I've taken a lot of grief over the years by folks who argue that CBS's Airwolf is anything but Science Fiction, and -- to be fair -- I've never argued that it was: I've simply insisted that building an entire franchise around a futuristic helicopter certainly involves SciFi elements, thus making it a program worth inclusion in this space. In any event, the show premiered on this day in 1984 with a fabulous opening telefilm, so I was definitely interested in tuning in weekly to see what series regulars Jan Michael Vincent and Ernest Borgnine had in store for me. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of a deal with an intelligence agency to look for his missing brother, a renegade pilot goes on missions with an advanced battle helicopter."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Airwolf took home a 1986 Primetime Emmy Award in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup For A Series.'
"As part of a deal with an intelligence agency to look for his missing brother, a renegade pilot goes on missions with an advanced battle helicopter."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Airwolf took home a 1986 Primetime Emmy Award in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup For A Series.'
If you've never seen Cleopatra 2525, then you're missing something special. At best, it's a cult diversion -- essentially, it features three hot chicks fighting robots hell-bent on destroying what's left of mankind in the year 2525 -- full of cheese and high camp. Still, they all go about it with such intensity, it's hard not to be drawn into the ruckus. Its first episode, "Quest for Firepower," premiered on this day back in the year 2000. Here's the series' premise from IMDB.com:
"An exotic dancer is frozen in 2001 and unfrozen in 2525 by two female warriors fighting against robots that have taken over the world. The three join forces and try to escape from the underground caves to which humanity has been banished."
For the record:
To her credit, actress Gina Torres took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Lead Actress In A Syndicated Drama Series' in 2001 from the ALMA Awards, the organization which recognizes the best American Latino contributions to media.
"An exotic dancer is frozen in 2001 and unfrozen in 2525 by two female warriors fighting against robots that have taken over the world. The three join forces and try to escape from the underground caves to which humanity has been banished."
For the record:
To her credit, actress Gina Torres took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Lead Actress In A Syndicated Drama Series' in 2001 from the ALMA Awards, the organization which recognizes the best American Latino contributions to media.
If you had ever tried to tell a younger, less impressionable version of myself that a great SciFi/Drama could ever come out of Sweden, then I probably would've told you that you were more than crazy ... but such is the case with Real Humans. (I've seen only the first season, but I can assure you it's stellar.) This SciFi original inspired (very quickly, I might add) a very quick remake -- spun out by the BBC and AMC in a joint production; and while the remake is arguable a bit slicker it's hard to dismiss the darker template of the original. Here's the series' premise as provied by IMDB.com:
"In a parallel present the artificial human has come into its own. Robots no longer have anything robot-like about them. New technology and advancements in the field of science have made it possible to manufacture a product - a kind of mechanized servant - that is so similar to a real human that it can often be considered a perfectly good substitute. The Human Robot (HUBOT) have also given rise to new problems and dilemmas. Thorny legal questions have increasingly started to occupy people's minds and are still waiting to be answered: Who is responsible for the actions of a hubot? Do hubots have some form of "hubot rights"? Should they be paid for their work? As an ever growing number of people form relationships with hubots, the boundaries between human and machine become blurred. When humans make copies of themselves, which are so close to the real thing they form emotional bonds, the questions arises - What does it really mean to be 'human'?"
"In a parallel present the artificial human has come into its own. Robots no longer have anything robot-like about them. New technology and advancements in the field of science have made it possible to manufacture a product - a kind of mechanized servant - that is so similar to a real human that it can often be considered a perfectly good substitute. The Human Robot (HUBOT) have also given rise to new problems and dilemmas. Thorny legal questions have increasingly started to occupy people's minds and are still waiting to be answered: Who is responsible for the actions of a hubot? Do hubots have some form of "hubot rights"? Should they be paid for their work? As an ever growing number of people form relationships with hubots, the boundaries between human and machine become blurred. When humans make copies of themselves, which are so close to the real thing they form emotional bonds, the questions arises - What does it really mean to be 'human'?"
There are authors, and there are a-u-t-h-o-r-s ... and I think it's safe to say that literary creator Robert E. Howard leaves a legacy that's more of the latter than it is the former. While leading what any would say is a truly tortured existence (for reasons I'll not go into in this space), the man still had the intellectual prowess to craft such amazing characters in print as Conan, Kull, Solomon Kane, and even a few more. Though his life and perspective might be the source of some controversy, it's still safe to suggest that the genre of Fantasy owes a debt to his work that others are still trying to pay. His work remains legendary, and I encourage fans to discover it at their leisure. Though he's no longer with us, Howard was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving an advance copy of the all-new 4K release of 1982's Conan The Barbarian which is based on the works of Robert E. Howard. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Check out my review right here.
- In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving an advance copy of the all-new 4K release of 1984's Conan The Destroyer which is based on the works of Robert E. Howard. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Check out my review right here.
The fantastic Piper Laurie made a foray into the realm of SciFi conspiracies with a role in the alien drama The Faculty (1998) for Dimension Films. But -- as you may've guessed -- this wasn't the lady's only foray into the realms of the Fantastic. Over the years, she played significant roles in such properties as Carrie (1976), Return To Oz (1985), The Twilight Zone, Twin Peaks, Touched By An Angel, Possessed (2000), and Dead Like Me. Though she's no longer with us, Laurie was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the lady's credit, Laurie was twice nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work in David Lynch's Twin Peaks television series.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the lady's credit, Laurie was twice nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work in David Lynch's Twin Peaks television series.
My first experiences with Bill Bixby was when he played The Magician, a man of magic who doubled-by-day as a private investigator of sorts. Then, of course, I really got to know his work as Dr. Bruce Banner in the popular TV series The Incredible Hulk. And dare I forget: the classic SciFi sitcom, My Favorite Martian? Though he's no longer with us, Bixby was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Seymour Cassel enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's second season opening episode, "The Child." Across his career, the actor also paid visits to the worlds of The Twilight Zone, Batman, The Invaders, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Tales From The Darkside, Wicked Stepmother (1989), Dick Tracy (1990), and Justice League Unlimited. Though he's no longer with us, Cassel was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Has anyone ever stopped to imagine what Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror would look like without the contributions of the legendary John Hurt? I don't want to overstate the obvious, but -- after all -- Hurt's 'Kane' was the first known victim of chestbursting in the ground-breaking Alien (1979), practically introducing all of filmdom to the central horror for that franchise. In 1984, he headlined 1984. Then, he cameo'ed and lampooned his own experiences from Alien in Spaceballs (1987). Then there was Contact (1997), Hellboy (2004), V for Vendetta (2005), Masters of Science Fiction, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls (2008), Outlander (2008), Snowpiercer (2013), and even a hugely pivotal role aboard the long-running Doctor Who. Ay carumba! The guy has been everywhere! Though he's no longer with us, Hurt -- indeed, an acting legend in his own time -- was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those interested, here are my thoughts on the Hurt's passing (in 2017) right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- In 1980, the actor earned a BAFTA Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in Ridley Scott's Alien (1979).
- At the 2005 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Hurt enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in Hellboy (2004).
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those interested, here are my thoughts on the Hurt's passing (in 2017) right here.
In the early 1990's and on the tail-end of pop culture popularity surrounding 1989's Batman blockbuster, John Wesley Shipp was hired to play the first live-action TV incarnation of The Flash, aka Barry Allen. Alas, the magic wasn't there, and the show quickly devolved into a somewhat lackluster and campy affair that (thankfully!) lasted only a single season on CBS, having more in common with the tepid Batman TV series (1966-1968). In fact, in an interview will Syfy, Shipp even admitted to being afraid of speaking while in full Flash get-up because he was concerned of being misinterpreted as a mascot! (Ouch! Get over yourself, big guy! It's just a job!) Still, kudos to the real 'flashmakers' for incorporating the actor back into the comic-book-fold with occasional guest stints aboard The CW's version of the scarlet speedster, a gem of a production by any reasonable comparison. Shipp was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Having crossed paths with the actor on social media, it's sad that he's become a bit of a political blowhard in his golden years; but Hollywood, fortune, fame, and celebrity tend to breed a degree of contempt amongst our 'cultural betters' for regular folks.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Having crossed paths with the actor on social media, it's sad that he's become a bit of a political blowhard in his golden years; but Hollywood, fortune, fame, and celebrity tend to breed a degree of contempt amongst our 'cultural betters' for regular folks.
The brilliant Michael Kopsa has a resume rich with memorable genre appearances. His might not be a household name, but the actor graced many projects with his time, including Sliders, Viper, Highlander, The X-Files, Seven Days, Stargate: SG-1, Dark Angel, Jeremiah, Smallville, The Twilight Zone, The Dead Zone, The 4400, Eureka, Flash Gordon, and Fringe. Though he's no longer with us, Kopsa was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Linda Blair certainly holds a place in cinema history for her work aboard The Exorcist (1973), and she's continued to impress in some other genre projects including Sorceress (1995), PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, Monster Makers (2003), and Supernatural. Blair was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Indeed, Blair's work in the ground-breaking Horror/Fantasy The Exorcist earned her a 1974 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught a cable streaming of The Exorcist while at home one evening. Interested in my thoughts on the Horror/Classic? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Indeed, Blair's work in the ground-breaking Horror/Fantasy The Exorcist earned her a 1974 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught a cable streaming of The Exorcist while at home one evening. Interested in my thoughts on the Horror/Classic? Readers can find them right here.
Tyrone Power, Jr. enjoyed screen time as one of the aliens on Earth trying to recover his falling brethren aboard both Cocoon (1985) and Cocoon: The Return (1988). Power, Jr. was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acting legend Min-sik Choi joined Scarlett Johansson in the SciFi/Action flick Lucy (2014) for Studio de Paris. Choi was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, Mr. Stallone, but even casting one of the hottest women on all of Planet Earth -- namely Diane Lane -- in your craptacular version of Judge Dredd just wasn't enough to put that stinker over the hump. Thankfully, the film didn't stunt the beauty's career, as she was most recently seen as Martha Kent in Zack Snyder's Man Of Steel (2013). Lane was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Raquel Cassidy (above center) guest-starred aboard a special two-part episode of Doctor Who during the 2011 season. Cassidy was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Looper, actress Qing Xu played old Joe's wife, the woman whose death served as a catalyst for Joe to take fate into his own hands. Xu was born on this day in 1969.
Lovely Olivia d'Abo made a splash in genre entertainment making her big screen debut as 'Princess Jehnna' in the less-than-stellar Conan the Destroyer. In 1992, she enjoyed a guest star spot on Star Trek: The Next Generation as the first female Q. As part of the voice cast for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, she helped bring 'Jedi Master Luminara Unduli' to life. D'Abo was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary Ultra 4K Blu-ray of Conan The Destoyer (1984) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary Ultra 4K Blu-ray of Conan The Destoyer (1984) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
Katie Barberi's name certainly isn't exactly well known in genre circles, but she has dabbled in a few properties close to the realm of Fantasy including guest spots aboard Not Quite Human II (1989) and Conan as well as a bigger role in the kid-friendly Every Witch Way. Barberi was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bulgarian-born lovely Biliana Petrinska made a splash of a cinematic sort with a role aboard Descent Into Darkness (2002) for United Film Organizion. Petrinska was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: Google.com]
[Source: Google.com]
Phenom Balthazar Getty continues to jump around from one interesting project to the next. SciFi fans recognize him from work aboard Judge Dredd (1995) and Feast (2005). Getty was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Along with a meaty role in Syfy's Defiance, James Murray has also trafficked in the realms of Primeval and Being Human. Murray was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian Jennifer Spence demonstrates the kind of stick-to-it-iveness that makes Science Fiction such a great genre to be a part of. She perseveres through roles big and small just to keep working in the field, and -- by doing so -- she continues to turn in great work in several projects. Fans recognize her from such properties as The Core, Tru Calling, The 4400, Eureka, SGU Stargate Universe, Supernatural, and Continuum. Spence was born on this day in 1977.
Paramount Pictures' recent decision to crack down on fan films hasn't quite stemmed the tide of these projects, and I, for one, hope that Star Trek Equinox: The Night Of Time still gets some exposure if for no other reason that to give us yet one more lovely lady -- Blanca Blanco -- appropriately suited up in classic Trek uniform. Blanco was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she certainly isn't well known for genre work, the young Beverley Mitchell still has a few credits under her belt, including a guest spot aboard NBC's popular Quantum Leap and a supporting role in The Crow: City Of Angels (1996). Mitchell was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Tommy Knight played series regular 'Luke Smith' aboard The Sarah Jane Adventures during the program's run on the BBC. Knight was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Sami Gayle joined Robin Wright in The Congress (2013), a SciFi/Drama exploring an actress's digital reality. Gayle was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1938 (in France), I Accuse (aka J'accuse!) delivered a bit of a thoughtful premise to audiences hungry for a meatier tale. Written (in part) and directed by Abel Gance, the SciFi/Drama starred Victor Francen, Line Noro, and Sylvie Gance. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After serving in the trenches of World War I, Jean Diaz recoils with such horror that he renounces love and personal pleasure to immerse himself in scientific research, seeking a machine to prevent war. He thinks he has succeeded, but the government subverts his discovery, and Europe slides with seeming inevitability toward World War II. In desperation, Diaz summons the ghosts of the war dead from the graves and fields of France to give silent, accusing protest."
"After serving in the trenches of World War I, Jean Diaz recoils with such horror that he renounces love and personal pleasure to immerse himself in scientific research, seeking a machine to prevent war. He thinks he has succeeded, but the government subverts his discovery, and Europe slides with seeming inevitability toward World War II. In desperation, Diaz summons the ghosts of the war dead from the graves and fields of France to give silent, accusing protest."
On this day in 1947 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Sinbad, The Sailor. Directed by Richard Wallace from a story by John Twist and George Worthing Yates, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Maureen O'Hara, and Walter Slezak. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sinbad is a story teller who weaves great adventures about--himself. Whether they are true or not, no one knows. For this is the story of the eight adventures of Sinbad--as told by Sinbad. A ship saved by Sinbad and Sabu. A treasure map to the treasure of Alexander the Great, which mysteriously disappears from the ship. The beautiful Shireen--the woman who has stolen the heart of Sinbad. The evil Amir who wants the treasure for himself to own the world. The deadly Melik, who will stop at nothing and kill anyone to have the treasure. A perilous voyage to a mysterious island where the treasure is said to be held."
"Sinbad is a story teller who weaves great adventures about--himself. Whether they are true or not, no one knows. For this is the story of the eight adventures of Sinbad--as told by Sinbad. A ship saved by Sinbad and Sabu. A treasure map to the treasure of Alexander the Great, which mysteriously disappears from the ship. The beautiful Shireen--the woman who has stolen the heart of Sinbad. The evil Amir who wants the treasure for himself to own the world. The deadly Melik, who will stop at nothing and kill anyone to have the treasure. A perilous voyage to a mysterious island where the treasure is said to be held."
A star is born ... and this one looks a bit handsy! On this day in 1960 (in Mexico), aliens were putting the moves on some lovely space ladies in The Ship Of Monsters (aka La nave de los monstruos). Directed by Rogelio A. González, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eulalio González, Ana Bertha Lepe, and Lorena Velázquez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two extraterrestrial women are sent on a mission by the regent of Venus to search for a male of another planet."
"Two extraterrestrial women are sent on a mission by the regent of Venus to search for a male of another planet."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the theatrical release of The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones. Directed by Robert Stevenson from a story by Bill Walsh, Alfred Lewis Levitt, and Helen Levitt, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello, and Leon Ames. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Merlin Jones, resident genius at Midvale College, inadvertently gets into a string of scrapes, both in college and with the law-much to the distress of his long-suffering girlfriend and the local district judge."
"Merlin Jones, resident genius at Midvale College, inadvertently gets into a string of scrapes, both in college and with the law-much to the distress of his long-suffering girlfriend and the local district judge."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), the 1964-produced Frozen Alive played for audiences hungry for SciFi in Bismarck, North Dakota. Directed by Bernard Knowles, the feature starred Mark Stevens, Marianne Koch, and Wolfgang Lukschy. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist experimenting with suspended animation decides to use himself as a test subject. Before he is frozen, his wife is killed, and he is suspected of her murder."
"A scientist experimenting with suspended animation decides to use himself as a test subject. Before he is frozen, his wife is killed, and he is suspected of her murder."
On this day in 1987 (in Greece), Aliens delivered a pure Xenomorph thrill ride to the movie house. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Bill Paxton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in Hong Kong), The Legend Of Wisely (aka Wai Si-Lei chuen kei, aka The Legend Of The Golden Pearl) enjoyed its big screen debut. Directed by Teddy Robin Kwan from a story by Philip Cheng, Gerald Liu, and Yuen-Leung Poon, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Samuel Hui, Lung Ti, and Joey Wang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A writer gets involved by an adventurer friend in the search for a legendary object: a golden pearl left in a Buddhist monastery by a dragon."
"A writer gets involved by an adventurer friend in the search for a legendary object: a golden pearl left in a Buddhist monastery by a dragon."
On this day in 1992, Megaville enjoyed its premiere on U.S. home video. Written (in part) and directed by Peter Lehner, the feature starred Billy Zane, Kristen Cloke, and John Lantz. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A sci-fi fantasy about a world where it is illegal to enjoy any kind of media except in a place called Megaville. After catching a brutal killer named Jenson, the media police send an agent, Palinov, to infiltrate Jenson's circle of criminals in Megaville because Palinov bears a striking resemblance to Jenson. Palinov, however, begins to suffer intense headaches and has visions of the killings. His mission becomes even more confusing when the president of Megaville is assassinated and the media police seem more interested in doing business with the criminals than catching them."
"A sci-fi fantasy about a world where it is illegal to enjoy any kind of media except in a place called Megaville. After catching a brutal killer named Jenson, the media police send an agent, Palinov, to infiltrate Jenson's circle of criminals in Megaville because Palinov bears a striking resemblance to Jenson. Palinov, however, begins to suffer intense headaches and has visions of the killings. His mission becomes even more confusing when the president of Megaville is assassinated and the media police seem more interested in doing business with the criminals than catching them."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Drama telefilm Contagious gave Lindsay Wagner, Elizabeth Pena, and Ken Pogue the chance to show their science smarts against a killer virus. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When some shrimp from Mexico, tainted with Cholera, is served to some people on a plane bound for LA. An outbreak ensues. And a doctor sets out to find the source and contain it before it turns into a epidemic. And if things weren't bad enough, a drug smuggler who was carrying some drugs on him contaminates the drugs and are sold on the street. And to top things of her husband who is on a camping trip with their two children is sick but did not show any symptoms until they were isolated from the rest of the world. Can she get to them in time?"
"When some shrimp from Mexico, tainted with Cholera, is served to some people on a plane bound for LA. An outbreak ensues. And a doctor sets out to find the source and contain it before it turns into a epidemic. And if things weren't bad enough, a drug smuggler who was carrying some drugs on him contaminates the drugs and are sold on the street. And to top things of her husband who is on a camping trip with their two children is sick but did not show any symptoms until they were isolated from the rest of the world. Can she get to them in time?"
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Greece), Tycus enjoyed its debut unveil via a home video release. Directed by John Putch from a story by Kevin and Michael Goetz, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dennis Hopper, Peter Onorati, and Finola Hughes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An underground city is built to save a cross-section of humanity as a comet hurtles toward Earth."
"An underground city is built to save a cross-section of humanity as a comet hurtles toward Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Up, Up, And Away! soared onto the small screen compliments of the Walt Disney Company. Directed by Robert Townsend from a story by Dan Berendsen, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Townsend along with Michael J. Pagan, Alex Datcher, and Sherman Hemsley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A boy is the only family member without superpowers in this Disney Film. The world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains?"
"A boy is the only family member without superpowers in this Disney Film. The world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains?"
A star is born! On this day in 2005, the SciFi/Telefilm Larva sunk its teeth ... or its larva ... into all of mankind. Directed by Abram Cox, the feature starred Rachel Hunter, William Forsythe, and Vincent Ventesca. Here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"In Host, Missouri, the newcomer Dr. of Veterinary Magic Eli Rudkus is called by the farmer Jacob Long to exam one of his cows. The veterinarian finds a strange parasite in the animal and sends it to a friend in the Department of Agriculture for research. Later, he finds the same parasite in a creek and he summons the population for a meeting, warning that the cause might be the animal food. However, Fletcher Odermatt, the wealthy owner of the local Host Tender Meals that has been providing free animal food for the farmers, brings his lawyer Hayley Anderson and discredits Eli. When a huge mutant parasite attacks Eli and Jacob, they discover that the meals are actually an experimental genetic cocktail that is growing parasites inside the cattle and people."
"In Host, Missouri, the newcomer Dr. of Veterinary Magic Eli Rudkus is called by the farmer Jacob Long to exam one of his cows. The veterinarian finds a strange parasite in the animal and sends it to a friend in the Department of Agriculture for research. Later, he finds the same parasite in a creek and he summons the population for a meeting, warning that the cause might be the animal food. However, Fletcher Odermatt, the wealthy owner of the local Host Tender Meals that has been providing free animal food for the farmers, brings his lawyer Hayley Anderson and discredits Eli. When a huge mutant parasite attacks Eli and Jacob, they discover that the meals are actually an experimental genetic cocktail that is growing parasites inside the cattle and people."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of The Signal. Written and directed by the team of David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry, the film starred Anessa Ramsey, Justin Welborn, and Scott Poythress. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A horror film told in three parts, from three perspectives, in which a mysterious transmission that turns people into killers invades every cell phone, radio, and television."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Signal enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A horror film told in three parts, from three perspectives, in which a mysterious transmission that turns people into killers invades every cell phone, radio, and television."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Signal enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Beacon 77 (aka Decoder) enjoyed a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Brad Watson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kelly Adams, Jonathan Rhodes, and Lucy Evans. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two young women arrive at a curious penthouse apartment, led by one's crush on her tutor. However, her love interest doesn't live alone. He's part of a trio of computer hackers about to embark on the ultimate job on the world's most mysterious mainframe. Whilst doing so, they unlock more than they bargain for with supernatural and ultimately fatal results. Can this seemingly insignificant chain of events, which have thrown this group together, be construed as fate? Can the beacon provide a signal of hope or is it a web of manipulation, paranoia and ultimately... murder?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beacon 77 enjoyed a bit of attention garnered from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Two young women arrive at a curious penthouse apartment, led by one's crush on her tutor. However, her love interest doesn't live alone. He's part of a trio of computer hackers about to embark on the ultimate job on the world's most mysterious mainframe. Whilst doing so, they unlock more than they bargain for with supernatural and ultimately fatal results. Can this seemingly insignificant chain of events, which have thrown this group together, be construed as fate? Can the beacon provide a signal of hope or is it a web of manipulation, paranoia and ultimately... murder?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beacon 77 enjoyed a bit of attention garnered from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2014 (in Sweden), the 2000-produced SciFi/Drama Possible Worlds enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by Robert Lepage, the feature starred Tilda Swinton, Tom McCamus, and Sean McCann. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man lives in parallel worlds, falling in love with the same woman, while the police hunt down a serial killer who steals brains."
"A man lives in parallel worlds, falling in love with the same woman, while the police hunt down a serial killer who steals brains."
On this day in 2016, Terminus enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. Written and directed by Marc Furmie, the SciFi/Drama feature starred Jai Koutrae, Todd Lasance, and Kendra Appleton. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), The Greasy Strangler took its dire efforts to audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Hosking, the Horror/Comedy starred Michael St. Michaels, Sky Elobar, and Elizabeth De Razzo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ronnie runs a Disco walking tour with his son, Brayden. When a sexy woman takes the tour, it begins a competition between father and son for her love. It also signals the arrival of an oily strangler who stalks the streets at night."
"Ronnie runs a Disco walking tour with his son, Brayden. When a sexy woman takes the tour, it begins a competition between father and son for her love. It also signals the arrival of an oily strangler who stalks the streets at night."
A star is born ... or was this one hatched? On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival were treated to the silver screen debut of Hatching. Written (in part) and directed by Hanna Bergholm, the Horror/Fantasy starred Siiri Solalinna, Sophia Heikkilä, and Jani Volanen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young gymnast, who tries desperately to please her demanding mother, discovers a strange egg. She hides it and keeps it warm, but when it hatches, what emerges shocks them all."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hatching enjoyed a fair bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A young gymnast, who tries desperately to please her demanding mother, discovers a strange egg. She hides it and keeps it warm, but when it hatches, what emerges shocks them all."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hatching enjoyed a fair bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Captain Midnight aired the ominously-titled "The Mark Of Death." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Captain Midnight goes to India to deliver a goodwill message at the invitation of Bengra Tassi. When Captain Midnight and Ikky get to India they discover Tassi has been kidnapped by "The Executioner". Captain Midnight must rescue Tassi before it is too late."
"Captain Midnight goes to India to deliver a goodwill message at the invitation of Bengra Tassi. When Captain Midnight and Ikky get to India they discover Tassi has been kidnapped by "The Executioner". Captain Midnight must rescue Tassi before it is too late."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet launched "The Life Ray." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Tom and his men are assigned to repair the life ray."
"Tom and his men are assigned to repair the life ray."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), "The Hitch-Hiker" aired as the sixteenth episode of The Twilight Zone's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman driving cross country becomes frantic when she keeps passing the same man on the side of the road. No matter how fast she drives the man is always up ahead, hitching her for a ride."
"A young woman driving cross country becomes frantic when she keeps passing the same man on the side of the road. No matter how fast she drives the man is always up ahead, hitching her for a ride."
Doctor Who's season nine opening storyline -- "Day of the Daleks -- concluded on this day in 1972 with the airing of its fourth and final part. According to IMDB.com, here's how the action played out:
"The guerrillas infiltrate the Daleks' base to rescue the Doctor and Jo and ask them to return to their own time and alter history before the 20th century is plunged into a Third World War."
"The guerrillas infiltrate the Daleks' base to rescue the Doctor and Jo and ask them to return to their own time and alter history before the 20th century is plunged into a Third World War."
There's what happens, kids, when you don't call 'shotgun.' On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), "Missing Link" aired as a part of Space:1999's first season. Acccording to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Commander Koening's Eagle crashes on the planet Zenno, his soul is captured and scrutinized by a resident alien, due to the fact that we humans appear to be their missing link."
"After Commander Koening's Eagle crashes on the planet Zenno, his soul is captured and scrutinized by a resident alien, due to the fact that we humans appear to be their missing link."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Battle Of The Planets aired "A Whale Joins G-Force." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Spectra sends a mechanical whale to Earth. The Mecha attacks Bay City and G-Force goes after it. The Team interrupts the Spectra ship as it attacks some whales and Keyop promptly adopts a baby whale that survived. G-Force must locate the Spectra base and stop Zoltar before he destroys all of Earth's whales!"
"Spectra sends a mechanical whale to Earth. The Mecha attacks Bay City and G-Force goes after it. The Team interrupts the Spectra ship as it attacks some whales and Keyop promptly adopts a baby whale that survived. G-Force must locate the Spectra base and stop Zoltar before he destroys all of Earth's whales!"
Not only did Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's second season feel an awful lot more like the writers were channeling STAR TREK (TOS), why they even started casting some of Trek's prominent guest stars. Standing next to Erin Gray above is none other than Sarek himself -- Mark Lenard -- who appeared as the mysterious Ambassador Duvoe in "Journey to Oasis" (not all that unlike "Journey to Babel," eh?). Lenard is one of the few actors who can boast contributions to several sci-fi properties beyond Trek, including Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers, and even The Incredible Hulk. The episode premiered on this day in 1981.
It all began right here: on this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), TV's Airwolf soared into existence. The first episode was aptly titled "Shadow Of The Hawke," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While demonstrating the capabilities of the new prototype supercopter codenamed 'Airwolf', Dr. Charles Moffet goes rogue, steals the chopper and kills almost all of the observers. At least one man -- Michael Coldsmith Briggs III survives. Briggs, codenamed 'Archangel' is the head of a covert organization called 'The Firm' and Archangel calls upon the one man in the world he knows that can retrieve the copter. The problem is Stringfellow Hawke is not only a loner, but a recluse as well. The amount of money the Firm is willing to pay for Airwolf's recovery is irrelevant. Hawke wants just one thing - the safe return of his brother, Saint John, who was captured during the Vietnam war and is evidently a POW."
"While demonstrating the capabilities of the new prototype supercopter codenamed 'Airwolf', Dr. Charles Moffet goes rogue, steals the chopper and kills almost all of the observers. At least one man -- Michael Coldsmith Briggs III survives. Briggs, codenamed 'Archangel' is the head of a covert organization called 'The Firm' and Archangel calls upon the one man in the world he knows that can retrieve the copter. The problem is Stringfellow Hawke is not only a loner, but a recluse as well. The amount of money the Firm is willing to pay for Airwolf's recovery is irrelevant. Hawke wants just one thing - the safe return of his brother, Saint John, who was captured during the Vietnam war and is evidently a POW."
On this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Worlds Beyond aired "Suffer Little Children." This served as the fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TVTime.com:
"An American girl visiting England encounters the ghost of a child."
"An American girl visiting England encounters the ghost of a child."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "The Defector." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"When an attempt to hack into the humans' computers goes awry, a Morthren technician (Kemo) is scarred both physically and mentally by the experience. Facing execution, he flees and takes over the identity of the human hacker he killed."
"When an attempt to hack into the humans' computers goes awry, a Morthren technician (Kemo) is scarred both physically and mentally by the experience. Facing execution, he flees and takes over the identity of the human hacker he killed."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), SeaQuest DSV aired "And Everything Nice." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lucas falls head over heals for a woman he meets at a bar, but it turns out she has nefarious plans to use Lucas. She is only using Lucas to help her father take control of the Seaquest."
"Lucas falls head over heals for a woman he meets at a bar, but it turns out she has nefarious plans to use Lucas. She is only using Lucas to help her father take control of the Seaquest."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager continued its trek across the Delta Quadrant with an episode titled "Alliances." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Janeway tries to make an alliance with a Kazon sect for their own protection and so they can continue their journey through the Delta Quadrant."
"Janeway tries to make an alliance with a Kazon sect for their own protection and so they can continue their journey through the Delta Quadrant."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Fifth Race." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"SG-1 travels to a planet whose people are allies of the Asgard."
"SG-1 travels to a planet whose people are allies of the Asgard."
It all began right here: on this day in 2000 (in television syndication), Cleopatra 2525 aired its first episode, "Quest For Firepower." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian future of 2525, deadly machines hunt for surviving humans. Helen and Sarge, two warriors on the run from a shapeshifting terminator, find a clueless cryogenically frozen girl named Cleopatra, who went under before the war."
"In a dystopian future of 2525, deadly machines hunt for surviving humans. Helen and Sarge, two warriors on the run from a shapeshifting terminator, find a clueless cryogenically frozen girl named Cleopatra, who went under before the war."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Interview." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zo'or agrees to do a live television interview to try to endear himself to humans, but the show's producer has an ulterior motive in getting him in front of a camera."
"Zo'or agrees to do a live television interview to try to endear himself to humans, but the show's producer has an ulterior motive in getting him in front of a camera."
On this day in 2000 (in Australia), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Absolute Power," the thirteenth episode of the cult program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Whilst eluding a group of raptors, Malone, Marguerite, Challenger and Roxton stumble upon the ruins of an ancient temple, where, at the centre of it, Challenger is amazed to find the crude etching of an atom."
"Whilst eluding a group of raptors, Malone, Marguerite, Challenger and Roxton stumble upon the ruins of an ancient temple, where, at the centre of it, Challenger is amazed to find the crude etching of an atom."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "The Pearls That Were His Eyes." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Upon nearing El Dorado Station, Beka receives a message from her "Uncle Sid", who seems to be be in urgent trouble. She goes to meet him, with Trance in tow; meanwhile, the men on Andromeda attempt to sell what they don't need in order to buy new parts. Beka finds Sid calling himself "Sam Proffit" and running TransGalactic, one of the largest shipping companies in the galaxy."
"Upon nearing El Dorado Station, Beka receives a message from her "Uncle Sid", who seems to be be in urgent trouble. She goes to meet him, with Trance in tow; meanwhile, the men on Andromeda attempt to sell what they don't need in order to buy new parts. Beka finds Sid calling himself "Sam Proffit" and running TransGalactic, one of the largest shipping companies in the galaxy."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Odyssey 5 aired the episode titled "Vanishing Point." Here's the summary from our friends at TV.com:
"When Taggart wakes up in a hospital with Paige beside him, he begins to believe that the death of his wife may have been a dream. What he doesn't know is that it is all a ruse by Dr. Bertran, who is trying to stall his activities long enough to download his consciousness into the computer."
"When Taggart wakes up in a hospital with Paige beside him, he begins to believe that the death of his wife may have been a dream. What he doesn't know is that it is all a ruse by Dr. Bertran, who is trying to stall his activities long enough to download his consciousness into the computer."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Lightsaber Lost." It was the eleventh episode of the popular program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all the fuss was about:
"During a mission in the underworld of Coruscant, Ahsoka loses her light-saber to a pickpocket. Ashamed to tell Anakin, she sets out to look for the thief alone, but gets help from an ancient Jedi Master called Tera Sinube."
"During a mission in the underworld of Coruscant, Ahsoka loses her light-saber to a pickpocket. Ashamed to tell Anakin, she sets out to look for the thief alone, but gets help from an ancient Jedi Master called Tera Sinube."
The dinosaur hunters of Primeval: New World get more than they bargained for when they go after who placed a viral video of a Triceratops on the web. The episode, titled "Breakthrough," aired on this day in 2012.
It all began right here: on this day in 2012 (in Sweden), Real Humans enjoyed its television premiere. Officially, the first episode was titled "Break In, Break Loose," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a parallel society, hubots are used for simple chores. A band of manumitted hubots are hiding in the forest, struggling for emancipation."
"In a parallel society, hubots are used for simple chores. A band of manumitted hubots are hiding in the forest, struggling for emancipation."
