On this day in 1978, the fondly remembered Blake's 7 enjoyed its premiere on the BBC. I've read some folks who've compared the program to its predecessors Doctor Who and Star Trek, and I suppose there's something to such comparisons. Still, this smaller saga involving convicts in space deserves a second look from SciFi fans hungry for one more franchise worth rediscovering. No word (yet) that I can find on any pending reboots or continuations, but you never truly know. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship."
"A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship."
Sigh. Another program that I've not had the good fortune to see, folks ... but, as always, I promise you that if I no longer die then I'll definitely get around to all of them! In any event, The Demon Headmaster enjoyed its small screen premiere in the United Kingdom on this day back in 1996 and -- as per IMDB.com -- lasted an incredible nineteen episodes. What reviews I've found regarding the property kinda/sorta score it in the above average territory but never quite knocking the ball out of the park, as they say. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dinah Glass moves in with a new foster family and begins to attend the same school as her new foster brothers. But there is something very strange going on at the school. BBC adaptation of the children's novels by Gillian Cross."
For the record:
I'd also be remiss in my duties if I failed to mention that in 1997 the children's drama was nominated for the BAFTA Award in the category of 'Best Drama.'
"Dinah Glass moves in with a new foster family and begins to attend the same school as her new foster brothers. But there is something very strange going on at the school. BBC adaptation of the children's novels by Gillian Cross."
For the record:
I'd also be remiss in my duties if I failed to mention that in 1997 the children's drama was nominated for the BAFTA Award in the category of 'Best Drama.'
Award-winning actress Anna Lee leaves behind a resume of well over one hundred different screen credits for fans of her work to explore. As for genre entries? Well, she has a few worthy of mention, including work aboard The Man Who Lived Again (1936), The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (1947), One Step Beyond, Jack The Giant Killer (1962), In Like Flint (1967), and Mission: Impossible. Though she's no longer with us, Lee was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There are some writers whose names have long grown synonymous with their chosen genre. For example, one cannot think of fantasy' without thinking of the works of C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien. One cannot think of legal thrillers' without thinking about Scott Turow or John Grisham. And certainly one cannot think of 'Science Fiction' without thinking on the many tomes from Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and the man pictured above: Isaac Asimov.
As an author, Asimov is largely remembered as a master of the 'hard SciFi ideas,' and it's no surprise that he also sought to create interesting human characters to match up to the ideas of his works. His The End of Eternity remains one of the more interesting time travel works on record. His Foundation series of novels is often cited as an inspiration for many other writers who picked up the pen and started creating strange new worlds all of their own. Plus, he very well may be the only human who's had an asteroid, a Martian crater, an elementary school, and a literary award named after him.
Though he's no longer with us, Asimov was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
As an author, Asimov is largely remembered as a master of the 'hard SciFi ideas,' and it's no surprise that he also sought to create interesting human characters to match up to the ideas of his works. His The End of Eternity remains one of the more interesting time travel works on record. His Foundation series of novels is often cited as an inspiration for many other writers who picked up the pen and started creating strange new worlds all of their own. Plus, he very well may be the only human who's had an asteroid, a Martian crater, an elementary school, and a literary award named after him.
Though he's no longer with us, Asimov was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Boasting a great career of supporting roles in several franchises, Jason Evers even found time for an appearance aboard NBC's famed Star Trek (pictured above from the third season outing "Wink of An Eye"). He also served time aboard The Green Hornet, The Invaders, The Illustrated Man (1969) , Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), The Fantastic Journey, and The Bionic Woman. Though he's no longer with us, Evers was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shown above from his appearance aboard the popular Knight Rider, John Considine sports over 100 screen credits to his name. So far as genre work goes, he's also shown up in The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, My Favorite Martian, Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls (1973), Timestalkers (1987), and Out of this World. Considine was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Peter MacLean dabbled in a handful of SciFi properties during his time in the business. Fans may recall his work from Wonder Woman, The Amazing Spider-Man, Battlestar Galactica, Salvage 1, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and Knight Rider. Though he's no longer with us, MacLean was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his work was uncredited, the talented Eiji Kusuhara enjoys the distinction of serving as the first Asian seen in the wider Star Wars universe. The actor also made appearances in Doctor Who, Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987), and Robotboy (animated). Though he's no longer with us, Kusuhara was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've traveled with the Timelord, then we're going to find you: such is the case for lovely Deborah Watling! She played companion Victoria Waterfield back during the BBC's Doctor Who run in the 1967-1968 era. Early in her career, she enjoyed appearances aboard The Invisible Man and Out Of The Unknown. Though she's no longer with us, Watling was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Nadia Cassini shared the silver screen with Caroline Munro aboard Starcrash (1978), a bit of a Star Wars rip-off hailing from Italy. Cassini was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You say you fired a phaser aboard the Starship Enterprise-D? Then, by gosh, you deserve a mention! Stuntman and actor John Escobar enjoyed a bit of gunplay aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Escobar was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable John Bedford Lloyd tends to stick more toward mainstream projects, but he has put in some time aboard C.H.U.D. (1984), The Abyss (1989), SeaQuest 2032, Aliens in the Family, and Life On Mars (ABC). Lloyd was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Joanna Pacula starred opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in 1999's lukewarm SciFi-chiller Virus. The actress also clocked screen time in such projects as The Kiss (1988), E.A.R.T.H. Force, Body Puzzle (1992), Eyes Of The Beholder (1992), Warlock: The Armageddon (1993), and Timemaster (1995). Pacula was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1990, Pacula earned a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in The Kiss.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1990, Pacula earned a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in The Kiss.
To be fair, the lovely Gabrielle Carteris hasn't done much Science Fiction, but guest roles aboard NBC's short-lived The Event will always draw my interest. Carteris was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alas, the resume for Candy Davis appears as if producers and showrunners only cast her as 'eye candy,' if you'll pardon the pun. Thankfully, she had a single foray into the realm of Science Fiction with a tiny role in Transmutations (aka Underworld) for Limehouse Productions in 1985. Davis was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the short-lived Level 9, actress Kate Hodge played Annie Price, a former FBI agent recruited to head up a secret government agency dedicated to fighting cyber crime. The lovely actress has also played supporting roles in The Hidden II (1993), Xena: Warrior Princess, and Fringe. Hodge was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After being "discovered" in a Waikiki grocery store, Tia Carrere (pictured above from James Cameron's True Lies) has gone on to a whole host of entertainment projects. Genre fans probably remember her best from her work in Airwolf, Relic Hunter, Quantum Leap, Tales from the Crypt, Kull the Conqueror, Hercules, and Warehouse 13. Carrere was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's vastly more well known for his work in David Lynch's Twin Peaks program, actor James Marshall (above left) tinkered with Science Fiction with an appearance in 2004's TV movie Alien Lockdown. Marshall was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Evan Parke had a small but important role in the Timothy Burton reboot of the Planet of the Apes franchise (2001), playing an ally for lead actor Mark Wahlberg in the SciFi flick. Parke was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Renée Elise Goldsberry enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Enterprise late in the first season's run. Incidentally, IMDB.com also reports that she did some voicework for the Star Trek: Away Team video game back in 2001. Goldsberry was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Television keeps trying to make a star out of Taye Diggs, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. He certainly appears to have a workman-like ethic in his approach to his craft, and I've heard he's a bit of a favorite with the ladies. As far as SciFi goes, he's only made a few appearances in the genre: Equilibrium and the time-travel-TV-yarn Day Break comes to mind. Diggs was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dax Shepard played 'The Astronaut' in the 2005 space fantasy, Zathura: A Space Adventure. He also played 'Frito' in 2006's SciFi-themed Idiocracy. Shepard was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International sensation Paz Vega created a stir with her work aboard the SciFi property The OA back in 2016. Vega was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I suspect that Anna Cummer is probably best known amongst a certain fanbase as the voice behind Strawberry Shortcake, she has travelled to the various kingdoms of Science Fiction with roles aboard such entities as Stargate: Atlantis, Eureka, Reaper, and Smallville. Cummer was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've said many times before that I really need to 'bone up' on my SciFi reading, and the works of Tobias Buckell are exactly the kind of stuff I'm talking about. With awards nominations and a host of futuristic tales to his credit, Buckell looks to break boundaries both on Earth and beyond. Buckell was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: Author's website]
[Source: Author's website]
Catherine Bailey (above left) played Miss Wyckham aboard an episode of the Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, back in 2010. Bailey was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Gyasi explored the final frontier as part of the cast of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar (2014). The talented actor has also appeared in Torchwood, Cloud Atlas (2012), Doctor Who, and Containment. Gyasi was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The more you know me, the more you understand I don't often "stand up" for actors ... but I've always tried to give Kate Bosworth the benefit of the doubt. I didn't much care for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the underwhelming Superman Returns, but that's largely not her fault. Rather, I prefer to cite the half-baked script. She did the best she could with the material she was given. Bosworth was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kristen Hager enjoyed as impressive run as part of the Americanized version of the BBC's Being Human, and her career also boasts an appearance aboard The Expanse. She also appeared in 2007's underwhelming Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. Other genre stops include visits to The Dresden Files, The Listener, Valemont, A Little Bit Zombie (2012), and Gotham. Hager was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Mr. Mxyzptlk,' the talented Peter Gadiot brought a spark of transdimensional charm to the world of Supergirl on The CW. Gadiot was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Proving she has as much bark as her bite, the lovely Shelley Hennig played 'Malia Tate' aboard the Fantasy-themed Teen Wolf. Hennig was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2016, actor Ben Hardy joined the X-Men Cinematic Universe in the role of Angel aboard X-Men: Apocalypse. Hardy was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1932 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City enjoyed the theatrical premiere of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
On this day in 1934 (in Portugal), the original movie monster King Kong enjoyed a run through theaters. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the film used some pioneering special effects to bring the king to life; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
A star is born!
On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), The Shadow made his original big screen debut. Directed by James W. Horne, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Victor Jory, Veda Ann Borg, and Roger Moore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Shadow battles a villain known as The Black Tiger, who has the power to make himself invisible and is trying to take over the world with his death ray."
"The Shadow battles a villain known as The Black Tiger, who has the power to make himself invisible and is trying to take over the world with his death ray."
A star is born!
On this day in 1948 (in the U.S.), the war wasn't quite over until it was fought by the Women In The Night! Written (in part) and directed by William Rowland, the SciFi/Drama starred Tala Birell, William Henry, and Richard Loo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As World War II nears its end, beautiful women forced to serve as sex slaves in a German officer's club, do what they can to destroy the plans of a cosmic death ray."
"As World War II nears its end, beautiful women forced to serve as sex slaves in a German officer's club, do what they can to destroy the plans of a cosmic death ray."
On this day in 1953 (in West Germany), Unknown Island enjoyed a theatrical release. The feature starred Virginia Grey and Richard Denning, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
A star is born!
On this day in 1954 (in Italy), one of the screen's most reliable names in Horror was back in the business with the theatrical release of The Island Monster. Written (in part) and directed by Roberto Bianchi Montero, the Crime/Fantasy starred Boris Karloff, Franca Marzi, and Renato Vicario. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Italian government agent is assigned to break up a drug smuggling ring on the island of Ischia but his daughter is kidnapped by the gang."
"An Italian government agent is assigned to break up a drug smuggling ring on the island of Ischia but his daughter is kidnapped by the gang."
On this day in 1960 (in Hungary), A Journey To The Beginning Of Time took audiences on a journey back to -- erm -- the beginning of time. Written (in part) and directed by Karel Zeman, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Vladimír Bejval, Petr Herrman, and Zdenek Hustak. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One day a young boy finds a fossil of trilobite. Together with his three friends they set off on an adventurous journey through prehistory, up to the beginning of time."
"One day a young boy finds a fossil of trilobite. Together with his three friends they set off on an adventurous journey through prehistory, up to the beginning of time."
On this day in 1969 (in Mexico), Crack In The World opened up a crack on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
A star is born!
On this day in 1975 (in Mexico), The Mummies Of San Angel brought a masked Luchador face-to-face with something that also hid its face another way entirely. Written (in part) and directed by Arturo Martínez, the Fantasy/Horror starred Mil Máscaras, Lorena Velázquez, and Rogelio Guerra. According to our friends at Letterboxd.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man is the heir of a very old house in San Angel. Upon marriage, he decides to live there but after a long time, very strange things begin to happen in the house. Then he discovers that there are mummies hidden that awake in the night."
"A young man is the heir of a very old house in San Angel. Upon marriage, he decides to live there but after a long time, very strange things begin to happen in the house. Then he discovers that there are mummies hidden that awake in the night."
On this day in 1979 (in Greece), Superman soared in all of his glory onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
On this day in 1980 (in Poland), Alien burst through cinema's chest to prove that, in space, no one can hear you scream! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
A star is born!
On this day in 1985, the SciFi telefilm -- The Galactic Garden -- found its way onto the airwaves. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pair of space travellers arrive on Earth to study the planet's lifeforms, landing in an English garden. However, on Earth they are about three quarters of an inch tall and therefore find themselves encountering its natural and giant indigenous life, such as worms, spiders, goldfish and a tortoise. A drama documentary on natural history with a science fiction twist."
"A pair of space travellers arrive on Earth to study the planet's lifeforms, landing in an English garden. However, on Earth they are about three quarters of an inch tall and therefore find themselves encountering its natural and giant indigenous life, such as worms, spiders, goldfish and a tortoise. A drama documentary on natural history with a science fiction twist."
On this day in 1986 (in Australia), the world of high Fantasy came to life on the silver screen in Legend. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, the film delivered big on theatrical spectacle but small on box office returns; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
On this day in 1987 (in Ireland), Gobots: Battle Of The Rock Lords brought those lovable toys-turned-heroes to the silver screen. The animated adventure starred the voices of Margot Kidder, Roddy McDowall, and Telly Savalas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Go-Bots fight to rescue the Rock People."
"The Go-Bots fight to rescue the Rock People."
A star is born!
A star is born! On this day in 1996, Alien Nation: Millennium took television audiences back into the Alien Nation world for another adventure. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
On this day in 1996 (in Russia), the glorious RoboCop 2 enjoyed its premiere on television. The feature had the great Peter Weller returning to the signature role, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
On this day in 1998 (in Portugal), Eyes Of The Beholder enjoyed its broadcast on television. Written (in part) and directed by Lawrence L. Simeone, the Horror/Fantasy starred Joanna Pacula, Matt McCoy, and George Lazenby. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazed escaped mental patient holds 2 couples hostage and terrorizes them in a Malibu beach home during a stormy night."
"A crazed escaped mental patient holds 2 couples hostage and terrorizes them in a Malibu beach home during a stormy night."
On this day in 1998 (in Ireland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), talent shared coffee in space aboard the silver screen adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film starred Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1999 (in France), Hercules And The Amazon Women pitted the seminal strongman against the best of the fairer sex. Directed by Bill Norton, the Fantasy/Telefilm starred Kevin Sorbo, Anthony Quinn, and Roma Downey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hercules and Iolaus take time out from Iolaus' wedding preparations, to help a distant village under attack from "monsters". When they reach their destination, they find the monsters are in fact Amazonian women who are controlled by Hera."
"Hercules and Iolaus take time out from Iolaus' wedding preparations, to help a distant village under attack from "monsters". When they reach their destination, they find the monsters are in fact Amazonian women who are controlled by Hera."
A star is born!
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Tremors 4: The Legend Begins spawned itself on home video. Written (in part) and directed by S.S. Wilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Michael Gross, Sara Botsford, and Billy Drago. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A prequel to Tremors (1990), this movie tells us about how the town of Perfection, Nevada became founded and how they defended it against the Graboids with the help of Burt Gummer's ancestor, Hiram."
For the record:
At the 2005 DVD Exclusive Awards, Tremors 4 enjoyed an incredible seven nominations in the categories of 'Best Visual Effects (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Editing (of a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Cinematography (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Supporting Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Live-Action DVD Premiere Movie,' and 'Best Actress (in a DVD Premiere Movie).'
"A prequel to Tremors (1990), this movie tells us about how the town of Perfection, Nevada became founded and how they defended it against the Graboids with the help of Burt Gummer's ancestor, Hiram."
For the record:
At the 2005 DVD Exclusive Awards, Tremors 4 enjoyed an incredible seven nominations in the categories of 'Best Visual Effects (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Editing (of a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Cinematography (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Supporting Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie),' 'Best Live-Action DVD Premiere Movie,' and 'Best Actress (in a DVD Premiere Movie).'
A star is born!
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), home audiences were treated to a Pandemic! This miniseries event starred Tiffani Thiessen, French Stewart, and Faye Dunaway; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The bird flu virus spreads through Los Angeles as a doctor from the CDC races to find a vaccine."
For the record:
To the production's credit, screenwriter Bryce Zabel took home top honors at the 2008 Writers Guild of America in the category of 'Long Form - Original Screenplay.'
"The bird flu virus spreads through Los Angeles as a doctor from the CDC races to find a vaccine."
For the record:
To the production's credit, screenwriter Bryce Zabel took home top honors at the 2008 Writers Guild of America in the category of 'Long Form - Original Screenplay.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in France), Dante 01 launched into cinematic orbit. Written (in part) and directed by Marc Caro, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lambert Wilson, Linh-Dan Pham, and Dominique Pinon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A prisoner is brought to psychiatric detention space station orbiting a prison planet. He was exposed to aliens and gained healing power. A new doctor wants to experiment on the 7 prisoners/patients."
"A prisoner is brought to psychiatric detention space station orbiting a prison planet. He was exposed to aliens and gained healing power. A new doctor wants to experiment on the 7 prisoners/patients."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009, Children Of The X-Files enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by Michael D. O'Connell, the SciFi film starred Wendy Braun and Jay Ehler, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Peter has it all, a fabulous home, a beautiful wife, and a successful career, until he discovers his wife, Kendra, is having an affair with an Alien. He must race against UFOs and Men In Black to find Kendra before she causes an apocalypse."
"Peter has it all, a fabulous home, a beautiful wife, and a successful career, until he discovers his wife, Kendra, is having an affair with an Alien. He must race against UFOs and Men In Black to find Kendra before she causes an apocalypse."
On this day in 2009 (in Latvia and Lithuania), the Russian-language SciFi film Dark Planet enjoyed its release. Directed by Fedor Bondarchuk, the flick starred Vasiliy Stepanov and Yulia Snigir, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"On the threshold of 22nd century, furrowing the space, protagonist from the Free Search Group makes emergency landing on an unknown planet where he must stay. People who are living on this planet have remained at the stone level of the 20th century, with its social problems, miserable ecology and shaky world..."
"On the threshold of 22nd century, furrowing the space, protagonist from the Free Search Group makes emergency landing on an unknown planet where he must stay. People who are living on this planet have remained at the stone level of the 20th century, with its social problems, miserable ecology and shaky world..."
On this day in 2010 (in France), things grew a bit chilly with the release of Polar Storm. Written (in part) and directed by Paul Ziller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jack Coleman, Holly Elissa, and Tyler Johnston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A comet passes near the Earth and disturbs Earth's magnetic field."
"A comet passes near the Earth and disturbs Earth's magnetic field."
A star is born!
On this day in 2011 (in Spain), the cold continued to grow with the release of Ice. The SciFi/Thriller starred Richard Roxburgh, Frances O'Connor, and Claire Forlani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Environmentalist Prof Thom Archer, warns of a new ice age and points a finger at sinister energy giant Halo. The multi-national is drilling on the Greenland Glacier and causing it to melt. But his warnings are ignored. Then, after a colleague is murdered, Thom realizes he must put years of desk-bound theory behind him and fight for his survival and the survival of Earth itself."
"Environmentalist Prof Thom Archer, warns of a new ice age and points a finger at sinister energy giant Halo. The multi-national is drilling on the Greenland Glacier and causing it to melt. But his warnings are ignored. Then, after a colleague is murdered, Thom realizes he must put years of desk-bound theory behind him and fight for his survival and the survival of Earth itself."
A star is born!
On this day in 2018, the silver screen Fantasy titled Babes With Blades was released. The feature starred Cecily Fay and Joelle Simpson, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"On the dark streets of Draiga, a mining colony occupied by the Visray Empire, lives Azura, the last of a fearsome warrior race known as the Sarnians. After witnessing her once beautiful home world turn into a lifeless husk, Azura must fight to the death in the gladiatorial ring to stay alive. Meanwhile, a group of human freedom fighters form a resistance, seeking to try and protect their families from the oppressive and cruel rule of the Visray Section Commander Sorrentine. Unbeknownst to Azura, the fate of all humans on Draiga is about to rest in her hands. Can she survive long enough to save her colony?"
"On the dark streets of Draiga, a mining colony occupied by the Visray Empire, lives Azura, the last of a fearsome warrior race known as the Sarnians. After witnessing her once beautiful home world turn into a lifeless husk, Azura must fight to the death in the gladiatorial ring to stay alive. Meanwhile, a group of human freedom fighters form a resistance, seeking to try and protect their families from the oppressive and cruel rule of the Visray Section Commander Sorrentine. Unbeknownst to Azura, the fate of all humans on Draiga is about to rest in her hands. Can she survive long enough to save her colony?"
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.) Gathering Of Heroes: Legend Of The Seven Swords enjoyed its brief time in the cinema limelight. Written and directed by the team of Mark Steven Grove and Jon Firestone, the Fantasy feature starred Sara N. Salazar, Trygve Lode, and Sam Del Rio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the mystical realm of Ryntia, the forces of the underworld are aligning to unleash a plague of evil upon the surface. The deadly bat-like Blood Reavers, the Saurian Maurauders, the Orcish Warmongers and the feline Shadow-cat mercenaries have pledged their respective clans to the service of Bre'Gwen, queen of the deep elves. Together they seek to destroy the human and Elven kingdoms and rule all of Ryntia in the name of evil. But even with their combined strength, Bre'Gwen's forces are no match for the powerful Grayraven kingdom led by the majestic king, Garrick Grayraven. To ensure their success, Bre'gwen forges an alliance with an unlikely human who holds the secret to acquiring a powerful artifact that will allow them to summon and control an army of undead warriors from centuries past. Guided by fragmented visions, a mysterious Oracle gathers seven unlikely heroes to face the threat. A heroic knight, a deep elf sorceress, an eccentric bard, a silver elf druid, a righteous paladin, a barbarian huntress, and a brooding thief are the only ones capable of stopping this evil at its source...but first they must embark upon a quest to find the legendary seven swords of Draconus."
"In the mystical realm of Ryntia, the forces of the underworld are aligning to unleash a plague of evil upon the surface. The deadly bat-like Blood Reavers, the Saurian Maurauders, the Orcish Warmongers and the feline Shadow-cat mercenaries have pledged their respective clans to the service of Bre'Gwen, queen of the deep elves. Together they seek to destroy the human and Elven kingdoms and rule all of Ryntia in the name of evil. But even with their combined strength, Bre'Gwen's forces are no match for the powerful Grayraven kingdom led by the majestic king, Garrick Grayraven. To ensure their success, Bre'gwen forges an alliance with an unlikely human who holds the secret to acquiring a powerful artifact that will allow them to summon and control an army of undead warriors from centuries past. Guided by fragmented visions, a mysterious Oracle gathers seven unlikely heroes to face the threat. A heroic knight, a deep elf sorceress, an eccentric bard, a silver elf druid, a righteous paladin, a barbarian huntress, and a brooding thief are the only ones capable of stopping this evil at its source...but first they must embark upon a quest to find the legendary seven swords of Draconus."
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), it was the end of the world as we know it all over again with the home video release of Mad World (aka Dystopia). Directed by Paul Tanter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael Copon, Simon Phillips, and Eve Mauro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It is the year 2037. Our world is dying, slowly, from a virus that has rendered mankind infertile. Not a single child has been born in 25 years. Governments are now powerless puppets for the biggest corporations and Biocorp, the world's biggest, keeps promising a cure that never comes."
"It is the year 2037. Our world is dying, slowly, from a virus that has rendered mankind infertile. Not a single child has been born in 25 years. Governments are now powerless puppets for the biggest corporations and Biocorp, the world's biggest, keeps promising a cure that never comes."
On this day in 2019 (in France), the 1988-produced They Live enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Adapted for the silver screen and directed by John Carpenter, the film starred Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), Virtual Vendetta enjoyed its 'virtual' release via the Internet. Written and directed by Nick Sapwell, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Joseph Michael Williams, Olly Bassi, and Ellis J. Wells. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The actions of Kratos in his home sector of Olympus cause drastic effects across the entire world of Playstanea. With widespread chaos and destruction, survivors are forced together to decide their fate. Calypso, who has been silently observing, offers them an ultimatum. Invade or perish. The survivors decide to invade a neighboring planet, Exbor, to claim a piece of land for their own. Overwhelmed by the might of the Playstanean warriors, Master Chief and Cortana decide to form a strike team of their own to combat this new threat. What ensues is an epic crossover battle for all fans of gaming, where the two teams battle both to survive and to protect."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Virtual Vendetta earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The actions of Kratos in his home sector of Olympus cause drastic effects across the entire world of Playstanea. With widespread chaos and destruction, survivors are forced together to decide their fate. Calypso, who has been silently observing, offers them an ultimatum. Invade or perish. The survivors decide to invade a neighboring planet, Exbor, to claim a piece of land for their own. Overwhelmed by the might of the Playstanean warriors, Master Chief and Cortana decide to form a strike team of their own to combat this new threat. What ensues is an epic crossover battle for all fans of gaming, where the two teams battle both to survive and to protect."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Virtual Vendetta earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures of Superman aired "Mystery In Wax." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Madam Dawn and her husband own a wax museum in Metropolis. She claims to have visions that prominent people will die within six months. Indeed, the people appear to commit suicide. Madam Dawn's latest vision: Perry White will die."
"Madam Dawn and her husband own a wax museum in Metropolis. She claims to have visions that prominent people will die within six months. Indeed, the people appear to commit suicide. Madam Dawn's latest vision: Perry White will die."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Mask Of Medusa." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and -- unfortunately -- I've yet to locate a plot summary for this episode on the World Wide Web. OK, peeps, help me out and lemmeknow what you find!
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Johnny Jupiter aired "The Flower Story." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While conducting an unfortunate experiment, Ernest blows up the plants that his boss planned to enter in the local flower show."
"While conducting an unfortunate experiment, Ernest blows up the plants that his boss planned to enter in the local flower show."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Planet Of Doom." According to the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The Polaris and her crew are ordered to rescue two pretty young pilots who have crashed on Jupiter."
"The Polaris and her crew are ordered to rescue two pretty young pilots who have crashed on Jupiter."
On this day in 1966 (in the Netherlands), The Jetsons aired "Jetson's Nite Out." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mr. Spacely has tickets to the football game, and he invites George to come along. So, they fool their wives into thinking they were working late, and duck out to the game. It all goes according to plan, until they return home to their infuriated better halves."
"Mr. Spacely has tickets to the football game, and he invites George to come along. So, they fool their wives into thinking they were working late, and duck out to the game. It all goes according to plan, until they return home to their infuriated better halves."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "Killers of the Deep." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"By air Nelson and Crane pursue a mysterious submarine stealing nuclear missiles. Their craft is shot down and Crane is captured. Nelson, recovered by a Navy destroyer, is bent on destroying the sub, not realizing Crane is on board."
"By air Nelson and Crane pursue a mysterious submarine stealing nuclear missiles. Their craft is shot down and Crane is captured. Nelson, recovered by a Navy destroyer, is bent on destroying the sub, not realizing Crane is on board."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 launched on its merry way into the television universe. The first installment was titled "The Way Back," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Former rebel leader Roj Blake learns from outlawed protesters led by Bran Foster that he once led a resistance group against the evil intergalactic government The Federation, but he was brainwashed and his memories were erased when he was captured by The Federation. When Blake witnesses the protesters being slaughtered by Federation Guards, Blake is framed for a series of crimes he didn't do and is sentenced to exile on the prison planet Cygnus Alpha."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 launched on its merry way into the television universe. The first installment was titled "The Way Back," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Former rebel leader Roj Blake learns from outlawed protesters led by Bran Foster that he once led a resistance group against the evil intergalactic government The Federation, but he was brainwashed and his memories were erased when he was captured by The Federation. When Blake witnesses the protesters being slaughtered by Federation Guards, Blake is framed for a series of crimes he didn't do and is sentenced to exile on the prison planet Cygnus Alpha."
On January 2, 1978 (in the U.S.), Logan's Run rang in the new year with an episode titled "Futurepast." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Logan and Jessica are kidnapped by a woman named Ariana who uses a dream analyzer of them. Logan dreams he is back in the domed city and he is being interrogated by the Sandmen about how he found Sanctuary and Jessica dreams she is being forced to take part on Carousel by a sinister man who forces her to wear a mask. Unaware Francis and a Sandman have arrived to apprehend Logan and Jesscia and Arianna isn't what she seems."
And for those truly interested in knowing more, here's a link to the preview over at YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/4aVV4k_CDTA
"Logan and Jessica are kidnapped by a woman named Ariana who uses a dream analyzer of them. Logan dreams he is back in the domed city and he is being interrogated by the Sandmen about how he found Sanctuary and Jessica dreams she is being forced to take part on Carousel by a sinister man who forces her to wear a mask. Unaware Francis and a Sandman have arrived to apprehend Logan and Jesscia and Arianna isn't what she seems."
And for those truly interested in knowing more, here's a link to the preview over at YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/4aVV4k_CDTA
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Epiphany." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Wanting to set off a "tribal war" within the human race, the aliens attempt to detonate a nuclear bomb at a U.S.-Soviet disarmament summit."
"Wanting to set off a "tribal war" within the human race, the aliens attempt to detonate a nuclear bomb at a U.S.-Soviet disarmament summit."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman aired "All Shook Up." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"An asteroid is headed for earth and it becomes Superman's mission to stop the impending disaster. He flies into space and intercepts the asteroid at high speed to destroy it. This attempt is only partially successful, and worse Superman seems to be missing and Clark is found with amnesia."
"An asteroid is headed for earth and it becomes Superman's mission to stop the impending disaster. He flies into space and intercepts the asteroid at high speed to destroy it. This attempt is only partially successful, and worse Superman seems to be missing and Clark is found with amnesia."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), TV's SeaQuest aired "Better Than Martians." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the first manned mission to Mars, led by a personal friend of Bridger's, crashes into the ocean near a southeast Asian confederation after returning to Earth, the seaQuest races to rescue the survivors while the confederation rushes to retrieve the astronauts first."
"When the first manned mission to Mars, led by a personal friend of Bridger's, crashes into the ocean near a southeast Asian confederation after returning to Earth, the seaQuest races to rescue the survivors while the confederation rushes to retrieve the astronauts first."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space nine aired the episode "Rivals" as part of its second season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Quark meets his match when a new rival opens a casino opposite Quark's Bar on the Promenade; meanwhile the station is suffering issues of high improbability."
"Quark meets his match when a new rival opens a casino opposite Quark's Bar on the Promenade; meanwhile the station is suffering issues of high improbability."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Captain Sisko and the crew of the Defiant on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine traveled past in time in the stellar episode "Past Tense: Part 1." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sisko, Bashir and Dax are accidentally sent to San Francisco in the 21st century due to a transporter malfunction, and must figure out how to get back to return without changing the time line."
"Sisko, Bashir and Dax are accidentally sent to San Francisco in the 21st century due to a transporter malfunction, and must figure out how to get back to return without changing the time line."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), The Demon Headmaster aired the first episode of its first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lloyd and Harvey Hunter are getting a foster sister called Dinah Glass. She is a very clever girl but she keeps it very quiet. But when she goes to school the next day she finds that the school is not normal."
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), The Demon Headmaster aired the first episode of its first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lloyd and Harvey Hunter are getting a foster sister called Dinah Glass. She is a very clever girl but she keeps it very quiet. But when she goes to school the next day she finds that the school is not normal."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), the 11th episode of Surface's only television season aired. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Laura and Rich escape from the hospital with the creature footage before Lee and his men get to them."
"Laura and Rich escape from the hospital with the creature footage before Lee and his men get to them."
On this day in 2008 (in France), Doctor Who aired "The Shakespeare Code." Officially, this served as the second episode in the third season in the Modern Era of Who; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor takes Martha to London in 1599, where William Shakespeare's new play is being used by three witches in an evil plan."
"The Doctor takes Martha to London in 1599, where William Shakespeare's new play is being used by three witches in an evil plan."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Dooku Captured." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"During their own attempt to kidnap Count Dooku, Anakin and Obi-Wan discover that the Sith Lord has already been captured by pirates."
"During their own attempt to kidnap Count Dooku, Anakin and Obi-Wan discover that the Sith Lord has already been captured by pirates."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired the second episode of its fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"When Connor looks up old friends Duncan, he doesn't expect to find him obsessed with creature sightings. Warning him of the elusive dock creature, the pair track it down to the docks, only to find evidence of a fresh kill. With Abby and Matt arriving to help, they find the creature after a tense chase through a container yard. Will Connor's quick-thinking and bravery earn him back his place on the team?"
"When Connor looks up old friends Duncan, he doesn't expect to find him obsessed with creature sightings. Warning him of the elusive dock creature, the pair track it down to the docks, only to find evidence of a fresh kill. With Abby and Matt arriving to help, they find the creature after a tense chase through a container yard. Will Connor's quick-thinking and bravery earn him back his place on the team?"
