Welcome to February 17th ... the day many Trek fans truly credit Star Trek: The Next Generation for becoming something special! On this day back in 1990, the ultimate-super-fantastic episode "Yesterday's Enterprise" aired in TV syndication, and fans were treated to a temporal event throwing the 24th century into chaos. The story also brought back fan favorite Tasha Yar onto the bridge of the Enterprise-D, and that development certainly sent shock waves that were felt for seasons to come. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise C enters the Enterprise D's time and space continuum, where they find Picard and crew in a constant state of war with the Klingons, and only Guinan knows it."
"The Enterprise C enters the Enterprise D's time and space continuum, where they find Picard and crew in a constant state of war with the Klingons, and only Guinan knows it."
Actor/Writer Kenne Duncan (above left) enjoyed a long career in the entertainment business, building a resume of nearly three hundred different film roles. SciFi fans might recognize him from work in Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars (1938), Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941), and Batman (1943). Though he's no longer with us, Duncan was born on this day in 1903.
The great Marc Lawrence leaves behind a resume of well over two hundred different screen credits. To name but a few? How about King Of Kong Island (1968), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), The Man With The Golden Gun (1974), Wonder Woman, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and End Of Days (1999). Though he's no longer with us, Lawrence was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
Capricorn One (1977) is a fantastic little SciFi/Conspiracy yarn about a faked moon landing and the astronauts who try to expose it, and the venerable Hal Holbrook plays one of the sleazy bigwigs lurking behind it all. Though he's no longer with us, Holbrook was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
Visionary storyteller Alejandro Jodorowsky almost gave audiences one more look at a visually rich adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune ... but, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Still, he's contributed scripts to Metal Hurlant Chronicles, and that has to count for something, no? Jodorowsky was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ed McCready -- shown above as the barber from his appearance in Star Trek's "Spectre of the Gun" -- had the good fortune of making multiple contributions to the original incarnation of our beloved franchise. He also had the luck to appear in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Batman: The Movie (1966), Wonder Woman, Voyagers!, The Powers of Matthew Star, Knight Rider, Airwolf, and Dick Tracy (1990). Though he's no longer with us, McCready was born on this day in 1930.
Though she's probably recognized more often as being Ross and Monica's mother on NBC's popular Friends sitcom, the lovely Christina Pickles should also be remembered as the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull from Masters of the Universe (1987). Pickles was born on this day in 1935.
Besides being one of the greatest players in the history of the National Football League, Jim Brown is recognized by SciFi fans as 'Fireball,' one of the many contestants battling against Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Running Man (1987). He also had a great role in Mars Attacks (1996). Brown was born on this day in 1936.
The lovely Yvonne Romain found herself in some jeopardy for her part in The Curse Of The Werewolf (1961) for Hammer Films. As for other adventures in the realms of Fantasy? Genre fans can find her aboard Corridors Of Blood (1958), Circus Of Horrors (1960), The Twilight Zone, Danger Man, Night Creatures (1962), and Devil Doll (1964). Romain was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late Zina Bethune's main claim to fame was that she was a renowned ballerina and choreographer. Thankfully, she did a fair number of acting gigs, the most prominent for fans of this space to be familiar with was an episode of the fondly remembered Planet Of The Apes series from the mid-1970's. Though she's no longer with us, Bethune was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Becky Ann Baker has certainly dabbled in the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's enjoyed screen time aboard Star Trek: Voyager, Men In Black (1997), and Spider-Man 3 (2007). Baker was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'll take any chance I can get to celebrate the beauty that is Rene Russo. Sadly, she hasn't done all that much Science Fiction, but she has turned in wonderful work in Thor and Thor: The Dark World. Also -- back in the crazy 90's -- she paired up with Emilio Estevez in a little thing called Freejack. (It was awful.) Russo was born on this day in 1954.
Being as ugly as he is, somehow Freddy Krueger still gets the hottest dates ... am I right? That certainly was the case when actress Tuesday Knight entered the wider A Nightmare On Elm Street franchise in the guise of 'Kristen.' (Interestingly enough, she's also enjoyed quite a career as a singer.) This wasn't her only adventure in the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Fans watching closely might spot the lovely lady in her appearances aboard They Came From Outer Space, New Nightmare (1994), The X-Files, It Wants Blood (2019), and Attack Of The Radioactive Zombies (2022). Knight was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
I get it that most longtime Stargate fans weren't all that interested with Stargate: Universe, but -- as someone who didn't much care for Stargate: SG-1 nor Stargate: Atlantis -- I took to Universe quite well. Of course, it helped that I absolutely loved the cast, especially the much underrated veteran character actor Lou Diamond Phillips. He was great there, and he was even terrific when he came back down-to-earth in the much more conventional crime drama, Longmire. Phillips was born on this day in 1962.
Basketball great Michael Jordan entered the world of cinematic Fantasy with a starring role aboard Warner Bros.' Space Jam (1996). Jordan was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
To put it bluntly, I realize that director Michael Bay isn't exactly everyone's favorite storyteller, but you have to give the man props for pushing a vision of high-gloss and explosions that tends to bring out the masses. His take on the Transformers franchise has been particularly successful, though his forays into more legitimate Science Fiction -- Armageddon and The Island come to mind -- have had mixed results. Bay was born on this day in 1965.
I've always had a soft spot for Monster Movies, and the original Jeepers Creepers (2001) was one of the very best of the past few decades. Actor Jonathan Breck brought the Creeper to life in the franchise, though the second and third installments aren't nearly as interesting as the first. Breck was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Major kudos today go out to tough guy Dominic Purcell: he's brought his charisma to life aboard The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow after great introduction on The Flash. Purcell was born on this day in 1970.
Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed ... but when that bed is filled with the lovely Denise Richards -- better known to sci-fi fans worldwide as the 'former Mrs. Charlie Sheen' AND Lt. Carmen Ibanez from Paul Verhoeven's stellar Starship Troopers -- I can understand the desire to stay under the covers! It's Denise's birthday, Trek enthusiasts, so feel free to celebrate on her behalf. Richards was born on this day in 1971.
Funny lady Lucy Davis provided some of the key laughs to the DC Comics and Warner Bros. blockbuster adaptation of Wonder Woman (2017). Davis was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sliders was a pretty nifty show in its heyday, but -- sadly -- heydays never last. A young Jerry O'Connell helped bring much of the show's wide-eyed optimism to life, and -- for that -- he deserves fandom's thanks. O'Connell was born on this day in 1974.
The sexier-than-mankind-deserves Kelly Carlson suited up and took a stand against the alien bugs in Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004). Carlson was born on this day in 1976.
The fresh-faced Ashton Holmes braved the Apocalypse at the center of The Divide (2011) for Instinctive Film. Holmes was born on this day in 1978.
Jason Ritter did what he could to help elevate NBC's SciFi conspiracy yarn The Event to untold heights; unfortunately, the story never really materialized in any relevant way, confusing regular viewers and disengaging those who tried to join the program in progress. Ritter was born on this day in 1980.
Is there anything that Paris Hilton can't do? Why, in her time on God's green Earth, she's been a model, an actress, an author, a social media influencer, a recording artist, and a world-renowned philanthropist! Good on her for making something of herself! Supernatural fans might well recall she paid a visit to their little corner of the entertainment industry in an episode that poked a bit of fun at idols, of all things. Hilton was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
One could barely recognize young Joseph Gordon-Levitt from the SciFi time travel yarn, Looper. Rumor has it he was heavily shrouded in make-up so that he would better resemble his character's aged version who was played by Bruce Willis. Gordon-Levitt was born on this day in 1981.
The lovely Sasha Pieterse enjoyed a small role aboard X-Men: First Class (2011), but she's definitely built a solid genre background fleshing out characters aboard Stargate: SG-1 and NBC's Heroes. Pieterse was born on this day in 1996.
On this day in 1925 (in the United Kingdom), dinosaurs roared again -- this time on the silver screen -- with the release of The Lost World. Directed by Harry O. Hoyt, the Fantasy feature starred Wallace Beery and Bessie Love, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A expedition to rescue Maple White, who has been marooned at the top of a high plateau. Joined by hunter John Roxton, and others, the group goes to South America, where they do indeed find a plateau inhabited by pre-historic creatures, one of which they even manage to bring back to London with them."
For the record:
1925's version of The Lost World is the very first attempt ever at adapting the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel for the silver screen. In 1998, the National Film Registry voted to preserve the film due to its artistic contribution to all of filmdom. The 2014 Blu-ray release from Flicker Alley was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release. (FYI: I've seen that version, and it's a magnificent release.)
More for the record:
And -- incidentally -- Flicker Alley was gracious enough to provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray back in 2017 in exchange for a review. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of it can check out my entry right here.
"A expedition to rescue Maple White, who has been marooned at the top of a high plateau. Joined by hunter John Roxton, and others, the group goes to South America, where they do indeed find a plateau inhabited by pre-historic creatures, one of which they even manage to bring back to London with them."
For the record:
1925's version of The Lost World is the very first attempt ever at adapting the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel for the silver screen. In 1998, the National Film Registry voted to preserve the film due to its artistic contribution to all of filmdom. The 2014 Blu-ray release from Flicker Alley was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release. (FYI: I've seen that version, and it's a magnificent release.)
More for the record:
And -- incidentally -- Flicker Alley was gracious enough to provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray back in 2017 in exchange for a review. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of it can check out my entry right here.
On this day in 1958 (in Uruguay), Tokyo was never the same ... well, not once Godzilla got done leaving his footprints in the sand. Written (in part) and directed by Ishirô Honda, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, and Akira Takarada; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
A star is born! On this day in 1959, The Cosmic Man landed in Earth theatres. Directed by Herbert S. Greene, the SciFi feature starred John Carradine and Angela Greene, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The latest UFO, a white globe levitating in a California canyon, is investigated by the Air Force, aided by physicist Karl Sorensen. Just big enough for one "man", the object seems impenetrable, but that night a half-invisible being visits the town, and a strange bundled-up man takes a room at Angela Green's mountain lodge, the investigators' headquarters. Sorensen thinks the Cosmic Man is benevolent, but to the colonel he represents either danger...or military advantage."
"The latest UFO, a white globe levitating in a California canyon, is investigated by the Air Force, aided by physicist Karl Sorensen. Just big enough for one "man", the object seems impenetrable, but that night a half-invisible being visits the town, and a strange bundled-up man takes a room at Angela Green's mountain lodge, the investigators' headquarters. Sorensen thinks the Cosmic Man is benevolent, but to the colonel he represents either danger...or military advantage."
A star is born ... and it looks flaming hot! On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), the good people of San Francisco, California were treated to a special theatrical premiere engagement of The Hypnotic Eye. Directed by George Blair from a script by Gitta Woodfield and William Read Woodfield, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jacques Bergerac, Merry Anders, and Marcia Henderson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious hypnotist is suspected by the police of being responsible for a wave of female mutilation victims."
"A mysterious hypnotist is suspected by the police of being responsible for a wave of female mutilation victims."
On this day in 1967 (in Ireland), The Projected Man enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Mary Peach and Norman Wooland, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist experimenting with matter transmission from place to place by means of a laser beam suddenly decides to use himself as a test specimen. But the process goes awry, and one side of his body becomes hideously deformed and instantly lethal to anyone it touches."
"A scientist experimenting with matter transmission from place to place by means of a laser beam suddenly decides to use himself as a test specimen. But the process goes awry, and one side of his body becomes hideously deformed and instantly lethal to anyone it touches."
On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), the good people of San Francisco, California were treated to a limited theatrical engagement of the curiously-titled Gas! - Or - It Became Necessary To Destroy The World In Order To Save It. Directed by Roger Corman from a script by George Armitage, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bob Corff, Elaine Giftos, and Bud Cort. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gas is let loose upon the world that kills anyone over 25 years old."
"A gas is let loose upon the world that kills anyone over 25 years old."
On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), Captain Invincible took to the cinematic skies again with the theatrical release of The Return Of Captain Invincible. Directed by Philippe Mora from a script by Steven E. de Souza, Andrew Gaty, and Peter Smalley, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Alan Arkin, Christopher Lee, and Kate Fitzpatrick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In World War II, Captain Invincible used his superpowers against the Nazis, and he was a hero. But when they accused him of supporting the Communists, he retired to Australia. Now, after a U.S. super secret super weapon is stolen, he's asked to come back to help. Unfortunately, he's an alcoholic now."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Return Of Captain Invincible enjoyed a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"In World War II, Captain Invincible used his superpowers against the Nazis, and he was a hero. But when they accused him of supporting the Communists, he retired to Australia. Now, after a U.S. super secret super weapon is stolen, he's asked to come back to help. Unfortunately, he's an alcoholic now."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Return Of Captain Invincible enjoyed a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1984 (in Finland), the SciFi/Fantasy film Krull enjoyed its run in theatres. Directed by Peter Yates, the feature starred Ken Marshall and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), audiences were treated to a modern day incarnation of Rod Serling's Fantasy/Classic from television, Twilight Zone: The Movie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four horror and science fiction segments, directed by four famous directors, each of them being a new version of a classic story from Rod Serling's landmark television series."
"Four horror and science fiction segments, directed by four famous directors, each of them being a new version of a classic story from Rod Serling's landmark television series."
On this day in 1987 (in Turkey), The Running Man enjoyed a run through theaters, sending muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger on a fight for his life! Adapted from a novel by Stephen King, the SciFi/Fantasy film was directed by Paul Michael Glaser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave The Running Man three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, only actor (and gameshow host) Richard Dawson took home the trophy.
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave The Running Man three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, only actor (and gameshow host) Richard Dawson took home the trophy.
A star is born! On this day in 1989, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure turned up the laughs in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Directed by Stephen Herek, the feature gave Keanu Reeves one of the earliest hits, pairing him up with a goofy Alex Winter in the winning premise of two dudes just trying to get through high school and maybe even save the world. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), ALF earned a bit of extra TV screen time with the airing of his Project: ALF telefilm. Directed by Dick Lowry, the project starred Miguel Ferrer, William O'Leary, and Jensen Daggett. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Captured by the Alien Task Force, ALF was rescued by two officers who found out that the project shall be canceled - and also ALF."
"Captured by the Alien Task Force, ALF was rescued by two officers who found out that the project shall be canceled - and also ALF."
On this day in 1998, Star Hunter premiered on home video. The flick starred Roddy McDowall, Stella Stevens, and Rebecca Budig, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Star hunters are the space monsters who hunt helpless creatures for pleasure. One night couple of high school football players and their cheerleaders are returning home after the lost game. But, when their bus makes the wrong turn, they are going to meet those creatures, and the real game will begin."
"Star hunters are the space monsters who hunt helpless creatures for pleasure. One night couple of high school football players and their cheerleaders are returning home after the lost game. But, when their bus makes the wrong turn, they are going to meet those creatures, and the real game will begin."
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), the youngest among us were treated to a home video premiere of the kid-friendly Fantasy, The Secret Kingdom. Directed by David Schmoeller from a script by Neal Marshall Stevens, the film starred Billy O'Sullivan, Andrew Ducote, and Samantha Tabak. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three kids discover a tiny kingdom beneath their kitchen sink and are drawn inside, becoming involved with the miniature world's civil war."
"Three kids discover a tiny kingdom beneath their kitchen sink and are drawn inside, becoming involved with the miniature world's civil war."
On this day in 2003 (in Greece), 1980-produced The Final Countdown enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and Katharine Ross, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), The Hive came alive with its first airing on television. Directed by Peter Manus from a script by T.S. Cook, the SciFi/Horror starred Tom Wopat, Kal Weber, and Elizabeth Healey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When ants, displaying never-before-seen behavior, seize an island, the controversial Thorax Team is called to stop the massive threat only to discover that the ants are controlled by something beyond this world."
"When ants, displaying never-before-seen behavior, seize an island, the controversial Thorax Team is called to stop the massive threat only to discover that the ants are controlled by something beyond this world."
On this day in 2009 (in Russia), Millennium Crisis enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Andrew Bellware, the SciFi feature starred Clare Stevenson and Ted Raimi, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A violent alien species, the Kluduthu, kidnap Aurora and take her to their desert home planet because she holds a secret power which could wipe out all of humanity. But she escapes, only to find herself in the middle of a war which has been going on for millions of years. Can she fight them, or will she become one of them?"
"A violent alien species, the Kluduthu, kidnap Aurora and take her to their desert home planet because she holds a secret power which could wipe out all of humanity. But she escapes, only to find herself in the middle of a war which has been going on for millions of years. Can she fight them, or will she become one of them?"
On this day in 2009, the storytellers went back to the well for a sequel to 1995's Screamers with the release of Screamers: The Hunting on home video. Directed by Sheldon Wilson, the SciFi/Thriller starred genre favorite Gina Holden, Jana Pallaske, and screen veteran Lance Henriksen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of humans arrive on Sirius 6-B to investigate an SOS signal sent out from the planet, which has been supposedly deserted since the destruction of the man-made weapons known as 'screamers.' Once the squad arrives, they find a group of human survivors eking out an existence in an old military outpost, but more important, they discover that the threat of the screamers has become even more insidious, now that they're able to morph into human form."
"A group of humans arrive on Sirius 6-B to investigate an SOS signal sent out from the planet, which has been supposedly deserted since the destruction of the man-made weapons known as 'screamers.' Once the squad arrives, they find a group of human survivors eking out an existence in an old military outpost, but more important, they discover that the threat of the screamers has become even more insidious, now that they're able to morph into human form."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the big screen theatrical debut of The Lazarus Effect. Directed by David Gelb from a script by Luke Dawson and Jeremy Slater, the Horror/Fantasy starred Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, and Evan Peters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of medical researchers discover a way to bring dead patients back to life."
"A group of medical researchers discover a way to bring dead patients back to life."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Attack Of The Southern Fried Zombies enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Oxford Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Mark Newton, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Timothy Haug, Wyntergrace Williams, and Escalante Lundy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lonnie, a crop duster pilot, must lead a mismatched group of survivors to escape the deadly zombie horde after an experimental chemical, intended to control the invasive kudzu vine, transforms the citizens of Charleston, MS into zombies."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Attack scored a bit of special attention when it was screened for San Diego's FANtastic Horror Film Festival in 2017.
"Lonnie, a crop duster pilot, must lead a mismatched group of survivors to escape the deadly zombie horde after an experimental chemical, intended to control the invasive kudzu vine, transforms the citizens of Charleston, MS into zombies."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Attack scored a bit of special attention when it was screened for San Diego's FANtastic Horror Film Festival in 2017.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Germany), Logan enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever playing for audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by James Mangold, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Dafne Keen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety."
"In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), A Wish For Giants enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Don Swanson, the Fantasy feature starred Naysa Altmeyer, Alexa Mechling, and Connor McClain. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sophie, a young volunteer, meets her kindred spirit in Roxie, a girl with a life threatening medical condition and a unique wish to meet Bigfoot."
For the record:
To the film's credit, A Wish For Giants enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Sophie, a young volunteer, meets her kindred spirit in Roxie, a girl with a life threatening medical condition and a unique wish to meet Bigfoot."
For the record:
To the film's credit, A Wish For Giants enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018 (in Japan), Juarez 2045 took audiences slightly into the future. Written and directed by Chris Le, the SciFi feature starred Danny Trejo and Blake Webb, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Its the year 2045. War on drugs in Mexico has escalated as a ruthless drug Cartel use robots to enforce their operations."
"Its the year 2045. War on drugs in Mexico has escalated as a ruthless drug Cartel use robots to enforce their operations."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Germany), Transit enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever playing for audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Christian Petzold, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Franz Rogowski, Paula Beer, and Godehard Giese; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man attempting to escape occupied France falls in love with the wife of a dead author whose identity he has assumed."
"A man attempting to escape occupied France falls in love with the wife of a dead author whose identity he has assumed."
On this day in 2022 (in Mexico), The Exorcism Of God enjoyed its release in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Alejandro Hidalgo, the Horror/Fantasy starred María Gabriela de Faría, Joseph Marcell, and Will Beinbrink; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An American priest working in Mexico is possessed during an exorcism and ends up committing a terrible act. Eighteen years later, the consequences of his sin come back to haunt him, unleashing the greatest battle within."
"An American priest working in Mexico is possessed during an exorcism and ends up committing a terrible act. Eighteen years later, the consequences of his sin come back to haunt him, unleashing the greatest battle within."
On this day in 1951, Space Patrol aired "Cosmic Debris Warning." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Major Robertson, at Space Control on Earth, receives a report from the Chief Astronomer that a planetoid has exploded nearby and all spaceships in that vicinity should watch for danger from cosmic debris. Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, and Carol are returning to Terra from Earth when they are hit by a meteor. They are rendered helpless in space, rapidly losing oxygen, and unable to communicate."
"Major Robertson, at Space Control on Earth, receives a report from the Chief Astronomer that a planetoid has exploded nearby and all spaceships in that vicinity should watch for danger from cosmic debris. Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, and Carol are returning to Terra from Earth when they are hit by a meteor. They are rendered helpless in space, rapidly losing oxygen, and unable to communicate."
On this day in 1958, Adventures Of Superman aired "Divide And Conquer." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superman stretches the laws of physics to the breaking, or rather splitting, point to prevent a coup in a Latin American country."
"Superman stretches the laws of physics to the breaking, or rather splitting, point to prevent a coup in a Latin American country."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Moon Cloud." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist's wife warns McCauley that her husband Perry's's co-worker Hal Carter is jealous of his success. McCauley doesn't believe her, but when Perry's theory about radioactive gas on the moon prove correct, Hal plots to kill Perry."
"A scientist's wife warns McCauley that her husband Perry's's co-worker Hal Carter is jealous of his success. McCauley doesn't believe her, but when Perry's theory about radioactive gas on the moon prove correct, Hal plots to kill Perry."
On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits aired "The Children of Spider County." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A government agent seizes young supermen, who are all originally from the same small county in Maryland. All are captured, except one; Ethan, who's facing trumped-up murder charges. Ethan's the only one who wasn't hounded out of Spider County by suspicious locals. The spooks believe the boys had the same father, though each was born to a different mother. Ethan's plotting to escape from the clutches of beady-eyed Sheriff, to avoid an old-fashioned execution."
"A government agent seizes young supermen, who are all originally from the same small county in Maryland. All are captured, except one; Ethan, who's facing trumped-up murder charges. Ethan's the only one who wasn't hounded out of Spider County by suspicious locals. The spooks believe the boys had the same father, though each was born to a different mother. Ethan's plotting to escape from the clutches of beady-eyed Sheriff, to avoid an old-fashioned execution."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "The Duchess Assignment." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lady Penelope discovers her friend, the Duchess of Roysten is in need of financial assistance. Penelope helps the Dutchess to loan out her prized portrait of a gazelle to a New York tycoon. However, the Duchess is kidnapped by crooks who want the painting and the money owed to her."
"Lady Penelope discovers her friend, the Duchess of Roysten is in need of financial assistance. Penelope helps the Dutchess to loan out her prized portrait of a gazelle to a New York tycoon. However, the Duchess is kidnapped by crooks who want the painting and the money owed to her."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired "Timelash." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cmdr Ed Straker and Col Virginia Lake disappear and are discovered unconscious near the dead body of a Shado operative (Turner). Col Foster and co. try to understand what has happened."
"Cmdr Ed Straker and Col Virginia Lake disappear and are discovered unconscious near the dead body of a Shado operative (Turner). Col Foster and co. try to understand what has happened."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), The Changes aired "Heartsease." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Nicky and Jonathon escape from the village but the witch-finder and enraged villagers are in hot pursuit!"
"Nicky and Jonathon escape from the village but the witch-finder and enraged villagers are in hot pursuit!"
On this day in 1978, Wonder Woman aired "IRAC Is Missing." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's most powerful computers are being drained of their information by Bernard Havitol who plans to use the information to become ruler of the entire world. I.R.A.C. is next on his wish list and Diana is on the case to stop him with a little help from Rover the roving computer."
"The world's most powerful computers are being drained of their information by Bernard Havitol who plans to use the information to become ruler of the entire world. I.R.A.C. is next on his wish list and Diana is on the case to stop him with a little help from Rover the roving computer."
On this day in 1982, The Greatest American Hero aired "A Chicken In Every Plot." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ralph, Pam and the kids fly to a Caribbean to visit a friend of Bill Maxwell's. When they arrive they find Bill's friend murdered and island racked by a voodoo-driven revolt against the government."
"Ralph, Pam and the kids fly to a Caribbean to visit a friend of Bill Maxwell's. When they arrive they find Bill's friend murdered and island racked by a voodoo-driven revolt against the government."
On this day in 1995 (in the United States), The X-Files aired "End Game." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder is forced to make an impossible choice, when the alien bounty hunter gives him an ultimatum - Scully's life for Samantha's."
"Mulder is forced to make an impossible choice, when the alien bounty hunter gives him an ultimatum - Scully's life for Samantha's."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "The Illusion Of Truth." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"ISN reporters come to Babylon 5 to interview the Command staff, and film them for a documentary. The staff is reluctant at first, but they finally agree."
"ISN reporters come to Babylon 5 to interview the Command staff, and film them for a documentary. The staff is reluctant at first, but they finally agree."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine began playing some of its 'trump cards' by way of episodes that showed this whole battle with the Dominion was only getting started. The fifteenth episode of the fifth season was called "By Inferno's Light," and here's the episode summary provided by IMDB.com:
"The station readies for a Dominion attack. Worf and Garak meet some unexpected friends in a Dominion Prison camp."
"The station readies for a Dominion attack. Worf and Garak meet some unexpected friends in a Dominion Prison camp."
On this day in 1998 (in Germany), The Burning Zone aired "Night Flight." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Unknown hemorrhagic fever runs rampant on a Boing 747, the plane is denied landing permit and the team must work out of a small bio lab in the cargo hold in an attempt to keep the pilots alive long enough to land the plane."
"Unknown hemorrhagic fever runs rampant on a Boing 747, the plane is denied landing permit and the team must work out of a small bio lab in the cargo hold in an attempt to keep the pilots alive long enough to land the plane."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continued winding down its final season with the airing of "Chimera." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"After searching out and finding Odo, another changeling asks him to leave DS9 with him, even though the rest of the crew aren't convinced the new changeling is not part of the Founders."
"After searching out and finding Odo, another changeling asks him to leave DS9 with him, even though the rest of the crew aren't convinced the new changeling is not part of the Founders."
On this day in 1999 (in the United States), Star Trek: Voyager aired both installments of "Dark Frontier." Officially, this served as the fifteenth and sixteenth episodes in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Members of the Voyager crew train on the holodeck for a raid on a Borg ship. Should they be successful, they will steal the Borg trans-warp coil in hopes of integrating the technology into Voyager's systems. The Borg seem to be one step ahead when the Borg Queen communicates with Seven of Nine."
"Members of the Voyager crew train on the holodeck for a raid on a Borg ship. Should they be successful, they will steal the Borg trans-warp coil in hopes of integrating the technology into Voyager's systems. The Borg seem to be one step ahead when the Borg Queen communicates with Seven of Nine."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode of its first and only season, a tale going under the name "D-Day." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"S.I.C.O.N. prepares for the D-Day invasion of the bug home planet of Klendathu and before they are to head to the surface, Flores gets a letter stating that her brother was lost when the medivac ship he was on was hit and crashed. Can Flores recover from the shock or will Razak and Rico be forced to take her off the line?"
"S.I.C.O.N. prepares for the D-Day invasion of the bug home planet of Klendathu and before they are to head to the surface, Flores gets a letter stating that her brother was lost when the medivac ship he was on was hit and crashed. Can Flores recover from the shock or will Razak and Rico be forced to take her off the line?"
On this day in 2003 (in Australia and the United Kingdom), the stage was effectively set by Farscape when the show aired the eighteenth episode of its fourth season. "Prayer" saw Aeryn Sun captured by the Scarrans, and her abduction set in motion of series of events that would culminate in a big three-part spectacular for the crew of Moya and their friends, enemies, and general riff-raff. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Crichton and Scorpius travel to one of the 'unrealized realities' where Crichton believes he heard Stark say "Katratzi." Meanwhile on a Scarran ship, Aeryn resists torture."
"Crichton and Scorpius travel to one of the 'unrealized realities' where Crichton believes he heard Stark say "Katratzi." Meanwhile on a Scarran ship, Aeryn resists torture."
On this day in 2003 (in Canada), Mutant X aired "Under The Cloak Of War." This served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Someone tries to kill Adam but the team saves him. The person who killed him was part of a group of assassins. So Adam sends Shalimar to join them and find out who wants to kill him. She learns that it's a man whom Adam knows. Shalimar convinces the leader to let her kill Adam."
"Someone tries to kill Adam but the team saves him. The person who killed him was part of a group of assassins. So Adam sends Shalimar to join them and find out who wants to kill him. She learns that it's a man whom Adam knows. Shalimar convinces the leader to let her kill Adam."
On this day in 2003 (in Japan), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Threshold." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fifth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To help Teal'c mind clear again, SG-1 asks Bra'tac to help. Bra'tac removes Teal'c's Gou'ald and Teal'c is forced to remember certain memories of his past. The real Teal'c in the end. SG-1 is glad to have him back."
"To help Teal'c mind clear again, SG-1 asks Bra'tac to help. Bra'tac removes Teal'c's Gou'ald and Teal'c is forced to remember certain memories of his past. The real Teal'c in the end. SG-1 is glad to have him back."
On this day in 2006 (in Italy), Firefly aired "The Train Job." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
On this day in 2006 (in Italy), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Scourge." This served as the seventeenth episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"SG-1 is tasked to accompany members of the International Oversight Advisory, including Richard Woolsey, on a tour of the Gamma site. The visitors are suitably impressed but everyone is put in danger when a carnivorous insect escapes from the lab. The base is locked down and no one is allowed to travel through the gate. The bug is linked to the Ori - it's appeared on several planets that they've visited - and Daniel thinks it may be their follow-up to the virus."
"SG-1 is tasked to accompany members of the International Oversight Advisory, including Richard Woolsey, on a tour of the Gamma site. The visitors are suitably impressed but everyone is put in danger when a carnivorous insect escapes from the lab. The base is locked down and no one is allowed to travel through the gate. The bug is linked to the Ori - it's appeared on several planets that they've visited - and Daniel thinks it may be their follow-up to the virus."
On this day in 2007 (in the United States), the remastered version of Star Trek's "Amok Time" enjoyed its debut on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
On this day in 2014, Almost Human aired the eleventh episode of its first and only season, an hour titled "Disrupt." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deadly crime from the future occurs when a "smart home" goes terribly bad and turns on its occupants. Detective Kennex and Dorian lead the investigation that forces them to interface with a house that is represented by a mysterious hologram character."
"A deadly crime from the future occurs when a "smart home" goes terribly bad and turns on its occupants. Detective Kennex and Dorian lead the investigation that forces them to interface with a house that is represented by a mysterious hologram character."
