If one of your biggest cinematic achievements is that you congratulated Princess Leia on a job well done, doesn't that deserve a citation? Of course, it does, and -- of course -- Eddie Byrne accomplished far more than that in his time on Earth; still, a role in the original Star Wars has got to count for something, even if it was a fleeting appearance as 'General Willard.' (P.S. Was he ever converted to an action figure? I don't remember one.) Though he's no longer with us, Byrne was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the cinematic career of one John Agar! He's been a part of such SciFi schlock as The Rocket Man (1954), Revenge Of The Creature (1955), Tarantula (1956), The Mole People (1956), Daughter Of Dr. Jekyll (1957), The Brain From Planet Arous (1957), Attack Of The Puppet People (1958), Invisible Invaders (1959), Destination Space (1959), Journey To The Seventh Planet (1962), and even a few more. Though he's no longer with us, Agar was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1981, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films awarded Agar with their Life Career Award, an acknowledgement of the actor's contribution to the world of genre cinema.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new release of The Brain From Planet Arous (1957) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1981, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films awarded Agar with their Life Career Award, an acknowledgement of the actor's contribution to the world of genre cinema.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new release of The Brain From Planet Arous (1957) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
There's no doubt that with over three decades of work William Sylvester is now and will probably always be most remembered for his work aboard Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) ... though there was that nifty little cameo aboard Buck Rogers In The 25th Century worth getting excited about as well! Though he's no longer with us, Sylvester was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With well over two hundred separate roles in his carerr, William Bryant was certainly an acting force to be reckoned with, and I suppose that's why he was cast in great supporting roles in properties like Battlestar Galactica, Beyond Westworld, and Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. Though he's no longer with us, Bryant was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As a businessman, the venerable Norm Prescott helped to build Filmation, an animation studio that brought several prominent franchises to life on television, including such projects as The New Adventures Of Superman, Star Trek: The Animated Series, and The New Adventures Of Flash Gordon. Though he's no longer with us, Prescott was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
For the record:
For those who don't know this, Norm Prescott and Lou Scheimer were the two producers who delivered Star Trek: The Animated Series to life on the small screen; and -- in the process -- they took home a 1975 Daytime Emmy Award in the category of "Outstanding Entertainment - Children's Series" for their efforts. Way to go, Mr. Prescott!
[Source: Memory Alpha]
For the record:
For those who don't know this, Norm Prescott and Lou Scheimer were the two producers who delivered Star Trek: The Animated Series to life on the small screen; and -- in the process -- they took home a 1975 Daytime Emmy Award in the category of "Outstanding Entertainment - Children's Series" for their efforts. Way to go, Mr. Prescott!
Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Drumhead" is another one of those examples wherein I find myself 'on the outs' with most Trek enthusiasts. To be frank, they love the episode ... while I saw it as little more than political posturing set within a rather routine and predictable Star Trek melodrama. Still, kudos for the lovely Jean Simmons for leaving her mark on the franchise in the role of 'Admiral Nora Satie.' Though she's no longer with us, Simmons was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thomas Eugene "Gene" DeWeese was a Science Fiction author largely remembered for the handful of Star Trek novels he published throughout his career. Though he's no longer with us, DeWeese was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
In 1971, actor James Franciscus helped put an end to that whole simian thing when he joined Charlton Heston in going Beneath The Planet Of The Apes. As the astronaut Brent, Franciscus joined the final battle between the apes and the surviving humans, sending the franchise out with a big bang. (Not really, as the franchise continued churning out sequels for a few more years.) Though he's no longer with us, Franciscus was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the late 1960's, the lovely Suzanne Pleshette joined Ray Thinnes for two episodes aboard the classic SciFi/Drama, The Invaders. Other genre stops include work aboard One Step Beyond, The Birds (1963), Blackbeard's Ghost (1968), The Power (1968), The Shaggy D.A. (1976), Oh God! Book II (1982), and Fantasies (1982). Though she's no longer with us, Pleshette was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Have I mentioned my unabashed love for Roger Corman's Battle Beyond The Stars (1980)? Sure, it's a bit cheesy, and, yes, it's more than a bit corny, but I love it nonetheless. In any event, the main ship featured in the film has a female computer interface for the pilot -- she's called 'Nell' -- and all of it was voiced by Lynn Carlin. The actress also paid visits to the world of The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and Superstition (1982). Carlin was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovable screen curmudgeon Stuart Margolin actually has a resume reasonably rich in the realm of Science Fiction. To date, he's been a part of Women Of The Prehistoric Planet (1966), Land Of The Giants, Futureworld, The Ray Bradbury Theatre, and The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Margolin was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With well over five decades in the business of acting, you'd think the venerable Jessica Walter would've found a bit more time to dedicate to Science Fiction ... but I guess a spot on Babylon 5 is worth a mention, no? She's also appeared in The Immortal, Dr. Strange (1978), Ghost in the Machine (1993), and Doomsday Rock (1997) as icing on that SciFi cake. Though she's no longer with us, Walter was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
She could make a strong man swoon! That's likely what producers of Hercules Of The Desert (1964) thought when they cast the lovely Spela Rozin for their sword'n'sandals picture. Rozin was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Today, regular folks are singing the praises of character actor Jonathan Banks thanks to his stellar work on AMC TV's Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but SciFi fans have been familiar with his work for decades. Since his entry into the entertainment business, he's been a part of Gremlins, The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The Eighth Dimension, Otherworld, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, SeaQuest 2032, and Day Break. Banks was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If his blood-covered visage from Super 8 (2011) is any indication, Glynn Turman has definitely seen better days! The talented actor has also appeared aboard The Greatest American Hero, Manimal, Gremlins (1984), The Twilight Zone, FlashForward, and Fox TV's short-lived Alcatraz. Turman was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A fetching Carol Hawkins turned up in a small role aboard the SciFi series Blake's 7 for the BBC. She enjoyed for big screen debut aboard the SciFi/Mystery The Body Stealers (1969) for Sagittarius Productions and then followed that up with a role in the SciFi/Comedy The Love Factor (1969) for Tigon. It wasn't long before Fantasy drew her attention, and she found some screen time in When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth (1970) for no less than Hammer Films. Hawkins was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cristine Rose brought a lovely sense of authority to NBC's Fantasy-fueled Heroes during the program's initial run. Other genre appearances include visits to Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Elvira Show, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Prey, Charmed, Honey I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show, What Women Want (2000), and Heroes Reborn. Rose was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kelly Lynch joined Denzel Washington aboard the 1995 SciFi/Thriller Virtuosity for Paramount Pictures. In 2005, she joined Adrien Brody aboard the SciFi/Fantasy The Jacket for Mandalay Pictures. In 2006, she stepped into the world of Horror with a role in The Visitation. In 2010, Science Fiction lured her charms back into the realms of the Fantastic with a role aboard Kaboom for Desperate Pictures. Lynch was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Grant Morrison has certainly impacted the greater world of comic books, and that's no small accomplishment indeed. I'll admit that I've never been the biggest fan of his work, but I did enjoy his work on Batman from time-to-time. Morrison was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, the career of Amelia Bullmore is largely populated with conventional fare, but she has given Fantasy a look with work aboard such properties as Ashes To Ashes and Jekyll And Hyde. Bullmore was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Paulette Braxton served her time aboard the Final Frontier with a prominent role on the SciFi/Comedy Homeboys In Outer Space. Braxton was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When The Matrix returned to the silver screen in The Matrix Reloaded (2003), actor and stuntman Matt McColm joined the franchise in the guise of 'Agent Thompson.' The actor has also enjoyed roles aboard such genre favorites as They Live (1988), Cyborg (1989), The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr., NightMan, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. McColm was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dexter Fletcher joined 'The Rock' Dwayne Johnson aboard the big screen adaptation of Doom (2005), a SciFi video game. He's also been a part of Time Enough (1997), Stardust (2007), Kick-Ass (2010), and Misfits. Fletcher was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
English-born Matt King played a key role aboard Doctor Who's "The Shakespeare Code" back in 2007 with David Tennant. King was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I always love it when I'm finally able to feature an actor or actress who has -- quite literally -- done very little if anything in the realm of Science Fiction for the first time; I think it just has a way of showing me both how flexible talent is these days as well as the willingness on the part of more mainstream talent to venture into the various opportunities SciFi presents to them. Whatever the case, I'm pleased as punch to highlight the lovely Miss Minnie Driver's contribution to our genre today. She headlined the BBC deepwater adventure series called The Deep in which the crew of a research submarine uncovered some life-changing secrets for dear ole Planet Earth. Driver was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Eric Walker went to a galaxy far, far away with work aboard The Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle For Endor (1985). Walker was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The only thing I really appreciated about The Mummy franchise was that it produced efficient popcorn movies dumbed down for the general masses at large. Oh, yeah ... and Patricia Velasquez. That counts, right? The lovely, lovely actress was born on this day in 1971 ... and she'll be forever lovely!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2002, the lovely Portia de Rossi made an appearance within The Twilight Zone in an episode ominously titled "Dead Man's Eyes." De Rossi was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anna Silk helped make the Canadian-produced Lost Girl such a hit behind the Maple Curtain (aka Canada) as well as it was on Syfy Channel. She's also enjoyed roles in Mutant X and the TV-film Earthstorm. Silk was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I love Paul Scheer's goofy sense of humor, and I wish -- for that reason alone -- that perhaps the animated TRON: Uprising had built a better following. (FYI: he voiced 'Hopper' in the property.) Sadly, it just never quite went anywhere and was cancelled perhaps as quickly as it was conceived. Scheer was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before getting all 'I Am Women, Hear Me Roar,' actress Kerry Washington played things much more down to Earth as part of Fantastic 4 (2005) and Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007). Washington was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Kevin Christy's first roles was as Andrew 'Hooter' Owsley aboard UPN's oft-overlooked time travel adventure, Seven Days. He's also booked appearances aboard Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Knight Rider, and Heroes. Christy was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Take note, fellow readers: Emmett J. Scanlan is not just a pretty face who gets his butt handed to him by the baddies aboard Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). This talented guy has been a part of In The Flesh, Constantine, and Atlantis. Scanlan was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Popstar Justin Timberlake put his stamp on the SciFi/Thriller In Time (2011), and the result was a watered down knockoff that left audiences confused. Timberlake was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. It looks like so much of the career of the lovely Marta Nieto involves Spanish-language contributions (sorry, folks, but I don't speak it, so research about her is difficult); however, I do see that she enjoyed a guest spot aboard the popular The Ministry Of Time for good measure. Nieto was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Tyler Ritter's star continues to rise with his work aboard such powerful franchises as Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and DC Comics' Arrow. Ritter was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Darla Taylor (HubbaHubba!) turned heads when she appeared as a sexbot (aka 'Intimate Robot Companion') in Fox TV's pretty stellar Almost Human. She's also booked memorable roles as part of Supernatural and The Tomorrow People. Taylor was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Amy Jackson is heating up the small screen with her futuristic heroics aboard The CW's Supergirl. Jackson was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Australia's Nowhere Boys is one of those non-USA programs that gets highly recommended to me from time-to-time, but I've yet to seek out and explore a way to review the show. Kudos to the young Rahart Adams for his stint in the SciFi/Adventure, and hopefully I'll scope it out in the near future. Adams was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Joel Courtney and a whole host of other talented young actors deserved a lot better than what they got from JJ Abrams' and his insufferably tepid Super 8 (2011). In fact, all they really got for their troubles was a bunch of signature lens flare and equally thin plot ideas all wrapped up in a ball of cinematic stinkery. (Shame on you, JJ! Shame!) Courtney was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1908 (in France), Excursion dans la lune (aka Excursion To The Moon) enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever. The 7-minute short film was written and directed by Segundo de Chomón; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Proving adept at every possible camera trick, Segundo de Chomón was brought by Charles Pathé to his studio at Vincennes, near Paris, to make trick films in imitation of Jules Verne (such as this one, inspired by A Trip to the Moon (1902))."
"Proving adept at every possible camera trick, Segundo de Chomón was brought by Charles Pathé to his studio at Vincennes, near Paris, to make trick films in imitation of Jules Verne (such as this one, inspired by A Trip to the Moon (1902))."
On this day in 1970 (in Spain), The Time Travelers took audiences across the ages. Written (in part) and directed by Ib Melchior, the feature starred Preston Foster, Philip Carey, and Merry Anders; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1964, a group of scientists create a portal that takes them to a barren, mutant inhabited, Earth in the year 2071."
"In 1964, a group of scientists create a portal that takes them to a barren, mutant inhabited, Earth in the year 2071."
On this day in 1971, the big city of Big Spring (Texas) hosted a big screening of the big film, Bigfoot. Written (in part) and directed by Robert F. Slatzer, the feature starred John Carradine, Joi Lansing, and Judith Jordan; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bigfoot kidnaps some women and some bikers decide to go on a rescue mission to save them."
For the record:
From what I've read, Bigfoot is the first motion picture to actually feature the famed cryptid, though it apparently inspired a host of imitators throughout the 1970's.
"Bigfoot kidnaps some women and some bikers decide to go on a rescue mission to save them."
For the record:
From what I've read, Bigfoot is the first motion picture to actually feature the famed cryptid, though it apparently inspired a host of imitators throughout the 1970's.
A star is born!
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Shatner proved he could get his hands dirty (snicker snicker) with the theatrical release of Impulse. Directed by William Grefé from a story by Tony Crechales, the Horror/Thriller starred William Shatner, Ruth Roman, and Jennifer Bishop. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A conman seduces and scams lonely women out of their money, killing them afterward. When he targets a widow, her daughter grows suspicious of his intentions."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary new home video release of Impulse (1974) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A conman seduces and scams lonely women out of their money, killing them afterward. When he targets a widow, her daughter grows suspicious of his intentions."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary new home video release of Impulse (1974) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1974 (in Mexico), audiences were treated to the very first theatrical presentation of Macabre Legends Of The Colony (aka Leyendas macabras de la colonia). Written (in part) and directed by Arturo Martinez, the Fantasy/Horror starred Mil Máscaras, Lorena Velázquez, and Tinieblas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Mexican luchador Tinieblas buys an ancient painting of a dead woman ignoring the warning that it is haunted. Later, after a fight his partners El Fantasma Blanco and Mil Máscaras joins him in a party at his apartment with two beautiful ladies, but when the clock reaches midnight the painting transports them all to colonial times. In order to return home they must face Spanish Conquistadores, Aztec Warriors and an evil witch whose mother, an unstoppable living dead hungry for human sacrifices, is the woman in the painting."
"The Mexican luchador Tinieblas buys an ancient painting of a dead woman ignoring the warning that it is haunted. Later, after a fight his partners El Fantasma Blanco and Mil Máscaras joins him in a party at his apartment with two beautiful ladies, but when the clock reaches midnight the painting transports them all to colonial times. In order to return home they must face Spanish Conquistadores, Aztec Warriors and an evil witch whose mother, an unstoppable living dead hungry for human sacrifices, is the woman in the painting."
On this day in 1979 (in Milan, Italy), Invasion Of The Body Snatchers turned up the angst on a secret alien infestation. Directed by Philip Kaufman, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy, and Brooke Adams; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1979 (in France), The Gendarme And The Extra-Terrestrials landed in theaters. Directed by Jean Girault, the SciFi/Comedy starred Louis de Funès, Michel Galabru, and Maurice Risch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The bungling inspector Cruchot (Funès) finds himself trying to save the residents of St. Tropez from some oil-drinking humanoid aliens. The only way to tell the aliens from the real people, besides their constant thirst for oil-products, is that they sound like empty garbage cans when you touch them. Chaos is ahead."
"The bungling inspector Cruchot (Funès) finds himself trying to save the residents of St. Tropez from some oil-drinking humanoid aliens. The only way to tell the aliens from the real people, besides their constant thirst for oil-products, is that they sound like empty garbage cans when you touch them. Chaos is ahead."
On this day in 1980 (in the Netherlands), Silent Running took audiences on a trip into Earth's dark future. Directed by Douglas Trumbull, the SciFi feature starred Bruce Dern, Cliff Potts, and Ron Rifkin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
Silent Running was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for the 1973 Hugo Awards.
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
Silent Running was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for the 1973 Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1981 (in Germany), the 1953-produced It Came From Outer Space played for audiences in attendance of the Göteborg Film Festival. Based on a story from Ray Bradbury, the SciFi feature was directed by Jack Arnold and starred Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, and Charles Drake. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1985 (in Italy), audiences were treated to the theatrical premiere of Phenomena. Written (in part) and directed by Dario Argento, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jennifer Connolly, Donald Pleasence, and Daria Nicolodi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young girl who has an amazing ability to communicate with insects is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Phenomena enjoyed a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Ultra HD 4K release of Phenomena. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A young girl who has an amazing ability to communicate with insects is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Phenomena enjoyed a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Ultra HD 4K release of Phenomena. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1985 (in Mexico), Star Trek III: The Search For Spock took Kirk and company on a search for their fallen friend. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the feature starred William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and James Doohan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
For the record:
This tad-more-cerebral entry into the cinematic realm of Star Trek garnered a handful of nominations from the 1985 Saturn Awards and a singular nomination ('Best Dramatic Presentation') from the 1985 Hugo Awards. The film brings the popular Vulcan back from the dead, indeed, though we learn from the next picture he's not quite himself ... yet.
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
For the record:
This tad-more-cerebral entry into the cinematic realm of Star Trek garnered a handful of nominations from the 1985 Saturn Awards and a singular nomination ('Best Dramatic Presentation') from the 1985 Hugo Awards. The film brings the popular Vulcan back from the dead, indeed, though we learn from the next picture he's not quite himself ... yet.
A star is born!
On this day in 1985, Starcrossed found its way onto television. Written and directed by Jeffrey Bloom, the SciFi/Romance starred James Spader, Belinda Bauer, and Peter Kowanko; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An alien woman is running from a deadly enemy and tries to hide on Earth where she meets a young mechanic, who helps her to get back home and to fight for the freedom of her people."
"An alien woman is running from a deadly enemy and tries to hide on Earth where she meets a young mechanic, who helps her to get back home and to fight for the freedom of her people."
A star is born!
On this day back in 1986, the small SciFi flick Eliminators premiered theatrically. Me? I've never seen it. (It ain't exactly on my Bucket List, either.) However, it has the distinction of starring Star Trek: The Next Generation's very own Denise Crosby! Written by Paul De Meo and Danny Bilson, the feature was directed by Peter Manoogian, and it also starred Andrew Prine, Patrick Reynolds, and Conan Lee. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A former pilot rebels against his creator, teaming up with the scientist responsible for android technology, her pet robot Spot, a rough-and-tumble riverboat guide, and a martial arts warrior."
"A former pilot rebels against his creator, teaming up with the scientist responsible for android technology, her pet robot Spot, a rough-and-tumble riverboat guide, and a martial arts warrior."
On this day in 1990, Andy Colby's Incredible Adventure enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Deborah Navarra-Brock, the Fantasy feature starred Randy Josselyn, Jessica Puscas, and Dianne Kay; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Andy Colby is doomed to another typical day of babysitting. But this day is anything but typical when Andy's little sister is pulled through the TV and Andy is sent on an incredibly awesome adventure to save her!"
For the record:
I'm not entirely certain how incredible Andy Colby's Incredible Adventure was as this date appears to be the only release ever. That usually doesn't bode well.
"Andy Colby is doomed to another typical day of babysitting. But this day is anything but typical when Andy's little sister is pulled through the TV and Andy is sent on an incredibly awesome adventure to save her!"
For the record:
I'm not entirely certain how incredible Andy Colby's Incredible Adventure was as this date appears to be the only release ever. That usually doesn't bode well.
A star is born ... and there can be only one!
On this day in 1991 (in Germany), Highlander II: The Quickening struck like lightning. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Virginia Madsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future, Highlander Connor MacLeod must prevent the destruction of Earth under an anti-ozone shield."
"In the future, Highlander Connor MacLeod must prevent the destruction of Earth under an anti-ozone shield."
A star is born!
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Shock 'Em Dead tried to turbo-charge some business with its release on home video. Directed by Mark Freed, the Horror/Fantasy starred Traci Lords, Troy Donahue, and Aldo Ray. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Martin is a total loser who makes a deal with the devil to become the greatest rock star in the world."
"Martin is a total loser who makes a deal with the devil to become the greatest rock star in the world."
On this day in 1992 (in Canada), Scanners III: The Takeover enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Christian Duguay, the SciFi/Thriller starred Liliana Komorowska, Valerie Valois, and Steve Parrish. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young female scanner turns from a sweet young thing into a murderous, power-crazed villain after she takes an experimental drug developed by her father. Her brother, who is also a scanner, is the only one powerful enough to stop her."
"A young female scanner turns from a sweet young thing into a murderous, power-crazed villain after she takes an experimental drug developed by her father. Her brother, who is also a scanner, is the only one powerful enough to stop her."
On this day in 1992 (in Spain), Wedlock served up marital bliss by way of a SciFi/Fantasy construct. Directed by Lewis Teague, the feature starred Rutger Hauer, Mimi Rogers, and Joan Chen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot electronically attached to a female prisoner."
"A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot electronically attached to a female prisoner."
On this day in 1997 (in Finland), Captain Picard and his crew went into Earth's past to save their future with the silver screen release of Star Trek: First Contact. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the feature starred Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, and Michael Dorn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
First Contact remains the most celebrated film for the Next Generation crew. Indeed, the film enjoyed a wealth of attention from the 1997 Saturn Awards where it enjoyed nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' while taking home the trophy in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Supporting Actor.' It was also nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1997 Hugo Awards. Lastly, it enjoyed a 1997 Academy Award nomination for 'Best Make-up.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
First Contact remains the most celebrated film for the Next Generation crew. Indeed, the film enjoyed a wealth of attention from the 1997 Saturn Awards where it enjoyed nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' while taking home the trophy in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Supporting Actor.' It was also nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1997 Hugo Awards. Lastly, it enjoyed a 1997 Academy Award nomination for 'Best Make-up.'
On this day in 1997, George Lucas "raped mankind's childhood" (according to diehard fanboys) when he went back to the well and suitably tinkered Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope: The Special Edition onto the silver screen. For those of you who don't know the premise, here's what IMDB.com has to say about the plot:
"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 evil Darth Vader."
"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 evil Darth Vader."
A star is born!
On this day in 2001 (in the Netherlands), audiences in attendance of the International Film Festival Rotterdam were treated to the theatrical debut of Electric Dragon 80.000 V. Written and directed by Gakuryû Ishii, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Yoshiki Arizono, Tadanobu Asano, and Masakatsu Funaki. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A violent, guitar-playing, electrically charged boxer faces off against an electronic wizard half-merged with a metallic Buddha."
"A violent, guitar-playing, electrically charged boxer faces off against an electronic wizard half-merged with a metallic Buddha."
On this day in 2004 (in Japan), Ridley Scott's original SciFi/Classic Alien -- the director's cut -- enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
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.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
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 2006 (in Canada), the 1981-produced Escape From New York enjoyed a new release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kurt Russell, Adrienne Barbeau, and Isaac Hayes; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him."
For the record:
Though the film didn't win any Saturn Awards from the ceremony in 1982, it did enjoy nominations for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him."
For the record:
Though the film didn't win any Saturn Awards from the ceremony in 1982, it did enjoy nominations for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), things were looking more than a little devilish with the home video release of Exorcism: The Possession Of Gail Bowers. Written and directed by Leigh Scott, the Horror/Fantasy starred Erica Kessler, Noel Thurman, and Griff Furst. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A priest in an undisclosed part of Florida is called upon to help exorcise Gail Bowers."
"A priest in an undisclosed part of Florida is called upon to help exorcise Gail Bowers."
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Live Freaky Die Freaky enjoyed its launch on home video. Written and directed by John Roecker, the Horror/Comedy starred Nick 13, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Tim Armstrong. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a distant future, a cult forms around the Manson Family, when Charles Manson is mistaken for the messiah. Meanwhile, in 1969, Manson convinces his followers to murder Sharon Tate."
"In a distant future, a cult forms around the Manson Family, when Charles Manson is mistaken for the messiah. Meanwhile, in 1969, Manson convinces his followers to murder Sharon Tate."
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in Canada), Scourge tried to suck the soul out of the audience. Written and directed by Jonas Quastel, the Horror/SciFi starred Russell Ferrier, Robyn Ledoux, and Nic Rhind. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ancient pestilence called The Scourge has been set free in a small town after being entombed in a church's masonry for a century and a half. As bodies rapidly pile up, nothing stands between the spawning Scourge and the rest of the town except our young heroes Scott and Jessie who rediscover their love for each other in the process."
"An ancient pestilence called The Scourge has been set free in a small town after being entombed in a church's masonry for a century and a half. As bodies rapidly pile up, nothing stands between the spawning Scourge and the rest of the town except our young heroes Scott and Jessie who rediscover their love for each other in the process."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in Japan), 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope delivered a bit of hope to the box office. Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, and Takako Tokiwa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Childhood friends continue their battle against a dangerous cult."
"Childhood friends continue their battle against a dangerous cult."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009, Creature Of Darkness played for audiences in attendance of the Santa Barbara Film Festival, making this its first theatrical presentation ever. Written and directed by Mark Stouffer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Devon Sawa, Sanoe Lake, and Matthew Lawrence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The monster of a man's recurring nightmare turns out to be real when he and his friends go on a weekend trip to a remote area."
"The monster of a man's recurring nightmare turns out to be real when he and his friends go on a weekend trip to a remote area."
A star is born ... and this one looks undead!
On this day in 2009, audiences in attendance of the Gerardmer Film Festival were treated to the big screen debut of Mutants. Directed by David Morley, the Horror/Fantasy starred Hélène de Fougerolles, Francis Renaud, and Dida Diafat. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the middle of a zombie apocalypse, a resourceful couple hides out in an isolated abandoned building. The woman is pregnant and the man is infected, slowly transforming into the kind of inhuman monster they are trying to escape."
"In the middle of a zombie apocalypse, a resourceful couple hides out in an isolated abandoned building. The woman is pregnant and the man is infected, slowly transforming into the kind of inhuman monster they are trying to escape."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009, the Fantasy/Telefilm Wyvern flapped its wings for audiences. Written by Jason Bourque and directed by Steven R. Monroe, the Fantasy feature starred Nick Chinlund, Erin Karpluk, Barry Corbin; and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Floating toward Beaver Mills, Alaska, is a glacier—an icy tomb for a prehistoric winged creature. Once released, it turns the small community into a feeding ground sending helpless residents into a fight for their lives. With time running out, trucker Jake Suttner sees only one option: steal the creature’s egg from its nest and use it as bait in a trap. But beware - the Wyvern is one angry mother."
"Floating toward Beaver Mills, Alaska, is a glacier—an icy tomb for a prehistoric winged creature. Once released, it turns the small community into a feeding ground sending helpless residents into a fight for their lives. With time running out, trucker Jake Suttner sees only one option: steal the creature’s egg from its nest and use it as bait in a trap. But beware - the Wyvern is one angry mother."
On this day in 2014 (in Germany and Sweden), Ghost Storm sent chills down the spines of the audience. Written and directed by Paul Ziller, the Fantasy feature starred Carlos Bernard, Crystal Allen, and Cindy Busby; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An action packed chase led by Hal and Ashley to save the people on this small island from a strange electrical storm which is led by angry souls from a mass suicide looking for revenge."
"An action packed chase led by Hal and Ashley to save the people on this small island from a strange electrical storm which is led by angry souls from a mass suicide looking for revenge."
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Sprouting Orchids put down root with its silver screen release. Written and directed by Gregory Austin McConnell, the SciFi/Mystery starred Kyle A. Hammonds, Jessie Bowers, and Andrea Cappuzzo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man and woman recover from separate tragedies. Unseen forces in the universe work to bring them together for a purpose far greater than themselves."
"A young man and woman recover from separate tragedies. Unseen forces in the universe work to bring them together for a purpose far greater than themselves."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in Japan), Aoki Hagane No Arpeggio: Ars Nova DC (aka Arpeggio Of Blue Steel) enjoyed its original unveiling to the masses. According to our friends at MyAnimeList.Net, here's the plot summary:
"Humanity finds itself in a struggle when the sea level begins to rise to an unprecedented level in the year 2039. To make matters worse, powerful enemies resembling old wartime vessels called the Fleet of Fog roam the waters, severing communication and transit to various regions. Any attempt at retaliation ends in failure with humanity's current weaponry. Only Gunzou Chihaya stands a chance against the Fleet of Fog as captain of the friendly Fog I-401 submarine Iona. As a result, Gunzou and his crew, known as Blue Steel, are tasked with a critical delivery mission by the Japanese government: they must deliver humanity's last hope against the Fleet of Fog, the Vibration Torpedo Warhead, through hostile waters to the United States for mass production. Though involved in the unsavory conflict, Blue Steel strives for nothing more than a peaceful resolution to it. As Iona undertakes the current mission and tasks beyond it, the crew upholds their values even in the face of harsh situations."
"Humanity finds itself in a struggle when the sea level begins to rise to an unprecedented level in the year 2039. To make matters worse, powerful enemies resembling old wartime vessels called the Fleet of Fog roam the waters, severing communication and transit to various regions. Any attempt at retaliation ends in failure with humanity's current weaponry. Only Gunzou Chihaya stands a chance against the Fleet of Fog as captain of the friendly Fog I-401 submarine Iona. As a result, Gunzou and his crew, known as Blue Steel, are tasked with a critical delivery mission by the Japanese government: they must deliver humanity's last hope against the Fleet of Fog, the Vibration Torpedo Warhead, through hostile waters to the United States for mass production. Though involved in the unsavory conflict, Blue Steel strives for nothing more than a peaceful resolution to it. As Iona undertakes the current mission and tasks beyond it, the crew upholds their values even in the face of harsh situations."
A star is born ... or is that porn?
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Virgin Hunters 3: Agents Of Passion enjoyed a general release via the Internet. Written (in part) and directed by Cybil Richards, the Adult-themed SciFi/Fantasy starred Dru Berrymore, Chelsea Blue, and Maya Divine. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth is no place for virgins. The Virgin Hunters are back in the latest installment of the hit series that keeps - going."
"Earth is no place for virgins. The Virgin Hunters are back in the latest installment of the hit series that keeps - going."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), Alita: Battle Angel was first unveiled to the masses via its premiere at Odeon Leicester Square. Directed by Robert Rodriguez from a script crafted in part by James Cameron, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, and Jennifer Connelly. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deactivated cyborg's revived, but can't remember anything of her past and goes on a quest to find out who she is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alita: Battle Angel enjoyed a solid amount of praise from festival showings and professional organizations, most of which was tied to the flick's special effects work. In 2019, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A deactivated cyborg's revived, but can't remember anything of her past and goes on a quest to find out who she is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alita: Battle Angel enjoyed a solid amount of praise from festival showings and professional organizations, most of which was tied to the flick's special effects work. In 2019, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2021, Prisoners Of The Ghostland enjoyed its very first theatrical screening ever when it played for audiences of the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Sion Sono, the Fantasy feature starred Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, and Nick Cassavetes; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A notorious criminal must break an evil curse in order to rescue an abducted girl who has mysteriously disappeared."
For the record:
At the 2022 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Costume Design.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Prisoners Of The Ghostland (2021) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A notorious criminal must break an evil curse in order to rescue an abducted girl who has mysteriously disappeared."
For the record:
At the 2022 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Costume Design.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Prisoners Of The Ghostland (2021) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Runaway Planetoid." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third season. Here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"While testing a Space Patrol battle-cruiser, Buzz and Happy are thrown into a harrowing encounter with a runaway planetoid. Battling to steer clear of the hurtling planetoid, Buzz and Happy face the possibility of losing their co-ordinates and not reaching Terra."
"While testing a Space Patrol battle-cruiser, Buzz and Happy are thrown into a harrowing encounter with a runaway planetoid. Battling to steer clear of the hurtling planetoid, Buzz and Happy face the possibility of losing their co-ordinates and not reaching Terra."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "The Cool Cave Man." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Troy falls asleep, whilst on stand by duty, and dreams of a meeting between him and a group of undersea cavemen who have found the cargo of a crashed ship, the Shenandoah, a vessel which was carrying radioactive material."
"Troy falls asleep, whilst on stand by duty, and dreams of a meeting between him and a group of undersea cavemen who have found the cargo of a crashed ship, the Shenandoah, a vessel which was carrying radioactive material."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "The Leeches." Officially, this served as the fourth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David Vincent meets with the president of an electronics company, a man who believes aliens have kidnapped various heads of their fields and are planning to kidnap him as well."
"David Vincent meets with the president of an electronics company, a man who believes aliens have kidnapped various heads of their fields and are planning to kidnap him as well."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "Fugitives In Space." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Don and Doctor Smith are sent to an intergalactic prison after coming across an escapee."
"Don and Doctor Smith are sent to an intergalactic prison after coming across an escapee."
Scotty gets his love jones on in Star Trek's "The Lights of Zetar"; the only problem is that she's mysteriously connected to some blinking mass of space energy! Never fall in love with an engineer ... that's my motto. The episode first aired on this day in 1969. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is on course to install new equipment on Memory Alpha, the central library storage facility for the Federation. Chief Engineer Scott has been working closely on the project with Lieutenant Mira Romaine with whom he has been forming a romantic attachment. The Enterprise encounters a space storm that kills the staff at Memory Alpha and possesses Lieutenant Mira Romaine."
"The Enterprise is on course to install new equipment on Memory Alpha, the central library storage facility for the Federation. Chief Engineer Scott has been working closely on the project with Lieutenant Mira Romaine with whom he has been forming a romantic attachment. The Enterprise encounters a space storm that kills the staff at Memory Alpha and possesses Lieutenant Mira Romaine."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Hulk aired "Like A Brother." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David 'Butler' works at a car-wash in a black neighborhood run by a drug dealer with a black panther. He tries to help two orphans, the youngest of which is a diabetic."
"David 'Butler' works at a car-wash in a black neighborhood run by a drug dealer with a black panther. He tries to help two orphans, the youngest of which is a diabetic."
Everyone's favorite robot from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century -- Twiki -- is abducted in the episode "Twiki Is Missing," which aired on this day back in 1980. According to the summary at IMDB.com:
"Evil space mine owner Kurt Belzack abducts Twiki so he can investigate the diminutive drone's unique circuitry and make cheap duplicates of Twiki to work in his mine. It's up to Buck Rogers to save Twiki. Meanwhile, Wilma Deering has her hands full with a huge floating chunk of frozen oxygen that could destroy most of the Earth's population if it veers off course."
"Evil space mine owner Kurt Belzack abducts Twiki so he can investigate the diminutive drone's unique circuitry and make cheap duplicates of Twiki to work in his mine. It's up to Buck Rogers to save Twiki. Meanwhile, Wilma Deering has her hands full with a huge floating chunk of frozen oxygen that could destroy most of the Earth's population if it veers off course."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Knight Rider aired "Redemption Of A Champion." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael investigates the murder of a deaf sportswriter who wanted to stop an ex boxing champ from coming out of retirement."
"Michael investigates the murder of a deaf sportswriter who wanted to stop an ex boxing champ from coming out of retirement."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Misfits of Science aired "Center of Attention." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Misfits are pulled into the world of gambling once more when they uncover a plot by the manager of a basketball team to bet on his team to lose. This happens as his players purposely throw games."
"The Misfits are pulled into the world of gambling once more when they uncover a plot by the manager of a basketball team to bet on his team to lose. This happens as his players purposely throw games."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Judgement." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Power has been injured and Pilot goes in search of help in a nearby settlement. But a young villager recognizes her as part of the Dread youth that torched his home town and Pilot is put on trial."
"Power has been injured and Pilot goes in search of help in a nearby settlement. But a young villager recognizes her as part of the Dread youth that torched his home town and Pilot is put on trial."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the adventures of the Space Rangers came to a quick finish, airing their last episode -- "To Be ... Or Not To Be" on television. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Washed-up old comedian Lenny Hacker crashes on the prison planet Catraz. Doc and Daniel insist they should rescue him, though avoiding General Kincaid's inspection visit may have more than a little to do with it - he's Daniels father."
"Washed-up old comedian Lenny Hacker crashes on the prison planet Catraz. Doc and Daniel insist they should rescue him, though avoiding General Kincaid's inspection visit may have more than a little to do with it - he's Daniels father."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Captive Pursuit" as part of its first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"For the first time an alien comes from the other side of the wormhole. He has ship trouble and seems very reluctant to accept any help. Chief O'Brien quickly finds out he has a secret."
"For the first time an alien comes from the other side of the wormhole. He has ship trouble and seems very reluctant to accept any help. Chief O'Brien quickly finds out he has a secret."
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Ouroboros." This served as the third episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lister, Cat and Krytern stumble upon a doorway that leads to another dimension. Where Lister learns he died in the nuclear disaster on-board Red Dwarf and has been brought back as a hologram and Lister's former girlfriend, Console officer Kristine Kochanski was in stasis and survived and Lister discovers the truth about himself."
"Lister, Cat and Krytern stumble upon a doorway that leads to another dimension. Where Lister learns he died in the nuclear disaster on-board Red Dwarf and has been brought back as a hologram and Lister's former girlfriend, Console officer Kristine Kochanski was in stasis and survived and Lister discovers the truth about himself."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Paradise Lost." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sliders land on a world where no one is over the age of 35, but soon realize the town's dirty secret."
"The Sliders land on a world where no one is over the age of 35, but soon realize the town's dirty secret."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Batman Beyond aired "Blackout" as the third episode of its inaugural season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"A dangerous shapeshifter in the employ of Derek Powers is out to sabotage a competing company and Batman must stand in her way."
"A dangerous shapeshifter in the employ of Derek Powers is out to sabotage a competing company and Batman must stand in her way."
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), Life Force aired "Greenhouse Effect." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A ruthless farmer is using refugees as slave labour. A disease breaks out on the farm."
"A ruthless farmer is using refugees as slave labour. A disease breaks out on the farm."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Sherlock Holmes In The 22nd Century aired "Silver Blaze." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Silver Blaze, a favorite racing spacecraft in the Asteroid Belt Grand Prix is stolen on Lunar City. The racers and managers begin accusing each other while Lestrade, Watson and Holmes all suspect different culprits."
"Silver Blaze, a favorite racing spacecraft in the Asteroid Belt Grand Prix is stolen on Lunar City. The racers and managers begin accusing each other while Lestrade, Watson and Holmes all suspect different culprits."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "Head Case." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The President is at odds over how to deal with a Latin American dictator. He's been having strange dreams that he tells to his therapist who records them. One day someone grabs the therapist and takes the tapes of the President's sessions. Later the dictator calls the President and says he has his tapes and will release them unless he gives him his support. When Backstep learns of this, they learn about the therapist's disappearance and send Frank to find out if the two events are related. When he arrives, he goes to the therapist's office just as her abductors arrive and they escape with the tapes. She then drops them in a mailbox. Frank has to get them while being pursued."
"The President is at odds over how to deal with a Latin American dictator. He's been having strange dreams that he tells to his therapist who records them. One day someone grabs the therapist and takes the tapes of the President's sessions. Later the dictator calls the President and says he has his tapes and will release them unless he gives him his support. When Backstep learns of this, they learn about the therapist's disappearance and send Frank to find out if the two events are related. When he arrives, he goes to the therapist's office just as her abductors arrive and they escape with the tapes. She then drops them in a mailbox. Frank has to get them while being pursued."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired the 13th episode of its seventh and final season. "Repentance" saw the Federation starship rescuing a prison warden and some of his inmates from a dangerous environment. Here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Voyager rescues a ship carrying prisoners to their home planet for execution, but inadvertently treats the mental illness of one of the condemned."
"Voyager rescues a ship carrying prisoners to their home planet for execution, but inadvertently treats the mental illness of one of the condemned."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), the plot thickened on Starhunter as they aired "Half Dense Players" as the fourteenth episode of their first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Dante is assigned to take a murder suspect to Ganymede - a beautiful artist named Andrea Arquette who is plagued by strange visions. During transit, a cloaked ship begins following the Tulip that sensors read to be over 3 million years old. Percy launches a probe at it and in response, the ship attacks and sends the Tulip spiraling toward Europa. Eventually, Andrea is consumed by the alien presence and disappears. Once control of the ship is regained, an Orchard ship arrives to contact Luc, and Dante demands the truth about what is really going on."
"Dante is assigned to take a murder suspect to Ganymede - a beautiful artist named Andrea Arquette who is plagued by strange visions. During transit, a cloaked ship begins following the Tulip that sensors read to be over 3 million years old. Percy launches a probe at it and in response, the ship attacks and sends the Tulip spiraling toward Europa. Eventually, Andrea is consumed by the alien presence and disappears. Once control of the ship is regained, an Orchard ship arrives to contact Luc, and Dante demands the truth about what is really going on."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Paradise Lost." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Former Colonel Harry Maybourne comes to Jack with a proposition: Jack gets him a presidential pardon and Harry shows them the advanced weapons cache that Simmons was trying to get to. They go through with the deal, but Harry attempts to double cross SG-1. He manages to get through the portal leading to the cache, but with one unexpected item, Jack. They find themselves in a field and Harry's zat is missing. Jack, however, still has his P-90. Harry reveals that they are not at a weapons cache, but rather a utopia. He meant to live out the rest of his life there and believes that there is no way back."
"Former Colonel Harry Maybourne comes to Jack with a proposition: Jack gets him a presidential pardon and Harry shows them the advanced weapons cache that Simmons was trying to get to. They go through with the deal, but Harry attempts to double cross SG-1. He manages to get through the portal leading to the cache, but with one unexpected item, Jack. They find themselves in a field and Harry's zat is missing. Jack, however, still has his P-90. Harry reveals that they are not at a weapons cache, but rather a utopia. He meant to live out the rest of his life there and believes that there is no way back."
On this day in 2007 (in Australia), the Fantasy phenom that was Heroes enjoyed its premiere on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this episode, we are introduced to Peter Petrelli, a young man who dreams of flying, and his brother Nathan, a ruthless politician who thinks that Peter is dreaming his life away. Meanwhile, ordinary people from all around the world are starting to suspect that they have abilities beyond those of normal humans. Artist Isaac Mendez believes that he is painting the future, high school cheerleader Claire Bennet is suddenly able to recover from any wound almost instantly, Japanese businessman Hiro Nakamura tries to convince a friend that he can bend space and time, and single mother Niki Sanders starts seeing strange things in mirrors. Upon learning of his father's death, genetics Professor Mohinder Suresh begins to look into his research for a clue to why he was killed. When he follows his father's trail to New York City, however, Mohinder learns that someone else is on the trail of the same research. Someone who may kill to protect the secrets of the next step in human evolution."
"In this episode, we are introduced to Peter Petrelli, a young man who dreams of flying, and his brother Nathan, a ruthless politician who thinks that Peter is dreaming his life away. Meanwhile, ordinary people from all around the world are starting to suspect that they have abilities beyond those of normal humans. Artist Isaac Mendez believes that he is painting the future, high school cheerleader Claire Bennet is suddenly able to recover from any wound almost instantly, Japanese businessman Hiro Nakamura tries to convince a friend that he can bend space and time, and single mother Niki Sanders starts seeing strange things in mirrors. Upon learning of his father's death, genetics Professor Mohinder Suresh begins to look into his research for a clue to why he was killed. When he follows his father's trail to New York City, however, Mohinder learns that someone else is on the trail of the same research. Someone who may kill to protect the secrets of the next step in human evolution."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Persona." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's seventh season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Clark is still frozen in the fortress, Bizarro grows closer to Lana, who returns the feelings on just as deep a level, even sharing some badly-needed information with him while he still attempts to carry out his intentions of destroying Clark. Lex's brother, Julian, reveals himself to Lionel in an effort to clear the air between all parties involved."
"While Clark is still frozen in the fortress, Bizarro grows closer to Lana, who returns the feelings on just as deep a level, even sharing some badly-needed information with him while he still attempts to carry out his intentions of destroying Clark. Lex's brother, Julian, reveals himself to Lionel in an effort to clear the air between all parties involved."
On this day in 2008 (in Japan), The 4400 aired "Audrey Parker's Come And Gone." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After taking promicin, an old lady named Audrey Parker develops the ability to astral project from her body. When she's murdered, her spirit tries to reach Tom and Diana to help them find her killer. Shawn decides to re-open the 4400 center and start healing again despite the government's warnings. Ben and Maia come to Seattle to visit Diana. Cassie leads Kyle to some interesting information."
"After taking promicin, an old lady named Audrey Parker develops the ability to astral project from her body. When she's murdered, her spirit tries to reach Tom and Diana to help them find her killer. Shawn decides to re-open the 4400 center and start healing again despite the government's warnings. Ben and Maia come to Seattle to visit Diana. Cassie leads Kyle to some interesting information."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), DC's Legends Of Tomorrow aired "The Legion Of Doom." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Legends must find the Spear of Destiny before they can rescue Rip, while Malcolm and Damien realize that Thawne is pitting them against each other."
"The Legends must find the Spear of Destiny before they can rescue Rip, while Malcolm and Damien realize that Thawne is pitting them against each other."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Ghouli." This served as the fifth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a pair of teenage girls attack one another, each believing the other to be a monster, Mulder and Scully find that their investigation could possibly lead back to their long-lost son, William."
"When a pair of teenage girls attack one another, each believing the other to be a monster, Mulder and Scully find that their investigation could possibly lead back to their long-lost son, William."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "A Happy Refrain." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Claire's personal life takes an unexpected turn; Gordon makes an unusual grooming suggestion to Bortus."
"Claire's personal life takes an unexpected turn; Gordon makes an unusual grooming suggestion to Bortus."
