The venerable Arnold Moss brought a sense of royalty to his role of 'Anton Karidian' aboard Star Trek's first season drama "The Conscience Of A King." Only about a decade earlier he had played an alien of a much different sort in the fondly remembered The 27th Day. Though he's no longer with us, Moss was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Holy Bat-facts, Batman! The late Lewis Wilson was history's very first person to put on the cape and cowl to bring Batman (1943) to live in a silver screen serial! You want to know more? At age 23, he remains also the very youngest (to date) to play the same. The rest of his career? Rather tame. Still, kudos for suiting up in the pursuit of justice! Though he's no longer with us, Wilson was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The very last screen role by character actor John Davis Chandler was in the guise of 'Flith' aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "Honor Among Thieves." Though he's no longer with us, Chandler was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nicholas Pryor is probably best remembered as Tom Cruise's uptight father in the teen comedy Risky Business, but he's also served duty aboard Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Tales of the Gold Monkey, The Powers of Matthew Star, Voyagers!, Knight Rider, Brain Dead (1990), and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014). Pryor was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He might be a bit before the time of most young Turks who traffic the web these days, but John Beck's (above left) contributions to genre projects is nothing short of impressive. He started acting professionally in 1965, and -- since that time -- he's appeared in Cyborg 2087, Sleeper, Rollerball (1975), Time Express, Tales of the Unexpected, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dark Planet, The Invisible Man, and Timecop: The Berlin Decision. Beck was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in Star Trek's third season, the lovely Susan Howard showed us what a tough Klingon woman looked like when she assumed the role of 'Mara' for the program. She also paid visits to the worlds of Land Of The Giants, The Immortal, The Sixth Sense, and The Fantastic Journey. Howard was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though (to my knowledge) he's still not been produced as an action figure, actor Andrew Jack shared some leadership of The Resistance with General Leia aboard JJ Abrams' tepid Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), a role he reprised in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017). Jack was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Barbi Benton remains one of the most beautiful women of her generation, and thank our lucky stars that she made an appearance aboard the Fantasy-themed Deathstalker (1983) so that we can mention her here. Benton was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's no doubt far more well known for her roles aboard TV's Santa Barbara and films like Parenthood and Arachnophobia, Harley Jane Kozak did experience a robotic close encounter of the sexy kind in The Android Affair. She also appeared aboard the long-running Stargate: SG-1 in a guest role. Kozak was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
His name is synonymous with quality, and his work often times draws fans from beyond genre properties to witness what he's done with some of the more interesting tales brought to large or small screen life. From The Mist to The Walking Dead and back to The Indiana Jones Chronicles, he's Frank Darabont, and he was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Quantum Leap remains one of the greatest SciFi/Dramas of its generation, and kudos to the lovely Tyra Ferrell for joining Scott Bakula for an episode in 1989. Ferrell was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To be honest, I only have a vague recollection of watching episodes of Andromeda. From what I recall, the series was based on an idea conceived by the late Gene Roddenberry, and maybe that's the issue I had with it: too many ideas seemed a bit derivative of Star Trek. In any event, I can always appreciate a great performance in genre, and Keith Hamilton Cobb played Tyr Anasazi on the program with great relish. In fact, he was the only truly interesting character so far as I can recall. Cobb's resume is a bit light as of late as it looks like he's no longer in the acting business. Cobb was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lynda Boyd has enjoyed a terrific guest spot run aboard The CW's Superhero/Drama Arrow in its 2015-2016 season. Her resume also boasts appearances in the worlds of Highlander, The X-Files, Strange Luck, Generation X (1996), Millennium, The Sentinel, The Invader (1997), The Outer Limits, So Weird, Mission To Mars (2000), Level 9, The Twilight Zone, Smallville, Sanctuary, and Supernatural. Boyd was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Chance Kelly has really only dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction, almost always playing a person of some authority. He's enjoyed exposure aboard Fringe, Stake Land (2010), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Kelly was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Kathryn Morris shared the screen with no less than Tom Cruise in 2002's Minority Report, that film coming not long after already having worked with director Steven Spielberg on A.I. Artificial Intelligence in 2001. Morris was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The heavenly Gillian Vigman joined Kevin Nealon in their brave but family-friendly fight against the Aliens In The Attic (2009). Vigman was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I was too old to get into that whole Power Rangers thing, but -- for a generation of young SciFi fans -- it stands as a testament to quality entertainment. (Different strokes, different folks!) However, like any red-blooded male I can appreciate any lady chewing scenery, and I've been made to understand that's what Melody Perkins accomplished in the dual-role of Karone (the Pink Galaxy Ranger) and Astronema. Perkins was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ty Olsson (above, shirtless, from Continuum) is one of those blue-collar actors who shows up in everything yet never achieves the acclaim his work quite possibly deserves. Genre fans know him from appearances in The X-Files, Viper, First Wave, Harsh Realm, Dark Angel, Jeremiah, The Outer Limits, X-Men 2, Battlestar Galactica, and many, many more programs (check out his IMDB.com profile). Olsson was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elijah Wood has earned a place in film history: his portrayal of 'Frodo Baggins' in the ultra-popular The Lord of the Rings trilogy of films is the stuff of legend. Thankfully, he's kept up working in genre entertainment, lending his voice to the character of Beck in the short-lived TRON: Uprising television series. Even more recently, he assumed one of the lead roles in the BBC's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Wood was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tom Hopper (above right) joined Matt Smith in the launching of his new version of the venerable Doctor Who when the fifth season premiered in 2010. Hopper was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Shruti Haasan had a prominent role in the Indian SciFi film 7 Aum Arivu (2011), a tale of ancient science trying to undo a viral attack. Haasan was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Yes, I'm of that generation that loves it when Hollywood puts guns in the hands of lovely ladies, so kudos to Alexandra Krosney for her guest role aboard ABC TV's Lost: her willingness to show us her big guns made small screen heaven. Krosney was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty-as-a-picture Ashlyn Henson continues to steal scenes whenever she can. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard The Vampire Diaries, The Thundermans, and ZombieCON (2018). Henson was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Calum Worthy found himself in the middle of the Population Efforts of a secret government in The Thinning. More recently, he enjoyed a guest appearance to the world of Amazon Prime's Utopia. Worthy was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Unless I miss my guess, young Will Poulter's star is only just on-the-rise in the entertainment business. He turned in a terrific performance as part of the ensemble at the heart of 2014's The Maze Runner, and his IMDB profile shows he has several high-profile projects in the pipeline. Here's hoping he finds a franchise all of his own sometime soon. Poulter was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fandom always keeps its eyes on quality talent, and we're all expecting great things from young Ariel Winter. On ABC TV's Modern Family, she's proven herself a great comedic actress, and -- in the realm of voice acting -- she's been a wonderful addition to the DC Universe of flicks and TV shows. As far as Science Fiction goes, she also booked an appearance on CBS's Apocalypse drama, Jericho. Winter was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1954 (in Italy), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds invaded theatres. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
On this day in 1966 (in Belgium), the 1962-produced SciFi/Drama Panic In Year Zero enjoyed a run at the theatres. Directed and starring the late Ray Milland, the feature also gave a very young Frankie Avalon a starring role, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While on a fishing trip, Harry Baldwin (Ray Milland) and his family hear an immense explosion and realise the awful truth; Los Angeles has been leveled by a nuclear attack. Mayhem and madness are everywhere. Escaping to the hills with his family, he sets about the business of surviving in a world where, he knows, the old ideals of humanity will be its first casualties. Not one to give up, Harry doors things to make sure his family has a chance at surviving."
"While on a fishing trip, Harry Baldwin (Ray Milland) and his family hear an immense explosion and realise the awful truth; Los Angeles has been leveled by a nuclear attack. Mayhem and madness are everywhere. Escaping to the hills with his family, he sets about the business of surviving in a world where, he knows, the old ideals of humanity will be its first casualties. Not one to give up, Harry doors things to make sure his family has a chance at surviving."
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in Italy), Danger!! Death Ray blasted its way into the hearts of audiences. Directed by Gianfranco Baldanello, this SciFi/Adventures starred Gordon Scott, Delfi Mauro, and Nello Pazzafini. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Secret Agent Bart Fargo chases the kidnappers of the inventor of a death ray."
"Secret Agent Bart Fargo chases the kidnappers of the inventor of a death ray."
On this day in 1983 (in Uruguary), Walt Disney's TRON delighted audiences interested in the digital age. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Lisberger, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, and Cindy Morgan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as Master Control and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the Master Control Program that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as Master Control and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the Master Control Program that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in Italy), The New Gladiators (aka Rome 2072 A.D.) (aka I guerrieri dell'anno 2072) roared to cinemtaic life. Written (in part) and directed by Lucio Fulci, this SciFi/Action film starred Jared Martin, Fred Williamson, and Howard Ross. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2072 Rome, Italy, the ruthless CEO of a TV network plots to stage a modern series of gladiator games for ratings while one 'contenstant' learns of a conspiracy behind the true nature of the results."
"In 2072 Rome, Italy, the ruthless CEO of a TV network plots to stage a modern series of gladiator games for ratings while one 'contenstant' learns of a conspiracy behind the true nature of the results."
On this day in 1987 (in France), Terminus roared onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Pierre-William Glenn, the SciFi feature starred Karen Allen, Jürgen Prochnow, and Johnny Hallyday. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a sort of "Mad Max" futuristic adventure, an international sport has been established where a driver of a computerized truck must drive across country to an established terminus and not be stopped by other vehicles. The lead truck, called "Monster" has been created by a boy genius and is to be driven by a woman through the course. The only problem is the computer guidance system fails and she ends up in uncharted territories. There she encounters leather-clad hoods who torture her and eventually kill her. Before dying she tells a fellow prisoner about the truck and he uses it to escape. Most of the rest of the film is his relationship ("2001" - Hal-like) with the truck's computer and his avoidance of attacking vehicles. Meanwhile back at the Terminus, the boy genius is ruled by a mysterious doctor, who may have another plan in mind."
"In a sort of "Mad Max" futuristic adventure, an international sport has been established where a driver of a computerized truck must drive across country to an established terminus and not be stopped by other vehicles. The lead truck, called "Monster" has been created by a boy genius and is to be driven by a woman through the course. The only problem is the computer guidance system fails and she ends up in uncharted territories. There she encounters leather-clad hoods who torture her and eventually kill her. Before dying she tells a fellow prisoner about the truck and he uses it to escape. Most of the rest of the film is his relationship ("2001" - Hal-like) with the truck's computer and his avoidance of attacking vehicles. Meanwhile back at the Terminus, the boy genius is ruled by a mysterious doctor, who may have another plan in mind."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), audiences were scared beyond belief (or so I'm told) when Body Snatchers was released into those dark, dark chambers. Directed by Abel Ferrara, the SciFi/Horror starred Gabrielle Anwar, Meg Tilly, and Terry Kinney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenage girl and her father discover alien clones are replacing humans on a remote U.S. military base in Alabama."
For the record:
As well as receiving a solid nod from the 1995 Saturn Awards for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' Body Snatchers enjoyed some great praise at the 1994 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Though it didn't go home with any trophies, it enjoyed four nominations: 'Best Soundtrack,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-To-Video Film.'
"A teenage girl and her father discover alien clones are replacing humans on a remote U.S. military base in Alabama."
For the record:
As well as receiving a solid nod from the 1995 Saturn Awards for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' Body Snatchers enjoyed some great praise at the 1994 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Though it didn't go home with any trophies, it enjoyed four nominations: 'Best Soundtrack,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-To-Video Film.'
On this day in 1995 (in South Korea), Timecop raced through the ages and landed in theatres. Directed by Peter Hyams from a script by Mike Richardson and Mark Verheiden, the film starred Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Belgium and France), audiences were sent back in time for a look at the future in the curiously-titled RRRrrrr!!!! Written (in part) and directed by Alain Chabat, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Marina Foïs, Gérard Depardieu, and Jean Rochefort. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"In 35,000 BC, the tribe of the Dirty Hairs is in war against the tribe of the Clean Hairs for eight hundred years, trying to get their shampoo. The chief of the Dirty Hairs sends his daughter Guy disguised to the enemy tribe to get some shampoo for his tribe. When the healer of the Clean Hairs tribe surprisingly kills two cavemen of his tribe, their imbecile chief assigns Pierre with curled hair and Pierre blonde to investigate the murder and find the criminal."
"In 35,000 BC, the tribe of the Dirty Hairs is in war against the tribe of the Clean Hairs for eight hundred years, trying to get their shampoo. The chief of the Dirty Hairs sends his daughter Guy disguised to the enemy tribe to get some shampoo for his tribe. When the healer of the Clean Hairs tribe surprisingly kills two cavemen of his tribe, their imbecile chief assigns Pierre with curled hair and Pierre blonde to investigate the murder and find the criminal."
On this day in 2006 (in Japan), The Last Love Song On This Little Planet (aka Saishû heiki kanojo) enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Taikan Suga, the SciFi/Drama starred Adeyto, Robert Baldwin, and Shihori Kanjiya. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Quiet, introverted high school girl Chise, who is madly in love with Shuji, a confident, arrogant athlete. They both go to the same high school in Hokkaido, but it takes Chise all of her courage to tell Shuji about her feelings for him. The two hit it off and form a strong, loving bond, which only intensifies when war breaks out in Japan. But Chise has a secret, one so dark, so terrible that it may threaten not only her relationship with Shuji, but also her life, his life and the future of the entire country. For Chise is no ordinary girl, she is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, a genetically engineered cyborg built specifically for military use - and when she goes into battle she strikes fear in everyone around her, including her own troops."
"Quiet, introverted high school girl Chise, who is madly in love with Shuji, a confident, arrogant athlete. They both go to the same high school in Hokkaido, but it takes Chise all of her courage to tell Shuji about her feelings for him. The two hit it off and form a strong, loving bond, which only intensifies when war breaks out in Japan. But Chise has a secret, one so dark, so terrible that it may threaten not only her relationship with Shuji, but also her life, his life and the future of the entire country. For Chise is no ordinary girl, she is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, a genetically engineered cyborg built specifically for military use - and when she goes into battle she strikes fear in everyone around her, including her own troops."
On this day in 2015 (in Germany), the SciFi/Telefilm Earthfall roared onto the airwaves. Directed by Steven Daniels from a story by Neil Elman and Colin Reese, the film starred Joe Lando, Michelle Stafford, and Diana Hopper. Here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"As a massive asteroid roars through our solar system, its gravitational forces pulls Earth in its wake. Meteors destroy major cities. Fire and ice storms engulf the land. Casualties are in the millions. And as the situation grows even worse, Steve Lannon is determined to reunite with his wife and teenage daughter. But when they stumble into a secret government installation, they'll uncover a the governments plans that will either blast our planet back into orbit or guarantee front row seats to the end of the world."
"As a massive asteroid roars through our solar system, its gravitational forces pulls Earth in its wake. Meteors destroy major cities. Fire and ice storms engulf the land. Casualties are in the millions. And as the situation grows even worse, Steve Lannon is determined to reunite with his wife and teenage daughter. But when they stumble into a secret government installation, they'll uncover a the governments plans that will either blast our planet back into orbit or guarantee front row seats to the end of the world."
On this day in 2015 (in France), a restored print of Soylent Green enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Richard Fleischer, this SciFi/Classic starred Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
On this day in 2016 (in South Korea), AE: Apocalypse Earth enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written and directed by Thunder Levin, the SciFi feature starred Adrian Paul, Bali Rodriguez, and Richard Grieco. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Earth is attacked by alien forces, a mass evacuation leads to a small group of survivors crash landing on a planet inhabited by cloaked figures. To get off the doomed planet a green-skinned humanoid girls reckons a downed spaceship will do the trick."
"When the Earth is attacked by alien forces, a mass evacuation leads to a small group of survivors crash landing on a planet inhabited by cloaked figures. To get off the doomed planet a green-skinned humanoid girls reckons a downed spaceship will do the trick."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the theatrical release of Dark Resonance. Written (in part) and directed by Jerry Keys, the SciFi/Drama starred Muse Watson, Lacy Camp, and Joseph Gray. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Friends since childhood, Eric, Dana and Frank have insatiable curiosity about the unknown driving them to experimentation in paranormal. This ultimately leads to an incident that so frightens and overwhelms them it causes a twelve-year rift in their relationship. Now after finding new evidence, the three reunite. It's time to finish their work and put an end to unanswered questions."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dark Resonance earned a solid bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Friends since childhood, Eric, Dana and Frank have insatiable curiosity about the unknown driving them to experimentation in paranormal. This ultimately leads to an incident that so frightens and overwhelms them it causes a twelve-year rift in their relationship. Now after finding new evidence, the three reunite. It's time to finish their work and put an end to unanswered questions."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dark Resonance earned a solid bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Other Side Of The Moon." Officially, this served as the thirty-ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A new astronomical camera picks up evidence of strange happenings on the Moon. The government launches a ship to investigate and the answer turns out to be well beyond what anyone thought possible."
"A new astronomical camera picks up evidence of strange happenings on the Moon. The government launches a ship to investigate and the answer turns out to be well beyond what anyone thought possible."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), "Angel of Mercy" aired as part of The Bionic Woman's inaugural season. Officially, this served as the third episode in the first season; and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Jaime goes on a rescue mission to Costa Bravo disguised as an army nurse. She is accompanied by cranky helicopter pilot Jack Starkey. Their mission: to find the American ambassador and his wife."
"Jaime goes on a rescue mission to Costa Bravo disguised as an army nurse. She is accompanied by cranky helicopter pilot Jack Starkey. Their mission: to find the American ambassador and his wife."
Talk about a red menace! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), The Bionic Woman did what she could to save the Earth as the program aired "The Martians Are Coming, The Martians Are Coming." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Rudy Wells and fellow OSI operative Ray Fisk are abducted by a bright red flying saucer near the underground laboratory specializing in UFO sightings known as 'The Barn'. Jaime Sommers decides to investigate and runs into nosy reporter Casey."
"Rudy Wells and fellow OSI operative Ray Fisk are abducted by a bright red flying saucer near the underground laboratory specializing in UFO sightings known as 'The Barn'. Jaime Sommers decides to investigate and runs into nosy reporter Casey."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Battlestar Galactica aired "The Man with Nine Lives," giving song & dance legend Fred Astaire (yes, that Fred Astaire) a chance to actually play in the universe of Science Fiction, albeit with absolutely zero song or dance. Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the Rising Star, Three Borellian Nomen on a Blood Hunt are searching for a certain Captain Dimitri. Their prey, an old con artist now calling himself Chameleon, convinces Starbuck there is a chance he might be his long lost father in order to sneak past his pursuers and onto the Galactica."
"On the Rising Star, Three Borellian Nomen on a Blood Hunt are searching for a certain Captain Dimitri. Their prey, an old con artist now calling himself Chameleon, convinces Starbuck there is a chance he might be his long lost father in order to sneak past his pursuers and onto the Galactica."
- For those who'd like to know more, you can read a review of "The Man With Nine Lives" online at Manapop.com right here.
- For those fascinated with not only a popular series episode but also some assorted trivia surrounding the making of the hour, there's a fantastic summation on Pop Apostle right here.
- The Battlestar Galactica Wiki also contains a wealth of plot information as well as some trivia and tidbits about this episode, and fans can check that out right here.
- SciFi critic John Kenneth Muir has watched and reviewed the episode and offers his commentary on it right here.
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Dawn Of The Gods." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Liberator is drawn off course by an artificial black hole. Orac brings the ship too close in order to study the phenomenon, and, unable to break free, the Liberator is dragged through into an "impossible" starless black void... or is it? Orac's science is pitted against a legendary figure from Cally's childhood stories."
"The Liberator is drawn off course by an artificial black hole. Orac brings the ship too close in order to study the phenomenon, and, unable to break free, the Liberator is dragged through into an "impossible" starless black void... or is it? Orac's science is pitted against a legendary figure from Cally's childhood stories."
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), The Powers of Matthew Star aired "The Racer's Edge." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Matthew has a new power, which helps him protect the daughter of a diplomat from a kidnapping plot."
"Matthew has a new power, which helps him protect the daughter of a diplomat from a kidnapping plot."
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), CBS's Airwolf aired "Daddy's Gone A'Hunting." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hawke and Dom must stop a suspected traitor from turning an advanced military fighter over to the Russians in exchange for his son who was born in Vietnam. Things get complicated, though, when Hawke realizes that he was also involved with the boy's mother during roughly the same era as the child's birth."
"Hawke and Dom must stop a suspected traitor from turning an advanced military fighter over to the Russians in exchange for his son who was born in Vietnam. Things get complicated, though, when Hawke realizes that he was also involved with the boy's mother during roughly the same era as the child's birth."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), the aired the fourth episode of Chocky's Children. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Matthew tells his Aunt that he has to leave and smashes the clay model. Albertine is due to be taken to London by her father for intelligence tests. These tests are to be carried out by Deacon, but Matthew warns her not to go and explains to her about Chocky. But soon, Albertine disappears in suspicious circumstances."
"Matthew tells his Aunt that he has to leave and smashes the clay model. Albertine is due to be taken to London by her father for intelligence tests. These tests are to be carried out by Deacon, but Matthew warns her not to go and explains to her about Chocky. But soon, Albertine disappears in suspicious circumstances."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired the episode "Unnatural Selection." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is en route to Star Station India when receive a distress signal from the USS Lantree, a Federation supply ship. When they arrive, they find everyone aboard the Lantree dying of what seems to be old age. They proceed to the Lantree's last port of call, the Darwin genetic research facility on Gagarin IV only to find that they too are suffering from rapid aging. Picard and Dr. Pulaski clash when she brings aboard one of the children from the station and in order to complete her examination, takes him aboard a shuttle craft in order to isolate him from the Enterprise crew. She is soon infected however and seems doomed to die of old age but Picard may have a solution."
"The Enterprise is en route to Star Station India when receive a distress signal from the USS Lantree, a Federation supply ship. When they arrive, they find everyone aboard the Lantree dying of what seems to be old age. They proceed to the Lantree's last port of call, the Darwin genetic research facility on Gagarin IV only to find that they too are suffering from rapid aging. Picard and Dr. Pulaski clash when she brings aboard one of the children from the station and in order to complete her examination, takes him aboard a shuttle craft in order to isolate him from the Enterprise crew. She is soon infected however and seems doomed to die of old age but Picard may have a solution."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Super Force aired "Illegal Aliens." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"An alien law enforcer comes to track down the two female aliens from "Love Slaves of Outer Space". Will Super Force be able to help them?"
"An alien law enforcer comes to track down the two female aliens from "Love Slaves of Outer Space". Will Super Force be able to help them?"
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), UPN's Time Trax rang in its New Years with the airing of "Return of the Yakuza," the first episode of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A powerful member of the Yakuza from the future, uses his knowledge to attain power from the Yakuza of the past and eliminate his old nemesis, Darien."
"A powerful member of the Yakuza from the future, uses his knowledge to attain power from the Yakuza of the past and eliminate his old nemesis, Darien."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), SeaQuest DSV (now SeaQuest 2032) aired "Reunion." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a diplomatic mission, Henderson discovers that her former love is now a prisoner and forced to work as slave labour. She also finds that Mason Freeman, Larry Deon's hired gun, is also a prisoner. When the two of them instigate a prison break and steal a submarine, they capture a UEO science outpost and hold the science team hostage."
"On a diplomatic mission, Henderson discovers that her former love is now a prisoner and forced to work as slave labour. She also finds that Mason Freeman, Larry Deon's hired gun, is also a prisoner. When the two of them instigate a prison break and steal a submarine, they capture a UEO science outpost and hold the science team hostage."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The Burning Zone aired "Critical Mass." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"When Shiroma and Marcase are suddenly reassigned, Cassian has to recruit a new doctor to replace them. He finds Dr Bryan Taft, a brilliant young researcher with a colossal ego and an attitude problem. The new team must obtain answers when a crashed meteorite starts killing anyone who comes in contact with it."
"When Shiroma and Marcase are suddenly reassigned, Cassian has to recruit a new doctor to replace them. He finds Dr Bryan Taft, a brilliant young researcher with a colossal ego and an attitude problem. The new team must obtain answers when a crashed meteorite starts killing anyone who comes in contact with it."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "The Very Long Night Of Londo Mollari." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"During a heart attack, Londo experiences an epiphany and apologizes to G'Kar."
"During a heart attack, Londo experiences an epiphany and apologizes to G'Kar."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Farscape aired "Family Ties." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With death approaching in the form of Peacekeeper search parties, those aboard Moya say their final goodbyes, and share a last feast together, before enacting a plan to save Moya and her baby, named Talyn."
"With death approaching in the form of Peacekeeper search parties, those aboard Moya say their final goodbyes, and share a last feast together, before enacting a plan to save Moya and her baby, named Talyn."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired "Captured." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Roughnecks are captured by the Skinnies and Brutto and Jenkins are taken away to be interrogated by a Brain Bug. Can they get out of this tight situation?"
"The Roughnecks are captured by the Skinnies and Brutto and Jenkins are taken away to be interrogated by a Brain Bug. Can they get out of this tight situation?"
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Ouroboros." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Magog eggs in Harper's belly are close to hatching. Harper and Hoone work on a device to bend time and space to extract the eggs. But the device has unforeseen consequences. Future selves, old allies, old/new enemies all collide on Andromeda."
"The Magog eggs in Harper's belly are close to hatching. Harper and Hoone work on a device to bend time and space to extract the eggs. But the device has unforeseen consequences. Future selves, old allies, old/new enemies all collide on Andromeda."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Atavus High." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The leader of a high school based Atavus fan club is targeted to become the leader of a youth movement for hybrids. Renee tries to save his girlfriend and stop other teens from following him."
"The leader of a high school based Atavus fan club is targeted to become the leader of a youth movement for hybrids. Renee tries to save his girlfriend and stop other teens from following him."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Double Vision." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An old friend of Brennan's lures him and Emma into a trap - Emma ends up split into two separate entities, one good and one evil."
"An old friend of Brennan's lures him and Emma into a trap - Emma ends up split into two separate entities, one good and one evil."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "Moonlight Becomes You." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Beka, Harper, Rhade, and Doyle are searching for Vedran treasure. They find a door that is rumored to hold inside a test that if passed will yield great wealth, but if failed will cause madness. Rhade opens the door and follows Beka inside, but Harper and Doyle are left behind as the door shuts behind the pair. Trance teleports to a carnival on Seefra Two to attempt to uncover more of her lost memories. Dylan goes in search of her, while Harper and Doyle attempt to free Beka and Rhade."
"Beka, Harper, Rhade, and Doyle are searching for Vedran treasure. They find a door that is rumored to hold inside a test that if passed will yield great wealth, but if failed will cause madness. Rhade opens the door and follows Beka inside, but Harper and Doyle are left behind as the door shuts behind the pair. Trance teleports to a carnival on Seefra Two to attempt to uncover more of her lost memories. Dylan goes in search of her, while Harper and Doyle attempt to free Beka and Rhade."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise tapped into some of classic Trek's greater mythology with the airing of "Babel One." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Enterprise agrees to escort Tellarite delegates to peace talks with Andorians. En route they rescue several Andorians who abandoned the ship Kumari, who insist it was Tellarites who attacked them. When Enterprise is soon attacked by the same ship which now appears to be a Andorian ship, Archer must prove to the warring races that a third party must be setting them up to fail at their attempt at peace."
"Enterprise agrees to escort Tellarite delegates to peace talks with Andorians. En route they rescue several Andorians who abandoned the ship Kumari, who insist it was Tellarites who attacked them. When Enterprise is soon attacked by the same ship which now appears to be a Andorian ship, Archer must prove to the warring races that a third party must be setting them up to fail at their attempt at peace."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Colony aired "98 Seconds." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Katie's first mission leads her to question her commitment to the cause. Will's hunt for Geronimo draws him into the Resistance's crosshairs. Bram's girlfriend needs him to keep a secret."
"Katie's first mission leads her to question her commitment to the cause. Will's hunt for Geronimo draws him into the Resistance's crosshairs. Bram's girlfriend needs him to keep a secret."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Discovery aired "What's Past Is Prologue." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lorca plans to move forward with a coup against the Emperor, propelling Burnham to make a quick decision to save not only herself, but the U.S.S. Discovery."
"Lorca plans to move forward with a coup against the Emperor, propelling Burnham to make a quick decision to save not only herself, but the U.S.S. Discovery."
