It's so very difficult to keep up with modern forays into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and I even keep discovering one's I yet to look into myself in the near and/or distant past. Such is the case for the BBC's The Changes, what appears to have been an adaptation of novels by Peter Dickinson (link). Some of what I've read online about the show's portrayal of Britain after an Apocalypse seemed a bit dark for younger viewers, which means it just might be something worth checking out in greater detail if I can locate it online. In any event, the first installment premiered on this day in 1975.
The venerable Tom Fadden -- shown above from Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) -- enjoyed a long career in Hollywood as a supporting player, appearing in well over 100 projects. Though he's no longer with us, Fadden was born on this day in 1895.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Undoubtedly, Loretta Young got her start in the entertainment industry when she was very, very young. In fact, one of her earliest gigs -- at age four! -- was a small appearance aboard the Silent/Fantasy Sirens Of The Sea (1917) for Universal Film Manufacturing Company. From there, she built an incredible career across over one hundred different projects, even winning an Academy Award along the way. Though she's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not that there was a lot of clothing involved but Mickey Hargitay 'suited up' in the guise of the greatest mythical strongman ever for work aboard The Loves Of Hercules (1960) for Contact Organization. Though he's no longer with us, Hargitay was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I don't know much about the life and career of Capucine, but it looks as though she achieved a bit of artistic notoriety during her time in the sun. As far as genre contributions go? I really only see a guest spot to the world of TV's short-lived Search worthy of mention. Though she's no longer with us, Capucine was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of the villainous Krako from Star Trek's memorable second season outing "A Piece of the Action," a scheming Vic Tayback tried to charm the pants of an unsuspecting Captain Kirk. (It didn't work.) Though he's no longer with us, Tayback was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Dr. John Ridge for Doomwatch (aired 1970-1972), actor Simon Oates played a scientist always on the watch for calamities that could spell mankind's end. Though he's no longer with us, Oates was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During Sylvester McCoy's tenure as Doctor Who, Sylvia Syms starred as Mrs. Pritchard in the "Ghost Light" episodes. Though she's no longer with us, Syms was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress-turned-producer Trudie Styler is certainly no creative slouch, and she continues to garner attention to some interesting projects, not all of them genre related. She was one of the behind-the-scenes forces who delivered Moon (2009) to audiences. Styler was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Rowan Atkinson took perhaps the shortest known turn as Doctor Who aboard Comic Relief's 1999 sketch, "Doctor Who - The Curse of Fatal Death." Atkinson was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor John DeMita made an appearance as a Romulan sentry aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation during the program's run. DeMita was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
January 6th is also the birthday of Andrea Thompson. She played the lovely but mysterious Talia Winters on Babylon 5. She was born back in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To everyone else, he's actor Aron Eisenberg. To Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fans, he'll always be Nog, a sometimes lovable sometimes misfit Ferengi who wanted nothing more than to serve Starfleet with distinction! Though he's no longer with us, Eisenberg was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Norman Reedus is far more well known, loved, and respected for his work as 'Daryl Dixon' aboard AMC Network's Apocalypse juggernaut, The Walking Dead, than he is for his notably gory death scene in the lukewarm Pandorum (2009). Reedus was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jill Sayre broke bread with no less than 'The Emissary' himself aboard an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She's also enjoyed a guest spot aboard Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Sayre was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! (What a huge, huge franchise!) Johnny Yong Bosch played Adam Park as part of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Zeo, and Power Rangers Turbo. Check out his resume on IMDB.com right here, and you'll see that the actor maintains an amazing voice-acting resume as well. Bosch was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com is any indication, then I suspect Danny Pintauro's 'Comfort Zone' is really more comedy, but he did appear in Timestalkers (1987) for good measure. Pintauro was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to Rogue One's behind-the-scenes suits for casting the lovely and talented Genevieve O'Reilly in the role of Mon Mothma, but can we bring her back in another Star Wars feature or two and give the leader of the Rebellion a little more to do? O'Reilly was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Tara Spencer-Nairn has enjoyed a solid handful of smaller roles in franchises near and dear to Science Fiction fans. In her career, she's booked appearances on Poltergeist: The Legacy, First Wave, NightMan, The Outer Limits, Relic Hunter, ReGenesis, and The Strain. Spencer-Nairn was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of you who missed Starz Network's Counterpart happened to miss one of the smarter parallel worlds dramas to come about in the modern era of television; and you'd do well to seek that one out for a viewing. Alas, I did find its conclusion after two seasons a bit underwhelming, but that didn't cheapen the journey at all ... and actress Betty Gabriel enjoyed a meaty role in the project. With only a handful of screen credits to her name, she continues to rack up genre appearance after genre appearance -- all with great performances. Fans might recognize her from work aboard The Purge: Election Year (2016), 12 Deadly Days, Get Out (2017), Beyond Skyline (2017), Unfriended: Dark Web (2018), Upgrade (2018), Westworld, The Twilight Zone, The Spine Of Night (2021), and It Lives Inside (2023). Gabriel was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
She made a splash as Mako Mori in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim, but actress Rinko Kikuchi owes her true greatness to this day back in 1981: that's when she was born!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Eddie Redmayne made an appearance aboard the Wachowskis' ill-fated SciFi epic, Jupiter Ascending, on the silver screen back in 2015. Redmayne was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian actress Cristina Rosato continues to impress in even the smallest of roles. Fans know her best for her work aboard Lost Girl, Exploding Sun (2013), Survival Code (2013), and Syfy's Helix. Rosato was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
'Funny girl' Kate McKinnon and a host of other Saturday Night Live "regulars" gave SciFi a try with 2016's Ghostbusters reboot; needless to say, audiences were not impressed. Maybe leave it alone, Kate. McKinnon was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's a lot more arm-folding in this modera era of Star Wars than there ever used to be, but kudos to Hugh Skinner for also making a go of it. He enjoyed a small role aboard Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a film that many fans found 'the last straw' to the whole Star Wars / Disney experiment. The actor has also found screen success in such properties as Day Of The Dead (2008), The Invitation (2022), and The Witcher. Skinner was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model-turned-actress Irina Shayk used her beauty to great renown in the realm of Fantasy with a top role aboard Hercules (2014) for Paramount Pictures. Shayk was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear most of her work veers more toward mainstream drama, the lovely Elizabeth Tan enjoyed a brief appearance in the wide, wide world of Doctor Who. Tan was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Australian-born actress Elizabeth Blackmore has certainly made an impression with appearances in genre projects. Fan know her best from work in Legend Of The Seeker, Beauty And The Beast, The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon A Time, and the long-running Supernatural. Blackmore was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Watch out, mankind! Young Aussie actress Courtney Eaton made her theatrical debut in no less than Mad Max: Fury Road. Eaton was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1932 (in Canada), the original SciFi/Horror Classic Frankenstein enjoyed its theatrical release. James Whale directed the motion picture from an adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, and the feature starred Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, and Boris Karloff. For those born on an island, here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1954 (in France), Mandragore took one of cinema's earliest looks into 'artificial life.' Directed by Arthur Maria Rabenalt, the SciFi/Horror starred Hildegard Knef, Erich von Stroheim, and Trude Hesterberg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
On this day in 1954 (in the great nation of West Germany), the original SciFi classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
On this day in 1961 (in Brazil), The Time Machine sent audiences on a whirlwind trip through the ages. Directed by genre master George Pal from a script by David Duncan (adapting the H.G. Wells' novel), the film starred Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, and Alan Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
At the 1961 Academy Awards, The Time Machine took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' The film also enjoyed a 1961 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
At the 1961 Academy Awards, The Time Machine took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' The film also enjoyed a 1961 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed airing on U.S. televisions. The particular adaptation was originally produced by the BBC was directed by Alastair Reid and starred David Hemmings, Lisa Harrow, and Ian Bannen. Here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respectable Victorian scientist, concocts a drug which releases another side to his personality - a brutal, murderous alter ego."
"Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respectable Victorian scientist, concocts a drug which releases another side to his personality - a brutal, murderous alter ego."
On this day in 1982 (in Spain), the 1933-produced King Kong enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the film used some pioneering special effects to bring the king to life; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
Look out! It's Evil! On this day in 1983 (in Italy), Time Bandits delivered laughs and thrills in this cinematic Fantasy. Written by Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin (and directed by Gilliam himself), the Fantasy feature starred Sean Connery, John Cleese, and Shelley Duvall; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
- At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Time Bandits was presented with the President's Award -- the very first given by the organization -- a title bestowed for quality genre entertainment that's given in honor of one of the Academy's founder, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The film was also nominated for trophies in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best International Film.'
- At the 1982 Hugo Awards, Time Bandits received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1983 (in Hong Kong), TRON took audiences on a trip into the digital world. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Lisberger, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, and Cindy Morgan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as Master Control and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the Master Control Program that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as Master Control and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the Master Control Program that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1985 (in Portugal), George Lucas's 1971-produced THX 1138 played for audiences in attendance of a special screening at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian). Written (in part) and directed by George Lucas, the film starred Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasance, and Don Pedro Colley. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
On this day in 1988 (in France), the Apocalypse-themed Wheels Of Fire enjoyed its theatrical release. The Apocalypse/Thriller was directed by Cirio H. Santiago and starred Gary Watkins, Laura Banks, and Lynda Wiesmeier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
On this day in 1995 (in Russia), the Fantasy/Comedy Groundhog Day took audiences on a trip over the single weirdest day in one man's life. Written (in part) and directed by Harold Ramis, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A self-centered Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexplicably trapped in a small town as he lives the same day over and over again."
For the record:
Groundhog Day was a critical and commercial hit, and it's the kind of comic flick that continues to resonates well after its first theatrical run.
"A self-centered Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexplicably trapped in a small town as he lives the same day over and over again."
For the record:
Groundhog Day was a critical and commercial hit, and it's the kind of comic flick that continues to resonates well after its first theatrical run.
- At the 1994 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film received an incredible six nominations ('Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film'). At the end of the night, however, only MacDowell went home with a trophy.
- At the 1994 Hugo Awards, Groundhog Day enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- In 2006, the film was inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry. For those unaware, the Registry seeks to preserve for the ages films that have demonstrated a lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution to the medium.
On this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom and Ireland), the SciFi/Thriller Timecop opened theatrically. Directed by Peter Hyams from a script by Mike Richardson and Mark Verheiden, the film starred Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
On this day in 2007 (in Hong Kong), Stanley Kubrick's 1968-produced 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
On this day in 2011 (in Slovakia), TRON: Legacy returned audiences to the virtual world with a big budget sequel to the 1980's hit. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Audience and critical reception for TRON: Legacy was a bit, but I'll admit to having a fondness for the picture.
"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world."
For the record:
Audience and critical reception for TRON: Legacy was a bit, but I'll admit to having a fondness for the picture.
- At the 2011 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
- At the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Legacy reaped the benefits of its name, taking home two trophies ('Best Production Design' and 'Best Actor' for Jeff Bridges) while missing out in five other categories ('Best Costume,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.')
On this day in 2013 (in Sweden), the dinosaurs roared again -- well, maybe? -- with the release of Triassic Attack. Directed by Colin Ferguson, the feature starred Steven Brand, Emilia Clarke, and Kirsty Mitchell. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A Native American owner of a kitschy roadside museum accidentally brings to life three dinosaur fossils. Now really annoyed, the giant dinos wreak havoc on the small town and the local university."
"A Native American owner of a kitschy roadside museum accidentally brings to life three dinosaur fossils. Now really annoyed, the giant dinos wreak havoc on the small town and the local university."
On this day in 2015 (in Japan), Parts Per Billion paired up a SciFi-fueled biological catastrophe with the story of personal strife. Written and directed by Brian Horiuchi, the feature starred Frank Langella, Rosario Dawson, and Gena Rowlands, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The interwoven stories of three couples which are forced to make life altering decisions in the face of a disastrous war. Inspired and sometimes blinded by their love, Len, Mia, Andy, Esther, Anna and Erik are as flawed and beautiful as any of the billions who are facing this human-made biological disaster."
"The interwoven stories of three couples which are forced to make life altering decisions in the face of a disastrous war. Inspired and sometimes blinded by their love, Len, Mia, Andy, Esther, Anna and Erik are as flawed and beautiful as any of the billions who are facing this human-made biological disaster."
On this day in 2015, the Fantasy-themed Short Film called Guin And The Dragon enjoyed its first airing in the United Kingdom. Directed by Oliver Smyth from a story by Andrew McCaldon, the feature starred Eddie Wells, Isabelle Allen, and Louise Jameson. According to the BBC website, here's the premise:
"Young Guin embarks on a quest to rescue her friend Arthur from the sinister Dragon Lady."
"Young Guin embarks on a quest to rescue her friend Arthur from the sinister Dragon Lady."
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2015 (in Japan), Sharktopus Vs Pteracuda went for a swim in theaters. Written by Matt Yamashita and directed by Kevin O'Neill, this Creature Feature starred Akari Endo, Rib Hillis, Tony Evangelista; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"SHARKTOPUS VS PTERACUDA finds an American scientist up to no good (as usual) by creating the half-pterodactyl, half-barracuda: Pteracuda. When the creature inevitably escapes, it's up to Sharktopus to stop him."
"SHARKTOPUS VS PTERACUDA finds an American scientist up to no good (as usual) by creating the half-pterodactyl, half-barracuda: Pteracuda. When the creature inevitably escapes, it's up to Sharktopus to stop him."
On this day in 2017 (in Japan), Terrordactyl enjoyed its release on DVD for the home video consumer market. Written by Don Bitters III who also directed alongside Geoff Reisner, the Fantasy feature starred Jenny Allford, Jack E. Curenton, and Bianca Haase; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When ancient flying reptiles attack Los Angeles, it's up to two working-class friends, the unlikeliest of heroes, to save the day."
"When ancient flying reptiles attack Los Angeles, it's up to two working-class friends, the unlikeliest of heroes, to save the day."
A star is born ... and it's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 2018 (in Spain), Eruption: LA erupted onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Sean Cain, this SciFi/Thriller starred Matthew Atkinson, Lexi Johnson, and Amy Paffrath. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Struggling screenwriter Josh Kendricks finds himself the star of his own disaster movie when super volcanoes begin erupting all over Los Angeles Now Josh, along with wacko-scientist-turned-novelist Quinn Irwin and Hollywood diva Kat Rivers, must band together to get Quinns' research to the mayor and save the city before it blows in one final eruption."
"Struggling screenwriter Josh Kendricks finds himself the star of his own disaster movie when super volcanoes begin erupting all over Los Angeles Now Josh, along with wacko-scientist-turned-novelist Quinn Irwin and Hollywood diva Kat Rivers, must band together to get Quinns' research to the mayor and save the city before it blows in one final eruption."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "Tankers In Space." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It is decided to attempt fuel transfers between space craft while flying in orbit. The requirement for precision control of two spacecraft is met by using a pair of specially trained twins. Safety is the primary concern, but ensuring this, they overlook one potential fatal flaw in the mission."
"It is decided to attempt fuel transfers between space craft while flying in orbit. The requirement for precision control of two spacecraft is met by using a pair of specially trained twins. Safety is the primary concern, but ensuring this, they overlook one potential fatal flaw in the mission."
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Millionaire Astro." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the animated program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A millionaire tries to take Astro away from the Jetsons, claiming that Astro is really his dog."
"A millionaire tries to take Astro away from the Jetsons, claiming that Astro is really his dog."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds aired "City Of Fire." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's largest skyscraper "Thompson Tower" is opened amid great fan fare and excitement. Two miles high and containing 12 hotels, it has space for 10,000 cars. A fire breaking out in the basement of the building quickly turns into a major disaster and International Rescue a called begin trying to save the people trapped in the building."
"The world's largest skyscraper "Thompson Tower" is opened amid great fan fare and excitement. Two miles high and containing 12 hotels, it has space for 10,000 cars. A fire breaking out in the basement of the building quickly turns into a major disaster and International Rescue a called begin trying to save the people trapped in the building."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Time Tunnel aired "Kill Two By Two." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a Pacific isle about to be bombed by America, Doug and Tony are held by a downed Japanese pilot and a sergeant. Kirk brings in a Japanese officer who served on the island. He won't help unless they save his son who died during the war."
"On a Pacific isle about to be bombed by America, Doug and Tony are held by a downed Japanese pilot and a sergeant. Kirk brings in a Japanese officer who served on the island. He won't help unless they save his son who died during the war."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's UFO aired "Survival." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Foster is stranded on the Moon and another astronaut is killed following an attack by aliens under cover of a meteor shower. Foster has lost contact with the Moonbase and is assumed to be dead so there is no search party. Then he meets an alien, also stranded, and the two have to work in a bizarre alliance in order to survive."
"Foster is stranded on the Moon and another astronaut is killed following an attack by aliens under cover of a meteor shower. Foster has lost contact with the Moonbase and is assumed to be dead so there is no search party. Then he meets an alien, also stranded, and the two have to work in a bizarre alliance in order to survive."
It all began right here: on this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), The Changes premiered on television. Officially, this pilot episode was titled "The Noise," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Unknown noises and messages to humanity sent through all electrical appliances. When heard humans destroy all they machinery. Nicky a young school girl gets seperated from her parents, who are making their way to the coast for France. Now she must find her parents and fend for herself."
"Unknown noises and messages to humanity sent through all electrical appliances. When heard humans destroy all they machinery. Nicky a young school girl gets seperated from her parents, who are making their way to the coast for France. Now she must find her parents and fend for herself."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "Light-fingered Lady." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Posing as jewel thief Lil Thaxton, Diana Prince infiltrates Anton Caribe's gang of thieves who are about to embark on his most ambitious robbery. Caribe intends to retire after this one, so it is the IADC's last chance to catch this elusive criminal."
"Posing as jewel thief Lil Thaxton, Diana Prince infiltrates Anton Caribe's gang of thieves who are about to embark on his most ambitious robbery. Caribe intends to retire after this one, so it is the IADC's last chance to catch this elusive criminal."
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Power Of Kroll: Part 3." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's sixteenth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Romana and Rohm-Dutt are sentenced to death by the Swampies while the refinery crew try to work out a way to destroy Kroll."
"The Doctor, Romana and Rohm-Dutt are sentenced to death by the Swampies while the refinery crew try to work out a way to destroy Kroll."
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), The Greatest American Hero aired "Plague." This served as the eighth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Bill and Ralph must track down a group of gun-runners while dealing with a plague threat."
"Bill and Ralph must track down a group of gun-runners while dealing with a plague threat."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Warriors Of The Deep: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Just are the Doctor gains a tentative trust from the humans, a Silurian battle cruiser approaches. The Doctor warns Commander Vorsha to hold his fire and find out what they want, but is the level-headed commander one who'll listen?"
"Just are the Doctor gains a tentative trust from the humans, a Silurian battle cruiser approaches. The Doctor warns Commander Vorsha to hold his fire and find out what they want, but is the level-headed commander one who'll listen?"
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), TV's Knight Rider aired "Custom Made Killer." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. come to the aid of some fashion designers after two of their ilk are murdered by a custom car. When Knight gets hurt by the car in question, he starts to take the case personal."
"Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. come to the aid of some fashion designers after two of their ilk are murdered by a custom car. When Knight gets hurt by the car in question, he starts to take the case personal."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation continued boldly going into its third season with an episode titled "The Hunted." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Investigating a planet applying for membership into the Federation, the crew of the Enterprise finds a group of inhabitants who used to be soldiers, but now fight for their very existence."
"Investigating a planet applying for membership into the Federation, the crew of the Enterprise finds a group of inhabitants who used to be soldiers, but now fight for their very existence."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the sci-fi drama Space Rangers aired an hourly adventure titled "The Replacements." Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Budget cutbacks, overwork, bureaucracy, and failing equipment push the crew towards breaking point. Weiss's idea of help proves very unpopular. Throw creepy master-criminal Isogul into the mix and sit back and watch the fireworks."
"Budget cutbacks, overwork, bureaucracy, and failing equipment push the crew towards breaking point. Weiss's idea of help proves very unpopular. Throw creepy master-criminal Isogul into the mix and sit back and watch the fireworks."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Aubrey." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A pregnant police woman experiences visions that lead her to the remains of two FBI agents who went missing in the 1940s while on the trail of a serial killer that later got caught. The killings begin again but the only suspect is now 77."
"A pregnant police woman experiences visions that lead her to the remains of two FBI agents who went missing in the 1940s while on the trail of a serial killer that later got caught. The killings begin again but the only suspect is now 77."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Weird Science aired "Searching For Boris Karloff." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gary and Wyatt get to meet Dr. Frankenstein who is not happy that they did a much better job of bringing someone to life than him. He drains all of Lisa's energy to create the bride of Frankenstein."
"Gary and Wyatt get to meet Dr. Frankenstein who is not happy that they did a much better job of bringing someone to life than him. He drains all of Lisa's energy to create the bride of Frankenstein."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.) and as part of its fifth season, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ventured into "The Darkness and The Light." Here's what IMDB.com has to say about this hour:
"A mysterious assassin begins wiping out all the members of Kira's old resistance cell."
"A mysterious assassin begins wiping out all the members of Kira's old resistance cell."
As part of its seventh and final season, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the episode "Prodigal Daughter" on this day in 1999 (in the U.S.). Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Ezri travels to her family home in search of Chief O'Brien who has discovered a murdered woman connected with the family and the Orion Syndicate."
"Ezri travels to her family home in search of Chief O'Brien who has discovered a murdered woman connected with the family and the Orion Syndicate."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Trust No 1." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's ninth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder contacts Scully which sets off a chain of events involving an NSA man obsessed with speaking and giving information to Mulder."
"Mulder contacts Scully which sets off a chain of events involving an NSA man obsessed with speaking and giving information to Mulder."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), astronaut John Crichton and his decidedly alien friends took a journey on the wild side ... to Earth! The episode was part of Farscape's fourth season, and it was called "Terra Firma." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Crichton has arrived home, on Earth. Even though the Moya crew relaxes, on Earth and are treated as VIPs, Crichton can't seem to adjust to life on Earth. After all his adventures, can he still call Earth his home?"
"Crichton has arrived home, on Earth. Even though the Moya crew relaxes, on Earth and are treated as VIPs, Crichton can't seem to adjust to life on Earth. After all his adventures, can he still call Earth his home?"
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "The Hive." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sheppard's interrogation is suddenly aborted. Teyla senses another hive ship has arrived. Meanwhile McKay tries to convince his guard to call in help."
"Sheppard's interrogation is suddenly aborted. Teyla senses another hive ship has arrived. Meanwhile McKay tries to convince his guard to call in help."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Fourth Horseman, Part 2." This served as the eleventh episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The plague continues to spread among the US population and the President has quarantined the nation. Teal'c is pleading with the Jaffa High Council to reject Origin, but Gerak arrives, having been transformed by the Ori into a prior. Cameron and Daniel seek the blood of the prior that caused the plague in order to cure it, but have once again been captured by the Sodan."
"The plague continues to spread among the US population and the President has quarantined the nation. Teal'c is pleading with the Jaffa High Council to reject Origin, but Gerak arrives, having been transformed by the Ori into a prior. Cameron and Daniel seek the blood of the prior that caused the plague in order to cure it, but have once again been captured by the Sodan."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars first aired "Escape From Kadavo." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Obi-Wan and Rex are forced to work at the Kadavo slave camps, Count Dooku arrives at Zygerria and demands the execution of the captured Jedi."
"While Obi-Wan and Rex are forced to work at the Kadavo slave camps, Count Dooku arrives at Zygerria and demands the execution of the captured Jedi."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Almost Human broke in the New Year with its seventh episode, an hour titled "Simon Says." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Det. Kennex and Dorian investigate Simon, a psychopathic killer who is strapping bombs to his victims' neck and broadcasting their final moments over the internet. Meanwhile, a power deficiency affects Dorian's energy level, causing him to have unexpected outbursts."
"Det. Kennex and Dorian investigate Simon, a psychopathic killer who is strapping bombs to his victims' neck and broadcasting their final moments over the internet. Meanwhile, a power deficiency affects Dorian's energy level, causing him to have unexpected outbursts."
