Sure, Samuel L. Jackson was fortunate enough to realize one of his lifelong dreams when George Lucas cast him to play Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, but -- I ask you -- what did it really get him? Jackson had already made a name for himself in the movie industry, largely for his portrayal of some very emotionally driven if not verbally abusive over-the-top characters ... why in the world would he seriously want to play a Jedi Knight? What we learned from the Prequel Trilogy is that these Masters are all composed, always on their best behavior (except Anakin, that is), almost always acting as if they're under the effects of a sleeping pill or something. How do you put Samuel L. Jackson in a movie and not let him let loose? I don't mean to nitpick ... I just mean to point out that I expected something a bit different.
In any event, Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mr. Jackson. He was born on this day in 1948.
In any event, Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mr. Jackson. He was born on this day in 1948.
Rudy Solari played the angry 'Salish' in "The Paradise Syndrome," a third season adventure of Star Trek. As for other genre entries? The actor paid visits to such realms as The Outer Limits, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Sixth Sense, The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and The Powers Of Matthew Star. Though he's no longer with us, Solari was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
Truth be told, I don't care for Jane Fonda's politics -- don't care much for her body of work, either -- but when she's decked out the way she was in Barbarella I thankfully didn't have to much listen. Fonda was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gary Downey played the Tellarite inmate (above right) aboard "Whom Gods Destroy," a third season episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Downey was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Genre great Jared Martin never gets enough love (so far as I'm concerned). In the days of my youth, this talented guy showed up all over the place, and I'm thrilled that he played a lead aboard the late 1980's War of the World series so that I can highlight him in this space. He's also had roles in Night Gallery, Westworld (1973), The Fantastic Journey, Logan's Run, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project U.F.O., Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Tales of the Gold Monkey, New Gladiators (1984), Knight Rider, Airwolf, and many other more conventional programs. Though he's no longer with us, Martin was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
Never one to shy away from some less-than-conventional projects, character actor Jack Nance took a role aboard the David Lynch-directed adaptation of Dune (1984). The actor had previously worked with the renowned director on Eraserhead (1977) and would again in the groundbreaking Twin Peaks (1989-1991). As for other genre appearances? He was certainly no stranger, clocking in work aboard Ghoulies (1985), The Blob (1988), Voodoo (1995), Assault On Dome 4 (1996), and Little Witches (1996). Though he's no longer with us, Nance was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
She may've been crowned Miss Teen Italy at the ripe young age of fourteen, but SciFi fans know Fabiana Udenio best as 'Adira Tyree,' one of Lando's many loves on the cult favorite Babylon 5. She's also paid visits to the worlds of Bride Of Re-Animator (1990), Freddy's Nightmares, Quantum Leap, RoboCop 2 (1990), Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1993), NightMan, and Mortal Kombat: Conquest. Udenio was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the late summer of 1985, young Danielle von Zerneck played the lovable but nerdy Ellie Sawyer in the SciFi-themed My Science Project. Van Zerneck was born on this day in 1965.
When he's not augmenting his own reality with chemical substances best left unexplored, Andy Dick can be a talented actor. Exhibit A: his appearance on Star Trek: Voyager as EMH-2 Dr. Bradley. Dick was born on this day in 1965.
The delicious Michelle Hurd apparently has an on-again/off-again affair with genre entertainment. Though much of her resume is more conventional work, since launching a career in 1989 she's still managed to book screen time in Justice League of America (1997), Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, Terminator 3: Redemption (video game), Charmed, FlashForward, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Ash vs. Evil Dead, and Star Trek: Picard. Hurd was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
There was a time wherein Kiefer Sutherland couldn't quite garner A-List projects like Fox TV's 24 or ABC TV's Designated Survivor, but he still garnered positive attention in anything he committed to. In fact, he played a bit 'creepier than usual' aboard the SciFi/Cult flick, Dark City (1998). Sutherland was born on this day in 1966.
Actress Khrystyne Haje has done voice work on The Zeta Project as well as making appearances in such SciFi B-movies as Cyborg 3: The Recycler, Stepsister from Planet Weird, and Scanner Cop 2. Haje was born on this day in 1968.
Critical darling Julie Delpy slummed with the regular actors and actresses in 2015 when she took a role aboard Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron. Delpy was born on this day in 1969.
Jack Noseworthy braved the final frontier that was Event Horizon (1997), a SciFi-themed look at galaxy-spanning evil. Noseworthy was born on this day in 1969.
Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine (above right) brought her special level of quirk to a small role aboard Men In Black II (2002). Jacobsen-Derstine was born on this day in 1977.
Not long after hanging up her -- erm -- fangs from HBO's True Blood, the lovely Rutina Wesley joined NBC's Hannibal and then the CW's Arrow for guest roles. Wesley was born on this day in 1979.
Whether she intends it or not, Eve Mauro has certainly established herself as a 'go-to-actress' for B-Movie properties. She's been seen in Torchwood, Osombie (2012), Zombies Vs. Strippers (2012), Big Bad Bugs (2012), SAGA: Curse of the Shadow (2013), Stormageddon (2015), and Cyborg X (2016). Mauro was born on this day in 1981.
The character of 'Paul Jesus Rovia' has been one of the better additions to the growing cast of AMC's Apocalypse drama The Walking Dead, and that's largely owed to actor Tom Payne's work in the role. Payne was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Popular The Walking Dead star Steven Yeun provided voicework for 2016's Voltron animated series for DreamWorks Animation, a program that aired on Netflix. Yeun was born on this day in 1983.
Fresh-faced Cynthia Murrell dipping her feet dangerously into SciFi waters with an appearance aboard The Sand (2015), a modern age creature feature. Murrell was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tom Sturridge put his mark on pop culture history by assuming the central role aboard Netflix's adaptation of the Neil Gaiman property The Sandman in 2022. Sturridge was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critically-lauded Kaitlyn Dever doesn't have much true genre work under her belt at this point in her career, but thankfully she squeezed into a small role aboard Hulu's short-lived Horror/Anthology series Monsterland so that I can give her a proper shout-out today. Dever was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
During its 2017 season streaming on Netflix, the popular Stranger Things hosted a young Madelyn Cline in a small role. Cline was born on this day in 1997. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1937 (in Czechoslovakia), the Czech-language SciFi/Fantasy Skeleton On Horseback enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Hugo Haas directed and adapted the Karel Capek play for the silver screen, and it starred Bedrich Karen, Zdenek Stepánek, and Václav Vydra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"'The White Sickness,' a leprosy-like disease, ravages the world during a war."
"'The White Sickness,' a leprosy-like disease, ravages the world during a war."
On this day in 1956 (in Italy), the seminal SciFi/Classic Forbidden Planet enjoyed a run in theaters, rocketing audiences on one of the earliest cinematic trips to a very distant world. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the feature film starred Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
On this day in 1961 (in Australia), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor took to the skies with its theatrical release. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Keenan Wynn. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Valley Of The Lions (aka Ursus nella valle dei leoni) enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia, the Fantasy feature starred Ed Fury, Moira Orfei, and Alberto Lupo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The evil dictator Ajak sends his armies to attack a neighboring kingdom, and during the battle, the besieged King Annurius orders one of his subjects to take his son Ursus to a place of safety outside of the city, after first putting a royal medallion around the baby's neck. Ajak kills the king and usurps his throne, but the infant prince is smuggled out of the city to safety."
"The evil dictator Ajak sends his armies to attack a neighboring kingdom, and during the battle, the besieged King Annurius orders one of his subjects to take his son Ursus to a place of safety outside of the city, after first putting a royal medallion around the baby's neck. Ajak kills the king and usurps his throne, but the infant prince is smuggled out of the city to safety."
On this day in 1962 (in East Germany), Amphibian Man submerged from the depths to show up on the silver screen. Directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadiy Kazanskiy, the SciFi feature starred Vladimir Korenev, Akiba Golburt, and Anastasiya Vertinskaya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), The Bubble finally burst ... theatrically, that is. Written and directed by Arch Oboler, the feature film starred Michael Cole, Deborah Walley, and Johnny Desmond. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mysterious atmospheric effects force a pregnant woman and her husband to land their airplane in a remote town whose inhabitants behave zombie-like, repeating the same movements and sentences over and over. As the mystery unfolds the two find themselves trapped and search for escape."
"Mysterious atmospheric effects force a pregnant woman and her husband to land their airplane in a remote town whose inhabitants behave zombie-like, repeating the same movements and sentences over and over. As the mystery unfolds the two find themselves trapped and search for escape."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Japan), The Golden Bat (aka Ôgon batto) soared into our collective consciousness ... or, at least, onto the silver screen. Directed by Hajime Satô with a script from Takeo Nagamatsu, Ichiro Suzuki, and Susumu Takaku, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Shin'ichi Chiba, Osamu Kobayashi, and Wataru Yamagawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the Earth is threatened by an evil alien, a group of UN scientists travel to the lost city of Atlantis where they unearth a superhuman mummy named The Golden Bat who is prophesied to help the humans survive this terrible attack."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, The Golden Bat is a cinematic interpretation on what's alleged to be the very first comic book superhero in human history ever! Ogon Bat was created for newspapers in 1931 by Takeo Nagamatsu and Ichiro Suzuki, a year that predates the creation of Superman and Batman by several years.
"When the Earth is threatened by an evil alien, a group of UN scientists travel to the lost city of Atlantis where they unearth a superhuman mummy named The Golden Bat who is prophesied to help the humans survive this terrible attack."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, The Golden Bat is a cinematic interpretation on what's alleged to be the very first comic book superhero in human history ever! Ogon Bat was created for newspapers in 1931 by Takeo Nagamatsu and Ichiro Suzuki, a year that predates the creation of Superman and Batman by several years.
A star is born ... or is that 'hatched'? On this day in 1978, the remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers enjoyed a pair of joint big screen premieres in Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA! Directed by Philip Kaufman, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Jeff Goldblum; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
A star is born ... and it's about to crash?!?! On this day in 1978 (in West Germany), Stella Star soared onto the silver screen in high camp fashion with the theatrical premiere of Starcrash! Written (in part) and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Caroline Munro, Marjoe Gornter, and Christopher Plummer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1979, the kid-friendly flick better known as C.H.O.M.P.S. enjoyed its original theatrical premiere, truly sending Science Fiction and Fantasy to the dogs! The feature starred Wesley Eure, Valerine Bertinelli, and Conrad Bain. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young man invents a robot dog that has super strength, x-ray vision and can detect crimes being committed. A greedy businessman tries to steal the invention from him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of C.H.O.M.P.S. latest release on home video. Folks interested in knowing what I thought of the film -- which I did see in its original theatrical run back in 1979, as well -- can find my review right here.
"A young man invents a robot dog that has super strength, x-ray vision and can detect crimes being committed. A greedy businessman tries to steal the invention from him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of C.H.O.M.P.S. latest release on home video. Folks interested in knowing what I thought of the film -- which I did see in its original theatrical run back in 1979, as well -- can find my review right here.
On this day in 1979 (in Australia and Ireland), Captain Kirk came out of retirement to save life as we know it in Star Trek: The Motion Picture for Paramount Pictures. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1979, Disney's The Black Hole was released to theatres! This was the Mouse House's attempt to tap into that whole Star Wars' phenomenon begun by George Lucas in 1977. The chief complaint I had was that it was far too kid-friendly, having a old-timey robot voiced by veteran screen actor Slim Pickens (of all things!). Ugh. Ugh, indeed. It had a few nice moments, but there wasn't enough to launch any franchise. Still, forces are at work talking about a reboot, and maybe they could get it right the second time around. Stranger things have happened. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"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 1979 (in West Germany), The Crazies delivered a lethal measure of craziness for audiences. Written and directed by George A. Romero, the SciFi/Horror starred Lane Carroll, Harold Wayne Jones, and Will MacMillan. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
On this day in 1980 (in Denmark), The Final Countdown posed a devastating 'what if' as it pertains to world history. Directed by Don Taylor, the film starred Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and Katharine Ross. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), Memoirs Of A Survivor took another look into mankind's somewhat bleak future. Written and directed by David Gladwell, the SciFi/Drama starred Julie Christie, Christopher Guard, and Leonie Mellinger. here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"'D' is a chronicler of a society in chaos, who looks down on the marauding gangs, and rubbish-strewn streets from the fortress prison of her flat. Buffeted by inner dreams and longings, D finds an alternative world by stepping through the wall of her flat, like Alice through the Looking Glass. Here it is Victorian England, the bosom of an unsettled family, harbingers, perhaps, of the decay to come. She flits between the two sides of her double life, always observing, never participating, and watches as her protégé, Emily, becomes involved with vagrants' leader Gerald and their efforts to control the violent scavengers fail."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Memoirs Of A Survivor enjoyed a fair amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"'D' is a chronicler of a society in chaos, who looks down on the marauding gangs, and rubbish-strewn streets from the fortress prison of her flat. Buffeted by inner dreams and longings, D finds an alternative world by stepping through the wall of her flat, like Alice through the Looking Glass. Here it is Victorian England, the bosom of an unsettled family, harbingers, perhaps, of the decay to come. She flits between the two sides of her double life, always observing, never participating, and watches as her protégé, Emily, becomes involved with vagrants' leader Gerald and their efforts to control the violent scavengers fail."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Memoirs Of A Survivor enjoyed a fair amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), The Final Executioner took to the silver screen in glorious fashion. Directed by Romolo Guerrieri, the film starred William Mang, Marina Costa, and Harrison Muller. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
On this day in 1987 (in Spain), Spaceballs served up laughs by way of Science Fiction parody of Star Wars and more. Written and directed by Mel Brooks, the flick starred Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and John Candy, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Germany), Fatal Sky enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Frank Shields, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Nouri, Darlanne Fluegel, and Maxwell Caulfield. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Norway, a military plane crashes under mysterious circumstances; In his last message, the pilot reported many lights falling from the sky. NATO wants to play down the incident, but the famous TV moderator George Abbot and the no less persistent journalist Milker sense a sensational story about UFOs and start snooping around in the area with help of pilot "Bird" McNamara. Inspired by the suspiciously rigorous isolation of the whole area around the crash point and cases of an unknown disease, they have a closer look at the military's activities."
"In Norway, a military plane crashes under mysterious circumstances; In his last message, the pilot reported many lights falling from the sky. NATO wants to play down the incident, but the famous TV moderator George Abbot and the no less persistent journalist Milker sense a sensational story about UFOs and start snooping around in the area with help of pilot "Bird" McNamara. Inspired by the suspiciously rigorous isolation of the whole area around the crash point and cases of an unknown disease, they have a closer look at the military's activities."
On this day in 1990 (in Japan), Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Peter R. Hunt, the film starred Dennis Holahan, Sydney Penny, and Rosie Marcel. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Japan), the direct-to-video release known as Space Chase found life on video store shelves. (What's a video store? Ask your parents, kids. Or maybe your grandparents.) Written and directed by Nick Kimaz, the film starred Gary Bergman, Bryan Clark, and Michael Gaglio. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To rule the galaxy an evil dictator kidnaps a scientist together with his invention which will provide limitless energy for his robots."
"To rule the galaxy an evil dictator kidnaps a scientist together with his invention which will provide limitless energy for his robots."
On this day in 1991 (in France), Steve Austin and Jamie Sommers were back in bionic action in the SciFi/Telefilm Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man And The Bionic Woman. Directed by Alan J. Levi, the film starred Lee Majors, Lindsay Wagner, and Sandra Bullock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Bionic Woman and the Six Million Dollar Man reunite, with a few younger bionic assistants, and try to catch a bionic spy."
"The Bionic Woman and the Six Million Dollar Man reunite, with a few younger bionic assistants, and try to catch a bionic spy."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), Timescape (aka Grand Tour: Disaster In Time) enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Black Sunday Film Festival. Based on a novella ("Vintage Season") by Henry Kuttner and C.L. Moore, David Twohy adapted the work for the silver screen and served as director. It starred Jeff Daniels, Ariana Richards, and Emilia Crow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Before they can complete renovations on their new inn, Widower (Ben Wilson) and daughter (Hillary) are visited by a woman seeking immediate lodging for her strange group of travellers. Why they won't stay at the hotel in town is just the first of many mysteries surrounding the group that lead Wilson to a startling discovery affecting his family and neighbours."
For the record:
On top of some positive reception at various film festivals, Timescape enjoyed a 1992 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Before they can complete renovations on their new inn, Widower (Ben Wilson) and daughter (Hillary) are visited by a woman seeking immediate lodging for her strange group of travellers. Why they won't stay at the hotel in town is just the first of many mysteries surrounding the group that lead Wilson to a startling discovery affecting his family and neighbours."
For the record:
On top of some positive reception at various film festivals, Timescape enjoyed a 1992 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Comedy Tammy And The T-Rex showed audiences that those ginormous predators weren't so dangerous after all. Written (in part) and directed by Stewart Raffill, the film starred Denise Richards, Theo Forsett, and Paul Walker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil scientist implants the brain of Michael, a murdered high school student, into a Tyrannosaurus. He escapes, wreaks vengeance on his high school tormentors, and is reunited with his sweetheart Tammy."
"An evil scientist implants the brain of Michael, a murdered high school student, into a Tyrannosaurus. He escapes, wreaks vengeance on his high school tormentors, and is reunited with his sweetheart Tammy."
On this day in 1994 (in Spain), Timecop traveled across the eras in search of SciFi justice. Directed by Peter Hyams, the film starred Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1995 (in Hungary), Sylvester Stallone proved that he was the law (again) with the theatrical release of Judge Dredd. Directed by Danny Cannon, the film starred Sylvester Stallone, Rob Schneider, and Diane Lane. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian future, Joseph Dredd, the most famous Judge (a police officer with instant field judiciary powers), is convicted for a crime he did not commit and must face his murderous counterpart."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
"In a dystopian future, Joseph Dredd, the most famous Judge (a police officer with instant field judiciary powers), is convicted for a crime he did not commit and must face his murderous counterpart."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
On this day in 1999 (in Germany), Bridge Of Dragons roared mightily with its release on home video. Directed by Isaac Florentine, the film starred Dolph Lundgren, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Valerie Chow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The tough and cold mercenary Warchild, is working for the man who took care of his war training and upbringing, the greedy General Ruechang. Ruechang is planning to take over the country by marrying Princess Halo. But Halo discovers that Ruechang killed her father to gain more power than he had working for the King, so she decides to run away. Warchild is the one who has to bring her back to Ruechang, but the one thing no one counted on happens... Warchild and Halo falls in love, and together they take on the forces of Ruechang..."
"The tough and cold mercenary Warchild, is working for the man who took care of his war training and upbringing, the greedy General Ruechang. Ruechang is planning to take over the country by marrying Princess Halo. But Halo discovers that Ruechang killed her father to gain more power than he had working for the King, so she decides to run away. Warchild is the one who has to bring her back to Ruechang, but the one thing no one counted on happens... Warchild and Halo falls in love, and together they take on the forces of Ruechang..."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Dream Warrior dished up a cinematic nightmare with its release to the home video market. Written and directed by Zachary Weintraub, the SciFi film starred Daniel Goddard, Sherilyn Fenn, and Lance Henriksen. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an apocalyptic future, the wake of a lethal meteor strike, normal civilization has been reduced to ashes, with the people that remain left terrified by the existence of super-powered mutants. Human leader Parish a man with extra-human powers goes on the run as he wants to hunt down and kill the mutants in order to preserve the genetic purity of the normal survivors; he's particularly obsessed with murdering Rage, the mutants' commander."
"In an apocalyptic future, the wake of a lethal meteor strike, normal civilization has been reduced to ashes, with the people that remain left terrified by the existence of super-powered mutants. Human leader Parish a man with extra-human powers goes on the run as he wants to hunt down and kill the mutants in order to preserve the genetic purity of the normal survivors; he's particularly obsessed with murdering Rage, the mutants' commander."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in Japan), The Men Who Fell (aka Biohazard X) enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by William L. Stewart, the film starred Brendan Guy Murphy, Aaron Stielstra, and Kimberly Parmon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two prisoners die floating in a space detention facility above a post-apocalyptic earth, hired by a mega corporation, Hunsinger, to retrieve an object on Earth. Because they are prisoners, little information is given about the mission. When they land on Earth, they work their way through the post-apocalyptic wasteland and its inhabitants to a gigantic underground industrial complex where the object is located, but the complex is more dangerous than the prisoners thought."
"Two prisoners die floating in a space detention facility above a post-apocalyptic earth, hired by a mega corporation, Hunsinger, to retrieve an object on Earth. Because they are prisoners, little information is given about the mission. When they land on Earth, they work their way through the post-apocalyptic wasteland and its inhabitants to a gigantic underground industrial complex where the object is located, but the complex is more dangerous than the prisoners thought."
A star is born! On this day in 2010, the colossal monster movie Mega Shark Vs. Crocosaurus sprang to bold, bold life. Directed by Christopher Ray, the feature starred Gary Stretch, Jaleel White, and Sarah Lieving. Here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A megalodon battles with a crocosaurus causing massive destruction. The US Army has to try and destroy the havoc creating monsters."
"A megalodon battles with a crocosaurus causing massive destruction. The US Army has to try and destroy the havoc creating monsters."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Germany), the good people of Berlin were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Founder (aka Der Gründer). Written and directed by Eric Dean Hordes, the SciFi/Comedy starred Helmut Krauss, Vera Göpfert, and Santiago Ziesmer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien from the planet Antoria lands on Earth and is promptly assaulted by porn producer Gerhard Hornbacher, who steals his 'form changer.' Hornbacher sees this as a way to make money and founds the spiritual TV channel 'Teleportal,' where he offers people the opportunity to flee to Antoria to escape the impending destruction of the Earth--for a price, of course."
"An alien from the planet Antoria lands on Earth and is promptly assaulted by porn producer Gerhard Hornbacher, who steals his 'form changer.' Hornbacher sees this as a way to make money and founds the spiritual TV channel 'Teleportal,' where he offers people the opportunity to flee to Antoria to escape the impending destruction of the Earth--for a price, of course."
On this day in 2016, Passengers enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the SciFi/Romance starred Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence, and Michael Sheen. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Passengers enjoyed two nominations from the 2017 Academy Awards in the categories of 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score)' and 'Best Achievement in Production Design.' At the 2017 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed five nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Actress.' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Passengers enjoyed two nominations from the 2017 Academy Awards in the categories of 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score)' and 'Best Achievement in Production Design.' At the 2017 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed five nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Actress.' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2018, Netflix's Bird Box enjoyed its worldwide release via the internet. Directed by Susanne Bier, the SciFi/Horror starred Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the wake of an unknown global terror, a mother must find the strength to flee with her children down a treacherous river in search of safety. Due to unseen deadly forces, the perilous journey must be made blindly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Bird Box enjoyed a good amount of praise from professional technical societies and film festivals.
"In the wake of an unknown global terror, a mother must find the strength to flee with her children down a treacherous river in search of safety. Due to unseen deadly forces, the perilous journey must be made blindly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Bird Box enjoyed a good amount of praise from professional technical societies and film festivals.
William Hartnell and his small screen friends journeyed to "The Dead Planet" on this day in 1963, back during Doctor Who's first awe-inspiring season. This was only the beginning of those dastardly Daleks the good Doctor would deal so much with over his various incarnations.
On this day in 1964, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "Long Live the King." This served as the fifteenth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The assassination of a king means Prince Ang receives an early promotion. The new king is just a boy, and has a lot to learn about ruling. In fact, he has a lot to learn about everything. He has advisers, but one of them may be trying to kill him, to finish off the royal line. Nelson and Seaview must get the prince back home so he may take the throne and prevent a coup from leaving an unfriendly government in power. Fortunately, a mysterious sailor, Old John, appears along their way and helps the young prince. But exactly who is Old John?"
"The assassination of a king means Prince Ang receives an early promotion. The new king is just a boy, and has a lot to learn about ruling. In fact, he has a lot to learn about everything. He has advisers, but one of them may be trying to kill him, to finish off the royal line. Nelson and Seaview must get the prince back home so he may take the throne and prevent a coup from leaving an unfriendly government in power. Fortunately, a mysterious sailor, Old John, appears along their way and helps the young prince. But exactly who is Old John?"
On this day in 1966, Irwin Allen's Lost In Space aired "The Dream Monster." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as cited on IMDB.com:
"Doctor Smith agrees to give away the emotions of the Robinsons to an alien looking for some in exchange for a trip home."
"Doctor Smith agrees to give away the emotions of the Robinsons to an alien looking for some in exchange for a trip home."
On this day in 1969, Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants aired "Home Sweet Home." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Steve and Fitzhugh attempt to return to Earth in a spacepod, but travel back in time to the year 1900 where the local villagers decide they are being attacked by warlocks."
"Steve and Fitzhugh attempt to return to Earth in a spacepod, but travel back in time to the year 1900 where the local villagers decide they are being attacked by warlocks."
On this day in 1974, Land Of The Lost aired "Hurricane." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"While fooling with a pylon, Will opens a time door that brings an astronaut and a hurricane to the Land of the Lost."
"While fooling with a pylon, Will opens a time door that brings an astronaut and a hurricane to the Land of the Lost."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Let's All Stick Together." This served as the sixteenth and final episode of the program's final season, and here's the summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"While helping with the housecleaning, Danny unknowingly disposes of a priceless antique entrusted to Shirley for safekeeping. When it is returned broken, the whole family becomes stuck together by a new super-glue formula."
"While helping with the housecleaning, Danny unknowingly disposes of a priceless antique entrusted to Shirley for safekeeping. When it is returned broken, the whole family becomes stuck together by a new super-glue formula."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1981, "Blake" aired as the thirteenth episode of Blakes 7's fourth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's how it all ended:
"Orac has pinpointed Blake's location and reveals to Avon and the crew of Scorpio that he is on the lawless planet Gauda Prime, where Blake has given up fighting against the Federation and is now a bounty hunter. But the crew of the Scorpio suspect Blake has betrayed them and has sold out to the Federation."
"Orac has pinpointed Blake's location and reveals to Avon and the crew of Scorpio that he is on the lawless planet Gauda Prime, where Blake has given up fighting against the Federation and is now a bounty hunter. But the crew of the Scorpio suspect Blake has betrayed them and has sold out to the Federation."
Even a program like V got into the 'holiday' act when the aired "Reflections in Terror" on this day in 1984. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"With a blood sample from the "star-child," Diana creates an uncontrollable and deadly clone which seeks out Elizabeth; Bates tests Julie's loyalty when he suspects she is sympathetic to the Resistance whose headquarters he is preparing to destroy."
"With a blood sample from the "star-child," Diana creates an uncontrollable and deadly clone which seeks out Elizabeth; Bates tests Julie's loyalty when he suspects she is sympathetic to the Resistance whose headquarters he is preparing to destroy."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Greatest Show In The Galaxy: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Ace reach the Psychic Circus, where the Doctor is imprisoned with the other contestants while Ace draws the attention of the Chief Clown."
"The Doctor and Ace reach the Psychic Circus, where the Doctor is imprisoned with the other contestants while Ace draws the attention of the Chief Clown."
On this day in 1990, Quantum Leap aired a very special holiday episode of their show titled "A Little Miracle." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam and Al scare the Dickens out of a rich Scrooge character who wants to tear down a mission and build a high rise."
"Sam and Al scare the Dickens out of a rich Scrooge character who wants to tear down a mission and build a high rise."
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "Charlie X." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
On this day in 2002, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Flay's Decision." This served as the twelfth 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."
A young Observer remained mute, and Olivia and the rebels need the assistance of Nina Sharp in order to set things right. This episode of Fringe was titled, "Anomaly XB-6783746," and it first aired on this day in 2012.
On this day in 2013, Spooksville aired "The Dark Corner." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spell to reunite Adam with his mom instead transports the kids into a parallel Spooksville in another realm, where zombies and Ninja reign."
"A spell to reunite Adam with his mom instead transports the kids into a parallel Spooksville in another realm, where zombies and Ninja reign."
