Sam J. Jones. The legendary Max von Sydow. The stunning Melody Anderson. And a young Timothy Dalton as Prince Baron. With music by Queen. Yes, it was a cultural throwback, and, yes, it may have more of a cult movie status than it does mainstream, but 1980's Flash Gordon was released on this day (in the U.S.) back in 1980. He'll save every one of us! Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A football player and his friends travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth."
For the record:
It goes without saying that there are folks who'll always 'rag' on this particular incarnation of Flash Gordon. I've always loved it, but I certainly understand that it has its detractors. In any event, I'm still inclined to pass along a bit of information of record. At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Flash enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Furthermore, it enjoyed the nomination of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1981 Hugo Awards, no small feat either. Lastly, the 1981 Razzie Awards nominated lead star Sam J. Jones in the category of 'Worst Actor' (but he lost!).
"A football player and his friends travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth."
For the record:
It goes without saying that there are folks who'll always 'rag' on this particular incarnation of Flash Gordon. I've always loved it, but I certainly understand that it has its detractors. In any event, I'm still inclined to pass along a bit of information of record. At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Flash enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Furthermore, it enjoyed the nomination of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1981 Hugo Awards, no small feat either. Lastly, the 1981 Razzie Awards nominated lead star Sam J. Jones in the category of 'Worst Actor' (but he lost!).
Visionary film director Fritz Lang -- who delivered Metropolis to SciFi fans back in the era of film's beginning -- is responsible for a solid handful of motion pictures worth great study. Though he's no longer with us, Lang was born on this day in 1890.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1976, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films awarded Lang the Life Career Award for his body of work.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1976, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films awarded Lang the Life Career Award for his body of work.
Though I suspect that more folks will remember Alvy Moore's comic turn as Mr. Kimball in the classic TV comedy Green Acres, I first recognized him from a bit role (uncredited at that) aboard George Pal's The War of the Worlds (1953). He also appeared aboard Space Patrol, The Invisible Boy (1957), The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and Project U.F.O. Though he's no longer with us, Moore was born on this day in 1921.
Norman Burton had some terrific appearances in the realm of Science Fiction. His first SciFi role, though, was under heavy makeup as the Hunt Leader in the original Planet of the Apes (1968), a franchise he reappeard aboard in Escape from Planet of the Apes (1971) and in a guest spot aboard the Apes television series. Though he's no longer with us, Burton was born on this day in 1923.
Award-winning actor Jeroen Krabbé is no slouch when it comes to good projects, and thankfully he gave Science Fiction and Fantasy a look with a role aboard 1997's The Odyssey miniseries for Hallmark Entertainment. Krabbé was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Viviane Ventura went deep underground to experience the Battle Beneath The Earth (1967) for Reynolds-Vetter Productions Ltd. Ventura was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As anyone who watched the program can attest, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century served up some of the most delectable eye candy this side of the Milky Way. Each week, our hero was paired up with a lady yummier than the last, and one of my favorites was always Morgan Brittany. She appeared in the episode "Happy Birthday, Buck" during the show's first season. Brittany was born on this day in 1951.
With just over twenty screen credits to her name, Carrie Hamilton left us far too soon. Still, she managed to squeeze in an excellent guest spot aboard Fox TV's signature series -- The X-Files -- and we can be forever thankful for that. Though she's no longer with us, Hamilton was born on this day in 1963.
One film where I tend to diverge from the masses is Tim Burton's Mars Attacks. Whereas regular SciFi fans tend to poke holes in it, I love the flick's inherent zaniness from start-to-finish. Model and actress Lisa Marie played the sexually-charged Martian Girl to perfection, imbuing this otherworldly goddess with an obliviousness that made her a perfect addition to the Burton vision. Marie was born on this day in 1968.
Though she's vastly more well known for her work in far more conventional fare, the vivacious Kali Rocha did venture beyond the Earthly bounds in the SciFi comedy Space Station 76 (2014). Rocha was born on this day in 1971.
Dolly Wells dabbled in the world of cinematic Fantasy with a particularly -- ahem -- disturbing appearance aboard Pride And Prejudice And Zombies (2016). Wells was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The totally yummy Christine Stephen-Daly had a terrific little role at Lt. Teeg early on aboard Syfy's Farscape ... all the way, it is, until her commanding officer Crais snapped her neck. (Must you, Crais? This is why we can't have nice things!) She's also appeared on The Sarah Jane Adventures. Stephen-Daly was born on this day in 1973.
For those of you who missed Syfy's Ascension miniseries (and based on its ratings I'm guessing that was most of you), the program actually tried to do something interesting and character-driven with what appeared to be a space voyage to a distant star but was in reality something a bit more challenging for those onboard. One of its players -- Brad Carter as a troubled John Stokes -- ended up rebelling against the great experiment, serving as a catalyst for scientists monitoring the mission. Carter was born on this day in 1973.
ABC's Invasion was a program which I turned off after watching the largely uninteresting pilot episode, though I've been told that the show improved considerably as the installments of its first and only season moved on. In it, the lovely Lisa Sheridan played 'Larkin Groves.' Genre fans are familiar with her work from FreakyLinks, The 4400, and Journeyman. Though she's no longer with us, Sheridan was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Paula Patton teamed up with Denzel Washington to deliver the SciFi time travel thriller Deja Vu to audiences in 2006. Patton was born on this day in 1975.
Lovely Amy Acker played the 'genius' but scarred Dr. Claire Saunders on Joss Whedon's Dollhouse for two seasons. She's also booked roles on such programs as Angel, Supernatural, Warehouse 13, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Acker was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Armando Riesco tends to stick more toward mainstream roles, he did sport a single guest appearance aboard Fringe that is worthy a mention. Riesco was born on this day in 1977.
Lots of folks 'rag' on Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines as being a weak installment for the franchise, but I liked the fact that it rather consistently delivered on the negative tone promised in its title from start to finish. Nick Stahl was a hot property in acting at the time, and he took to the role of John Connor and did what he could to make it his own. Stahl was born on this day in 1979.
Bravo, Tamara Feldman! Though this young lady now goes by the name Amara Zaragoza, she made her professional debut appearing alongside Tom Welling in an early episode of the WB's signature Smallville program. Since then, she's gone on to roles aboard Jake 2.0 and Supernatural. Feldman was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Generally speaking, Lydia Leonard is involved in some pretty stuffy business, the kind of highbrow dramas that don't get any attention around these parts. Thankfully she's done some voice work in the Star Wars universe of game as that gives us a chance to showcase her lovely smile right here. Leonard was born on this day in 1980.
The beautiful Jessica Paré bared more than just her soul (ahem) for her work aboard the SciFi/Comedy Hot Tub Time Machine (2010). Paré was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To the delight of Marvel fans everywhere, Adan Canto brought his A game to the X-Men franchise by appearing as mutant Sunspot in X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014). Canto was born on this day in 1981.
The lovely Keri Hilson got tied up with Science Fiction with a role aboard Riddick (2013) with Vin Diesel. Hilson was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gabriel Luna blazed his own trail into the greater Marvel Universe by taking the fiery mantle of the 'Ghost Rider' aboard TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Luna was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Frankie Muniz entered the crazy Syfy franchise Sharknado with a role aboard Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015) as well as a return performance in the companion piece Sharknado: Heart Of Sharkness (2015). Muniz was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Ross Bagley helped light up the big screen in the summer of 1996 when Roland Emmerich's Independence Day was all the rage. Though his resume is a bit spotty, he continues to work in the acting business to this day. Bagley was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Najarra Townsend is one of the most talented and hardest working actresses in independent genre films these days (just take a gander at her IMDB.com profile to see what I mean). I stumbled across her in the SciFi-lite Contracted (2013) -- a clever though slow-paced zombie flick that deals with her plight as a progressive disease more than simply the usual horror conceit -- and it's quite effective. Townsend was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1930 (in France), High Treason was committed. Well, cinematically, that is. Directed by Maurice Elvey, the SciFi/Drama starred Benita Hume, Basil Gill, and Humberston Wright; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
On this day in 1956, Man Beast its hairy fingers around the box office's throat. The SciFi feature starred Rock Madison and Asa Maynor, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Connie Hayward mounts an expedition into the Himalayan Mountains looking for her brother, who has not returned from a previous trek trying to locate the Yeti, or "Abominable Snowman". Arriving at her brother's last-known camp Connie and her companions find only a strange old guide, Varga. They are soon attacked by gigantic Snowmen but are not half as surprised as when Vargas reveals his secret origin and the plans he has for Connie."
"Connie Hayward mounts an expedition into the Himalayan Mountains looking for her brother, who has not returned from a previous trek trying to locate the Yeti, or "Abominable Snowman". Arriving at her brother's last-known camp Connie and her companions find only a strange old guide, Varga. They are soon attacked by gigantic Snowmen but are not half as surprised as when Vargas reveals his secret origin and the plans he has for Connie."
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), Invaders From Mars crashed down to Earth's theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in West Germany), The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad enjoyed its silver screen premiere. 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.
On this day in 1980 (in New Zealand), the Rebels were on the run with the release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. From a story by George Lucas and directed by Irvin Kershner, the Fantasy feature starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett."
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett."
On this day in 1984 (in France), the Apocalypse went to the rodents with the release of Rats: Night Of Terror. The feature starred Ottaviano Dell'Acqua and Geretta Geretta, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic Earth, a group of punk friends find themselves against millions of bloodthirsty rats - but the weirdest is yet to come."
"In a post-apocalyptic Earth, a group of punk friends find themselves against millions of bloodthirsty rats - but the weirdest is yet to come."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), sides were chosen with the big screen release of Zone Troopers! Written (in part) and directed by Danny Bilson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tim Thomerson, Timothy Van Patten, and Art LaFleur; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Italy, during World War II some American soldiers find an alien UFO."
"In Italy, during World War II some American soldiers find an alien UFO."
On this day in 1986 (in Uruguay), Café Flesh dished out Science Fiction by way of some decidedly Adult sensibilities. The feature starred Michelle Bauer and Andrew Nichols, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the future, humans are divided into Sex Negatives and Sex Positives. The negatives get sick if they have sex so they go to Cafe Flesh to see positives who are forced to perform on stage for the negatives. Lana is a positive who everyone thinks is a negative and she must decide whether to come clean or not."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports this one was produced back in 1982 and did screen in the U.S., but I've been unable to locate any specific release information at this point.
"In the future, humans are divided into Sex Negatives and Sex Positives. The negatives get sick if they have sex so they go to Cafe Flesh to see positives who are forced to perform on stage for the negatives. Lana is a positive who everyone thinks is a negative and she must decide whether to come clean or not."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports this one was produced back in 1982 and did screen in the U.S., but I've been unable to locate any specific release information at this point.
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), all your dreams came true ... well, if you wished for the debut of Nightwish on home video, that is. Written and directed by Bruce R. Cook, the SciFi/Horror starred Brian Thompson, Jack Starrett, and Elizabeth Kaitan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A professor and four graduate students journey to a house in the mountains to investigate paranormal activities, but the experiment goes awry after an alien entity starts attacking them."
"A professor and four graduate students journey to a house in the mountains to investigate paranormal activities, but the experiment goes awry after an alien entity starts attacking them."
Released (on home video) on this day in 1995, Cyber-Tracker 2 probably didn't make any fast friends. This SciFi/Actioner starred Don Wilson, Stacie Foster, and Tony Burton; and here's what all the fuss was about according to IMDB.com:
"A Secret Service agent (Wilson) battles an arms dealer who is creating a cyborg army."
"A Secret Service agent (Wilson) battles an arms dealer who is creating a cyborg army."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Japan), Full Metal Yakuza released its full metal glory on home video. Directed by Takashi Miike, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tsuyoshi Ujiki and Takeshi Caesar, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An inexperienced gangster is killed alongside his strong, respected boss and awakens to find a mad scientist has given him a new body made partly of his boss and partly of indestructible bionics."
"An inexperienced gangster is killed alongside his strong, respected boss and awakens to find a mad scientist has given him a new body made partly of his boss and partly of indestructible bionics."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the Sitges Film Festival were treated to the only theatrical screening of record for Attack Of The Killer Hog. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The new drug Kimanga is everywhere in the city. And the apocalypse is near. The first sign is a plush pig. But two guys are going to clear the city out."
"The new drug Kimanga is everywhere in the city. And the apocalypse is near. The first sign is a plush pig. But two guys are going to clear the city out."
On this day in 2005 (in Poland), Bride Of The Monster enjoyed its premiere on television for the people of that great nation. The Ed Wood, Jr. masterpiece (ahem) starred Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the theatrical debut event of King Kong. Directed by Peter Jackson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Naomi Watts, Jack Black, and Adrien Brophy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A greedy film producer assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives."
For the record:
"A greedy film producer assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives."
For the record:
- At the 2006 Academy Awards, King Kong racked up four nominations -- with three big wins -- in such categories as 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Sound Mixing,' and 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.'
- At the 2006 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed an incredible seven nominations but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Actress,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Visual Effects.'
On this day in 2006, Recon 2020: The Caprini Massacre (aka Power Corps.) massacred what audience it could. The feature starred Gillian Leigh and Andy Bradshaw, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After radioactive devastation destroys the Earth in 2020, the Galactic Marine Infantry is formed to protect the remaining human race, struggling for survival on a distant star."
"After radioactive devastation destroys the Earth in 2020, the Galactic Marine Infantry is formed to protect the remaining human race, struggling for survival on a distant star."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in Japan), the good people of Tokyo were treated to the theatrical premiere engagement of I Am Legend. Directed by Francis Lawrence and based on the novel by Richard Matheson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Will 'The Slapper' Smith, Alice Braga, and Charlie Tahan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Will Smith took home the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor.' Alas, the film had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Will Smith took home the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor.' Alas, the film had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2008 (in Austria, Denmark, and Turkey), A.R.O.G. went back in time in pursuit of some SciFi/Comedy. Written and directed (in part) by Cem Yilmaz, the feature starred Özge Özberk, Zafer Algöz, and Nil Karaibrahimgil. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Commander Logar fools Arif and sends him 1,000,000 years back in the time. He must civilize people from past to reach today."
For the record:
At the 2008 Yesilcam Awards (the Turkish equivalent to the U.S.'s Oscar Awards), A.R.O.G. garnered a solid five nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
"Commander Logar fools Arif and sends him 1,000,000 years back in the time. He must civilize people from past to reach today."
For the record:
At the 2008 Yesilcam Awards (the Turkish equivalent to the U.S.'s Oscar Awards), A.R.O.G. garnered a solid five nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Londoners were thrust once again into the digital age with the U.K. premiere of TRON: Legacy. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Though critics and audiences were somewhat underwhelmed with this return to the world of TRON, I honestly enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, the flick isn't without its share of awards recognition, perhaps the most significant of which seven nominations (and two wins) at the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). It also received a 2011 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Though critics and audiences were somewhat underwhelmed with this return to the world of TRON, I honestly enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, the flick isn't without its share of awards recognition, perhaps the most significant of which seven nominations (and two wins) at the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). It also received a 2011 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
On this day in 2012 (in Japan), audiences wandered into the magical and mysterious Black Forest with its release on home video. Directed by Patrice Dinhut from a script by acclaimed screenwriter Frank H. Woodward, the Fantasy film starred Tinsey Korey, Andy Clemence, and Dhafer L'Abidine; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Modern-day tourists find themselves lured into a deadly game in an alternate world where every fairy tale we were told at bedtime is real."
"Modern-day tourists find themselves lured into a deadly game in an alternate world where every fairy tale we were told at bedtime is real."
A star is born! On this day in 2014, the SciFi/ShortFilm Earthlickers lapped up what viewers it could with audiences in attendance of Other Worlds Austin. Directed by Tony Mirza, the feature starred Alison Araya, Carrie Anne Fleming, and Justine Warrington; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a barren post-apocalyptic future, the seven sexy Goddesses of Merkabatron descend upon a wretched Earth to convey the message that the Vibration of Love can heal all. A campy, erotic, science fiction comedy, this cinematic love child of Barbarella and Ed Wood Jr. will soon have your Titillator vibrating on a cosmic level."
For the record:
At the 2015 Leo Awards (which recognizes excellence in British Columbian film and television), Earthlickers enjoyed the coveted win in the category of 'Best Visual Effects in a Short Drama.' Furthermore, it also earned a pair of nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costume Design in a Short Drama' and 'Best Make-Up in a Short Drama.'
"In a barren post-apocalyptic future, the seven sexy Goddesses of Merkabatron descend upon a wretched Earth to convey the message that the Vibration of Love can heal all. A campy, erotic, science fiction comedy, this cinematic love child of Barbarella and Ed Wood Jr. will soon have your Titillator vibrating on a cosmic level."
For the record:
At the 2015 Leo Awards (which recognizes excellence in British Columbian film and television), Earthlickers enjoyed the coveted win in the category of 'Best Visual Effects in a Short Drama.' Furthermore, it also earned a pair of nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costume Design in a Short Drama' and 'Best Make-Up in a Short Drama.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Other Worlds Austin Film Festival were treated to the first screening of note of House Of Time. Directed by Jonathan Helpert, the SciFi/Comedy starred David Atrakchi, Laura Boujenah, and Esther Comar. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Robert d'Eglantine invites five of his friends to spend a week-end in his castle, lost in the woods. He explains to them that he studied secret documents on nazi scientific research during World War II. These researches were on time travelling and he's now able to take his guests into an amazing trip seventy years back in time, in 1944, during the Occupation and only a few weeks before the landing in Normandy. The demonstration seems to be a big joke but once in the past our characters will be facing troubling events. Real time travel or devilish game meticulously crafted?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, House Of Time earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Robert d'Eglantine invites five of his friends to spend a week-end in his castle, lost in the woods. He explains to them that he studied secret documents on nazi scientific research during World War II. These researches were on time travelling and he's now able to take his guests into an amazing trip seventy years back in time, in 1944, during the Occupation and only a few weeks before the landing in Normandy. The demonstration seems to be a big joke but once in the past our characters will be facing troubling events. Real time travel or devilish game meticulously crafted?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, House Of Time earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Flashburn burned its way into an audience's consciousness via an airing on television. Written (in part) and directed by Giorgio Serafini, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sean Patrick Flanery, Cameron Richardson, and Romen L. McPherson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wes Nolan wakes up in an abandoned warehouse with a case of amnesia. He has been kidnapped by someone named "Lazarus" who has him held captive in order to get the cure for an Ebola outbreak. Wes was a virologist and microbiologist who was working to engineer a bacteria protein carrier to attack the Ebola virus before it could destroy human cells. Instead of destroying the Ebola, however, Wes' protein mutated the virus into something much more potent. Now Wes must try to regain his memory and try to find the cure."
"Wes Nolan wakes up in an abandoned warehouse with a case of amnesia. He has been kidnapped by someone named "Lazarus" who has him held captive in order to get the cure for an Ebola outbreak. Wes was a virologist and microbiologist who was working to engineer a bacteria protein carrier to attack the Ebola virus before it could destroy human cells. Instead of destroying the Ebola, however, Wes' protein mutated the virus into something much more potent. Now Wes must try to regain his memory and try to find the cure."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), our Big Blue Marble got invaded again -- it would seem -- with the theatrical release of Invasion Planet Earth. Written (in part) and directed by Simon Cox, the SciFi/Thriller starred Simon Haycock, Lucy Drive, and Julie Hoult. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of his young daughter, Thomas Dunn is a man who has lost his faith. On the day he finds out his wife is pregnant again, aliens invade the Earth."
"After the death of his young daughter, Thomas Dunn is a man who has lost his faith. On the day he finds out his wife is pregnant again, aliens invade the Earth."
On this day in 2021 (in Spain), the good people of Barcelona were treated to a special screening of the 1995-produced Screamers at the Barcelona - Phenomena Film Festival. Based on a story by Philip K. Dick and directed by Christian Duguay, the film starred Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis, and Jennifer Rubin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
On this day in 1952, Adventures of Superman aired "The Deserted Village." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Lois has trouble getting her nurse on the telephone, she and Clark drive to the small town of Cliffton to see what the problem is. After arriving, they find that the town is mostly deserted, and the few remaining townspeople don't seem to want them to know what is going on."
"When Lois has trouble getting her nurse on the telephone, she and Clark drive to the small town of Cliffton to see what the problem is. After arriving, they find that the town is mostly deserted, and the few remaining townspeople don't seem to want them to know what is going on."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Glacier Giant." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"A reporter searches for a giant reportedly encased in the ice of the Himalayas."
"A reporter searches for a giant reportedly encased in the ice of the Himalayas."
On this day in 1953, Adventures of Superman aired "Panic in the Sky." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Superman rams a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The impact causes the asteroid to now orbit the planet. However, Superman is staggered as he returns to Earth. He manages to change back to Clark Kent (apparently a reflex action) but doesn't remember who he is. Meanwhile, the orbiting asteroid still presents hazards for Earth. Only Superman can place an explosive device that will demolish the asteroid -- and no one, including Clark, knows where Superman is."
"Superman rams a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The impact causes the asteroid to now orbit the planet. However, Superman is staggered as he returns to Earth. He manages to change back to Clark Kent (apparently a reflex action) but doesn't remember who he is. Meanwhile, the orbiting asteroid still presents hazards for Earth. Only Superman can place an explosive device that will demolish the asteroid -- and no one, including Clark, knows where Superman is."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Alien And The Robot." Officially, this served as the forty-ninth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Investigating the mysterious theft of electronics equipment from laboratories on Mars, Buzz Corry, Major Robertson and Cadet Happy meet Letha, a Gorgeous exile from outer space. She is accompanied by a brutish robot and uses a fiendish retardo-ray machine. Letha has already paralyzed Dr. Cameron Stanton with the retardo-ray and deals with Robbie and Happy in the same manner. She hopes of using the ray on them will be examples to others in a "payoff-or-else" shakedown scheme. Commander Corry meanwhile has an ultimatum: join her in the racket or become the retardo-ray's fourth victim."
"Investigating the mysterious theft of electronics equipment from laboratories on Mars, Buzz Corry, Major Robertson and Cadet Happy meet Letha, a Gorgeous exile from outer space. She is accompanied by a brutish robot and uses a fiendish retardo-ray machine. Letha has already paralyzed Dr. Cameron Stanton with the retardo-ray and deals with Robbie and Happy in the same manner. She hopes of using the ray on them will be examples to others in a "payoff-or-else" shakedown scheme. Commander Corry meanwhile has an ultimatum: join her in the racket or become the retardo-ray's fourth victim."
On this day in 1953, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Spaceship Of Death." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the adventure's plot summary:
"The course of a crippled space liner threatens a nearby spaceport with destruction."
"The course of a crippled space liner threatens a nearby spaceport with destruction."
On this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), The Invisible Man aired "The Rocket." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The movement of a top secret rocket is compromised when of the scientists runs into gambling debts. The Invisible man realizes what might be happening and heads out on a desperate search for the missing rocket."
"The movement of a top secret rocket is compromised when of the scientists runs into gambling debts. The Invisible man realizes what might be happening and heads out on a desperate search for the missing rocket."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who aired "Day of Reckoning." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor manages to escape from the Dalek saucer and meet up with Susan and David but Ian is left trapped onboard. Meanwhile, Barbara and her new friends face a dangerous journey across London."
"The Doctor manages to escape from the Dalek saucer and meet up with Susan and David but Ian is left trapped onboard. Meanwhile, Barbara and her new friends face a dangerous journey across London."
On this day in 1966, The Space Giants aired "The Wild Creature." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by TheTVDB.com:
"Goldar chases after the missile, but Noronda stops the Space Avenger with its holding-ray. Gam flies to help his father and is able to break the creature into pieces. Goldar catches up to the rocket and destroys it. In the meantime, the Lugo Men question the real Dr. Kura. He refuses to tell them where he is hiding the formula. The bacteria are actually hidden in Kura’s shoe, in a secret compartment he himself is not even aware of. Rodak orders the Research Center destroyed, and the Lugo Men attack. Gam uses radar to find the doctor and tries to rescue him while Mikko calls Goldar for help."
"Goldar chases after the missile, but Noronda stops the Space Avenger with its holding-ray. Gam flies to help his father and is able to break the creature into pieces. Goldar catches up to the rocket and destroys it. In the meantime, the Lugo Men question the real Dr. Kura. He refuses to tell them where he is hiding the formula. The bacteria are actually hidden in Kura’s shoe, in a secret compartment he himself is not even aware of. Rodak orders the Research Center destroyed, and the Lugo Men attack. Gam uses radar to find the doctor and tries to rescue him while Mikko calls Goldar for help."
On this day in 1980, The Incredible Hulk aired "Dark Side." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David's self-experiment with a mood-altering chemical treatment backfires disastrously with him developing violent derangement in both his forms."
"David's self-experiment with a mood-altering chemical treatment backfires disastrously with him developing violent derangement in both his forms."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1986, Defenders Of The Earth aired "The Thunder Lizards of Ming." Officially, this served as the sixty-fifth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ming unfreezes ancient dinosaurs in the Alaskan tundra and unleashes them on the world!"
"Ming unfreezes ancient dinosaurs in the Alaskan tundra and unleashes them on the world!"
On this day in 1986, Starman aired "Fever." This served as the tenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Forrester gets sick he ends up in the hospital and the doctor treating him has no idea what's making him sick or how to treat it. At the same time Fox has been relieved of his duty because of his failure to come up with tangible proof of "the alien's" existence."
"When Forrester gets sick he ends up in the hospital and the doctor treating him has no idea what's making him sick or how to treat it. At the same time Fox has been relieved of his duty because of his failure to come up with tangible proof of "the alien's" existence."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Fire and Iron." This (technically" served as the program's sixty-first episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A new railroad is about to be completed on Prairie. Bur some people don't want it complete. They use any means at their disposal to stop the train, including sabotage. The Rangers are sent to complete the railroad."
"A new railroad is about to be completed on Prairie. Bur some people don't want it complete. They use any means at their disposal to stop the train, including sabotage. The Rangers are sent to complete the railroad."
On this day in 1988 (in West Germany), Misfits Of Science aired "Against All Oz." 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:
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
On this day in 1988, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Elementary, Dear Data." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An attempt to provide Data with a challenging Sherlock Holmes holodeck RPG scenario backfires when its Prof. Moriarty character accidentally becomes self-aware."
"An attempt to provide Data with a challenging Sherlock Holmes holodeck RPG scenario backfires when its Prof. Moriarty character accidentally becomes self-aware."
On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Bodyswap." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Red Dwarf becomes a booby-trap when Lister activates the self-destruct, which turns out to be the vending machine and Lister is implanted with the mind of one of the dead crew members and Rimmer believes it's the perfect way to help Lister get fit."
"Red Dwarf becomes a booby-trap when Lister activates the self-destruct, which turns out to be the vending machine and Lister is implanted with the mind of one of the dead crew members and Rimmer believes it's the perfect way to help Lister get fit."
On this day in 1991, Dark Season aired its fourth episode of its first (and only) season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"With Eldrich gone, things should be getting back to normal, right? Well, they would be, if it weren't for the mysterious arrival of Pendragon and the digging up of the school field..."
"With Eldrich gone, things should be getting back to normal, right? Well, they would be, if it weren't for the mysterious arrival of Pendragon and the digging up of the school field..."
On this day in 1992, Back To The Future aired "My Pop's An Alien." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.tv:
"After finding a strange craft in Doc's bushes, Biff claims Doc is an alien and everyone believes him. In 1967, Marty, Jules and Verne arrive to discover the truth."
"After finding a strange craft in Doc's bushes, Biff claims Doc is an alien and everyone believes him. In 1967, Marty, Jules and Verne arrive to discover the truth."
On this day in 1992, Land Of The Lost aired "Misery Loves Company." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Everyone will suffer when Kevin is in charge."
"Everyone will suffer when Kevin is in charge."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Forgotten Tomorrows." This served as the series finale to a program that probably deserved to go on beyond a second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A fugitive from the future is using a chemical to temporarily erase the memory of two witnesses who are going to testify against him in court. While helping to stop this, Darien is hit with the chemical and loses his memory."
"A fugitive from the future is using a chemical to temporarily erase the memory of two witnesses who are going to testify against him in court. While helping to stop this, Darien is hit with the chemical and loses his memory."
On this day in 1999, The X-Files aired "Rush." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A high school boy is accused of the violent murder of a sheriff's deputy. Mulder believes he is innocent. The agents find that someone with super-human speed may be the culprit."
"A high school boy is accused of the violent murder of a sheriff's deputy. Mulder believes he is innocent. The agents find that someone with super-human speed may be the culprit."
On this day in 2002, Taken aired "Acid Tests." This served as the program's fourth installment (of ten), and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"It's now 1970 and Colonel Crawford is forced to retire after claiming to have found a potential landing strip for alien ships, which turn out to be human-made crop circles made by Tom Clarke specifically to discredit him. One of Crawford's sons, Sam, sees a newspaper report of an archaeological find in Alaska that bears the same hieroglyphs as is on the metal object he keeps locked away. He travels to Alaska to see what he can find out. Jesse Keys is now a young adult but keeps a low profile traveling from town to town. He's also a drug addict but while recovering in a VA hospital he falls in love with a nurse."
"It's now 1970 and Colonel Crawford is forced to retire after claiming to have found a potential landing strip for alien ships, which turn out to be human-made crop circles made by Tom Clarke specifically to discredit him. One of Crawford's sons, Sam, sees a newspaper report of an archaeological find in Alaska that bears the same hieroglyphs as is on the metal object he keeps locked away. He travels to Alaska to see what he can find out. Jesse Keys is now a young adult but keeps a low profile traveling from town to town. He's also a drug addict but while recovering in a VA hospital he falls in love with a nurse."
On this day in 2008, Sanctuary aired "Requiem." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Magnus' life is put in jeopardy when the team answers a call for help from within the Bermuda Triangle."
"Dr. Magnus' life is put in jeopardy when the team answers a call for help from within the Bermuda Triangle."
On this day in 2008, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Cloak Of Darkness." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ahsoka and Master Luminara escort captured Nute Gunray to trial, unaware that Count Dooku has dispatched his deadly apprentice Asajj Ventress to free the prisoner and eliminate the Jedi."
"Ahsoka and Master Luminara escort captured Nute Gunray to trial, unaware that Count Dooku has dispatched his deadly apprentice Asajj Ventress to free the prisoner and eliminate the Jedi."
On this day in 2008, Stargate: Atlantis aired "Infection." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Wraith cruiser arrives at Atlantis and is strangely uncommunicative."
"A Wraith cruiser arrives at Atlantis and is strangely uncommunicative."
On this day in 2009 (in Germany), Firefly aired "Heart Of Gold." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
On this day in 2010 (in Canada), Lost Girl aired "(Dis)Members Only." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kenzi, Bo, and Dyson go undercover at an exclusive country club to figure out what's making the help disappear. Later, a seductive face from Bo's past makes a startling appearance."
"Kenzi, Bo, and Dyson go undercover at an exclusive country club to figure out what's making the help disappear. Later, a seductive face from Bo's past makes a startling appearance."
On this day in 2013 (in Australia), Nowhere Boys aired the fifth episode of its first season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Felix spends time with his younger brother and they are attacked by a swarm of bees, they go to Phoebe to get help from The Book of Shadows, Jake and Andy try to earn some money."
"Felix spends time with his younger brother and they are attacked by a swarm of bees, they go to Phoebe to get help from The Book of Shadows, Jake and Andy try to earn some money."
On this day in 2014, Z Nation aired "Doctor Of The Dead." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team is rerouted to a Colorado lab where they hope to find Dr. Merch."
"The team is rerouted to a Colorado lab where they hope to find Dr. Merch."
On this day in 2017, DC's Legends Of Tomorrow aired "Beebo The God Of War." This served as the ninth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Legends investigate an Anachronism in a Viking settlement in the New World and realize the Norsemen are worshiping an artifact as their god."
"The Legends investigate an Anachronism in a Viking settlement in the New World and realize the Norsemen are worshiping an artifact as their god."
On this day in 1937, The Shadow radio serial aired "The House Of Greed." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, here's the episode's plot summary:
"After the death of their father, two siblings gain his inheritance. However, they must continue their late father's philanthropy as was termed in his will. If they don't, the money goes to the father's second wife. On the daughters twenty-first birthday, she and her brother are visited by the wife, their uncle and a doctor. The trio plan an elaborate scheme of murdering the young girl and ridding her brother too in order to gain the inheritance for themselves."
"After the death of their father, two siblings gain his inheritance. However, they must continue their late father's philanthropy as was termed in his will. If they don't, the money goes to the father's second wife. On the daughters twenty-first birthday, she and her brother are visited by the wife, their uncle and a doctor. The trio plan an elaborate scheme of murdering the young girl and ridding her brother too in order to gain the inheritance for themselves."
On this day in 1954, The Shadow radio serial aired "Murder By Proxy." This served as the program's 662nd episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at The Shadow Wiki:
"A man is killing off his siblings with the aid of his butler."
"A man is killing off his siblings with the aid of his butler."
