Doomwatch is another one of those British SciFi/Fantasy programs that folks recommend I get around to seeing, and I firmly think I'll have to do so. Having read up on it a bit, it seems like one of those thematic precursors to shows like Fox TV's stellar The X-Files though done at a time when our world was kinder and gentler. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Doomwatch is the nickname for the Department of Measurement of Scientific Work. Under the leadership of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Dr. Spencer Quist, the Doomwatch team struggled, for three seasons, to keep an eye on the environment and supervise government and private sector research in an attempt to prevent pollution and other disasters that might be caused by the misuse of new scientific developments, discoveries and technology. While confronting dangers ranging from a plastic eating bacteria to hyper intelligent species of rats, from mind destroying sound waves to toxic wastes and genetic mutations, the Doomwatch team always found themselves under the gun, from unsupportive governmental superiors, and openly hostile corporations, and the powerful influences they could wield."
"Doomwatch is the nickname for the Department of Measurement of Scientific Work. Under the leadership of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Dr. Spencer Quist, the Doomwatch team struggled, for three seasons, to keep an eye on the environment and supervise government and private sector research in an attempt to prevent pollution and other disasters that might be caused by the misuse of new scientific developments, discoveries and technology. While confronting dangers ranging from a plastic eating bacteria to hyper intelligent species of rats, from mind destroying sound waves to toxic wastes and genetic mutations, the Doomwatch team always found themselves under the gun, from unsupportive governmental superiors, and openly hostile corporations, and the powerful influences they could wield."
I've said it before to some controversy, but I think it occasionally bears repeating: the seventh season of the fondly remembered Star Trek: The Next Generation really showed that the program was kinda/sorta winding down on original ideas involving the current cast as the stories grew a bit more fantastical, almost even experimental at times. Still, the hours gave some terrific guest stars a chance to occasionally shine, including the late Ronnie Claire Edwards in the role of 'Talur' aboard "Thine Own Self." Though she's no longer with us, Edwards was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Clive Swift leaves behind a resume rich with over one hundred different screen credits. Certainly his career leaned heavily toward more conventional mainstream stuff, but he did have a few appearances of note for genre fans: namely, he enjoyed a role in John Boorman's popular adaptation of the King Arthur story named Excalibur (1981) as well as a visit to the world of Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Swift was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning screenwriter David Webb Peoples has a track record with storytelling that each of us should be thankful for. With his time in the business, he's worked on such projects as Blade Runner (1982), Ladyhawke (1985), Leviathan (1989), and Twelve Monkeys (1995). Peoples was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a promotional copy of 12 Monkeys (1995) from a distributor 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 12 Monkeys (1995) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The lovely Marianna Hill gave a terrific performance aboard "Dagger Of The Mind," an episode of Star Trek's first season. A review of her resume shows that most of her work was in more mainstream fare, but I guess we can be thankful for visits to such properties as The Outer Limits, Batman, The Wild Wild West, Messiah Of Evil (1973), and Blood Beach (1980) to be thankful for. Hill was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1984's theatrical version of Supergirl, Mia Farrow (above left) starred briefly as Alura, Supergirl's Kryptonian mother. Farrow was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, is there anything better than a lady in uniform? Yes, that would be a lady in a space uniform, and Sally Knyvette suited up quite nicely in the guise of 'Jenna Stannis' aboard Blake's 7 for its run. Knyvette was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I don't know about you, but I absolutely love it when an actor with tremendous gravitas comes aboard any SciFi project, even if it's a small role. That's what happened for award-winning actor Ciaran Hinds gave his clout to Disney's John Carter. Sadly, it didn't save the picture, but it certainly didn't harm it, either. Hinds was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The affable Jim J. Bullock played 'Prince Valium' aboard the Mel Brooks' SciFi/Farce Spaceballs (1987) for MGM. He also appeared several times aboard the SciFi/Sitcom ALF for good measure. Bullock was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Charles Shaughnessy has dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction with appearances aboard Stargate: SG-1 and Moontrap Target Earth (2017). Shaughnessy was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Every red-blooded male swooned over the lovely Julie Warner when she appeared as the small-town-savvy galpal to Michael J. Fox in Doc Hollywood ... and anyone who tells you differently is lying! Even better, she had a brief stint aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation as 'Christy Henshaw,' the girl with which Geordi LaForge proved how inept he was at picking up women. Warner was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only fourteen credits to her professional career, kudos to Linda Carol for squeezing in some work aboard Future Hunters (1988) for Lightning Pictures. Carol was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guest role as 'Jolan' aboard Stargate: SG-1, the hunky Jason George kicked butt and took no prisoners. The actor also scored some screen time visits to the worlds of Roswell, Clockstoppers (2002), Jeremiah, and Witches Of East End. George was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2006, the great Shaun Parkes had two appearances aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. More recently, he's turned up aboard The Aliens TV series. Even more recently? Well, he turned in a command performance for his work aboard Netflix's Lost In Space update. Parkes was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sexy-beyond-compare Amber Valletta helped deliver some much needed feminine wiles to the Gerard Butler SciFi actioner, Gamer, when it hit the silver screen back in 2009. Valletta was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've mentioned previously, I've had the good fortune to view the first season of Real Humans, the Swedish television SciFi original that spawned AMC TV's Humans remake; and it's quite good. André Sjöberg played one of the central synthetics in the drama, and Sjöberg was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Charlie Day helped deliver the laughs (what few there were) in famed director Guillermo del Toro's disappointing Pacific Rim. Day was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A.J. Buckley has dabbled in genre entertainment with some quality work aboard The X-Files, Millennium, Doomsday Prophecy (2011) and the long-running Supernatural. Buckley was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and stuntwoman Heidi Moneymaker has proven she has the right stuff with work aboard such projects as The Host (2013), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Jupiter Ascending (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Moneymaker was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I only watched a handful of episodes of Person Of Interest, a SciFi-lite variation on high-tech computers predicating the fates of folks, but kudos to the lovely Gloria Votsis for booking a role on the program. The actress also enjoyed a pair of appearances to the world of Beauty And The Beast. Votsis was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International sensation Ziyi Zhang stepped into the future as the leading lady aboard Kar-Wai Wong's 2046 (2004). More recently, she crossed over into some harder Science Fiction properties with work aboard The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) and Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019). Zhang was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Think what you may about the Marvel cinematic universe (I'm 'iffy' on it), but I believe one of the brighter additions has to be Tom Hiddleston. His particular take on Loki in Thor, Thor II, and The Avengers has given those films the kind of clout needed for a terrific theatrical villain. Hiddleston was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Matty Cardarople showed up for a small role aboard Jurassic World (2015) and a bigger one on Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Cardarople was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Stefanie Butler enjoyed a visit to the very strange world indeed of Netflix's popular SciFi/Fantasy series Stranger Things. Butler was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young and pretty Rachel Melvin has built a career out of some pretty respectable appearances in genre, including work on Heroes, Zombeavers (2014), and Fox TV's Sleepy Hollow. Melvin was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Super 8 (2011) is the kind of film that should've ruined a writer/director's career, but not JJ Abrams'; somehow his fractured storytelling escapes any kind of criticism. David Gallagher had a role in the film, and Gallagher was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Rose Leslie stepped into the big leagues with her role aboard HBO's Games Of Thrones, and she recently turned up aboard the SciFi/Thriller Morgan (2016). Leslie was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young actor Michael B. Jordan's star is on the rise. He found big screen acclaim for his portrayal as a budding superhero in Chronicle, and he may've squandered it by appearing as 'Johnny Storm' in the critically-drubbed Fantastic Four reboot. Jordan was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Adult actress Alanah Rae brought her considerable assets (ahem) to bare (ahem) aboard the Adult-themed Supergirl XXX (2011) for Extreme Comixxx. Rae was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've only seen a few episodes of the Battlestar Galactica follow-up, Caprica, and I wasn't sure what all of the fuss was about. I guess it had some promise, but it just never seemed to go anywhere all that fast. Young Avan Jogia had a recurring role as Ben Stark for a short time, so he definitely deserves a mention. Jogia was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young Kelli Berglund wore the appropriate uniform to serve as one of the team of Walt Disney's Lab Rats and Lab Rats: Elite Force for the shows respectively. Berglund was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos and birthday greetings go out today to Jimmy Bennett, the youngster tasked with portraying the youngest and most brash version of James T. Kirk yet aboard JJ Abrams' Star Trek (2009) reboot. Bennett was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1931 (in the U.S.), the good people of Asheville, North Carolina were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere event of Dracula. Written (in part) and directed by Ted Browning, the Horror/Fantasy starred Bela Lugosi, Dwight Frye, and Helen Chandler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night."
"Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night."
A star is born! On this day in 1962, Walt Disney launched Moon Pilot in theatres! Directed by James Neilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tom Tryon, Brian Keith, and Edmond O'Brien; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
"Waiter? Oh, waiter? There's some creeping flesh in my bowl of soup!"
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to a special limited engagement of The Creeping Flesh. Directed by Freddie Francis, the Horror feature starre Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Lorna Heilbron. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends."
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to a special limited engagement of The Creeping Flesh. Directed by Freddie Francis, the Horror feature starre Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Lorna Heilbron. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends."
On this day in 1976 (in Denmark), The Stepford Wives delivered some beauty and uncharacteristic female subservience to the silver screen. This SciFi/Mystery was directed by Bryan Forbes as adapted from the Ira Levin novel by William Goldman. It starred a host of lovely ladies, including Katharine Ross, Paual Prentiss, Tina Louise. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
On this day in 1978 (in West Germany), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy/Classic starred Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), Wizards enjoyed casting a spell on viewers with its time on the silver screen. Written and directed by Ralph Bakshi, the Fantasy feature starred the voices of Bob Holt, Jesse Welles, and Richard Romanus. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a post-apocalyptic Earth, a wizard and his faire folk comrades fight an evil wizard who's using technology in his bid for conquest."
For the record:
As well as garnering a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, Wizards enjoyed a nomination from the 1978 Saturn Awards ('Best Fantasy Film') and even a nod from the Hugo Awards ('Best Dramatic Presentation').
"On a post-apocalyptic Earth, a wizard and his faire folk comrades fight an evil wizard who's using technology in his bid for conquest."
For the record:
As well as garnering a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, Wizards enjoyed a nomination from the 1978 Saturn Awards ('Best Fantasy Film') and even a nod from the Hugo Awards ('Best Dramatic Presentation').
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to a limited theatrical engagement -- the very first ever -- of Quintet. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Altman, the SciFi/Drama starred Paul Newman, Vittorio Gassman, and Fernando Rey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During a future ice age, dying humanity occupies its remaining time by playing a board game called "Quintet." For one small group, this obsession is not enough; they play the game with living pieces ... and only the winner survives."
"During a future ice age, dying humanity occupies its remaining time by playing a board game called "Quintet." For one small group, this obsession is not enough; they play the game with living pieces ... and only the winner survives."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Italy), Porno Holocaust enjoyed its big screen theatrical debut. (Interestingly enough, in Asia the film was released under the title of Sex Killer: Mutant Overgrown Man-Child.) Directed by Joe D'Amato from a script by George Eastman (who also starred), the film featured Dirce Funari, Annj Goren, and Mark Shannon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the (edited) plot summary:
"A group of scientists is taken to a secluded island where nuclear weapons testing occurred in 1958, in order to investigate sightings of mutated animals, and allegations of a monster. On the island, overgrown crabs are discovered, and the researchers and their ship's crew are stalked and spied on by an unseen being."
"A group of scientists is taken to a secluded island where nuclear weapons testing occurred in 1958, in order to investigate sightings of mutated animals, and allegations of a monster. On the island, overgrown crabs are discovered, and the researchers and their ship's crew are stalked and spied on by an unseen being."
On this day in 1983 (in France), Battletruck roared onto the silver screen. Directed by Harley Cokeliss, the SciFi feature starred Michael Beck and Annie McEnroe, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
On this day in 1983 (in France), audiences were entreated to solve the Mystery On Monster Island. Written (in part) and directed by Juan Piquer Simon, the Fantasy feature starred Terence Stamp, Peter Cushing, and Ian Sera. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man and his traveling buddy embark on a global journey onboard their ship, only to be shipwrecked on a desolate island teeming with prehistoric creatures and gold-hunting bandits."
For the record:
From what I've read (here), Mystery On Monster Island is an adaptation of a Jule Verne novel, "Godfrey Morgan: A California Mystery," which was originally published in 1882 ... which probably explains why it bears more than a passing similarity to Verne's other work, "The Mysterious Island," published in 1874.
"A young man and his traveling buddy embark on a global journey onboard their ship, only to be shipwrecked on a desolate island teeming with prehistoric creatures and gold-hunting bandits."
For the record:
From what I've read (here), Mystery On Monster Island is an adaptation of a Jule Verne novel, "Godfrey Morgan: A California Mystery," which was originally published in 1882 ... which probably explains why it bears more than a passing similarity to Verne's other work, "The Mysterious Island," published in 1874.
On this day in 1984 (in Peru), Krull enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Peter Yates, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ken Marshall and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), The Terminator came back through time to change the future. Written and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi feature starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), the 1977-produced The Brain Machine enjoyed its release on home video. The SciFi/Thriller starred James Best and Barbara Burgess, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Several people volunteer for a scientific experiment about mind-reading and memory, but the experiment goes horribly wrong."
"Several people volunteer for a scientific experiment about mind-reading and memory, but the experiment goes horribly wrong."
On this day in 1991 (in El Salvador), Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall enjoyed making memories at the box office. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Canada), yet one more incarnation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World enjoyed a bit of screen time. Directed by Timothy Bond, the Fantasy feature starred John Rhys-Davies, David Warner, and Eric McCormack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two rivaling professors - a journalist, a young wealthy woman and a teenage boy - travel through Africa in search of "The Lost World", a place where dinosaurs still roam."
"Two rivaling professors - a journalist, a young wealthy woman and a teenage boy - travel through Africa in search of "The Lost World", a place where dinosaurs still roam."
On this day in 1994, Cyborg Cop enjoyed its release on U.S. home video. Directed by Sam Firstenberg, the SciFi feature starred David Bradley and Todd Jensen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), Loch Ness put a family-friendly spin on the search for the famed cryptid. Directed by John Henderson from a script by John Fusco, the Fantasy starred Ted Danson, Joely Richardson, and Ian Holm. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist tries to prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster."
"A scientist tries to prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Daredevil enjoyed its first trip onto the silver screen when it had its theatrical premiere in the city of Los Angeles, California. Written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and Colin Farrell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man blinded by toxic waste which also enhanced his remaining senses fights crime as an acrobatic martial arts superhero."
"A man blinded by toxic waste which also enhanced his remaining senses fights crime as an acrobatic martial arts superhero."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Gargoyle enjoyed its debut on broadcast television. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the Fantasy feature starred genre-favorite Michael Paré and Sandra Hess, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
On this day in 2008, the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm known as Bone Eater enjoyed its small screen debut. The feature starred Bruce Boxleitner and Michael Horse, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ancient Native American legend of the Bone Eater rises up and begins terrorizing the local townspeople."
"Ancient Native American legend of the Bone Eater rises up and begins terrorizing the local townspeople."
On this day in 2009 (in Estonia), Dark Planet enjoyed its run on the silver screen. Directed by Fedor Bondarchuk, the SciFi feature starred Vasiliy Stepanov and Yulia Snigir, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A space traveler from the Earth of the 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on an unknown planet. Politically and economically that planet similar to the totalitarian human states of the 20th century."
"A space traveler from the Earth of the 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on an unknown planet. Politically and economically that planet similar to the totalitarian human states of the 20th century."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), I Am Number Four went to the bright lights, indeed, with its premiere theatrical engagement held in Westwood, California. Based on the novel of the same name written by Jobie Hughes and the now defrocked James Frey, the script was adapted by the team of Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Marti Noxon. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the cast included Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, and Teresa Palmer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens and their Guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order, and Number Four is next on the list. This is his story."
"Aliens and their Guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order, and Number Four is next on the list. This is his story."
A star is born ... and then it explodes! (Well, apparently ...) On this day in 2013 (in Sweden), Exploding Sun combusted to everyone's cinematic delight. Directed by Michael Robison from a script by Jeff Schechter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David James Elliott, Anthony Lemke, and Natalie Brown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A historic space launch triggers a solar-storm event that could have cataclysmic repercussions for the planet if it isn't stopped in time - and time is running out."
"A historic space launch triggers a solar-storm event that could have cataclysmic repercussions for the planet if it isn't stopped in time - and time is running out."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Inverse played for audiences in attendance of the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival. Written and directed by Matt Duggan, the SciFi/Mystery starred Josh Wingate, Michelle Lawrence, and Morlan Higgins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man awakens from his supposed death to discover that he's from a parallel universe. He's fallen in love with his doppelganger's wife here on Earth, which sets off a chain of events that threaten both their lives and mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Inverse enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A man awakens from his supposed death to discover that he's from a parallel universe. He's fallen in love with his doppelganger's wife here on Earth, which sets off a chain of events that threaten both their lives and mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Inverse enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018, Time Trap played for audiences in attendance of the Mammoth Film Festival. Written and directed by Mark Dennis, the SciFi feature starred Andrew Wilson and Cassidy Gifford, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
On this day in 2020 (in the Philippines and the U.S.), audiences were threatened with yet one more alien Invasion. (FYI: I've read online that this also bears the sub-heading of Attraction 2.) Directed by Russian sensation Fedor Bondarchuk, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Irina Starshenbaum, Rinal Mukhametov, and Alexander Petrov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the fall of the alien ship Julia's life changed, now three years later mankind is about to experience new encounter."
"With the fall of the alien ship Julia's life changed, now three years later mankind is about to experience new encounter."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Hit By A Meteorite." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A boring day in the spaces lanes above Terra quickly turn to terror when Commander Corry's spacecraft is disabled after being struck by a meteorite and plummets out of control towards the artificial planet's spaceport."
"A boring day in the spaces lanes above Terra quickly turn to terror when Commander Corry's spacecraft is disabled after being struck by a meteorite and plummets out of control towards the artificial planet's spaceport."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), My Favorite Martian aired "Who Am I?" Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Martin and Tim are on their way to interview Professor Eugene Downey, the foremost expert on rocket fuel - Martin thinks the professor can assist in getting him back to Mars - when Martin is hit on the head with a monkey wrench. Martin gets amnesia from this concussion. He has no idea that he's a Martian, despite Tim telling him so. The only thing Martin and Tim can agree on is that Martin needs to go see a doctor. At Dr. Gilbert's office, Martin does learn that he has the power of levitation and the ability to disappear, still not quite believing why. The doctor, who witnesses the levitation, is told it's all magic. Back at the apartment, Tim almost has Martin convinced of his true identity when Martin is once again struck on the head, this time by a hammer. That's all he needed as he regains his memory. It's too late however: Professor Downey has already left town for good."
"Martin and Tim are on their way to interview Professor Eugene Downey, the foremost expert on rocket fuel - Martin thinks the professor can assist in getting him back to Mars - when Martin is hit on the head with a monkey wrench. Martin gets amnesia from this concussion. He has no idea that he's a Martian, despite Tim telling him so. The only thing Martin and Tim can agree on is that Martin needs to go see a doctor. At Dr. Gilbert's office, Martin does learn that he has the power of levitation and the ability to disappear, still not quite believing why. The doctor, who witnesses the levitation, is told it's all magic. Back at the apartment, Tim almost has Martin convinced of his true identity when Martin is once again struck on the head, this time by a hammer. That's all he needed as he regains his memory. It's too late however: Professor Downey has already left town for good."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "War Of The Robots." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the Robinsons repair a damaged robot, it first helps them and then plots to capture them."
"After the Robinsons repair a damaged robot, it first helps them and then plots to capture them."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired "The Return Of The Archons." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's event-filled first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seeking the answer to a century-old mystery, Kirk and crew encounter a vacantly peaceful society under a 6000-year autocratic rule that kills all those it can't absorb."
"Seeking the answer to a century-old mystery, Kirk and crew encounter a vacantly peaceful society under a 6000-year autocratic rule that kills all those it can't absorb."
"Return to Tomorrow" -- a part of Star Trek's second season -- aired on this day in 1968. A long-dead race seeks one more chance at life, so they lure the Enterprise to their planet in hopes of inhabiting the bodies of Kirk, Spock, and crewmember Ann Mulhall (played by Diana Muldaur) for another go at it. Much jealousy and foul play ensues!
It all began right here: on this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), the watchers of doom enjoyed their television premiere with Doomwatch. Officially, the first episode was titled "The Plastic Eaters," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A plane dissolves in mid-air, its plastic components eaten away. Doomwatch faces its first challenge: to halt the disastrous spread of a man-made virus with the power to melt all plastic."
"A plane dissolves in mid-air, its plastic components eaten away. Doomwatch faces its first challenge: to halt the disastrous spread of a man-made virus with the power to melt all plastic."
On this day in 1974 (in West Germany), Star Trek aired "Charlie X." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
On this day in 1983 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Mawdryn Undead: Part Four." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mawdryn and his fellow immortals - stuck in ceaseless cycles of mutation and deterioration - are quite determined on the Doctor sacrificing his future for their sakes, giving him the choice between helping them or stranding Teagan and Nyssa with them on their infinite journey. The Doctor, however, seeks a third option."
"Mawdryn and his fellow immortals - stuck in ceaseless cycles of mutation and deterioration - are quite determined on the Doctor sacrificing his future for their sakes, giving him the choice between helping them or stranding Teagan and Nyssa with them on their infinite journey. The Doctor, however, seeks a third option."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), "Clues" aired as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation's fourth season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Effects of passing through a wormhole give the Enterprise crew a sense that they were unconscious for more than the thirty seconds they've been led to believe."
"Effects of passing through a wormhole give the Enterprise crew a sense that they were unconscious for more than the thirty seconds they've been led to believe."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Super Force aired "A Hundred Share." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Using subliminal messages, a reporter plans on getting the entire world to watch her broadcast."
"Using subliminal messages, a reporter plans on getting the entire world to watch her broadcast."
On this day in 1992 (in Australia), The Girl From Tomorrow aired "Computer Games." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Once again in Mr Rooney's class the girls draw a little attention as they hack into the police database with the help of PJ to find out who the car is registered to."
"Once again in Mr Rooney's class the girls draw a little attention as they hack into the police database with the help of PJ to find out who the car is registered to."
Oh, boy! On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Blood Moon." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into an English castle where the occupants practice vampire rituals. He must save the young wife of the castle owner."
"Sam leaps into an English castle where the occupants practice vampire rituals. He must save the young wife of the castle owner."
On this day as part of Babylon 5's first season in 1994 (in the U.S.), the hour titled "Born to the Purple" first aired. (In fact, it was the program's third episode ever.) Here's the episode summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Londo falls for a beautiful slave, whose owner wants to steal sensitive information. Garibaldi discovers that someone is using a restricted communications channel."
"Londo falls for a beautiful slave, whose owner wants to steal sensitive information. Garibaldi discovers that someone is using a restricted communications channel."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Piper Maru." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The agents investigate the mystery surrounding a sunken World War II aircraft."
"The agents investigate the mystery surrounding a sunken World War II aircraft."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "Buried Alive." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A big disaster leads Frank to Backstep, but when he comes to, he finds the sphere is buried alive, and the project Backstep team cannot find him."
"A big disaster leads Frank to Backstep, but when he comes to, he finds the sphere is buried alive, and the project Backstep team cannot find him."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG1 aired "Entity." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the SGC probes a new planet, an alien energy entity there responds by invading the SGC's computer systems, and then Major Carter herself."
"When the SGC probes a new planet, an alien energy entity there responds by invading the SGC's computer systems, and then Major Carter herself."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Art of Attraction." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Mutant X team fights to retrieve a formula hidden in a collection of artwork, Shalimar is given vital information from a mysterious source."
"As the Mutant X team fights to retrieve a formula hidden in a collection of artwork, Shalimar is given vital information from a mysterious source."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Recruit." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark is wooed by the offer of a Football scholarship from Metropolis University but faces a dilemma over whether he should accept, knowing he has such an advantage on the field because of his superpowers. Meanwhile, Lois is implicated in the death of a member of the Metropolis University Football team which leads Clark to investigate to clear Lois in which they suspect that the team's idol, named Geoff Johns, may hold a clue. Elsewhere, Lex tries to persuade Lana that Jason's mother had ordered him to try to break her and Jason up for mysterious reasons."
"Clark is wooed by the offer of a Football scholarship from Metropolis University but faces a dilemma over whether he should accept, knowing he has such an advantage on the field because of his superpowers. Meanwhile, Lois is implicated in the death of a member of the Metropolis University Football team which leads Clark to investigate to clear Lois in which they suspect that the team's idol, named Geoff Johns, may hold a clue. Elsewhere, Lex tries to persuade Lana that Jason's mother had ordered him to try to break her and Jason up for mysterious reasons."
The Force is with us! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Sabotage." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Anakin and Ahsoka are tasked to investigate a bombing at the Jedi Temple since they were two of the few Jedi off-planet at the time it occurred."
"Anakin and Ahsoka are tasked to investigate a bombing at the Jedi Temple since they were two of the few Jedi off-planet at the time it occurred."
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Requiem aired "The Blue Room." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Matilda is convinced that she is Carys and was held captive in Ewan's house as a small child, though she keeps this from the police. Rose is unhelpful as to Janice's interest in Penllynith but is plainly keeping secrets from Matilda and her husband Aron. More strange noises and the discovery of an empty, long-locked room increase Matilda's desire but she gets no answers from the villagers. Then she encounters a ragged man, Sean Howell, father of the missing girl who vanished some time after Carys, who gives her a present before running off. Back at the house she discovers shelves of old tape recordings."
"Matilda is convinced that she is Carys and was held captive in Ewan's house as a small child, though she keeps this from the police. Rose is unhelpful as to Janice's interest in Penllynith but is plainly keeping secrets from Matilda and her husband Aron. More strange noises and the discovery of an empty, long-locked room increase Matilda's desire but she gets no answers from the villagers. Then she encounters a ragged man, Sean Howell, father of the missing girl who vanished some time after Carys, who gives her a present before running off. Back at the house she discovers shelves of old tape recordings."
