Screen veteran James Gregory acting in nearly 200 different roles in his lifetime of work, but my guess is that SciFi fans remember him best for an appearance on the classic Star Trek ("Dagger of the Mind") as well as playing Ursus in Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970). Though he's no longer with us, Gregory was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anton Leader was a director who worked almost exclusively in television, bringing to life episodes of such classic programs as The Twilight Zone, Lost In Space, Tarzan, Star Trek, and Get Smart. Though he's no longer with us, Leader was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jean Brooks enjoyed some uncredited exposure as a secret female henchwoman to no less than Ming the Merciless aboard Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe (1940). Though she's no longer with us, Brooks was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the last films Kumar Pallana (above left) had the good fortune to appear in was aboard 2011's critically acclaimed Another Earth from Fox Searchlight. Though he's no longer with us, Pallana was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Gerald S. O'Loughlin played 'Police Captain E. G. Boyd' aboard the SciFi/Cult TV series, Automan, back in the 1983-1984 season. Though he's no longer with us, O'Loughlin was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
London-born actress Heather Downham braved the Final Frontier in the role as a stewardess aboard Stanley Kubrick's SciFi/Classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Downham was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Peter Medak has a long and storied association with the world of genre entertainment. He's contributed to such projects as Space:1999, The Changeling (1980), Cosmic Princess (1982), The Twilight Zone, Faerie Tale Theatre, Beauty And The Beast, Tales From The Crypt, Kindred: The Embraced, Species II (1998), and HBO's Carnivale. Medak was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: the delightful Harry Shearer's first professional gig (according to IMDB.com) was as the 'uncredited boy' aboard Abbott and Costello Go To Mars (1953). Shearer was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Where ElectraWoman directed, DynaGirl followed! The lovely Judy Strangis joined Deidre Hall in the 70's cult Superhero series, ElectraWoman and DynaGirl for Sid & Marty Krofft Television Productions. Strangis was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Cheryl Howard hasn't appeared in all that many releases. To be honest, it looks like she shows up in background roles aboard her hubby Ron Howard's flicks. Howard was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As an actor and stuntman, Dan Shea has certainly stepped into many, many realms familiar to genre fans. He's had the good fortune to serve such projects as The X-Files, Seven Days, The Outer Limits, Andromeda, Stargate: SG-1, Sanctuary, Smallvile, and X-Men: Days Of Future Past among many others. Shea was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout his career, Stefan Arngrim has built an impressive resume in some quality genre projects. Fans are familiar with his work in Land of the Giants, The X-Files, Viper, Millennium, Seven Days, Earthsea, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, Flash Gordon, V, Caprica, Fringe, Arrow, and TV's Minority Report. Arngrim was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While still looking as sexy and sultry as ever, Joan Severance still managed to kick butt and take names in the guise of Black Scorpion (1995). Severance was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jennifer Van Dyck has filled in supporting roles for such properties as Fox TV's Fringe and CBS's SciFi-lite Person Of Interest in her pursuits. Van Dyck was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor Jess Harnell maintains a resume with well over three hundred different screen credits. Fans might know him best from work aboard Transformers, the Skylanders video game franchise, and Elena of Avalor. Harnell was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her acting career, the young Martha Byrne played the title character aboard 1983's Anna To The Infinite Power, a cautionary SciFi/Drama about duplicate identities in the world at large. Byrne was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One should expect the lovely Noel Thurman to show up where she's expected least. As far as genre properties go, she's been privileged to serve the likes of TV's The Invisible Man, Transmorphers (2007), Universal Soldiers (2007), Supercroc (2007), The Witches of OZ (TV miniseries), and Dorothy and The Witches Of Oz (2012). Thurman was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Regular readers know that I'm no fan of the wider Harry Potter universe, but I do love the fact that the franchise has brought a countless number of new fans to the world of genre entertainment. In any event, Nick Moran made a splash in the flicks by playing the character named 'Scabior.' Moran was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Corey Haim certainly left behind a legacy full of B-Movie goodness, including a starring role in Watchers (1988), the tale of a young boy and his intelligent, genetically-enhanced canine. Though he's no longer with us, Haim was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Estella Warren played the role of 'Daena' in Tim Burton's remake (reboot?) of Planet Of The Apes (2001). She did what she could with the part, essentially showing up as a kind of prehistoric eye candy and little more. Ms. Warren was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Inga Leps has dabbled in one short project after another, several of which fall into the realm of Fantasy (such as 2015's ZF461, a cautionary tale about cloning). Leps was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Alison Sudol shone brightly in the role of 'Queenie' for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016). Sudol was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Noël Wells dipped her toes into the wide, wide world of Star Trek with a voice role in the (forthcoming) animated project Star Trek: Lower Decks. Wells was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sofia Black-D'Elia brought her winning smile and girl-next-door charm to Project Almanac (2015), a clever time travel yarn focused on a group of teenagers. Black-D'Elia was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: Google.com]
[Source: Google.com]
It would seem that some Fantasies never go out of style: on this day in 1947 (in the U.S.), Beauty And The Beast warmed the hearts of audiences. Directed by Jean Cocteau and René Clément, the cinematic Fantasy starred Jean Marais, Josette Day, and Mila Parély. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of Beauty And The Beast enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of Beauty And The Beast enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1952 (in the great nation of Spain), the original Science Fiction classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Edmund H. North adapted the written story by Harry Bates, and Robert Wise directed the feature. The film starred Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, and Hugh Marlowe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1953 (in the great nation of France), the original Science Fiction classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad sailed into theatres. Directed by Nathan Juran, the Fantasy film starred Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, and Richard Eyer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in the great nation of Italy), the SciFi/Comedy The Flying Saucer (aka Il disco volante) premiered. Directed by Tinto Brass from a story by Rodolfo Sonego, the feature starred Alberto Sordi, Monica Vitti, and Eleonora Rossi Drago. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An exasperated police inspector receives different eyewitness accounts surrounding a downed saucer and its female occupant."
"An exasperated police inspector receives different eyewitness accounts surrounding a downed saucer and its female occupant."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), the good people of Deming, New Mexico were treated to the big screen premiere of The Vulture. Written and directed by Lawrence Huntington, the SciFi/Horror starred Robert Hutton, Akim Tamiroff, and Diane Clare. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns himself into a half-man, half-bird monster to avenge the death of his ancestor."
"A mad scientist turns himself into a half-man, half-bird monster to avenge the death of his ancestor."
On this day in 1976 (in Italy), Logan's Run took off running ... at the box office, that is. Directed by Michael Anderson and based on the novel from William F. Nolan, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in the Netherlands), Peter en de vliegende autobus soared onto the screen. Written (in part) and directed by Karst van der Meulen, the Family-friendly Fantasy starred Lex Goudsmit, Martin Brozius, and Joost Prinsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Young Peter has a difficult time adjusting at school having been confined to a wheelchair after an accident. He still wants to participate in the school outing and play and wants to come up with a way to make the play actors 'fly' like fairies. By chance the local inventor Quirinus Drijfhout and his son Felix have just perfected their 'Zerostraler', a machine that can make any object float in mid air."
"Young Peter has a difficult time adjusting at school having been confined to a wheelchair after an accident. He still wants to participate in the school outing and play and wants to come up with a way to make the play actors 'fly' like fairies. By chance the local inventor Quirinus Drijfhout and his son Felix have just perfected their 'Zerostraler', a machine that can make any object float in mid air."
On this day in 1977 (in the great nation of Mexico), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, and David Prowse. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"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."
For the record:
"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."
For the record:
- To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.'
- It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.'
- The film took home the 1978 Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- In 1989, Star Wars was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registery, the organization preserving films that have demonstrated lasting contributions to film history.
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Melting Man oozed its way onto the big screen. Written and directed by William Sachs, the Horror/SciFi starred Alex Rebar, Burr DeBenning, and Myron Healey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An astronaut is transformed into a murderous gelatinous mass after returning from an ill-fated space voyage."
"An astronaut is transformed into a murderous gelatinous mass after returning from an ill-fated space voyage."
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Italy), the incredible behemoth -- Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century -- enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever! Written (in part) and directed by Gianfranco Parolini, the monster movie starred Antonella Interlenghi, Mimmo Crao, and Jim Sullivan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new home video release of Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new home video release of Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1978 (in Japan), Lusty Transparent Man (aka Tômei-ningen: okase!) delivered a bit of sexual Fantasy by way of invisibility. Directed by Isao Hayashi from a story by Chiho Katsura and Akira Nakano, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Izumi Shima, Erina Miyai, and Maria Mari. According to our friends at Good.Film, here's the plot summary:
"A horny scientist who is married to a hot wife and lives with his virginal step sister invents a drug that can make him invisible. Erotic high jinks ensue."
"A horny scientist who is married to a hot wife and lives with his virginal step sister invents a drug that can make him invisible. Erotic high jinks ensue."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Italy), Jackpot (aka Cyber Eden) premiered theatrically. Directed by Mario Orfini, the feature starred Adriano Celentano, Kate Vernon, and Carroll Baker. Here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Gloria Ruckhauser has a dream: rediscovering the figure and features of herself when she was 20. Convinced that science is getting nowhere in the search for a cure to the aging process, Gloria sets up a foundation whose mission is to find a miracle potion. Various scientists take up the challenge and develop a substance that reverses the biological clock. Now, they face a new challenge. How to stop getting younger before it's too late."
"Gloria Ruckhauser has a dream: rediscovering the figure and features of herself when she was 20. Convinced that science is getting nowhere in the search for a cure to the aging process, Gloria sets up a foundation whose mission is to find a miracle potion. Various scientists take up the challenge and develop a substance that reverses the biological clock. Now, they face a new challenge. How to stop getting younger before it's too late."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Action film Prototype found its way into our collective consciousness. Written (in part) and directed by Phillip J. Roth, the feature starred Lane Lenhart, Brenda Swanson, and Mitchell Cox. Here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocolyptic Los Angeles, a wheelchair bound veteren volunteers for an experimental cybergenic program that wil allow him to walk again only to find that it turns him into a lethal killing machine pre-programmed to kill the last remaining member of the resestance - the woman he loves."
"In a post-apocolyptic Los Angeles, a wheelchair bound veteren volunteers for an experimental cybergenic program that wil allow him to walk again only to find that it turns him into a lethal killing machine pre-programmed to kill the last remaining member of the resestance - the woman he loves."
On this day in 1994 (in Japan), Natural Selection (aka Dark Reflection) enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Jack Sholder from a story by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, the feature starred C. Thomas Howell, Lisa Zane, and Miko Hughes. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in Australia), Pet Shop first opened its doors for business in the marketplace of home video releases. Directed by Hope Perello, the SciFi/Comedy starred Terry Kiser, Leigh Ann Orsi, and Spencer Vrooman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A couple of alien slavers disguised as cowboys arrive to Earth and open up an E.T. pet shop in a small desert town where FBI hides witnesses against the mob to kidnap human children and sell them off at alien slave auctions."
"A couple of alien slavers disguised as cowboys arrive to Earth and open up an E.T. pet shop in a small desert town where FBI hides witnesses against the mob to kidnap human children and sell them off at alien slave auctions."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Street Fighter took the fight to the streets ... of cinema, that is. Written and directed by Steven E. de Souza, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jean-Claude Van Damme, Raul Julia, and Ming-Na Wen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the midst of a civil war in South East Asia, a general intensifies the climate of violence by kidnapping 63 UN delegates. To free the hostages, a colonel leads a group of fighters, who will have to use all their skills to be successful."
For the record:
At the 1995 Saturn Awards, Street Fighter enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film."
"In the midst of a civil war in South East Asia, a general intensifies the climate of violence by kidnapping 63 UN delegates. To free the hostages, a colonel leads a group of fighters, who will have to use all their skills to be successful."
For the record:
At the 1995 Saturn Awards, Street Fighter enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film."
On this day in 1994 (in Austria), Timecop shot back in time to save the future for us all. Directed by Peter Hyams from a script by Mike Richardson and Mark Verheiden, the film starred Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver. Here's the plot summary from 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.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
"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.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
On this day in 1995 (in Japan), the Enterprise-B flew into the Nexus when Star Trek: Generations soared onto the silver screen. Written by Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, and Ronald D. Moore, the first cinema adventure for the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D was directed by David Carson. It starred Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, and Malcolm McDowell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Little Witches tried to dish up some magic with its home video release. Directed by Jane Simpson from a story by Brian DiMuccio and Dino Vendeni, the Horror/Fantasy starred Mimi Rose, Sheeri Rappaport, and Jennifer Rubin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Six misfit schoolgirls at an all-girl Catholic high school, left alone at the school for Easter week, get mixed up with the occult and witchcraft after an old Satanic temple is found underneath the church where they attend as well as an old book of black magic spells for conjuring up an ancient demon from the pits of Hell. Janie, the most characteristic and cruelest of the girls, takes charge of the group and plots to resurrect the demon using a series of black arts spells, while one innocent girl, Faith, has a change of heart and tries to stop them from completing their spell which also includes a human sacrifice."
"Six misfit schoolgirls at an all-girl Catholic high school, left alone at the school for Easter week, get mixed up with the occult and witchcraft after an old Satanic temple is found underneath the church where they attend as well as an old book of black magic spells for conjuring up an ancient demon from the pits of Hell. Janie, the most characteristic and cruelest of the girls, takes charge of the group and plots to resurrect the demon using a series of black arts spells, while one innocent girl, Faith, has a change of heart and tries to stop them from completing their spell which also includes a human sacrifice."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Germany), Nemesis 4: Death Angel enjoyed its home video debut. Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Actioner starred Blanka Copikova, Andrew Divoff, and Michael Gucik; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Russia), Sci-fighters enjoyed its original release on home video. Directed by Peter Svatek from a script by Mark Sevi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Roddy Piper, Jayne Heitmeyer, and Billy Drago; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Boston, 2009. A police detective searches for Adrian Dunn, his ex-partner who murdered his wife. Dunn has escaped from prison on the moon and returned to Earth with an alien virus."
"Boston, 2009. A police detective searches for Adrian Dunn, his ex-partner who murdered his wife. Dunn has escaped from prison on the moon and returned to Earth with an alien virus."
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Canada), Galaxy Quest roared onto the silver screen in its first theatrical engagement. Directed by Dean Parisot from a script by David Howard and Robert Gordon, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
- At the 2000 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick scored actor Tim Allen the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' Alas, the picture had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- In 2001, the Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Of America honored Galaxy Quest with the 'Best Script' Nebula Award.
- At the 2000 Hugo Awards, the film took home the coveted 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Award.
On this day in 2008, the Horror/SciFi hybrid Pulse 3 first found life on home video. Written and directed by Joel Soisson, the feature starred Noureen DeWulf, Rider Strong, and Lynn Blackburn. Here's the premise provided by the people at IMDB.com:
"A restless girl embarks on a journey back to a city populated by the dead in search of a mysterious internet lover."
"A restless girl embarks on a journey back to a city populated by the dead in search of a mysterious internet lover."
On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "Christmas on the Moon." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McCauley and two astronomers are on the Moon on Christmas day, and one of them is stricken with appendicitis."
"McCauley and two astronomers are on the Moon on Christmas day, and one of them is stricken with appendicitis."
TV legend Art Carney starred in a very special holiday-themed episode of The Twilight Zone that first aired on this day in 1960. Here's the summary of "The Night of the Meek" from IMDB.com:
"After a derelict Santa Claus is fired on Christmas Eve, he finds a mysterious bag that gives out presents. With this bag he sets out to fulfill his one wish - to see the less fortunate inherit the bounties of Christmas."
"After a derelict Santa Claus is fired on Christmas Eve, he finds a mysterious bag that gives out presents. With this bag he sets out to fulfill his one wish - to see the less fortunate inherit the bounties of Christmas."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "Flying Zodiac." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Steve recalls his family circus days, Venus dreams of a circus show, where Steve would perform as a trapeze artist. However, the Space Spys Griselda and Boris, dressed as performers, are plotting to kill Colonel Zodiac and let invade a clan of Space Gypsies into Space City..."
"While Steve recalls his family circus days, Venus dreams of a circus show, where Steve would perform as a trapeze artist. However, the Space Spys Griselda and Boris, dressed as performers, are plotting to kill Colonel Zodiac and let invade a clan of Space Gypsies into Space City..."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds aired "Vault Of Death." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Parker is challenged to break into the vaults of the Bank Of London. When he succeeds the bank decides to upgrade the alarm system. Unfortunately one of the bank employees is trapped after the upgrade and International Rescue are called to help. Parker does all he can to slow the operation down thinking he is protecting a former safe cracking rival."
"Parker is challenged to break into the vaults of the Bank Of London. When he succeeds the bank decides to upgrade the alarm system. Unfortunately one of the bank employees is trapped after the upgrade and International Rescue are called to help. Parker does all he can to slow the operation down thinking he is protecting a former safe cracking rival."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), The Time Tunnel finds our two time traveling agents at odds with one another. "Invasion" puts the men in Germany only two days before D-Day (aka the invasion of Normandy) with Doug being captured and reprogrammed by Nazi scientists to kill his partner, Tony!
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Jason Of Star Command aired "The Victory Of Star Command." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Jason a captive aboard his spaceship, Dragos commences his final assault upon the space academy. Jason once again manages to escape and, having dispatched all the guards confronts his enemy man to man."
"With Jason a captive aboard his spaceship, Dragos commences his final assault upon the space academy. Jason once again manages to escape and, having dispatched all the guards confronts his enemy man to man."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Terrahawks aired "The Midas Touch." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's gold reserves, stored at Fort Knox, attract the attention of Zelda and her friends. Realising that it would cause economic disaster if she could destroy it, she sends the monstrous Knell to Earth."
"The world's gold reserves, stored at Fort Knox, attract the attention of Zelda and her friends. Realising that it would cause economic disaster if she could destroy it, she sends the monstrous Knell to Earth."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), First Wave aired "Undesirables." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gua assassin Joshua is sent to eliminate a Gua human sympathizer, Foster is searching for a scientist too and unaware that their paths will cross once again."
"Gua assassin Joshua is sent to eliminate a Gua human sympathizer, Foster is searching for a scientist too and unaware that their paths will cross once again."
On this day in 2001 (in Japan), Cyborg 009 aired "Eve Mirage." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While in Paris for Christmas, Cyborg 003 is injected with a drug that sends her into a dream world where past and present collide."
"While in Paris for Christmas, Cyborg 003 is injected with a drug that sends her into a dream world where past and present collide."
On this day in 2002 (in Hungary), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Who Watches The Watchers." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sanctuary aired "Sanctuary For None: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Sanctuary is approached by an abnormal leader about a radical plan for peace, Magnus goes all in and pledges her full support. However, when Will is forced to leave the Sanctuary, his decision may just put everyone at risk."
"When the Sanctuary is approached by an abnormal leader about a radical plan for peace, Magnus goes all in and pledges her full support. However, when Will is forced to leave the Sanctuary, his decision may just put everyone at risk."
