The United Kingdom's long-running Red Dwarf is a SciFi/Fantasy program that I've only enjoyed sparingly at this point in my life. (FYI: it premiered on this day in 1988.) I've watched a few episodes, and it just didn't grab me, certainly not in the way other programs have. In any event, I do have it on the Bucket List to get around to as the ongoing adventures of Lister, Cat, Rimmer, and Kryten certainly deserve my attention.
Science Fiction and Comedy are always a difficult mix, but that never stops creators from taking an honest stab at it. Such was the case on this day back in 2000 with the premiere of The Strangerers. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Aliens in human form land on Earth to carry out a secret mission, and when the Supervisor is decapitated, the two bumbling Cadets have no idea what the mission entails. With a mixture of their of own language, and mannerisms taken from old 50s movies, they try and get through the crazy world we live in, without trying to get caught by the various shady organisations after them."
"Aliens in human form land on Earth to carry out a secret mission, and when the Supervisor is decapitated, the two bumbling Cadets have no idea what the mission entails. With a mixture of their of own language, and mannerisms taken from old 50s movies, they try and get through the crazy world we live in, without trying to get caught by the various shady organisations after them."
Alas, folks, this is one that entirely escaped me, though I do have a vague recollection of its dawning via the Internet on this day back in 2018. If I remember correctly, wasn't Stargate Origins created in hopes of creating a portal for all Stargate properties on the World Wide Web? I supposed it's always an interesting idea to deliver fans with one more iteration of the popular Science Fiction and Fantasy franchise, but perhaps this one was a bit too ahead of its time. Here's the series' premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Young Catherine Langford embarks on an unexpected adventure to unlock the mystery of what lies beyond the Stargate in order to save the Earth from darkness."
"Young Catherine Langford embarks on an unexpected adventure to unlock the mystery of what lies beyond the Stargate in order to save the Earth from darkness."
Imagine getting a guest spot on Star Trek: The Next Generation; then, imagine that your guest spot changed history.
That's essentially what happened for veteran character Christopher McDonald when he signed up for a single-episode commitment known as "Yesterday's Enterprise." His character -- Lt. Richard Castillo -- served aboard the Enterprise-C which happened to have been drawn into the distant future where his captain and her crew met up with the Enterprise-D in an alternate timeline. The rest -- as they say -- is history, as "Yesterday's Enterprise" remains one of the finest hours in all of Trekdom.
McDonald has a huge resume that you can check out over at IMDB.com, including a pretty significant small but pivotal role in Stargate: Universe. He was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
That's essentially what happened for veteran character Christopher McDonald when he signed up for a single-episode commitment known as "Yesterday's Enterprise." His character -- Lt. Richard Castillo -- served aboard the Enterprise-C which happened to have been drawn into the distant future where his captain and her crew met up with the Enterprise-D in an alternate timeline. The rest -- as they say -- is history, as "Yesterday's Enterprise" remains one of the finest hours in all of Trekdom.
McDonald has a huge resume that you can check out over at IMDB.com, including a pretty significant small but pivotal role in Stargate: Universe. He was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
From what I've read, the story examining the life of John Barrymore has equal parts high and lows, but genre fans will probably only truly know him for his work aboard Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1920). Though he's no longer with us, Barrymore was born on this day in 1882. [Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
Though Cesar Romero is probably far more well known for his turn as The Joker in that campy late 60's Batman TV series, he also chewed scenery in a guest-starring role aboard Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Though he's no longer with us, Romero was born on this day in 1907. [Source: IMDB.com]
During his time in the business, Raf De La Torre managed to squeeze in an appearance aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who program. Though he's no longer with us, De La Torre was born on this day in 1908.
Actor Kevin McCarthy (pictured above, right) played Dr. Miles Bennell in the sci-fi classic, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956). He also had a terrific little role in Innerspace. Though he's no longer with us, McCarthy was born on this day back in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which McCarthy had a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which McCarthy had a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Meg Wyllie reserved herself a place in Science Fiction History in the guise of the Caretaker for Star Trek's original pilot episode, "The Cage," which footage was later re-cut into the two-parter "The Menagerie." With well over one hundred different screen credits to her name, it's no wonder that she enjoyed a handful of solid genre appearances, including work aboard The Twilight Zone, Batman, The Last Starfighter (1984), and Misfits Of Science. Though she's no longer with us, Wyllie was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Keene Curtis (above left) had a unique opportunity to explore the Star Wars universe -- he signed aboard the official radio drama and was given the role of Grand Moff Tarkin for the broadcast. Late in his career, he also booked an appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager. Though he's no longer with us, Curtis was born on this day in 1923.
If comic timing is the mark of intelligence, then Harvey Korman was a certified genius! He was often found around some of Hollywood's funniest people, including Mel Brooks and Carol Burnett, but he occasionally provided some voicework later in life to such properties as The Secret of NIMH 2 (1998) and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. Though he's no longer with us, Korman was born on this day in 1927.
With nearly 100 screen credits to his name, Nico Minardos certainly made the rounds in television and movies. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard The Twilight Zone, The Immortal, or The Greatest American Hero. Though he's no longer with us, Minardos was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Claire Bloom played a key role in the Doctor Who two-parter, "The End of Time," in the program's big finish for actor David Tennant. Bloom was born on this day in 1931.
The original run of Star Trek employed so very many ravishing lovelies, and perhaps one of the best remembered remains Sherry Jackson, the love interest behind "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" in its first season. Jackson was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
The esteemed Francis X. McCarthy is exactly the kind of 'bit player' SciFiHistory.Net exists to celebrate. He's been given screen time aboard Altered States (1980), The Greatest American Hero, ALF, Alien Nation (1988), M.A.N.T.I.S., SeaQuest 2032, Nowhere Man, Babylon 5, Deep Impact (1998), 3rd Rock From The Sun, Odyssey 5, 10.5: Apocalypse, The Dead Zone, Race To Mars (TV miniseries), Smallville, Imaginaerum (2012), CAT.8 (TV miniseries), Supernatural, and Interstellar. That, my friends, is a resume worthy of the celebration. McCarthy was born on this day in 1942.
The lovely Jane Seymour had a small but pivotal role during the single-season run of the original Battlestar Galactica. As Serena, she stole the heart of Capt. Apollo, but it was a love that wasn't quite meant to be as her character exited the program after only a handful of episodes. Seymour was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Although I gave up on Matt Groening's The Simpsons seasons ago, I stuck with his Futurama until the program's end. Groening was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of Renee Props' earliest screen appearance was aboard writer/director John Hughes' SciFi/Comedy Weird Science (1985) for Universal Pictures. Props was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, funnyman Chris Farley's star was only starting to shine when he left us unexpectedly the way that he did. Still, he leaves behind a resume for those who seeks to rediscover him. Genre fans might recall his funny guest work aboard the silver screen incarnation of The Coneheads (1993), a premise that evolved from a Saturday Night Live skit. Though he's no longer with us, Farley was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Besides filling a very important role in the mythology behind NBC's The Pretender series, Kim Myers fared the end of the world as part of the series and subsequent film, 10,000 Days. Myers was born on this day in 1966.
Mo Gallini is one of the those 'background actors' who fills out supporting roles like a boss. SciFi fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Alien Avengers (1997), Babylon 5: A Call To Arms (1999), The X-Files, and Toxin (2015). Gallini was born on this day in 1966.
Actor Michael Easton was part of the cast of Fox TV's short-lived SciFi series that explored the dynamics of real-world people interacting with their virtual counterparts. The program was called VR5, and it only lasted a single season. Easton was born on this day in 1967.
When you're as talented as Vivian Schilling, even a critical drubbing via the knuckleheads at MST3K can't keep you down, her work in Soultaker (1990) notwithstanding. In 1994, she appeared aboard Future Shock, a SciFi thriller exploring the use of Virtual Reality on unsuspecting psychology patients; and she's continued writing and directing her own projects. Schilling was born on this day in 1968.
Pretty Megan Dodds took a trip into the Final Frontier with a recurring guest spot aboard Apple TV's For All Mankind SciFi/Drama. Dodds was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Renee O'Connor is best known for playing Xena: Warrior Princess's plucky sidekick, Gabrielle, but she's no stranger to small roles in sci-fi. She played an astronaut alongside Bruce Campbell in Alien Apocalypse (2005). O'Connor was born on this day back in 1971.
Alex Borstein is the kind of actress who is so good you'd practically never know she was there! But in truth that's owed to the fact that she does an awful lot of voice-acting, fleshing out characters for such properties as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Zeo, and Robot Chicken. Borstein was born on this day in 1973.
Dreamy Sarah Wynter played a role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in The 6th Day (2000). She also had a small role in Species II (1998) a few years earlier. Wynter was born on this day in 1973.
Suzi Lorraine is lovely, isn't she? She's quite possibly one of the hardest working women in the realm of Horror, but she occasionally drifts fairly close to (low budget) Science Fiction. Perhaps you've seen her in She-Demons of the Black Sun (2006)? Or how about Recon 2022: The Mezzo Incident (2007)? Lorraine was born on this day in 1978.
I'm one of those folks who wish that USA Network's The 4400 would get a bit of a comeback. Though the story did have relative closure, I think there's still enough room to wiggle out more story were any network willing to bring it back in some form, be it series or maybe a telefilm or two. In any event, Kaj-Erik Eriksen played 'Danny Farrell' on the show. He's also found work aboard The Outer Limits, The Dead Zone, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Eriksen was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though IMDB.com reports that she hasn't acted much in some time, the lovely Ashley Tesoro did dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with roles in Lord of Illusions (1995) and Mystery Monsters (1997). Tesoro was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, what's a girl to do if she's totally hot? Well, take the advice of Natalie Morales and play the part of a totally hot superhero like she did (for a pair of episodes) aboard TV's tragically-short-lived and criminally-underrated Powerless. Morales was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nick Eversman has dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, taking roles aboard such programs as The Tomorrow People, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the long-running Once Upon A Time, and Amazon's Electric Dreams. Eversman was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Jessica De Gouw's star is definitely on the move. She first caught my eye in NBC's ill-conceived Dracula series reboot, and then she made the move into the role of The Huntress (pictured) of the CW's popular Arrow program. (Lord knows how we men love the ladies who play dress-up!) In 2013, she had a role in the Apocalypse-themed drama These Final Hours. De Gouw was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: Tara Holt might just be the girl of your dreams ... if your dreams involve a girl turned blue at the height of a Zombie Apocalypse, as she was in Syfy's Z Nation. Holt was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bonnie Dennison breaks hearts the old-fashioned way -- with a crossbow! -- as part of her role aboard Stake Land (2010). Dennison was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young, lovely, and talented Alex ter Avest has really only started to build her professional profile, but she's already had the good fortune of a guest appearance aboard the short-lived Star-Crossed. The actress was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Niki Koss turned up in a supporting role aboard the Fantasy/Comedy Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse (2015). Koss was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'll admit that I'm no huge fan of Star Wars: Rebels, but I do like the voice talent, of which the young Zachary Gordon made an appearance as 'Mart Mattin.' Gordon was born on this day in 1998. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1957 (in Finland), hunters went in search of ... Curucu, Beast Of The Amazon. Written and directed by Curt Siodmak, the Horror/Thriller starred John Bromfield, Beverly Garland, and Tom Payne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rock Dean and Dr. Andrea Romar travel up the Amazon River to find out why the plantation workers have left their work in panic, allegedly because of attacks from Curucu, a monster who is said to live up the river where no white man has ever been before..."
"Rock Dean and Dr. Andrea Romar travel up the Amazon River to find out why the plantation workers have left their work in panic, allegedly because of attacks from Curucu, a monster who is said to live up the river where no white man has ever been before..."
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in Mexico), Neutron Vs. The Amazing Dr. Caronte (aka Neutrón contra el Dr. Caronte) put some ugly faces on some ugly dudes. Written (in part) and directed by Federico Curiel, the SciFi/Horror starred Wolf Ruvinskis, Julio Alemán, and Armando Silvestre. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Neutron, a superhero/wrestler, goes up against a mad scientist and his army of monsters."
"Neutron, a superhero/wrestler, goes up against a mad scientist and his army of monsters."
A star is born! Saturn 3 -- which premiered on this day theatrically back in 1980 -- is not a great movie. In fact, it isn't even really a good movie. It has a simple premise about a man and a woman learning how to survive in the depth of space in the world of tomorrow, but -- as a plus -- it does feature a pretty interesting performance from the late Farrah Fawcett and it does have one of the coolest menacing designs of a robot ever seen. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, single man and woman scientific team living on one of Saturn's moons to grow food for the starving Earth, have their isolation shattered when a deranged killer, masquerading as a visiting technology expert, arrives at their lonely outpost to take over their work and build a lethal creation: a super-intelligent 8-foot robot which later takes a murderous mind of its own."
For the record:
Well, I guess we can chalk this little tidbit of knowledge up to 'Dubious Achievements,' but Saturn 3 does have the distinction of being nomination for three Razzie Awards: Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and -- ahem -- Worst Actress.
"In the distant future, single man and woman scientific team living on one of Saturn's moons to grow food for the starving Earth, have their isolation shattered when a deranged killer, masquerading as a visiting technology expert, arrives at their lonely outpost to take over their work and build a lethal creation: a super-intelligent 8-foot robot which later takes a murderous mind of its own."
For the record:
Well, I guess we can chalk this little tidbit of knowledge up to 'Dubious Achievements,' but Saturn 3 does have the distinction of being nomination for three Razzie Awards: Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and -- ahem -- Worst Actress.
On this day in 1984, the Fantasy-themed The Blade Master enjoyed its silver screen debut. The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Lisa Foster, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Muscle-bound Ator and his mute East Asian sidekick travel from the ends of the earth to save his aged mentor from the evil, mustachioed Zor."
"Muscle-bound Ator and his mute East Asian sidekick travel from the ends of the earth to save his aged mentor from the evil, mustachioed Zor."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Redneck Zombies enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Pericles Lewnes, the Horror/Comedy starred Steve Sooy, Anthony M. Carr, and Ken Davis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A barrel of radioactive waste is lost out in the woods. Some demented rednecks find it and use it as part of their still. Everybody who drinks the liquor they produced turns into zombies."
"A barrel of radioactive waste is lost out in the woods. Some demented rednecks find it and use it as part of their still. Everybody who drinks the liquor they produced turns into zombies."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), the SciFi/Thriller Moon 44 enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Michael Pare and Leon Rippy, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"An unconventional corporate agent is given the task of shaping a group of violent criminals and technical wizards into a helicopter defense force assigned to protect a mining station on a remote moon."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Moon 44 is another one of those flicks that gets fondly remembered by many who experienced it back in the day and yet never seemed to find much of an audience beyond its initial release. I've seen it, and I do appreciate its production values ... and I've always been a Michael Paré fan. The only other distinction of note is that its one of the earliest big budget films of Roland Emmerich, the guy who would go on to write and direct such prominent SciFi features as Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), and Independence Day (1996).
"An unconventional corporate agent is given the task of shaping a group of violent criminals and technical wizards into a helicopter defense force assigned to protect a mining station on a remote moon."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Moon 44 is another one of those flicks that gets fondly remembered by many who experienced it back in the day and yet never seemed to find much of an audience beyond its initial release. I've seen it, and I do appreciate its production values ... and I've always been a Michael Paré fan. The only other distinction of note is that its one of the earliest big budget films of Roland Emmerich, the guy who would go on to write and direct such prominent SciFi features as Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), and Independence Day (1996).
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Germany), audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Handmaid's Tale. Directed by Volker Schlondorff from a story by Margaret Atwood and Harold Pinter, the SciFi/Drama starred Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Aidan Quinn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future dystopian land (formerly the United States of America), the story tells of Kate, a "handmaid". Kate is a criminal, guilty of the crime of trying to escape and sentenced to become a Handmaid. Handmaids' sole function is to bear the children of influential men whose wives (like most women) have been rendered infertile due to pollution. After rigorous group training by "Aunt" Lydia ("Aunts" train and discipline handmaids) in the proper way to behave, Kate is assigned as Handmaid to the Commander. Kate is attracted to Nick, the Commander's chauffeur. At the same time, a resistance movement begins to challenge the regime."
"In a future dystopian land (formerly the United States of America), the story tells of Kate, a "handmaid". Kate is a criminal, guilty of the crime of trying to escape and sentenced to become a Handmaid. Handmaids' sole function is to bear the children of influential men whose wives (like most women) have been rendered infertile due to pollution. After rigorous group training by "Aunt" Lydia ("Aunts" train and discipline handmaids) in the proper way to behave, Kate is assigned as Handmaid to the Commander. Kate is attracted to Nick, the Commander's chauffeur. At the same time, a resistance movement begins to challenge the regime."
On this day in 1997, Assault On Dome 4 came to life. The feature starred Bruce Campbell and Joseph Culp, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Low-budget Die Hard clone in which mad terrorist Alex Windham takes over a small scientific community on another planet and forces Dome 4's inhabitants to build him some bombs. Windham is unaware, however, that futuristic "peacekeeper" Chase Morran is on Dome 4 and plans to foil Alex's evil plot."
"Low-budget Die Hard clone in which mad terrorist Alex Windham takes over a small scientific community on another planet and forces Dome 4's inhabitants to build him some bombs. Windham is unaware, however, that futuristic "peacekeeper" Chase Morran is on Dome 4 and plans to foil Alex's evil plot."
A star is born! As I'm quick to remind readers, Science Fiction comes in all shapes, sizes, and persuasions ... and it was on this day in 2000 that the 1994-produced Adult/SciFi film Emmanuelle: First Contact first aired on television. The feature starred Krista Allen and Kimberly Rowe, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Emmanuelle, a hedonistic young woman, finds herself teaching the ways of sexuality to a crew of aliens who land on Earth."
"Emmanuelle, a hedonistic young woman, finds herself teaching the ways of sexuality to a crew of aliens who land on Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), IMDB.com reports that Deadly Species enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Daniel Springen from a story by Rory Penland and Bill Suchy, the Horror/Thriller starred Pete Penuel, Allison Adams, and Brian Minyard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wilson Friels, a wealthy big-game hunter, funds an expedition deep in the Florida Everglades to search for a lost tribe of Native Americans, the Calusa. He hires Brinson Thomas, a local archaeologist professor, and his wife Marta Thomas to lead the trip. Together, along with their student assistants, Todd, Nichelle, Lori and Allison, they set out on what appears to be an innocent fact-finding exploration of the jungle. Soon, the team comes upon the deserted campsite of a previous expedition. Confusion turns to terror when they discover the remains of several members of the previous team, presumably torn apart by a wild animal. Alison finds a journal kept by the explorers revealing Wilson Friels as the one who funded their expedition. Friels comes clean and admits that he funded both expeditions. His intention was not to search for the Calusa, but to search for the Fountain of Youth found in their folklore, as well as the mythical lost species of beast that is the guardian of the fountain. By then, the mysterious and blood thirsty creature has started systematically stalking and killing each of them. The team is forced to make their stand against the creature, and try to kill it before it kills them. Brinson survives an attack by the creature and begins to metamorphose into a creature himself. His only hope is to drink some of the healing waters from the legendary fountain, if it does indeed exist. Now, the remaining members of the team venture further into the jungle to find the spring. Ultimately, they must figure out the terrible truth behind the Calusa Legend... if any of them are going to get out alive!"
"Wilson Friels, a wealthy big-game hunter, funds an expedition deep in the Florida Everglades to search for a lost tribe of Native Americans, the Calusa. He hires Brinson Thomas, a local archaeologist professor, and his wife Marta Thomas to lead the trip. Together, along with their student assistants, Todd, Nichelle, Lori and Allison, they set out on what appears to be an innocent fact-finding exploration of the jungle. Soon, the team comes upon the deserted campsite of a previous expedition. Confusion turns to terror when they discover the remains of several members of the previous team, presumably torn apart by a wild animal. Alison finds a journal kept by the explorers revealing Wilson Friels as the one who funded their expedition. Friels comes clean and admits that he funded both expeditions. His intention was not to search for the Calusa, but to search for the Fountain of Youth found in their folklore, as well as the mythical lost species of beast that is the guardian of the fountain. By then, the mysterious and blood thirsty creature has started systematically stalking and killing each of them. The team is forced to make their stand against the creature, and try to kill it before it kills them. Brinson survives an attack by the creature and begins to metamorphose into a creature himself. His only hope is to drink some of the healing waters from the legendary fountain, if it does indeed exist. Now, the remaining members of the team venture further into the jungle to find the spring. Ultimately, they must figure out the terrible truth behind the Calusa Legend... if any of them are going to get out alive!"
On this day in 2012, the Fantasy-themed Donvan's Echo enjoyed general U.S. release. The feature starred Danny Glover and Kyarra Willis, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A series of uncanny déjà vu events force a man to re-examine his tragic past, memory, instinct, and future."
"A series of uncanny déjà vu events force a man to re-examine his tragic past, memory, instinct, and future."
On this day in 2013, the Animated/SciFi feature Escape From Planet Earth was released in theatres. According to what's posted on IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a notoriously dangerous alien planet."
"Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a notoriously dangerous alien planet."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), the 1931-produced version of Frankenstein enjoyed a special theatrical screening as part of the New York Film Forum. James Whale directed the motion picture from an adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, and the feature starred Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, and Boris Karloff. For those born on an island, here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Atlantic Rim: Resurrection tried to tap into another franchise's bucket of box office receipts. The SciFi feature starred Jenna Enns and Steve Richard Harris, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Los Angeles is under attack by monsters. The mechs attempting to fight them off are better armed than their precursors, but so are the creatures."
"Los Angeles is under attack by monsters. The mechs attempting to fight them off are better armed than their precursors, but so are the creatures."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Age of Peril." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 1965, an intelligence agent is assigned to discover how national secrets are being stolen from a high security plant."
"In 1965, an intelligence agent is assigned to discover how national secrets are being stolen from a high security plant."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who aired "The Brink of Disaster," part two of a storyline entirely based on the TARDIS. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor becomes increasingly suspicious of Ian and Barbara but when the occurrences aboard the TARDIS become even stranger he realises they are in even greater danger than they realised."
"The Doctor becomes increasingly suspicious of Ian and Barbara but when the occurrences aboard the TARDIS become even stranger he realises they are in even greater danger than they realised."
On this day in 1967, Lost In Space aired "Rocket To Earth." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space wizard conjures up a spaceship so that Doctor Smith can return to Earth."
"A space wizard conjures up a spaceship so that Doctor Smith can return to Earth."
On this day in 1969, Doctor Who aired "The Seeds of Death, Part 4." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Ice Warriors' seed pods beginning materialising all over the globe while Slaar decides to kill the Doctor by T-matting him into space."
"The Ice Warriors' seed pods beginning materialising all over the globe while Slaar decides to kill the Doctor by T-matting him into space."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Day Of The Clone: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
On this day in 1975, Doctor Who aired "The Ark In Space, Part 4." This served as the eighth episode of the program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor tries to protect the humans still in cryogenic suspension from the Wirrn, who are determined to use Earth as their new breeding ground."
"The Doctor tries to protect the humans still in cryogenic suspension from the Wirrn, who are determined to use Earth as their new breeding ground."
On this day in 1982, Doctor Who aired "The Visitation, Part 1." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS returns Tegan to Heathrow Airport: Tall trees, peaceful, clear skies, thriving vegetation and a touch of sulfur in the air. Obviously the TARDIS is a little out of date (about three hundred years or so), but upon looking around the Doctor finds there's more amiss than his navigational controls, all arising after a recent comet crash that was not on Earth's schedule."
"The TARDIS returns Tegan to Heathrow Airport: Tall trees, peaceful, clear skies, thriving vegetation and a touch of sulfur in the air. Obviously the TARDIS is a little out of date (about three hundred years or so), but upon looking around the Doctor finds there's more amiss than his navigational controls, all arising after a recent comet crash that was not on Earth's schedule."
On this day in 1983, Doctor Who aired "Terminus, Part 1." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Under the directives of the Black Guardian, sabotage by Turlough destabilizes the TARDIS, causing it to latch onto the nearest spaceship for physical support. Nyssa, trapped inside her dissolving room, crosses onto the other ship in order to survive, entering onto an eerily automated ship marked with painted skull decals just as it's being invading by raiders."
"Under the directives of the Black Guardian, sabotage by Turlough destabilizes the TARDIS, causing it to latch onto the nearest spaceship for physical support. Nyssa, trapped inside her dissolving room, crosses onto the other ship in order to survive, entering onto an eerily automated ship marked with painted skull decals just as it's being invading by raiders."
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "Resurrection of the Daleks, Part 2." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While Davros looks into solving a small problem offered up by the Movellans, the Daleks have not overlooked the Time Lords for all their years of interest and attention paid them, hoping to make of the Doctor and his companions emissaries of their appreciation, in order to thank them all to the fullest and permanently."
"While Davros looks into solving a small problem offered up by the Movellans, the Daleks have not overlooked the Time Lords for all their years of interest and attention paid them, hoping to make of the Doctor and his companions emissaries of their appreciation, in order to thank them all to the fullest and permanently."
Things heated up for the Resistance when "The Wildcats" aired on this day in 1985. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Needing medicine to treat a deadly diphtheria epidemic, Julie and Kyle recruit a youth gang, one of whom may be a Visitor spy, to help steal the serum."
"Needing medicine to treat a deadly diphtheria epidemic, Julie and Kyle recruit a youth gang, one of whom may be a Visitor spy, to help steal the serum."
On this day in 1986, Airwolf aired "Hawke's Run." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While visiting a friend, Hawke excuses himself to get a cup of coffee. In his absence, his friend and the secretary are executed mob style. Hawke is shot, but manages to escape. Santini Air is ravaged in a search for something that as yet has not been disclosed. A bug is found in the phone at Santini Air, and is immediately destroyed. Somehow, the villains still manage to track Hawke to the place he is hiding. After meeting with Archangel, Hawke learns his friend was a double agent. Hawke was given a ticket to a local art show, which his friend gave him, refusing to take no for an answer, It is discovered that his ticket stub contains a micro dot with top secret blueprints. Again, the villains somehow know that he is at that art show without being told, and also know his ticket stub contains the micro dot. During Hawke's and his female friend's escape, she secretly drops the stub into the drawing box for a giveaway that was to occur at the end of the show. Both proceed to Airwolf, where they hastily eliminate the baddies."
"While visiting a friend, Hawke excuses himself to get a cup of coffee. In his absence, his friend and the secretary are executed mob style. Hawke is shot, but manages to escape. Santini Air is ravaged in a search for something that as yet has not been disclosed. A bug is found in the phone at Santini Air, and is immediately destroyed. Somehow, the villains still manage to track Hawke to the place he is hiding. After meeting with Archangel, Hawke learns his friend was a double agent. Hawke was given a ticket to a local art show, which his friend gave him, refusing to take no for an answer, It is discovered that his ticket stub contains a micro dot with top secret blueprints. Again, the villains somehow know that he is at that art show without being told, and also know his ticket stub contains the micro dot. During Hawke's and his female friend's escape, she secretly drops the stub into the drawing box for a giveaway that was to occur at the end of the show. Both proceed to Airwolf, where they hastily eliminate the baddies."
It all began right here: on this day in 1988, the United Kingdom blasted off another SciFi franchise with the broadcast premiere of Red Dwarf. The first episode was titled "The End," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Liverpudlian caretaker Dave Lister is sentenced to 18-months in suspended animation for smuggling his pregnant cat Frankenstine on-board. But Dave awakes from Suspended animation, only to find he's been frozen for 3 million years and the crew have been wiped out in a radioactive disaster."
"Liverpudlian caretaker Dave Lister is sentenced to 18-months in suspended animation for smuggling his pregnant cat Frankenstine on-board. But Dave awakes from Suspended animation, only to find he's been frozen for 3 million years and the crew have been wiped out in a radioactive disaster."
On this day in 1992, the crew of the Enterprise-D faced a particular "Conundrum." Here's the episode summary of Star Trek: The Next Generation compliments of IMDB.com:
"When an approaching alien ship wipes their memory, the crew struggles to put back together what happened."
"When an approaching alien ship wipes their memory, the crew struggles to put back together what happened."
On this day in 1993, "Showdown" aired as the fourth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien travels to New Mexico in pursuit of a fugitive, and teams up with a hard-bitten lawman named Tom Kane, who is pursuing the same man. Unfortunately, Darien discovers Kane is also a fugitive from the future."
"Darien travels to New Mexico in pursuit of a fugitive, and teams up with a hard-bitten lawman named Tom Kane, who is pursuing the same man. Unfortunately, Darien discovers Kane is also a fugitive from the future."
On this day in 1998, Sleepwalkers aired "Forlorn." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One by one, the men of small dying mining town of Forlorn are inexplicably falling victims to sleep paralyses after dreaming about a redheaded succubus that seduces them before turning into a wolf and attacking them."
"One by one, the men of small dying mining town of Forlorn are inexplicably falling victims to sleep paralyses after dreaming about a redheaded succubus that seduces them before turning into a wolf and attacking them."
On this day in 1999 (in Canada), So Weird aired "Simplicity." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An awkward computer genius has troubles with gremlins messing with his technology."
"An awkward computer genius has troubles with gremlins messing with his technology."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Mixed Signals." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Zephyr remains crash-landed on a frozen asteroid and they are still battling the Firefries. Can they make contact with someone before they are left behind?"
"The Zephyr remains crash-landed on a frozen asteroid and they are still battling the Firefries. Can they make contact with someone before they are left behind?"
It all began right here: on this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), The Strangerers enjoyed its broadcast television premiere. The first installment was titled "Space Cadets," and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Cadets Flynn and Niven have landed and proceed with their mission, but things soon start to go wrong for them, and to make matters worse, they find out that the Government already know that they are here on Earth."
"Cadets Flynn and Niven have landed and proceed with their mission, but things soon start to go wrong for them, and to make matters worse, they find out that the Government already know that they are here on Earth."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "On A Calm Day." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Moebius: Part 1." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
On this day in 2006, Hyperdrive aired "Assessment." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a round of psychological tests, the Camden Lock is fired upon. Mistaking it for part of the evaluation, Henderson ignores the sounds of the destruction. Could it be his last mistake?"
"During a round of psychological tests, the Camden Lock is fired upon. Mistaking it for part of the evaluation, Henderson ignores the sounds of the destruction. Could it be his last mistake?"
On this day in 2007, Smallville aired "Freak." This served as the fifteenth episode of the sixth season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Clark and Chloe discover the Tobias, a young man who was blinded in the meteor shower and now has the ability to identify "meteor freaks", is being used by Lex to locate people with abilities in order to experiment on them at his secret lab '33.1'. Lana finds out Tobias' gift, and fearing he will name Clark as one infected, offers him a cornea transplant in exchange for his silence. However, she is not prepared for Tobias' shocking news: Chloe is a meteor-freak."
"Clark and Chloe discover the Tobias, a young man who was blinded in the meteor shower and now has the ability to identify "meteor freaks", is being used by Lex to locate people with abilities in order to experiment on them at his secret lab '33.1'. Lana finds out Tobias' gift, and fearing he will name Clark as one infected, offers him a cornea transplant in exchange for his silence. However, she is not prepared for Tobias' shocking news: Chloe is a meteor-freak."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Outcasts aired the fourth episode in its only season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A troubled AC enters Forthaven and attacks a citizen. Fleur and Cass struggle to contain the situation. The Expeditionaries make a stunning discovery."
"A troubled AC enters Forthaven and attacks a citizen. Fleur and Cass struggle to contain the situation. The Expeditionaries make a stunning discovery."
On this day in 2011, The Alien's Wife aired "Area 51." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alien Irwin and Betty, now married, have bid a hasty retreat from Las Vegas with the FBI in hot pursuit. They take refuge in the highly classified Area 51, where Irwin is hoping to meet with fellow aliens in order to seek a way for him and wife Betty to return to his home planet, Scorpiox."
"Alien Irwin and Betty, now married, have bid a hasty retreat from Las Vegas with the FBI in hot pursuit. They take refuge in the highly classified Area 51, where Irwin is hoping to meet with fellow aliens in order to seek a way for him and wife Betty to return to his home planet, Scorpiox."
On this day in 2016, the Spanish-language Science Fiction series The Department Of Time launched its second season with the airing of "Tiempo de leyenda." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Ministry must investigate why DNA recovered from El Cid's 1099 tomb doesn't match a sample taken from the man's young self in 1053, but Julián isn't allowed to join his companions because of his recent unauthorized actions."
"The Ministry must investigate why DNA recovered from El Cid's 1099 tomb doesn't match a sample taken from the man's young self in 1053, but Julián isn't allowed to join his companions because of his recent unauthorized actions."
On this day in 2017, The 100 aired "The Four Horsemen." This served as the third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jaha leads Clarke and Bellamy on a road to possible salvation, while tensions rise in Arkadia and Polis."
"Jaha leads Clarke and Bellamy on a road to possible salvation, while tensions rise in Arkadia and Polis."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Syfy's The Expanse aired "Godspeed." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Miller devises a dangerous plan to eradicate what's left of the protomolecule on Eros."
"Miller devises a dangerous plan to eradicate what's left of the protomolecule on Eros."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018, storytellers went back to the beginning (in a sense) with the premiere of the first episode of Stargate Origins." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the first installment's summary:
"Young Catherine Langford embarks on an unexpected adventure to unlock the mystery of what lies beyond the Stargate in order to save the Earth from darkness."
"Young Catherine Langford embarks on an unexpected adventure to unlock the mystery of what lies beyond the Stargate in order to save the Earth from darkness."
On this day in 2018, the mystery deepened with the airing of the second installment of Stargate Origins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Brücke's intentions become clearer as he puts his theories about the Langford discovery to the test. As the ring's potential is revealed, Brücke decides to kidnap Professor Langford as Catherine is held hostage by one of his loyal soldiers."
"Dr. Brücke's intentions become clearer as he puts his theories about the Langford discovery to the test. As the ring's potential is revealed, Brücke decides to kidnap Professor Langford as Catherine is held hostage by one of his loyal soldiers."
On this day in 2018, Stargate Origins released the third installment in its only season of existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cleverly eluding her captors, Catherine recruits the help of two soldiers for a rescue mission into the unknown. Meanwhile, Professor Langford and Brücke come face to face with a powerful new force."
"Cleverly eluding her captors, Catherine recruits the help of two soldiers for a rescue mission into the unknown. Meanwhile, Professor Langford and Brücke come face to face with a powerful new force."