Oh, when oh when did Babylon 5 truly begin? Well, I'll wander into the debate by saying that the series -- the actual functioning entity that became known as Babylon 5 began on this day in 1994. What's the reason for the debate? Well, the entire saga truly began back in February of 1993 with the airing of the first Babylon 5 movie titled "The Gathering." However, as a vastly greater number of souls truly found the property with the series, I'm sticking to this as its SciFiHistory.Net blastoff date for posterity's sake. After several attempts, I finally made my way through all five seasons of the show; while I don't love it as much as most, I'd still argue the J. Michael Straczynski tale had some of the best characters ever drawn for a genre program in TV history.
Well, it looks like the venerable William Hopper brought a bazooka to a dinosaur fight for his work aboard the SciFi/Classic 20 Million Miles To Earth (1957). The actor's resume also includes work aboard 1955's Conquest Of Space. Though he's no longer with us, Hopper was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Philip José Farmer is one of those authors I'm aware of but hadn't read anything from when he was recommended to me by a friend online. I read a few short stories and, honestly, it wasn't for me. However, kudos to those who've discovered his work, including those who have sought out the video adaptation of his popular Riverworld. Though he's no longer with us, Farmer was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: PJFarmer.com]
[Source: PJFarmer.com]
The venerable Anne Jeffreys made an appearance aboard Battlestar Galactica opposite the equally venerable Fred Astaire ("The Man With Nine Lives"). In the same year, she showed up in a guest spot on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Though she's no longer with us, Jeffreys was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in her career, Joan Leslie dipped her delicate toes into the world of Fantasy with a guest spot aboard CBS's popular incarnation of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk. Though she's no longer with us, Leslie was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Legendary screen actor Paul Newman made a rare genre appearance in 1979's Quintet, one of a string of dystopian thrillers that made so much of 70's SciFi cinema memorable. In it, what remains of humanity spends its time playing a board game where the stakes are life itself. Though he's no longer with us, Newman was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
William Redfield shrunk to microscopic size and went where no man had gone before aboard Fantastic Voyage (1966). Though he's no longer with us, Redfield was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Roger Vadim brought his (ahem) sensuous sensibilities to the realm of Science Fiction by delivering the campy Barbarella (1968) to the masses-at-large. Though he's no longer with us, Vadim was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Barbarella via a distributor relationship. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Barbarella via a distributor relationship. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Character actor Scott Glenn did what he could to elevate Sucker Punch's SciFi/Fantasy story with his considerable gravitas, but it just wasn't quite enough. Glenn was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Kathryn Leigh Scott has definitely left her mark on the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with roles aboard such properties as Dark Shadows, Space:1999, The Incredible Hulk, Shadow Chasers, Probe, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Scott was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As part of Syfy's relatively short-lived Alphas, veteran character actor David Strathairn played Dr. Lee Rosen, the head of a team of human with enhanced genetic abilities. Strathairn was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mimi Leder has a few solid genre credentials worthy of note to fans. First, she directed the big screen SciFi/Drama Deep Impact (1998) for Paramount Pictures. Also, she served as executive producer over HBO's lukewarm end-of-the-world drama The Leftovers. Leder was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rick Hill earned a place in Fantasy film history for his work aboard 1983's less-than-epic Deathstalker, a franchise he returned to in 1991's Deathstalker IV: Match Of Titans. He's also scored roles aboard Warrior Queen (1987), Dune Warriors (1991), Cyborg 2: Glass Shadow (1993), and Class Of 1999 II: The Substitute (1994). Hill was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Doctor Who roared back onto the BBC's schedule in 2005, Mal Young was one of the executive producers in charge. Young was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his acting career, Sean Blowers made a visit to the grand universe of Doctor Who aboard the "Dragonfire" storyline of the 1987 television season. Blowers was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
[Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
Paul Johannson not only does acting, but he's also done his share of writing and directing on multiple projects. As an actor, he's appeared in such genre properties as They Came From Outer Space, Carnival Of Souls (1998), Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999), Earth: Final Conflict, First Wave, Andromeda, Highlander: The Raven, Berserker (2004), Stonados (2013), Beauty And The Beast, Once Upon A Time, and Van Helsing. Johannson was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I fell in love with Tracy Middendorf as she appeared onscreen in HBO's stellar Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire (hubba hubba, Babette!), and thankfully she's done some work in SciFi so that I can cheer about her here. She's booked roles on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Fox TV's Millennium and The X-Files, The Time Tunnel (TV movie), Lost, and most recently TNT's The Last Ship. Middendorf was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, it ain't easy being green ... and ladies who enter the realm of Star Trek's revered 'Orion slave girls' can definitely attest to that. The lovely Cyia Batten caught fandom's attention for her work aboard Enterprise's fourth season episode "Bound." Batten was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Chicanery Night, the great Edward Hogg still performed admirable aboard the Wachowskis' SciFi failure, Jupiter Ascending. Hogg was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he may be more recognizable for his role as Captain Hook in ABC TV's Once Upon A Time, Colin O'Donoghue previously faced a SciFi menace in 2012's Storage 24. O'Donoghue was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jacob Blair hasn't been seen in a whole lot of Science Fiction, but supporting roles aboard ABC TV's V reboot as well as appearances in The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008), 2012 (2009), Fringe, Stargate Universe, and Dark Rising: Warrior of Worlds are grand enough to warrant a cursory birthday nod. Blair was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Edwin Hodge continues to shine in one project after another. In particular, SciFi fans have appreciated his good works from Angel, Invasion, Heroes, The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), and Sleepy Hollow. Hodge was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Ciera Payton made an appearance in the Torchwood universe, showing up in the role of 'Janet' for Torchwood: Miracle Day. Payton was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Having done a fair amount of voice acting in the video game industry, Alix Wilton Regan is no stranger to genre projects. Her pretty face has been seen in Zombie Diaries 2 and Real Playing Game (aka RPG). Regan was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Uh-oh: it's looking like things may not have ended so well for Hannah Arterton's 'Korinna' in her run aboard the BBC's Atlantis program in 2013. Shame. But the lovely Arterton lives on, born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2006, young Cameron Bright lit up the silver screen in the role of 'Leech' for X-Men: The Last Stand. The actor has also booked time aboard Dark Angel, The Butterfly Effect (2004), Stargate: SG-1, Ultraviolet (2006), The 4400, and Earth's Final Hours (2011). Bright was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Addison Riecke delivers superhuman toughness by way of some spirited comedy for her work aboard The Thundermans for the children's TV network Nickelodeon. Riecke was born on this day in 2004.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in Italy), Superargo And The Faceless Giants (aka L'invincibile Superman) soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Paolo Bianchini from a script by Julio Buchs, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Giovanni Cianfriglia, Guy Madison, and Luisa Baratto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A masked wrestler/superhero goes up against a madman and his army of robots."
"A masked wrestler/superhero goes up against a madman and his army of robots."
On this day in 1978 (in Hong Kong), the original SciFi/Fantasy/Classic Star Wars premiered in theatres. Written and directed by George Lucas, the feature starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, and here's the plot summary as provided by the fine folks at IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1979, Plague enjoyed its U.S. theatrical run. Written (in part) and directed by Ed Hunt, the SciFi/Horror starred Daniel Pilon, Kate Reid, and Céline Lomez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ambitious lab assistant carries out a forbidden experiment and accidentally creates a deadly bacteria which kills her and rapidly engulfs the city. The authorities order a curtain of secrecy and impose quarantine on all known contacts whilst embarking on a desperate search for a cure. Meanwhile one of the people in quarantine escapes and becomes the unwitting carrier of the disease. She spreads the plague wherever she goes and becomes a fugitive on the run eluding the police through subways and alleyways. In a gripping gripping built up of events, the full horror of the plague becomes public and the onslaught has to be stopped before all human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Plague enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"An ambitious lab assistant carries out a forbidden experiment and accidentally creates a deadly bacteria which kills her and rapidly engulfs the city. The authorities order a curtain of secrecy and impose quarantine on all known contacts whilst embarking on a desperate search for a cure. Meanwhile one of the people in quarantine escapes and becomes the unwitting carrier of the disease. She spreads the plague wherever she goes and becomes a fugitive on the run eluding the police through subways and alleyways. In a gripping gripping built up of events, the full horror of the plague becomes public and the onslaught has to be stopped before all human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Plague enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1979 (in France and West Germany), Superman soared from Krypton to the Earth's silver screens. Directed by Richard Donner, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, Gene Hackman as his nemesis 'Lex Luthor,' and Margot Kidder as 'Lois Lane.' According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in France), the French-language release The Price Of Danger (aka The Prize Of Peril, aka Le prix du danger) was sprung on the masses. Written (in part) and directed by Yves Boisset, the feature starred Gérard Lanvin, Marie-France Pisier, and Bruno Cremer. here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic society, contestants pit their survival skills against each other in a fight to the death for cash prizes, and the contest is aired live on television."
"In a futuristic society, contestants pit their survival skills against each other in a fight to the death for cash prizes, and the contest is aired live on television."
On this day in 1984 (in Peru), Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Strauss, Molly Ringwald, and Ernie Hudson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
On this day in 1989 (in Mexico), the Adult-themed 2069: A Sex Odyssey enjoyed a bit of exposure. Directed by Georg Tressler from a story by Willy Pribil, this SciFi/Comedy starred Nina Frederik, Catharina Conti, and Alena Penz. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Five sexy females from the planet Venus are sent to Earth to bring back sperm samples to their planet, which is dying out because there are no men left on it. After the land they find that it's not all that difficult persuading Earthmen to help them in their quest."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2019, I was offered an opportunity to view 2069: A Sex Odyssey in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on this Adult-themed property? Readers can find my review right here. Also, those interested in a bit more are encouraged to check out SciFiHistory.Net's screencaps of the film right here.
"Five sexy females from the planet Venus are sent to Earth to bring back sperm samples to their planet, which is dying out because there are no men left on it. After the land they find that it's not all that difficult persuading Earthmen to help them in their quest."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2019, I was offered an opportunity to view 2069: A Sex Odyssey in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on this Adult-themed property? Readers can find my review right here. Also, those interested in a bit more are encouraged to check out SciFiHistory.Net's screencaps of the film right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Spain), Aquí huele a muerto... (¡pues yo no he sido!) enjoyed its only theatrical release of note (if IMDB.com is to be trusted). Written (in part) and directed by Álvaro Sáenz de Heredia, the Horror/Comedy starred Josema Yuste, Millán Salcedo, and Ana Álvarez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Count of Capranegra, accompanied by his chamberlain, travels to Soborlskaia to claim the castle of his great-great-grandfather who died in strange circumstances. But to get the fortune he must first pass a difficult test."
"The Count of Capranegra, accompanied by his chamberlain, travels to Soborlskaia to claim the castle of his great-great-grandfather who died in strange circumstances. But to get the fortune he must first pass a difficult test."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in South Korea), Dark Angel (aka I Come In Peace) enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever. Directed by Craig R. Baxley from a script by Jonathan Tydor and David Koepp, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dolph Lundgren, Matthias Hues, and Brian Benben. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Renegade Cop is forced to work with an FBI Agent in order to bring down a group of Drug Dealers with sinister plans."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Interested in knowing what I thought about Dark Angel? Readers who'd like to know more can find my review right here.
"A Renegade Cop is forced to work with an FBI Agent in order to bring down a group of Drug Dealers with sinister plans."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Interested in knowing what I thought about Dark Angel? Readers who'd like to know more can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Daughter Of Darkness enjoyed its broadcast television premiere. Directed by Stuart Gordon from a story by Andrew Laskos, the Horror starred Anthony Perkins, Mia Sara, and Robert Reynolds. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The enigma facing young Katherine Thatcher is the identity of her father. Unfortunately for her, she is drawn into a small sub-hallucinogenic Romanian underworld of brooding menace, darkness, torture chambers, and vampires."
"The enigma facing young Katherine Thatcher is the identity of her father. Unfortunately for her, she is drawn into a small sub-hallucinogenic Romanian underworld of brooding menace, darkness, torture chambers, and vampires."
On this day in 1991 (in South Korea), Steel Dawn came over the horizon for interested audiences. Directed by Lance Hool from a story by Doug Lefler, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Patrick Swayze, Lisa Niemi, and Anthony Zerbe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by the leader of a murderous gang who's after the water they control."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by the leader of a murderous gang who's after the water they control."
On this day in 1996, the Peter Weller vehicle Screamers made its first theatrical appearance (in the United States), pitting an alien menace against mankind on its journey into the stars. Adapted from a work by Philip K. Dick, the film was directed by Christian Duguay and starred Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, and Roy Dupuis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in Greece), the horrific Mansquito buzzed its way to a release on home video. Directed by Tibor Takács from a script by Kenneth Badish, Ray Cannella, Boaz Davidson, and Michael Hurst, the SciFi/Horror starred Corin Nemec, Musetta Vander, and Matt Jordon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist and her subject turn into mutant insects."
"A scientist and her subject turn into mutant insects."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), The Girl From Monday delivered a few laughs with its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Hal Hartley, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bill Sage, Sabrina Lloyd, and Tatiana Abracos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A comic drama about a time in the near future when citizens are happy to be property traded on the stock exchange."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Girl From Monday enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A comic drama about a time in the near future when citizens are happy to be property traded on the stock exchange."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Girl From Monday enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2008, the SciFi/Horror flick Ghost Voyage arrived in port. Directed by James Oxford from a story by Glenn R. Bloom and Rob Mecarini, the film starred Antonio Sabato Jr., Deanna Russo, and Nicholas Irons. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A group of passengers plot their escape off a haunted ship to hell."
"A group of passengers plot their escape off a haunted ship to hell."
A star is born! Well, it looks like it was the end of the world as we know it yet again on this day in 2013 (in the U.S.) with the release of A Plague So Pleasant. Directed by Benjamin Roberds and Jason Reyes, the Horror/Thriller starred Eva Boehnke, David Chandler, and Maxwell Moody. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A surreal take on the zombie genre."
"A surreal take on the zombie genre."
On this day in 2013, the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm Deadly Descent: The Abominable Snowman aired. Directed by Marko Mäkilaakso from a story by Nate Atkins, the feature starred Adrian Paul, Chuck Campbell, and Lauren O'Neil. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Friends go on a snowy adventure and come face to face with a deadly creature."
"Friends go on a snowy adventure and come face to face with a deadly creature."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the Netherlands), Frankenstein's Army waged war for the very first time on the silver screen for audiences in attendance of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Raaphorst, the SciFi/Horror starred Robert Gwilym, Hon Ping Tang, and Alexander Terentyev. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the dying days of WWII, a battalion of Russian soldiers is lured into the secret lab of a deranged scientist and forced to face off against an army of horrific flesh-and-metal war machines."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Frankenstein's Army enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2013 -- near or about the film's release on home video -- I was fortunate to receive a complimentary DVD of Frankenstein's Army. Interested in knowing what I thought? You can find my review right here.
"In the dying days of WWII, a battalion of Russian soldiers is lured into the secret lab of a deranged scientist and forced to face off against an army of horrific flesh-and-metal war machines."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Frankenstein's Army enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2013 -- near or about the film's release on home video -- I was fortunate to receive a complimentary DVD of Frankenstein's Army. Interested in knowing what I thought? You can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2015, Advantageous found life among those living in the near-future. Written (in part) and directed by Jennifer Phang, the feature starred Jacqueline Kim, James Urbaniak, and Freya Adams. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"In a near-future city where soaring opulence overshadows economic hardship, Gwen and her daughter Jules do all they can to hold on to their joy together, despite the instability surfacing in their world."
For the record:
Advantageous enjoyed a wealth of praise -- both awards and nominations -- on the film festival circuit.
"In a near-future city where soaring opulence overshadows economic hardship, Gwen and her daughter Jules do all they can to hold on to their joy together, despite the instability surfacing in their world."
For the record:
Advantageous enjoyed a wealth of praise -- both awards and nominations -- on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Alien Rising rose from the ashes for its theatrical release. Directed by Dana Schroeder from a story by Michael Todd and Kenny Yakkel, the feature starred Lance Henriksen, Amy Hathaway, and John Savage. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A savvy ex-homeland security agent and martial arts expert is forced to a remote island to help the military unlock the secrets of an extraterrestrial technology."
"A savvy ex-homeland security agent and martial arts expert is forced to a remote island to help the military unlock the secrets of an extraterrestrial technology."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Turbo Kid enjoyed its theatrical debut when it was first screened for audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whisell, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Munro Chambers, Laurence Leboeuf, and Michael Ironside. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic wasteland in 1997, a comic book fan adopts the persona of his favourite hero to save his enthusiastic friend and fight a tyrannical overlord."
"In a post-apocalyptic wasteland in 1997, a comic book fan adopts the persona of his favourite hero to save his enthusiastic friend and fight a tyrannical overlord."
On this day in 2017 (in Russia), audiences were treated to the cinematic spectacle of an alien crash in Moscow with Attraction. The feature starred Irina Starshenbaum and Rinal Mukhametov, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"After an alien ship crash lands onto a Russian city, many who saw it and the occupants start to question their own existence while there are those who demand the aliens leave Earth."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Attraction right here!
"After an alien ship crash lands onto a Russian city, many who saw it and the occupants start to question their own existence while there are those who demand the aliens leave Earth."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Attraction right here!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Girl With All The Gifts enjoyed its internet release. Directed by Colm McCarthy from a story by Mike Carey, the dystopian feature starred Glenn Close, Sennia Nanua, and Gemma Arterton. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist and a teacher living in a dystopian future embark on a journey of survival with a special young girl named Melanie."
"A scientist and a teacher living in a dystopian future embark on a journey of survival with a special young girl named Melanie."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Slamdance Film Festival were treated to the silver screen debut of The Vast Of Night. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Patterson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sierra McCormick, Jake Horowitz, and Gail Cronauer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One night in New Mexico, in the late 1950s, a switchboard operator and radio DJ discover a strange audio frequency which could change the future forever."
For the record:
On top of a good number of festival and service organization wins, The Vast Of Night enjoyed a 2021 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Film Presentation On Streaming Media.'
"One night in New Mexico, in the late 1950s, a switchboard operator and radio DJ discover a strange audio frequency which could change the future forever."
For the record:
On top of a good number of festival and service organization wins, The Vast Of Night enjoyed a 2021 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Film Presentation On Streaming Media.'
A star is born! On this day in 2023 (in the U.S.), Free LSD enjoyed its theatrical premiere in an exclusive screening for audiences of the Slamdance Film Festival. Written by, directed by, and starring Dimitri Coats, the SciFi/Comedy also starred Keith Morris, Chelsea Debo, and Chloe Dykstra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sometimes putting the band together is a matter of life and death."
"Sometimes putting the band together is a matter of life and death."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Explosion On Morehouse Five." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"An explosion on a newly colonized planetoid, Morehouse Five, causes it to move from its orbit. It is destined to pass so closely to the sun that no one on the planetoid can remain alive. Commander Buzz Corry and Cadet Happy face great peril in their attempt to save a space prospector and his granddaughter from the threatened planetoid."
"An explosion on a newly colonized planetoid, Morehouse Five, causes it to move from its orbit. It is destined to pass so closely to the sun that no one on the planetoid can remain alive. Commander Buzz Corry and Cadet Happy face great peril in their attempt to save a space prospector and his granddaughter from the threatened planetoid."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC aired the sixth (and final) installment of Quatermass and the Pit. It was called "Hob," and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Chaos reigns in the pit and the long-dormant Martian inheritance begins to assert itself in many people in the area - including Quatermass himself - driving them to a new racial purge, The capsule breaks open and an energy form rises up over London. Roney finds he is immune and strives to defeat it."
"Chaos reigns in the pit and the long-dormant Martian inheritance begins to assert itself in many people in the area - including Quatermass himself - driving them to a new racial purge, The capsule breaks open and an energy form rises up over London. Roney finds he is immune and strives to defeat it."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Sky Pirate." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will becomes fast friends with Captain Alonzo P. Tucker, an Earthling who escaped his alien captors to become a wandering space buccaneer. But Tucker's roguish charm hides a secret that could destroy them all."
"Will becomes fast friends with Captain Alonzo P. Tucker, an Earthling who escaped his alien captors to become a wandering space buccaneer. But Tucker's roguish charm hides a secret that could destroy them all."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired "Tomorrow Is Yesterday." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Enterprise is flung back in time while trying to escape the gravitational pull of a black star, they find themselves in orbit around a 1960's Earth. When they are seen by a U.S. Air Force pilot, they beam him aboard but then face the dilemma of what to do with him as he learns more and more about the future. They have to review their initial decision to just keep him when historical records show that his yet-to-be-born son will lead Earth's first successful mission to probe Saturn. Spock devises a plan to do so while also erasing any memory of recent events."
"When the Enterprise is flung back in time while trying to escape the gravitational pull of a black star, they find themselves in orbit around a 1960's Earth. When they are seen by a U.S. Air Force pilot, they beam him aboard but then face the dilemma of what to do with him as he learns more and more about the future. They have to review their initial decision to just keep him when historical records show that his yet-to-be-born son will lead Earth's first successful mission to probe Saturn. Spock devises a plan to do so while also erasing any memory of recent events."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), The Invisible Man aired its final episode, "An Attempt To Save Face." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Nick Maggio, the inventor of Dermaplex, receives a summons to Chicago where he meets Rojin, the most powerful man in the Eastern Bloc. Fearing he will be ousted in favor of a younger man, the Chairman wants a face lift. Maggio agrees, but summons the Westins to act as his assistants in case of trouble. Once Dan and Kate arrive, the former does some snooping and learns that someone is trying to assassinate the Chairman. Dan, his face covered with gauze, takes Rojin's place in the hospital bed, making himself the next target."
"Dr. Nick Maggio, the inventor of Dermaplex, receives a summons to Chicago where he meets Rojin, the most powerful man in the Eastern Bloc. Fearing he will be ousted in favor of a younger man, the Chairman wants a face lift. Maggio agrees, but summons the Westins to act as his assistants in case of trouble. Once Dan and Kate arrive, the former does some snooping and learns that someone is trying to assassinate the Chairman. Dan, his face covered with gauze, takes Rojin's place in the hospital bed, making himself the next target."
The Apocalypse moved one step closer to reality when on this day in 1977 The Bionic Woman aired "Doomsday Is Tomorrow, Part 2." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Cooper's Doomsday Device has been triggered and only Jaime Sommers can attempt to break through the defenses held up by super computer ALEX7000 before it's too late."
"Dr. Cooper's Doomsday Device has been triggered and only Jaime Sommers can attempt to break through the defenses held up by super computer ALEX7000 before it's too late."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "Spaced Out." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Master thief James Kimball steals three crystal lenses from the Torrance Aerospace plant but has to hide them in a crate in order to get out clean. The crate's destination is the Space Questicon in the L.A. Hotel Le Baron where Sylvester Grogan is setting up a display of Apollo moon rocks. Diana Prince is dispatched to find the stolen lenses and is staying at the same hotel. Kimball attends the convention in disguise to snatch back his loot. Meanwhile his employer, afraid Kimball will offer the lenses to a higher bidder has him shadowed as well."
"Master thief James Kimball steals three crystal lenses from the Torrance Aerospace plant but has to hide them in a crate in order to get out clean. The crate's destination is the Space Questicon in the L.A. Hotel Le Baron where Sylvester Grogan is setting up a display of Apollo moon rocks. Diana Prince is dispatched to find the stolen lenses and is staying at the same hotel. Kimball attends the convention in disguise to snatch back his loot. Meanwhile his employer, afraid Kimball will offer the lenses to a higher bidder has him shadowed as well."
On this day in 1983 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Snakedance: Part 4." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Escaping from jail and rescued from execution by Tanha, the Doctor escapes to find Dojjen. Will he finally be able to defeat the Mara?"
"Escaping from jail and rescued from execution by Tanha, the Doctor escapes to find Dojjen. Will he finally be able to defeat the Mara?"
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Frontios: Part 1." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the far flung future, the TARDIS is forced to crash land on the planet Frontios, where the Doctor finds some of the last surviving human beings cowering from a meteorite bombardment."
"In the far flung future, the TARDIS is forced to crash land on the planet Frontios, where the Doctor finds some of the last surviving human beings cowering from a meteorite bombardment."
On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), She-Wolf Of London aired "She-Devil." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lonely bachelor is killed after answering a personal ad in the newspaper. Ian and Randi trace the ad to a college love of Ian's who has developed a special pheromone potion which brings out the "sexual animal" in people."
"A lonely bachelor is killed after answering a personal ad in the newspaper. Ian and Randi trace the ad to a college love of Ian's who has developed a special pheromone potion which brings out the "sexual animal" in people."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation journeyed boldly through its fourth season by airing an episode titled "The Wounded" in TV syndication. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"After being fired upon by a Cardassian vessel, Picard races against time to find out the facts behind the Cardassian commander's claim that the Federation attacked one of their outposts."
"After being fired upon by a Cardassian vessel, Picard races against time to find out the facts behind the Cardassian commander's claim that the Federation attacked one of their outposts."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Super Force aired "Sins of the Father: Part 2." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"In order to save a fugitive Zach discovers that he must kill a bounty hunter."
"In order to save a fugitive Zach discovers that he must kill a bounty hunter."
On this day in 1992 (in Australia), The Girl From Tomorrow aired "Sweetness And Fright." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Irene takes Alana and Jenny to Jenny's high school, telling Alana to pretend that she is Jenny's cousin from the country."
"Irene takes Alana and Jenny to Jenny's high school, telling Alana to pretend that she is Jenny's cousin from the country."
I hate to admit it (again), but the "genius" of Babylon 5 still escapes me to this day. I've confessed this before, but, for those who missed it, here it is again: I've actually started trying to watch this program twice on DVD, and, both times, I get about all the way thru the second season when I give up in utter despair. While the idea amazes me, I can't find a character in the bunch that I legitimately care about, so I pack it in. I figure I'll give it a go once more when time permits. However, on this day back in 1994, Babylon 5 first came to life with the premiere of its first episode, "Midnight on the Firing Line." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. And Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. And Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Syzygy." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rare alignment of the planets gives two homicidal teenage girls dangerous telekinetic powers while simultaneously driving their small town insane with satanic panic. Mulder's interest in the local female detective makes Scully jealous."
"A rare alignment of the planets gives two homicidal teenage girls dangerous telekinetic powers while simultaneously driving their small town insane with satanic panic. Mulder's interest in the local female detective makes Scully jealous."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), the holographic Doctor earned yet another major script as part of Star Trek: Voyager's sixth season. Here's the summary of "Virtuoso" as prepared by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by one species that he is considering resigning his Starfleet commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
"The Doctor's singing talent is so appreciated by one species that he is considering resigning his Starfleet commission and staying on with his millions of adoring fans."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), the consequences of Crichton's failure against the dastardly Scorpius took a deadly turn in "Die Me, Dichotomy," a fantastic season finale for Farscape's second season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The neural chip in Crichton's head is driving him insane. He pleads with D'Argo to kill him. They take him to a healer to have the chip removed. The chip takes control of Crichton, and someone on Moya will pay the price before Crichton can regain control of his body. Scorpius arrives just after they start the procedure to remove the chip."
"The neural chip in Crichton's head is driving him insane. He pleads with D'Argo to kill him. They take him to a healer to have the chip removed. The chip takes control of Crichton, and someone on Moya will pay the price before Crichton can regain control of his body. Scorpius arrives just after they start the procedure to remove the chip."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Light." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After returning from a mission, Lt. Barber commits suicide by jumping into the wash just as the gate is about to open. Daniel reports that Barber was acting normally and wasn't acting in anyway strange before his death. Daniel however is soon acting strangely and when he fails to show up for work, O'Neill finds him standing on his balcony about to jump Off. O'Neill, Sam and Teal'c go to the planet Daniel and the others had visited and find a young boy, Loran, living there on his own. Dr. Fraiser determines that whatever is happening is neither drug induced or the result of contagion. On the planet, all of them are attracted to a strange light which seems to be the source of the problem."
"After returning from a mission, Lt. Barber commits suicide by jumping into the wash just as the gate is about to open. Daniel reports that Barber was acting normally and wasn't acting in anyway strange before his death. Daniel however is soon acting strangely and when he fails to show up for work, O'Neill finds him standing on his balcony about to jump Off. O'Neill, Sam and Teal'c go to the planet Daniel and the others had visited and find a young boy, Loran, living there on his own. Dr. Fraiser determines that whatever is happening is neither drug induced or the result of contagion. On the planet, all of them are attracted to a strange light which seems to be the source of the problem."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), Atlantis High aired the twenty-first episode of its only season. According to our friends at Google.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Violet loses the school at the roulette table, Beanie and Jet are told to move out of the basement; Giles gets a job at the local diner; Sophie embarks upon a mission."
"After Violet loses the school at the roulette table, Beanie and Jet are told to move out of the basement; Giles gets a job at the local diner; Sophie embarks upon a mission."
On this day in 2003 (in the Netherlands), Mutant X aired "Dancing On The Razor." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mutant X and Genomex are both captured on film using their powers, and they both have to deal with the reporter who plans to go public with the information."
"Mutant X and Genomex are both captured on film using their powers, and they both have to deal with the reporter who plans to go public with the information."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "The Torment, The Release." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dylan and the crew are put on trial by the Commonwealth. The Collectors now control the Commonwealth. The crew wants to escape, but Dylan wants to stick out the trial, to determine if he still has ANY allies in the Commonwealth he helped to rebuild."
"Dylan and the crew are put on trial by the Commonwealth. The Collectors now control the Commonwealth. The crew wants to escape, but Dylan wants to stick out the trial, to determine if he still has ANY allies in the Commonwealth he helped to rebuild."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Possibilities." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Brennan and the Mutant X team join forces with a time traveling mutant to diffuse a bomb threatening devastating consequences."
"Brennan and the Mutant X team join forces with a time traveling mutant to diffuse a bomb threatening devastating consequences."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Unsafe." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alicia Baker returns, and with the help of Red Kryptonite, elopes in Las Vegas with Clark. Lana offers a sexual relationship to Jason in an attempt to win him back. Lionel comes back to Lex with a peace offering."
"Alicia Baker returns, and with the help of Red Kryptonite, elopes in Las Vegas with Clark. Lana offers a sexual relationship to Jason in an attempt to win him back. Lionel comes back to Lex with a peace offering."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the remastered edition of Star Trek's "The Enemy Within." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two halves: one meek and indecisive, the other violent and ill tempered. The remaining crew members stranded on the planet cannot be beamed up to the ship until a problem is fixed."
"A transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two halves: one meek and indecisive, the other violent and ill tempered. The remaining crew members stranded on the planet cannot be beamed up to the ship until a problem is fixed."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Torchwood aired "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A conflicted Torchwood team is surprised to see Captain Jack suddenly return to their lives, and though he tries to come back as if nothing had happened, Jack soon finds that some things have changed since his disappearance. There's little time for explanations, though, as a mysterious stranger from Jack's past steps through the rift, and he's on a mission that only the Torchwood team can help him finish. But it becomes quickly clear that Captain John Hart is not all he claims to be, and as usual, Captain Jack Harkness has some secrets of his own."
"A conflicted Torchwood team is surprised to see Captain Jack suddenly return to their lives, and though he tries to come back as if nothing had happened, Jack soon finds that some things have changed since his disappearance. There's little time for explanations, though, as a mysterious stranger from Jack's past steps through the rift, and he's on a mission that only the Torchwood team can help him finish. But it becomes quickly clear that Captain John Hart is not all he claims to be, and as usual, Captain Jack Harkness has some secrets of his own."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Shades Of Reason." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sith brothers and their criminal allies attack Mandalore and the Death Watch pretends to defeat them, causing the gullible people to choose Pre Vizsla's rule over Duchess Satine's."
"The Sith brothers and their criminal allies attack Mandalore and the Death Watch pretends to defeat them, causing the gullible people to choose Pre Vizsla's rule over Duchess Satine's."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "Salvage." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A derelict vessel holds a potentially devastating secret. Holden and his crew cross paths with Miller on Eros. Avasarala receives bad news."
"A derelict vessel holds a potentially devastating secret. Holden and his crew cross paths with Miller on Eros. Avasarala receives bad news."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Colony aired "Sublimation." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will, Devon and Charlie journey home; Katie says goodbye to her daughter; Bram makes friends at camp; Maddie finds a new project."
"Will, Devon and Charlie journey home; Katie says goodbye to her daughter; Bram makes friends at camp; Maddie finds a new project."
