Veteran TV actor Lorne Greene brought a tremendous amount of gravitas to the role of Commander Adama, the leader of the Colonial Fleet on the original Battlestar Galactica. The man always had to balance out the needs of family against the demands of leadership, and the program was vastly better when Mr. Greene was given ample time to command. Though he's no longer with us, he was born on this day back in 1915.
Lincoln Kilpatrick had a knack for popping up in some relevant SciFi from time to time. In his career, he appeared aboard The Omega Man (1971), Soylent Green (1973), The Six Million Dollar Man, Chosen Survivors (1974), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, The Greatest American Hero, and Fortress (1992). Though he's no longer with us, Kilpatrick was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Matt Smith took charge as the Doctor in "The Eleventh Hour," the delightful Annette Crosbie enjoyed a guest spot as the kindly 'Mrs. Angelo' on Doctor Who. Crosbie was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've never understood all of the hate for Tim Burton's Mars Attacks (1996); I thought it had just the right mix of farce and satire to make for some great SciFi laughs. In any event, Joe Don Baker had a great supporting role as a redneck intent upon taking it to the Martians in the film, and Baker was born on this day in 1936. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Richard Lynch ended up being shoehorned into an awful lot of evil roles throughout much of his career, but -- to be perfectly honest -- he was downright good at being evil! Where have we seen him chewing scenery? The Bionic Woman, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Galactica 1980, The Phoenix, Manimal, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the Fantasy film October 32nd (1993) come to my mind just off the top of my head! Though he's no longer with us, Lynch was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Maud Adams is one of the only 'Bond Girls' to make appearances in not one but two of the Bond films: The Man With the Golden Gun and Octopussy. As for SciFi, she had a role alongside James Caan in 1975's Rollerball. Adams was born on this day in 1945.
Veteran character actor Cliff De Young played a key role in the premiere episode of Fox TV's The X-Files back in 1993. The talented man has also played characters aboard The Hunger (1983), The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Time Trax, the Robocop TV series, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, the Timecop TV series, and Threshold. De Young was born on this day in 1945.
Sorry, peeps, but I couldn't really tell you much about Blake's 7 (I gotta sleep some time!), but I do know that star Gareth Thomas was 'the bomb' on the program. He's also caught attention for work aboard Star Maidens, Merlin (1998), and Torchwood. Though he's no longer with us, Thomas was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Robin Thomas enjoyed a small role as a government functionary aboard Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim (2013). More recently, he turned in a solid guest role aboard Zoo. Thomas was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Michael Ironside has been around the sci-fi genre for oodles of years, and, even today, he continues to be one of the hardest working actors in this field. I loved him as the scenery-chewing villain in Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone, as well as his great turn as a mercenary for hire in the 1980's version of V. He also had stand-out appearances in Total Recall (1990) as well as Terminator Salvation. Ironside was born on this day in 1950.
I can remember fondly the work of Simon MacCorkindale. He was the reason to have any familiarity with 1980's cult series Manimal. He also had small roles in NightMan, Earth: Final Conflict, Queen of Swords, Relic Hunter, and even the motion picture Wing Commander. Though he's no longer with us, MacCorkindale was born on this day in 1952.
Ah, what could have been ... if the lovely Joanna Kerns had been allowed to hang around the greater universe of television's V. As it stands, she only appeared in the original miniseries. Kerns was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
When the big screen Ghostbusters morphed into the small screen animated The Real Ghostbusters, showrunners cast funnyman Arsenio Hall to voice Winston Zeddemore. Hall was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Raphael Sbarge has a face that has popped up in any number of SciFi properties. The versatile actor has booked appearances in Quantum Leap, The Hidden II, SeaQuest 2032, Nowhere Man, Independence Day, Dark Skies, Star Trek: Voyager, and Journeyman. He's also contributed voice-work to several Star Wars video game projects as well as the Mass Effect franchise. Sbarge was born on this day in 1964.
The Fantasy-themed Willow didn't exactly break box office record, but it did give actor David Steinberg a chance to experience adventure for all of the ages. Though he's no longer with us, Steinberg was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, Lochlyn Munro began his professional acting career as the 1980's were coming to a close, and he's been hard-at-work ever since. I recently saw him in a low-budget remake of the Jules Verne classic Mysterious Island that was actually quite good (for a low-budget remake). He's also appeared in The Girl From Mars, Trancers 4: Jack of Swords, Strange Luck, Sliders, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Welcome to Paradox, The Outer Limits, Stephen King's Dead Zone, Jake 2.0, Andromeda, Smallville, and much much more. Munro was born on this day in 1966.
Though audiences didn't see her onscreen all that much despite a solid handful of episodes, Christi Haydon played one of the background bridge officers throughout significant portions of Star Trek: The Next Generation's fifth and sixth seasons. Haydon was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Around the time her pop career was just getting into gear, Chynna Phillips also gave acting a try in a role aboard the SciFi feature The Invisible Kid (1988). Phillips was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Josh Brolin did a terrific riff playing a younger incarnation of Agent K (played in 'older form' by Tommy Lee Jones) in Men In Black III. Brolin was born on this day in 1968.
Genre fans may not know the face of Tara Strong but her pipes are legendary! She's given vocal life to such projects as Transformers: Animated, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Super Best Friends Forever, New Teen Titans, Beware The Batman, Ultimate Spider-Man, and Batman: The Killing Joke (2016). Strong was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Angus Sampson saw the future bleak but profitable depending upon who you served aboard Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Sampson was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Enver Gjokaj is one busy actor who keeps turning up in quality genre projects. He's garnered screen time aboard Dollhouse, Person of Interest, The Walking Dead, Extant, and Agent Carter for good measure. Gjokaj was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Heather Doerksen suited up for the benefit of all mankind -- and looked pretty grand doing it -- aboard Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim (2013). Doerksen was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, Sarah Lancaster guested aboard an episode of NightMan, and she's pretty much left SciFi materials behind since then. Still, she has dabbled in Fantasy with roles aboard Chuck and Witches Of East End. Lancaster was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Only a lady as lovely as Christina Ricci would have a prayer of keeping up with Speed Racer (2008). Though the theatrical adaptation was largely panned by critics, I honestly had some fun with it. Ricci was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he found international stardom playing the lead for The Raid franchise of films, Iko Uwais found intergalactic acclaim with the role of a heavy aboard Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). Uwais was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of the most hated men in NASCAR, Brad Keselowski got the "finish" he deserved when Sharknado 3 dispatched him ceremoniously into the great beyond. Keselowski was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, Aussie actress Saskia Burmeister showed she had the smarts required to helped deal out some Wicked Science on television. Burmeister was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh my gosh, the lovely Valorie Curry was deliciously deceitful aboard the Fox TV crime drama The Following while she was on it, and now she's turning heads as one of the supporting players aboard Amazon's Superhero comedy The Tick. Curry was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Georgina Reilly took time off from appearing in more conventional fare to give SciFi/Fantasy a spin with a guest role aboard Stitchers during its run. Reilly was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Kee,' Clare-Hope Ashitey provided hope for an otherwise bleak and sterile existence at the heart of Children Of Men (2006). Ashitey was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
I gave up on Syfy's Defiance after the first season: I just couldn't come up with any compelling reason to keep watching it, so I let it go. Anna Hopkins joined the program in its second season. Hopkins was born on this day in 1987.
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of magic ... but sultry good looks never hurts, am I right? Jennifer Stone first appeared on everyone's radar for her work aboard the kid-friend TV Fantasy serial The Wizards Of Waverly Place. Plus, it looks like she growed up real nice. Stone was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
How lucky can one young lady be? Just ask Alabama-born Sydney Shea Barker ... as this young lass managed to score bit parts in not one but two big-tent productions within the Marvel Movie Universe: Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Barker was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1934 (in Hungary), The Invisible Man became visible ... cinematically, that is. Adapted from a novel by H.G. Wells, the feature film that launched a franchise was directed by James Whale and starred Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, and William Harrigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
For the record:
In 2008, The Invisible Man was inducted into the U.S.' National Film Registry. For those unaware, the National Film Registry seeks to preserve motion pictures that have demonstrated their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contribution.
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
For the record:
In 2008, The Invisible Man was inducted into the U.S.' National Film Registry. For those unaware, the National Film Registry seeks to preserve motion pictures that have demonstrated their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1945 (in Sweden), The Devil Bat swooped down into theaters. Directed by Jean Yarbrough from a script by John T. Neville and George Bricker, the film starred Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, and Dave O'Brien. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Horror/SciFi release:
"A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it."
For the record:
I think it bears mentions that screenwriter George Bricker -- who is credited with crafting the film's original story upon which the John T. Neville screenplay is based -- is no stranger to the world of genre projects. After The Devil Bat, Bricker went on to spin such yarns as House Of Dracula (1945), House Of Horrors (1946), and She-Wolf Of London (1946).
"A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it."
For the record:
I think it bears mentions that screenwriter George Bricker -- who is credited with crafting the film's original story upon which the John T. Neville screenplay is based -- is no stranger to the world of genre projects. After The Devil Bat, Bricker went on to spin such yarns as House Of Dracula (1945), House Of Horrors (1946), and She-Wolf Of London (1946).
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), the good people of Denver, Colorado were treated to the big screen theatrical premiere of the groundbreaking monster movie, Creature From The Black Lagoon! Directed by Jack Arnold, the Fantasy/Horror starred Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, and Richard Denning. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study."
"A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study."
On this day in 1954 (in Austria), It Came From Outer Space crashed down into Earth theaters! Based on a story from Ray Bradbury, the SciFi feature was directed by Jack Arnold and starred Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, and Charles Drake. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
On this day in 1968 (in Turkey), One Million Years B.C. showed audiences that beauty -- in our distant past -- was still definitely achievable! (And 'hubba hubba,' I might add!) Directed by Don Chaffey, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Racquel Welch, John Richardson, and Percy Herbert. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
On this day in 1973 (per Wikipedia.org), The Creeping Flesh enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Freddie Francis, the Horror feature starre Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Lorna Heilbron. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends."
"A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends."
A star is born! SciFi films of the '70's tended to spend an awful lot of time exploring themes like rejecting conformity; an even greater number of films started to warn about how the encroaching technology would rob of us our individual identities. As Exhibit A, I'll offer up The Stepford Wives, which premiered theatrically on this day in 1975. This SciFi/Mystery was directed by Bryan Forbes as adapted from the Ira Levin novel by William Goldman. It starred a host of lovely ladies, including Katharine Ross, Paual Prentiss, Tina Louise. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
On this day in 1981 (in Madrid, Spain), Death Watch enjoyed a theatrical exhibition. Bernard Tavernier both directed and helped adapt the David Compton novel ("The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe, Or The Unsleeping Eye") for the silver screen, and the project starred Romy Schneider, Harvey Keitel, and Harry Dean Stanton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Italy), Escape From Galaxy 3 (aka Starcrash 2) gave audiences another look at the wild life in the Final Frontier. From a script written by John Thomas, Escape was apparently co-directed by Bitto Albertini and Luigi Cozzi. The feature starred Sherry Buchanan and Don Powell, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew of a space ship confronts an evil galactic ruler out to rule the universe."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate much information on this particular release. As director Cozzi was responsible for the first Starcrash, perhaps the studio hoped to capitalize on that film's "popularity" by promoting this as Starcrash 2? Wikipedia.org reports that Escape rather gratuitously makes use of Starcrash's stock footage, so perhaps that's the only legitimate connection.
"The crew of a space ship confronts an evil galactic ruler out to rule the universe."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate much information on this particular release. As director Cozzi was responsible for the first Starcrash, perhaps the studio hoped to capitalize on that film's "popularity" by promoting this as Starcrash 2? Wikipedia.org reports that Escape rather gratuitously makes use of Starcrash's stock footage, so perhaps that's the only legitimate connection.
On this day in 1981 (in Peru), Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back delivered the Force back to theaters. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Fantasy 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 by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"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 by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1982 (in the state of Louisiana), DC Comics' Swamp Thing leapt from the pages of the comic book to the silver screen. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the film starred Dick Durock, Adrienne Barbeau, and Ray Wise. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
A star is born! On this day in 1982, The Beast Within first showed itself to audiences ... cinematically, that is. Directed by Philippe Mora from a script by Tom Holland, the SciFi/Horror starred Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, and Paul Clemens. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young woman gets raped by a mysterious man-creature, and years later her son begins a horrific transformation into a similar beast."
"A young woman gets raped by a mysterious man-creature, and years later her son begins a horrific transformation into a similar beast."
On this day in 1987 (in Colombia), Wheels Of Fire went round and round at the box office. The Apocalypse/Thriller was directed by Cirio H. Santiago and starred Gary Watkins, Laura Banks, and Lynda Wiesmeier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
On this day in 1988 (in Finland), Terminus enjoyed its run at the box office. Written (in part) and directed by Pierre-William Glenn, the Apocalypse/Thriller starred Karen Allen, Jürgen Prochnow, and Johnny Hallyday. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a sort of "Mad Max" futuristic adventure, an international sport has been established where a driver of a computerized truck must drive across country to an established terminus and not be stopped by other vehicles. The lead truck, called "Monster" has been created by a boy genius and is to be driven by a woman through the course. The only problem is the computer guidance system fails and she ends up in uncharted territories. There she encounters leather-clad hoods who torture her and eventually kill her. Before dying she tells a fellow prisoner about the truck and he uses it to escape. Most of the rest of the film is his relationship ("2001" - Hal-like) with the truck's computer and his avoidance of attacking vehicles. Meanwhile back at the Terminus, the boy genius is ruled by a mysterious doctor, who may have another plan in mind."
"In a sort of "Mad Max" futuristic adventure, an international sport has been established where a driver of a computerized truck must drive across country to an established terminus and not be stopped by other vehicles. The lead truck, called "Monster" has been created by a boy genius and is to be driven by a woman through the course. The only problem is the computer guidance system fails and she ends up in uncharted territories. There she encounters leather-clad hoods who torture her and eventually kill her. Before dying she tells a fellow prisoner about the truck and he uses it to escape. Most of the rest of the film is his relationship ("2001" - Hal-like) with the truck's computer and his avoidance of attacking vehicles. Meanwhile back at the Terminus, the boy genius is ruled by a mysterious doctor, who may have another plan in mind."
A star is born! On this day in 1991, Not Of This World enjoyed its very first U.S. television broadcast. This SciFi/Telefilm was directed by Jon Hess from a script by Robert Glass, Les Alexander, and Jonathan Brauer. The project starred the lovely Lisa Hartman, Pat Hingle, and A Martinez. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien life form lands on earth and begins to feed off electricity, making it grow to enormous size. The authorities must stop it as it slithers cross-country towards a nuclear power plant."
"An alien life form lands on earth and begins to feed off electricity, making it grow to enormous size. The authorities must stop it as it slithers cross-country towards a nuclear power plant."
On this day in 2002 (in Turkey), the SciFi/Action film Falcon Down gave Dale Midkiff, Judd Nelson, and William Shatner a look at a futuristic conspiracy. The telefilm was directed by Phillip J. Roth from a script by Terri Neish and Jonathan Raymond. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"U.S. Air force officer Hank Thomas attempts to expose a military cover-up after a civiian airliner crashes."
"U.S. Air force officer Hank Thomas attempts to expose a military cover-up after a civiian airliner crashes."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the world as we know it ended with 2012: Doomsday! Written (in part) and directed by Nick Everhart, the SciFi feature starred Cliff De Young, Dale Midkiff, and Ami Dolenz. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"On December 21, 2012 four strangers on a journey of faith are drawn to an ancient temple in the heart of Mexico. For the Mayans it is the last recorded day. For NASA scientists it is a cataclysmic polar shift. For the rest of us, it is Doomsday."
"On December 21, 2012 four strangers on a journey of faith are drawn to an ancient temple in the heart of Mexico. For the Mayans it is the last recorded day. For NASA scientists it is a cataclysmic polar shift. For the rest of us, it is Doomsday."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Metal Shifters (aka Iron Golem) enjoyed its broadcast debut on television. Written (in part) and directed by Paul Ziller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kavan Smith, Colby Johannson, and Nicole de Boer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alien bacteria arrives on a meteorite and infects metal, animating a giant iron statue that goes on a killing rampage in a small town."
"Alien bacteria arrives on a meteorite and infects metal, animating a giant iron statue that goes on a killing rampage in a small town."
On this day in 2012 (in Germany), the 1926-produced SciFi/Serial Miss Mend (aka The Adventures Of The Three Reporters) played in a special engagement for audiences of the Berlin International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Boris Barnet and Fyodor Otsep, the project starred Natalya Glan, Igor Ilyinsky, and Vladimir Fogel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three reporters and an office girl are trying to stop a bacteriological strike by some powerful western business leaders against the USSR."
"Three reporters and an office girl are trying to stop a bacteriological strike by some powerful western business leaders against the USSR."
For the record, there's nothing wrong with the RoboCop reboot. It's a nifty little action picture set in a universe that was already very Robo-friendly; it's just that I didn't think it was anything all that necessary. It kinda/sorta gives a contemporary spin on the Robo-origins, and everyone who starred in it did just fine. It premiered theatrically on this day in 2014 ... and, as almost always happens, I still prefer the original. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy, a loving husband, father and good cop, is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."
"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy, a loving husband, father and good cop, is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Germany), Midnight Special lit up the sky with its theatrical premiere for audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, and Kirsten Dunst. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A father and son go on the run, pursued by the government and a cult drawn to the child's special powers."
For the record:
As well as garnering some positive praise from film festivals and professional service organizations, Midnight Special enjoyed a 2017 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A father and son go on the run, pursued by the government and a cult drawn to the child's special powers."
For the record:
As well as garnering some positive praise from film festivals and professional service organizations, Midnight Special enjoyed a 2017 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Project Eden was unveiled for its very first theatrical engagement ever for audiences in attendance of the Boston Sci-Fi Festival. Written and directed by the team of Ashlee Jensen and Terrance M. Young, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Emily Fradenburgh, Mike Dopud, and Cliff Simon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aided by an ex-military officer, a young woman becomes an unwitting fugitive after discovering that her son's catatonic state may be at the heart of a global conspiracy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Project Eden enjoyed some positive attention from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"Aided by an ex-military officer, a young woman becomes an unwitting fugitive after discovering that her son's catatonic state may be at the heart of a global conspiracy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Project Eden enjoyed some positive attention from screenings of the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2020, Intersect played for audiences of the Boston SciFi Film Festival, making it the film's first theatrical presentation ever. Written and directed by Gus Holwerda, the feature starred James Morrison, Richard Dawkins, and Jason Spisak, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of young Miskatonic University scientists invent a time machine, only to learn that they are being manipulated by mysterious, unseen forces from another dimension."
"A group of young Miskatonic University scientists invent a time machine, only to learn that they are being manipulated by mysterious, unseen forces from another dimension."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Asteroid Station." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"A reporter working for a newspaper opposed to building space stations arrives at an asteroid looking to smear the Solar Guards reputation."
"A reporter working for a newspaper opposed to building space stations arrives at an asteroid looking to smear the Solar Guards reputation."
On this day in 1960, "The Purple Testament" aired as the nineteenth episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone in its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A U.S. army lieutenant serving in the Philippines during WWII develops a harrowing ability to see in the faces of the men of his platoon, who will be the next ones to die."
"A U.S. army lieutenant serving in the Philippines during WWII develops a harrowing ability to see in the faces of the men of his platoon, who will be the next ones to die."
On this day in 1976, Space:1999 aired "The Testament of Arkadia" as part of its first season. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Alphans land on the planet Arkadia, where hieroglyphics suggest that it is the cradle of civilization from which life on Earth began. Now it is desolate and cheerless and Koenig feels that it is unsuitable for colonization. Two renegade crew members have other ideas, however, and take Helena hostage in their demands to settle on Arkadia."
"The Alphans land on the planet Arkadia, where hieroglyphics suggest that it is the cradle of civilization from which life on Earth began. Now it is desolate and cheerless and Koenig feels that it is unsuitable for colonization. Two renegade crew members have other ideas, however, and take Helena hostage in their demands to settle on Arkadia."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "Magnetic Attraction." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"G-Force must attempt to stop a seemingly unstoppable black sphere war machine, but Mark wants to find a definite means to do so first over Jason's protests."
"G-Force must attempt to stop a seemingly unstoppable black sphere war machine, but Mark wants to find a definite means to do so first over Jason's protests."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "Shelter Five." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"When an earthquake traps a small girl in a bomb shelter, the Salvage 1 team tries to rescue her before after shocks collapse the remaining structure."
"When an earthquake traps a small girl in a bomb shelter, the Salvage 1 team tries to rescue her before after shocks collapse the remaining structure."
On this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired "Partners." This served as the fifteenth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"George is suspended from the force when several kilos of drugs goes missing on his watch. An old mentor of Sikes' returns. The Francisco family prepares for the Ejection, when the baby will transferred from Susan to George."
"George is suspended from the force when several kilos of drugs goes missing on his watch. An old mentor of Sikes' returns. The Francisco family prepares for the Ejection, when the baby will transferred from Susan to George."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "The Deadliest Disease." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Warring factions (including the Blackwood team and the Morthren) fight over a med cell that could save countless lives--including that of a dying Mana."
"Warring factions (including the Blackwood team and the Morthren) fight over a med cell that could save countless lives--including that of a dying Mana."
Ah, I never got tired of seeing Beverly in that blue! Loved that color on her! Anyway, on this day in 1994, Star Trek: The Next Generation was exploring the strange new worlds of its seventh and final season when an episode titled "Thine Own Self" aired. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Data is sent to follow a probe that has drifted off course and crashed on a primitive planet, only to crash on the planet, himself, with no memory of any event prior to crashing on the planet's surface."
"Data is sent to follow a probe that has drifted off course and crashed on a primitive planet, only to crash on the planet, himself, with no memory of any event prior to crashing on the planet's surface."
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired "Exogenesis." This served as the seventh episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Marcus and Franklin investigate a series of deaths caused by a mysterious parasite."
"Marcus and Franklin investigate a series of deaths caused by a mysterious parasite."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continued to tinker with the Klingon storylines as they aired "Sons of Mogh" as part of their fourth season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Worf's brother Kurn asks him to perform a death rite to regain his lost honor. Meanwhile Kira and O'Brien investigate Klingon activity near the Bajoran border."
"Worf's brother Kurn asks him to perform a death rite to regain his lost honor. Meanwhile Kira and O'Brien investigate Klingon activity near the Bajoran border."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Dreadnought." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Voyager comes across a ship that has been destroyed, upon investigation they discover that B'Elanna Torres is responsible! Dreadnought is a self guided missile created by the Cardassians to destroy the Maquis, however the bomb failed to go off allowing B'Elanna to get inside the missile and re-program it to do the Maquis' bidding."
"Voyager comes across a ship that has been destroyed, upon investigation they discover that B'Elanna Torres is responsible! Dreadnought is a self guided missile created by the Cardassians to destroy the Maquis, however the bomb failed to go off allowing B'Elanna to get inside the missile and re-program it to do the Maquis' bidding."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Unity." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Chakotay finds a planet of unassimilated Borg drones from all over the galaxy."
"Chakotay finds a planet of unassimilated Borg drones from all over the galaxy."
On this day in 2000, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Time After Time" as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Roxton is out hunting, when he accidentally shoots a young woman that appears out of nowhere. The woman is apparently from the future and on a mission of her own."
"Roxton is out hunting, when he accidentally shoots a young woman that appears out of nowhere. The woman is apparently from the future and on a mission of her own."
On this day in 2001, Andromeda aired "Harper 2.0." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Harper is attacked by a dying Perseid, he gains a level of intelligence much greater than usual. A bounty hunter arrives for the dead Perseid, and Dylan looks into why he was a wanted man. Unable to sleep, he begins to learn foreign languages, repair the ship, and invent new gadgets. The bounty hunter returns to recover the information the Perseid lost."
"After Harper is attacked by a dying Perseid, he gains a level of intelligence much greater than usual. A bounty hunter arrives for the dead Perseid, and Dylan looks into why he was a wanted man. Unable to sleep, he begins to learn foreign languages, repair the ship, and invent new gadgets. The bounty hunter returns to recover the information the Perseid lost."
On this day in 2002, Smallville aired "Leech." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While in the woods of Smallville searching for ores in an excursion of the school, Clark Kent saves the troubled teenager Eric Summers from a fatal accident near a waterfall. However, a lightning strikes them both and transfers the Clark's powers to Eric. Eric's personality also changes when he discovers his newfound superpowers, becoming arrogant and aggressive, while Clark tries to help him. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is betrayed by his girlfriend Victoria Hardwick when her father arrives in town to buy up LutherCorp."
"While in the woods of Smallville searching for ores in an excursion of the school, Clark Kent saves the troubled teenager Eric Summers from a fatal accident near a waterfall. However, a lightning strikes them both and transfers the Clark's powers to Eric. Eric's personality also changes when he discovers his newfound superpowers, becoming arrogant and aggressive, while Clark tries to help him. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is betrayed by his girlfriend Victoria Hardwick when her father arrives in town to buy up LutherCorp."
On this day in 2003, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Cease Fire." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Archer is asked to negotiate between the Andorians and Vulcans who are fighting over a small planet."
"Captain Archer is asked to negotiate between the Andorians and Vulcans who are fighting over a small planet."
On this day in 2007 (in Canada), Doctor Who aired "Army of Ghosts." This served as the twelfth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
It all began right here: on this day in 1940, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began with the airing of its first episode, "The Baby From Krypton." According to our friends on the DC Wikia Database, here's the plot summary:
"On the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-L warns that the planet is doomed -- but his plan to build spaceships and evacuate the planet meets with jeers. Jor-L only has time to build a model spacecraft. He and his wife Lara send their infant son, Kal-L, off in the spaceship just before the planet explodes. The child is sent off on a one-way trip to the planet Earth."
"On the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-L warns that the planet is doomed -- but his plan to build spaceships and evacuate the planet meets with jeers. Jor-L only has time to build a model spacecraft. He and his wife Lara send their infant son, Kal-L, off in the spaceship just before the planet explodes. The child is sent off on a one-way trip to the planet Earth."
- For those of you who want to know more, you can listen to this episode on YouTube.com right here.
On this day in 2013, the SciFi game Aliens: Colonial Marines sunk its acid-dripped teeth into the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the property:
"After the events depicted in Aliens (1986) and Aliens: Fire and Stone. Michael Bishop Weyland sets up War against the Colonial Marines to cover up the Xeno conspiracy."
"After the events depicted in Aliens (1986) and Aliens: Fire and Stone. Michael Bishop Weyland sets up War against the Colonial Marines to cover up the Xeno conspiracy."
