Believe it or not, the 1950's era had some solid entries in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, though many of them were decidedly a bit more youth-focused than others. Today's evidence: Rocky Jones, Space Ranger premiered on this day back then, and even featured a 10-year-old space adventurer amongst its cast. It lasted a single season on television, and here's the series' summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cruising the galaxy in his space ship "The Orbit Jet" Space Ranger, Rocky Jones, Vena Ray, and 10 year-old Bobby defend the Earth and themselves against space-bound evil doers."
"Cruising the galaxy in his space ship "The Orbit Jet" Space Ranger, Rocky Jones, Vena Ray, and 10 year-old Bobby defend the Earth and themselves against space-bound evil doers."
The hunky Jon Hall took the silver screen by storm with roles aboard Invisible Agent (1942) and The Invisible Man's Revenge (1944). Though he's no longer with us, Hall was born on this day in 1915.
Bernard Kay (above left) left behind an acting legacy of over 150 different screen credits and was one of the actors with the good fortune to visit the ever-growing universe of Doctor Who on multiple occasions. Though he's no longer with us, Kay was born on this day in 1928.
The venerable Gerry Davis contributed scripts to the older and new incarnations of the BBC's Doctor Who as well as scripts for such other properties as Doomwatch, The Bionic Woman, The Final Countdown (1980), and Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future. Though he's no longer with us, Davis was born on this day in 1930.
She's been called many things. Number One. Nurse Chapel. Computer. But perhaps the very best is "The Grand Dame of the Galaxy" who stood alongside "The Great Bird of the Galaxy" for so very long. Mostly, she answered to Majel. Majel Barrett. Majel Barrett Roddenberry. She was such an instrumental part of the Trek franchise for very long, being there from the beginning with Gene and the rest. Though she's no longer with us, Barrett was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's probably remembered more for her appearance in various Westerns or other historical films, the lovely Linda Cristal did make a guest spot aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea in 1964. Cristal was born on this day in 1934.
Ah, Rees Vaughn, we hardly knew ye! In 1967, the young Rees played Latimer aboard the Star Trek classic episode, "The Galileo Seven," but only for a few moments as he was one of the stranded crewmembers quickly cut down in the line of duty. Though he's no longer with us, Vaughn was born on this day in 1935.
You young'uns won't remember this motion picture, but Futureworld (1976) was what big-screen sci-fi looked like before the advent of Star Wars. In it, a younger Peter Fonda played a reporter who'd uncovered a secret about the robots staffing a state-of-the-art Walt Disney-style theme park for adults; and the story was basically his race against time to get out alive before the malfunctioning automatons killed him. Though he's no longer with us, Fonda was born on this day in 1940.
The lovely Shakira Caine lent her exotic appeal to a small handful of uncredited appearances aboard Gerry Anderon's UFO. Caine was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Patricia Richardson was just one of the many great actresses to make an appearances aboard NBC's popular Quantum Leap during the show's run. Richardson was born on this day in 1951.
Ronan Vibert is a talented character actor who turns up in a good number of period-style Fantasy projects, including Highlander: The Raven, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Dracula Untold (2014), and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Vibert was born on this day in 1964.
Early in her career, Sex and the City's Kristin Davis played a very different 'big city gal' aboard the Alien Nation: Body and Soul (1995) telefilm. Davis was born on this day in 1965.
Hollywood actor and stuntman Alexander Denk has played around on camera for such properties as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and the Cult flick Soldier (1998). Denk was born on this day in 1968.
Back in 1991, Craig Hurley played Ensign Peeples aboard "Night Terrors," a fourth season outing of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Hurley was born on this day in 1968.
The lovely Marie-Josée Croze played a small role in the less-than-lovely Battlefield Earth (2000), a John Travolta project deemed to be one of the worst films ever made. Croze was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
With roles in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Batman V Superman, Callan Mulvey is one of those rare actors who has had the chance to play in both the Marvel and DC Comic universes. Mulvey was born on this day in 1975.
The lovely Kelly Macdonald enjoyed a dip into the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard the telefilm The Child In Time (2017) for the BBC. Madonald was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
At well over six and one-half feet, there's few Erika Ervin doesn't tower over! Indeed, she used her physical presence to her advantage aboard ABC TV's Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. to her advantage. Ervin was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Russia-born Inna Korobkina found herself packing a demon of a child during the end of the world that was Zack Snyder's Dawn Of The Dead (2004). Korobkina was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman and unfortunately politically intolerant Josh Gad helped deliver what laughs could be found to Pixels (2015) for Columbia Pictures. (Why do so many in Hollywood seemingly hate the folks who see their movies and TV projects? It defies logic, people.) More recently he enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard HBO's SciFi/Sitcom Avenue 5. Gad was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
SciFi fandom always embraces a ginger ... especially when that ginger looks like Emily Blunt! Blunt had a relatively small but critical role in Looper, and she totally rocked our collective worlds as the 'Full Metal Bitch' from 2014's stellar Edge of Tomorrow. At this point, I'm willing to christen her as the 'go to' gal when we need a tough but sensitive lead for any SciFi project so long as she stops dishing on America. (We here at SciFiHistory.Net are very pro-USA!) Blunt was born on this day in 1983.
The dreamy Samara Weaving played a role aboard the less-than-dreamy Monster Trucks (2016). She also had a role aboard Starz Network's Ash Vs. Evil Dead. Weaving was born on this day in 1992.
When she was only a li'l sprite, Dakota Fanning headlined alongside Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg's (unnecessary) remake of War of the Worlds. She's since blossomed into an even more talented young lady who continues to seek and explore good work. Fanning was born on this day in 1994.
Cameron Palatas enjoyed a guest spot aboard the Fantasy-themed property from Marvel and Walt Disney Studios, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Palatas was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Emilia Jones is one busy young lady, but she wasn't too busy to appear in "The Rings Of Akhaten," a 2013 episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. She also went on to a big role headlining the Locke & Key series as well as playing a role in the Utopia program. Jones was born on this day in 2002. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1935 (in the U.S.), general hilarity ensued with the silver screen release of Night Life Of The Gods. Directed by Lowell Sherman, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Alan Mowbray, Florine McKinney, and Peggy Shannon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist named Hunter Hawk invents a device that can turn flesh to stone. While celebrating his discovery he becomes involved with a half naked leprechaun. On a trip to New York, Hunter and Meg (the leprechaun) decide to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and turn all of the Statues of Greek Gods into people. What follows in a drunken romp around New York with Medusa's severed head still in Perseus' hand."
For the record:
For folks who enjoy this kind of trivia, Night Life Of The Gods was adapted from the Thorne Smith novel, "The Night Life Of The Gods." Screenwriter Barry Trivers crafted the screenplay.
"A scientist named Hunter Hawk invents a device that can turn flesh to stone. While celebrating his discovery he becomes involved with a half naked leprechaun. On a trip to New York, Hunter and Meg (the leprechaun) decide to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and turn all of the Statues of Greek Gods into people. What follows in a drunken romp around New York with Medusa's severed head still in Perseus' hand."
For the record:
For folks who enjoy this kind of trivia, Night Life Of The Gods was adapted from the Thorne Smith novel, "The Night Life Of The Gods." Screenwriter Barry Trivers crafted the screenplay.
A star is born ... or is that "saddled"? Well, now ... it isn't every day we get to talk about something that's billed as being part-Musical, part-Western, and part-SciFi, but on this day in 1935 (in the U.S.) such a property came into existence: The Phantom Empire starred Gene Autry and Frankie Darro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what you need to know about that:
"When the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show."
For the record:
Revered film cowboy of a bygone era, Gene Autry leave behind a resume just short of one hundred different screen roles ... and, yes, in most of them (if not all) he played a cowboy. Interestingly enough, however, this curious hybrid of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and the classic American Western was his first leading role on the silver screen.
"When the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show."
For the record:
Revered film cowboy of a bygone era, Gene Autry leave behind a resume just short of one hundred different screen roles ... and, yes, in most of them (if not all) he played a cowboy. Interestingly enough, however, this curious hybrid of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and the classic American Western was his first leading role on the silver screen.
On this day in 1956 (in Australia), This Island Earth visited Earth's theaters, bringing along some massive foreheads for the ride of their lives. Directed by Joseph F. Newman and Jack Arnold, the feature starred Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow, and Faith Domergue; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), 12 To The Moon blasted off theatrically. Directed by David Bradley, the feature starred Ken Clark, Tom Conway, and Michi Kobi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An international team embarks on an expedition to the moon in an uncommonly spacious rocketship. There they encounter a faceless alien intelligence who conclude that the human race is too immature and dangerous and must be destroyed."
For the record:
As can happen with these older and rarely-seen releases, 12 To The Moon's original premiere date -- cited only some time during June of 1960 -- is presently lost to history. Until I'm able to locate more specific information, I'll use this release date in lieu of its first theatrical presentation for celebrations.
"An international team embarks on an expedition to the moon in an uncommonly spacious rocketship. There they encounter a faceless alien intelligence who conclude that the human race is too immature and dangerous and must be destroyed."
For the record:
As can happen with these older and rarely-seen releases, 12 To The Moon's original premiere date -- cited only some time during June of 1960 -- is presently lost to history. Until I'm able to locate more specific information, I'll use this release date in lieu of its first theatrical presentation for celebrations.
On this day in 1978 (in Peru) the original Star Wars opened for the first time theatrically. Written and directed by George Lucas, the feature starred Luke Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. Here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981 (in Spain), audiences turned out to see a Nightmare City. Directed by Umberto Lenzi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter, and Maria Rosaria Omaggio; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An airplane exposed to radiation lands, and blood drinking zombies emerge armed with knives, guns and teeth! They go on a rampage slicing, dicing, and biting their way across the Italian countryside."
"An airplane exposed to radiation lands, and blood drinking zombies emerge armed with knives, guns and teeth! They go on a rampage slicing, dicing, and biting their way across the Italian countryside."
On this day in 1989 (in Uruguay), a budding young superstar brought her A-Game to some SciFi cheesery better known as Cherry 2000. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt from a script by Michael Almereyda (adapted from a story by Lloyd Fonvielle), the feature starred a young and tough Melanie Griffith teamed up with the always likeable David Andrews, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit in 1988.
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit in 1988.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Spontaneous Combustion caught fire with audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Tobe Hooper, the feature starred Brad Dourif, Melinda Dillon, and Cynthia Bain. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man finds out that his parents had been used in an atomic-weapons experiment shortly before he was born, and that the results have had some unexpected effects on him."
For the record:
As can happen with these older releases, some original premiere dates are presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that Spontaneous Combustion did screen at the Cannes Film Festival in May of 1989, but I've been unable to locate a specific date. In lieu of more accurate information, I'm using this date as its theatrical premiere.
More for the record:
To the film's credit, Spontaneous Combustion enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A young man finds out that his parents had been used in an atomic-weapons experiment shortly before he was born, and that the results have had some unexpected effects on him."
For the record:
As can happen with these older releases, some original premiere dates are presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that Spontaneous Combustion did screen at the Cannes Film Festival in May of 1989, but I've been unable to locate a specific date. In lieu of more accurate information, I'm using this date as its theatrical premiere.
More for the record:
To the film's credit, Spontaneous Combustion enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1990 (in the Netherlands and the U.S.), The Blood Of Heroes shed itself ... cinematically, that is. Written and directed by David Webb Peoples, this Dystopian/Thriller starred Rutger Hauer, Delroy Lindo, and Joan Chen. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future where most of mankind and technology is wiped out, six people travel from place to place playing a brutal form of football with a dog skull. They hope one day to play in the league in a city."
"In a future where most of mankind and technology is wiped out, six people travel from place to place playing a brutal form of football with a dog skull. They hope one day to play in the league in a city."
On this day in 1992 (in Finland), the animated adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG enjoyed an airing on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young orphan girl, Sophie, gets taken away to a faraway land populated by Giants and Dreams."
"A young orphan girl, Sophie, gets taken away to a faraway land populated by Giants and Dreams."
On this day in 2001 (in Japan), The Magicians performed a trick by turning up on home video. Directed by Lorraine Senna, the Fantasy feature starred Peter Firth, Charlie O'Connell, and Kimberley Davies; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A magician searches for his successor to fight evil."
"A magician searches for his successor to fight evil."
A star is born! On this day in 2010, Meteor Apocalypse showed audiences one more way how it all might end. Written (in part) and directed by Micho Rutare, the feature starred Joe Lando, Claudia Christian, and Cooper Harris; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A gigantic meteor enters Earth's orbit and begins to disintegrate, showering the entire planet with debris."
"A gigantic meteor enters Earth's orbit and begins to disintegrate, showering the entire planet with debris."
A star is born ... or -- in the case of a remake -- is that born again? On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen preiere of The Crazies. Directed by Breck Eisner, this revisioning of a George A. Romero story starred Radha Mitchell, Timothy Olyphant, and Danielle Panabaker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a strange and insecure plane crash, an unusual toxic virus enters a quaint farming town. A young couple are quarantined, but they fight for survival along with help from a couple of people."
For the record:
At the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, The Crazies enjoyed a solid three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Makeup / Creature FX,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"After a strange and insecure plane crash, an unusual toxic virus enters a quaint farming town. A young couple are quarantined, but they fight for survival along with help from a couple of people."
For the record:
At the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, The Crazies enjoyed a solid three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Makeup / Creature FX,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/Thriller Cold Fusion found its exhibition on broadcast television. Directed by Ivan Mitov, the SciFi/Thriller starred Adrian Paul, Sarah Brown, and Michelle Lee; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1979 a UFO is spotted over Ukrainian territory in the Soviet Union. A squadron of MIG23 fighters are dispatched to intercept it."
"In 1979 a UFO is spotted over Ukrainian territory in the Soviet Union. A squadron of MIG23 fighters are dispatched to intercept it."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, the SciFi/Telefilm End of the World took yet one more look at mankind's impending doom. Directed by Steven R. Monroe, the script shows attributed to Jason Bourque, Sydney Roper, and David Ray. The feature starred Greg Grunberg, Caroline Cave, and Neil Grayston; and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A group of Apocalyptic fanatics must use their knowledge of apocalyptic movies to save the world from a devastating solar flare."
"A group of Apocalyptic fanatics must use their knowledge of apocalyptic movies to save the world from a devastating solar flare."
A star is born! On this day in 2014, the SciFi/Thriller 2101 enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Directed by Kyle Misak, the feature starred Revon Yousif, Karan Beaty, and Don Joseph Chase; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three friends exploring an abandoned facility discover a device that holds information about the future. Upon finding the device, they must learn how to use it while also striving to keep it out of the wrong hands."
"Three friends exploring an abandoned facility discover a device that holds information about the future. Upon finding the device, they must learn how to use it while also striving to keep it out of the wrong hands."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Japan), Alienate invaded megaplexes where the unsuspecting awaited its arrival. Directed by Michael Shumway from a script by Rick Hansberry and Lex Logan, the SciFi feature starred Blake Webb, Tatum Langton, and Jaclyn Hales; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A man separated from his wife fights to return home while the Earth falls to invasion."
"A man separated from his wife fights to return home while the Earth falls to invasion."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in a heavy handful of places near and dear to Russia), Guardians (aka The Guardians) enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever. Written (in part) and directed by Sarik Andreasyan, the SciFi/Superhero film starred Anton Pampushnyy and Sanjar Madi, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
On this day in 2017 (in Kuwait and the United Arab Emigrates), The Worthy showed audiences who was worthier at the box office. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the vast majority of the world's water supply is lethally contaminated, a small group of survivors who have taken refuge near a rare clean water source are thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse and must defend their lives from infiltrators who aren't what they seem."
"After the vast majority of the world's water supply is lethally contaminated, a small group of survivors who have taken refuge near a rare clean water source are thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse and must defend their lives from infiltrators who aren't what they seem."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Alterscape enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Philip K Dick Film Festival. Written and directed by Serge Levin, the SciFi/Thriller starred Charles Baker, Michael Ironside, and Alex Veadov; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a failed suicide attempt, a young man coping with loss and depression, submits to a series of trials that fine-tune human emotions, but his unique reaction to the tests send him on a journey that transcends both physical and perceived reality."
"After a failed suicide attempt, a young man coping with loss and depression, submits to a series of trials that fine-tune human emotions, but his unique reaction to the tests send him on a journey that transcends both physical and perceived reality."
On this day in 2018, Annihilation gave audiences a chilling look at a world gone awry. The feature starred Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition where the laws of nature don't apply."
"A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition where the laws of nature don't apply."
On this day in 2018 (in Latvia), Frontier enjoyed its silver screen debut. Directed by Dmitriy Tyurin, the SciFi/Drama starred Stanislav Duzhnikov, Sergey Chirkov, and Viktor Dobronravov; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael's perfect life changes dramatically when he discovers a portal which allows him to travel in time. He travels back to the World War II to go through the quest of time and find his one and only beloved."
"Michael's perfect life changes dramatically when he discovers a portal which allows him to travel in time. He travels back to the World War II to go through the quest of time and find his one and only beloved."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (via the internet to a whole host of countries), Mute enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Written (in part) and directed by Duncan Jones, the SciFi/Mystery starred Alexander Skarsgård and Paul Rudd, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Berlin. Forty years from today. A roiling city of immigrants, where East crashes against West in a science-fiction Casablanca. Leo Beiler, a mute bartender has one reason and one reason only for living here, and she's disappeared. But when Leo's search takes him deeper into the city's underbelly, an odd pair of American surgeons seem to be the only recurring clue, and Leo can't tell if they can help, or who he should fear most."
"Berlin. Forty years from today. A roiling city of immigrants, where East crashes against West in a science-fiction Casablanca. Leo Beiler, a mute bartender has one reason and one reason only for living here, and she's disappeared. But when Leo's search takes him deeper into the city's underbelly, an odd pair of American surgeons seem to be the only recurring clue, and Leo can't tell if they can help, or who he should fear most."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The Cured took one more look at the Zombie Apocalypse. Written and directed by David Freyne, the Horror/Thriller starred Sam Keeley, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and Natalia Kostrzewa; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A disease that turns people into zombies has been cured. The once-infected zombies are discriminated against by society and their own families, which causes social issues to arise. This leads to militant government interference."
"A disease that turns people into zombies has been cured. The once-infected zombies are discriminated against by society and their own families, which causes social issues to arise. This leads to militant government interference."
On this day in 2018 (in Spain), The Humanity Bureau enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Rob W. King, the feature starred Nicolas Cage and Sarah Lind, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A dystopian thriller set in the year 2030 that sees the world in a permanent state of economic recession and facing serious environmental problems as a result of global warming."
"A dystopian thriller set in the year 2030 that sees the world in a permanent state of economic recession and facing serious environmental problems as a result of global warming."
It all began right here: on this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired its first episode ever on television. It was titled "Beyond The Curtain Of Space: Chapter I," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"As Rocky Jones gets introduced to his new team member, Vena, his spaceship, the Orbit Jet X-V2, is almost destroyed while traveling to the planet Ophiuchus."
"As Rocky Jones gets introduced to his new team member, Vena, his spaceship, the Orbit Jet X-V2, is almost destroyed while traveling to the planet Ophiuchus."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Secret Beneath The Sea aired "Voyage Into Danger." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season of original broadcast television. As I've been unable to locate a plot summary for this particular installment, I'm putting up the series' summary from IMDB.com:
"A sequel to City Beneath the Sea. A journalist goes to the ocean floor to look for Phenicium, a rare metal vital for space research. Of course, the bad guys want it, too."
"A sequel to City Beneath the Sea. A journalist goes to the ocean floor to look for Phenicium, a rare metal vital for space research. Of course, the bad guys want it, too."
Kirk and his crew along with their ship find themselves being declared 'destroyed' as casualties of a war they didn't even know was being waged in the first season adventure, "A Taste of Armageddon." This Star Trek show aired on this day back in 1967, and it featured some terrific guest star appearances from the lovely Barbara Babcock and Gene Lyons.
Oh, what's in a human form? Plenty when you're not used to it! That's essentially the message at the heart of Star Trek's second season airing of "By Any Other Name," which took place on this day back in 1968. Aliens 'adopt' the human form for a potential invasion, and our intrepid captain is able to use the powers of the flesh against them.
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "Death to the Daleks, Part 1." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"As the TARDIS heads to the paradise planet Florana where the Doctor and Sarah go for a holiday, the TARDIS goes off-course and arrives on the barren planet Exxilon, where the TARDIS is loosing power. The Doctor and Sarah finds a group of humans and Daleks are searching for Parrinium, a mineral which is the only antidote to a space plague. Both parties encounter the native people and trouble ensues. In an attempt to find what caused the power-loss, the Doctor, chased by the Daleks, enter the Exxilon's lost city to be able to stop the power draining phenomenon."
"As the TARDIS heads to the paradise planet Florana where the Doctor and Sarah go for a holiday, the TARDIS goes off-course and arrives on the barren planet Exxilon, where the TARDIS is loosing power. The Doctor and Sarah finds a group of humans and Daleks are searching for Parrinium, a mineral which is the only antidote to a space plague. Both parties encounter the native people and trouble ensues. In an attempt to find what caused the power-loss, the Doctor, chased by the Daleks, enter the Exxilon's lost city to be able to stop the power draining phenomenon."
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "The Visitation, Part 4." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"With Tegan and Richard under alien control, and the manor sealed against anyone leaving or entering, it's a question whether or not the Doctor can get to London before the Terileptils release their improved strain of black death upon the world."
"With Tegan and Richard under alien control, and the manor sealed against anyone leaving or entering, it's a question whether or not the Doctor can get to London before the Terileptils release their improved strain of black death upon the world."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired "Come Under The Way: Part 2." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"After a series of events Zach realizes that Dr. Landru is behind the what has been happening recently."
"After a series of events Zach realizes that Dr. Landru is behind the what has been happening recently."
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "The Parliament Of Dreams." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A week long cultural festival is takes place on board the station. Catherine Sakai, Sinclair's old girlfriend, arrives on the station and G'Kar receives a death threat."
"A week long cultural festival is takes place on board the station. Catherine Sakai, Sinclair's old girlfriend, arrives on the station and G'Kar receives a death threat."
On this day in 1996, The Outer Limits aired "Straight and Narrow." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two students discover an academy with an outstanding reputation for taming youthful rebellion is using brain implants to create political assassins."
"Two students discover an academy with an outstanding reputation for taming youthful rebellion is using brain implants to create political assassins."
On this day in 2001 (in West Germany), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Virtuoso." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by an alien species that he considers resigning his commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by an alien species that he considers resigning his commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Exodus." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"SG-1 delivers their newly confiscated Goa'uld mothership to help the Tok'ra evacuate their planet and deal with their disinformed Goa'uld spy in their midst."
"SG-1 delivers their newly confiscated Goa'uld mothership to help the Tok'ra evacuate their planet and deal with their disinformed Goa'uld spy in their midst."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "Loyalties Divided." This served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Brennan is forced to return to his criminal past when Mutant X discovers that his old partner is involved in stealing secrets from the Dominion."
"Brennan is forced to return to his criminal past when Mutant X discovers that his old partner is involved in stealing secrets from the Dominion."
On this day in 2005, Smallville aired "Sacred." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Dr. Virgil Swann dies, Clark Kent receives the octagonal metallic disc through mail. He goes to the Kawatche caves and after inserting the disc in a stone, he hears Jor-El ordering him to find the three knowledge stones to protect planet Earth against destruction. Since the first (retrieved from Lex in Egypt in the season opener) is in Clark's possession, the other two must be found. Meanwhile, Lex and Jason are in Shanghai, China trying to locate one of the stones. Lionel Luthor gives a copy of the map and an airplane to Lana Lang, and together with Clark, they travel to China and meet Lex and Jason where they get arrested and tortured in a temple by the oppressive authorities for information about the stone's whereabouts. When Lana is captured and also tortured, 'Isobel' returns to protect Lana's body and to fight Clark for the stone's procession."
"When Dr. Virgil Swann dies, Clark Kent receives the octagonal metallic disc through mail. He goes to the Kawatche caves and after inserting the disc in a stone, he hears Jor-El ordering him to find the three knowledge stones to protect planet Earth against destruction. Since the first (retrieved from Lex in Egypt in the season opener) is in Clark's possession, the other two must be found. Meanwhile, Lex and Jason are in Shanghai, China trying to locate one of the stones. Lionel Luthor gives a copy of the map and an airplane to Lana Lang, and together with Clark, they travel to China and meet Lex and Jason where they get arrested and tortured in a temple by the oppressive authorities for information about the stone's whereabouts. When Lana is captured and also tortured, 'Isobel' returns to protect Lana's body and to fight Clark for the stone's procession."
On this day in 2013, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "To Catch A Jedi." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ahsoka is on the run and hiding in the criminal underworld of Coruscant. She strikes up an unlikely alliance with a former enemy turned bounty hunter."
"Ahsoka is on the run and hiding in the criminal underworld of Coruscant. She strikes up an unlikely alliance with a former enemy turned bounty hunter."
