From the files of 'Forgotten TV Shows Of Yesteryear' comes today's entry: The Aphrodite Inheritance was a single season creation that sprang from the mind of Michael J. Bird (who also penned scripts for Secret Agent and Journey To The Unknown amongst others). It starred Peter McEnery, Alexandra Bastedo, Stefan Gryff, and Paul Maxwell in key roles. Lasting a scant eight episodes, the program was geared very strongly more toward Fantasy than it was Science Fiction; and here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"When British Engineer Barry Collier is injured in an accident in Cyprus his brother David flies out only to find he has died. It soon becomes apparent that Barry Collier was involved with some very strange people. And before he knows it, David has some strange experiences of his own. Could it have something to do with the photo of a stone carved with hieroglyphics? Who are the intriguing characters that seem to be pulling David Collier's strings and appear and disappear at will? Businessman Eugene Hellman, the barman Charalambos, the brigand Basileos and the very beautiful Helene. Can it really be that the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are playing games with him?"
"When British Engineer Barry Collier is injured in an accident in Cyprus his brother David flies out only to find he has died. It soon becomes apparent that Barry Collier was involved with some very strange people. And before he knows it, David has some strange experiences of his own. Could it have something to do with the photo of a stone carved with hieroglyphics? Who are the intriguing characters that seem to be pulling David Collier's strings and appear and disappear at will? Businessman Eugene Hellman, the barman Charalambos, the brigand Basileos and the very beautiful Helene. Can it really be that the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are playing games with him?"
On this day in 1993 (in U.S. broadcast television syndication), Rick Berman and Paramount Television went back to the well -- dipped himself in it quite nicely, if I may say so myself -- when he and other creative types boldly went where Star Trek hadn't quite been before when Star Trek: Deep Space Nine premiered in television syndication.
That first episode -- a two-parter called "The Emissary" -- introduced Commander Benjamin Sisko as the Federation officer assigned to a distant space station truly on the edge of the galactic frontier. The assortment of characters joining him aboard the station including a feisty Bajoran liaison officer named Kira Nerys, and shapeshifting security chief named Odo, and an always mischievous barkeep named Quark. I'm only naming a few, but there were so very many others that contributed to DS9's richness in tone, so much so that many Trek enthusiasts secretly count its characters among some of the best ever in the entire Alpha Quadrant.
Sadly, DS9 never quite performed the way Star Trek had before -- the original crew were getting long in the tooth, and rumors were starting to spin that the Next Generation crew would eventually cross over onto the silver screen -- and, once the show came to an end, it's never truly been revisited visually (though there have been some continuation of its stories in book format).
We miss you, DS9, but thank you for coming to life when you did!
That first episode -- a two-parter called "The Emissary" -- introduced Commander Benjamin Sisko as the Federation officer assigned to a distant space station truly on the edge of the galactic frontier. The assortment of characters joining him aboard the station including a feisty Bajoran liaison officer named Kira Nerys, and shapeshifting security chief named Odo, and an always mischievous barkeep named Quark. I'm only naming a few, but there were so very many others that contributed to DS9's richness in tone, so much so that many Trek enthusiasts secretly count its characters among some of the best ever in the entire Alpha Quadrant.
Sadly, DS9 never quite performed the way Star Trek had before -- the original crew were getting long in the tooth, and rumors were starting to spin that the Next Generation crew would eventually cross over onto the silver screen -- and, once the show came to an end, it's never truly been revisited visually (though there have been some continuation of its stories in book format).
We miss you, DS9, but thank you for coming to life when you did!
The BBC's Demons -- which premiered on this day back in 2009 -- was another television attempt to further explore the greater mythology surrounding the Van Helsing bloodline (from what I've read), and if audience reviews are any indication this one was found middling at best. There's nothing wrong with riding down the center of the road critically, but the Fantasy just didn't have enough teeth to last beyond a single season on the Boob Tube, making it a one-hit-wonder at best. Still, I'll always give kudos for an honest attempt.
In the realms of Fantasy literature, there are few names as world-renowned as J.R.R. Tolkien's. His The Hobbit set the stage for one of the greatest fantasies of all time -- The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy -- as well as the supporting works exploring the greater mythology of Middle-Earth. Though he's no longer with us, Tolkien was born on this day in 1892.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen legend Ray Milland brought his considerable gravitas to the original debut feature of the last 1970's Star Wars' clone, Battlestar Galactica, playing the duplicitous Sire Uri with accomplished ease. Though he's no longer with us, Milland was born on this day in 1907.
See there, people? Star Wars' 'Grand Admiral Thrawn' was most definitely not the first alien commander to appear blue. I once tried make the point in a message forum about John Russell's work from Jason Of Star Command, but I was quickly shut down. (What bigots!) Though he's no longer with us, Russell was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
William Boyett was one of Hollywood's great character actors. With over 200 screen credits to his name, genre fans probably recognize him from appearances aboard Space Raiders (1983), Knight Rider, Amazing Stories, The Hidden (1987), The Rocketeer (1991), and Star Trek: The Next Generation ("The Big Goodbye"). Though he's no longer with us, Boyett was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A dreamy Mara Corday did most of her work throughout the cinema of the 1950's, appearing in such flicks as Tarantula (1955), The Giant Claw (1957), and The Black Scorpion (1957), before seguing into TV work. Corday was born on this day in 1930.
Go back and look at Independence Day, and you'll see one great SciFi popcorn flick that actually employed a helluva lot of terrific actors even in small roles. Case-in-point: Robert Loggia did a great turn as Gen. William Grey, advisor to the President. Though he's no longer with us, Loggia was born on this day in 1930.
Dabney Coleman is a terrific character actor who largely found himself typecast in roles of self-absorbed professionals with perhaps a bit of a cynical side. Personally, I thought he was terrific in 1983's WarGames, the first real cyber-terror film for a whole generation of moviegoers. Coleman was born on this day in 1932.
The venerable Jeremy Kemp turned in a sterling performance as the elder Picard brother Robert in a wonderful episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation; "Family" saw Captain Jean-Luc Picard returning home to 'find himself' after being recruited by the Borg to attack his homeworld. Though he's no longer with us, Kemp -- also seen in an episode of Space:1999 -- was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of us who were around to experience television in first-runs throughout the late 1970's and 1980's owe much of that nostalgia to master storytelling Glen A. Larson. While he gets 'knocked' about quite a bit for shamelessly pilfering ideas of others, I personal thought he did quite well for himself. Larson was involved in some measure of capacity with such programs as The Six Million Dollar Man, (the original) Battlestar Galactica, Galactica 1980, Magnum P.I., Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and many many more. He was even involved as a 'consulting producer' on nuBSG and Caprica.
Though he's no longer with us, Larson was born on this day back in 1937.
Though he's no longer with us, Larson was born on this day back in 1937.
Roberto Bisacco's name is one I stumbled across in some various research into lesser known genre entries. While much of his work was done in his native Italy, he did appear aboard the cult film Hands of Steel (1986) on our side of the pond. Bisacco was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The hunky Dan Vadis suited up as no less than 'Hercules' himself aboard Hercules The Invincible (1964) for Metheus Film. Though he's no longer with us, Vadis was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During her time in the entertainment business, the lovely Annie Lambert was afforded visits to the worlds of Space:1999 and the BBC's popular Doctor Who. Lambert was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Born on this day in 1947, Patricia Anthony was a science fiction author whose novels and short stories tended more often than not to combine sci-fi elements with other prominent genres including politics and religion. Though she's no longer with us, her work remains and continues to draw the interest of Hollywood including James Cameron (who reportedly acquired the movie rights to her book, Brother Termite). If it interests you more, then feel free to peruse the following links for more information on Ms. Anthony:
Before he went all 'hate mankind' and all that jazz, Mel Gibson was a huge box office sensation throughout the better part of his theatrical career. He caught the interest of a generation starring as the 'lone cop of the Apocalypse' in the Mad Max series of films, the best of which I personally believe has always been Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981). He's trying hard to make a comeback, but so much of what he said was so vile I wonder how many folks will truly work with him in the years ahead. Whatever the case may be, mad Mel was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the early to mid-1990's, the lovely Kerry Armstrong had a key role aboard the SciFi/Family-friendly comedy Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left. Armstrong was born on this day in 1958.
I've no doubt that the venerable Jewel Shepard is well known for her work in the realm of Horror motion pictures, but she's packed in a few SciFi flicks for good measure, including work aboard Zapped (1982), Scanner Cop II (1995), and the SciFi short film Nanoblood (2016). Shepard was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've said before, you'll never hear me complain about any Science Fiction film featuring a tough female lead ... much like the case of the lovely Shannon Sturges in 1997's campy space thriller Convict 762. Sturges was born on this day in 1968.
Actor/director Matt Ross braved the Apocalypse at the heart of TV's short-lived Revolution before turning his sights to more conventional projects. Ross was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Now, now, now ... it'll take more than a bad hair day to scare all of the boys away from the pretty Sarah Alexander. Still, her make-up from the Fantasy-themed Stardust was a good start. Alexander was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before dreaming up and executing the mainstream comedy Community, funnyman Dan Harmon dreamed up and executed a little something he called Laser Fart. Classy, Dan. Classy. Harmon was born on this day in 1973.
Most people know Danica McKellar (shown above in 'Total Hot' mode from her role aboard Syfy's Tasmanian Devils flick) from her work as Winnie Cooper on the family comedy The Wonder Years, but she has graced Science Fiction with some work as well. She's appeared on Babylon 5, and -- in the voicework department -- she's worked on Justice League, Static Shock, and Young Justice. McKellar was born on this day in 1975.
You may not know his face, but odds are very good that genre fans know Jason Marsden by his voice. Approaching an incredible 200 citations on IMDB.com (check it right here), this talented actor has given voice to characters aboard such franchises as Justice League, Space Guys In Space, Generator Rex, and Transformers: Rescue Bots to name but a few. Marsden was born on this day in 1975.
Not enough of you smilers watched SGU: Stargate Universe to save it. Personally, I loved it, but I'll also admit I struggled with finding interest in the other Stargate shows, so maybe I'm a little biased. However, one of the players who had a solid run on SG:U was the lovely Alisen Down. She's also enjoyed screen time in such sci-fi properties as The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008), Lost Girl, the rebooted Battlestar Galactica, and the TV adaptation of 12 Monkeys. That kind of commitment to our favorite genre deserves our modest praise. Down was born on this day in 1976.
Actor Nicholas Gonzalez joined the cast of The Flash with a recurring guest spot during its popular run on the CW. Gonzalez was born on this day in 1976.
Phasers on stunning! The delicious Chasty Ballesteros made a splash in the web-based entity Star Trek: Renegades (aka Renegades, after Paramount stepped in). She's also enjoyed small roles in such properties as Smallville, Supernatural, The Unknown, and iZombie, to name a few. Ballesteros was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've said before that The CW's The 100 is one of the greatest SciFi B-series on the Tube today, and the talented Zak Santiago has enjoyed some exposure on the program. He's also appeared on Seven Days, Dark Angel, Jeremiah, Stargate: SG-1, and Continuum, to name but a few others. Santiago was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, Brooke Williams! Audiences fell in love with you aboard Syfy's 12 Monkeys and they happily followed you over to MTV and Spike TV's The Shannara Chronicles. Williams was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nicole Beharie found the behind-the-scenes machinations of Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman's handling of her personal illness a bit too much to deal with and departed from her role aboard Fox TV's Sleepy Hollow after three seasons. Beharie was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A yummy Jeananne Goossen had a recurring role aboard JJ Abrams' short-lived (and somewhat confusing) Alcatraz series on Fox TV. She also turned up in the SciFi/Thriller Debug (2014). Goossen was born on this day in 1985.
Though she's yet to land a franchise, Nicole LaPlaca has turned in guest and supporting roles aboard such properties as The Dead Zone, Supernatural, Alcatraz, and Falling Skies. LaPlaca was born on this day in 1986.
Alas, I've yet to make it through Marvel's Black Widow (2021). I think I got about an hour into it, was bored, and turned it off for the time being. I do remember the wifey fell asleep. Oh, well. I'm sure that's no testament to the skills of Florence Pugh, however. She appears to be a solid actress with a developing career. Pugh was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1932, Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. (FYI: it opened in several select cities in the U.S. prior to this date.) Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, the SciFi/Horror starred Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins, and Rose Hobart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
For the record:
At the 1931 Faro Island Film Festival, actor Fredric March took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' At the 1932 Venice Film Festival, March was again recognized by securing the award for 'Most Favorite Actor' and director Mamoulian won the coveted 'Most Original Story (Fantasy)' title. At the 1932 Academy Awards, March earned the 'Best Actor In A Leading Role' Oscar while the film missed out in two other categories: 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Writing, Adaptation.'
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
For the record:
At the 1931 Faro Island Film Festival, actor Fredric March took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' At the 1932 Venice Film Festival, March was again recognized by securing the award for 'Most Favorite Actor' and director Mamoulian won the coveted 'Most Original Story (Fantasy)' title. At the 1932 Academy Awards, March earned the 'Best Actor In A Leading Role' Oscar while the film missed out in two other categories: 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Writing, Adaptation.'
On this day in 1936 (in the United Kingdom), the Wild West got even a bit wilder with the theatrical release of the first chapter to the SciFi/Serial The Phantom Empire. Directed by Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason, the project starred Gene Autry, Frankie Darro, and Betsy King Ross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show."
"When the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show."
On this day in 1946 (in Mexico), Bluebeard delivered a touch of fright across its vivid canvas. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, the Fantasy/Horror starred John Carradine, Jean Parker, and Nils Asther. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Paris, an artist hires portrait models, and after he finishes their portraits, he strangles them."
"In Paris, an artist hires portrait models, and after he finishes their portraits, he strangles them."
On this day in 1957 (in the Netherlands), Forbidden Planet took audiences from Earth into the stars. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the feature film starred Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), the good people of Carthage, Texas were treated to the silver screen premiere of Giant From The Unknown. Directed by Richard E. Cunha, the Fantasy/Horror starred Ed Kemmer, Sally Fraser, and Bob Steele. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A very large, degenerate, Spanish conqueror is freed from suspended animation by lightning and goes on a killing spree in a small town."
"A very large, degenerate, Spanish conqueror is freed from suspended animation by lightning and goes on a killing spree in a small town."
On this day in 1958 (in West Germany), the 1951-produced Rocketship X-M blasted off in theatres. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi/Drama starred Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, and John Emery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1962 (in the former Soviet Union), Amphibian Man surfaced from the cinematic depths! Directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadiy Kazanskiy, the SciFi feature starred Vladimir Korenev, Akiba Golburt, and Anastasiya Vertinskaya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
For the record:
At the 1963 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival -- the very first year the festival was held -- Amphibian Man was nominated beside the line-up of Icarus XB-1, La Jetée, Attack Of The Puppet People, Girl In His Pocket, The Man From The First Century, and X: The Man With The X-ray Eyes in the category of 'Best Film.' Alas, Amphibian Man didn't win ... but I'm guessing it's just an honor to be nominated, as they say.
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
For the record:
At the 1963 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival -- the very first year the festival was held -- Amphibian Man was nominated beside the line-up of Icarus XB-1, La Jetée, Attack Of The Puppet People, Girl In His Pocket, The Man From The First Century, and X: The Man With The X-ray Eyes in the category of 'Best Film.' Alas, Amphibian Man didn't win ... but I'm guessing it's just an honor to be nominated, as they say.
On this day in 1974 (in West Germany), terror streamed down the tracks with the theatrical release of Horror Express. Directed by Eugenio Martin, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Alberto de Mendoza. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While travelling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a lifeform that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Horror Express enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit. Also -- in 2019 -- the Arrow Films home video release of the picture enjoyed a 2019 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-Ray Special Edition Release.'
"While travelling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a lifeform that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Horror Express enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit. Also -- in 2019 -- the Arrow Films home video release of the picture enjoyed a 2019 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-Ray Special Edition Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Romania), Povestea Dragostei enjoyed it first theatrical presentation ever. Director Ion Popescu-Gopo also adapted the Ion Creanga novel ("The Tale Of The Pig") for the silver screen, and the project starred Eugenia Popovici, Mircea Bogdan, and Marian Stanciu. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The charmed pig from Creanga's "Pig Story" is actually a handsome extraterrestrial armored in an anti-pollution suit."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Povestea Dragostei enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The charmed pig from Creanga's "Pig Story" is actually a handsome extraterrestrial armored in an anti-pollution suit."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Povestea Dragostei enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1980 (in Argentina), Walt Disney's The Black Hole defied gravity at the box office. Directed by Gary Nelson, the SciFi feature starred Robert Forster, Yvette Mimieux, and Anthony Perkins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.' At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1985 (in Uruguay), the lovely Sheena took to the silver screen in her pursuit of jungle justice. Directed by John Guillermin, the Fantasy feature starred Tanya Roberts, Ted Wass, and Donovan Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sheena grew up in the African wild, raised by a mystical witch woman. When her foster mother is framed for a murder Sheena is forced to flee, helped by her ability to talk to animals and her knowledge of the jungle."
For the record:
Ouch! Sheena cleaned up with a respectable 5 nominations at the 1985 Razzie Awards (no wins, however) in the categories of 'Worst Musical Score,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Actress,' and the ever-impressive 'Worst Picture.' Five nominations. No wins. That's gotta leave a mark.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned an article titled 'Three Things You Should Know About Sheena (1984)' for the site. Interested readers can find it right here.
"Sheena grew up in the African wild, raised by a mystical witch woman. When her foster mother is framed for a murder Sheena is forced to flee, helped by her ability to talk to animals and her knowledge of the jungle."
For the record:
Ouch! Sheena cleaned up with a respectable 5 nominations at the 1985 Razzie Awards (no wins, however) in the categories of 'Worst Musical Score,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Actress,' and the ever-impressive 'Worst Picture.' Five nominations. No wins. That's gotta leave a mark.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned an article titled 'Three Things You Should Know About Sheena (1984)' for the site. Interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1990 (in France), Leviathan submerged from the depths for a run through theaters. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, the film starred Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, and Amanda Pays. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1992 (in France), it all went to the dogs with the release of K-9000. Directed by Kim Manners, the SciFi/Comedy starred Chris Mulkey, Catherine Oxenberg, and Dennis Haysbert. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A policeman and a female scientist team up to recover her latest creation, a cybernetic, crime-fighting dog."
"A policeman and a female scientist team up to recover her latest creation, a cybernetic, crime-fighting dog."
On this day in 1996 (in Russia), RoboCop 3 was back on duty with the film's airing on television. Directed by Fred Dekker who collaborated with comics giant Frank Miller on the story and screenplay, the feature film starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5: A Call To Arms blazed a trail across the television broadcast spectrum. Directed by Michael Vejar from a script by J. Michael Straczynski, the SciFi/Telefilm starred Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, and Jeff Conaway. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Drakh, allies of the Shadows, seek revenge against humanity after the Second Shadow War."
"The Drakh, allies of the Shadows, seek revenge against humanity after the Second Shadow War."
On this day in 2001 (in Argentina), Supernova enjoyed its release in the home video market. Directed by Walter Hill (with some uncredited effort by a few others), the film starred James Spader, Peter Facinelli, and Robin Tunney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deep space rescue and recovery spaceship with a crew of 6 receives a distress call from a mining operation 3432 light years away. A rescue operation via dimension jump is made. Bad idea."
"A deep space rescue and recovery spaceship with a crew of 6 receives a distress call from a mining operation 3432 light years away. A rescue operation via dimension jump is made. Bad idea."
On this day in 2005 (in North Macedonia), the showdown to end all showdowns -- AVP: Alien Vs Predator -- was played out on the silver screen. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, and Raoul Bova; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
On this day in 2011 (in Armenia), the TRON universe grew a bit bigger with the release of TRON: Legacy. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Though critics and audiences were somewhat underwhelmed with this return to the world of TRON, I honestly enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, the flick isn't without its share of awards recognition, perhaps the most significant of which seven nominations (and two wins) at the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). It also received a 2011 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Though critics and audiences were somewhat underwhelmed with this return to the world of TRON, I honestly enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, the flick isn't without its share of awards recognition, perhaps the most significant of which seven nominations (and two wins) at the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films). It also received a 2011 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
On this day in 2012 (in Sweden), Camel Spiders crawled onto the small screen with a television broadcast. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the Fantasy/Horror starred Brian Krause, C. Thomas Howell, and Melissa Brasselle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dozen of large, man-eating camel spiders first attack soldiers in thr desert of Iraq, then invades the southwestern areas of the United States."
"Dozen of large, man-eating camel spiders first attack soldiers in thr desert of Iraq, then invades the southwestern areas of the United States."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Human Targets." Officially, this served as the first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Commander Corry and Major Robertson stop on Venus while on their way to Pluto. However the Commander and Major soon find that they are human targets not destined to complete their original mission."
"Commander Corry and Major Robertson stop on Venus while on their way to Pluto. However the Commander and Major soon find that they are human targets not destined to complete their original mission."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Stingray aired "The Ghost Of The Sea." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Commander Shore keeps having nightmares about the time when he was crippled in a sea battle with an underwater craft five years ago and rescued by a mysterious stranger."
"Commander Shore keeps having nightmares about the time when he was crippled in a sea battle with an underwater craft five years ago and rescued by a mysterious stranger."
Worst beauty pagent ever! And we were promised a swimsuit competition! On this day in 1968, Irwin Allen's Lost In Space aired "Target: Earth." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Landing on a planet some shapeless beings duplicate the Robinsons and take the Jupiter 2 with the intent of conquering Earth. Will gets aboard to stop them."
"Landing on a planet some shapeless beings duplicate the Robinsons and take the Jupiter 2 with the intent of conquering Earth. Will gets aboard to stop them."
Capt. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise find themselves captives to a former starship captain named Garth, a lunatic who's managed to seize control of an asylum and its inmates in "Whom Gods Destroy," an episode of Star Trek that first aired on this day back in 1969.
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who returned to the airwaves with the premiere of its seventh season, "Spearhead From Space, Part 1." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the newly-regenerated Doctor arrives on Earth, so does the Nestene too."
"As the newly-regenerated Doctor arrives on Earth, so does the Nestene too."
On this day in 1976, Doctor Who aired "The Brain Of Morbius, Part 1." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Tardis lands on the bleak planet Karn, in a spaceship graveyard, where The Doctor and Sarah find a evil scientist called Doctor Solon is constructing a new body for the brain of a evil time lord known as Morbius, whom The Doctor thought was executed by the high council on Gallifrey. Where Morbius with his new body plots to rule the galaxy."
"The Tardis lands on the bleak planet Karn, in a spaceship graveyard, where The Doctor and Sarah find a evil scientist called Doctor Solon is constructing a new body for the brain of a evil time lord known as Morbius, whom The Doctor thought was executed by the high council on Gallifrey. Where Morbius with his new body plots to rule the galaxy."
It all began right here: on this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), The Aphrodite Inheritance enjoyed its small screen debut. Officially, the first episode was titled "A Death In The Family," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One day, David Collier is called urgently in Cyprus. There he meets the beautiful and mysterious Helene who gives him disturbing news."
"One day, David Collier is called urgently in Cyprus. There he meets the beautiful and mysterious Helene who gives him disturbing news."
And speaking of Glen Larson's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, on this day back in 1980 the curiously named "Space Vampire" episode aired. The action saw (you guessed it!) an energy-draining space vampire by the name of Vorvon terrorizing Theta Station. Who shows up to save them? (You guessed it again!) Buck does, that's who!
On this day in 1981, Doctor Who aired "Warriors' Gate: Part 1." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While the Doctor and Romana desperately rack their brains over how to escape E-Space, Time Winds strike the TARDIS, damaging it and K-9. Strangest of all, it allows Biroc, a hurt and hunted lion-man, to enter, phased in time, and set the control coordinates at zero-zero, sending the TARDIS into a milk-white void. Before running off, he warns of others who will be soon following."
"While the Doctor and Romana desperately rack their brains over how to escape E-Space, Time Winds strike the TARDIS, damaging it and K-9. Strangest of all, it allows Biroc, a hurt and hunted lion-man, to enter, phased in time, and set the control coordinates at zero-zero, sending the TARDIS into a milk-white void. Before running off, he warns of others who will be soon following."
On this day in 1983, Doctor Who returned to the airwaves with the premiere of its twentieth season. The adventure was titled "Arc of Infinity: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"On Gallifrey, someone on the high council is perpetrating a treasonous act - transmitting the Doctor's bio-extract from the space/time matrix to an anti-matter being. On Earth, two English lads spend their last night in Amsterdam sleeping in a crypt where they're attacked by an alien creature under the same anti-matter being's control."
"On Gallifrey, someone on the high council is perpetrating a treasonous act - transmitting the Doctor's bio-extract from the space/time matrix to an anti-matter being. On Earth, two English lads spend their last night in Amsterdam sleeping in a crypt where they're attacked by an alien creature under the same anti-matter being's control."
On this day in 1986, Knight Rider aired "The Scent Of Roses." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael resigns from the foundation after a near death experience in order to settle down with his long time love Stevie."
"Michael resigns from the foundation after a near death experience in order to settle down with his long time love Stevie."
On this day in 1990, NBC's Quantum Leap aired "Animal Frat." This served as the twelfth episode of the popular program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Finding himself the king of an "Animal House" fraternity, Sam must win the confidence of a beautiful female activist and prevent the bombing of a school building."
"Finding himself the king of an "Animal House" fraternity, Sam must win the confidence of a beautiful female activist and prevent the bombing of a school building."
On this day in 1992 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Earthmen." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth astronauts land on Mars and are puzzled by the reception they receive: most of the Martians are annoyed or angered by their arrival."
"Earth astronauts land on Mars and are puzzled by the reception they receive: most of the Martians are annoyed or angered by their arrival."
It all began right here: on this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Emissary." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the troubled Commander Sisko takes command of a surrendered space station, he learns that it borders a unique stable wormhole."
"When the troubled Commander Sisko takes command of a surrendered space station, he learns that it borders a unique stable wormhole."
On this day in 1997, Sliders aired "Murder Most Foul." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sliders visit a world where overworked and stressed-out people are sent to fantasy camps to improve their work output."
"The Sliders visit a world where overworked and stressed-out people are sent to fantasy camps to improve their work output."
On this day in 1999, The X-Files aired "Terms Of Endearment." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pregnant woman's baby is snatched away from her belly by a devil. Agent Spender believes the case is a joke, but Mulder decides to look into it on his own anyway. His investigation focuses on the woman's husband."
"A pregnant woman's baby is snatched away from her belly by a devil. Agent Spender believes the case is a joke, but Mulder decides to look into it on his own anyway. His investigation focuses on the woman's husband."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Heart." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Still in the tank, Rico grows increasingly angry and frustrated that no one is taking his claims that the bugs are coming seriously. Can Rico convince anyone before it's too late?"
"Still in the tank, Rico grows increasingly angry and frustrated that no one is taking his claims that the bugs are coming seriously. Can Rico convince anyone before it's too late?"
On this day in 2001, Seven Days aired "Top Dog." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Bradley appears to be having a breakdown because he is talking about Backstep among other things, he is relieved of duty and Ramsey replaces him. Later they learn that his breakdown was caused by something that could be treated. So they ask to Backstep so they can help him but their superiors refuse to grant it."
"When Bradley appears to be having a breakdown because he is talking about Backstep among other things, he is relieved of duty and Ramsey replaces him. Later they learn that his breakdown was caused by something that could be treated. So they ask to Backstep so they can help him but their superiors refuse to grant it."
On this day in 2001, Starhunter aired the tenth episode of its first season. The adventure was titled "Cell Game," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"As Dante brings a prisoner to the Oberon orbital station, he's ambushed by a rival bounty hunter named Rex who tries to steal his prisoner. Percy manages to stun one of Rex's thugs, but he happens to be a hired Oberon operative and she is arrested by the station guards for assaulting one of their own. With Percy facing a five-year prison sentence, Dante works out a deal with Rex to spring her brother Goran from a maximum security prison on Nereid in return for Percy's release."
"As Dante brings a prisoner to the Oberon orbital station, he's ambushed by a rival bounty hunter named Rex who tries to steal his prisoner. Percy manages to stun one of Rex's thugs, but he happens to be a hired Oberon operative and she is arrested by the station guards for assaulting one of their own. With Percy facing a five-year prison sentence, Dante works out a deal with Rex to spring her brother Goran from a maximum security prison on Nereid in return for Percy's release."
It all began right here: on this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Demons enjoyed its television premiere. The first installment was titled "They Bite," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Luke Rutherford is an average teenager - until his dead father's best friend, Rupert Galvin, enters his life, and a small hideous creature attacks him. Galvin has come to tell Luke that he is the great-grandson of the legendary Abraham Van Helsing. Luke's destiny is to fight against the supernatural entities swarming the earth after he fights a small demon. But half-life Gladiolus Thrip (Mackenzie Crook) has discovered Luke's secret as well. He kidnaps Ruby, imprisoning her in a tomb and gagging her with duct tape, before his apparent destruction."
"Luke Rutherford is an average teenager - until his dead father's best friend, Rupert Galvin, enters his life, and a small hideous creature attacks him. Galvin has come to tell Luke that he is the great-grandson of the legendary Abraham Van Helsing. Luke's destiny is to fight against the supernatural entities swarming the earth after he fights a small demon. But half-life Gladiolus Thrip (Mackenzie Crook) has discovered Luke's secret as well. He kidnaps Ruby, imprisoning her in a tomb and gagging her with duct tape, before his apparent destruction."
On this day in 2018, The X-Files aired "My Struggle III." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's eleventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully learn that they aren't the only ones desperately searching for their long-lost son, William. The very fate of the world may depend on the outcome."
"Mulder and Scully learn that they aren't the only ones desperately searching for their long-lost son, William. The very fate of the world may depend on the outcome."
On this day in 2019, The Orville aired "Primal Urges." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew race to save a small group of survivors on a planet about to be destroyed by its sun."
"The crew race to save a small group of survivors on a planet about to be destroyed by its sun."
