As far as genre work goes, she's also appeared aboard Jericho, Journeyman, Beauty And The Beast, Supernatural, and Timeless. Swallow was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Anna Walton dipped deep into the realm of Fantasy with plum roles aboard such projects as Vampire Diary (2006), Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), and Mutant Chronicles (2008). Walton was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though I wasn't all that crazy about the Doctor Who episode "Before The Flood," I did think the showrunners crafted one of the scariest looking aliens in all of greater Whodom. As it turns out, actor Neil Fingleton was no stranger to bringing scary things to life, having used his 7 foot 7 inch frame to do the same in such projects as X-Men: First Class (2011), 47 Ronin (2013), Jupiter Ascending (2015), and HBO's Game Of Thrones. Though he's no longer with us, Fingleton was born on this day in 1980. [Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
Purdy li'l thang Ashley Benson doesn't exactly have a reputation for appearing in genre entertainment, but she did have a role in something called Time Warrior back in 2012. To her credit, she has booked a spot on the CW's Supernatural, and that never hurts getting one noticed 'round these parts. You mean to tell me that there isn't some budding Young Adult novel franchise she can't get cast in? Anything would be better than Adam Sandler's Pixels (pictured above)! Benson was born on this day in 1989.
The lovely Alex Sgambati ventured into the realm of televised Fantasy with a pair of appearances aboard Fox TV's Sleepy Hollow during its run. Sgambati was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1947, the big screen SciFi serial that was Brick Bradford enjoyed its debut. The feature starred Kane Richmond as the singular hero, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Brick Bradford, soldier-of-fortune and time-machine traveler, is hired to protect the Interceptor Ray, an anti-guided missile weapon. His task takes him to the Moon, where he is captured by subjects of Queen Khana, but is spared because Queen Khana kinda likes him. Back on earth, Brick, Sandy and June get into The Time To (Brick's spinning time-machine) and spin back to the 18th Century where they have to fight off pirates and island natives. Brick finally traps the villain after the Interceptor Ray and world peace is assured."
"Brick Bradford, soldier-of-fortune and time-machine traveler, is hired to protect the Interceptor Ray, an anti-guided missile weapon. His task takes him to the Moon, where he is captured by subjects of Queen Khana, but is spared because Queen Khana kinda likes him. Back on earth, Brick, Sandy and June get into The Time To (Brick's spinning time-machine) and spin back to the 18th Century where they have to fight off pirates and island natives. Brick finally traps the villain after the Interceptor Ray and world peace is assured."
On this day in 1955 (in Japan), This Island Earth enjoyed a tour through Earth's theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
On this day in 1957, The Monolith Monsters crashed down into theatres. The feature starred Grant Williams and Lola Albright, and here's the premise as cited on the reliable IMDB.com:
"Rocks from a meteor which grow when in contact with water threaten a sleepy Southwestern desert community."
"Rocks from a meteor which grow when in contact with water threaten a sleepy Southwestern desert community."
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of the classic family Fantasies for a certain generation of moviegoers. It first premiered theatrically in the United States on this day in 1968, and here's the plot as provided by IMDB.com:
"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."
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Walt Disney's The Black Hole enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in London, England. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record: The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record: The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Hawk The Slayer took up its Fantasy-themed quest. The feature starred Jack Palance and John Terry, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"With the aid of his companions, a man seeks to defeat his evil brother who has taken a nun hostage."
"With the aid of his companions, a man seeks to defeat his evil brother who has taken a nun hostage."
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in South Korea), Raiders Of Galaxy soared into the Final Frontier. Directed by Seung-cheol Park, here's the plot summary for this animated SciFi extravaganza as provided by the good people at IMDB.com:
"A group of young space cadets use a technologically advanced mecha to combat an evil extraterrestrial race that is trying to take over the galaxy."
"A group of young space cadets use a technologically advanced mecha to combat an evil extraterrestrial race that is trying to take over the galaxy."
Ah, Brazil! Another one of those rare times when I find myself in the minority! Critics fawned over Terry Gilliam's film in ways I couldn't possibly imagine when it was released on this day back in 1985, while the thing's only managed to put me to sleep when I've tried to watch it! Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A bureaucrat in a retro-future world tries to correct an administrative error and himself becomes an enemy of the state."
"A bureaucrat in a retro-future world tries to correct an administrative error and himself becomes an enemy of the state."
A star is born! I honestly don't remember all that much about Batteries Not Included (1987). I recall seeing it theatrically, and I remember it being filled with some pretty neat-o-keen small robots, but otherwise? I'm drawing a blank. It premiered theatrically on this day back then, starring Jessica Tandy and her real-life husband Hume Cronyn (playing an elderly married couple as well), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Apartment block tenants seek the aid of alien mechanical life-forms to save their building from demolition."
For the record: While Batteries Not Included only enjoyed the nomination for the Best Fantasy Film from the 1988 Saturn Awards, its lead actress Jessica Tandy did take home the trophy for Best Actress.
"Apartment block tenants seek the aid of alien mechanical life-forms to save their building from demolition."
For the record: While Batteries Not Included only enjoyed the nomination for the Best Fantasy Film from the 1988 Saturn Awards, its lead actress Jessica Tandy did take home the trophy for Best Actress.
On this day in 1987, Leonard Part 6 gave veteran funnyman Bill Cosby his entry into the realm of Science Fiction. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A secret agent is called out of retirement to save the world from an evil genius."
"A secret agent is called out of retirement to save the world from an evil genius."
On this day in 1987 (in Spain), Mel Brooks' Spaceballs took to the silver screen for audiences of Barcelona. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A star-pilot for hire and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia from the clutches of the evil Spaceballs."
"A star-pilot for hire and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia from the clutches of the evil Spaceballs."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Hungary and South Korea), Fortress enjoyed its first theatrical presentations ever! Directed by genre-favorite Stuart Gordon, the SciFi/Actioner starred Christopher Lambert, Loryn Locklin, and Kurtwood Smith; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future, private underground prison/Fortress, the inmates are computer controlled with CCTV, dream readers and devices that can cause pain or death. John and his illegally pregnant wife are inside but want to escape before birth."
"In a future, private underground prison/Fortress, the inmates are computer controlled with CCTV, dream readers and devices that can cause pain or death. John and his illegally pregnant wife are inside but want to escape before birth."
On this day in 1997 (in Hong Kong), Starship Troopers sent our space marines into cinematic combat. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the SciFi feature starred Casper Van Dien, Denice Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
On this day in 2003 (in Finland), the 1996-produced Dark Breed enjoyed a theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred Jack Scalia and Cindy Ambuehl, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Six astronauts are infected by an alien organism."
"Six astronauts are infected by an alien organism."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), AVH: Alien Vs. Hunter enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Scott Harper, the SciFi/Thriller starred William Katt, Dedee Pfeiffer, and Randy Mulkey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A galactic hunter chases down his deadliest prey in the universe."
"A galactic hunter chases down his deadliest prey in the universe."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Russia), Dark Planet enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Written by the team of Eduard Volodarskiy, Marina Dyachenko, and Sergey Dyachenko, the SciFi/Fantasy was directed by Fedor Bondarchuk. The feature starred Vasiliy Stepanov, Yulia Snigir, and Pyotr Fyodorov; and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's the plot summary:
"A space traveler from the Earth of the 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on an unknown planet. Politically and economically that planet similar to the totalitarian human states of the 20th century."
For the record:
Dark Planet is not without its accolades. At the 2009 Russia MTV Movie Awards, the film enjoyed nominations for 'Best Movie Gadget,' 'Best Fight,' 'Best Kiss,' and 'Best Film.' For the 2010 Golden Eagle Awards (the Russian equivalent to America's Oscar Awards), the film won trophies in the categories of 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Cinematography.'
"A space traveler from the Earth of the 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on an unknown planet. Politically and economically that planet similar to the totalitarian human states of the 20th century."
For the record:
Dark Planet is not without its accolades. At the 2009 Russia MTV Movie Awards, the film enjoyed nominations for 'Best Movie Gadget,' 'Best Fight,' 'Best Kiss,' and 'Best Film.' For the 2010 Golden Eagle Awards (the Russian equivalent to America's Oscar Awards), the film won trophies in the categories of 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Cinematography.'
On this day in 2009, director James Cameron served up his SciFi epic Avatar to the general masses at large. (Personally, I thought the film was far more of a technical achievement -- a massive technological accomplishment -- than it was all that original storytelling, but that's another argument for another day.) It went on to become the highest grossing motion picture of all time! Congrats to Science Fiction, and congrats to Avatar's cast and crew! Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home."
"A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home."
Motion picture fantasies are aplenty during the holiday season, and on this day in 2014 (in Germany) Sapphire Blue first found cinematic life. The feature starred Josefine Preuß and Florian Bartholomäi, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"Gwen has just discovered, that she's the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. Now she has to juggle with constant trips to the past, her relationships with Gideon and figuring out dark secrets surrounding the Circle."
"Gwen has just discovered, that she's the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. Now she has to juggle with constant trips to the past, her relationships with Gideon and figuring out dark secrets surrounding the Circle."
On this day in 1954, TV's Captain Midnight aired "The Young Criminal." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Captain Midnight sponsors a youth gym as a way to combat juvenile delinquency. One of the youngsters named Tommy Venters is impressed with the lifestyle of a poolroom owner."
"Captain Midnight sponsors a youth gym as a way to combat juvenile delinquency. One of the youngsters named Tommy Venters is impressed with the lifestyle of a poolroom owner."
On this day in 1954, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Astro's Trial." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Astro is charged with negligence when his commands seem to have caused a spaceship to wreck."
"Astro is charged with negligence when his commands seem to have caused a spaceship to wreck."
On this day in 1966, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "The Brand of the Beast." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While racing to the aid of a ship the Seaview suffers a critical engine failure. While doing repairs Admiral Nelson suffers a critical dose of radiation which affects him in a most unexpected way."
"While racing to the aid of a ship the Seaview suffers a critical engine failure. While doing repairs Admiral Nelson suffers a critical dose of radiation which affects him in a most unexpected way."
On this day in 1975, Space: 1999 aired "Another Time, Another Place," the 16th episode of its inaugural season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A distortion in time produces two separate moons, with two separate Alphas from different eras."
"A distortion in time produces two separate moons, with two separate Alphas from different eras."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1976, Ark II aired "Orkus," its fifteenth and final episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ruth and Adam suffer rapid advanced aging after exposure to gas from a lake polluted by Orkus, despot of a domed community of immortal elites who is also scheming to steal the ARK to generate power for his dying city."
"Ruth and Adam suffer rapid advanced aging after exposure to gas from a lake polluted by Orkus, despot of a domed community of immortal elites who is also scheming to steal the ARK to generate power for his dying city."
On this day in 1978, Battle of the Planets aired "The Thing With 1,000 Eyes." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"G-Force travels to planet Riga to look into the mysterious disappearance of an investigating team."
"G-Force travels to planet Riga to look into the mysterious disappearance of an investigating team."
On this day in 1989, Alien Nation aired "The Red Room." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A break in at a behavioral lab and a series of execution-style murders dredges up buried memories for Francisco."
"A break in at a behavioral lab and a series of execution-style murders dredges up buried memories for Francisco."
On this day in 1994, SeaQuest 2032 aired "Dead End." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One of the launches receives a distress call while returning to Seaquest. While responding to the call the launch is sucked into an underwater cave where they find another scientist who has been trapped for days."
"One of the launches receives a distress call while returning to Seaquest. While responding to the call the launch is sucked into an underwater cave where they find another scientist who has been trapped for days."
On this day in 2009, Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Sleepers." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"When rich youngsters begin to disappear after an apparent death and then come back to life, the trail leads Will & Magnus to a drug clinic in Mexico run by Nicola Tesla. Knowing his all-times plans, big trouble to be expected."
"When rich youngsters begin to disappear after an apparent death and then come back to life, the trail leads Will & Magnus to a drug clinic in Mexico run by Nicola Tesla. Knowing his all-times plans, big trouble to be expected."
Also, on this day in 2013, IDW Publishing streeted the 28th issue of its ongoing Star Trek comics title. "The Khitomer Conflict" concluded, and those who are interested can access my review of the chapter here at Amazon.com.
