The past was new again when on this day back in 1986 the short-lived SciFi/Fantasy series known as Outlaws enjoyed its small screen debut. Created by Nicholas Corea (a screenwriter who worked on The Incredible Hulk, Airwolf, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager among other shows), the weekly procedural starred Rod Taylor, William Lucking, Charles Napier, Patrick Houser, Richard Roundtree, and Christine Belford in big roles. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Five cowboys are sent forward in time from 1899 to 1986, where they start their own detective agency."
"Five cowboys are sent forward in time from 1899 to 1986, where they start their own detective agency."
While it's been suggested that 1922's Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror was in by no means a commercial success, the Horror film directed by F.W. Murnau arguably helped usher in an era of vampire goodness to the silver screen. His foray with German Expressionism is also said to have influenced a whole new look on film; and it's a shame that so many of his works are apparenlty lost to history. Though he's no longer with us, Murnau was born on this day in 1888.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Lew Ayres played the disastrous president of the Twelve Colonies whose actions set off the catastrophic near-end of the human race on TV's original Battlestar Galactica. The actor also appeared in Donovan's Brain (1953), Earth II (1971), Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973), The Questor Tapes (1974), The Bionic Woman, The Fantastic Journey, and Wonder Woman. Though he's no longer with us, Ayres was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Charles Maxwell played the legendary Earp brother Virgil aboard the third season outing for classic Star Trek, "Spectre of the Gun." Though he's no longer with us, Maxwell was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kim Chan had a small role in the super-popular The Fifth Element (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Chan was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
His is probably the most recognizable face in all of the Marvel Studios movie universe ... or, at least, he's the one audiences are always waiting to find! Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee has used his creative genius to fashion some of the most fantastic and fascinating creations in the realm of the imaginable. From Spider-man to Iron Man, Lee's heroes help propel today's box office to the stratosphere. Though he's no longer with us, Lee was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, veteran character actor Andrew Duggan closed out his professional career with a role aboard 1987's A Return To Salem's Lot. Other forays into genre projects include work aboard I Spy, The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964), The Invaders, Off To See The Wizard, Mission: Impossible, It's Alive (1974), Project UFO, It Lives Again (1978), The Bionic Woman, The Time Machine (1978), Wonder Woman, and Frankenstein Island (1981). Though he's no longer with us, Duggan was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Hildegard Knef wasn't one to shy away from thoughtful genre projects such as 1952's Mandragore, an early SciFi attempt that looked at whether man's created 'beings' could possibly have souls. Though she's no longer with us, Knef was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing frequencies open! We always celebrate trailblazers in Science Fiction, and what better trailblazer has there been in all of Trekdom than serving as one of the first black women in the management of a galactic starship?! Today marks the birthday for Star Trek's lovely Nichelle Nichols -- better known as Lt. Nyota Uhura -- born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Martin Milner was made famous for playing a police officer aboard television's popular Adam-12, but in the 1990's he resurfaced playing the father of another famous police officer aboard TV's RoboCop. Though he's no longer with us, Milner was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The much-revered (and deservedly so) Maggie Smith flexed her magical muscles in the greater realm of the Harry Potter movie universe. Though she's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, a young Billy Chapin got the chance to play opposite none other than Science Fiction's earliest robots, namely Tobor The Great (1954). Though he's no longer with us, Chapin was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The 1980's time travel drama Voyagers gave storytellers to explore famous figures from history against the backdrop of a routine weekly adventure, and Fay Hauser played Harriet Tubman in one episode. Hauser was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You've come a long way, baby! Hilton McRae died an uncredited onscreen death aboard Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983) but has since moved on to greener pastures in far more conventional roles. McRae was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Denzel Washington rarely appears in motion pictures outside of drama or the fairly straight-up action/adventure, but -- to our delight -- he's done a few Sci-fi films. Virtuosity (1995) paired the actor opposite Russell Crowe with the villain escaping from the world of Virtual Reality. Deja Vu (2006) is a brilliant time travel story. And The Book of Eli (2010) is a great dystopian flick with a twist ending. Hopefully, he'll squeeze in a few more in between his Academy Award gigs. Washington was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she hasn't done anything (per IMDB.com) in the past few years, Terri Garber still maintains a few solid genre credits, including roles aboard The Twilight Zone, Quantum Leap, and SnakeHead Swamp (2014). Garber was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Chad McQueen dabbled in the world of V in the mid-1980's. Though he's no longer with us, McQueen was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Tina-Desiree Berg has an interesting career in the world of genre entertainment. According to IMDB.com, her first screen role was aboard Zapped Again! (1990), a job she rather quickly followed up with a job in Legend Of The Roller Blade Seven (1992). Then it would appear she veered into some more conventional stuff only to step back into our realm with roles aboard Magma: Earth's Molten Core (2005) and Reptilicant (2006). She's also built a reputation in the world of swimsuit modeling that's worthy of a look. Berg was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I tried Outlander, and I just couldn't get into it. I'm not complaining: I'm just not what I figured the show's target demographic was. In any event, Duncan Lacroix certainly enjoyed a solid career on the program, sticking with it for an incredible six years. Lacroix was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With as many projects as she's been in, you'd think Elaine Hendrix could've squeezed in a bit more SciFi, but (as they say) it is what it is. Still, roles aboard The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Futurestates, Special Unit 2, and Inspector Gadget 2 (2003) are enough to earn our unbridled adulation. Hendrix was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Unfunny funnyman Seth Meyers aped it up for the silver screen with a small role aboar Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008) for New Line Cinema. Meyers was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brendan Hines joined Lena Headey for a few episodes' worth of action in Fox TV's lukewarm Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles back in 2008. Hines was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Folks may not remember it but hunky Joe Manganiello played a role aboard both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 3 in the guise of Flash Thompson. Manganiello was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Today's evidence that "all roads lead to Marvel" is none other than actress Vanessa Ferlito, who dipped her toes into the Marvel Movie Universe with a role aboard Spider-Man 2 (2004). Ferlito was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noomi Rapace took a big step forward in her career by appearing as Elizabeth Shaw in Ridley Scott's Prometheus (2012), the kinda/sorta next film in the Alien film franchise (Scott has said the film is both set within the same universe but intends it to be a separate story). Rumor is she's looking forward to what else is in store for the character should the sequel move into production. (The character was featured albeit briefly in Alien: Covenant.) Rapace was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Bree Williamson enjoyed a guest stint aboard Syfy's Haven during its run. She's also enjoyed small roles aboard Earth: Final Conflict, Odyssey 5, and Mutant X. Williamson was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
André Holland's impressive body of work continues to grow, not all of it falling under the realm of SciFiHistory.Net's coverage. Still, work aboard A Wrinkle In Time (2018) and Hulu's Castle Rock definitely deserve a mention. Holland was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Yes, 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra definitely had more than its share of problems -- not the least of which was a curiously empty script -- but I honestly enjoyed most of its popcorn shenanigans. And it did have Sienna Miller! Her take of the luscious, leather-clad 'The Baroness' might've not been pitch perfect, but please keep in mind that all of that was based on a cartoon. Miller was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm one of the proud, rare few who actually had an awful lot of fun with Tron: Legacy. I do get why many folks either didn't like it or were disappointed with it: mostly, they were looking for something "greater." But, seriously, did you see the original? Whatever. Beau Garrett -- or should I say the stunningly lovely Beau Garrett -- played the mysterious Gem in it, and she filled every pixel with digital sexiness, if ever there were such a thing in cyberspace. Garrett was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Hannah Tointon shed a few layers of clothing in order to brave The Lost Future (2010), yet one more look at a post-Apocalyptic tomorrow (this one starring Sean Bean). Tointon was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thomas Dekker was yet one more actor to fill in the shoes as the mythical 'John Connor' in the Terminator universe, this time on weekly television. Sadly, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles just never quite gave the young man all that much to do with the character; at about the time it finally got interesting, the show came to an end after just two seasons. Dekker was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Jenkins -- shown above from his work aboard Lost Solace (2016) -- continues to impress whenever the script requires it. He's been aboard Stormworld, Supernatural, Wayward Pines, Once Upon A Time, and 2018's The Predator reboot. Jenkins was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After establishing himself as a big-time talent in the world of Vikings, actor George Blagden went boldly into the Final Frontier with a part aboard Rubikon (2022) for Graf Film. Blagden was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was offered the chance to stream Rubikon (2022) via a distributor prior to the feature's theatrical release. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was offered the chance to stream Rubikon (2022) via a distributor prior to the feature's theatrical release. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Connecticutt-born Melissa Bolona continues to make the best out of whatever screen time she's given. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Shark Lake (2015), Malicious (2018), Mara (2018), The Final Wish (2018), and Becoming (2020). Bolona was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There are actors and actresses who are just naturals, and I've thought that the case for the highly-decorated Jessie Buckley. I've seen her in a great number of projects -- most of them not genre stuff -- and I think she's damn awesome every time I see her. As for stuff that draws attention 'round here? It's pretty slim up to this point, but she has enjoyed screen time in Jack And The Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2013), The Woman In White (2018), and Dolittle (2020). Buckley was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's likely more well known for her work in more conventional fare, Mackenzie Rosman did cross over into the realms of the Fantastic with a big role aboard Ghost Shark (2013) for Active Entertainment. As for what the lady's up to now? That's a bit of a mystery as her IMDB.com has been quiet for a few years. Rosman was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International sensation Sarah-Sofie Boussnina recently turned up in the realm of Science Fiction with a big role aboard Dune: Prophecy for HBO/Max. She also saw a dark future for our planet aboard The Colony (2021) for Constantin Film. Boussnina was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Avery Konrad's time on the small screen has been captivated with things that go bump in the night, largely owed to her time spent aboard the Supernatural procedural From on MGM+. Other screen work can be found in such properties as R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, Falling Skies, and Van Helsing. Konrad was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1925 (in Portugal), At 3:25 (aka Paris qui dort) enjoyed a run through the country's theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist's invisible ray freezes Paris into immobility."
"A scientist's invisible ray freezes Paris into immobility."
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in Japan), The Mysterians enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by the great Ishirô Honda (known to many as the father to Godzilla), the SciFi/Thriller starred Kenji Sahara, Yumi Shirakawa, and Momoko Kôchi; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shortly after a giant robot destroys a village, aliens from outer space arrive offering friendship. Will the people of Earth tie these two events together?"
"Shortly after a giant robot destroys a village, aliens from outer space arrive offering friendship. Will the people of Earth tie these two events together?"
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in Japan), Esupai (aka ESP-Y) enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Jun Fukuda and adapted from the Sakyo Komatsu novel by Ei Ogawa, the SciFi/Thriller starred Hiroshi Fujioka, Kaoru Yumi, and Masao Kusakari. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A bad ESP syndicate is planning to kill world leaders through mental telepathy. The good guys are a top secret group called ESPY and they're in charge of stopping the killer psychics."
For the record:
It's worth mentioning that Esupai's original author -- Sakyo Komatsu -- is apparently one of Japan's most recognized Science Fiction writers (at least, that's what his Wikipedia.org citation indicates). With eighteen novels and a smattering of short stories to his name, his record certainly deserves a bit of attention for those interested in that sort of thing. If his Wikipedia entry is correct, it looks as though six of his works have been adapted for the silver screen, no small feat indeed.
"A bad ESP syndicate is planning to kill world leaders through mental telepathy. The good guys are a top secret group called ESPY and they're in charge of stopping the killer psychics."
For the record:
It's worth mentioning that Esupai's original author -- Sakyo Komatsu -- is apparently one of Japan's most recognized Science Fiction writers (at least, that's what his Wikipedia.org citation indicates). With eighteen novels and a smattering of short stories to his name, his record certainly deserves a bit of attention for those interested in that sort of thing. If his Wikipedia entry is correct, it looks as though six of his works have been adapted for the silver screen, no small feat indeed.
On this day in 1978 (in West Germany), the 1967-produced Argoman The Fantastic Superman performed feats of strength for film history. Directed by Sergio Grieco, the Fantasy/Superhero film starred Roger Browne, Dominique Boschero, and Eduardo Fajardo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Argoman is practically invincible with powers beyond the scope of mortal man. Who is Sir Reginald Hoover, he seems to know what mission Argoman is involved with? Will Jenabell become the Queen of the World and achieve her wishes to outsmart Argoman?"
"Argoman is practically invincible with powers beyond the scope of mortal man. Who is Sir Reginald Hoover, he seems to know what mission Argoman is involved with? Will Jenabell become the Queen of the World and achieve her wishes to outsmart Argoman?"
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), the televised world of Doctor Who took a swipe at a potential spin-off with the airing of K-9 And Company: A Girl's Best Friend. Directed by John Black, the telefilm starred Elisabeth Sladen and John Leeson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One time companion of the Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith returns to Earth and carries on with her journalist career. Now, in 1981, she has managed to rebuild her career and has come, a matter of days before Christmas, to her aunt Lavinia's (a famous scientist) house in the sleepy English village of Moreton Harwood to write a book and to rest after her world-travelling assignments. However, her journalist's nose sniffs out another mystery when she arrives to find Aunt Lavinia gone, and nobody knows where she is, but the local rumour is that she was the victim of a local witch coven. Worshipers of a pagan goddess Hecate gather to celebrate a festival by ritually murdering a friend of Sarah's. She needs help - and she gets it from a box from her friend "The Doctor." Inside the box is a metal robotic but almost human-like talking dog called K-9 that is built for Sarah Jane personally and together Sarah and K-9 sets out to solve the mystery and stop the killing of Sarah's friend."
Editor's Note:
As mentioned above, this adventure in Whodom was intended as a possible television series, but alas it wasn't meant to be. Instead it aired as a holiday special for interested Whoovians in the United Kingdom ... though we here at SciFiHistory.Net prefer to list it as a telefilm (it just makes things easier).
"One time companion of the Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith returns to Earth and carries on with her journalist career. Now, in 1981, she has managed to rebuild her career and has come, a matter of days before Christmas, to her aunt Lavinia's (a famous scientist) house in the sleepy English village of Moreton Harwood to write a book and to rest after her world-travelling assignments. However, her journalist's nose sniffs out another mystery when she arrives to find Aunt Lavinia gone, and nobody knows where she is, but the local rumour is that she was the victim of a local witch coven. Worshipers of a pagan goddess Hecate gather to celebrate a festival by ritually murdering a friend of Sarah's. She needs help - and she gets it from a box from her friend "The Doctor." Inside the box is a metal robotic but almost human-like talking dog called K-9 that is built for Sarah Jane personally and together Sarah and K-9 sets out to solve the mystery and stop the killing of Sarah's friend."
Editor's Note:
As mentioned above, this adventure in Whodom was intended as a possible television series, but alas it wasn't meant to be. Instead it aired as a holiday special for interested Whoovians in the United Kingdom ... though we here at SciFiHistory.Net prefer to list it as a telefilm (it just makes things easier).
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), Mazes And Monsters enjoyed its small screen debut. Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern from a story by Tom Lazarus and Rona Jaffe, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Tom Hanks, Wendy Crewson, and David Wysocki. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Despite their personality differences, Kate, Jay Jay, Daniel and Robbie are close college friends, bound together by their pleasure in playing a game called 'Mazes and Monsters.' In order to keep it interesting, they decide to take the game from the board into a real-life setting. But soon the line between reality and fantasy becomes difficult to differentiate, and what started out as just a game soon becomes a nightmare."
"Despite their personality differences, Kate, Jay Jay, Daniel and Robbie are close college friends, bound together by their pleasure in playing a game called 'Mazes and Monsters.' In order to keep it interesting, they decide to take the game from the board into a real-life setting. But soon the line between reality and fantasy becomes difficult to differentiate, and what started out as just a game soon becomes a nightmare."
On this day in 1984 (in Brazil), The Last Starfighter soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Nick Castle from a story by Jonathan R. Beteul, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lance Guest, Catherine Mary Stewart, and Robert Preston. Here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), Iron Warrior took the fight to audiences on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ator and his brother are separated as children by the evil witch Phaedra. 18 years later she takes over the kingdom with the help of a masked warrior. Ator and Princess Janna prepare for the final fight."
"Ator and his brother are separated as children by the evil witch Phaedra. 18 years later she takes over the kingdom with the help of a masked warrior. Ator and Princess Janna prepare for the final fight."
On this day in 1989 (in Argentina), a trip through time both ways proved comedy gold with the theatrical run of Back To The Future II. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the SciFi/Comedy starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip."
"After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip."
On this day in 2001 (in Lithuania), Jet Li went to war with himself in the SciFi/Thriller The One. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for alternate versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. Only the last version of himself, an LASD cop, can stop his crusade before he becomes "The One"."
"A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for alternate versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. Only the last version of himself, an LASD cop, can stop his crusade before he becomes "The One"."
On this day in 2006 (in France), Threshold gave audiences the creeps by way of some pesky insects. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An astronaut wounded by a meteorite accidentally brings a brood of insects back to Earth. NASA investigator Dr. Home and entomologist Dr. Bailey have 24 hours to find a better way to get rid of them than nuclear bombardment."
"An astronaut wounded by a meteorite accidentally brings a brood of insects back to Earth. NASA investigator Dr. Home and entomologist Dr. Bailey have 24 hours to find a better way to get rid of them than nuclear bombardment."
On this day in 2006, the Russian-language Fantasy Wolfhound enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by Nikolay Lebedev, the film starred Aleksandr Bukharov and Oksana Akinshina, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"He was doomed to die, but managed to survive, and now his mission is to revenge for the annihilation of his tribe. He is the great warrior who calls himself Volkodav, and is the last man from the tribe of Serie Psi (Grey Hounds). After escaping certain death, Volkodav (accompanied by Neletuchaya Mysh) is on a mission to kill Ludoed who is responsible to what happened to Serie Psi."
"He was doomed to die, but managed to survive, and now his mission is to revenge for the annihilation of his tribe. He is the great warrior who calls himself Volkodav, and is the last man from the tribe of Serie Psi (Grey Hounds). After escaping certain death, Volkodav (accompanied by Neletuchaya Mysh) is on a mission to kill Ludoed who is responsible to what happened to Serie Psi."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Kazakhstan), Black Lightning -- a somewhat Superhero film about a teen with a flying car -- soared onto the silver screen. Written and directed by the team of Dmitriy Kiselev and Aleksandr Voytinskiy, the film starred Grigoriy Dobrygin, Ekaterina Vilkova, and Viktor Verzhbitskiy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Moscow college student's gift car from his parents turns out to be more than anyone expects when it flies, which he uses to become both a city guardian and a speedy floral delivery boy."
For the record:
At the 2011 Russian National Movie Awards, Black Lightning took home top honors in the category of 'Cinefex Special Prize - Best Visual Effects in Russian Movie.' It had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Russian Action Movie.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sigh. This is a film I do know that I've seen, but I've culled my records and can't find the review I penned years ago for Amazon.com. (They're since taken it down when their review policies changed.) I don't remember being all that thrilled with the flick, but I do recall thinking that the special effects were very, very good.
"A Moscow college student's gift car from his parents turns out to be more than anyone expects when it flies, which he uses to become both a city guardian and a speedy floral delivery boy."
For the record:
At the 2011 Russian National Movie Awards, Black Lightning took home top honors in the category of 'Cinefex Special Prize - Best Visual Effects in Russian Movie.' It had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Russian Action Movie.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sigh. This is a film I do know that I've seen, but I've culled my records and can't find the review I penned years ago for Amazon.com. (They're since taken it down when their review policies changed.) I don't remember being all that thrilled with the flick, but I do recall thinking that the special effects were very, very good.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Brazil, and far too many places for me to list here), Black Mirror: Bandersnatch delivered a somewhat global event to the masses-at-large via the Netflix streaming service. Directed by David Slade, the Fantasy/Drama starred Fionn Whitehead, Craig Parkinson, and Alice Lowe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young programmer starts to question reality when he adapts a mad writer's fantasy novel into a video game."
For the record:
Among the many accolades that Bandersnatch snatched away from the competition during the awards season, perhaps the most significant is the big win of its 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards win in the category of 'Outstanding Television Movie.'
"A young programmer starts to question reality when he adapts a mad writer's fantasy novel into a video game."
For the record:
Among the many accolades that Bandersnatch snatched away from the competition during the awards season, perhaps the most significant is the big win of its 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards win in the category of 'Outstanding Television Movie.'
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Future Lies delivered a time travel adventure to audiences. Written and directed by Nicholas Bushman, the film starred Heath Carr, Amber Reign Smith, and Tony Gibbons. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A love-crazed couple from the future is chased back in time by the treacherous underworld they betrayed."
"A love-crazed couple from the future is chased back in time by the treacherous underworld they betrayed."
What would the holidays be without a perfect disaster? On this day in 2019, Shockwave (aka 2020) enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Nick Lyon, the film starred Stacey Oristano and Rib Hillis, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When massive volcanic storms begin to spew from the Earth, geophysicist Kate Ferris tries to convince the Department of Defense that this is no natural phenomenon. They're the result of a seismic super weapon known as the Hell Storm device; and now that it's been activated, the shockwaves it sends out will destroy major cities across the globe, killing millions. When her claims fall on deaf ears, Kate teams up with her daughter and estranged husband at the San Andreas fault line to find a way to counteract the destruction. As Kate and her family navigate the fault, they find themselves directly at the epicenter of the largest shockwave yet. Now, in a harrowing race against the clock, Kate must figure out how to stop the shockwave before its effects seal humanity's fate once and for all."
"When massive volcanic storms begin to spew from the Earth, geophysicist Kate Ferris tries to convince the Department of Defense that this is no natural phenomenon. They're the result of a seismic super weapon known as the Hell Storm device; and now that it's been activated, the shockwaves it sends out will destroy major cities across the globe, killing millions. When her claims fall on deaf ears, Kate teams up with her daughter and estranged husband at the San Andreas fault line to find a way to counteract the destruction. As Kate and her family navigate the fault, they find themselves directly at the epicenter of the largest shockwave yet. Now, in a harrowing race against the clock, Kate must figure out how to stop the shockwave before its effects seal humanity's fate once and for all."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Miracle Hour." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man is determined to help his fiancée's blind son, even though doctors say the case is hopeless. He and a doctor friend decide to see if the boy can react to items and colors based on cell photosensitivity, which could if successful become a substitute for sight."
"A man is determined to help his fiancée's blind son, even though doctors say the case is hopeless. He and a doctor friend decide to see if the boy can react to items and colors based on cell photosensitivity, which could if successful become a substitute for sight."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), a very special episode of Doctor Who aired as part of its first season. And -- from what I've been told -- no one knew much less suspected what a stir "The Survivors" would case. Why didn't they? After all, it isn't every day that a main character gets to meet his mortal adversary ... the Daleks!
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "Hail to the Chief." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"President Henry McNeil has fallen and seriously injured his head. That imperils an upcoming peace conference; even a whiff of the president's incapacity may doom it, as he is the one man who can hold it together. Everything depends on a delicate operation to relieve the swelling in his brain. To keep that operation a secret, the Navy co-opts the Seaview. But enemies of the conference have learned of the president's ill health, and manage to smuggle an agent aboard Seaview with orders to kill McNeil!"
"President Henry McNeil has fallen and seriously injured his head. That imperils an upcoming peace conference; even a whiff of the president's incapacity may doom it, as he is the one man who can hold it together. Everything depends on a delicate operation to relieve the swelling in his brain. To keep that operation a secret, the Navy co-opts the Seaview. But enemies of the conference have learned of the president's ill health, and manage to smuggle an agent aboard Seaview with orders to kill McNeil!"
Hey there, buddy! Watch those hands! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Golden Man." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Robinsons come between a race of gold men and a race of green men who are at war. Penny meets the green alien and befriends him."
"The Robinsons come between a race of gold men and a race of green men who are at war. Penny meets the green alien and befriends him."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Fantastic Voyage aired "The World's Fair Affair." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Enemy agitators threaten to blow up the World's Fair. The CMDF team have to find them and stop them among the attendees of the fair before it's too late."
"Enemy agitators threaten to blow up the World's Fair. The CMDF team have to find them and stop them among the attendees of the fair before it's too late."
On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants aired "Our Man O'Reilly." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The little people come upon a friendly giant who mistakes them for leprechauns. The giant, O'Reilly, assists the little people in obtaining items to help repair their ship, and the group becomes embroiled in a series of adventures with policeman Krenko."
"The little people come upon a friendly giant who mistakes them for leprechauns. The giant, O'Reilly, assists the little people in obtaining items to help repair their ship, and the group becomes embroiled in a series of adventures with policeman Krenko."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Year Of The Burn Up: Part 2." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Liz and Simon return to 1970, determined to prevent the future they have just seen. Simon is summoned to Whitehall."
"Liz and Simon return to 1970, determined to prevent the future they have just seen. Simon is summoned to Whitehall."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Land Of The Lost aired "Circle." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Marshalls learn that their arrival in the Land of the Lost created a paradox in the door of time that's preventing Enik from returning home."
"The Marshalls learn that their arrival in the Land of the Lost created a paradox in the door of time that's preventing Enik from returning home."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4023: The I-Man Incident." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Capt. Ryan and S Sgt. Fitz investigate a UFO sighting by a teenager in California that they think might be linked to a signal that was beamed to a distant galaxy 15 years ago-and the disappearance of an interceptor jet sent to investigate."
"Capt. Ryan and S Sgt. Fitz investigate a UFO sighting by a teenager in California that they think might be linked to a signal that was beamed to a distant galaxy 15 years ago-and the disappearance of an interceptor jet sent to investigate."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Outlaws pursued justice on their own accord with their television debut. The first episode of its only season in original broadcast existence was called "Outlaws," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five time-tossed 1890's cowboys find themselves in the 1980's and start a detective agency."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Outlaws pursued justice on their own accord with their television debut. The first episode of its only season in original broadcast existence was called "Outlaws," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five time-tossed 1890's cowboys find themselves in the 1980's and start a detective agency."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Greatest Show In The Galaxy: Part 3." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mags helps the Doctor escape and Deadbeat leads him to Ace, where Bellboy tells them what happened to the Psychic Circus."
"Mags helps the Doctor escape and Deadbeat leads him to Ace, where Bellboy tells them what happened to the Psychic Circus."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Flash Gordon aired "Moon Of Mystery." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash and Aura form an uneasy alliance to protect the peaceful inhabitants of a previously undiscovered moon from Ming's wrath."
"Flash and Aura form an uneasy alliance to protect the peaceful inhabitants of a previously undiscovered moon from Ming's wrath."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Isabel." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Maiya experiences dimensional phasing. Augur and Liam believe they need to bring Isabel and Maiya together to let the universe merge them. Jonathan Doors announces his presidential candidacy and meets with Zo'or."
"Maiya experiences dimensional phasing. Augur and Liam believe they need to bring Isabel and Maiya together to let the universe merge them. Jonathan Doors announces his presidential candidacy and meets with Zo'or."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired the twenty-fourth episode of its only season on original broadcast television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rhyss goes head to head in the elections against Mayor Buxton. Using lies and deceit, he gains the support of a huge number of people. Once he gains control of the city, there'll be no stopping him."
"Rhyss goes head to head in the elections against Mayor Buxton. Using lies and deceit, he gains the support of a huge number of people. Once he gains control of the city, there'll be no stopping him."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Stars Falling In Space." Officially, this served as the thirteenth 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."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Z Nation bowed out of original broadcast existence with the airing of "The End Of Everything." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fifth and final season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The heroes try to bring Estes and Pandora to justice. Cooper reappears and shocks Warren with a new revelation."
"The heroes try to bring Estes and Pandora to justice. Cooper reappears and shocks Warren with a new revelation."
