Honestly, I never caught The Transformers' bug the way many of my generation did. In my high school and college days, I wasn't much into the current animation craze, having moved on to foreign films and other influences. Still, I have nothing but respect for actors like Lionel Stander, who made a solid voice contribution to the 1980's franchise. Though he's no longer with us, Stander was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before William Shatner comfortably took flight aboard Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek, the actor had the bejeezus scared out of him by a gremlin aboard a signature episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. That gremlin? That was actor Nick Cravat. His work on the episode was uncredited (a crime, if you ask me) but definitely deserves a mention for its place in television history. Furthermore, the actor's last screen work was aboard The Island Of Dr. Moreau (1977). Though he's no longer with us, Cravat was born on this day in 1912.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I caught an internet streaming of 1977's The Island Of Dr. Moreau -- in which Cravat played a role -- on a service to which I subscribe. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I caught an internet streaming of 1977's The Island Of Dr. Moreau -- in which Cravat played a role -- on a service to which I subscribe. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The late Veda Ann Borg leaves behind a resume of a whopping 142 different screen appearances. While many of them are smaller roles, she certainly was no performer as she went toe-to-toe alongside the Man of Steel himself with a visit to TV's Adventures Of Superman. Though she's no longer with us, Borg was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she found much greater success in far more mainstream fare, actress Kathleen Byron shown briefly in the realm of Science Fiction with a guest spot aboard the BBC's Blake's 7. Though she's no longer with us, Byron was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scribe Jerome Bixby led a prolific life from behind the pen, turning in scripts for the classic Star Trek and even one for The Twilight Zone. His Star Trek script for "Mirror, Mirror" was nominated for a Hugo Award in 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' In 1966, he wrote the story upon which Fantastic Voyage was based, and this effort was nominated for the 1967 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Additionally, the 2007 film titled The Man from Earth was also his creation, and that script won 'Best Screenplay' for both the 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival and the 2008 Malaga International Week of Fantastic Cinema. Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Bixby was born on this day back in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2026, I received an all-new home video release of Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) -- which used some Bixby work as inspiration -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2026, I received an all-new home video release of Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) -- which used some Bixby work as inspiration -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The venerable Wright King has made some solid contributions to the realm of Science Fiction. His resume boasts appearances aboard Captain Video and His Video Rangers, Johnny Jupiter, The Twilight Zone, The Invaders, Planet Of The Apes (1968), Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973), and Logan's Run. Though he's no longer with us, King was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Mitchell Ryan has been 'in the biz' since the late 1950's. A review of his resume from IMDB.com doesn't show a wealth of SciFi-related roles, but he did make an appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation where he played Commander Riker's estranged father 'Kyle' for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Ryan was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Highly-lauded Hollywood producer David L. Wolper guided The Mists Of Avalon to life on the small screen as one of the more interested Fantasy-themed miniseries of its broadcast era. Though he's no longer with us, Wolper was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Rod Taylor played H.G. Wells in George Pal's seminal The Time Machine (1960). But time began for Mr. Taylor on this day all the way back in 1930 when he was born in Australia.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Melvyn Hayes has enjoyed over six decades in the entertainment business. He's had roles aboard Quartermass II, The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Galloping Galaxies, and provided voicework for Doctor Who: Shada. Hayes was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He may not have a face most of us know, but we should all know his mask. Felix Silla played 'Twiki' in the television favorite, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Spending two seasons as Buck's sidekick ain't a bad life ... or was Buck his sidekick? Happy birthday wishes go out to Mr. Silla, born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, well, well ... you play the face of evil itself, and suddenly you're a screen legend! Such may be the case of Eileen Dietz, the actress who appeared as no less than the face of 'Pazuzu' aboard the groundbreaking Horror/Fantasy The Exorcist (1973). (I'll bet that really cut into any career in babysitting.) Now, she's got a career well over one hundred different screen citations, including appearances aboard Planet Of The Apes, Korg: 70,000 B.C., The Next Step Beyond, The Clonus Horror (1979), Fire Twister (2015), Kids Vs Monsters (2015), and a whole host of Horror films. Well done, milady. Dietz was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Anna Calder-Marshall provided the voice for Mathilda Pierce in the Doctor Who audio drama, Doctor Who: Scream of the Shalka, in 2003. Calder-Marshall was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
God bless us SciFi's gingers! The lovely Sondra Currie has moved in and out of Science Fiction appearing aboard The Incredible Hulk, Voyagers, Knight Rider, Airwolf, Misfits of Science, Probe, They Came From Outer Space, Robocop (TV), Alien Nation: Dark Horizon, and Supernova 45. Currie was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Nancy Harewood buried her beauty under a bit of latex for her appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actress also had a recurring role aboard Beyond Westworld. Harewood was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable John Sessions has dabbled in Science Fiction with some voicework for Doctor Who: Death Comes To Time miniseries as well as the regular program ("Mummy on the Orient Express"). Though he's no longer with us, Sessions was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
OMG, the name of Frank Lupo practically flashes in my memory. I can remember seeing his name in the opening credits of many shows I watched during some of my formative years, programs like Battlestar Galactica, Galatica 1980, The Greatest American Hero, and The A-Team, just to name a few. Though his writing may not have won awards or accolades, he certainly knew a thing or two about keeping audiences interested in some quality genre moments. Though he's no longer with us, Lupo was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in her professional career, actress Emilia Crow paid a visit to the world of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine during its run. The lady also enjoyed work aboard Grand Tour: Disaster In Time (1991) for good measure. Crow was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Invasion: Earth was a television miniseries from 1998 that I'm certain I watched, only I don't much remember it. It starred Fred Ward, Vincent Regan, and Phyllis Logan, a lovely lady who continues to find quality roles today. Logan was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alyson Reed -- shown above from High School Musical -- doesn't have a lot of SciFi to her name, but she has appeared on The X-Files (guest spot), provided voicework for the Battlestar Galactica video game, and guest-starred twice on the short-lived Journeyman for NBC. Reed was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Melanie Hill has a few genre credits to her name worth a mention: she appeared in Stardust (2007) as well as a guest spot aboard the BBC's Merlin. Hill was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Benson played a role aboard the popular "Robot of Sherwood" episode from Doctor Who's eighth season. Benson was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, youngster Dawn Lyn's professional career stretched only eight years, but in that time she still managed to squeeze in roles aboard Ark II and Wonder Woman. Lyn was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You gotta hand it to Jason Connery. After all, following in the footsteps of dear ol' dad -- Sean Connery -- certainly couldn't have been an easy choice, but the man has certainly built an impressive career on the way up. SciFi fans might know him best from his work in Doctor Who, Smallville, and Alien Strain. Connery was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Olivia Barash found herself heavily dipped into the world of Cult/SciFi with a role aboard Alex Cox's Repo Man (1984). Barash was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Derek Riddell joined David Tennant for "Tooth and Claw," one of the earlier episodes from Doctor Who's second season. Riddell was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I'm certain more people know Kyle Richards from TV's The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she did traffic in SciFi early in her career with roles aboard Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and Time Express. Richards was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lisa Ann Hadley proved herself a woman-of-action with a pair of appearances aboard Hercules: The Legendary Journeys during the show's run in syndication. Hadley was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2012, Tom Ward joined Matt Smith in the Doctor Who holiday offering, "The Snowman." The actor also starred as H.G. Wells himself in the TV-miniseries, The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells. Ward was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the Apocalypse arrives, shouldn't we all be so lucky as to be holding actress Amanda Peet's hand? Those were the sentiments at play in Roland Emmerich's 2012, the big screen flick that postulated that all of those Mayan prophecies about the end of the world were accurate. As far as Science Fiction goes, she's also done some voicework for something called Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey. Peet was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To be fair, Marc Blucas really hasn't done much in the way of Science Fiction and/or Fantasy. Outside of multiple appearances in the realm of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, he's enjoyed a guest spot aboard the TV-spinoff for Limitless back in 2015. Blucas was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Rockmond Dunbar's earliest professional gigs was a little something SciFi fans know as Earth 2. Though he's gone on to far more conventional pastures, the actor remains someone to watch. Dunbar was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The eclectic Devin Ratray saw the other side of life and death aboard the poorly-received R.I.P.D. (2013). As far as genre projects go, he's also been a part of Little Monsters (1989), Surrogates (2009), Supernatural, Person of Interest, Agent Carter, and The Tick. Ratray was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Australian-born Holly Brisley knows how to turn a phrase -- along with a few heads! Genre fans might know her from her work aboard TV's BeastMaster or the Fantasy flick Sinbad And The Minotaur (2011). Brisley was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Natalie Lisinskia took a trip into the Final Frontier with a pair of appearances aboard the popular SciFi/Drama The Expanse. She's also been gainfully employed for stints on such genre programs as The Dresden Files, Lost Girl, Total Recall (2012), Bitten, Good Witch, Orphan Black, and Code 8 (2019). Lisinska was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thomas Blake Jr. continues to explore roles in some of the biggest properties. He's been seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015) and Allegiant (2016). Blake Jr. was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Blake Heron enjoyed a recurring role aboard USA Network's under-appreciated Good Vs. Evil during the show's run. Though he's no longer with us, Heron was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Aja Naomi King dipped her toes into the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Reversion (2015), a SciFi/Thriller exploring the manipulation of memories. King was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ilza Ponko blasted off into the Final Frontier with her work aboard Apple TV's For All Mankind. IMDB.com reports that she also found employment as part of the cast for The Darkness (2016) from Blumhouse Productions. Ponko was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By all accounts, Jedidiah Goodacre appears to be a very busy talent. Since beginning his career in the business, he's racked up a good number of roles, some of them even falling in the world of genre entertainment. Fans might know him best from such projects as Way Of The Wicked (2014), Zapped (2014), The 100, Tomorrowland (2015), Descendants (2015), Supernatural, Mostly Ghostly: One Night In Doom House (2016), Monster Trucks (2016), The Recall (2017), Descendants 2 (2017), Somewhere Between, The Originals, Legacies, Descendants 3 (2019), Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021), The Imperfects, Margaux (2022), and Marry F*** Kill (2023). Goodacre was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've read reviews online for many critics -- professional and not-so-much-so -- pretty much trashing the 2020 streaming adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand ... which is sad, as I'm quite fond of the book and the earlier TV version from the 1990's. In any event, young Odessa Young stars in the project, and Young was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1916 (in Germany), the good people of Berlin were treated to an exclusive theatrical event of Die große Wette. Written and directed by Harry Piel, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ludwig Trautmann, Mizzi Wirth, and Victor Janson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A German silent sci-fi movie by Harry Piel."
"A German silent sci-fi movie by Harry Piel."
A star is born!
On this day in 1938 (in the United Kingdom), The Invisible Menace enjoyed a special theatrical debut for residents of the big city of London, England. Directed by John Farrow from a story by Crane Wilbur and Ralph Spencer Zink, the film starred Boris Karloff, Marie Wilson, Regis Toomey, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An army private and his new bride are trying to honeymoon on an island occupied by the military and a murderer."
"An army private and his new bride are trying to honeymoon on an island occupied by the military and a murderer."
On this day in 1952 (in Australia), When Worlds Collide collided on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
On this day in 1956 (in Turkey), El Monstruo Resucitado (aka The Monstrous Doctor Crimen), enjoyed a bit of time in the cinematic spotlight. Written (in part) and directed by Chano Urueta, the Horror/Fantasy starred Miroslava, Carlos Navarro, and Fernando Wagner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first major medical sci/fi movie in Mexico, loosely based on the Frankenstein story but injecting gory surgical motifs into it, laying the foundations of the genres that came to dominate Hispanic Science Fictionin the 60's and 70's, as exempified by the work of Jesus Franco from 'Gritos en la Noche' (1962) onwards. Set in the Balkans, this story concerns a bored journalist, Nora (miroslava) who is ordered by her boss (Wagner) to follow up a mysterious advertisement placed by Dr Ling (Linares Rivas). Ling turns out to be a misshapen creature who, rejected by his peers, has become the stereotypical mad scientist, here specializing in plastic surgery. He falls in love with Nora but fearing she will betray him he resuscitates a young man who committed suicide, Ariel (Navarro) by transplanting a new brain into him, and order him to fetch Nora so that he can kill her. However, Nora and Ariel fall in love, and the zombiesque youth rebels against the orders of his master, turning on him and kill him, whereupon Wagner saves Nora from the beautiful young zombie."
"The first major medical sci/fi movie in Mexico, loosely based on the Frankenstein story but injecting gory surgical motifs into it, laying the foundations of the genres that came to dominate Hispanic Science Fictionin the 60's and 70's, as exempified by the work of Jesus Franco from 'Gritos en la Noche' (1962) onwards. Set in the Balkans, this story concerns a bored journalist, Nora (miroslava) who is ordered by her boss (Wagner) to follow up a mysterious advertisement placed by Dr Ling (Linares Rivas). Ling turns out to be a misshapen creature who, rejected by his peers, has become the stereotypical mad scientist, here specializing in plastic surgery. He falls in love with Nora but fearing she will betray him he resuscitates a young man who committed suicide, Ariel (Navarro) by transplanting a new brain into him, and order him to fetch Nora so that he can kill her. However, Nora and Ariel fall in love, and the zombiesque youth rebels against the orders of his master, turning on him and kill him, whereupon Wagner saves Nora from the beautiful young zombie."
On this day in 1956 (in Mexico), Revenge Of The Creature made a splash on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Men capture the Creature from the Black Lagoon and make him an aquarium attraction, from which he escapes."
"Men capture the Creature from the Black Lagoon and make him an aquarium attraction, from which he escapes."
A star is born!
On this day in 1960 (in France), beauty was truly in the eye of the beholder with the theatrical release of Eyes Without A Face. Directed by Georges Franju, the Horror/Fantasy starred Pierre Brasseur, Alida Valli, and Juliette Mayniel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After causing an accident that left his daughter Christiane severely disfigured, the brilliant surgeon Dr. Génessier works tirelessly to give the girl a new face. He does so, however, by kidnapping young women and attempting face transplants. He has been woefully unsuccessful to date. The doctor's world begins to collapse around him when his daughter realizes just what he has been doing."
"After causing an accident that left his daughter Christiane severely disfigured, the brilliant surgeon Dr. Génessier works tirelessly to give the girl a new face. He does so, however, by kidnapping young women and attempting face transplants. He has been woefully unsuccessful to date. The doctor's world begins to collapse around him when his daughter realizes just what he has been doing."
A star is born!
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), the big city of London, England played host for an exclusive theatrical premiere event of The Anniversary. Directed by Roy Ward Baker and Alvin Rakoff from a story by Jimmy Sangster and MacIlwraith, the film starred Bette Davis, Sheila Hancock, Jack Hedley, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three sons who work in the family construction business help their overbearing mother celebrate her anniversary to her late husband."
"Three sons who work in the family construction business help their overbearing mother celebrate her anniversary to her late husband."
A star is born!
On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Horror telefilm The Night Stalker enjoyed its debut on broadcast television, creating a phenomenon that would endure through a follow-up film and a spin-off TV series. Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey, the film starred Darren McGavin as the signature reporter chasing after things that go bump in the night; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire."
"An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire."
On this day in 1980 (in Portugal), Eyes Behind The Stars enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by Mario Gariazzo, it starred Robert Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Nathalie Delon, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A photographer and his model are on a photo shoot in a forest when they get the feeling they are being watched. The feeling becomes so strong that they decide to cut their session short and leave. Later, when they develop the photos they took, they discover what looks like alien creatures in the background."
"A photographer and his model are on a photo shoot in a forest when they get the feeling they are being watched. The feeling becomes so strong that they decide to cut their session short and leave. Later, when they develop the photos they took, they discover what looks like alien creatures in the background."
A star is born!
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), The Godsend enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Gabrielle Beaumont from a story by Olaf Pooley and Bernard Taylor, the film starred Malcolm Stoddard, Cyd Hayman, Patrick Barr, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a strange woman has her baby at the Marlowe's house, then disappears, Kate Marlowe is forced to keep the baby, Bonnie. She loves the child, but when her own children are systematically killed, suspicion turns to Bonnie."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Godsend enjoyed a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"When a strange woman has her baby at the Marlowe's house, then disappears, Kate Marlowe is forced to keep the baby, Bonnie. She loves the child, but when her own children are systematically killed, suspicion turns to Bonnie."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Godsend enjoyed a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 1982 (in West Germany), Wir enjoyed its initial airing on broadcast television. Directed by Vojtech Jasný, the feature starred Dieter Laser and Sabine von Maydell, and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"One thousand years after the One State's conquest of the entire world, the spaceship Integral is being built in order to invade and conquer extraterrestrial planets. Meanwhile, the project's chief engineer, D-503, begins a diary that he intends to be carried upon the completed spaceship."
"One thousand years after the One State's conquest of the entire world, the spaceship Integral is being built in order to invade and conquer extraterrestrial planets. Meanwhile, the project's chief engineer, D-503, begins a diary that he intends to be carried upon the completed spaceship."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom and Ireland), The Terminator traveled from the future to the past to take care of business. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
A star is born!
On this day in 1991 (in Italy), Speaking Of The Devil (aka Un piede in paradiso) brought a little beauty to the world of evil. Directed by Enzo Barboni from a script by Marco Barboni and Giuseppe Pedersoli, the film starred Bud Spencer, Carol Alt, and Sharon Madden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bull Webster is a taxi driver with some work problems on his hands: the Spider Corporation, a giant financial holding company, has decided to buy out his taxi co-operative in order to make it go bankrupt and purchase its land at a low cost. Bull is almost driven to desperation, but then he finds the winning ticket in his pocket to a lottery with the biggest prize of all time: $150 million! With money like that, he can afford to make his enemies eat their plan. But at this point, Bull's future begins to interest those responsible for the destiny of human affairs: Heaven and Hell send an Angel and a Devil to tempt Bull into evil or to convince him to do good. The appearance of these characters in earthly events creates a maze of situations that are amusing, dramatic and full of action. And for once it's the humans, and especially our hero Bull, who come out winning."
"Bull Webster is a taxi driver with some work problems on his hands: the Spider Corporation, a giant financial holding company, has decided to buy out his taxi co-operative in order to make it go bankrupt and purchase its land at a low cost. Bull is almost driven to desperation, but then he finds the winning ticket in his pocket to a lottery with the biggest prize of all time: $150 million! With money like that, he can afford to make his enemies eat their plan. But at this point, Bull's future begins to interest those responsible for the destiny of human affairs: Heaven and Hell send an Angel and a Devil to tempt Bull into evil or to convince him to do good. The appearance of these characters in earthly events creates a maze of situations that are amusing, dramatic and full of action. And for once it's the humans, and especially our hero Bull, who come out winning."
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), the lovely Pamela Anderson brought out the big guns with her work aboard the silver screen adaptation of the Dark Horse Comics' property Barb Wire. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Aspiring Psychopath enjoyed its home video release. Written and directed by Ryan Cavalline, the film starred Eddie Benevich, Danielle Donahue, Joel D. Wynkoop, and M. Catherine Wynkoop. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"All Lucinda wanted to do was learn how to kill like a serial killer."
"All Lucinda wanted to do was learn how to kill like a serial killer."
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), there was no stoppping the ... Monster From Bikini Beach! Written and directed by Darin Wood, the SciFi/Horror starred David Ainsworth, Betty Chiang, and Jackson W. Craft. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"MONSTER FROM BIKINI BEACH is the story of a primordial fiend who rises from the murky depths to quench its insatiable lust for Bikini-Clad Beauties. One man dares suspect a truth too terrifying to believe, while a crooked cop tries to cash in on the score of a lifetime! Thrown together by destiny, the two find themselves locked in the final bloody battle to defend Bikini Beach. Will they be in time to save the Lovely Ladies of Camaroville from the Beast's Wanton Rampage of Total Terror or will they die trying?!"
"MONSTER FROM BIKINI BEACH is the story of a primordial fiend who rises from the murky depths to quench its insatiable lust for Bikini-Clad Beauties. One man dares suspect a truth too terrifying to believe, while a crooked cop tries to cash in on the score of a lifetime! Thrown together by destiny, the two find themselves locked in the final bloody battle to defend Bikini Beach. Will they be in time to save the Lovely Ladies of Camaroville from the Beast's Wanton Rampage of Total Terror or will they die trying?!"
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in Finland), Parasite Quarantine enjoyed a limited home release. Written and directed by Esa Jussila, the Horror/Fantasy starred Petri Hagström, Jarno Pietikäinen, and Joonas Pirttikangas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A top-secret military base becomes infected with an extra terrestial parasite, devouring human flesh and turning its victims into walking dead. The base is put on lock down and all connections to outside world are severed. Now, seven survivors must face the horrors inside the base and uncover the sinister secret behind the outbreak..."
"A top-secret military base becomes infected with an extra terrestial parasite, devouring human flesh and turning its victims into walking dead. The base is put on lock down and all connections to outside world are severed. Now, seven survivors must face the horrors inside the base and uncover the sinister secret behind the outbreak..."
A star is born!
On this day in 2010, The Book Of Eli gave audiences another look into our doomed future. Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes, the SciFi/Thriller starred Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, and Gary Oldman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind."
For the record:
The Book Of Eli enjoyed a fair amount of critical praise during its theatrical run. Though it failed to take home any trophies from the 2010 Saturn Awards ceremonies, it did enjoy nominations for 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind."
For the record:
The Book Of Eli enjoyed a fair amount of critical praise during its theatrical run. Though it failed to take home any trophies from the 2010 Saturn Awards ceremonies, it did enjoy nominations for 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2011 (in Germany), the SciFi/Drama 2030 - Aufstand Der Jungen (which translates to "Uprising Of The Boys") enjoyed its premiere on television. Written and directed by Jörg Lühdorff, the feature starred Javeh Asefdjah and Mila Böhning, and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Journalist Lena Bach becomes aware of the case of 30-year-old Tim Burdenski. The life of the young man, a so-called "millennium child", has been documented by a television team since his birth. Now he's supposed to be dead, but Tim's girlfriend Sophie has doubts. Together, the two women go in search of Tim. Lena and Sophie find out that the long-term documentation was grossly falsified and Tim was in fact heavily in debt and living in poverty. In their research, they come across a kind of parallel society in the Berlin ghetto "Höllenberg", which has not been waiting for the support of the government for a long time and has set up its own rules."
"Journalist Lena Bach becomes aware of the case of 30-year-old Tim Burdenski. The life of the young man, a so-called "millennium child", has been documented by a television team since his birth. Now he's supposed to be dead, but Tim's girlfriend Sophie has doubts. Together, the two women go in search of Tim. Lena and Sophie find out that the long-term documentation was grossly falsified and Tim was in fact heavily in debt and living in poverty. In their research, they come across a kind of parallel society in the Berlin ghetto "Höllenberg", which has not been waiting for the support of the government for a long time and has set up its own rules."
On this day in 2011 (in China), the TRON universe grew by another film when TRON: Legacy enjoyed its time on the silver screen. Directed by Joseph Kosinski from a story by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Brian Klugman, and Lee Sternthal, the film starred Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Audience and critical reception for TRON: Legacy was a bit, but I'll admit to having a fondness for the picture.
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Audience and critical reception for TRON: Legacy was a bit, but I'll admit to having a fondness for the picture.
- At the 2011 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
- At the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Legacy reaped the benefits of its name, taking home two trophies ('Best Production Design' and 'Best Actor' for Jeff Bridges) while missing out in five other categories ('Best Costume,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.')
A star is born!
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the laughs with their horror when A Haunted House attempted to skewer the whole 'found footage format' film. Directed by Michael Tiddes from a story by Marlon Wayans and Rick Alvarez, the film starred Wayans alongside Essence Atkins, Marlene Forte, David Koechner, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghostbusters for help."
"Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghostbusters for help."
A star is born!
On this day in 2013, Survival Code brought a kinda/sorta vigilante spin to the world of the near future. The flick starred Ty Olsson and Patrick Gallagher, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"In 2045, a former MMA fighter turned government agent, runs a bar in the tiny town of Borealis - where a number of international interests are vying for control of the area."
"In 2045, a former MMA fighter turned government agent, runs a bar in the tiny town of Borealis - where a number of international interests are vying for control of the area."
On this day in 2015 (in Spain), Ridley Scott's original Science Fiction classic Alien enjoyed a limited theatrical re-release. Written by Dan O'Bannon, the film starred Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt, 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 2016 (in the U.S.), Worm wriggled its way into the theatrical community. Directed by Doug Mallette, the Horror/Fantasy starred John Ferguson, Shane O'Brien, and Jes Mercer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where we no longer have the ability to dream, people have turned to 'Fantasites,' a genetically-engineered parasite that induces the user's wildest fantasies. When one socially-awkward young man begins to use this new miracle dream aid, hoping that it will bring excitement to his mundane life and get him closer to the girl of his "dreams," he soon finds the line between reality and fantasy squirming away."
"In a future where we no longer have the ability to dream, people have turned to 'Fantasites,' a genetically-engineered parasite that induces the user's wildest fantasies. When one socially-awkward young man begins to use this new miracle dream aid, hoping that it will bring excitement to his mundane life and get him closer to the girl of his "dreams," he soon finds the line between reality and fantasy squirming away."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), A Project Wakefield enjoyed its silver screen debut when it was first screened for audiences in attendance of the Horror On Sea Film Festival. Directed by L.A. Lopes from a story by Lindsay Seim, the Horror/Fantasy starred Seim along with Dennis Andres, Anthony Bewlz, and Rob Archer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The veil between the living and the dead has lifted for 24 hours, would you survive?"
"The veil between the living and the dead has lifted for 24 hours, would you survive?"
A star is born!
On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), Found Footage Of Fear: Digital Terror enjoyed its home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Sam Mason-Bell, the film starred Chris Mills, Cassandre Wallace, Spencer Craig, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cruel young man exposes the secrets of others online, only to find himself tormented by an unseen force with nefarious intentions of its own."
"A cruel young man exposes the secrets of others online, only to find himself tormented by an unseen force with nefarious intentions of its own."
A star is born!
On this day in 2024 (in Colombia and Peru), The Jack In The Box Rises delivered its particular bland of bloody mirth to audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Lawrence Fowler, the film starred Nicholas Anscombe, Leona Clarke, Oli Meredith, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a creepy Jack-in-the-Box is discovered and opened on the grounds of an exclusive girls' school, six brave students soon enter a fight to the finish against the unleashed demon."
"When a creepy Jack-in-the-Box is discovered and opened on the grounds of an exclusive girls' school, six brave students soon enter a fight to the finish against the unleashed demon."
On this day in 1957 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Gravity Zero." Officially, this served as the thirty-sixth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An absent-minded physics professor and his loyal lab technician work on an anti-gravity device. Despite technical failures, they persist, hoping that the work will contribute to rocket launches, and someday to flying saucers."
"An absent-minded physics professor and his loyal lab technician work on an anti-gravity device. Despite technical failures, they persist, hoping that the work will contribute to rocket launches, and someday to flying saucers."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Ambush." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends attempt to escape from the Dalek City. However, knowing that the Thals are walking into a trap, Ian decides to go and warn them."
"The Doctor and his friends attempt to escape from the Dalek City. However, knowing that the Thals are walking into a trap, Ian decides to go and warn them."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Questing Beast." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space knight is following the questing beast who Penny becomes friends with."
"A space knight is following the questing beast who Penny becomes friends with."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Year Of The Burn Up: Part 4." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Escaping from the dying Ice Box, Simon and Liz are transported by the time barrier to an alternate 1990 where a technocratic society's misuse of scientific progress has resulted in the breakdown of the planet's climate. As the Earth faces destruction from the growing heat, Simon is forced to confront not just his own personal future but an elderly, schitzophrenic Traynor bent on revenge against those who betrayed him."
"Escaping from the dying Ice Box, Simon and Liz are transported by the time barrier to an alternate 1990 where a technocratic society's misuse of scientific progress has resulted in the breakdown of the planet's climate. As the Earth faces destruction from the growing heat, Simon is forced to confront not just his own personal future but an elderly, schitzophrenic Traynor bent on revenge against those who betrayed him."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), The Girl With Something Extra aired "Guess Who's Feeding The Pidgeons." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season in broadcast television existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sally befriends a kindly old gentleman with a shady past."
"Sally befriends a kindly old gentleman with a shady past."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), A Traveller In Time aired "The Kitchen." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Penelope causes a sensation when, with her modern clothes and short hair, she steps back in time to meet the Babington family in the days of Mary, Queen of Scots."
"Penelope causes a sensation when, with her modern clothes and short hair, she steps back in time to meet the Babington family in the days of Mary, Queen of Scots."
On this day in 1983 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Arc of Infinity: Part 3." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's twentieth season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Something seemed amiss about the Doctor's execution, so the Castellan has Commander Maxil discreetly but fully look it. Meanwhile, as the Doctor meets the anti-matter being inside the Time Lord Matrix, Tegan and her cousin's friend run afoul of a bird-like alien back on Earth."
"Something seemed amiss about the Doctor's execution, so the Castellan has Commander Maxil discreetly but fully look it. Meanwhile, as the Doctor meets the anti-matter being inside the Time Lord Matrix, Tegan and her cousin's friend run afoul of a bird-like alien back on Earth."
The Visitors kept their pressure on the Resistance when, on this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), the adventure titled "The Hero" aired. Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A small group of resistance sympathizers (Robin included) are arrested by Bates' police, and a prisoner will be handed over to the Visitors to be executed every day until Donovan, Ham, and Julie surrender."
"A small group of resistance sympathizers (Robin included) are arrested by Bates' police, and a prisoner will be handed over to the Visitors to be executed every day until Donovan, Ham, and Julie surrender."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Airwolf aired "Wildfire." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the crew earning some down time, and Airwolf some much-needed repair time, Dom takes a trip to help out an old war buddy. But he soon finds himself in the middle of both a family feud, and a dangerous drug-smuggling ring...without the help of Airwolf!"
"With the crew earning some down time, and Airwolf some much-needed repair time, Dom takes a trip to help out an old war buddy. But he soon finds himself in the middle of both a family feud, and a dangerous drug-smuggling ring...without the help of Airwolf!"
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), The Demon Headmaster aired the fourth episode of its first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Having won the 'Junior Computer Brain of the Year', Diana is through to the national final, but is it all a trap? And where has the Headmaster gone?"
"Having won the 'Junior Computer Brain of the Year', Diana is through to the national final, but is it all a trap? And where has the Headmaster gone?"
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Dark Skies aired "The Enemy Within." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"As a spy is uncovered inside Majestic, John finds his brother being brought into the alien hive."
"As a spy is uncovered inside Majestic, John finds his brother being brought into the alien hive."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The Pretender aired "The Better Part Of Valor." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jarod joins a firefighting company to determine if a firefighter's death was due to arson."
"Jarod joins a firefighting company to determine if a firefighter's death was due to arson."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Schizogeny." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A teenager becomes the prime suspect in his stepfather's odd murder. Mulder is not buying it since the man was literally swallowed by the ground. After another parent is killed, the suspicion falls on someone close to the kids."
"A teenager becomes the prime suspect in his stepfather's odd murder. Mulder is not buying it since the man was literally swallowed by the ground. After another parent is killed, the suspicion falls on someone close to the kids."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), RoboCop: Meltdown aired as the second part of the Robocop: Prime Directives miniseries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of John Cable, Alex Murphy is plagued by haunting memories and seeks answers. Meanwhile, a new Robocop is created and goes after Murphy for crimes he didn't commit."
"After the death of John Cable, Alex Murphy is plagued by haunting memories and seeks answers. Meanwhile, a new Robocop is created and goes after Murphy for crimes he didn't commit."
It all came down to this ...
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired its finale, the twenty-sixth installment of its only season on Australian television. According to ShareTV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Who will claim victory in the final showdown: Cybergirl, Rhyss or the Cyborgs?"
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired its finale, the twenty-sixth installment of its only season on Australian television. According to ShareTV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Who will claim victory in the final showdown: Cybergirl, Rhyss or the Cyborgs?"
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Dark Angel aired "Brainiac." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Asha's militant group, S1W comes under fire, Max discovers that it is all because of a Manticore strategist - another transgenic called Brain. Although Max doesn't trust him completely, Brain sets out to protect Max in the best way he can as they discover who really betrayed S1W."
"When Asha's militant group, S1W comes under fire, Max discovers that it is all because of a Manticore strategist - another transgenic called Brain. Although Max doesn't trust him completely, Brain sets out to protect Max in the best way he can as they discover who really betrayed S1W."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "The Human Factor." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's seventh (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2084, humans fight an android whose artificial intelligence has determined humans must no longer be allowed to spread colonies throughout space."
"In the year 2084, humans fight an android whose artificial intelligence has determined humans must no longer be allowed to spread colonies throughout space."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Respective Solitudes." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), I don't think the stakes could've risen any higher in the build-up to Fringe's series finale. The eleventh episode of the program's fifth season set the stage for things to come. Here's the summary of "The Boy Must Live" from IMDB.com:
"Young Observer's origin is revealed. And his existence and an additional time travel are necessary to change the history of Observers' invasion."
"Young Observer's origin is revealed. And his existence and an additional time travel are necessary to change the history of Observers' invasion."
