On this day in 1979, TV icon Andy Griffith went exactly where man had gone before (i.e. the moon) in the SciFi/Drama Salvage 1. Essentially the premise of the program was that a private investor built the first re-usable rocket system, and he and his crew attempt to salvage the items left behind on the moon in the Apollo space program. Each week, Andy and his cohorts would use his rocket to explore some of Earth's more interesting diversions ... and without putting too much thought into it one can certainly imagine that the premise was a bit limited, especially on TV budgets. In any event, it lasted for nineteen episodes, so let's be thankful for small favors from Hollywood.
On this day in 1993, Time Trax sprang into the temporal scale of things on U.S. syndicated television. The premise had series star Dale Midkiff playing a cop from the future sent back in time to capture a series of high-stakes criminals who fled into Earth's past in order to escape sentencing. (Yes, it does sound an awful lot like Timecop, a motion picture and a series that would follow later on the Boob Tube.) Though the idea was grand, I found much of it to be a bit too routine for a SciFi procedural, and I believe I only hung around for its first season. To my knowledge, both seasons were eventually released on home video, and the show quite likely has a streaming home somewheres on the World Wide Web. Interested parties are encouraged to check it out.
In the role of 'Henry Frankenstein,' the venerable Colin Clive helped audiences see the risks of reanimating dead tissue in both Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Sadly, I've read that severe alcoholism aggravated his tuberculosis, both leading to his death at a surprisingly young age. Though he's no longer with us, Clive was born on this day in 1900.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Stephen Jack dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction on more than a single occasion, securing guest spots in Doctor Who and The Tomorrow People. Though he's no longer with us, Jack was born on this day in 1902.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late, great DeForest Kelley gave such a genius portrayal to the ship's physician, Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. In Star Trek's trinity relationship -- the one shared between Kirk's bravado, Spock's logic, and him -- McCoy was always the "heart" of any situation. He always wanted the crew to do what was best morally for those around him and them. TOS is filled with great moments of debate, but perhaps in the much-maligned Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, the country doctor really gave his best performance: at the beginning, he was the joyous soul sitting with his friends around a campfire, and, near the film's conclusion, he was the tortured soul who had to let his father die from an illness with no cure. Today's Star Trek bears very little resemblance to those Treks of old, and I've always argued a lot of that is due to the fact that Dee's guiding spirit is no longer there. Though he's no longer with us, Kelley was born on this day back in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Don Mankiewicz was an award-winning, Oscar-nominated screenwriter who dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Star Trek fans might know him best as the writer who penned the script for first season's exceptional SciFi/Drama outing, "Court Martial." Though he's no longer with us, Mankiewicz was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often mentioned on these pages, the original The Day The Earth Stood Still remains one of my all-time favorite Science Fiction films, and kudos to the lovely Patricia Neal for having such a key role in the motion picture. Though she's no longer with us, Neal was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although smitten with the allure of acting, Henry Woolf gave it all up to teach others have to use their craft better, but not before making appearances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Doctor Who, Superman III (1983), and Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (TV). Though he's no longer with us, Woolf was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Go ahead. Ask anybody -- any real SciFi fan, that is -- how he or she feels about their first Doctor. Yeah, I get that a lot of folks really didn't find Doctor Who until, say, maybe David Tennant made him cool and fashionable. But for so many of us, Tom Baker really was the Doctor. Of course, we knew he wasn't the first, but he was the first to truly make it his own in such a way that more folks could relate to the antics and adventures. That's my two cents, and I'm sticking by it. And how great was it to see Baker in a kinda/sorta appearance as a kindly ol' gentleman in the recent "The Day of the Doctor." Awesome, no? Baker was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
William Wellman, Jr. has built a resume rich with roles in genre entertainment. He's booked appearances aboard such properties as Logan's Run (TV), Project UFO, Image of the Beast (1980), V, Alien Nation, The Pretender, The Burning Zone, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Alias, and Star Trek: Of Gods And Men (2007). Wellman Jr. was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That sleepy-eyed fellow above? That's David Lynch, director of Dune. And having recently re-watched Dune on cable, I can understand why he's sleepy-eyed. (I kid, I kid ... his version of Dune remains a 'masterpiece in disarray,' and it deserves to be seen by fans of the director's work.) But the much-lauded storyteller has certainly been a force to be reckoned with, turning out some crazily inspired films and TV shows over his years in the entertainment industry. His Twin Peaks, in fact, should be required viewing for mankind, so far as I'm concerned. Though he's no longer with us, Lynch was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Lynch is one of the industry's most recognized and most awarded men.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Lynch is one of the industry's most recognized and most awarded men.
- In 1993, he was awarded a Life Career Award from the Academy Of Science Ficiton, Fantasy, And Horror Films for his previous and ongoing contribution to excellence in the medium.
- Also, in 1993, he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Writing' for his work on Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
- In 2018, he took home the Saturn Award trophy in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' for his work in the Showtime Limited Series continuation of Twin Peaks.
With over three decades in the business, Geno Silva has certainly had several great opportunities to leave a mark in the realm of SciFi/Fantasy. He's been seen in Fantasy Island, Monsters, The Sentinel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Alias, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Though he's no longer with us, Silva was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Liza Goddard appeared in "Terminus," a four-part storyline taking place in Doctor Who's 1983 TV season. Interestingly enough, she married (briefly) Colin Baker, who she starred alongside in the arc as the Doctor. Goddard was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Daniel Benzali has turned in a handful of great performances in Science Fiction. Fans recognize him most from appearances aboard Star Cops, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Fox TV's The X-Files, and CBS's Apocalypse drama Jericho. Benzali was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dave Fennoy has an incredible resume of voice acting that needs to be heard to be believed. You can check out his IMDB.com resume right here. He's dabbled in the Star Wars, Star Trek, and Marvel universes for good measure, and Fennoy was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Lorenzo Lamas (above left) has spent nearly five decades in the entertainment industry, so you can rest assured that there's definitely some Science Fiction in there, even if it takes the shape of Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus (2009). Lamas was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely and prolific Kij Johnson has been trafficking in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy since her first professional sale back in 1987. If you're interested in knowing more about her, you can check out her website right here. Johnson was born on this day in 1960.
If IMDB.com is to be believed, then it would appear that the lovely Sophie Thompson got her professional acting start in the television adaptation of the popular Fantasy novel A Traveller In Time for the BBC. Thompson was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Russian actress Ingeborga Dapkunaite has a great deal of mainstream fare under her belt, but she also dipped her toes into the realm of cinematic Fantasy with a role aboard Fairy (2020). Dapkunaite was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky James Denton is probably most recognized for his work in ABC TV's prime-time soap opera Desperate Housewives, but he has given genre fans a few good performances as well. Not long after appearing in Dark Skies, he landed a recurring role in NBC's The Pretender. He also had a role in the short-lived Masters of Science Fiction in 2007. Denton was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not only is she married to Farscape series actor Ben Browder, but Francesca Buller even scored a guest appearance on the program not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times! That's frelling amazing! (Check out the Farscape wiki right here.) Buller was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I had the good fortune of screening the SciFi/Drama Uncanny (2015) just before it was released on home video, and I was surprised to see the versatile Rainn Wilson in a small but crucial role in the SciFi flick. More recently, he turned up as a guest star aboard Star Trek: Discovery for good measure. Wilson was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely and talented Stacey Dash recently turned up as one of the guest stars aboard the Syfy franchise juggernaut, Sharknado IV: The 4th Awakens (2016). Dash was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Reno Wilson has provided the vocals for a small handful of robotic characters aboard the greater Transformers franchise. He's also enjoyed live acting gigs aboard such properties as Sliders, Good Vs. Evil, and She Creature (2001). Wilson was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I suspect Branka Katic is far more well known for her work in dramatic projects, she did give genre fans a run for their money with a small role in The King's Man (2021). Katic was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and author Geoffrey Thorne maintains a website for fans right here, and he continues to seek out and explore new tales both visually and in prose. Thorne was born on this day in 1970.
Skeet Ulrich headlined CBS TV's Apocalypse drama Jericho for all of its two seasons, playing the prodigal son returning home in time for a nuclear event to modest acclaim. A few years before that, he starred in the terrific but short-lived Miracles for ABC; seriously, if you can find that program on DVD, pick it up. It plays out like The X-Files on so many levels. Ulrich was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As a writer and producer, Aaron Harberts has certainly left a mark on entertainment history, though some press accounts indicate he's a bit difficult to work with. (Link) (Link) (Link) One would think that the MeToo Generation would've taught Hollywood -- of all places -- a lesson, but it is what it is. I believe I've read he was even fired from Star Trek: Discovery because of some pervasively bad behavior which -- given the state of Star Trek as a whole -- isn't all that a surprise. Behind the scenes, he's been a part and parcel of such genre franchises as Roswell, Pushing Daisies, and Star Trek: Discovery. Harberts was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sabrina Gennarino is just one of the man gifted players who have had the chance to face mankind's grim future aboard AMC's SciFi/Fantasy juggernaut The Walking Dead during its run. And speaking of grim futures? She also dabbled in the televised world of The Purge. Good grief, Hollywood: the poor thing probably now needs therapy. Gennarino was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As Omar Sy's star continues to rise, let's be thankful that he can still make time for such flicks as X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014) and Jurassic World (2015). Sy was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2010, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe flashed her 'goods' in the SciFi comedy Hot Tub Time Machine, but as much as I can appreciate a great pair of tatas as the next guy I much prefer her work as series regular 'Toby Nance' in Primeval: New World. The fetching actress has also booked appearances on Stargate: SG-1, The Twilight Zone, Final Destination 3, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Stargate: Atlantis, Smallville, and Almost Human. Lowe was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Colossus, Daniel Cudmore did what he could to deliver his hunky imprint onto X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) not long before guesting aboard The CW's Arrow as Jackhammer. Cudmore was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By the look of things, Erin Wasson certainly took charge -- albeit probably briefly -- with her work aboard Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) for Abraham Productions. Wasson was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a while there, it was very hard to tell what was up with Rukiya Bernard's character (Doc) of Syfy's SciFi-lite drama, Van Helsing. Was she good? Was she bad? I suppose -- in the end -- she was a little of both. Bernard was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Kylee Nash dabbled in Fantasy of a (kinda/sorta) different sort when she discovered the Bikini Time Machine (2011). Bless her heart. Nash was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Olivia Hallinan has turned up in solid roles aboard Doomwatch: Winter Angel (1999) and the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood. Hallinan was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the X-Men film franchise, Evan Peters moves faster than the eye can see in the role of Quicksilver. More recently, he turned up in a new superhero-style role aboard Marvel and Disney+'s streaming series, WandaVision. Peters was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pete Ploszek suited up in the guise of 'Leonardo' to pursue justice on behalf of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2016) for Paramount Pictures. He's also enjoyed screen time with work aboard Timeless, Stitchers, Teen Wolf, Captain Marvel (2019), and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). Ploszek was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! The luscious Ciara Hanna played 'Gia Moran,' aka the Yellow Megaforce Ranger, as part of the line-up on Power Rangers Megaforce. Hanna was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1930 (in Denmark), High Treason turned up the heat at the box office. Directed by Maurice Elvey, the SciFi/Drama starred Benita Hume, Basil Gill, and Humberston Wright. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
On this day in 1930 (in Finland), Woman In The Moon took audiences to the surface of Earth's satellite. Directed by Fritz Lang, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Willy Fritsch, Gerda Maurus, and Klaus Pohl. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tenacious scientist blasts off for the moon in hopes of riches that may be found there."
"A tenacious scientist blasts off for the moon in hopes of riches that may be found there."
On this day in 1932 (in London), Frankenstein lumbered from the grave to the castle and then onto the silver screen. Directed by James Whale, the Horror/Fantasy starred Clive Colin, Mae Clarke, and Boris Karloff. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
On this day in 1933 (in the U.S.), The Vampire Bat sunk its teeth into audiences. Directed by Frank K. Strayer, the Fantasy/Horror starred Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, and Melvyn Douglas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When corpses drained of blood begin to show up in a European village, vampirism is suspected to be responsible."
"When corpses drained of blood begin to show up in a European village, vampirism is suspected to be responsible."
On this day in 1933 (in Australia), White Zombie gave Bela Lugosi yet one more role in cinematic Horror and Fantasy. Directed by Victor Halperin, the Fantasy/Horror starred Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, and Joseph Cawthron; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, White Zombie made the broadcast rounds on Turner Classic Movies, and I had the good fortune of watching it for review purposes. Want to know more? My thoughts can be found right here.
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, White Zombie made the broadcast rounds on Turner Classic Movies, and I had the good fortune of watching it for review purposes. Want to know more? My thoughts can be found right here.
On this day in 1936, The Invisible Ray enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Lambert Hillyer, the SciFi feature starred Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Frances Drake. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
On this day in 1950 (in Australia), Superman (the serial) soared onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Superman comes to Earth as a child and grows up to be his home's first superhero with his first major challenge being to oppose The Spider Lady."
"Superman comes to Earth as a child and grows up to be his home's first superhero with his first major challenge being to oppose The Spider Lady."
A star is born! On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), I Drink Your Blood enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by David E. Durston, the Horror/Fantasy starred Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury, Jadin Wong, and Rhonda Fultz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A band of satanist hippies roll into a town and begin to terrorize the local folk. They rape a local girl and her grandfather goes after them. He fails and is given LSD. This bothers his grandson, who gets back at the hippies by feeding them meat pies infected with blood from a rabid dog. They turn into crazed lunatics and start infecting and/or killing everyone and everything in their path."
"A band of satanist hippies roll into a town and begin to terrorize the local folk. They rape a local girl and her grandfather goes after them. He fails and is given LSD. This bothers his grandson, who gets back at the hippies by feeding them meat pies infected with blood from a rabid dog. They turn into crazed lunatics and start infecting and/or killing everyone and everything in their path."
On this day in 1971 (in France), X: The Man With The X-Ray Eyes enjoyed a run through theaters. Directed by Roger Corman, the SciFi/Horror starred Ray Milland, Diana Van der Vlis, and Harold J. Stone; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
On this day in 1983 (in the Netherlands), the natives were both restless and hungry with the release of Cannibal Ferox. Written and directed by Umberto Lenzi, the Horror/Fantasy starred Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Lorraine De Selle, and Danilo Mattei. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three friends set out to disprove cannibalism on a trip to the Amazonian jungle, where they meet two men trying to escape a vicious cannibal tribe."
"Three friends set out to disprove cannibalism on a trip to the Amazonian jungle, where they meet two men trying to escape a vicious cannibal tribe."
On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), Spasms twitched its way into cinematic immortality. Directed by William Fruet, the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Fonda, Oliver Reed, and Kerrie Keane; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A gigantic serpent is captured on a remote island and shipped to an American college for experimentation. A British millionaire and an American scientist find themselves in hot pursuit of the beast when it escapes from captivity and starts to kill innocent people."
"A gigantic serpent is captured on a remote island and shipped to an American college for experimentation. A British millionaire and an American scientist find themselves in hot pursuit of the beast when it escapes from captivity and starts to kill innocent people."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Robot Holocaust was waged with its release on home video. Written and directed by Tim Kincaid, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Norris Culf, Nadine Hartstein, and J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A highly unlikely band of heroes traverses a post-apocalyptic wasteland to rescue a scientist from the tyrannical Dark One and his army of robots."
For the record:
Perhaps the most important reality regarding Robot Holocaust is that -- ahem -- it was lampooned on an episode of the ever-popular Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1990.
"A highly unlikely band of heroes traverses a post-apocalyptic wasteland to rescue a scientist from the tyrannical Dark One and his army of robots."
For the record:
Perhaps the most important reality regarding Robot Holocaust is that -- ahem -- it was lampooned on an episode of the ever-popular Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1990.
On this day in 1989 (in Brazil), Alien Nation paired up a human and an alien in pursuit of justice. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1988, Earth makes the first contact with an alien civilization. In 1991, these aliens, known as Newcomers, slowly begin to be integrated into human society after three years of quarantine."
"In 1988, Earth makes the first contact with an alien civilization. In 1991, these aliens, known as Newcomers, slowly begin to be integrated into human society after three years of quarantine."
A star is born! On this day in 1989, audiences were treated to one more look at what life was going to be like after the Apocalypse with the SciFi/Horror hybrid, The Terror Within. It starred Andrew Stevens and George Kennedy, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"It's the post-apocalypse, and the world has been changed by "the accident," a chemical warfare experiment gone awry. At an isolated subterranean complex, a group of people survives because they were able to get the antidote for the illness. They rescue a surface survivor from the gargoyles, who unfortunately had time to impregnate her, and when the "baby" is born and escapes into the ventilation ducts, they begin experiencing an attrition problem."
"It's the post-apocalypse, and the world has been changed by "the accident," a chemical warfare experiment gone awry. At an isolated subterranean complex, a group of people survives because they were able to get the antidote for the illness. They rescue a surface survivor from the gargoyles, who unfortunately had time to impregnate her, and when the "baby" is born and escapes into the ventilation ducts, they begin experiencing an attrition problem."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Greece), Scorpio One launched itself into our collective consciousness by way of its original release on home video. Written by Steve Latshaw and directed by Worth Keeter, the SciFi/Drama starred Robert Carradine, Jeff Speakman, and Robin Curtis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in Japan), the Polish-language SciFi/Drama Avalon enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Mamoru Oshi, the feature starred Malgorzata Foremniak and Wladyslaw Kowalski, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian world, a woman spends her time playing an illegal and dangerous game, hoping to find meaning in her world."
"In a dystopian world, a woman spends her time playing an illegal and dangerous game, hoping to find meaning in her world."
On this day in 2005 (in Finland), the 1988-produced Bad Dreams enjoyed its broadcast on television. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Fleming, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jennifer Rubin, Bruce Abbott, and Richard Lynch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The lone survivor of a suicide cult wakes from a thirteen-year coma in a psychiatric ward, where other patients suddenly start dying under mysterious and gruesome circumstances."
"The lone survivor of a suicide cult wakes from a thirteen-year coma in a psychiatric ward, where other patients suddenly start dying under mysterious and gruesome circumstances."
On this day in 2008 (in Finland), the 1924-produced Aelita: Queen Of Mars enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. This Russian-language feature starred Yuliya Solntseva and Igor Ilyinsky, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
On this day in 2010, the SciFi Short Film The Furfangs was released to the public via YouTube.com. The feature sprang from the mind of Andrea Ricca, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tells the story of mysterious and aggressive creatures who came from the space."
For those who'd like to know more, check out the feature via YouTube.com right here.
"Tells the story of mysterious and aggressive creatures who came from the space."
For those who'd like to know more, check out the feature via YouTube.com right here.
On this day in 2011 (in Sweden), the 1927-produced SciFi/Silent Classic Metropolis enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release celebrating the film's 2010 restoration. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
On this day in 2012, the 1982-produced Arcadia Of My Youth played for audiences in attendance of the Yashwant International Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Space captain Harlock, the latest in a family of proud aerial warriors, begins his journey to free the oppressed Earth from the despotic Illumidas Command."
"Space captain Harlock, the latest in a family of proud aerial warriors, begins his journey to free the oppressed Earth from the despotic Illumidas Command."
A star is born! On this day in 2012, man and machine made for an unlikely alliance when Robot & Frank was first screened for audiences of the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Jake Schreirer from a story by Christopher Ford, the SciFi/Comedy starred Frank Langella, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rachael Ma. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, Frank is a retired catburglar living alone while his successful son, Hunter, tries to care for him from afar. Finally, Hunter gets him a robot caretaker, but Frank soon learns that it is as useful as a burglary aide. As Frank tries to restart his old profession, the uncomfortable realities of a changing world and his worsening dementia threaten to take beyond what any reboot can do for him."
For the record:
At the 2013 Saturn Awards, Robot & Frank earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Independent Film.'
"In the near future, Frank is a retired catburglar living alone while his successful son, Hunter, tries to care for him from afar. Finally, Hunter gets him a robot caretaker, but Frank soon learns that it is as useful as a burglary aide. As Frank tries to restart his old profession, the uncomfortable realities of a changing world and his worsening dementia threaten to take beyond what any reboot can do for him."
For the record:
At the 2013 Saturn Awards, Robot & Frank earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Independent Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), it was off to the races when Death Race 3: Inferno enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Roel Reiné, the SciFi/Thriller starred Luke Goss, Tanit Phoenix, and Danny Trego. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Convicted cop-killer Carl Lucas, a.k.a. Frankenstein, is a superstar driver in the brutal prison yard demolition derby known as the Death Race. He is only one victory away from winning freedom for himself and his pit crew."
"Convicted cop-killer Carl Lucas, a.k.a. Frankenstein, is a superstar driver in the brutal prison yard demolition derby known as the Death Race. He is only one victory away from winning freedom for himself and his pit crew."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Argentina), the good people of Buenos Aires were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of I, Frankenstein. Written (in part) and directed by Stuart Beattie, the Horror/Fantasy starred Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, and Miranda Otto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries-old war between two immortal clans."
"Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries-old war between two immortal clans."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), The Signal enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by William Eubank, the SciFi/Fantasy stared Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke, and Beau Knapp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it did garner some attention from the BloodGuts UK Horror Awards, a ceremony largely dedicated -- as its title suggests -- to honoring the best in Horror releases annually. Actor Laurence Fishburne received a 'Best Actor' nomination for their 2014 roster; and composer Nima Fakhrara enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Soundtrack/Score.' Furthermore, at the 2014 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Signal took home top honors in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
"On a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it did garner some attention from the BloodGuts UK Horror Awards, a ceremony largely dedicated -- as its title suggests -- to honoring the best in Horror releases annually. Actor Laurence Fishburne received a 'Best Actor' nomination for their 2014 roster; and composer Nima Fakhrara enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Soundtrack/Score.' Furthermore, at the 2014 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Signal took home top honors in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Australia), Pain Is Beautiful enjoyed its very first home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Chris Staviski, the Horror/Thriller starred Staviski alongside Ivet Corvea, Elissa Dowling, and Jessica Sonneborn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"William is a heavily-scarred loner who was born with a rare disorder called CIPA: Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. He feels no pain and no pleasure. After years of wondering what pain feels like, he decides to go to extreme measures by "recruiting" victims to help him understand what others take for granted."
"William is a heavily-scarred loner who was born with a rare disorder called CIPA: Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. He feels no pain and no pleasure. After years of wondering what pain feels like, he decides to go to extreme measures by "recruiting" victims to help him understand what others take for granted."
On this day in 2015, Perfect: Android Rising enjoyed its release on DVD in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
On this day in 2015, Plato's Reality Machine enjoyed its general streaming release to the World Wide Web. Written and directed by Myles Sorenson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Carolina Bartczak, Tyrone Dancy Jr., and Mackenzie Davis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"For Charles, video-games are a much needed escape from reality. But when virtual vixen Sophia leads him on a mysterious quest through the lovelorn lives of six New Yorkers, they will all learn that in the game of life...every heart is a moving target."
"For Charles, video-games are a much needed escape from reality. But when virtual vixen Sophia leads him on a mysterious quest through the lovelorn lives of six New Yorkers, they will all learn that in the game of life...every heart is a moving target."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Venezuela), The Cage (aka La Jaula) was first opened for theatrical business. Written (in part) and directed by Jose Salaverria, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Karina Velasquez, Ananda Troconis, and Juvel Vielma. Accoridng to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens wipe out the earth population except for 3 people. How will the adapt and survive?"
"Aliens wipe out the earth population except for 3 people. How will the adapt and survive?"
On this day in 2018 (in Japan), the Russian-language Guardians enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Sarik Andreasyan, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Alina Lanina and Anton Pampushnyy, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
A star is born! On this day in 2023 (in the United Kingdom and the U.S.), Bermuda Island enjoyed its release via the Information Superhighway. Directed by Adam Werth from a story by Sonny Mahal, Michael Mahal, Robert Thompson, and Adrian Milnes, the Horror/Thriller starred Tom Sizemore, Sarah French, and Sheri Davis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A flight to a tropical paradise crashes at sea, leaving the surviving passengers stranded on a deserted island at the mercy of bloodthirsty creatures."
"A flight to a tropical paradise crashes at sea, leaving the surviving passengers stranded on a deserted island at the mercy of bloodthirsty creatures."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "A Handful of Hours." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Four men a stranded after their spacecraft crash lands on the Moon. Their only hope of survival is to walk to Moonbase. All goes well till they realize the oxygen tank they are carrying to resupply themselves has a faulty valve. There is a way around the problem, but the cost may be too high for the team to accept."
"Four men a stranded after their spacecraft crash lands on the Moon. Their only hope of survival is to walk to Moonbase. All goes well till they realize the oxygen tank they are carrying to resupply themselves has a faulty valve. There is a way around the problem, but the cost may be too high for the team to accept."
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Jane's Driving Lesson." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jane's driving lessons turn dangerous when she gets involved with a gangster."
"Jane's driving lessons turn dangerous when she gets involved with a gangster."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), "The Man from MI5" aired as part of Thunderbirds' immortal first season. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Thunderbirds are dragged into an investigation by MI5. A bomb has been stolen and international terrorists threaten to blow it up. Lady Penelope is kidnapped by the terrorist and International rescue is faced with the twin mission of stopping the terrorists and saving Lady Penelope."
"The Thunderbirds are dragged into an investigation by MI5. A bomb has been stolen and international terrorists threaten to blow it up. Lady Penelope is kidnapped by the terrorist and International rescue is faced with the twin mission of stopping the terrorists and saving Lady Penelope."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Enemy of the World: Part 5." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor persuades Bruce to help him infiltrate Salamander's research centre while Salamander takes drastic action to prevent Swann finding out the truth."
"The Doctor persuades Bruce to help him infiltrate Salamander's research centre while Salamander takes drastic action to prevent Swann finding out the truth."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "The Way To Eden." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Three Doctors: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Omega reveals the purpose behind bringing the Doctor to his antimatter world, but the Doctor(s) discover a startling fact about Omega that he didn't know himself and eventually strike a bargain."
"Omega reveals the purpose behind bringing the Doctor to his antimatter world, but the Doctor(s) discover a startling fact about Omega that he didn't know himself and eventually strike a bargain."
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Armageddon Factor: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and company drop in on the planet Atrios, whose inhabitants are in an interplanetary war with their twin planet Zeos. Although Astra, Princess of Atrios, wishes for peace, the Marshal, her commander of the military, does not share her views. So, while the TARDIS is in orbit around the planet, the Marshal targets the Doctor for destruction."
"The Doctor and company drop in on the planet Atrios, whose inhabitants are in an interplanetary war with their twin planet Zeos. Although Astra, Princess of Atrios, wishes for peace, the Marshal, her commander of the military, does not share her views. So, while the TARDIS is in orbit around the planet, the Marshal targets the Doctor for destruction."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Salvage 1 premiered on television. The series gave the always affable Andy Griffith a spot in the history of Science Fiction, and here's the premise of that fateful first telefilm (with a series to follow the very next week, mostly) from IMDB.com:
"Griffith stars as a junkyard owner who builds a space ship from his scrap pile in order to retreive valuable parts left on the moon by American Astronauts."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Salvage 1 premiered on television. The series gave the always affable Andy Griffith a spot in the history of Science Fiction, and here's the premise of that fateful first telefilm (with a series to follow the very next week, mostly) from IMDB.com:
"Griffith stars as a junkyard owner who builds a space ship from his scrap pile in order to retreive valuable parts left on the moon by American Astronauts."
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), The Greatest American Hero aired "Now You See It." Officially, this served as the tenth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ralph discovers a new power - the ability to see the future. For example, he can see the plane on which Pam is traveling will crash."
"Ralph discovers a new power - the ability to see the future. For example, he can see the plane on which Pam is traveling will crash."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Awakening: Part 2." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Malus, an alien that's purely evil, needs the civil war re-enactments to become authentic so it can feed off the psychic energy of dying and embattled men and fully revive. Not if the Doctor can derail things, of course."
"The Malus, an alien that's purely evil, needs the civil war re-enactments to become authentic so it can feed off the psychic energy of dying and embattled men and fully revive. Not if the Doctor can derail things, of course."
On this day back in 1993 (in the U.S.), the crew calling themselves Space Rangers aired another episode in their journey. Here's the plot summary for "Death Before Dishonor" from IMDB.com:
"Marla, an old flame of Boon's, is at Fort Hope to broker a trade deal with the warlike Vee'lons - until Boon accidentally insults the Vee'lon prince. Faced with a death sentence, how can Marla, Boon - and his crew - escape their fate?"
"Marla, an old flame of Boon's, is at Fort Hope to broker a trade deal with the warlike Vee'lons - until Boon accidentally insults the Vee'lon prince. Faced with a death sentence, how can Marla, Boon - and his crew - escape their fate?"
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the UPN premiered Time Trax, a kinda/sorta time travel yarn from the mind (in part) of Star Trek producer, Harve Bennett. The pilot episode was titled "A Stranger In Time," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Capt. Darien Lambert is a police officer in the year 2193, in the elite fugitive retrieval unit. He learns that a prominent scientist, a genius named Mordecai Sahmbi, has developed a time machine called Trax. For a large fee, he has been sending dangerous criminals back to the year 1993, where they are safe from capture. When Darien corners Sahmbi, he escapes into the past. Darien also travels to 1993, vowing to retrieve all fugitives and send them back for punishment. Armed with a computer that looks like a credit card, named Selma, and a high-tech laser weapon ..."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the UPN premiered Time Trax, a kinda/sorta time travel yarn from the mind (in part) of Star Trek producer, Harve Bennett. The pilot episode was titled "A Stranger In Time," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Capt. Darien Lambert is a police officer in the year 2193, in the elite fugitive retrieval unit. He learns that a prominent scientist, a genius named Mordecai Sahmbi, has developed a time machine called Trax. For a large fee, he has been sending dangerous criminals back to the year 1993, where they are safe from capture. When Darien corners Sahmbi, he escapes into the past. Darien also travels to 1993, vowing to retrieve all fugitives and send them back for punishment. Armed with a computer that looks like a credit card, named Selma, and a high-tech laser weapon ..."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), TekWar aired "The Gate." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dan is feeling stressed and takes a break with his friend Peter by going to a party. His friend Peter disappears. Dan looks for Peter by entering the same world he did. Jake finds that Dan is in danger and risks his own life to save him."
"Dan is feeling stressed and takes a break with his friend Peter by going to a party. His friend Peter disappears. Dan looks for Peter by entering the same world he did. Jake finds that Dan is in danger and risks his own life to save him."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), "Mental As Anything" aired as part of Farscape's fourth and final season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The males of the crew undergo some training. Crichton learns how to resist Scarran probes. While D'Argo learns some self control D'Argo encounters his wife's murderer, his wife's brother."
"The males of the crew undergo some training. Crichton learns how to resist Scarran probes. While D'Argo learns some self control D'Argo encounters his wife's murderer, his wife's brother."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "The Grift." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Brennan's shady ex-girlfriend turns to him for help when her latest scam takes a deadly turn."
"Brennan's shady ex-girlfriend turns to him for help when her latest scam takes a deadly turn."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Ripple Effect." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"SG-1 returns early from a mission only to realize that they and Gen. Landry aren't on the same page as far as the the mission they've just completed is concerned. The confusion is quickly resolved when the "real" SG-1 returns at the correct time. Dr. Lam examines them all and concludes that they are identical and thinks they might be clones. Sam however thinks they may have come from a parallel universe as the result of the black hole they created when they destroyed the Ori beachhead."
"SG-1 returns early from a mission only to realize that they and Gen. Landry aren't on the same page as far as the the mission they've just completed is concerned. The confusion is quickly resolved when the "real" SG-1 returns at the correct time. Dr. Lam examines them all and concludes that they are identical and thinks they might be clones. Sam however thinks they may have come from a parallel universe as the result of the black hole they created when they destroyed the Ori beachhead."
On this day in 2009 (in Hungary), Farscape premiered "Crichton Kicks." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Deception." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Obi-Wan fakes his own death and goes undercover as his own 'killer', Rako Hardeen so he can infiltrate Moralo Eval's plot to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine."
"Obi-Wan fakes his own death and goes undercover as his own 'killer', Rako Hardeen so he can infiltrate Moralo Eval's plot to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine."
On this day in 2013 (in Japan), Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky" via the Internet. Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the re-launched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2013 (in Japan), Doctor Who released its episode "Midnight." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the re-launched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
