At this point in my life, I honestly can't tell you all that much about the United Kingdom's Chocky franchise. I do know that the first installment (or series) premiered on this day in 1984. I also know that it had two other series that followed (one in 1985 and one in 1986). And I do know that it dealt with a young boy's 'adopting' an exterrestrial being. But otherwise that's all I can tell you. In any event, check it out, if you're so inclined.
Pardon me if my manhood is showing, but only a total b@d@ss like Lee Van Cleef had the stones to give Snake Plissken his marching orders in one of my personal favorite flicks from the '80's -- Escape from New York. Van Cleef made a name for himself in some spaghetti Westerns, so he was perfect in the role as the warden for the only maximum security prison left in the United States. Sadly, he's no longer with us, but that won't stop me from wishing him birthday wishes on this day (he was born in 1925).
Fernando Lamas (on the far right, with the red handkerchief) was one of the many familiar faces who braved The Lost World (1960), an Irwin Allen adaptation the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle SciFi tale. Though he's no longer with us, Lamas was born on this day in 1915.
If you've never seen Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964), then you've really missed the original version of The Martian for all intents and purposes. Paul Mantee plays astronaut Commander Christopher 'Kit' Draper who finds himself marooned on the Red Planet, low on supplies and needing oxygen fast. Though he's no longer with us, Mantee was born on this day in 1931.
Throughout her five decades in the entertainment business, the gifted K Callan has probably seen everything and done even more than that! While much of what she's done gravitates toward more mainstream projects, she's still managed to work in roles aboard Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and Heroes. Callan was born on this day in 1936.
The lovely Susannah York had so very little to do in Superman - The Movie where she played Lara, the mother to a baby Kalel. However, I heard it said that Brando wanted too much money to reprise his role as Jorel for Superman II, so producers were quick to rewrite his lines and pass them along to Ms. York. She did just fine. She's no longer with us, but don't let that stop any of you from wishing her a Happy Birthday! (She was born in 1939.)
Oh, you scheming sexy women with your scheming sexy smiles! You bat your eyelashes at us, and all for what? Nothing more than to lure Red Shirts to their deaths! At least that's that case for Francine Pyne who appeared briefly in an episode of the original Star Trek ("The Man Trap"). Though she's no longer with us, Pyne was born on this day in 1940.
In D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), the lovely Kathryn Walker (above right) played one of the scientists helping to perfect the world's first cybernetic youth. Walker was born on this day in 1943.
Singer and occasional actor David Johansen has certainly left his mark on the visual world. So far as genre fans are concerned, he's been a part of Gandahar (1988), Tales From The Darkside: The Movie (1990), and Freejack (1992). Johansen was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
J.K. Simmons is a brilliant character actor who has probably been stealing scenes with his charisma as long as he's been in the entertainment business. Genre fans probably know him best from his appearances as J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-man feature films, and Simmons was born on this day in 1955.
The lovely Kimberly Beck hasn't acted in some time (if IMDB.com is to be believed), but SciFi fans will always have her guest spot aboard Buck Rogers in the 25th Century to remember her by! Beck was born on this day in 1956.
The venerable Imelda Staunton has delivered greatness to a host of impressive projects over the years, but most folks these days known her for appearances in the Harry Potter universe. Staunton was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Voice acting genius Candi Milo has helped bring to life countless characters to delight the young and young-at-heart, several of which have fallen in the realm of Science Fiction. She can be heard on Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The Mask, The Tick, Batman Beyond: The Movie (1999), Batman Beyond, the Final Fantasy video games, Invader ZIM, and many, many more. Check out her profile on IMDB.com right here, and Milo was born on this day in 1961.
Event Horizon is another one of those rare Science Fiction films I can't quite understand all of the love for. It's basically a ghost story -- not a particular good one -- set in outer space. I guess I just needed a bit more. However, I always appreciate a good performance, and -- in that regard -- Joely Richardson certainly delivers. Richardson was born on this day in 1965.
Marco Sanchez had a terrific run in the 1990's on NBC's SciFi-themed SeaQuest (which later morphed into SeaQuest 2032). He's also booked appearances in such other properties as The Pretender, Star Trek: Enterprise, Dollhouse, Super 8, and Star Trek Into Darkness. Sanchez was born on this day in 1970.
Critical darling Angela Bettis has certainly enjoyed an eclectic career. She hasn't done much Science Fiction, however, but we'll take a guest spot aboard Sliders for what it's worth. Bettis was born on this day in 1973.
Omari Hardwick played a voice of local authority aboard the Superhero/Fantasy film KickAss (2010). Hardwick was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Police Captain David Singh, Patrick Sabongui is one of the semi-regulars toiling behind-the-scenes on The CW's popular The Flash superhero drama. He's also a veteran of such properties as Stargate: Atlantis, The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008), Fringe, Caprica, TRON: Legacy (2010), Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Primeval: New World, Almost Human, The Tomorrow People, Godzilla (2014), and The 100. Sabongui was born on this day in 1975.
Though I don't count myself among the many fanboys who went gaga for Iron Sky (2012), I will admit that I did love the work several performers did on the Cult/SciFi flick ... and, yes, that includes the lovely and charming Julia Dietze whose Renate Richter was one of the highlights of the film. Dietze was born on this day in 1981.
As a producer, David Ellison certainly works hard to keep himself on the entertainment map. He's held shepherd such big projects to the silver screen as G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Star Trek Into Darkness, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, and Star Trek Beyond. Ellison was born on this day in 1983.
Weronika Rosati is just one of the so many lovely ladies who dabbled in the realm of Fantasy compliments of The CW's long-running Supernatural. Rosati was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Nina Dobrev caught fire (literally) for her work aboard the SciFi-lite Flatliners (2017) reboot. Dobrev was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but Syfy's Haven was just another one of those Syfy programs that I never quite admired. I turned in for a few episodes, but the chemistry just didn't work for me. Still, kudos to Steve Lund, one of the actors who enjoyed several appearances on the franchise. Lund was born on this day in 1989.
Pretty as a picture Ashley Argota heats up the small screen by kicking butt and taking no prisoners in the guise of Taylor on Walt Disney's Lab Rats. Argota was born on this day in 1993.
When the Transformers franchise dumbed Shia LaBeouf from its starting lineup, producers thankfully brought in some better eye candy: young Nicola Peltz stepped in to take up the reins alongside Marky Mark Wahlberg. Transformers: Age of Extinction didn't miss a beat. Peltz was born on this day in 1995.
In her youth, the delightful Kerris Dorsey delivered some big girl power to the SciFi/Telefilm Girl Vs. Monster (2012). Dorsey was born on this day in 1998. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1987, the Fantasy-themed Iron Warrior sunk its sword into the cinematic hilt. The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Savina Gersak, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"The Fighting Eagle returns again, sans Thong, to the legendary realm of Dragor to do battle with Phaedra, an evil sorceress. Her main weapon is an unstoppable warrior, known as the Master of the Sword, who continuously battles Ator to a draw, until finally revealing his secret connection to the Blademaster."
"The Fighting Eagle returns again, sans Thong, to the legendary realm of Dragor to do battle with Phaedra, an evil sorceress. Her main weapon is an unstoppable warrior, known as the Master of the Sword, who continuously battles Ator to a draw, until finally revealing his secret connection to the Blademaster."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in New York City), The Kindred birthed its way into our collective consciousness. Written and directed by the team of Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow (with some collaboration from John Penney), the SciFi/Horror starred Rod Steiger, Amanda Pays, and Talia Balsam; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
On this day in 1996 (in Turkey), the immortal Star Hunter enjoyed its premiere on television. The feature starred Roddy McDowall and Stella Stevens, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Star hunters are the space monsters who hunt helpless creatures for pleasure. One night couple of high school football players and their cheerleaders are returning home after the lost game. But, when their bus makes the wrong turn, they are going to meet those creatures, and the real game will begin."
For the record: Presently, I've no idea when Star Hunter enjoyed its first showing ever. IMDB.com indicates it played sometime in 1996 in Spain, but I've yet to locate a specific date. I'll keep searching ...
"Star hunters are the space monsters who hunt helpless creatures for pleasure. One night couple of high school football players and their cheerleaders are returning home after the lost game. But, when their bus makes the wrong turn, they are going to meet those creatures, and the real game will begin."
For the record: Presently, I've no idea when Star Hunter enjoyed its first showing ever. IMDB.com indicates it played sometime in 1996 in Spain, but I've yet to locate a specific date. I'll keep searching ...
On this day in 2015, Crystal Skulls took yet another look at Earth's impending doom from catastrophe. The telefilm starred Richard Burgi and Wendy Gleen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"It is 2020 and the apocalypse is inevitable. 12 of 13 Crystal skulls are united causing catastrophic events. Only the 13th Skull can theoretically restore order before the Earth is destroyed from within by their power."
"It is 2020 and the apocalypse is inevitable. 12 of 13 Crystal skulls are united causing catastrophic events. Only the 13th Skull can theoretically restore order before the Earth is destroyed from within by their power."
Predestination is one of those flicks that came and went from theatres in the blink of an eye. (Ironic, isn't it, that the story is about 'time travel,' no?) It first premiered theatrically on this day in 2015, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The life of a time-traveling Temporal Agent. On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time."
"The life of a time-traveling Temporal Agent. On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time."
On this day in 1953, Adventures of Superman aired "The Runaway Robot." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The inventor of a robot is kidnapped by burglars who intend to use his robot for robberies. Meanwhile, the police are looking for the inventor, who they believe to be responsible for the crimes, and Clark and his colleagues are out to clear the man's name."
"The inventor of a robot is kidnapped by burglars who intend to use his robot for robberies. Meanwhile, the police are looking for the inventor, who they believe to be responsible for the crimes, and Clark and his colleagues are out to clear the man's name."
On this day in 1954, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Boy Who Hated Superman." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark Kent temporarily takes in Frankie, a juvenile street tough who has hooked up with Duke, a criminal. Clark, in his civilian identity, is trying to set Frankie on the right path. But Clark will have to do double duty, and utilize his Superman identity, in order to succeed."
"Clark Kent temporarily takes in Frankie, a juvenile street tough who has hooked up with Duke, a criminal. Clark, in his civilian identity, is trying to set Frankie on the right path. But Clark will have to do double duty, and utilize his Superman identity, in order to succeed."
On this day in 1954, Johnny Jupiter aired "Library." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ernest gets in hot water when Reject the Robot returns an overdue library book that the inventor took out two years earlier."
"Ernest gets in hot water when Reject the Robot returns an overdue library book that the inventor took out two years earlier."
On this day in 1954, Space Patrol aired "The Space Vault Robbery." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the help of a rogue scientist's gadgets, a 24th Century space pirate successfully robs bank after bank throughout the solar system. Desperate to thwart the master criminal, the United Planets orders Commander Corry to transport their remaining funds to a secret artificial planetoid. Anticipating such a move, the galactic cutthroat hides a hidden speaker in Carol's medallion so he can listen in on the Space Patrol's every move."
"With the help of a rogue scientist's gadgets, a 24th Century space pirate successfully robs bank after bank throughout the solar system. Desperate to thwart the master criminal, the United Planets orders Commander Corry to transport their remaining funds to a secret artificial planetoid. Anticipating such a move, the galactic cutthroat hides a hidden speaker in Carol's medallion so he can listen in on the Space Patrol's every move."
It all began right here: on this day in 1967, Captain Nice soared onto the television set! The first episode was titled "The Man Who Flies Like A Pidgeon," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carter tries to explain the importance of his new formula."
"Carter tries to explain the importance of his new formula."
It all began right here: on this day in 1967, Mr. Terrific soared onto the television set! (Whoa ... deja vu?!) The first episode was titled "Matchless," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stanley is unaware that a hotly-pursued Power Paralysis device has been concealed in a book of matches placed in his coat pocket."
"Stanley is unaware that a hotly-pursued Power Paralysis device has been concealed in a book of matches placed in his coat pocket."
On this day in 1967, The Space Giants aired "Vacuma's Showdown." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by TheTVDB.com:
"Rodak tells Goldar that Gor’s body contains an army of 6-inch tall robots which will be released if Gor is destroyed. The villain next orders Gor and Vacuma to destroy the military complex where Sultan is being kept. Sultan informs the authorities that only freezing cold can safely destroy Gor. Mathusam equips Gam with a freezing chemical. As Goldar attacks Gor, Gam throws the freezing chemical on the monster, defeating him once and for all. Rodak orders an all-out attack to find and kill Sultan before he can give away any more of Rodak’s secrets. Because Sultan came from a highly magnetic planet, Rodak is able to locate him with a powerful compass. He finds Sultan hiding in a hotel, Rodak shrinks Vacuma, enabling the monster to get inside the building and murder Sultan. Using Mathusam’s freezing compound, Goldar destroys Vacuma."
"Rodak tells Goldar that Gor’s body contains an army of 6-inch tall robots which will be released if Gor is destroyed. The villain next orders Gor and Vacuma to destroy the military complex where Sultan is being kept. Sultan informs the authorities that only freezing cold can safely destroy Gor. Mathusam equips Gam with a freezing chemical. As Goldar attacks Gor, Gam throws the freezing chemical on the monster, defeating him once and for all. Rodak orders an all-out attack to find and kill Sultan before he can give away any more of Rodak’s secrets. Because Sultan came from a highly magnetic planet, Rodak is able to locate him with a powerful compass. He finds Sultan hiding in a hotel, Rodak shrinks Vacuma, enabling the monster to get inside the building and murder Sultan. Using Mathusam’s freezing compound, Goldar destroys Vacuma."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Space Fall." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Blake takes the prison transport ship "London" under siege with help from Kerr Avon and Jenna Stannis. But when the siege fails, Blake, Jenna and Avon are sent to investigate a abandoned alien spaceship, where Blake decides to take to control of the ship and escape."
"Blake takes the prison transport ship "London" under siege with help from Kerr Avon and Jenna Stannis. But when the siege fails, Blake, Jenna and Avon are sent to investigate a abandoned alien spaceship, where Blake decides to take to control of the ship and escape."
It all began right here: on this day in 1984, Chocky premiered in the United Kingdom. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the first episode of the first season:
"It's Matthew's birthday and the family have gone to London. They go on an open-top bus and visit the planetarium. Matthew explains that he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. It is discovered that Matthew has been adopted. In Maths the following morning, a blue-white light appears and enters the classroom. It seems to be searching for someone. It lands on Matthew and Matthew immediately finds that he can solve the problems straight away, when he couldn't before. Matthew's parents notice his unusual behaviour as he starts to ask some unusual questions. Matthew has a fever and starts talking aloud. His parents discover Chocky, who seems to be an imaginary friend."
"It's Matthew's birthday and the family have gone to London. They go on an open-top bus and visit the planetarium. Matthew explains that he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. It is discovered that Matthew has been adopted. In Maths the following morning, a blue-white light appears and enters the classroom. It seems to be searching for someone. It lands on Matthew and Matthew immediately finds that he can solve the problems straight away, when he couldn't before. Matthew's parents notice his unusual behaviour as he starts to ask some unusual questions. Matthew has a fever and starts talking aloud. His parents discover Chocky, who seems to be an imaginary friend."
On this day in 1987, Starman aired "The System." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Forrester is arrested on a minor thing, an old warrant is served on him. It seems that the real Forrester took a photo of a man who was suspected of a crime which he claims he didn't commit. So Forrester is being asked to reveal the man's location but because he doesn't know he can't tell them so he's placed in jail. Scott is taken in by a lawyer representing Forrester. Fox eventually learns of this so tries to get Forrester but the police stonewall him. But when a mistake gets Forrester released he goes to Scott who shows him the photo and he thinks he can find the location."
"When Forrester is arrested on a minor thing, an old warrant is served on him. It seems that the real Forrester took a photo of a man who was suspected of a crime which he claims he didn't commit. So Forrester is being asked to reveal the man's location but because he doesn't know he can't tell them so he's placed in jail. Scott is taken in by a lawyer representing Forrester. Fox eventually learns of this so tries to get Forrester but the police stonewall him. But when a mistake gets Forrester released he goes to Scott who shows him the photo and he thinks he can find the location."
On this day back in 1988, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired its eleventh episode of its first season, a somewhat lighthearted fan favorite known as "The Big Goodbye." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the hour's plot summary:
"Captain Picard and some of his crew are caught in a deadly trap in the holodeck as the result of a ship-wide scan from an alien race."
"Captain Picard and some of his crew are caught in a deadly trap in the holodeck as the result of a ship-wide scan from an alien race."
On this day in 1989, War of the Worlds aired "Among the Philistines." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Blackwood team consults with noted linguist Adrian Bouchard (Cedric Smith) to decipher the aliens' transmissions."
"The Blackwood team consults with noted linguist Adrian Bouchard (Cedric Smith) to decipher the aliens' transmissions."
On this day in 1994, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Witness." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an interview with an eccentric scientist, Lois unwittingly learns of a great conspiracy to destroy the environment and becomes a witness to her interviewee's murder. Once her story is published, she becomes the target that must be eliminated at all cost. Lois and Clark must race against time to unearth the conspiracy while evading the assassin who has been ordered to kill Lois."
"During an interview with an eccentric scientist, Lois unwittingly learns of a great conspiracy to destroy the environment and becomes a witness to her interviewee's murder. Once her story is published, she becomes the target that must be eliminated at all cost. Lois and Clark must race against time to unearth the conspiracy while evading the assassin who has been ordered to kill Lois."
On this day in 1994, TV's SeaQuest DSV aired "Nothing But The Truth." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While operating on a skeleton crew the Seaquest is taken over by terrorists who want to use the computer access to steal codes to polluters around the world."
"While operating on a skeleton crew the Seaquest is taken over by terrorists who want to use the computer access to steal codes to polluters around the world."
On this day in 1994, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Alternate" as part of its second season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Odo and Dr. Mora Pol, Odo's 'father', discover a life form similar to Odo on a Gamma Quadrant planet."
"Odo and Dr. Mora Pol, Odo's 'father', discover a life form similar to Odo on a Gamma Quadrant planet."
On this day in 1995, "Past Tense" concluded as a solid two-parter for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sisko is forced to take the place of a key historical figure on Earth in 2024 in order to preserve the timeline."
"Sisko is forced to take the place of a key historical figure on Earth in 2024 in order to preserve the timeline."
On this day in 1996, The Demon Headmaster aired the third episode of its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dinah is forced by the Headmaster to take part in 'Eddy Hare's Great School Quiz'. S.P.L.A.T realise that their team must loose, because if the school team wins, the Headmaster will have a whole minute with the camera focussing on him... a whole minute to adress the nation... a whole minute in which he can take control!!!"
"Dinah is forced by the Headmaster to take part in 'Eddy Hare's Great School Quiz'. S.P.L.A.T realise that their team must loose, because if the school team wins, the Headmaster will have a whole minute with the camera focussing on him... a whole minute to adress the nation... a whole minute in which he can take control!!!"
On this day in 2000, Fox TV's The X-Files aired "Orison." This served as the seventh episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five years have passed since Scully escaped from Donnie Pfaster, an obsessed death fetishist. When Reverend Orison helps the madman escape from prison he immediately turns to the one that got away...Scully."
"Five years have passed since Scully escaped from Donnie Pfaster, an obsessed death fetishist. When Reverend Orison helps the madman escape from prison he immediately turns to the one that got away...Scully."
On this day in 2001, Dark Angel aired "Out." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max invites Logan to a dinner at her place but instead of having a good time together, Logan is set on investigating a suspicious transportation of what he thinks is medical supply. Max begrudging agrees to help him survey the scene. Later, Logan is captured by the very person he is pursuing and kidnapped. He is demanded to give up the identity of Eyes-Only just as Max impersonates him on TV, saving him in the process. Back at Jam Pony, Normal has a date with a woman who is actually transgender. After he finds out, he decides that he doesn't care about her past, only to discover that Louise is a lesbian."
"Max invites Logan to a dinner at her place but instead of having a good time together, Logan is set on investigating a suspicious transportation of what he thinks is medical supply. Max begrudging agrees to help him survey the scene. Later, Logan is captured by the very person he is pursuing and kidnapped. He is demanded to give up the identity of Eyes-Only just as Max impersonates him on TV, saving him in the process. Back at Jam Pony, Normal has a date with a woman who is actually transgender. After he finds out, he decides that he doesn't care about her past, only to discover that Louise is a lesbian."
On this day in 2003 (in Hungary), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Sins Of The Father." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Klingon commander comes aboard the Enterprise in an officer exchange program initiated by Starfleet, much to the chagrin of the crew."
"A Klingon commander comes aboard the Enterprise in an officer exchange program initiated by Starfleet, much to the chagrin of the crew."
On this day in 2006, Surface continued to make waves during its first and only season by airing its twelfth episode. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Fugitives on the Run - Laura and Rich become fugitives and are being pursued by Lee and his legion of secret agents."
"Fugitives on the Run - Laura and Rich become fugitives and are being pursued by Lee and his legion of secret agents."
On this day in 2009, Sanctuary aired "Revelations: Part 2." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Ashley and Henry in the hands of the Cabal the rest of the team venture to a remote vampire enclave to recover the last known sample of vampire blood; the power they need to defeat the Cabal."
"With Ashley and Henry in the hands of the Cabal the rest of the team venture to a remote vampire enclave to recover the last known sample of vampire blood; the power they need to defeat the Cabal."
