What's in a face? Very little, especially if it's one that goes largely unrecognized ... but H.R. Giger (above) is a man all SciFi fans should know. He's the genius behind the scariest alien in the history of cinema -- the Alien itself from Ridley Scott's seminal Alien. Though he's no longer with us, Giger was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
With respect to his work in the groundbreaking Alien film, Giger -- along with several others -- took home a 1980 Academy Award in the category of 'Best Effect - Visual Effects.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
With respect to his work in the groundbreaking Alien film, Giger -- along with several others -- took home a 1980 Academy Award in the category of 'Best Effect - Visual Effects.'
You want to know what's "epic"? How about three hundred and fifty different screen credits to your name? That's the legacy left behind by the venerable John Carradine. As tends to happen with older actors, toward the end of his life, the man was largely forced to appear in more genre projects than perhaps he would've wanted, but thankfully that gave SciFi fans a look at what a talented professional he truly was. He's best remembered for work in Wonder Woman, Goliath Awaits (1981), The Ice Pirates (1984), Star Slammer (1984), and Evil Spawn (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Carradine was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Carradine played a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Carradine played a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
I haven't read any William S. Burroughs. I have read enough passages from him to know that perhaps his style just isn't my cup of tea, but that's not meant to dissuade any of you from checking out the man's singular genius. I'm told his Nova Trilogy is a bit hard to swallow but worth the investment. Though he's no longer with us, Burroughs was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Sam Gilman played no less than 'Doc Holliday' himself aboard "Spectre of the Gun," a third season adventure from the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Gilman was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Red Buttons will always be remembered for his comedy chops, but SciFi fans know that he made visits to such projects as Wonder Woman (TV) and C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979). Though he's no longer with us, Buttons was born on this day in 1919.
Stefan Gierasch enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "A Matter Of Time" in 1991. Though he's no longer with us, Gierasch was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the many feathers in the cap of the late TV producer Stephen J. Cannell was creating the early 1980's TV program, The Greatest American Hero. Though he's no longer with us, Cannell was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Selby played the menacing 'Brubaker' aboard FX's SciFi drama Legion in 2017. He's also appeared aboard the original Dark Shadows, Doctor Franken (1980), The Black Hole (2006), and Equals (2015). Selby was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Charlotte Rampling gave the Vin Diesel starring Babylon A.D. a bit of the gravitas it needed to have a measure of credibility, but -- alas -- it wasn't enough to elevate the vehicle to box office heaven. Rampling was born on this day in 1946.
Early in her acting career, the lovely Barbara Hershey made a guest-starring appearance aboard the SciFi cult series, The Invaders, late in its second season. Hershey was born on this day in 1948.
Tom Wilkinson joined funnyman Jim Carrey aboard the thoughtful SciFi project Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). This talented artist leaves behind a resume rich with diversity, and a great deal of it was in areas that we just don't focus on in this space. Still, kudos to the man for working in such projects as Black Knight (2001), Batman Begins (2005), The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005), The Green Hornet (2011), The Lone Ranger (2013), and The Titan (2018). Though he's no longer with us, Wilkinson was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You say you were a Klingon? Then you deserve a mention! The late Charlie Skeen (above left) played an unnamed visitor from another world aboard Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), one of my personal favorite Trek flicks. He also did some stunt work for The Hidden (1987) and played a guest role aboard Fox TV's Alien Nation. Though he's no longer with us, Skeen was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There probably wasn't a genre property that escaped the greatness of Robin Sachs. His professional acting career began in 1972 with a role in Vampire Circus, and it was all uphill from there. He contributed to such projects as the Fantastic Four animated series, Nowhere Man, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Babylon 5: In the Beginning, Babylon 5, Galaxy Quest, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (video game), Mass Effect 2 (video game), Torchwood: Miracle Day, and the Mass Effect 3 (video game). Though he's no longer with us, Sachs was born on this day in 1951.
One of the guilty pleasures of my youth was the Saturday morning SciFi program Jason of Star Command, and the lovely Rosanne Katon guested aboard the show in the guise of 'Princess Allegra.' Katon was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bruce Timm has helped bring some of the most incredible animated storytelling to the small screen, including Batman: The Animated Series, Superman, and Batman Beyond. Timm was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Jennifer Jason Leigh did give Science Fiction a try ... but wouldn't you know it was as part of a David Cronenberg production? (His stuff is more than a bit offbeat for my tastes.) It was 1999, and the flick was the bizarre Existenz. More recently, she tried to save our world from certain Annihilation (2018). Leigh was born on this day in 1962.
Laura Linney finally let her hair down for some work in the realm of Fantasy with a plum role aboard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016). Linney was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Chris Parnell made a few appearances aboard Syfy's signature program, Eureka, throughout the show's run. Parnell was born on this day in 1967.
Though he's far more well known for his work in dramas, Michael Sheen (above right) did give a huge nod to fandom by making a notable appearance in Tron: Legacy. He's also booked roles in Doctor Who and the Underworld series of films. Sheen was born on this day in 1969.
Justified's David Meunier has started to stretch his wings into our beloved realm with work in Revolution and The CW's popular Arrow program. Meunier was born on this day in 1973.
As well as keeping his own projects germinating the hopper, producer Rod Roddenberry helps to keep the flame burning around some of his father's most loved properties, including production work for Earth: Final Conflict, Star Trek: New Voyages: Phase II, and Star Trek: Discovery. Roddenberry was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gil McKinney played 'Prince Eric' aboard ABC TV's long-running Fantasy Once Upon A Time. He's also booked screen time aboard Night Stalker, Ghost Whisperer, and Supernatural. McKinney was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Nora Zehetner has dabbled in Science Fiction, securing screen time aboard such properties as Heroes and Syfy's Warehouse 13. Zehetner was born on this day in 1981.
Brittany Allen faced the end of life as we know it aboard the Apocalypse/Drama It Stains The Sands Red (2016). She's also appeared aboard Syfy's Lost Girl, Defiance, and Warehouse 13, as well as USA Network's confusing SciFi/Drama Falling Water. Allen was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Glee's Darren Criss guest-starred aboard a musical episode of The CW's Supergirl. (For the record, I hate musical episodes of just about anything, even musicals.) Criss was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeremy Sumpter dug deep into the realm of Fantasy with the lead role aboard Peter Pan (2003) for Universal Pictures. He's also appeared aboard the SciFi series Stitchers. Sumpter was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Charlbi Dean Kriek enjoys a supporting role aboard the latest superhero program brought to The CW, Black Lightning. Though she's no longer with us, Kriek was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Anthony Ingruber has really only started building his appearances in genre work. He's had small roles aboard Avatar (2009), Avalon High (2010), and Halo: Faith (2011). Ingruber was born on this day in 1990.
On this day in 1917 (in Finland), The End Of The World gave audiences a thrill by being one of the first Apocalypse films of record. Directed by August Blom, the SciFi/ Drama starred Olaf Fønss, Carl Lauritzen, and Ebba Thomsen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world."
"A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world."
A star is born! On this day in 1944, the original Captain America himself -- Dick Purcell -- premiered theatrically in the silver screen serial. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
For the record:
This particular incarnation of Captain America was in a serial format from Republic Pictures. Naturally, this citation only includes the first chapter; if I can locate the specific release schedule for the following installments, then you can bet you'll see them in their proper daily citations.
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
For the record:
This particular incarnation of Captain America was in a serial format from Republic Pictures. Naturally, this citation only includes the first chapter; if I can locate the specific release schedule for the following installments, then you can bet you'll see them in their proper daily citations.
A star is born! On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), the groundbreaking and influential Science Fiction classic Invasion Of The Body Snatchers enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever. Directed by Don Siegel, the film starred Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, and Larry Gates. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates."
For the record:
In 1994, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was chosen for induction into the National Film Registry, the organization that preserves motion pictures deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to the medium as an art form.
Cinema-nyms (like-minded films):
"A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates."
For the record:
In 1994, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was chosen for induction into the National Film Registry, the organization that preserves motion pictures deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to the medium as an art form.
Cinema-nyms (like-minded films):
- Invaders From Mars (1953)
- Quatermass 2 (1957)
- Village Of The Damned (1960)
- Quatermass And The Pit (1967)
- Shivers (1975)
- The Stepford Wives (1975)
- Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978 remake)
- The Thing (1982 remake)
- Night Of The Creeps (1986)
- The Hidden (1987)
- They Live (1988)
- Body Snatchers (1993 remake)
- The Puppetmasters (1994)
- The Faculty (1998)
- Slither (2006)
- Invasion Of The Pod People (2007)
- The Invasion (2007)
- Assimilate (2019)
- The Becomers (2023)
On this day in 1959 (in Mexico), Curse Of The Demon brought audiences to the edge of their seats in terror! Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, and Niall MacGinnis; and 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."
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), the 1959-produced Terror Is A Man enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Based on a novel by H.G. Wells ("The Island Of Dr. Moreau) and co-directed by Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero, the SciFi/Horror starred Francis Lederer, Greta Thyssen, and Richard Derr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist transforms a panther into a man-like creature that escapes and goes on a murderous rampage."
"A mad scientist transforms a panther into a man-like creature that escapes and goes on a murderous rampage."
On this day in 1968 (in Norwy), Die, Monster, Die! (aka Monster Of Terror) struck up what frightening business it could. Directed by Daniel Haller and based on a story from H.P. Lovecraft, the SciFi/Horror starred Boris Karloff, Nick Adams, and Freda Jackson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man visits his fiancée's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results."
"A young man visits his fiancée's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results."
On this day in 1973 (in Madrid, Spain), The Girl From Rio (aka Future Women) pit man against women in a SciFi-lite Action/Adventure. Directed by Jesús Franco, the feature starred Shirley Eaton, Richard Stapley, and Maria Rohm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sumuru, the beautiful leader of the all-female kingdom of Femina, plans to use her women to take over the world."
"Sumuru, the beautiful leader of the all-female kingdom of Femina, plans to use her women to take over the world."
A star is born ... or is that "airborne?" On this day in 1983 (in West Germany), one of the great SciFi/Actioners of the 1980's -- Blue Thunder -- soared onto the silver screen. Directed by John Badham from a script (in part) emerging from the mind of Dan O'Bannon, the film starred Roy Scheider, Warren Oates, and Daniel Stern. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The cop test pilot for an experimental police helicopter learns the sinister implications of the new vehicle."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Blue Thunder enjoyed a 1984 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Film Editing.' Also, the project garnered a bit of attention from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films where actress Candy Clark took home top honors (in 1984) in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' while the film had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actor' (Roy Scheider) and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The cop test pilot for an experimental police helicopter learns the sinister implications of the new vehicle."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Blue Thunder enjoyed a 1984 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Film Editing.' Also, the project garnered a bit of attention from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films where actress Candy Clark took home top honors (in 1984) in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' while the film had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actor' (Roy Scheider) and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in Italy), the sweaty, oily Fantasy flick known as Thor The Conqueror had its theatrical debut. The feature starred Bruno Minniti and Maria Romano, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"After both his parents are brutally murdered by his father's rival Gnut and his men the new born Thor is placed in hiding by the physical embodiment of the god Teisha. Raised in secret under the guidance of Teisha, Thor comes to maturity and goes on a quest to avenge the death of his parents and return peace to his lands, in the process he discovers a woman to take as his wife. Taking the beautiful warrior virgin, Ina, as his companion, his exploits lead to a confrontation with Gnut, the slayer of his father. He finds and uncovers his father's sword and masters the art of combat, all under the ever watchful eye of the amorphous Teisha. How can Thor overcome Gnut and his horde?"
For the record:
Though Minniti's resume is short (a scant seventeen entries on IMDB.com), this wasn't his only genre entry, though it appears it was his first. Following this, he turned up in Rush (a post-Apocalyptic Thriller), A Man Called Rage (another post-Apocalyptic Thriller), and The Secret Of The Incas' Empire (a SciFi/Fantasy). That's some none-too-shabby work.
"After both his parents are brutally murdered by his father's rival Gnut and his men the new born Thor is placed in hiding by the physical embodiment of the god Teisha. Raised in secret under the guidance of Teisha, Thor comes to maturity and goes on a quest to avenge the death of his parents and return peace to his lands, in the process he discovers a woman to take as his wife. Taking the beautiful warrior virgin, Ina, as his companion, his exploits lead to a confrontation with Gnut, the slayer of his father. He finds and uncovers his father's sword and masters the art of combat, all under the ever watchful eye of the amorphous Teisha. How can Thor overcome Gnut and his horde?"
For the record:
Though Minniti's resume is short (a scant seventeen entries on IMDB.com), this wasn't his only genre entry, though it appears it was his first. Following this, he turned up in Rush (a post-Apocalyptic Thriller), A Man Called Rage (another post-Apocalyptic Thriller), and The Secret Of The Incas' Empire (a SciFi/Fantasy). That's some none-too-shabby work.
On this day in 1987 (in Brazil), Star Crystal brought life out there up-close-and-personal for the crew of one space vessel. Written (in part) and directed by Lance Lindsay, the SciFi/Horror starred C. Juston Cambell, Faye Bolt, and John W. Smith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Crew members aboard a space ship encounter an alien life form intent on killing them."
For the record:
In 2017, I was fortunate to have received a complimentary Blu-ray from the good people at Kino Lorber. Interested in knowing what I thought of the feature? You can find my review right here.
"Crew members aboard a space ship encounter an alien life form intent on killing them."
For the record:
In 2017, I was fortunate to have received a complimentary Blu-ray from the good people at Kino Lorber. Interested in knowing what I thought of the feature? You can find my review right here.
Melanie Griffith? In her prime? With guns? Sign me up! The deliciously campy Cherry 2000 - which premiered in the U.S. on this day theatrically in 1988 - is one of those rare SciFi romances that works. (Or could it be that I'm just smitten with Melanie Griffith? As a ginger? Perish the thought!) In any event, here's the film's summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"In the future, a man travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. When successful businessman Sam Treadwell finds that his android wife, Cherry model 2000 has blown a fuse, he hires sexy renegade tracker E. Johnson to find her exact duplicate. But as their journey to replace his perfect mate leads them into the treacherous and lawless region of 'The Zone', Treadwell learns the hard way that the perfect woman is made not of computer chips and diodes, but of real flesh and blood!"
"In the future, a man travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. When successful businessman Sam Treadwell finds that his android wife, Cherry model 2000 has blown a fuse, he hires sexy renegade tracker E. Johnson to find her exact duplicate. But as their journey to replace his perfect mate leads them into the treacherous and lawless region of 'The Zone', Treadwell learns the hard way that the perfect woman is made not of computer chips and diodes, but of real flesh and blood!"
A star is born! On this day in 1998, the SciFi/Telefilm Target Earth found its audience. The feature starred Janell McLeod and Christopher Meloni, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl returns home after being abducted - and that's pretty much the story! This flick is filled with all sorts of sci-fi surprises - big implants, an FBI investigation and a possible alien part. The aliens want to take over Earth by activating hidden technology inside breast implants at a particular time in a coordinated attack, using guided sonar sound to give the population mass constipation so nobody can resist the invasion. But there's a catch. Some people are deaf."
For the record:
I haven't been able to find much information regarding Target Earth, though I did find an online review of the telefilm by Tom Shales (link). Mr. Shales wasn't very kind, and one might assume he wasn't all that enamored with The X-Files and/or general extraterrestrial conspiracy, if his prose is any indication. Buyer beware.
"A young girl returns home after being abducted - and that's pretty much the story! This flick is filled with all sorts of sci-fi surprises - big implants, an FBI investigation and a possible alien part. The aliens want to take over Earth by activating hidden technology inside breast implants at a particular time in a coordinated attack, using guided sonar sound to give the population mass constipation so nobody can resist the invasion. But there's a catch. Some people are deaf."
For the record:
I haven't been able to find much information regarding Target Earth, though I did find an online review of the telefilm by Tom Shales (link). Mr. Shales wasn't very kind, and one might assume he wasn't all that enamored with The X-Files and/or general extraterrestrial conspiracy, if his prose is any indication. Buyer beware.
On this day in 2002 (in Argentina), The Day The World Ended depicted the day the world ended ... cinematically, of course ... with its release on home video. Directed by Terence Gross, the SciFi/Drama starred Randy Quaid, Natassja Kinski, and Bobby Edner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
On this day in 2004 (in Argentina), audiences were treated to the theatrical release of a director's cut of Ridley Scott's SciFi/Classic Alien. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
A star is born! On this day in 2008, the animated SciFi/Fantasy Turok: Son of Stone enjoyed its release on video. The project was adapted on a comic book property; and, according to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Native American Indian fights for his people against odds previously unknown to them."
For the record:
For those unaware, Turok: Son Of Stone (the video) is actually an adaptation of a Western Publishing / Dell Comics property which first appeared all the way back in 1954.
"A Native American Indian fights for his people against odds previously unknown to them."
For the record:
For those unaware, Turok: Son Of Stone (the video) is actually an adaptation of a Western Publishing / Dell Comics property which first appeared all the way back in 1954.
On this day in 2010 (in Mexico), 2033 (aka 2033: Future Apocalypse) took audiences on a trip to ... well ... a future apocalypse. Directed by Francisco Laresgoiti, the SciFi/Thriller starred Raúl Méndez, Claudio Lafarga, and Sandra Echeverría; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first installment of a planned trilogy, director Francisco Laresgoiti's speculative sci-fi thriller finds the son of a powerful general caught in the middle of a raging class war between the privileged elite, and the downtrodden masses. In the year 2033, Mexico has become a fascist state. As the upper classes partake in debauched parties and amuse themselves by using the poor for target practice, a highly addictive drink called Pactia keeps the working class under control. Meanwhile, the religious minority forms a resistance movement, and finds an unlikely ally in the guise of privileged military brat Pablo. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Pablo knows the difference between good and evil. And once a line is drawn in the sand, he is compelled to turn against everything he's ever known in the fight for the future of humanity."
"The first installment of a planned trilogy, director Francisco Laresgoiti's speculative sci-fi thriller finds the son of a powerful general caught in the middle of a raging class war between the privileged elite, and the downtrodden masses. In the year 2033, Mexico has become a fascist state. As the upper classes partake in debauched parties and amuse themselves by using the poor for target practice, a highly addictive drink called Pactia keeps the working class under control. Meanwhile, the religious minority forms a resistance movement, and finds an unlikely ally in the guise of privileged military brat Pablo. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Pablo knows the difference between good and evil. And once a line is drawn in the sand, he is compelled to turn against everything he's ever known in the fight for the future of humanity."
On this day in 2012 (in Canada), the 1987-produced SciFi/Comedy emerging from the mind of Mel Brooks -- Spaceballs -- played for audiences in attendance of the Digital Film Festival. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
On this day in 2013 (in France), Bloodrayne: The Third Reich enjoyed its premiere on the home video market. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Ukraine), The Zohar Secret served up a few secrets ... cinematically, that is. Written and directed by Vladek Zankovsky, the SciFi/Comedy starred Israel Sasha Demidov, Irina Barinova, and Henry David; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max finds himself in possession of an ancient scroll that describes the entire history of humankind from beginning to end. Seeking to use the information for his own gain, Max triggers the mechanism that begins influencing his own life."
"Max finds himself in possession of an ancient scroll that describes the entire history of humankind from beginning to end. Seeking to use the information for his own gain, Max triggers the mechanism that begins influencing his own life."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Germany), Space 1889: The Secret Of Phobos enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Nicolas Mendrek, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Anselme Champollion, Jarod De Maertelaere, and Chris Fano; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Space 1889, mankind has discovered how to travel the mysterious ether - and conquered the jungle planet of Venus and the dwindling empire of the Martians. In this world the young adventurer Will Armstrong becomes the center of a solar system wide plot that could destroy all of mankind."
"In Space 1889, mankind has discovered how to travel the mysterious ether - and conquered the jungle planet of Venus and the dwindling empire of the Martians. In this world the young adventurer Will Armstrong becomes the center of a solar system wide plot that could destroy all of mankind."
A star is born! On this day in 2019, the SciFi/Comedy Crossbreed enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical release as well as posting to the internet. Written and directed by Brandon Slagle, the feature starred Vivica A. Fox and Daniel Baldwin, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, the President of the New United States of America hires a team of military veterans to retrieve an alien bio-weapon from a top secret research facility orbiting the Earth."
"In the near future, the President of the New United States of America hires a team of military veterans to retrieve an alien bio-weapon from a top secret research facility orbiting the Earth."
On this day in 2019 (in China, New Zealand, and the United States), the Chinese-language SciFi/Thriller The Wandering Earth enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Frant Gwo, the feature starred Jing Wu and Chuxiao Qu, 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 1955, Captain Midnight aired "Mystery Of The Forest." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Captain Midnight and Ikky go to timber country in the Pacific Northwest in order to investigate the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. They pose as lumberjacks and uncover a chemical compound which when added to wood creates a cheap and powerful explosion. Captain Midnight must stop the men behind the chemical or the balance of power in the world may be altered."
"Captain Midnight and Ikky go to timber country in the Pacific Northwest in order to investigate the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. They pose as lumberjacks and uncover a chemical compound which when added to wood creates a cheap and powerful explosion. Captain Midnight must stop the men behind the chemical or the balance of power in the world may be altered."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Ace Of The Space Lanes." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Glory hound Roy Cowan is assigned to the Polaris to attempt a new speed record for the Titan run. After his recklessness endangers the ship Cowan flees the vessel, leaving Tom and his shipmates trapped in a deadly debris field within the rings of Saturn."
"Glory hound Roy Cowan is assigned to the Polaris to attempt a new speed record for the Titan run. After his recklessness endangers the ship Cowan flees the vessel, leaving Tom and his shipmates trapped in a deadly debris field within the rings of Saturn."
On this day in 1960, Rod Serling took to the air -- erm, or is that the ground? -- with the eighteenth episode of The Twilight Zone's first season. The tale was called "The Last Flight," and here's what IMDB.com had to say about it:
"A World War I British fighter pilot lands at an American air force base in France 42 years in the future."
"A World War I British fighter pilot lands at an American air force base in France 42 years in the future."
On this day in 1972, the plot thickened on Doctor Who as "The Curse of Peladon" aired Part 2 on the BBC. This was the sixth episode of the long-running program's ninth season. According to our friends on IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor is convinced the Ice Warriors are trying to sabotage the conference but his attempts to prove it see him accused of sacrilege."
"The Doctor is convinced the Ice Warriors are trying to sabotage the conference but his attempts to prove it see him accused of sacrilege."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 aired "The Troubled Spirit." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dan Mateo, the Alphans' botanist, believes that he can communicate telepathically with his plants but collapses. He comes to and appears to be fit and well but he is turning into a murderous and disfigured ghost who has been taken over by an alien manifestation."
"Dan Mateo, the Alphans' botanist, believes that he can communicate telepathically with his plants but collapses. He comes to and appears to be fit and well but he is turning into a murderous and disfigured ghost who has been taken over by an alien manifestation."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Sea Dragon." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Spectra attacks the new defense base on planet Aquatica. They capture the base using their new Mecha: the Sea Dragon. Chief Anderson sends the team to Aquatica to reclaim the base and destroy the Sea Dragon!"
"Spectra attacks the new defense base on planet Aquatica. They capture the base using their new Mecha: the Sea Dragon. Chief Anderson sends the team to Aquatica to reclaim the base and destroy the Sea Dragon!"
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "Shangri-La Lil." This served as the second episode of the program's short first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While searching for the B-25 bomber he flew on Doolittle's raid on Tokyo, Harry discovers an old Japanese soldier who is still fighting World War II."
"While searching for the B-25 bomber he flew on Doolittle's raid on Tokyo, Harry discovers an old Japanese soldier who is still fighting World War II."
On this day in 1981, Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Mark Of The Saurian." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While sick in bed with Cignus Fever Buck starts seeing Ambassador Cabot and his party have a strange aura around them. Ambassador Cabot is responsible for bringing peace with the lizard people known as the Saurians with the Delta Defense Grid which destroys all ships without a proper code. The Aura that Buck is seeing is connected to the fact that Ambassador Cabot and his party are not who they claim to be but Saurians in disguise. Buck's unique condition allows him to see the aura around the illusion. But now the Searcher is on a deadly course which is all part of a plan to take over the Delta Defense Grid but only Buck suspect something is amiss."
"While sick in bed with Cignus Fever Buck starts seeing Ambassador Cabot and his party have a strange aura around them. Ambassador Cabot is responsible for bringing peace with the lizard people known as the Saurians with the Delta Defense Grid which destroys all ships without a proper code. The Aura that Buck is seeing is connected to the fact that Ambassador Cabot and his party are not who they claim to be but Saurians in disguise. Buck's unique condition allows him to see the aura around the illusion. But now the Searcher is on a deadly course which is all part of a plan to take over the Delta Defense Grid but only Buck suspect something is amiss."
On this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired "Eyewitness News." This served as the fourteenth episode to the program's only season on network television, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The line between reality and fantasy blurs when a crossed video phone line lets a boardroom of executives see a sex actress attacked. George becomes swept up in celebrity when a news crew does a week-long special on him."
"The line between reality and fantasy blurs when a crossed video phone line lets a boardroom of executives see a sex actress attacked. George becomes swept up in celebrity when a news crew does a week-long special on him."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "The Pied Piper." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The first-born Morthren on Earth is now grown to the age of a nine-year-old. The aliens use both his need for emotional comfort and their need for gentic information in one play as they leave him at the Crecne Experimental School where he will bring back files for the Morthren's use."
"The first-born Morthren on Earth is now grown to the age of a nine-year-old. The aliens use both his need for emotional comfort and their need for gentic information in one play as they leave him at the Crecne Experimental School where he will bring back files for the Morthren's use."
Trek fandom has an awful lot of love for the Star Trek: The Next Generation's seventh season episode, "Lower Decks." (It first aired on this day in 1994.) I have to admit that I've never quite understood why. I do get the fascination with seeing behind-the-scenes what the lives of some of these junior officers, but -- to be honest -- I thought a few of these folks were a bit whiny. No one I'd want to necessarily serve with. But, again, maybe that's just me.
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired "Dust to Dust" as the sixth episode to the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bester returns to Babylon 5 to stop the flow of Dust, a powerful new drug which can temporarily unlock telepathic powers. But Captain Sheridan and the crew can't risk Bester reading their minds and uncovering their secret Shadow war preparations."
"Bester returns to Babylon 5 to stop the flow of Dust, a powerful new drug which can temporarily unlock telepathic powers. But Captain Sheridan and the crew can't risk Bester reading their minds and uncovering their secret Shadow war preparations."
Think what you may about Bajorans or Cardassians, but I thought Star Trek: Deep Space Nine got really good mileage out of that simmering conflict. Certainly, much of that is owed to the dynamic created by the respective cast members. On this day in 1996, "Return to Grace" aired as part of the fourth season, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Dukat returns, stripped of his prestige, to escort Kira to a Cardassian conference about the Dominion. But an attack by a Klingon raider may give Dukat a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his government."
"Dukat returns, stripped of his prestige, to escort Kira to a Cardassian conference about the Dominion. But an attack by a Klingon raider may give Dukat a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his government."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Meld." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tuvok investigates the murder of a Voyager engineer. Former Maquis and Betazoid Lon Suder confesses to the murder and offers no explanation or signs of remorse. Tuvok, curious to find a reason for Suder's madness, performs a mind-meld on the killer, only to find himself losing his usual Vulcan control and regressing into madness."
"Tuvok investigates the murder of a Voyager engineer. Former Maquis and Betazoid Lon Suder confesses to the murder and offers no explanation or signs of remorse. Tuvok, curious to find a reason for Suder's madness, performs a mind-meld on the killer, only to find himself losing his usual Vulcan control and regressing into madness."
On this day in 1997, StarTrek: Voyager aired "Blood Fever." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Ensign Vorik undergoes the Vulcan mating drive known as Pon farr. The strong chemical imbalance affects B'Elanna Torres as well, leading her to irrational thoughts and behavior. Trapped in a cave, Tom Paris must try to reason with B'Elanna and get her medical attention while trying to respect his friend and deny her uncharacteristic sexual advances."
"Ensign Vorik undergoes the Vulcan mating drive known as Pon farr. The strong chemical imbalance affects B'Elanna Torres as well, leading her to irrational thoughts and behavior. Trapped in a cave, Tom Paris must try to reason with B'Elanna and get her medical attention while trying to respect his friend and deny her uncharacteristic sexual advances."
On this day in 2000, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Unnatural Selection" in television syndication. This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Challenger, Roxton, and Veronica come upon an old friend of Challengers, who resembles the sadistic "creator" Dr. Moreau. Elsewhere, Summerlee, Malone, and Marguerite meet an elderly woman who has a radio headset."
"Challenger, Roxton, and Veronica come upon an old friend of Challengers, who resembles the sadistic "creator" Dr. Moreau. Elsewhere, Summerlee, Malone, and Marguerite meet an elderly woman who has a radio headset."
On this day in 2001, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Music Of A Distant Drum." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tyr has lost his memory. He is befriended by a small family. Some Nietchiens arrive searching for Tyr and what he stole from them. Tyr must figure out what their after, and regain his memory."
"Tyr has lost his memory. He is befriended by a small family. Some Nietchiens arrive searching for Tyr and what he stole from them. Tyr must figure out what their after, and regain his memory."
On this day in 2002, Smallville aired "Hug." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bob Rickman is an evil tycoon who intends to build a highly polluting plant in Smallville, and he needs to buy Jonathan Kent's farm. Rickman is famous because of his capacity of convincing people, but indeed he has a powerful gift of changing people's mind with his shake of hands, and he uses his new kryptonite power of persuasion against Jonathan. Meanwhile, the hermit Kyle Tippet, who was the former business partner of Rickman, helps Clark and Lex against the powerful and greedy industrialist. But Clark's quick kinship with Kyle causes a rift between him, Lana and Whitney who both dislike the mysterious hermit."
"Bob Rickman is an evil tycoon who intends to build a highly polluting plant in Smallville, and he needs to buy Jonathan Kent's farm. Rickman is famous because of his capacity of convincing people, but indeed he has a powerful gift of changing people's mind with his shake of hands, and he uses his new kryptonite power of persuasion against Jonathan. Meanwhile, the hermit Kyle Tippet, who was the former business partner of Rickman, helps Clark and Lex against the powerful and greedy industrialist. But Clark's quick kinship with Kyle causes a rift between him, Lana and Whitney who both dislike the mysterious hermit."
On this day in 2003, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Stigma." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"T'Pol is diagnosed with a possibly fatal neurological disease as a result of a mind meld. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives visits Enterprise and becomes very interested in Trip."
"T'Pol is diagnosed with a possibly fatal neurological disease as a result of a mind meld. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives visits Enterprise and becomes very interested in Trip."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Absolute Justice." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man named Sylvester Pemberton tracks down Chloe and tells her he knows about her team of superheroes and needs their help. However, before he can explain who he is, he is attacked and killed by Icicle. Clark and Chloe's investigation leads Clark to the former headquarters of the Justice Society of America, an underground team of superheros, where he meets up with Nelson (AKA: Dr. Fate), Carter Hall (AKA: Hawkman) and Courtney (AKA: Star Girl). Courtney pleads with Hawkman and Dr. Fate to help her catch the killer that is targeting their group but they are reluctant to resume their duties as superheroes. Clark, John Jones, Green Arrow and Chloe team up to help the JSA stop Icicle before he murders another member of the group. Meanwhile, Lois receives a package from a mysterious agency called Checkmate, run by the shadowy Amanda Waller."
"A man named Sylvester Pemberton tracks down Chloe and tells her he knows about her team of superheroes and needs their help. However, before he can explain who he is, he is attacked and killed by Icicle. Clark and Chloe's investigation leads Clark to the former headquarters of the Justice Society of America, an underground team of superheros, where he meets up with Nelson (AKA: Dr. Fate), Carter Hall (AKA: Hawkman) and Courtney (AKA: Star Girl). Courtney pleads with Hawkman and Dr. Fate to help her catch the killer that is targeting their group but they are reluctant to resume their duties as superheroes. Clark, John Jones, Green Arrow and Chloe team up to help the JSA stop Icicle before he murders another member of the group. Meanwhile, Lois receives a package from a mysterious agency called Checkmate, run by the shadowy Amanda Waller."
Sorry, folks, but I don't read near as much as I used to -- I think it's just that I don't have the kind of time I used to enjoy -- but every now and then I still scan the book releases. According to Amazon.com, Road To Eugenica was first released in its digital format on this day in 2018, and here's even a brief summary of what one can expect with the work:
"Yesterday, Drea Smith couldn’t do anything spectacular—even walking and texting at the same time was a challenge. But today, she suddenly has more answers than Google, can speak and understand numerous languages, and she can fight. Like a boss. Seriously cool."
"Yesterday, Drea Smith couldn’t do anything spectacular—even walking and texting at the same time was a challenge. But today, she suddenly has more answers than Google, can speak and understand numerous languages, and she can fight. Like a boss. Seriously cool."
