Long before Star Trek: Voyager gave audiences the voluptuous Seven of Nine, Playboy centerfold Dorothy Stratten had given men of a certain age something to think about as the female android Galaxina. The model also turned in a nice gig on Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. Though she's no longer with us, Stratten was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in her professional career, Billie Bird enjoyed the role of a somewhat creepy city morgue employee aboard the pilot episode of Max Headroom. Though she's no longer with us, Bird was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Olan Soule left behind a legacy of over 250 different screen roles. Fans recognize him best from appearances aboard The Twilight Zone, My Favorite Martian, Batman, Land of the Giants, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project U.F.O., and much, much more. Though he's no longer with us, Soule was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Charles Durning led a career of one impressive role after another, but he also appeared in the tepid Solarbabies during the mid-1980's. Though he's no longer with us, Durning was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a promotional copy of The Final Countdown (1980) -- in which Durning played a role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a promotional copy of The Final Countdown (1980) -- in which Durning played a role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The lovely Bettye Ackerman managed to squeeze in just over fifty different screen roles in her lifetime, and one of her later ones included an appearance as 'Asclepia' in "The Return of Wonder Woman" episode of the Wonder Woman franchise. Though she's no longer with us, Ackerman was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's known more for appearances in mainstream films, Kelly Bishop did give Science Fiction a try with a role in the schlocky Solarbabies (1986) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (What are the odds? Two Solarbabies stars ... in one day?!) Bishop was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
How great is the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy? Well, it's so powerful that it draws in folks from every field of work, including football great Bubba Smith who enjoyed a role playing himself in Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even a vision of loveliness like Mimsy Farmer can't quite seem to escape the hidden yet dangerous allure of The Outer Limits. Farmer was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
English actress Stephanie Beacham has an amazing history with genre entertainment that casual fans are probably unaware of. In 1972, she starred as Jessica Van Helsing in the Hammer horror flick Dracula A.D. 1972. Then, almost two decades later, she appeared as a love interest for no less than the holographic incarnation of the Sherlock Holmes nemesis, Dr. Moriarty, aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. This led to her being cast as 'Dr. Kristin Westphalen' aboard Steven Spielberg's TV-jaunt-under-the-sea, Seaquest. Beacham was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I viewed 1981's Inseminoid on Amazon Prime Video via my own subscription, and Beacham played a role in the production. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I viewed 1981's Inseminoid on Amazon Prime Video via my own subscription, and Beacham played a role in the production. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Back in 1981, the lovely Bernadette Peters joined funnyman Andy Kaufman in the clever but poorly received Heartbeeps, the tale of two domestic robots who run away to start a family of their own. Peters also had a role in the 1980's TV adaptation of Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Peters was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Do you remember Supertrain? It was 1979, and NBC ponied up what one could basically call "The Love Boat On Nuclear-Powered Wheels" with the short-lived series. The lovely Ilene Graff appeared in three of its nine episodes, and she found wider acclaim aboard Mr. Belvedere during its run. Graff was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1983, the lovely Cristina Raines realized she couldn't escape Nightmares, a SciFi/Horror anthology film. Raines was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Just as the cockroach can outlive nuclear armageddon, I suspect Syfy's Sharknado franchise will outlive us all. Heck, it even ensnared Gilbert Gottfried's into its nefarious clutches. Though he's no longer with us, Gottfried was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor John Turturro certainly isn't well known for his work in Science Fiction, but -- to his credit -- he did make an impressive turn in the Transformers flicks. Turturro was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Rae Dawn Chong joined Mark Hamill in the B-movie time travel spectacle that was 1993's Time Runner. She's also appeared in The Outer Limits (1995), Starlight (1996), and Pegasus Vs. Chimera (2012). Chong was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Among one of the many voices the lovely Rajia Baroudi has supplied to animated characters is that of 'Queen Miraj Scintel' aboard a pair of episodes for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Baroudi was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, if you only get to be in one hour of Star Trek, then how cool would it be to appear in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's homage to the classic series, "Trials And Tribble-ations"? Charles Chun can boast as such, appearing as an unnamed engineer in the kinda/sorta 'modernization' of the episode. Chun was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Since Doctor Who returned to the airwaves after its long hiatus in the mid-2000's, Murray Gold has been the go-to genius composing its various tracks. Gold was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Despite some relatively uneven if not lackluster storytelling, TNT's alien invasion drama Falling Skies managed to lure some fairly impressive guest stars into its swelling ranks, including the reliable Robert Sean Leonard in the role of troubled scientist Roger Kadar. Leonard was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Peter Stebbings suited up (in armor!) to play 'Helios' aboard Immortals (2011), the Fantasy which looked at man waging war against the Greek Gods. Stebbings was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Rory Cochrane appeared in creepy animation fashion in 2006's A Scanner Darkly, a theatrical adaptation of a novel by Philip K. Dick. Cochrane was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's now more well known for her work on the BBC's Sherlock, Amanda Abbington cut her teeth with a guest spot aboard Being Human. Abbington was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction comes in all shapes and sizes, and that includes even crowd-friendly comedies, the likes of which Michael Manasseri starred in Weird Science (1994-1998). Manasseri was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ali Larter certainly rose to fame as part of the ensemble that was NBC's fantasy-inspired Heroes, but she's also made some appearances in the sci-fi property Resident Evil. Larter was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Denise Gough ventured into that galaxy far, far away with a role aboard Walt Disney's streaming series Andor. Gough was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely and funny Katy Wix played 'Rhiannon Davies' aboard the Torchwood: Children of Earth series in 2009. Wix was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's often been said that genre actors don't always receive the credit they deserve because much of the time they're buried under make-up, as is the case with the talented Charles Halford from his appearance in Supergirl. Halford was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While it may be true that "beauty is only skin deep," Clash of the Titans' Natalia Vodianova proved it can be equally treacherous in the guide of Medusa (at right). Vodianova was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before earning her comedy chops on such projects as Burning Love and Fox TV's New Girl, the ravenous Noureen DeWulf scared a plenty in the SciFi/Horror franchise entries of Pulse 2 and Pulse 3. DuWulf was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sure, I know most folks didn't much care for G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (2009) when it hit the silver screen, but I kinda/sorta 'dug' its surgary goodness. You know what else I liked? Model-turned-actress Karolina Kurkova in uniform. She played 'Cover Girl' in the feature. Kurkova was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, the lovely Michelle Horn boasted a pair of appearances aboard the much-lauded Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in syndication. Horn was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The Chinese franchise surrounding Tai Chi Hero infuses elements of classic fantasy with the vastly more modern steampunk phenomenon ... but it's also propelled actress/model Angelababy (aka Angela Yeung Wing) to certain fame. Wing was born on this day in 1989, and she looks lovelier every time I see her!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alice Kremelberg enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Unearthed," an episode of Fox TV's underrated SciFi series Fringe. Kremelberg was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Toward the tail end of the Harry Potter saga, the lovely Georgina Leonidas stepped into the shoes of 'Katie Bell.' Leonidas was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I tuned in to AMC's recent Into The Badlands as I'd read in their promotional materials that the program was being billed as a SciFi samurai drama. Why not? I love SciFi, and I love samurai films equally. Sadly, what I saw was neither, instead being a period piece chop-socky premise packaged with SciFi and samurai elements. In fact, the opening fight sequence from the second episode was so awful I turned it off and never went back. Still, here's hoping future success to one of its players -- the lovely Sarah Bolger -- as she deserves better. Bolger was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1927 (in Norway), the original SciFi/Classic Metropolis enjoyed its general theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the feature starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), Curse Of The Demon delivered a strong hint of spookiness to theaters. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the feature starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, and Ewan Roberts. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1962 (in West Germany), Profesor Zazul enjoyed its broadcast television debut. Co-directors Marek Nowicki and Jerzy Stawicki both adapted the Stanislaw Lem story, and the production starred Piotr Kurowski and Stanislaw Milski. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Iyon Tikhy, escaping from bad weather, gets to the old and strange house. There he meets not less strange host - professor Zazul. The scientist tells about the experiences and even reveals the most terrible secret. The remained Zazul wants to make even more "interesting" experiment with Silent. Silent it is possible to leave."
"Iyon Tikhy, escaping from bad weather, gets to the old and strange house. There he meets not less strange host - professor Zazul. The scientist tells about the experiences and even reveals the most terrible secret. The remained Zazul wants to make even more "interesting" experiment with Silent. Silent it is possible to leave."
On this day in 1962 (in France), The Absent Minded Professor took to the skies on behalf of the Walt Disney Company. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Kennan Wynn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
A star is born!
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere event of The Mind Benders. Directed by Basil Dearden from a story by James Kennaway, the SciFi/Drama starred Dirk Bogarde, Mary Ure, and John Clements. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
On this day in 1969 (in Norway), 2001: A Space Odyssey took audiences on a trip to the moon. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1978 (in Norway), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind explored the question of alien visitation taking place on Earth. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and François Truffaut; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1980 (in Argentina), the 1978 version of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers snatched a bit of screen time. Directed by Philip Kaufman, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Jeff Goldblum; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
On this day in 1980 (in Portugal), The Humanoid took a stab at cinematic history. Directed by Aldo Lado and Enzo G. Castellari, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Richard Kiel, Barbara Bach, and Arthur Kennedy; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hoping to overthrow his brother as ruler of the planet Metropolis, the evil Graal enlists the help of the insane Dr. Kraspin, who has invented a chemical capable of turning an ordinary person into a perfect soldier. They test this chemical on the pilot Golob, turning the unsuspecting victim into a mindless but indestructable automaton possessing superhuman strength. The people of Metropolis must somehow outwit Graal before he can create an army of these soldiers, or their planet will be destroyed."
For the record:
The lovely Barbara Bach received a nomination for 'Best International Actress' from the Jupiter Awards, the film awards ceremony of Germany.
"Hoping to overthrow his brother as ruler of the planet Metropolis, the evil Graal enlists the help of the insane Dr. Kraspin, who has invented a chemical capable of turning an ordinary person into a perfect soldier. They test this chemical on the pilot Golob, turning the unsuspecting victim into a mindless but indestructable automaton possessing superhuman strength. The people of Metropolis must somehow outwit Graal before he can create an army of these soldiers, or their planet will be destroyed."
For the record:
The lovely Barbara Bach received a nomination for 'Best International Actress' from the Jupiter Awards, the film awards ceremony of Germany.
On this day in 1984 (in Uruguay), Swamp Thing climbed out of the marsh for his big screen debut. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the DC Comics adaptation starred Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, and Dick Durock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1985 (in Uruguary), Star Trek III: The Search For Spock took the crew of the Enterprise on a trip through life and death. Written by Harve Bennett and directed by Leonard Nimoy, the film starred William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Christopher Lloyd; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
For the record:
This tad-more-cerebral entry into the cinematic realm of Star Trek garnered a handful of nominations from the 1985 Saturn Awards and a singular nomination ('Best Dramatic Presentation') from the 1985 Hugo Awards. The film brings the popular Vulcan back from the dead, indeed, though we learn from the next picture he's not quite himself ... yet.
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
For the record:
This tad-more-cerebral entry into the cinematic realm of Star Trek garnered a handful of nominations from the 1985 Saturn Awards and a singular nomination ('Best Dramatic Presentation') from the 1985 Hugo Awards. The film brings the popular Vulcan back from the dead, indeed, though we learn from the next picture he's not quite himself ... yet.
On this day in 1986 (in Sweden), Lifeforce blazed a trail few could follow onto the silver screen. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the script by Dan O'Bannon and Don Jakoby was an adaptation of the Colin Wilson novel ("The Space Vampires"). The SciFi/Thriller starred Steve Railsback, Mathilda May, and Colin Firth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1986 (in Sweden), Red Sonja clashed swords with her mortal enemies on the silver screen. Based on a character by Robert E. Howard and directed by Richard Fleischer, the Fantasy film starred Brigitte Nielsen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sandahl Bergman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The fearless warrior Red Sonja sets out to avenge her family's murder and rid her kingdom from the tyrannical rule of evil Queen Gedren."
For the record:
Some days, you have to take the good with the bad, and such is the film history of the kinda/sorta beloved character of Red Sonja. This particular incarnation, however, never quite fared well with critics or audiences. In fact, the 1986 Razzie Awards gave its lead the 'Worst New Star' honor at its annual ceremony. Ouch.
"The fearless warrior Red Sonja sets out to avenge her family's murder and rid her kingdom from the tyrannical rule of evil Queen Gedren."
For the record:
Some days, you have to take the good with the bad, and such is the film history of the kinda/sorta beloved character of Red Sonja. This particular incarnation, however, never quite fared well with critics or audiences. In fact, the 1986 Razzie Awards gave its lead the 'Worst New Star' honor at its annual ceremony. Ouch.
A star is born! On this day in 1992, Memoirs Of An Invisible Man became visible in theaters! Directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Comedy starred Chevy Chase, Daryl Hannah, and Sam Neill; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Nick Halloway is made invisible during an accident. When Jenkins finds out about Nick, he set out to recruit him into the world of espionage, seeing the potential for an invisible CIA agent. When Alice Monroe falls in love with Nick, they are forced to flee the attentions of Jenkins. Nick also has the problem of living invisibly whilst trying to find a cure."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the good folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave the film an incredible four nominations in the 1993 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Nick Halloway is made invisible during an accident. When Jenkins finds out about Nick, he set out to recruit him into the world of espionage, seeing the potential for an invisible CIA agent. When Alice Monroe falls in love with Nick, they are forced to flee the attentions of Jenkins. Nick also has the problem of living invisibly whilst trying to find a cure."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the good folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave the film an incredible four nominations in the 1993 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Journey To The Center Of The Earth surfaced. Directed by William Dear and loosely based on the Jules Verne novel of the same name, this version starred Farrah Forke, Kim Miyori, and Tim Russ. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Taking the title from the novel by Jules Verne, this story takes his basic premise of the desire to travel to the center of the Earth. The travelers, using their craft, penetrate an active volcano and encounter a strange world filled with many creatures and an evil force controlling it all."
"Taking the title from the novel by Jules Verne, this story takes his basic premise of the desire to travel to the center of the Earth. The travelers, using their craft, penetrate an active volcano and encounter a strange world filled with many creatures and an evil force controlling it all."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Germany), Savage enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Avi Nesher, the SciFi/Thriller starred Olivier Gruner, Jennifer Grant, and Kario Salem. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Titan Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Titan Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
On this day in 1997 (in Switzerland), The Relic delivered a monstrous beast into the halls of a hallowed museum. Directed by Peter Hyams, the Monster Movie starred starred Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, and Linda Hunt. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
On this day in 1997 (in Portugal), Star Trek: First Contact sent the crew of the Enterprise-E back in time to save the future. Written by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga, the film was directed by Jonathan Frakes and starred Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, and Michael Dorn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
On this day in 1998 (in Portugal), audiences in attendance of the Fantasporto Film Festival were treated to an exclusive theatrical screening of Dark City. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jennifer Connelly. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Alice In Wonderland came alive for an all-new generation of TV audiences. Based on the Lewis Carroll classic, the prduction was directed by Nick Willing and starred Tina Majorino, Christopher Lloyd, and Martin Short. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alice falls down a rabbit hole, and finds herself in Wonderland, a fantasy land of strange characters and ideas."
For the record:
At the 1999 Primetime Emmy Awards, this incarnation of Alice In Wonderland took home four big wins: 'Outstanding Visual Effects For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Music Composition For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Makeup For A Miniseries, Movie, Or Special,' and 'Oustanding Costume Design For A Miniseries Or Movie.'
"Alice falls down a rabbit hole, and finds herself in Wonderland, a fantasy land of strange characters and ideas."
For the record:
At the 1999 Primetime Emmy Awards, this incarnation of Alice In Wonderland took home four big wins: 'Outstanding Visual Effects For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Music Composition For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Makeup For A Miniseries, Movie, Or Special,' and 'Oustanding Costume Design For A Miniseries Or Movie.'
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in Canada), Mindstorm waged war on the minds of its audience. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Pepin, the Horror/Fantasy starred Antonio Sabato Jr., Emmanuelle Vaugier, and Eric Roberts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A psychic's investigation into the disappearance of a Senator's daughter leads her to a dangerous cult and the truth about her mysterious past."
"A psychic's investigation into the disappearance of a Senator's daughter leads her to a dangerous cult and the truth about her mysterious past."
A star is born!
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival were bloody thrilled to experience the theatrical debut of Sublime. Directed by Tony Krantz from a story by Erik Jendresen, the Horror/Thriller starred Tom Cavanagh, Kathleen York, and Kat Coiro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On the day after his fortieth birthday, the family man and computer analyst George Grieves goes to the Mt. Abaddon Hospital for a routine colonoscopy with Dr. Sharazi. At his birthday party, his friends and family tild many cases of medical errors, and George is worried. After the surgery, George finds that his surgery had complications because of a homonymous patient, and he had received a thoracoscopic sympathectomy instead. While interned, George discloses bizarre and dark secrets about the East Wing of the hospital while his wife and family have to make a decision about his fate."
"On the day after his fortieth birthday, the family man and computer analyst George Grieves goes to the Mt. Abaddon Hospital for a routine colonoscopy with Dr. Sharazi. At his birthday party, his friends and family tild many cases of medical errors, and George is worried. After the surgery, George finds that his surgery had complications because of a homonymous patient, and he had received a thoracoscopic sympathectomy instead. While interned, George discloses bizarre and dark secrets about the East Wing of the hospital while his wife and family have to make a decision about his fate."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), audiences theatrically reached Defcon 2012! Directed by R. Christian Anderson from a script by Brian Neil Hoff, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Shy Pilgreen, Dan Gruenberg, and Thema Johannsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On October 30, 2009 an independent filmmaker and his cast and crew are reported missing a month before the release of their controversial film predicting the end of the world. Authorities have reason to believe the film's 2012 doomsday scenario may have something to do with their disappearance. An agent for CEA (Central Extraterrestrial Agency) discovers the footage to the film and watches the film on September 10, 2012, three months before the world is to come to an end. The film is reported to star actors Brian Neil Hoff (Automaton), Shy Pilgreen (Echo 6), and Xu Razer (Fragments.) Here is the synopsis to the mystery film. In 2012 a devastating war between humans and aliens left the earth a nuclear wasteland. 200 years later the descendants of both civilizations have returned in search of treasure and lost artifacts. After landing their ship on the abandoned planet, three galactic thieves, Kaynin, Rune, and Archer descend into an underground city. Soon a series of mechanical malfunctions leaves them trapped inside the vast structure below, fighting for their lives as a sinister figure lurks in the shadows. Hidden in the rubble and debris lie the clues to the planet's final days and, in order to survive, they must unravel their meaning before time runs out."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Defcon 2012 scored the 'Best Feature Film - Sci-Fi' Genre Award trophy from the 2010 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.
"On October 30, 2009 an independent filmmaker and his cast and crew are reported missing a month before the release of their controversial film predicting the end of the world. Authorities have reason to believe the film's 2012 doomsday scenario may have something to do with their disappearance. An agent for CEA (Central Extraterrestrial Agency) discovers the footage to the film and watches the film on September 10, 2012, three months before the world is to come to an end. The film is reported to star actors Brian Neil Hoff (Automaton), Shy Pilgreen (Echo 6), and Xu Razer (Fragments.) Here is the synopsis to the mystery film. In 2012 a devastating war between humans and aliens left the earth a nuclear wasteland. 200 years later the descendants of both civilizations have returned in search of treasure and lost artifacts. After landing their ship on the abandoned planet, three galactic thieves, Kaynin, Rune, and Archer descend into an underground city. Soon a series of mechanical malfunctions leaves them trapped inside the vast structure below, fighting for their lives as a sinister figure lurks in the shadows. Hidden in the rubble and debris lie the clues to the planet's final days and, in order to survive, they must unravel their meaning before time runs out."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Defcon 2012 scored the 'Best Feature Film - Sci-Fi' Genre Award trophy from the 2010 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.
On this day in 2011 (in the Netherlands), the 1974-produced Dark Star enjoyed an all-new home video release. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dan O'Bannon (who also worked on the script), Dre Pahich, and Brian Narelle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong."
For the record:
"In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong."
For the record:
- At the 1976 Saturn Awards, Dark Star took home top honors in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
- At the 1976 Hugo Awards, Dark Star earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2011 (in Portugal), Tyrannosaurus Azteca enjoyed its release. The feature starred Ian Ziering and Marco Sanchez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two years before his famous encounter with Montezuma, Cortes is sent on a scouting mission to shores south of Mexico where he and his band of Conquistadores discover a small tribe of Aztecs who sacrifice their own people to satisfy the hunger of the "Thunder Lizard" living in the jungle."
"Two years before his famous encounter with Montezuma, Cortes is sent on a scouting mission to shores south of Mexico where he and his band of Conquistadores discover a small tribe of Aztecs who sacrifice their own people to satisfy the hunger of the "Thunder Lizard" living in the jungle."
A star is born!
On this day in 2013 (in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia), Devil's Pass (aka The Dyatlov Pass Incident) delivered another entry into the vast library of found footage format Horror. Directed by Renny Harlin from a story by Vikram Weet, the production starred Holly Goss, Matt Stokoe, and Gemma Atkinson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Dyatlov Pass follows a group of American students on a trek to investigate the true life mystery of nine Russian skiers who befell unexplained deaths while skiing in the Russian mountains in 1959. To this day, their deaths have been one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 20th century."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Devil's Pass earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"The Dyatlov Pass follows a group of American students on a trek to investigate the true life mystery of nine Russian skiers who befell unexplained deaths while skiing in the Russian mountains in 1959. To this day, their deaths have been one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 20th century."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Devil's Pass earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2015 (in Sweden), audiences were bugged ... snicker snicker ... with the release of Dragon Wasps! Directed by Joe Knee from a story by Mark Atkins and Rafael Jordan, the feature starred Corin Nemec, Dominika Juillet, and Nikolette Noel. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A scientist enlists the help of the US army to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her father, deep in the Belizean jungle. Caught in the crossfire between a brutal guerrilla army controlled by a mystical warlord, they are also confronted by an even bigger terror giant mutated wasps that are, for some reason, thirsty for blood."
"A scientist enlists the help of the US army to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her father, deep in the Belizean jungle. Caught in the crossfire between a brutal guerrilla army controlled by a mystical warlord, they are also confronted by an even bigger terror giant mutated wasps that are, for some reason, thirsty for blood."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Kong: Skull Island first roared on the screen for the good people in attendance of its exclusive London premiere. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the Monster Movie starred Tom Hiddleston, John C. Reilly, and John Goodman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong and must fight to escape a primal Eden."
For the record:
"After the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong and must fight to escape a primal Eden."
For the record:
- At the 2018 Academy Awards, Kong: Skull Island earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Achivement In Visual Effects.'
- At the 2018 Saturn Awards, Kong: Skull Island earned nominations in two big categories: 'Best Visual Effects' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Creature Below surfaced on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Stewart Sparke, the SciFi/Horror starred Anna Dawson, Michaela Longden, and Daniel Thrace; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young scientist discovers a malevolent entity which sets her on a bloody descent into the jaws of insanity."
"A young scientist discovers a malevolent entity which sets her on a bloody descent into the jaws of insanity."
On this day in 2019 (in Hong Kong), The Wandering Earth gave audiences one more look at our planet's impending doom. Directed by Frant Gwo, the SciFi/Drama starred Jing Wu, Chuxiao Qu, and Guangjie Li; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the sun is dying out, people all around the world build giant planet thrusters to move Earth out of its orbit and sail Earth to a new star system. Yet the 2500-year journey comes with unexpected dangers, and in order to save humanity, a group of young people in this age of a wandering Earth fight hard for the survival of humankind."
"As the sun is dying out, people all around the world build giant planet thrusters to move Earth out of its orbit and sail Earth to a new star system. Yet the 2500-year journey comes with unexpected dangers, and in order to save humanity, a group of young people in this age of a wandering Earth fight hard for the survival of humankind."
On this day in 2020 (in Mexico), the 1986-produced Aliens enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn, the SciFi/Adventure took Ripley into her very own 'heart of darkness,' and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Survival In The Ice Desert." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's third season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Major Robertson trails a notorious spaceship thief to the Mars icecap where he is ambushed and left for dead. Commander Corry and Cadet Happy track Robbie into the snow fields and are stranded when the thief and his brother set the Space Patrol battle cruisers on fire with a Martian blizzard rapidly approaching."
"Major Robertson trails a notorious spaceship thief to the Mars icecap where he is ambushed and left for dead. Commander Corry and Cadet Happy track Robbie into the snow fields and are stranded when the thief and his brother set the Space Patrol battle cruisers on fire with a Martian blizzard rapidly approaching."
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "Printer's Devil." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man sells his soul to the devil to save his failing newspaper and gets more than he bargained for."
"A man sells his soul to the devil to save his failing newspaper and gets more than he bargained for."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "An Occurence At Owl Creek Bridge," the twenty-second episode of its fifth and final season. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It is the end of the Civil War and Union troops have occupied the South. They are going to execute a Southern resistance fighter."
"It is the end of the Civil War and Union troops have occupied the South. They are going to execute a Southern resistance fighter."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "Doomsday Minus One." Officially, this served as the eighth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The aliens plan to explode an anti-matter bomb in Utah during a nuclear test."
"The aliens plan to explode an anti-matter bomb in Utah during a nuclear test."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Last Vegetable Rebellion." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's third (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Smith lands the pod on a planet where plants are the highest form of intelligence. The Robinsons land only to be captured by Tybo, a giant carrot. He plans to turn them into trees while Dr. Smith becomes a stalk of celery."
"Smith lands the pod on a planet where plants are the highest form of intelligence. The Robinsons land only to be captured by Tybo, a giant carrot. He plans to turn them into trees while Dr. Smith becomes a stalk of celery."
On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired "The Cloud Minders." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's third (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kirk and Spock are caught up in a revolution on a planet where intellectuals and artists live on a utopian city in the sky while the rest of the population toils in mines on the barren surface below."
"Kirk and Spock are caught up in a revolution on a planet where intellectuals and artists live on a utopian city in the sky while the rest of the population toils in mines on the barren surface below."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Freedom One." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Freedom One, the voice of the East Coast Resistance radio organizes a meeting between the five most powerful Resistance leaders, she contacts Power and his team to gather the leaders together."
"When Freedom One, the voice of the East Coast Resistance radio organizes a meeting between the five most powerful Resistance leaders, she contacts Power and his team to gather the leaders together."
On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Justice." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Red Dwarf crew transport a defrosting stasis capsule to 'Justice World', a remote penal space station, where they believe the person in the capsule may be one of the convicts or one of the guards. And Rimmer is convicted of the radioactive disaster that wiped out the entire crew of Red Dwarf."
"The Red Dwarf crew transport a defrosting stasis capsule to 'Justice World', a remote penal space station, where they believe the person in the capsule may be one of the convicts or one of the guards. And Rimmer is convicted of the radioactive disaster that wiped out the entire crew of Red Dwarf."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Exodus: Part 2." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"One of the Sliders is lost during the mission to save a doomed world, while Arturo and Wade battle an egomaniacal military commander over who will be rescued."
"One of the Sliders is lost during the mission to save a doomed world, while Arturo and Wade battle an egomaniacal military commander over who will be rescued."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "Heart's Desire." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the Oregon Territory in 1872, an alien gives a group of diverse people powers. They then go on a crime spree using them."
"In the Oregon Territory in 1872, an alien gives a group of diverse people powers. They then go on a crime spree using them."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Monday." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman desperately attempts to change the outcome of the events of a day she is forced to relive again and again in which her boyfriend explodes a bomb during a failed bank robbery killing everyone inside, including Mulder and Scully."
"A woman desperately attempts to change the outcome of the events of a day she is forced to relive again and again in which her boyfriend explodes a bomb during a failed bank robbery killing everyone inside, including Mulder and Scully."
On this day in 2000, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Time Bomb." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While examining Ma'el's ship, Liam and Renee find a chamber and in it are some life pods and the persons are all dead except for one. He awakes and reveals himself to be from Ancient Rome and he was chosen by Ma'el to deal with the Taelons if they chose not heed Ma'el's telling them not to come to Earth. At the same Tathan decides to challenge Zo'or for the right to lead the Synod and Zo'or decides to get an advantage by using Sandoval."
"While examining Ma'el's ship, Liam and Renee find a chamber and in it are some life pods and the persons are all dead except for one. He awakes and reveals himself to be from Ancient Rome and he was chosen by Ma'el to deal with the Taelons if they chose not heed Ma'el's telling them not to come to Earth. At the same Tathan decides to challenge Zo'or for the right to lead the Synod and Zo'or decides to get an advantage by using Sandoval."
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), Farscape aired "Till The Blood Runs Clear." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While flying Crichton's ship near a sun with high flare activity, John and Aeryn narrowly avoid getting sucked into an unstable wormhole. In an attempt to save his damaged ship, he sets down on the desert planet below to see a repairman. She informs him that the solar activity he needs to open another wormhole should be dying down before his ship can be repaired, but they reoccur regularly. If he cannot get his ship repaired and back up in orbit by the time the flares die down, Crichton will be unable to get home for another 5 years."
"While flying Crichton's ship near a sun with high flare activity, John and Aeryn narrowly avoid getting sucked into an unstable wormhole. In an attempt to save his damaged ship, he sets down on the desert planet below to see a repairman. She informs him that the solar activity he needs to open another wormhole should be dying down before his ship can be repaired, but they reoccur regularly. If he cannot get his ship repaired and back up in orbit by the time the flares die down, Crichton will be unable to get home for another 5 years."
On this day in 2001, Star Trek: Voyager concluded "Workforce" by airing its second part on UPN. Thankfully, all of the crew's memories were restored so they could continue on the voyage home ... which was coming very soon!
On this day in 2001, Seven Days aired "Crystal Blue Persuasion." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An astronaut returns with an alien virus that makes him irresistible to women, and Olga soon finds herself pregnant with a clutch of alien babies."
"An astronaut returns with an alien virus that makes him irresistible to women, and Olga soon finds herself pregnant with a clutch of alien babies."
On this day in 2001, Starhunter aired the eighteenth episode of its first season. "Eat Sin" was the follow-up to the previous hour -- "A Twist in Time" -- that saw the crew of the Tulip facing a curious temporal anomaly seemingly manipulated by the convict they had aboard the ship.
On this day in 2003, the first part of Farscape's big finish trilogy -- "We're So Screwed I: Fetal Attraction" -- aired on Syfy. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crew goes after Aeryn on a Scarran controlled station."
"The crew goes after Aeryn on a Scarran controlled station."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Changeling." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Teal'c is having strange nightmares featuring Apophis in which he is human and a firefighter with the rest of his team alongside him."
"Teal'c is having strange nightmares featuring Apophis in which he is human and a firefighter with the rest of his team alongside him."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Starhunter 2300 aired the seventeenth episode of its second season. It was an hour titled "The Heir and the Spare," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"The hunters capture a conman named Alex Arroyan who, after a medical scan, is found to be an identical DNA match to Marcus. Marcus confronts Alex who admits they are twin brothers despite Marcus being a test-tube baby born in an artificial womb. Alex had also undergone plastic surgery to hide his true identity from a man named Jaten Sarat who is hunting him. When Sarat comes for Alex, he and Marcus escape to Io and meet their uncle Wilkes, who explains that Alex is heir to the Marendola family of Europa whose rule was overthrown in a coup. Marcus finds out he was intended to be Alex "spare" (a medical blank). To quell current uprisings, Sarat wants Alex to return to rule, but as a puppet leader under his control. In the meantime, Percy begins to lose it while trying to fix the Tulip, and decides to take a vacation."
"The hunters capture a conman named Alex Arroyan who, after a medical scan, is found to be an identical DNA match to Marcus. Marcus confronts Alex who admits they are twin brothers despite Marcus being a test-tube baby born in an artificial womb. Alex had also undergone plastic surgery to hide his true identity from a man named Jaten Sarat who is hunting him. When Sarat comes for Alex, he and Marcus escape to Io and meet their uncle Wilkes, who explains that Alex is heir to the Marendola family of Europa whose rule was overthrown in a coup. Marcus finds out he was intended to be Alex "spare" (a medical blank). To quell current uprisings, Sarat wants Alex to return to rule, but as a puppet leader under his control. In the meantime, Percy begins to lose it while trying to fix the Tulip, and decides to take a vacation."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Rm9sbG93ZXJz." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's eleventh (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world of ever-increasing automation and artificial intelligence, Mulder and Scully find themselves targets in a deadly game of cat and mouse."
"In a world of ever-increasing automation and artificial intelligence, Mulder and Scully find themselves targets in a deadly game of cat and mouse."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the first episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifteen years after her mother disappeared on the deep space towing ship Nostromo, Amanda Ripley travels to a remote space station that may hold clues to her mother's fate. But disaster strikes as she arrives at her destination."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the first episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifteen years after her mother disappeared on the deep space towing ship Nostromo, Amanda Ripley travels to a remote space station that may hold clues to her mother's fate. But disaster strikes as she arrives at her destination."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the second episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Amanda discovers that the space station Sevastopol is anything but a safe haven. And mechanical failures and violent colonists aren't the only dangers on the facility."
"Amanda discovers that the space station Sevastopol is anything but a safe haven. And mechanical failures and violent colonists aren't the only dangers on the facility."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the third episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sevastopol's mystery killer hunts Amanda as she searches for her missing companions."
"Sevastopol's mystery killer hunts Amanda as she searches for her missing companions."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the fourth episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Marlow reveals how the alien came to Sevastopol, and Amanda partners with Colonial Marshal Waits to hunt the creature."
"Marlow reveals how the alien came to Sevastopol, and Amanda partners with Colonial Marshal Waits to hunt the creature."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the fifth episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Amanda discovers that Sevastopol's android caretakers have an agenda of their own, and powerful outside forces have put everyone's lives in danger."
"Amanda discovers that Sevastopol's android caretakers have an agenda of their own, and powerful outside forces have put everyone's lives in danger."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the sixth episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the alien threat multiplying, Amanda pursues Marlow back to his ship, where the salvager reveals one last secret."
"With the alien threat multiplying, Amanda pursues Marlow back to his ship, where the salvager reveals one last secret."
It all came down to this ...
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the seventh episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Amanda discovers that the alien infestation has grown beyond her worst fears.Her only hope of survival is a shot in the dark."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Alien: Isolation aired the seventh episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Amanda discovers that the alien infestation has grown beyond her worst fears.Her only hope of survival is a shot in the dark."
On this day in 2017, Mark Dawidziak's Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Twilight Zone enjoyed its release to the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the book's premise:
"Can you live your life by what The Twilight Zone has to teach you? Yes, and maybe you should. The proof is in this lighthearted collection of life lessons, ground rules, inspirational thoughts, and stirring reminders found in Rod Serling’s timeless fantasy series. Written by veteran TV critic, Mark Dawidziak, this unauthorized tribute is a celebration of the classic anthology show, but also, on another level, a kind of fifth-dimension self-help book, with each lesson supported by the morality tales told by Serling and his writers."
"Can you live your life by what The Twilight Zone has to teach you? Yes, and maybe you should. The proof is in this lighthearted collection of life lessons, ground rules, inspirational thoughts, and stirring reminders found in Rod Serling’s timeless fantasy series. Written by veteran TV critic, Mark Dawidziak, this unauthorized tribute is a celebration of the classic anthology show, but also, on another level, a kind of fifth-dimension self-help book, with each lesson supported by the morality tales told by Serling and his writers."
