One of the television programs that helped fuel the conspiracy about an impending alien takeover of our planet was -- without a doubt -- the late 1960's entry into the lexicon better known as The Invaders. (It premiered on this day in 1967.) Roy Thinnes starred as 'David Vincent,' an ordinary man who experienced an encounter that put him on the path to reveal the invasion to the greater public-at-large. The show lasted for two seasons. In 2009, the collected release for both seasons won the Saturn Award for 'Best Retro Television Release' on DVD, no small feat indeed.
One of the coolest animated spin-offs ever to come about was the phenomenal Batman Beyond. The show first premiered on this day in 1999, and it brought a younger version of the Batman into continuity after Bruce Wayne kinda/sorta set aside the job. It lasted three awesome seasons; and -- for a time -- there was word that a live action motion picture might be in the offing. As of yet? Well, nothing's transpired, but I'll keep hoping for it. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fuelled by remorse and vengeance, a high schooler named Terry McGinnis revives the role of Batman. Under supervision of an elderly Bruce Wayne, he fights crime in a harsh, futuristic Gotham."
"Fuelled by remorse and vengeance, a high schooler named Terry McGinnis revives the role of Batman. Under supervision of an elderly Bruce Wayne, he fights crime in a harsh, futuristic Gotham."
As Sessom, Francis X. Bushman (on the ground above) played only one of the many surprises awaiting the unfortunate astronaut discovering The Phantom Planet (1961). Though he's no longer with us, Bushman was born on this day in 1883.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Make no mistake: far more people remember funnyman Ray Bolger (above right) for his work as The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, but SciFi fans recall his robotic guest spot late in his life aboard 1970's Battlestar Galactica. Though he's no longer with us, Bolger was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of M for the James Bond series, the venerable Bernard Lee maintained an impressive record ordering the world's greatest spy into action, including his stint in space aboard Moonraker (1979) which turned out to be the actor's final theatrical appearance for the saga. Though he's no longer with us, Lee was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With nearly seven decades in the entertainment business, there's no doubt that Amzie Strickland touched a lot of hearts. As far as Science Fiction goes, she booked appearances aboard The Twilight Zone, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project U.F.O., Knight Rider, and ALF. Though she's no longer with us, Strickland was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented actor-turned-director Lee Phillips enjoyed a solid role aboard "The Galaxy Being," the very first episode ever of the fondly-remembered The Outer Limits. He also enjoyed a pair of visits to the world of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Phillips was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Elaine Devry certainly seems to have led a life with more than some modest excitement. Besides appearing in such genre features as The Atomic Kid (1954) and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (1973), she quite possibly married a man who was wanted by the Las Vegas mob! Oooh, baby! Devry was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Unlike other SciFi junkies, I'm not all gaga for the late 60's series The Prisoner: it's definitely great viewing, but I'm not sure all of it is as 'prescient' as some make it out to be. In any event, Anton Rodgers played 'Number Two' aboard the program. Though he's no longer with us, Rodgers was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sal Mineo leaves behind a legacy of over 70 different screen credits, but SciFi fans might know him best in the guise of 'Dr. Milo,' one of the ape refugees who managed to Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971). Though he's no longer with us, Mineo was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Walter Hill's is a name I certainly recognize. Genre fans probably know him best for action flicks, but he's also known to have contributed the story for Aliens (1986), having directed Supernova (2000), and producing AVP: Aliens Vs. Predator among many, many other things. Hill was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great character actor, William Sanderson, has rather deftly switched between comedy and drama, though methinks he's always played pitch perfect when cast somewhere decidedly in-between those two genres. He had a solid run on HBO's True Blood -- though I thought his character really ended up being slighted creatively -- but I'll always remember him best as J.F. Sebastian from the legendary Blade Runner. Sanderson was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ivar Brogger is one of those talented actors who's had the opportunity to play in more than a single universe: to date, he's secured guest spots in both Star Trek: Voyager and Andromeda. Brogger was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his IMDB.com profile would make one believe he's moved on into more 'scholarly' pursuits, screenwriter Fred Bronson was responsible for crafting an episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series as well as contributing toward two hours of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Bronson was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his acting career, Ralph Byers had the chance to serve aboard no less than the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek - The Motion Picture (1979). Byers was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Fran Walsh helped her hubby Peter Jackson bring J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasies to life by drafting both The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings into scripts. Walsh was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sherman Augustus certainly continues to seek out and explore new roles and new imaginations. He's been aboard such properties as Digital Man (1995), Space Marines (1996), Viper, Virus (1999), Star Trek: Voyager, Westworld, and Into The Badlands. Augustus was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Jeff Kaake has been a part of several short-lived television series, but SciFi fans know him best as 'Capt. John Boon' on Space Rangers. Kaake was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Buried somewhere under all of that makeup and latex for her work aboard Fantasy's The Beastmaster (1982) is Janet Jones, one of mankind's most equisite beauties. (FYI: she's properly billed as 'Witchwoman #3' in the motion picture.) Jones was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Evan Handler entered the greater world of ABC TV's Lost for a terrific guest spot back in 2006. Otherwise, he tends to avoid Science Fiction. Handler was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For those who've missed it, Science Fiction and Fantasy has long taken the focus of being not only family-friendly but also funny. Today's exhibit: My Parents Are Aliens is a long-running United Kingdom family-friendly comedy exploring every day life by way of some extraterrestrial elders. Tony Gardner anchored the program as the dear ol' alien dad, and Gardner was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well after finding big screen fame alongside Michael J. Fox in the cult Horror hit, The Frighteners, Trini Alvarado enjoyed a few guest spots aboard Fox TV's Fringe program. Alvarado was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sherry Hitch is one of those 'special effects wizards' whose behind-the-scenes efforts bring to life some of what gives audiences so much joy in Science Fiction films. She's worked on such features as Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, The Chronicles of Riddick, Star Trek, and Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Hitch was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Jules Bruff made a genre appearance aboard the SciFi short film Station Zero (2012). Bruff was born on this day in 1973. She also enjoyed a small role aboard the Fantasy-themed Lucifer.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Kelly Marcel was one of the creators/screenwriters responsible for bringing Fox TV's short-lived Terra Nova to life on the small screen. More recently, she crafted the screenplay for Marvel's big screen debut of Venom (2018). Marcel was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bollywood sensation Hrithik Roshan struts his Mutant stuff headlining the Krrish saga, a cinematic take on the popular Indian superhero. Roshan was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Multi-talented Jemaine Clement played the role of the big baddie troubling Will Smith in Men In Black III (2012). Clement was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Lee Rumohr played a guest spot aboard the WB's popular Smallville. He's also had screen time on Mutant X, Syfy's Lost Girl, and The CW's Supernatural. Rumohr was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Antonio Cupo has certainly dabbled along the edges of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He's had roles aboard So Weird, The Immortal, Dark Angel, Special Unit 2, Andromeda, Taken (TV miniseries), and Supernatural. Cupo was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Carrie Reichenbach raced her way into genre history with a big role aboard the SciFi/Fantasy Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight. Reichenbach was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The impressive Sarah Shahi enjoyed a prominent role aboard CBS's popular SciFi-lite property, Person Of Interest. Shahi was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Irish-born Emily Taaffe has enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard such properties as the BBC's Atlantis and Stan Lee's Lucky Man. Taaffe was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Alex Meraz continues to pop up all across the world of entertainment. Fans generally recognize him from work aboard the Twilight saga, but he's also enjoyed work aboard Suicide Squad (2016) and Bright (2017). Meraz was born on this day ibn 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rebecca Dalton is certainly not well known for work in the realm of Science Fiction, but she does maintain a few genre-related credits worthy of mention. She's enjoyed appearances aboard My Babysitter's A Vampire, Lost Girl, and Good Witch for good measure. Dalton was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Science Fiction clearly doesn't appear to be the young lady's chosen field, the lovely Emily Meade did give fanboys a flirtatious glance with a small guest starring role aboard Fox TV's Fringe. Meade was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For her work aboard Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (2016) for 20th Century Fox, let it be said that Lauren McCrostie brought the heat. McCrostie was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1927, Fritz Lang's masterpiece Metropolis first premiered theatrically in his native Germany. The SciFi movie wouldn't hit the United States for another two months, but the film certainly set the bar as high as it could go for the potential visionary power that Science Fiction offered moviemakers of its era. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
On this day in 1933 (in Portugal), the original SciFi/Horror Classic Frankenstein scared up audiences in theaters. James Whale directed the motion picture from an adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, and the feature starred Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, and Boris Karloff. For those born on an island, here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
A star is born! On this day in 1933 (in the U.S.), The Vampire Bat swooped down onto unsuspecting audiences. Directed by Frank R. Strayer from a story by Edward T. Lowe Jr., the Horror/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, and Melvyn Douglas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the villagers of Klineschloss start dying of blood loss, the town fathers suspect a resurgence of vampirism. While police inspector Karl remains skeptical, scientist Dr. von Niemann cares for the vampire's victims one by one, and suspicion falls on simple-minded Herman Gleib because of his fondness for bats. A blood-thirsty mob hounds Gleib to his death, but the vampire attacks don't stop."
"When the villagers of Klineschloss start dying of blood loss, the town fathers suspect a resurgence of vampirism. While police inspector Karl remains skeptical, scientist Dr. von Niemann cares for the vampire's victims one by one, and suspicion falls on simple-minded Herman Gleib because of his fondness for bats. A blood-thirsty mob hounds Gleib to his death, but the vampire attacks don't stop."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Japan), Gorgo growled its way to the box office. Directed by Eugène Lourié from a story by Robert L. Richards and Daniel James, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Bill Travers, William Sylvester, and Vincent Winter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A salvage vessle is nearly sunk off the Irish coast by an undersea earthquake. A few nights later, a walking sea monster tangles with the fishing boats and enters the town. The salvage vessel captures Gorgo and takes it to London for display. Gorgo's mother, who is upset and significantly larger follows his trail to London leaving a wake of destruction in her path."
"A salvage vessle is nearly sunk off the Irish coast by an undersea earthquake. A few nights later, a walking sea monster tangles with the fishing boats and enters the town. The salvage vessel captures Gorgo and takes it to London for display. Gorgo's mother, who is upset and significantly larger follows his trail to London leaving a wake of destruction in her path."
On this day in 1962 (in Argentina), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor enjoyed a run at the box office. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
On this day in 1963 (in Hungary), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor enjoyed its theatrical release. The film starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Children Of The Damned enjoyed a limited issue release, most likely to build up the excitement for a full release that would follow in a few weeks. Not a direct sequel to Village Of The Damned (but done in the same vein), the film was directed by Anton Leader and starred Ian Hendry, Alan Badel, and Barbara Ferris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Six impossibly intelligent children from all over the world with dangerous psychic powers hide in a church in England after the military tries to experiment on them. Besieged, they warn the military to back off before carnage ensues."
"Six impossibly intelligent children from all over the world with dangerous psychic powers hide in a church in England after the military tries to experiment on them. Besieged, they warn the military to back off before carnage ensues."
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), the good people of Charleston, West Virginia were treated to the silver screen premiere of Horror Castle. Adapted for the screen (in part) and directed by Antonio Margheriti (based on the Frank Bogart novel "The Virgen Of Nurimberg"), the Horror/Fantasy starred Rossana Podestà, Christopher Lee, and Georges Rivière. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Women are being tortured to death with various torture devices in the dungeon of an old castle by a deformed, hooded, holocaust survivor."
"Women are being tortured to death with various torture devices in the dungeon of an old castle by a deformed, hooded, holocaust survivor."
On this day in 1970 (in Spain), audiences at home were treated to the broadcast premiere of Beyond The Time Barrier. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Clarke, Darlene Tompkins, and Arianne Ulmer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1960, a military test pilot is caught in a time warp that propels him to year 2024 where he finds a plague has sterilized the world's population."
"In 1960, a military test pilot is caught in a time warp that propels him to year 2024 where he finds a plague has sterilized the world's population."
A star is born! On this day in 1975, the SciFi/Telefilm Stowaway To The Moon aired in the vacuum. The feature starred Lloyd Bridges and Jeremy Slate, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An 11 year old boy, who has always been fascinated by space and astronauts, wishes he could go into space also. So of course it should be easy to get into Cape Kennedy, up the launch tower, and into the capsule. Naturally when something goes wrong on the journey, he will save the day."
"An 11 year old boy, who has always been fascinated by space and astronauts, wishes he could go into space also. So of course it should be easy to get into Cape Kennedy, up the launch tower, and into the capsule. Naturally when something goes wrong on the journey, he will save the day."
On this day in 1985 (in Mexico), audiences were treated to yet one more look into our dismal future with the theatrical release of Endgame. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Al Cliver, Laura Gemser, and George Eastman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
A star is born! Vroom, vroom! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), one of the coolest cars in film history raced onto the big screen with the theatrical release of Black Moon Rising. Directed by Harley Cokeliss (from a script written in part by John Carpenter), the SciFi/Thriller starred Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Vaughn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A thief, Quint, is hired by the Justice Department to steal incriminating tapes from a corrupt corporation. The tapes vanish when Quint hides them in the back of a hydrodynamic powered racing car that is stolen by a hot car ring."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Moon Rising enjoyed a wee bit of praised from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A thief, Quint, is hired by the Justice Department to steal incriminating tapes from a corrupt corporation. The tapes vanish when Quint hides them in the back of a hydrodynamic powered racing car that is stolen by a hot car ring."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Moon Rising enjoyed a wee bit of praised from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1986 (in Brazil), Starchaser: The Legend Of Orin delivered a bit of SciFi/Fantasy via animation. Directed by Steven Hahn from a script by Jeffrey Scott, the project starred the voices of Joe Colligan, Carmen Argenziano, and Noelle North. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set on the subterranean Mine-World, a band of human worker are treated like slaves under the power of the evil overlord Zygon until one, Orin, unearths the hilt of a mythical sword that only he can master. Escaping the planet, he runs into the rogue smuggler Dagg and a pair of helpful droids and the princess, who all team up to return to the Mine-World with a plan to defeat Zygon and free Orin's enslaved people."
"Set on the subterranean Mine-World, a band of human worker are treated like slaves under the power of the evil overlord Zygon until one, Orin, unearths the hilt of a mythical sword that only he can master. Escaping the planet, he runs into the rogue smuggler Dagg and a pair of helpful droids and the princess, who all team up to return to the Mine-World with a plan to defeat Zygon and free Orin's enslaved people."
On this day in 1988 (in Thailand), The Running Man raced the odds to box office glory. Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza adapted the Stephen King novel for the silver screen, and the flick was directed by Paul Michael Glaser. The feature film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Yaphet Kotto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1994, the SciFi/Telefilm Natural Selection aired. The feature starred C. Thomas Howell and Lisa Zane, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
On this day in 1997 (in Switzerland), the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D went back in time in order to save their future with the theatrical release of Star Trek: First Contact. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the feature film starred Patrick Stewart, Alice Krige, and Brent Spiner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! I have a vague recollection of watching The Relic in theatres when it premiered on this day back in 1997. The mildly muddled story starred Penelope Ann Miller and Tom Sizemore, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), The One did the best it could to soar to the top spot at the box office. Written (in part) and directed by James Wong, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jet Li, Jason Statham, and Carla Gugino. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. With only one version remaining, he races against the clock to finish him and become "The One.""
For the record:
To the film's credit, The One did receive a nomination for 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films but missed out on the win.
"A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. With only one version remaining, he races against the clock to finish him and become "The One.""
For the record:
To the film's credit, The One did receive a nomination for 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films but missed out on the win.
On this day in 2003 (in Uruguay), thankfully no one can hear you scream in space ... or, at least, that's likely what the cast and crew of Jason X hoped. Directed by James Isaac, the SciFi/Horror starred Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, and Jeff Geddis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the beginning of the 21st century, and is discovered in the 25th century and taken to space. He gets thawed, and begins stalking and killing the crew of the spaceship that's transporting him."
"Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the beginning of the 21st century, and is discovered in the 25th century and taken to space. He gets thawed, and begins stalking and killing the crew of the spaceship that's transporting him."
On this day in 2006 (in Germany), Gargoyle enjoyed its release. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the Fantasy film starred genre-favorite Michael Paré and Sandra Hess, and here's the plot summary from 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."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Canada), Dark Reprieve delivered a dose of mystery via its SciFi construct. Directed by Richard Boddington from a script by Katrina Rodriguez, the film starred Janelle Bartosek, Shawn Storer, and Sarah Jackson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two people Matt and Kate wake up in a closed down prison. They have no idea how they got there, or why they are there. In the prison they encounter several terrors as they look for an exit."
"Two people Matt and Kate wake up in a closed down prison. They have no idea how they got there, or why they are there. In the prison they encounter several terrors as they look for an exit."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Australia), From Parts Unknown blazed a trail of action and adventure for audiences. Written and directed by Daniel Armstrong, the Horror/Fantasy starred Elke Berry, Mick Preston, and Jenna Dwyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Budding female pro wrestling champion Charlie is faced with a wrestle-pocalypse of homicidal monsters spawned by a wrestling video game."
"Budding female pro wrestling champion Charlie is faced with a wrestle-pocalypse of homicidal monsters spawned by a wrestling video game."
On this day in 2022 (in Bulgaria), Boss Level enjoyed its premiere on broadcast television. Written (in part) and directed by Joe Carnahan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, and Naomi Watts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Rifled Arsenal." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Commander Cory is satisfied he has finally broken Ahyo's power base the final destruction of his weapons. Ahyo quickly reveals he is far from beaten."
"Commander Cory is satisfied he has finally broken Ahyo's power base the final destruction of his weapons. Ahyo quickly reveals he is far from beaten."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Stingray aired "Rescue From The Skies." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of his training to become an aquanaut, Lieutenant Fisher is given temporary command of Stingray and assigned target practice."
"As part of his training to become an aquanaut, Lieutenant Fisher is given temporary command of Stingray and assigned target practice."
It all began right here: on this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), the invasion official began when The Invaders premiered in television history. The first episode ever was titled "Beachhead," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An architect's close encounter with a spaceship leads him to investigate a small town's hydroelectric plant."
"An architect's close encounter with a spaceship leads him to investigate a small town's hydroelectric plant."
Racial harmony never came more front and center (or color-coded) in an issue of the classic Star Trek than it did in "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." The episode first aired on this day back in 1969, and it gave TV veteran Frank Gorshin a chance to play in the Trek universe. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the fifteenth episode of the program's third season:
"The Enterprise encounters two duo-chromatic and mutually belligerent aliens who put the ship in the middle of their old conflict."
"The Enterprise encounters two duo-chromatic and mutually belligerent aliens who put the ship in the middle of their old conflict."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Spearhead From Space: Part 2." This served as the second episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"UNIT's attempts to locate the meteorites are hampered by the mysterious plastic Autons, being constructed by Channing at a nearby factory, while the Doctor makes another attempt to escape from the hospital."
"UNIT's attempts to locate the meteorites are hampered by the mysterious plastic Autons, being constructed by Channing at a nearby factory, while the Doctor makes another attempt to escape from the hospital."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Brain Of Morbius: Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode in the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sisterhood prepare to sacrifice the Doctor to the Sacred Flame and Sarah is injured while rescuing him."
"The Sisterhood prepare to sacrifice the Doctor to the Sacred Flame and Sarah is injured while rescuing him."
Capt. Buck Rogers turned another year older, another year wiser in the January 10, 1980 episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century titled, "Happy Birthday, Buck." The adventure saw our intrepid space hero combating feelings of homesickness on what amounts to his 534th birthday. (Geez, maybe they should've laid off so many candles!) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Nearing his 534th birthday, Buck Rogers feels homesick for the 20th century and Wilma Deering plans a surprise party to cheer him up. To lure Buck out of his apartment and allow Wilma to arrange the party, Dr. Huer assigns him to escort psychic courier Raylyn Derren to New Detroit. Meanwhile, the bitter and vindictive Cornell Traeger escapes from a remote planet that he has been imprisoned on for 15 years. He acquires a mutant power to change molecular structures and plans revenge on Dr. Huer for sending him on a disastrous mission. Traeger kidnaps the psychic courier to find out Dr. Huer's location and Buck must stop him before he can carry out the assassination."
"Nearing his 534th birthday, Buck Rogers feels homesick for the 20th century and Wilma Deering plans a surprise party to cheer him up. To lure Buck out of his apartment and allow Wilma to arrange the party, Dr. Huer assigns him to escort psychic courier Raylyn Derren to New Detroit. Meanwhile, the bitter and vindictive Cornell Traeger escapes from a remote planet that he has been imprisoned on for 15 years. He acquires a mutant power to change molecular structures and plans revenge on Dr. Huer for sending him on a disastrous mission. Traeger kidnaps the psychic courier to find out Dr. Huer's location and Buck must stop him before he can carry out the assassination."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Warrior's Gate: Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three humorless men from a damaged bulk freighter find the TARDIS. Wearily, Romana returns with them to appraise the situation of their damaged ship but, because she's a time sensitive, winds up as a living navigational component to replace their time-sensitive Tharil (lion-man) who escaped. Meanwhile the Doctor, having found a gateway, is having a time with Gundans, robot soldiers programmed to kill."
"Three humorless men from a damaged bulk freighter find the TARDIS. Wearily, Romana returns with them to appraise the situation of their damaged ship but, because she's a time sensitive, winds up as a living navigational component to replace their time-sensitive Tharil (lion-man) who escaped. Meanwhile the Doctor, having found a gateway, is having a time with Gundans, robot soldiers programmed to kill."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Misfits of Science aired "Grand Elusion." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Misfits agree to help a former German spy reunite with his daughter who he was separated from 25 years ago in Germany. To do it, they use their powers to stage a magic show for the athletes she came from the Soviet Union with."
"The Misfits agree to help a former German spy reunite with his daughter who he was separated from 25 years ago in Germany. To do it, they use their powers to stage a magic show for the athletes she came from the Soviet Union with."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Gemini And Counting." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A deadly virus is sweeping the passages. Pilot proposes to infiltrate Dread's chem factory Medlab 1 dressed in her old Dread Youth uniform to steal a vaccine. Once there she comes into contact with a young Dread Youth named Erin who reminds her of herself."
"A deadly virus is sweeping the passages. Pilot proposes to infiltrate Dread's chem factory Medlab 1 dressed in her old Dread Youth uniform to steal a vaccine. Once there she comes into contact with a young Dread Youth named Erin who reminds her of herself."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Another Mother." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After leaping into a single mother, Sam must prevent the 15-year-old son of his host from disappearing. Al and Sam also find out that very young children can see them as they really are."
"After leaping into a single mother, Sam must prevent the 15-year-old son of his host from disappearing. Al and Sam also find out that very young children can see them as they really are."
On this day in 1992 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "Zero Hour." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eight-year-old Mink plays a new game with the other children in the neighborhood; Invasion. It involves putting together odd devices from kitchen utensils and working out mathematical formulas. When Mink's mother Mary takes an interest, she soon realizes that there may be something more sinister going on then a mere children's game..."
"Eight-year-old Mink plays a new game with the other children in the neighborhood; Invasion. It involves putting together odd devices from kitchen utensils and working out mathematical formulas. When Mink's mother Mary takes an interest, she soon realizes that there may be something more sinister going on then a mere children's game..."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Past Prologue" as part of its inaugural season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Tahna Los, a former Bajoran terrorist during the Occupation, asks Sisko for asylum on DS9. Meanwhile, the station's last Cardassian inhabitant, Garak, possibly a former spy for the Cardassian government, proves an interesting mystery to Dr. Bashir."
"Tahna Los, a former Bajoran terrorist during the Occupation, asks Sisko for asylum on DS9. Meanwhile, the station's last Cardassian inhabitant, Garak, possibly a former spy for the Cardassian government, proves an interesting mystery to Dr. Bashir."
If you've never seen Batman Beyond, then you've indeed missed something pretty special ... especially if you -- as I do -- love nearly all things Bats. This animated program took the Batman mythos well into the future to a time when Bruce Wayne finally came to grips with the fact that he was too old to keep up the fight, and, instead, he recruits a young man named Terry McGinnis to do the dirty work for him. It lasted for three seasons, and, while there's been rumors about a possible continuation both on the small screens and the big, it's right now lying in wait for someone to call it back into active service. I, for one, would be thrilled.
The dynamic program premiered on this day in 1999 with the two-part episode aptly titled "Rebirth."
The dynamic program premiered on this day in 1999 with the two-part episode aptly titled "Rebirth."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "The Rain King." This served as the eighth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Mulder and Scully investigate a man who claims he can control the rain in a small, drought-stricken Kansas town, they encounter a force more powerful than the weather."
"When Mulder and Scully investigate a man who claims he can control the rain in a small, drought-stricken Kansas town, they encounter a force more powerful than the weather."
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), Farscape aired "Exodus From Genesis." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A locator beacon, automatically broadcasting its exact location to any Peacekeeper forces in the area, is discovered inextricably fused into Moya's neural nexus."
"A locator beacon, automatically broadcasting its exact location to any Peacekeeper forces in the area, is discovered inextricably fused into Moya's neural nexus."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), TV's Seven Days aired "Adam & Even & Adam." This served as the tenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A top secret weapon project test gone awry seemingly kills all life on Earth except Parker, Olga, and Owsley who are deep underground in a secret government facility. Now they must make it back in time to Backstep."
"A top secret weapon project test gone awry seemingly kills all life on Earth except Parker, Olga, and Owsley who are deep underground in a secret government facility. Now they must make it back in time to Backstep."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), the cast of Starhunter went boldly where no one had gone before when they aired the eleventh episode of their first season. The hour was titled "Black Light," and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"While transporting a Raider prisoner, Electra, to Ganymede, a man suddenly appears aboard the Tulip - a legendary colonel named Bramwell who had been cryonically frozen and forgotten about in the bowels of the ship for nearly 50 years. The Colonel believes Earth is still at war with the Raiders, but when he learns the war is over, and he failed his mission, he has a breakdown. Later, Dante discovers that the Raiders are gathering nearby and Bramwell offers to redeem himself by infiltrating their base and finding Dante's son. Dante reluctantly agrees, but learns too late that Bramwell really intends to destroy his enemy in a suicide mission."
"While transporting a Raider prisoner, Electra, to Ganymede, a man suddenly appears aboard the Tulip - a legendary colonel named Bramwell who had been cryonically frozen and forgotten about in the bowels of the ship for nearly 50 years. The Colonel believes Earth is still at war with the Raiders, but when he learns the war is over, and he failed his mission, he has a breakdown. Later, Dante discovers that the Raiders are gathering nearby and Bramwell offers to redeem himself by infiltrating their base and finding Dante's son. Dante reluctantly agrees, but learns too late that Bramwell really intends to destroy his enemy in a suicide mission."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S., according to Wikipedia.org), Farscape aired "Kansas." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After accidentally returning to Earth, Crichton discovers he is in 1985 and he has altered the time line, causing his father to be scheduled to fly on the doomed shuttle 'Challenger'."
"After accidentally returning to Earth, Crichton discovers he is in 1985 and he has altered the time line, causing his father to be scheduled to fly on the doomed shuttle 'Challenger'."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Unnatural Selection." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Having regained control of the X-303, the SG-1 team finds itself in an unknown part of space. Rescue comes in the form of the Asgard, specifically Thor, who needs their help. The Asgard home world has been overrun by the Replicators and they require SG-1's help as well as the relatively low tech X-303. The Asgard had set a trap for the Replicators and hoped to use a time dilation device that would give them the time they need to find a way to defeat them. The problem is that the Replicators have turned off the device and the Asgard want SG-1 to go in and activate it."
"Having regained control of the X-303, the SG-1 team finds itself in an unknown part of space. Rescue comes in the form of the Asgard, specifically Thor, who needs their help. The Asgard home world has been overrun by the Replicators and they require SG-1's help as well as the relatively low tech X-303. The Asgard had set a trap for the Replicators and hoped to use a time dilation device that would give them the time they need to find a way to defeat them. The problem is that the Replicators have turned off the device and the Asgard want SG-1 to go in and activate it."
On this day in 2006 (in Canada), The Collector aired "The Jockey." Officially, this served as the first episode of the Fantasy program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Morgan's client spins him into an alternate reality where he's no longer a collector...which may doom the client's soul."
"Morgan's client spins him into an alternate reality where he's no longer a collector...which may doom the client's soul."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Demons aired "The Whole Enchilada." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Galvin thinks that a girl's disappearance is down to the ancient demon, Gilgamel, a fear confirmed by the priest Father Simeon (Richard Wilson). Gilgamel feasts on innocent souls, whilst masquerading as an angel. As more and more children disappear at the hands of the demon, which is impersonating the first girl who was taken, including Ruby's younger brother, Galvin Luke decide to summon the demon in order to defeat it. Using a magic sword he defeats the demon just before it feasts."
"Galvin thinks that a girl's disappearance is down to the ancient demon, Gilgamel, a fear confirmed by the priest Father Simeon (Richard Wilson). Gilgamel feasts on innocent souls, whilst masquerading as an angel. As more and more children disappear at the hands of the demon, which is impersonating the first girl who was taken, including Ruby's younger brother, Galvin Luke decide to summon the demon in order to defeat it. Using a magic sword he defeats the demon just before it feasts."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), a fan favorite aboard The X-Files enjoyed an unlikely 'return' with the airing of "This." The episode served as the second in the program's eleventh (and apparently final season), and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A chilling secret is revealed when an old friend reaches out to Mulder and Scully in a seemingly impossible way."
"A chilling secret is revealed when an old friend reaches out to Mulder and Scully in a seemingly impossible way."
