In one sense, it's incorrect to say that The Sarah Jane Adventures truly began on this day back in 2007 because the lovely lead character had experienced a whole lifetime of adventure as a companion to Doctor Who, but this is the day she was finally granted her own program within the wider Who Universe. Technically, it lasted until 2011 (lead actress Elisabeth Sladen was taken from us at that time), but in 2020 series creator Russell T. Davies scripted a kinda/sorta coda to the series, giving characters and fans a chance to find some closure with the loss. Bravo and godspeed ... Here's the series premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith, with the help of her adopted son, his friends, and an intelligent supercomputer, combats evil alien forces here on Earth."
For the record:
The Sarah Jane Adventures is not with its accolades. Perhaps the best way to review the cited contributions of its various players is to check out the show's awards page on IMDB.com, but I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that in 2008 the program was nominated in the category of 'Best Children's Drama' by the United Kingdom's Royal Television Society.
"Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith, with the help of her adopted son, his friends, and an intelligent supercomputer, combats evil alien forces here on Earth."
For the record:
The Sarah Jane Adventures is not with its accolades. Perhaps the best way to review the cited contributions of its various players is to check out the show's awards page on IMDB.com, but I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that in 2008 the program was nominated in the category of 'Best Children's Drama' by the United Kingdom's Royal Television Society.
Dana Andrews enjoyed a four-and-one-half decade's career in show business, and that's no small feat. His genre work leaned a bit more toward action roles, but he did boast appearances aboard Curse Of The Demon (1957), The Twilight Zone, Crack in the World (1965), The Satan Bug (1965), The Frozen Dead (1966), and Night Gallery. Though he's no longer with us, Andrews was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those who might be interested in this kind of thing, I've reviewed The Satan Bug (1965) in which Andrews appeared in a role. Interested parties can check out my thoughts on the SciFi/Thriller right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those who might be interested in this kind of thing, I've reviewed The Satan Bug (1965) in which Andrews appeared in a role. Interested parties can check out my thoughts on the SciFi/Thriller right here.
From what I've read, it would seem that bit player Carole Landis finally managed to 'make some noise' in Hollywood by emerging as one of filmdom's better-looking Neanderthals aboard 1940's fondly-remembered One Million B.C., essentially doing for that picture what Raquel Welch did for the 1966 remake for Hammer Films. (Hint: she looked very, very good while appearing scantily-clad.) Sadly, screen fortune and glory are rarely what many of us hope it might be, and the lady took her own life at the age of 29. Though she's no longer with us, Landis was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Carole struggled with personal and professional issues that, ultimately, conributed to the young woman taking her own life. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Carole struggled with personal and professional issues that, ultimately, conributed to the young woman taking her own life. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
1967's The Terrornauts saw former Bond girl Zena Marshall joining a group of kidnapped scientists being hauled into outer space by aliens. The actress also enjoyed screen time aboard The Invisible Man. Though she's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the career of Ty Hardin mostly involved starring in Westerns, he -- like many actors -- toward the end of his time in the business made time for other pursuits, including a role in the Fantasy-themed Image Of The Beast (1980). Interestingly enough, his very first credited role involved a small part in The Space Children (1958). Though he's no longer with us, Hardin was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Langella has had quite the career, but I personally remember him most from his brief stint on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While there, he played a conniving Bajoran politician/priest trying to usurp power for his own purposes to absolutely perfection. In 2012, he returned to the genre of Science Fiction with a curious little SciFi drama titled Robot & Frank. Langella was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Stanley Kamel had an interesting guest star spot during the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. In "Where No One Has Gone Before," he played an engineering genius named Kosinski who was actually more than a bit of a fake, choosing to hide behind the supernatural machinations of a being known only as The Traveler. Kamel also enjoyed guest starring roles on The Incredible Hulk, The Phoenix, Mork & Mindy, Dark Skies. Though he's no longer with us, Kamel was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her professional resume might be quite slim (a lean and mean 13 items on IMDB.com), Cynthia Garris' work is rich in genre projects. Her first gig? Why, she was one of the many zombies featured in Michael Jackson's groundbreaking Thriller video. From there, she provided the voice to the character of 'Zanti' aboard Critters 2: The Main Course (1988). And the hits just keep coming! Spots followed in TV's Swamp Thing, Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Sleepwalkers (1992), The Stand, The Shining (miniseries), Quicksilver Highway (1997), Host (1998), The Others, Riding The Bullet (2004), and TV's Masters Of Horror. Garris was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Edson has been stealing scenes from well over 100 different screen projects. Genre fans probably recognize him best from appearances aboard Howard the Duck (1986), Monsters, Super Mario Bros. (1993), Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman (1993), and Strange Days (1995). Edson was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mostly, I remember Sheila McCarthy for her work as a persistent yet plucky reporter in the under-appreciated Die Hard 2, but she has played some supporting and guest roles in such SciFi properties as The Day After Tomorrow and -- most recently -- the BBC's Orphan Black. McCarthy was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I didn't stick with ABC's Agent Carter. It was a bit too sugary for my tastes. In any event, the talented Meagen Fay appeared on the program. As far as genre work goes, she also committed scenes to such properties as Alien Nation, 3rd Rock From The Sun, and Charmed. Fay was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Madolyn Smith Osborne appears to have all but disappeared ... well, that's if IMDB.com has all of its facts straight. She made a splash in the entertainment business in the 1980's mostly, appearing briefly as Carolyn Floyd in 2010: The Year We Make Contact and then practically stealing the film Funny Farm right out from under Chevy Chase. Smith was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The sexy and steely-eyed Juliana Donald (seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "A Matter of Perspective") played in the wide, wide world of Star Trek more than once, making appearances aboard TNG and Deep Space Nine as well as the popular Star Trek: Borg video game. For good measure, she balanced out her career with roles on Superboy, The X-Files, and Babylon 5. Donald was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sure, her sister may be all the Hollywood rage, but luscious Dedee Pfeiffer is just fine by me! She's toiled away in some smaller properties, but those are ones usually that come to the attention of genre fans. You might recognize her from Stephen King's Dead Zone, Supernatural, AVH: Alien vs. Hunter, or Journey to the Center of the Earth. Pfeiffer was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though Morris Chestnut brought his A-game to the B-SciFi property on ABC TV's (rebooted) V, it just wasn't enough to salvage the franchise from the cancellation bin. Here's hoping that experience didn't scare him off from our beloved genre. Chestnut was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his acting career, Gabriel Jarret played Mitch Taylor, the somewhat socially inept Real Genius at the core of the 1985 SciFi comedy. Jarret was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from England, the talented Navin Chowdhry has dabbled in the greater universe of Doctor Who as well as a small role aboard Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017). Chowdhry was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
Actress Jennifer Hale has contributed vocals to such projects as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, several Star Wars video games, and Avengers Assemble. If you want to be seriously impressed, then check out her resume on IMDB.com right here. Hale was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sam Spruell had a great role aboard TNT's SciFi/Drama The Last Ship for a time. He was also seen aboard Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), The Martian (2015), and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017). Spruell was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daisy Haggard (above left) joined James Corden and Matt Smith for "The Lodger" (2010) and "Closing Time" (2011), two episodes of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Haggard was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Folks, just be wary as this citation may be in error. According to the massive and expansive Doctor Who Online Website, Haggard's birthday in January 1st. However, several other online sources have it listed as March 22. Once I have some verified information, I'll update the citation accordingly.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Folks, just be wary as this citation may be in error. According to the massive and expansive Doctor Who Online Website, Haggard's birthday in January 1st. However, several other online sources have it listed as March 22. Once I have some verified information, I'll update the citation accordingly.
Go figure: I was completely unawares that 1995's SciFi cult flick Screamers warranted a sequel (or sorts), but that must be the case as I've only just learned Screamers: The Hunting (2009) is a thing. In it, actor Christopher Redmond played Rafe Danielli, one of the spacers sent to Sirius 6-B to investigate a SOS signal. (Sounds a lot like Aliens, no?) The man has also sported roles aboard Code Name: Eternity, Stargate: SG-1, and The Dead Zone for good measure. Redman was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Steven Robertson made a pair of visits to the world of Doctor Who, appearing in both "Before The Flood" and "Under The Lake." Robertson was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Eden Riegel knows her way around live-acting and voiceover work. She's been a part of Sailor Moon R, Azumi (2003), Iron Man, and a host of similar properties. Riegel was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jonas Armstrong stepped up and enlisted to face down the invading alien forces at the heart of the action in 2014's Edge of Tomorrow. Armstrong was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Truth be told: Starz Network's Ash Vs. Evil Dead is much closer to traditional Horror than it is Fantasy, but the ongoing storylines dabbled fairly closely in themes similar to that which genre fans appreciate. In any case, the lovely Dana DeLorenzo did bang-up work on the program, and I'm thrilled to feature her in this space. DeLorenzo was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Amara Karan had a guest spot alongside Matt Smith on the BBC's Doctor Who during 2011. She's also appeared aboard Stan Lee's Lucky Man in 2016. Karan was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Colin Morgan made his professional acting debut in no less than the longtime running BBC SciFi serial, Doctor Who, back in 2008. In 2015, He was seen as a regular as part of the SciFi drama, Humans, tied in very closely with the program's central mystery. Morgan was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anna Brewster's role in 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens may've only been a bit part, but we all know what that means: come this time next year, she'll have been immortalized with the inevitable action figure! She played 'Bazine Netal' in the Walt Disney blockbuster. In 2020, she enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard LX 2048. Brewster was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To die-hard fans of The X-Files, he's known as Gibson Andrew Praise; to the rest of mankind, he's actor Jeff Gulka. He's also served time (in small guest roles) aboard Millennium, Stargate: SG-1, Stan Helsing (2009), Once Upon A Time, The Magicians, Van Helsing, and Charmed. Gulka was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A young Lara Robinson (above right) joined Rose Byrne and Nicolas Cage in 2009's Apocalyptic-themed Knowing from director Alex Proyas. Since then, she's larger gone on to work in more mainstream projects. Robinson was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Surprise! Like a welcome breath of fresh air, the Australian-born Angourie Rice made her splash in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with work aboard Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Other visits to the projects we hold near and dear include work aboard These Final Hours (2013), Nowhere Boys, and Black Mirror. Rice was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1930 (in the U.S.), audiences finally heard ... The Voice From The Sky! Directed by Ben F. Wilson from a script by Robert Dillon, the SciFi/Serial starred Hal Taliaferro, Neva Gerber, and Robert Walker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazed scientist calling himself The Voice from the Sky broadcasts his voice all across the globe, and threatens to suspend all energy in the earth's atmosphere and turn day into night unless the world immediately destroys all arms and vehicles of warfare. U. S. Secret Service agent Jack Deering is sent to Arizona to investigate, where he meets the scientist's daughter Jean. The ten-episode battle then ensues between Deering, a spy for the Russian government, an agent from Scotland Yard, and a mysterious cloaked 'Man from Nowhere,' who pursue each other from Canada to California in the attempt to acquire the 'secret of the air.'"
For the record:
From what I've read, this Science Fiction serial (10-parts) was advertised as being the very first talking serial to screen theatrically for audiences. Also, I've read that its originaly release date was sometime in 1929 (per IMDB.com), but I'm using Wikipedia.org and Google's January 1st date at present. If I can obtain more specific information, then I'll correct. Apparently, this was long thought to be a lost production, but it looks as if it has been found, perhaps as recently as 2015.
"A crazed scientist calling himself The Voice from the Sky broadcasts his voice all across the globe, and threatens to suspend all energy in the earth's atmosphere and turn day into night unless the world immediately destroys all arms and vehicles of warfare. U. S. Secret Service agent Jack Deering is sent to Arizona to investigate, where he meets the scientist's daughter Jean. The ten-episode battle then ensues between Deering, a spy for the Russian government, an agent from Scotland Yard, and a mysterious cloaked 'Man from Nowhere,' who pursue each other from Canada to California in the attempt to acquire the 'secret of the air.'"
For the record:
From what I've read, this Science Fiction serial (10-parts) was advertised as being the very first talking serial to screen theatrically for audiences. Also, I've read that its originaly release date was sometime in 1929 (per IMDB.com), but I'm using Wikipedia.org and Google's January 1st date at present. If I can obtain more specific information, then I'll correct. Apparently, this was long thought to be a lost production, but it looks as if it has been found, perhaps as recently as 2015.
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (according to Google.com), the SciFi/Cult film She Demons found itself alive! Written (in part) and directed by Richard E. Cunha, the picture starred the lovely Irish McCalla, Tod Griffin, and Victor Sen Yung; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Heroic, but dull, Fred Maklin and beautiful, but spoiled, Jerrie Turner wash up on an uncharted tropical island. They are soon captured by ex-Nazi Colonel Osler, who also has imprisoned a bevy of beauty contest winners whom he allows to be whipped by his slavering Nazi storm troopers. He has, you see, been extracting some glandular substance from the girls to inject into his wife Mona, who suffered terrible facial disfigurement, in efforts to restore her beauty. Things get worse as the island is used for test bombing by the US Air Force."
"Heroic, but dull, Fred Maklin and beautiful, but spoiled, Jerrie Turner wash up on an uncharted tropical island. They are soon captured by ex-Nazi Colonel Osler, who also has imprisoned a bevy of beauty contest winners whom he allows to be whipped by his slavering Nazi storm troopers. He has, you see, been extracting some glandular substance from the girls to inject into his wife Mona, who suffered terrible facial disfigurement, in efforts to restore her beauty. Things get worse as the island is used for test bombing by the US Air Force."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), Girl In His Pocket delivered a bit of miniaturization in a SciFi/Comedy. Directed by Pierre Kast from an adaptation of the novel "Amour de poche" by Waldemar Kamempfert, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jean Marais, Geneviève Page, and Jean-Claude Brialy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A professor experimenting in suspended animation accidentally shrinks his dog and later, his female lab assistant, when she drinks the liquid by accident and shrinks to 3 inches tall. The professor keeps her in his pocket until he can find an antidote. Sometimes she's naked, too."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Girl In His Pocket enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A professor experimenting in suspended animation accidentally shrinks his dog and later, his female lab assistant, when she drinks the liquid by accident and shrinks to 3 inches tall. The professor keeps her in his pocket until he can find an antidote. Sometimes she's naked, too."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Girl In His Pocket enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1965 (in Uruguay), Walt Disney's Son Of Flubber enjoyed a round of appearances at the movie house. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Keenan Wynn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Ned Brainard's discovery of flubber hasn't quite brought him - or his college - the riches he thought. The Pentagon has declared his discovery to be top secret and the IRS has slapped him with a huge tax bill, even if he has yet to receive a cent. He thinks he may have found the solution in the form of flubbergas, which can change the weather. It also helps Medfield College's football team to win a game. At home, his wife Betsy is jealous of the attention lavished on him by an old high school girlfriend."
"Professor Ned Brainard's discovery of flubber hasn't quite brought him - or his college - the riches he thought. The Pentagon has declared his discovery to be top secret and the IRS has slapped him with a huge tax bill, even if he has yet to receive a cent. He thinks he may have found the solution in the form of flubbergas, which can change the weather. It also helps Medfield College's football team to win a game. At home, his wife Betsy is jealous of the attention lavished on him by an old high school girlfriend."
On this day in 1974, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a U.S. theatrical re-release. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
A star is born! Or is that porn? On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Things To Come delivered a bit of romance by way of its SciFi construct. Directed by Derek Todd with a script from Michael Greenwood, the SciFi/Adult film starred Jim Curtis, Barbara Fisk, and Neil Fletcher. According to our friends at Letterboxd.com, here's the plot summary:
"Julie leaves her marriage to investigate a mysterious sci-fi cult on behalf of frustrated women everywhere."
For the record:
Technically, I've been unable to find any release information pertaining directly to Things To Come's theatrical origins, other than the fact that it's dated to 1976 by several online outlets. However, I hate to see films 'lost to history' -- especially when they have genre leanings -- so I've chosen to use January 1st in lieu of anything more specific. Should I locate the correct release date, I'll update the citation accordingly.
"Julie leaves her marriage to investigate a mysterious sci-fi cult on behalf of frustrated women everywhere."
For the record:
Technically, I've been unable to find any release information pertaining directly to Things To Come's theatrical origins, other than the fact that it's dated to 1976 by several online outlets. However, I hate to see films 'lost to history' -- especially when they have genre leanings -- so I've chosen to use January 1st in lieu of anything more specific. Should I locate the correct release date, I'll update the citation accordingly.
A star is born! Or is that porn? On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Sensual Encounters Of Every Kind enjoyed a run through theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Kanter, the Fantasy/Adult film starred Serena, Lesllie Bovee, and Georgina Spelvin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A magic talisman turns its possessors into sex maniacs."
For the record:
Unfortunately -- as happens from time-to-time -- I've been unable to locate the actual original theatrical premiere date for Sensual Encounters Of Every Kind. However, rather than see the flick entirely lost to history, I'm choosing to honor its anniversary as a universal 'January 1st.' Should I locate the film's actual premiere, I'll update the citation.
"A magic talisman turns its possessors into sex maniacs."
For the record:
Unfortunately -- as happens from time-to-time -- I've been unable to locate the actual original theatrical premiere date for Sensual Encounters Of Every Kind. However, rather than see the flick entirely lost to history, I'm choosing to honor its anniversary as a universal 'January 1st.' Should I locate the film's actual premiere, I'll update the citation.
On this day in 1978 (in Uruguary), the original Star Wars opened theatrically. For those of you raised in isolation, the feature film was written and directed by George Lucas and starred Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1980 (in Bolivia), Ridley Scott's original SciFi/Classic Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), audiences were catapulted on a journey Beyond The Universe. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Emenegger, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David Ladd, Jacqueline Ray, and Christopher Cary. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 21st-century scientist tries to save Earth after two atomic wars."
"A 21st-century scientist tries to save Earth after two atomic wars."
On this day in 1982 (in India), audiences believed a man could fly (again) when Superman enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Richard Donner, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, Gene Hackman as his nemesis 'Lex Luthor,' and Margot Kidder as 'Lois Lane.' According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in Canada), Swamp Thing rose up from the murky depths to take his place on the silver screen. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the DC Comics adaptation starred Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, and Dick Durock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Portugal), the Fantasy-themed Sword of the Valiant had its theatrical premiere. (NOTE: it had premiered previously in the United States and beyond in 1984.) The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Sean Connery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), the home video marketplace was graced with the presence of Galaxy Destroyer (aka Battle For The Lost Planet)! Written and directed by Brett Piper, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Matt Mitler, Denise Coward, and Joe Gentissi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After hijacking a space shuttle, a spy finds that the controls are malfunctioning and sees alien battleships approaching Earth. Many years later, when the arc of his flight path returns to earth, he finds the planet under alien domination."
"After hijacking a space shuttle, a spy finds that the controls are malfunctioning and sees alien battleships approaching Earth. Many years later, when the arc of his flight path returns to earth, he finds the planet under alien domination."
On this day in 1987 (in Bolivia), Aliens took audiences back to the universe of the Xenomorph. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn and directed by the great James Cameron, the SciFi/Adventure took Ripley into her very own 'heart of darkness,' and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), The Lawless Land raced across the formerly fruited plains into theaters. Directed by Jon Hess, the Apocalypse/Thriller starred Jsu Garcia, Leon, and Xander Berkeley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Action-adventure set in a world of the near-future, where young love is forbidden among the lower classes. Nevertheless, one couple defies their police-state world to fight and hold on to whatever love they can find."
For the record:
Technically, I'm not entirely sure of The Lawless Land's original theatrical premiere date. IMDB.com only cites "January 1988," so I'm using the January 1st date in lieu of something more specific. Should I obtain the film's official first screeing date, I'll update the citation accordingly.
"Action-adventure set in a world of the near-future, where young love is forbidden among the lower classes. Nevertheless, one couple defies their police-state world to fight and hold on to whatever love they can find."
For the record:
Technically, I'm not entirely sure of The Lawless Land's original theatrical premiere date. IMDB.com only cites "January 1988," so I'm using the January 1st date in lieu of something more specific. Should I obtain the film's official first screeing date, I'll update the citation accordingly.
A star is born! On this day in 1995, the SciFi/Telefilm The Fishmen And Their Queen played over the television airwaves. Written (in part) and directed by Sergio Martino, the feature starred Giuliano Gensini, Ramona Badescu, and Natascia Castrignano. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two teenagers prowl a devastated landscape, polluted by radioactive waste in search for food. On their quest of survival, they meet Socrates, a man who takes them to an island that seems a far cry away from the urban misery they struggled in. But the two youngsters ignore that the island is ruled by a beautiful but ruthless queen whose slaves are the hideous fishmen."
"Two teenagers prowl a devastated landscape, polluted by radioactive waste in search for food. On their quest of survival, they meet Socrates, a man who takes them to an island that seems a far cry away from the urban misery they struggled in. But the two youngsters ignore that the island is ruled by a beautiful but ruthless queen whose slaves are the hideous fishmen."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), audiences were temporally challenged with the theatrical release of Retroactive. Directed by Louis Morneau, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jim Belushi, Kylie Travis, and Shannon Whirry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A psychiatrist makes multiple trips through time to save a woman that was murdered by her brutal husband."
For the record:
For a rarely heard of release, Retroactive actually maintains a roster of impressive audience credentials worthy of note. In 1998, it was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best Single Genre Television Presentation. Furthermore, it's won acclaim under the name of 'Best Feature' from the 1997 Sweden Fantastic Film Festival, the 1998 Fantasporto, and 1997 Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film. Actor Jiim Belushi scored the Best Actor nod from the 1998 Málaga International Week of Fantastic Cinema. Kudos to all involved!
"A psychiatrist makes multiple trips through time to save a woman that was murdered by her brutal husband."
For the record:
For a rarely heard of release, Retroactive actually maintains a roster of impressive audience credentials worthy of note. In 1998, it was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best Single Genre Television Presentation. Furthermore, it's won acclaim under the name of 'Best Feature' from the 1997 Sweden Fantastic Film Festival, the 1998 Fantasporto, and 1997 Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film. Actor Jiim Belushi scored the Best Actor nod from the 1998 Málaga International Week of Fantastic Cinema. Kudos to all involved!
On this day in 1997 (in Hong Kong), The Arrival crashed down into theatres, once again igniting rumors of a potential alien invasion. Written and directed by David Twohy, the feature starred Charlie Sheen, Richard Schiff, and Lindsay Crouse. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Zane, a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it."
For the record:
I've always found The Arrival a particularly good film, thematically very similar to the kind of stuff that The X-Files was doing at this time. The 1997 home video release won the Saturn Award for -- dare I say? -- "Best Home Video Release."
"Zane, a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it."
For the record:
I've always found The Arrival a particularly good film, thematically very similar to the kind of stuff that The X-Files was doing at this time. The 1997 home video release won the Saturn Award for -- dare I say? -- "Best Home Video Release."
The truth is I haven't seen Strange Frequency 1 so I'm not entirely convinced I could "dig" Strange Frequency 2, a Fantasy-themed anthology film that was released on TV (in Italy) on this day in 2003. The individual segments were helmed by such directors as Neill Fearnley, Kevin Inch, and Jeff Woolnough. The segments featured such stars as Roger Daltrey, Jason Gedrick, and John Hawkes. In any event, here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"4 stories Soul Man Soft-spoken guitar tuner and roadie Mitch longs to be a guitar player and to have some of the perks of the obnoxious guitar idol he works for, like his pretty, neglected girlfriend. But his luck doesn't turn until he finds a curiosity at a junk shop-sheet music for what is supposedly Jimi Hendrix's last song. Although the aging beatnik who runs the shop warns him that playing the music will summon up the devil, Mitch buys it anyway. When he plays it, he suddenly finds his fortunes improving, thanks in part to the efforts of a new manager, sleek Simon Rathbone. But-surprise, surprise-it isn't all roses from here on out. Cold Turkey Singer, songwriter, and recovering addict Jared is trying to get his act together before his band starts a new tour, but he's finding it hard to write new songs without chemical assistance. Enter an alluring blond, who leads him back to the bottle and into trouble even as she helps him find inspiration again. But who is she, really?"
"4 stories Soul Man Soft-spoken guitar tuner and roadie Mitch longs to be a guitar player and to have some of the perks of the obnoxious guitar idol he works for, like his pretty, neglected girlfriend. But his luck doesn't turn until he finds a curiosity at a junk shop-sheet music for what is supposedly Jimi Hendrix's last song. Although the aging beatnik who runs the shop warns him that playing the music will summon up the devil, Mitch buys it anyway. When he plays it, he suddenly finds his fortunes improving, thanks in part to the efforts of a new manager, sleek Simon Rathbone. But-surprise, surprise-it isn't all roses from here on out. Cold Turkey Singer, songwriter, and recovering addict Jared is trying to get his act together before his band starts a new tour, but he's finding it hard to write new songs without chemical assistance. Enter an alluring blond, who leads him back to the bottle and into trouble even as she helps him find inspiration again. But who is she, really?"
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Alien Abduction took audiences on a wild, conspiratorial ride. Written and directed by Eric Forsberg, the feature starred Megan Lee Ethridge, Griff Furst, and Marissa Morse. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being abducted by extra terrestrials, Jean and her friends are committed to a top secret government run mental institution to undergo tests and be brainwashed."
For the record:
Alien Abduction captured the Jury Award for Best Special Effects at the 2005 Chicago Horror Film Festival, no small feat, indeed!
"After being abducted by extra terrestrials, Jean and her friends are committed to a top secret government run mental institution to undergo tests and be brainwashed."
For the record:
Alien Abduction captured the Jury Award for Best Special Effects at the 2005 Chicago Horror Film Festival, no small feat, indeed!
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S., per RottenTomatoes.com), the 1998-produced Amazon Warrior finally found its placed on the World Wide Web via streaming. Directed by Dennis Devine, the Fantasy feature starred J.J. Rodgers, Jimmy Jerman, and Christine Lydon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a camp of Amazon women is raided by a gang of murderous bandits, who kill everyone in the camp except one small girl. She grows up to be a mercenary, and one day she takes a job escorting the two daughters of a powerful warlord across a river. She finds out that the job turns out to be more dangerous than she thought, and she runs into someone from her past she thought she'd never see again."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a camp of Amazon women is raided by a gang of murderous bandits, who kill everyone in the camp except one small girl. She grows up to be a mercenary, and one day she takes a job escorting the two daughters of a powerful warlord across a river. She finds out that the job turns out to be more dangerous than she thought, and she runs into someone from her past she thought she'd never see again."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Ukraine), Dark Planet enjoyed its theatrical debut. The SciFi feature starred Vasiliy Stepanov and Yuliya Snigir, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space traveler from the Earth of 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on the unknown planet. Politically and economically this planet similar to the totalitarian human states of 20th century."
For the record:
Directed by Fedor Bondarchuk (a bit of an international sensation), Dark Planet scored some acclaim during its run, perhaps the most impressive of which involves its Golden Eagle Awards. (The Russian 'Golden Eagle' is the equivalent to the U.S. Oscars.) The film clinched wins in the categories of Best Music, Best Film Editing, and Best Cinematography, as well as scoring a nomination for Best Sound. Also, Dark Planet caught the attention of Russia's MTV Movie Awards and scored nominations for Best Movie Gadget, Best Fight, Best Film, and the seminal category itself -- Best Kiss.
"A space traveler from the Earth of 22th century - without wars, poverty and oppression - crashes on the unknown planet. Politically and economically this planet similar to the totalitarian human states of 20th century."
For the record:
Directed by Fedor Bondarchuk (a bit of an international sensation), Dark Planet scored some acclaim during its run, perhaps the most impressive of which involves its Golden Eagle Awards. (The Russian 'Golden Eagle' is the equivalent to the U.S. Oscars.) The film clinched wins in the categories of Best Music, Best Film Editing, and Best Cinematography, as well as scoring a nomination for Best Sound. Also, Dark Planet caught the attention of Russia's MTV Movie Awards and scored nominations for Best Movie Gadget, Best Fight, Best Film, and the seminal category itself -- Best Kiss.
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Screamers: The Hunting enjoyed its streaming debut. Expanding on a story from Philip K. Dick and directed by Sheldon Wilson, the film starred Gina Holden, Jana Pallaske, and Lance Henriksen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of humans arrive on Sirius 6-B to investigate an SOS signal sent out from the planet, which has been supposedly deserted since the destruction of the man-made weapons known as 'screamers.' Once the squad arrives, they find a group of human survivors eking out an existence in an old military outpost, but more important, they discover that the threat of the screamers has become even more insidious, now that they're able to morph into human form."
For the record:
Technically, I've no idea when Screamers: The Hunting made its official debut. The release information provided by IMDB.com only cites January of 2009, so in lieu of something more specific I'm using the January 1st date as a placeholder. Should I find more specific information in the future, I'll update the citation.
"A group of humans arrive on Sirius 6-B to investigate an SOS signal sent out from the planet, which has been supposedly deserted since the destruction of the man-made weapons known as 'screamers.' Once the squad arrives, they find a group of human survivors eking out an existence in an old military outpost, but more important, they discover that the threat of the screamers has become even more insidious, now that they're able to morph into human form."
For the record:
Technically, I've no idea when Screamers: The Hunting made its official debut. The release information provided by IMDB.com only cites January of 2009, so in lieu of something more specific I'm using the January 1st date as a placeholder. Should I find more specific information in the future, I'll update the citation.
A star is born! Ah, ah, ah! Look again! You may think you recognize this scene from the SciFi/ShortFilm Blackstar Warrior (which was released on this day in 2013), but that's probably because it's an obvious parody involving a galaxy far, far away! For those who'd like to know a bit more, then here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"In the future (as seen from 1982), space detective Tyson Roderick and his robot sidekick Alphie struggle to find Tyson's long-lost mother, which saving a beautiful space pirate from the evil clutches of a psychotic cult leader and his army of slave women."
"In the future (as seen from 1982), space detective Tyson Roderick and his robot sidekick Alphie struggle to find Tyson's long-lost mother, which saving a beautiful space pirate from the evil clutches of a psychotic cult leader and his army of slave women."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Canada), Avalanche Sharks took a bite out of its broadcast competition with its debut on television. Directed by Scott Wheeler with a script from Keith Shaw, the Horror/Fantasy starred Alexander Mendeluk, Kate Nauta, and Benjamin Easterday. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Avalanche Sharks tells the story of a bikini contest that turns into a horrifying affair when it is hit by a shark avalanche."
"Avalanche Sharks tells the story of a bikini contest that turns into a horrifying affair when it is hit by a shark avalanche."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in India), things got a little jurassic with the release of Jurassic City. Written and directed by Sean Cain, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ray Wise, Kevin Gage, and Vernon Wells. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prehistoric animals emerge from a science lab and tear up most of Los Angeles."
"Prehistoric animals emerge from a science lab and tear up most of Los Angeles."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Allegiance Of Powers enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Michael Crum from a script by Gerald Crum, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert Cavazos, Ariah Davis, and Jason Dilworth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Groups of super powered people begin a war that will bring the city they live in crumbling down. Allegiances of super powered people fight for control of a young girl, who holds the ultimate power to control anything and everyone in the city. They will begin a war that in the end could bring the entire city crumbling down."
"Groups of super powered people begin a war that will bring the city they live in crumbling down. Allegiances of super powered people fight for control of a young girl, who holds the ultimate power to control anything and everyone in the city. They will begin a war that in the end could bring the entire city crumbling down."
On this day in 2017 (in Russia and a whole host of other countries), Mafiya: Igra na vyzhivanie (aka Survival Game) enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred Vadim Tsallati and Violetta Getmanskaya, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Moscow, 2072. Twelve contestants, each with their own story and motives, play a televised game of Mafia. Those eliminated must enter a virtual reality to conquer their worst fear - or die trying."
For the record:
Mafiya scored the win for Best SFX at the 2016 Boston Science Fiction Film Festival while walking away with only a nomination for for Best Feature Film from the 2016 Fantastic Cinema Festival.
"Moscow, 2072. Twelve contestants, each with their own story and motives, play a televised game of Mafia. Those eliminated must enter a virtual reality to conquer their worst fear - or die trying."
For the record:
Mafiya scored the win for Best SFX at the 2016 Boston Science Fiction Film Festival while walking away with only a nomination for for Best Feature Film from the 2016 Fantastic Cinema Festival.
On this day in 2017, The Labyrinth served up a bit of a SciFi puzzle in the package of a conventional drama. The feature starred James Franco and Jim Parrack, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A horror-mystery-thriller exploring the unknown, the unexplained, and the unimaginable, with eight intertwined stories on life, death, regret and atonement."
"A horror-mystery-thriller exploring the unknown, the unexplained, and the unimaginable, with eight intertwined stories on life, death, regret and atonement."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), the battle had just begun with the release of Battle Bots (aka RoboWar). Written and directed by Mark Polonia, the SciFi/Thriller starred Danielle Donahue, Jeff Kirkendall, and Marie DeLorenzo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After nuclear warfare has decimated Earth, tyrants using service robots to enslave the population are met with a rebellion."
"After nuclear warfare has decimated Earth, tyrants using service robots to enslave the population are met with a rebellion."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Captain Midnight aired "Touchdown Terror." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson and the gang head out to watch the annual rival game at Dexter University. Jackson visits his old football coach John Harrison, seems a betting scandal is about to break involving the teams quarterback. Jackson is introduced to the boy, but can't get anything out of him. Jackson asks for 48 hours to sort the situation out or the boy will be reported to the athletic board. The player is then seen talking to two mobsters who want him to throw the game and earn enough money for an operation on his sister's legs. After the boy leaves Jackson confronts the criminals, who attack him but are beaten off. Jackson believes the story of the cost of the child's operation is faked and he contacts the doctor who agrees to do the operation for no fee. When the mobsters realize their plan is failing they kidnap the star quarterback. Jackson convinces the men that their boss has been arrested and they make a break for it till Jackson apprehends them. Now free, Jackson races to the game with the quarterback who enters to game just in time to assure a Dexter victory."
"Jackson and the gang head out to watch the annual rival game at Dexter University. Jackson visits his old football coach John Harrison, seems a betting scandal is about to break involving the teams quarterback. Jackson is introduced to the boy, but can't get anything out of him. Jackson asks for 48 hours to sort the situation out or the boy will be reported to the athletic board. The player is then seen talking to two mobsters who want him to throw the game and earn enough money for an operation on his sister's legs. After the boy leaves Jackson confronts the criminals, who attack him but are beaten off. Jackson believes the story of the cost of the child's operation is faked and he contacts the doctor who agrees to do the operation for no fee. When the mobsters realize their plan is failing they kidnap the star quarterback. Jackson convinces the men that their boss has been arrested and they make a break for it till Jackson apprehends them. Now free, Jackson races to the game with the quarterback who enters to game just in time to assure a Dexter victory."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet launched "The Runaway Asteroid." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Commander Arkwright stakes his career on the Space Patrol's ability to alter the course of an asteroid so it can be converted for use as a space station."
"Commander Arkwright stakes his career on the Space Patrol's ability to alter the course of an asteroid so it can be converted for use as a space station."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone rang in the New Year with a tale rather ominously titled "The Four of Us Are Dying." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man who can change his face to look like other people uses his ability to improve his life regardless of his affect on others."
"A man who can change his face to look like other people uses his ability to improve his life regardless of his affect on others."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "Volcano" as part of 'The Dalek's Master Plan' storyline. Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Daleks realize the Doctor has given them a fake Taranium Core while, on the planet Tigus, the Doctor encounters the Meddling Monk."
"The Daleks realize the Doctor has given them a fake Taranium Core while, on the planet Tigus, the Doctor encounters the Meddling Monk."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "The Creature." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While on a routine scientific expedition Capt Crane encounters a strange hybrid seaweed humanoid creature. Crane is captured by the creature and the crew of Seaview launch a desperate attempt to rescue Crane before his air runs out."
"While on a routine scientific expedition Capt Crane encounters a strange hybrid seaweed humanoid creature. Crane is captured by the creature and the crew of Seaview launch a desperate attempt to rescue Crane before his air runs out."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who premiered its ninth season with the mind-bending "Day of the Daleks: Episode One." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When someone tries to assassinate diplomat Sir Reginald Styles, UNIT investigate the possibility his attacker came from the future."
"When someone tries to assassinate diplomat Sir Reginald Styles, UNIT investigate the possibility his attacker came from the future."
- If you're interested further, you can find SciFiHistory.Net's collection of screencaps for this episode here.
Like mom used to say, it's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye ... oh, wait ... she's actually shooting that thing? Oh, that changes things entirely! On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 rang in the New Years with an hour titled "The Last Sunset." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the Alphans are planning to explore the planet Ariel, a 'missile' attaches itself to the en route Eagle. Upon returning to Alpha, the 'missile' gives the Alphans a lunar atmosphere. But the joy at the possibility of making a new world out of the Moon is short lived, as the moon does not enter orbit around the planet or its sun, and Alpha faces destruction from the newly acquired lunar air."
"As the Alphans are planning to explore the planet Ariel, a 'missile' attaches itself to the en route Eagle. Upon returning to Alpha, the 'missile' gives the Alphans a lunar atmosphere. But the joy at the possibility of making a new world out of the Moon is short lived, as the moon does not enter orbit around the planet or its sun, and Alpha faces destruction from the newly acquired lunar air."
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Face Of Evil: Part 1." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's fourteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"On a nameless planet in the far future where invisible monsters prowl, the Doctor befriends a warrior woman named Leela, recently banished from her tribe, the Sevateem. She and everyone recognize the Doctor immediately. He is the Evil One who, in their mythology, holds their god Xoanon prisoner and must be destroyed."
"On a nameless planet in the far future where invisible monsters prowl, the Doctor befriends a warrior woman named Leela, recently banished from her tribe, the Sevateem. She and everyone recognize the Doctor immediately. He is the Evil One who, in their mythology, holds their god Xoanon prisoner and must be destroyed."
Why, who wouldn't want to ring in the new year with an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation? On this day back in 1990, "The Defector" premiered in TV syndication as part of the program's third season. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
Data was discovering the human condition by Shakespearian acting, when Picard gets informed a craft entered the Neutral Zone. It's identified as a Romulan scout, which claims to need urgently asylum from a persecutor. The wounded Setol gets it, and warns the Romulans nearly finished building a base on a planet in the Neutral Zone, in order to occupy it and from there strike 15 neighboring Federation zones with a fleet of war birds, which would mean another full war, but still remains rather defensive, at times hostile. Commander Riker and counselor Troi are charged with questioning him further, in case it's a ploy to lure them into the zone as a war pretext. The admiralty refuses the Empire's demand to return the defector, and orders Picard to find out if the threat is real. After technological means came to contradictory conclusions, Setol discloses his real identity, and that's not the last surprising twist..."
Not enough, you say? Well, then check out the episode's trailer from YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/xG-aofc5CkQ
Data was discovering the human condition by Shakespearian acting, when Picard gets informed a craft entered the Neutral Zone. It's identified as a Romulan scout, which claims to need urgently asylum from a persecutor. The wounded Setol gets it, and warns the Romulans nearly finished building a base on a planet in the Neutral Zone, in order to occupy it and from there strike 15 neighboring Federation zones with a fleet of war birds, which would mean another full war, but still remains rather defensive, at times hostile. Commander Riker and counselor Troi are charged with questioning him further, in case it's a ploy to lure them into the zone as a war pretext. The admiralty refuses the Empire's demand to return the defector, and orders Picard to find out if the threat is real. After technological means came to contradictory conclusions, Setol discloses his real identity, and that's not the last surprising twist..."
Not enough, you say? Well, then check out the episode's trailer from YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/xG-aofc5CkQ
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine went back to Earth in an episode titled "Homefront." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sisko travels to Earth when a bombing at a Federation conference is determined to be the work of Changelings."
"Sisko travels to Earth when a bombing at a Federation conference is determined to be the work of Changelings."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the tenth episode of their sixth season, a bit of a comical departure from so much war-time suffering that was called "The Magnificent Ferengi." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"At the request of the Grand Nagus, Quark puts together a mission to rescue Quark's mother, who is in the hands of the Dominion."
"At the request of the Grand Nagus, Quark puts together a mission to rescue Quark's mother, who is in the hands of the Dominion."
On this day in 2003 (in Brazil), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
It all began right here: on this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), the Doctor Who universe got a little bit larger with the premiere episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures. The installment was titled "Invasion of the Bane," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Maria moves into her new home and meets her neighbour Sarah Jane Smith. It's long until both of them find themselves at the local Bubble Shock factory and in terrible danger."
"Maria moves into her new home and meets her neighbour Sarah Jane Smith. It's long until both of them find themselves at the local Bubble Shock factory and in terrible danger."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "End of Days." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rift is splintering - strange phenomena like UFOs and ancient soldiers are falling through time into various places around the world. These events resemble those in the prophecy of the arrival of Abaddon, the Great Devourer, who will lead the world into shadow and bring about the End of Days..."
"The Rift is splintering - strange phenomena like UFOs and ancient soldiers are falling through time into various places around the world. These events resemble those in the prophecy of the arrival of Abaddon, the Great Devourer, who will lead the world into shadow and bring about the End of Days..."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired the utterly heartbreaking "The End Of Time: Part 2" on BBC One, bringing about the end of David Tennant's tenure as the singular time traveler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what it was all about:
"With almost everyone on Earth now recast in his image, The Master controls the Earth. He's shocked however when he realises one person hasn't changed; Donna Noble. The Doctor soon understands what the pounding in the Master's head is; it's the Time Lords, who are trying to return and re-establish Gallifrey. If they succeed, it'll mean the Last Great Time War will re-start, and all the horrors which came with it. In order to stop Rasillon's mad plan, the Doctor must make a choice. Finally, the Ood's prophecy for the Doctor becomes true, and he takes the TARDIS on a trip, to see friends for one last time, before he's to regenerate."
For the record: Although Doctor Who's "The End Of Time" takes place at the end of Season Four, many online sources have never listed it as an official part of that season as it was broadcast largely as a two-part event, setting up the departure of David Tennant in the central role. Consequently, I've not listed it as such on SciFiHistory.Net.
"With almost everyone on Earth now recast in his image, The Master controls the Earth. He's shocked however when he realises one person hasn't changed; Donna Noble. The Doctor soon understands what the pounding in the Master's head is; it's the Time Lords, who are trying to return and re-establish Gallifrey. If they succeed, it'll mean the Last Great Time War will re-start, and all the horrors which came with it. In order to stop Rasillon's mad plan, the Doctor must make a choice. Finally, the Ood's prophecy for the Doctor becomes true, and he takes the TARDIS on a trip, to see friends for one last time, before he's to regenerate."
For the record: Although Doctor Who's "The End Of Time" takes place at the end of Season Four, many online sources have never listed it as an official part of that season as it was broadcast largely as a two-part event, setting up the departure of David Tennant in the central role. Consequently, I've not listed it as such on SciFiHistory.Net.
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars rang in the New Year with the airing of "Grievous Intrigue." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Master Eeth Koth has tracked down General Grievous, but is soon captured and tortured as an example to the Jedi. Obi-Wan, Anakin and Adi Gallia mount a rescue attempt, unaware that Grievous is expecting them to do just that."
"Master Eeth Koth has tracked down General Grievous, but is soon captured and tortured as an example to the Jedi. Obi-Wan, Anakin and Adi Gallia mount a rescue attempt, unaware that Grievous is expecting them to do just that."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars continued with its special New Years Day event with the airing of "The Deserter." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's second seaon, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Obi-Wan and a detachment of the 501st track down General Grievous on Saleucami. When Captain Rex is injured he is taken to a farmhouse to recuperate, only to find the farmer has a familiar face."
"Obi-Wan and a detachment of the 501st track down General Grievous on Saleucami. When Captain Rex is injured he is taken to a farmhouse to recuperate, only to find the farmer has a familiar face."
New year? New year, you say? How about an all-new genre? That's what many who have studied the wide, wide field of Science Fiction and Fantasy would tell you as it was on this day all the way back in 1818 that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was first brought into print ... and many a scholar have credited the work as being the literary foundation for All Things SciFi! And what a foundation to begin upon? Here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Frankenstein is the most famous novel by Mary Shelley: a dark Faustian parable of science misused that was an immediate success on its publication in 1818. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but wayward scientist, builds a human from dead flesh and then, horrified at what he has done, abandons his creation. The creature, an outcast because of his appearance, learns language and becomes civilized, but when rejected by society seeks revenge on his creator. So begins a cycle of destruction in which Frankenstein and his 'monster' lose all vestiges of their humanity in monomaniacal hatred."
"Frankenstein is the most famous novel by Mary Shelley: a dark Faustian parable of science misused that was an immediate success on its publication in 1818. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but wayward scientist, builds a human from dead flesh and then, horrified at what he has done, abandons his creation. The creature, an outcast because of his appearance, learns language and becomes civilized, but when rejected by society seeks revenge on his creator. So begins a cycle of destruction in which Frankenstein and his 'monster' lose all vestiges of their humanity in monomaniacal hatred."
