Actor Hugh Marlowe had a small from key role in 1951's spectacular The Day The Earth Stood Still. He also led the fight against another potential alien invasion in 1956's Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956). Other genre appearances include World Without End (1956), Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Though he's no longer with us, Marlowe was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though John Ireland is likely more remembered for his work in mainstream fare, he did manage to squeeze in a few genre appearances while in the business. Fans may remember him from stops aboard Mission: Impossible, Circle Of Fear, The Phantom Of Hollywood (1974), The House Of Seven Corpses (1974), Planet of the Apes, Satan's Cheerleaders (1977), Salvage 1, The Shape Of Things To Come (1979), The Incubus (1981), Airwolf, War of the Worlds, Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat (1989), The Graveyard Story (1991), or Waxwork II: Lost In Time (1992). Though he's no longer with us, Ireland was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor David Wayne played 'Dr. Charles Dutton' in the 1971 seminal SciFi flick, The Andromeda Strain. The actor also paid welcome visits to the worlds of The Twilight Zone, Batman, Night Gallery, It's A Bird ... It's A Plane ... It's Superman (1975), and The Survivalist (1987). Though Wayne's no longer with us, he was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek's first season had so many great roles -- even for the guest stars -- and that includes David Opatoshu's performance as 'Anan 7' in "A Taste of Armageddon." The talented actor also appeared on One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Tarzan And The Valley Of Gold (1966), Mr. Terrific, the Dybbuk (1968), The Time Tunnel, Mission: Impossible, The Invisible Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Fantasy Island, Salvage 1, Beyond Evil (1980), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure Of All (animated), and Alien Nation. Though he's no longer with us, Opatoshu was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Michael Joseph Anderson has an impressive career in genre entertainment. He directed Doc Savage: Man of Bronze (1975), Logan's Run (1976), the TV-miniseries of The Martian Chronicles, and the time travel adventure Millennium (1989). Also he brought Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea to film in 1997 in a telefilm that starred Richard Crenna and Ben Cross. Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Anderson enjoyed a pair of Hugo Award nominations in his career. The first one came in 1977 with his work on the aforementioned Logan's Run; and the second came in 1981 with his time in bringing The Martian Chronicles to a broadcast audience.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Anderson enjoyed a pair of Hugo Award nominations in his career. The first one came in 1977 with his work on the aforementioned Logan's Run; and the second came in 1981 with his time in bringing The Martian Chronicles to a broadcast audience.
Peter Brachacki was the talented production designer credited for the pilot episode of Doctor Who. While it's never quite been confirmed (so far as I've been able to find), he's most likely the creative genius believed to have designed the TARDIS' original interiors. How cool is that?! Though he's no longer with us, Brachacki (also spelled as Brachaki) was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During Doctor Who's 1967 television season, the great Victor Winding appeared as 'Spencer' in "The Faceless Ones" storyline. The actor also enjoyed a bit of screen time in Frightmare (1974), House Of Mortal Sin (1976), and The Medusa Touch (1978). Though he's no longer with us, Winding was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Arguably, Gene Hackman's take on evil mastermind Lex Luthor was as much a part of the 1970's and 1980's cinematic adventures of Superman as was Christopher Reeve's 'aw shucks' charisma, though Luthor became a bit more comic with each successive outing. Still, I love what he did with the character. Hackman was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In fairness to the actor's resume, he really didn't appear in many genre projects, but it deserves mentioning that, in 1979, he scored a solid 'Best Supporting Actor' nomination from the BAFTA Awards for his work in Superman (1978).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In fairness to the actor's resume, he really didn't appear in many genre projects, but it deserves mentioning that, in 1979, he scored a solid 'Best Supporting Actor' nomination from the BAFTA Awards for his work in Superman (1978).
The venerable Vanessa Redgrave brought her considerable gravitas to the 2009 TV retelling of the SciFi classic, The Day of the Triffids. In 1984, she paid a visit to the TV world of Fairie Tale Theatre. In 1993, she dabbled in the realm of the paranormal with a top role in Children Of The Mist. In 1998, she was one of the folks who thought Earth would be experiencing an Extinction-Level-Event aboard Mimi Leder's Deep Impact. Redgrave was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Prolific author Gregory Benford knows more than a thing or two about the realm of Science, and he's used his smarts to bring to life such novels as Timescape (1980), Artifact (1985), Cosm (1998), and Eater (2000). Benford was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to actor Jerry Sroka! It can't be easy to play a Talaxian, what with burying yourself under all of that makeup, but he did it for a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Voyager. Sroka was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Charles Dutton got what he deserved for thinking he could take on just a single one of the aliens in the oft-maligned Alien3. Dutton was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Geesh! Keep your hat on, bubb! An angry Rab Affleck paid a visit to the BBC's long-running Doctor Who with a brief role aboard "The Name of the Doctor" in 2013. Affleck was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
How cool would your childhood be if you once spent time sitting on a car bumper with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock? Such is Sheldon Collins' claim to fame with his appearance aboard the signature Star Trek episode, "A Piece of the Action." The lad also made a visit to The Time Tunnel. Collins was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actress Ann Dowd hasn't done much in the way of Science Fiction, but a guest appearance aboard Fox TV's stellar The X-Files has to count for something, no? Dowd was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Jeremy Gittins appeared as Lazlo in the "Warriors Gate" storyline for the BBC's Doctor Who. Gittins was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dwier Brown found Heaven and then some in the form of the Fantasy-themed Field of Dreams (1989). The actor has also found good work aboard The Twilight Zone, Quantum Leap, Firefly, and Day Break. Brown was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Some guys have all the luck! Alex Hyde-White had not one but two appearances aboard TV's original Battlestar Galactica. No stranger to quality genre projects, he's also booked time aboard Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Voyagers, Biggles: Adventures In Time (1986), Time Trackers (1989), M.A.N.T.I.S., Legend, Babylon 5, The Alien Within (1995), Mars (1997), and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Hyde-White was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his acting career, Tony O'Dell played a member of the Sterlings, a family who found itself magically transported to Otherworld. O'Dell was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the words of Mel Brooks: "It's good to be the king!" Abdullah bin al-Hussein -- aka the king of Jordan -- was able to finagle for himself a walk-on guest spot aboard UPN's Star Trek: Voyager during the program's run. I guess good things can happen for fans ... especially when you're king. His majesty was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Daphne Ashbrook had only a single chance to serve as a companion to the Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who telefilm, but she's remained a part of fandom for some time. Also, she's got an impressive resume you can check out over on IMDB.com if you're inclined. Ashbrook was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Julie McCullough has braved the singular sensation of experiences a plethora of catastrophes in the cinema including but not limited to The Blob (1988), 2012: Ice Age (2011), and Sharknado (2013). The lovely lady has also billed hours aboard Superboy, Max Headroom, Relic Hunter, and Black Scorpion. McCullough was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tom McCarthy saw up-close what the Mayan Prophecy looked like in Roland Emmerich's 2009 movie exploring the end of life as we knew it, 2012. McCarthy was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wayne Wilderson has built a career out of small roles in some pretty big properties. Fans might recognize him from appearances in Independence Day (1996) and A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). Wilderson was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Tony Maudsley has found roles in such genre titles as Sleepy Hollow (1999), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), The Day of the Triffids, and Being Human. Maudsley was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Fiona Dolman had a supporting role aboard the BBC's Paradox TV miniseries back in 2009. She also appeared in 1998's excellent Ultraviolet miniseries. Dolman was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: the actress via Twitter]
[Source: the actress via Twitter]
Though his forays into the realm of Science Fiction have been few and fairly far between, Darren Boyd did enjoy significant exposure as part of ReGenesis in 2006 and the cult hit Dirk Gently in 2010 thru 2012. Boyd was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Marvel's Howard the Duck first found itself in theatres back in 1986, it was Jordan Prentice who was wearing all of the feathers as the central character. Prentice was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The always great to watch Olivia Colman (above center) had a small but crucial (and villainous!) role in "The Eleventh Hour," Matt Smith's first outing as the venerable Doctor Who. Colman was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Christian Bale's reputation took a bit of a drubbing when he appeared as the legendary John Connor in the poorly received Terminator Salvation (not to mention the time he was arrested for "drubbing" his own family members), but, for all the beating it took (much like his family's), I enjoyed the film well enough. I thought Bale's performance as the leader of Earth's salvation had just the right amount of misplaced sanctimony and bravado to make it perfectly believable and perfectly acceptable given the overall tone of the film. Bale was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Without a doubt, Bale remains one of the most decorated actors of his generation. Without going into any massive detail on the particulars, I'll happily list a few that apply to genre properties.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Without a doubt, Bale remains one of the most decorated actors of his generation. Without going into any massive detail on the particulars, I'll happily list a few that apply to genre properties.
- In 2006, Bale took home the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in Batman Begins (2005).
- In 2009, the actor had to settle for the honor of a Saturn Award nomination alone in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in The Dark Knight (2008).
- In 2011, Bale had to settle for the honor of a Saturn Award nomination alone in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012).
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! The lovely Michelle Langstone portrayed Dr. Katherine 'Cat' Manx aboard Power Rangers S.P.D. She's also enjoyed screen time aboard Xena: Warrior Princess, Power Rangers Jungle Fury, Legend of the Seeker, and The Almighty Johnsons. Langstone was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, Fez: due to the popularity of a certain teen comedy Wilmer Valderrama spent so many years as part of, it's increasingly difficult to take him seriously, especially when he plays the straight man as he did in the short lived Fox TV adaptation of Minority Report. Still, kudos for trying! Valderrama was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Valene Kane had a brief role in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) playing the ill-fated mother to the rebellious Jyn Erso. Kane was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kylie Bunbury experienced what life was like Under The Dome as part of the ensemble to the cancelled CBS SciFi/Drama adapted from the Stephen King novel. she also served some quality time in the universes of The Twilight Zone and the short-lived adaptation of Brave New World. 2021 found her exploring a bit of life, the universe, and everything in the poorly-received Warning for Anova Pictures. Bunbury was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his acting career, the young Jake Thomas joined Steven Spielberg in exploring the bounds of A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) for Warner Bros. The actor has also stolen a bit of space in such properties as 3rd Rock From The Sun, Touched By An Angel, The Cell (2000), Dinocroc (2004), Monster Night (2006), Ghost Whisperer, and The Unwilling (2016). Thomas was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Thomas has a few genre-specific honors worth mentioning in this space, all of them incidentally coming from the Young Artist Awards. In 2000, he enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actor' for his work on Touched By An Angel. In 2001, he was nominated in the category of 'Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Under' for his time in The Cell. Lastly, in 2002, he took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor' for his work in A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Thomas has a few genre-specific honors worth mentioning in this space, all of them incidentally coming from the Young Artist Awards. In 2000, he enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actor' for his work on Touched By An Angel. In 2001, he was nominated in the category of 'Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Under' for his time in The Cell. Lastly, in 2002, he took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor' for his work in A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
On this day in 1933 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor X opened up shop for business. (Well ... cinematically, that is.) Directed by Michael Curtiz, the SciFi/Horror/Mystery feature starred Lionel Atwill, Lee Tracy, and Fay Wray; and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"A wisecracking New York reporter intrudes on a research scientist's quest to unmask The Moon Killer."
ExtraExtraAlert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Doctor X right here!
"A wisecracking New York reporter intrudes on a research scientist's quest to unmask The Moon Killer."
ExtraExtraAlert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Doctor X right here!
A star is born! On this day in 1937 (in the U.S.), justice was served when Blake Of Scotland Yard was on the job! This 15-episode serial was written (in part) and directed by Robert F. Hill, and it starred Ralph Byrd, Herbert Rawlinson, and Joan Barclay. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 15 episode serial in which Blake battles the "Scorpion" over possession of a 'death ray' machine."
"A 15 episode serial in which Blake battles the "Scorpion" over possession of a 'death ray' machine."
On this day in 1977 (in Mexico), Logan's Run took a leap from the pages of a book (by William F. Nolan) onto the silver screen. Directed by Michael Anderson, the SciFi feature starred Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An idyllic science fiction future has one major drawback: life must end at the age of thirty."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"An idyllic science fiction future has one major drawback: life must end at the age of thirty."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1978 (in Brazil), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981 (in India), Ridley Scott's original SciFi/Classic Alien chewed its way onto the silver screen. Directed by Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, and John Hurt. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Earthbound aired. Directed by James L. Conway, the flick starred Burl Ives, Christopher Connelly, and Meredith MacRae, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A family of space aliens crash lands on Earth when their spaceship conks out."
"A family of space aliens crash lands on Earth when their spaceship conks out."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Shrinking Woman went small for laughs. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the SciFi/Comedy starred Lily Tomlin, Ned Beatty, and Charles Grodin. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an ordinary woman is exposed to a unique mix of chemicals, she begins to uncontrollably physically shrink."
For the record:
Along with receiving a bit of attention from a film festival screening, The Incredible Shrinking Woman boasts a solid performance from funny lady Tomlin, who received a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
"When an ordinary woman is exposed to a unique mix of chemicals, she begins to uncontrollably physically shrink."
For the record:
Along with receiving a bit of attention from a film festival screening, The Incredible Shrinking Woman boasts a solid performance from funny lady Tomlin, who received a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
On this day in 1987 (in Canada), The Kindred gave audiences a thrill and a fright by way of its monstrous creation. Written and directed by the team of Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow (with some collaboration from John Penney), the SciFi/Horror starred Rod Steiger, Amanda Pays, and Talia Balsam; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
For the record:
At the 1987 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, The Kindred enjoyed a nomination for the event's Grand Prize. Alas, the feature lost out on the win to David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1987).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Kindred from a distributor. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of the film can find my review right here.
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
For the record:
At the 1987 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, The Kindred enjoyed a nomination for the event's Grand Prize. Alas, the feature lost out on the win to David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1987).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Kindred from a distributor. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of the film can find my review right here.
Remember, folks, that Science Fiction comes in all shapes and sizes: on this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), the Adult-themed Bad Girls From Mars had its debut poking fun at SciFi with a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Fred Olen Ray, the SciFi/Comedy starred Edy Williams, Oliver Darrow, and Brinke Stevens. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Someone is killing off the female leads of the movie production "Bad Girls from Mars." The producers feel they should try to finish the film, even though they're making a lucrative amount from insurance payoffs, so they fly in European sex bomb Emanuelle as the new lead. Emanuelle immediately begins embarrassing the producers by leading a wild party life around town. Meanwhile the killings continue, and detectives try to stop the fiend responsible."
"Someone is killing off the female leads of the movie production "Bad Girls from Mars." The producers feel they should try to finish the film, even though they're making a lucrative amount from insurance payoffs, so they fly in European sex bomb Emanuelle as the new lead. Emanuelle immediately begins embarrassing the producers by leading a wild party life around town. Meanwhile the killings continue, and detectives try to stop the fiend responsible."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Steel and Lace gave audiences an unusual twist on Beauty and the Beast together. Directed by Ernest Farino with a script from Joseph Dougherty and Dave Edison, the feature starred Clare Wren, Bruce Davison, and Stacy Haiduk. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A rape victim returns from the dead to seek vengeance on her rapists in this gory horror film."
"A rape victim returns from the dead to seek vengeance on her rapists in this gory horror film."
A star is born! On this day in 1998, Visions (aka Blind Sight) cleared up theatrically in the United States. Directed by David McKenzie, the SciFi/Thriller starred Erik Estrada, Robert Vaughn, and Laura McKenzie. Here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"Electricity blinds a homicide detective and gives him psychic visions of a murderer."
"Electricity blinds a homicide detective and gives him psychic visions of a murderer."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Special enjoyed its big screen premiere when it played for audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Michael Rapaport, Josh Peck, and Paul Blackthorne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Special enjoyed a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Special enjoyed a bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the SciFi telefilm Meteor Storm gave audiences yet one more chance to relish star Kari Matchett's loveliness. Directed by Tibor Takacs, the project also starred Michael Trucco, Kirsten Prout, and Eric Johnson. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"San Francisco becomes a target for waves of destructive meteors after a rogue comet orbits around the earth... For astronomer, Michelle Young, what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, soon turns into her worst nightmare as thousands of meteors break the surface of the atmosphere and bombard the city of San Francisco."
"San Francisco becomes a target for waves of destructive meteors after a rogue comet orbits around the earth... For astronomer, Michelle Young, what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, soon turns into her worst nightmare as thousands of meteors break the surface of the atmosphere and bombard the city of San Francisco."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan), Hollywood did the unthinkable and actually tried to remake RoboCop for the modern era. (Sigh ...) Directed by José Padilha, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, and Michael Keaton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy, a loving husband, father and good cop, is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."
"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy, a loving husband, father and good cop, is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."
FYI: 2015's Project Almanac isn't a bad film. (It premiered on this day in the U.S. in 2015.) The issue I had with it was two-fold: first, it wasn't very smart; and, second, it really brought nothing new to the whole 'time travel' concept. Still, it's entertaining enough for a one-off viewing, so long as you don't mind the whole 'found footage' format. Directed by Dean Israelite, the feature starred Amy Landecker, Jonny Weston, and Sam Lerner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control."
"A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Toxin gave audiences another look at mankind's viral demise via its home video release. Written and directed by Jason Dudek, the feature starred Taylor Handley, Danny Glover, and Vinnie Jones. here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pharmaceutical company recruits a well-known scientist to help develop a vaccine against a deadly virus."
"A pharmaceutical company recruits a well-known scientist to help develop a vaccine against a deadly virus."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Uncanny enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Santa Barbera International Film Festival. Directed by Matthew Leutwyler from a script by Shahin Chandrasoma, the SciFi/Drama starred Mark Webber, David Clayton Rogers, and Lucy Griffiths. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world's first 'perfect' Artificial Intelligence begins to exhibit startling and unnerving emergent behavior when a reporter begins a relationship with the scientist who created it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Uncanny scored a bit of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video, I was fortunate to receive a promotional copy on DVD. Interested in my take on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"The world's first 'perfect' Artificial Intelligence begins to exhibit startling and unnerving emergent behavior when a reporter begins a relationship with the scientist who created it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Uncanny scored a bit of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video, I was fortunate to receive a promotional copy on DVD. Interested in my take on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "The Riddle Of Chinese Jade." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Harry Wong, manager of Lu Song's antique store, decides to help thief John Greer steal a priceless jade statue from Song. Although no one is supposed to get hurt, the plan changes when Song's niece Lily witnesses the robbery and is kidnapped by Greer. Superman, who, as Clark Kent, is interviewing Song for the scoop on his donating the statue to a museum, must solve the crime."
"Harry Wong, manager of Lu Song's antique store, decides to help thief John Greer steal a priceless jade statue from Song. Although no one is supposed to get hurt, the plan changes when Song's niece Lily witnesses the robbery and is kidnapped by Greer. Superman, who, as Clark Kent, is interviewing Song for the scoop on his donating the statue to a museum, must solve the crime."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Iron Major." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"A martinet refuses to grant the space cadets liberty when their ship lands after a long voyage."
"A martinet refuses to grant the space cadets liberty when their ship lands after a long voyage."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Romans: Conspiracy." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the show's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ian and Delos are forced to fight each other for their freedom while the Doctor has to perform for Nero's court."
"Ian and Delos are forced to fight each other for their freedom while the Doctor has to perform for Nero's court."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mind Of Evil: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jo head to Stangmoor Prison to investigate the Keller Machine, which drains the evil impulses from prisoners' minds, while UNIT are handling security at the first world peace conference."
"The Doctor and Jo head to Stangmoor Prison to investigate the Keller Machine, which drains the evil impulses from prisoners' minds, while UNIT are handling security at the first world peace conference."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Logan's Run aired "Turnabout." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The runners are captured by desert dwellers and condemned to death. Francis attempts to rescue the trio."
"The runners are captured by desert dwellers and condemned to death. Francis attempts to rescue the trio."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom),audiences were treated to the fourth episode of the first season of Chocky. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"It is the summer holiday for Matthew and Polly. Matthew's mum is tidying up Matthew's bedroom when she finds some strange art work. Matthew admits painting these but in the eyes of Chocky. Matthew is miserable as Chocky has deserted him for his holiday. They meet up with Colin and his family. The children are playing near the river when a boat breaks free and starts to drift downstream. Emma screams which alerts Polly and Matthew. The jetty is destroyed by the impact and Polly and Matthew fall into the water."
"It is the summer holiday for Matthew and Polly. Matthew's mum is tidying up Matthew's bedroom when she finds some strange art work. Matthew admits painting these but in the eyes of Chocky. Matthew is miserable as Chocky has deserted him for his holiday. They meet up with Colin and his family. The children are playing near the river when a boat breaks free and starts to drift downstream. Emma screams which alerts Polly and Matthew. The jetty is destroyed by the impact and Polly and Matthew fall into the water."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Starman aired "The Probe." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul falls in love with an astronomer who is having a crisis of conscious over the military's funding of her research."
"Paul falls in love with an astronomer who is having a crisis of conscious over the military's funding of her research."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired its fourteenth episode of its first season. The hour was actually a fairly solid adventure for the show, a clever little yarn titled "11001001." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Enterprise docks at a starbase for repairs where it is commandeered by a race of technologically-linked aliens intent on using the vessel for their own purposes."
"The Enterprise docks at a starbase for repairs where it is commandeered by a race of technologically-linked aliens intent on using the vessel for their own purposes."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "He Feedeth Among The Lilies." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The aliens become desperate to learn the secrets of the human immune system. They begin abducting people, placing implants inside their bodies, and then releasing them with plans to take them back later for further study. One of these unfortunate victims is a beautiful woman for whom Dr. Blackwood has fallen in love."
"The aliens become desperate to learn the secrets of the human immune system. They begin abducting people, placing implants inside their bodies, and then releasing them with plans to take them back later for further study. One of these unfortunate victims is a beautiful woman for whom Dr. Blackwood has fallen in love."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired the next foray in Geordi's love life with "Aquiel." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's sixth season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Murderous intrigue abounds for the Enterprise when one of the crew aboard a subspace station is believed dead, and suspected to have taken part in it until the Klingons show up with the young lieutenant, to Geordi's taste."
"Murderous intrigue abounds for the Enterprise when one of the crew aboard a subspace station is believed dead, and suspected to have taken part in it until the Klingons show up with the young lieutenant, to Geordi's taste."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Armageddon Game." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chief O'Brien, who still doesn't like the good Doctor Bashir, must rely on him when the two are stranded on a planet and O'Brien is infected with a deadly, fast moving disease."
"Chief O'Brien, who still doesn't like the good Doctor Bashir, must rely on him when the two are stranded on a planet and O'Brien is infected with a deadly, fast moving disease."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the episode "Life Support." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Bashir must use extraordinary measures to prolong Vedek Bareil's life long enough to allow Bareil to complete sensitive peace negotiations between the Bajorans and the Cardassians."
"Dr. Bashir must use extraordinary measures to prolong Vedek Bareil's life long enough to allow Bareil to complete sensitive peace negotiations between the Bajorans and the Cardassians."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Time And Again." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Voyager crew discovers a planet which recently suffered a horrific catastrophe. Upon investigation, Janeway and Paris are sent back in time before the disaster and are faced with the decision of whether to try to stop it."
"The Voyager crew discovers a planet which recently suffered a horrific catastrophe. Upon investigation, Janeway and Paris are sent back in time before the disaster and are faced with the decision of whether to try to stop it."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Enigma." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On their first visit to a new planet, SG-1 finds it subject to totally destructive volcanic activity and saves ten natives, the Tollan, a far more technologically advanced society. Their leader Omoc isn't grateful, nor interested in such a primitive race as the earthlings or any of the 'even more primitive' planets which are prepared to host them. Only one Tollan, Narim, shows an active interest in life on earth, especially in captain Samantha Carter and the cat Schrodinger she gives him, explaining his planet was destroyed after the Tolan supplied an unlimited energy source to a primitive neighboring planet which abused it for a cataclysmic weapon. Meanwhile the White House authorized NID colonel Mayborn to take charge over the Tollan for military purposes, exactly Omoc's nightmare."
"On their first visit to a new planet, SG-1 finds it subject to totally destructive volcanic activity and saves ten natives, the Tollan, a far more technologically advanced society. Their leader Omoc isn't grateful, nor interested in such a primitive race as the earthlings or any of the 'even more primitive' planets which are prepared to host them. Only one Tollan, Narim, shows an active interest in life on earth, especially in captain Samantha Carter and the cat Schrodinger she gives him, explaining his planet was destroyed after the Tolan supplied an unlimited energy source to a primitive neighboring planet which abused it for a cataclysmic weapon. Meanwhile the White House authorized NID colonel Mayborn to take charge over the Tollan for military purposes, exactly Omoc's nightmare."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Surface aired its next-to-last installment. Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Laura and Rich decide that it's time to get some answers from Lee. Miles gets in trouble with the local residents after a violent incident with a bully."
"Laura and Rich decide that it's time to get some answers from Lee. Miles gets in trouble with the local residents after a violent incident with a bully."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "To The Last Man." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Every year since 1918, the team wakes Tommy from cryogenic sleep, because one day they will need his help. But they don't know which year, or for what. All indications are sealed in a box that will only open at the right moment."
"Every year since 1918, the team wakes Tommy from cryogenic sleep, because one day they will need his help. But they don't know which year, or for what. All indications are sealed in a box that will only open at the right moment."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the action cooled off quite a bit as Anakin Skywalker and his soldiers visited an ice planet in "Trespass." Officially, this was the fifteenth episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Obi-Wan, Anakin and a detachment of the 501st investigate the slaughter of a Republic outpost on Orto Plutonia. They soon find a Separatist base destroyed by the same aggressors, who turn out to be a clan of native Talz that just want to be left alone. Unfortunately Pantoran dignitary Chi Cho claims the planet to be under his people's jurisdiction and orders the unwanted aliens to be either removed or wiped out. As the Jedi cannot interfere, the only hope for a peaceful resolution lies with young senator Riyo Chuchi."
"Obi-Wan, Anakin and a detachment of the 501st investigate the slaughter of a Republic outpost on Orto Plutonia. They soon find a Separatist base destroyed by the same aggressors, who turn out to be a clan of native Talz that just want to be left alone. Unfortunately Pantoran dignitary Chi Cho claims the planet to be under his people's jurisdiction and orders the unwanted aliens to be either removed or wiped out. As the Jedi cannot interfere, the only hope for a peaceful resolution lies with young senator Riyo Chuchi."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), "The Oath" aired on Syfy. Officially, this was the thirteenth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth and final season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Fleet refuses to cooperate with Cylon engineers and Adama decides to put and end to it. He sends the Quorum a message stating that unless they wish to join Zarek in the cell, they get their people in line. However, Gaeta is already freed Zarek with the help of other would-be-revolutionists. They allow Zarek to leave Galactica on a raptor. He lands on Colonial One and enters a gathering of the Quorum. Meanwhile, Anders gets ambushed and captured. At the CIC, Gaeta cleverly manipulates everyone else until the time is at hand for the revolution to begin."
"The Fleet refuses to cooperate with Cylon engineers and Adama decides to put and end to it. He sends the Quorum a message stating that unless they wish to join Zarek in the cell, they get their people in line. However, Gaeta is already freed Zarek with the help of other would-be-revolutionists. They allow Zarek to leave Galactica on a raptor. He lands on Colonial One and enters a gathering of the Quorum. Meanwhile, Anders gets ambushed and captured. At the CIC, Gaeta cleverly manipulates everyone else until the time is at hand for the revolution to begin."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the plot thickened and the mystery heated up as 12 Monkeys aired "Cassandra Complex." Officially, this served as the third episode to the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cole is led to Haiti in 2014, where a dangerous outbreak proved to be a devastating moment in Dr. Railly's life."
"Cole is led to Haiti in 2014, where a dangerous outbreak proved to be a devastating moment in Dr. Railly's life."
