Late in her professional career, Jeff Donnell filled out the shoes of 'Aunt May' aboard the late 1970's TV incarnation of The Amazing Spider-Man. Though she's no longer with us Donnell was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
William Smithers has a face that was popping up all over the place during the days of my television youth. The talented character actor has been a part of such properties as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Invaders, Star Trek, The Six Million Dollar Man, Deathsport (1978), and The Amazing Spider-Man. Smithers was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Susan Cummings proved herself a tasty morsel (pun intended) with her work aboard "To Serve Man," one of the more memorable visits to Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Cummings was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The esteemed Bruce Boa enjoyed a bit of screen time opposite Carrie Fisher herself aboard George Lucas's The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for Twentieth Century Fox. Though he's no longer with us, Boa was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his short thirty-six years on this planet, Nick Adams still managed to rack up an impressive 65 screen credits. Fans might know him from work in The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965), Monster of Terror (1965), Invasion of the Astro-Monster (1965), and Mission Mars (1968). Though he's no longer with us, Adams was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If film careers are any indication, then the lovely Tura Satana (above right) certainly turned heads in her lifetime. Mostly, she starred in a handful of B-Pictures, the least memorable of which may just have been The Astro-Zombies (1968). Though she's no longer with us, Satana was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lawrence Pressman owns the distinction of appearing aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine not once but three times ... in the guise of three completely different characters. He's also appeared on The X-Files and Dark Angel. Pressman was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Robert Pine had a role in 1996's alien invasion adventure, Independence Day (pictured above). The actor has also enjoyed appearances in such projects as Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, Journeyman, and The Event. Pine was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Ron Glass was part of the very talented ensemble at the heart of Joss Whedon's kinda/sorta Western kinda/sorta Sci-Fi program Firefly that went on to become the blockbuster motion picture (not!) Serenity. (Sorry, folks, wasn't a fan of the program, but I do agree it had an immensely talented cast.) Though he's no longer with us, Glass was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Sue Lyon is best remembered as the young temptress aboard Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Lolita (1962), but she has a few interesting SciFi credits to her name. She appeared in End of the World (1977), The Astral Factor (1978), and Alligator (1980), each having a bit of a cult following for completely different reasons. Lyon was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume may only contain a scant thirty-two citations, the lovely Mindi Miller still retains some solid genre credentials, including work aboard Westworld (1973), Monster Squad, Quark, Hercules (1983), Knight Rider, V, Amazons (1986), and Batman Returns (1992). Miller was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The multi-talented Hans Beimler is just one of the many people who helped to bring Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to life in TV syndication. He's also worked on such programs as Star Trek: The Next Generation, TekWar, The Dresden Files, and The Middleman. Beimler was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
If you wear the uniform, then you deserve a citation: Marco Rodriguez appeared aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Arsenal of Freedom" late in its first season. He's also shown up in such properties as Street Hawk, Werewolf, The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr., NightMan, Sliders, and Seven Days. Rodriguez was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I honestly did watch this particular season of Syfy's Channel Zero, but I don't recall the fate Fiona Shaw (as her character) suffered, though I'm guessing it didn't end well. However, this talented actress deserves all of the accolades I can muster for time spent aboard HBO's True Blood and the greater Harry Potter series of films. Shaw was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Janet Julian (aka Janet Louise Johnson) enjoyed a little screen time as 'Lieutenant Brie' aboard the original Battlestar Galactica. So far as genre credits go, she's also appeared in Ghost Warrior (1986), Knight Rider, and TV's Swamp Thing. Julian was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gina Bellman dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard the short-lived Emerald City. Bellman was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty Emma Fielding provided the voice for 'Kisar' aboard an episode of Doctor Who in the re-launched program's uneven 11th season. Fielding was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alexandra Hedison doesn't appear in projects all too often as of late, but that didn't stop her from securing roles in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, NightMan, Prey, and UPN's Seven Days. Hedison was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gale Harold (above center) continues to turn in performances that fall onto SciFiHistory.Net's radar. Of particular note, he's been seen aboard Syfy's Defiance as well as the SciFi feature film Andron (2015). Harold was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor John Simm had a brilliant breakthrough performance in the BBC's Life On Mars (which I highly recommend to those who haven't seen) ... and, of course, he was 'The Master,' a grand foil to face no less than David Tennant's incarnation of the legendary Doctor Who. Simm was born on this day in 1970, and he continues to impress with every project that he undertakes ... as 'The Master' would.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the actor's credit, Simm received a 2007 BAFTA Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Life On Mars ... a show that gets an unquestioned thumbs up from SciFiHistory.Net as well.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the actor's credit, Simm received a 2007 BAFTA Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Life On Mars ... a show that gets an unquestioned thumbs up from SciFiHistory.Net as well.
Erika Jayne brought both smarts and great looks to her work aboard the seemingly never-ending Syfy juggernaut Sharknado with a role in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens. Jayne was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Sofía Vergara lent her considerable pipes to the role of 'Gabby Babblebrock' in the animated Escape From Planet Earth (2013). Vergara was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Peter Serafinowicz appeared in a small role in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy (pictured above). The talented actor has also enjoyed roles and voicework in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Serafinowicz was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Chiwetel Ejiofor (pictured above right) wasn't so much of a "critical darling" when he appeared in Roland Emmerich's epic disaster movie, 2012, back in 2009. Ejiofor was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lucy Gaskell may not be a household name, but she's certainly earned her stripes in some quality genre projects, including roles in Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God (2005), Doctor Who, Vampire Killers (2009), Paradox, Being Human, and Misfits. Gaskell was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Being blonde and famous didn't keep Jessica Simpson from taking a trip into TV's The Twilight Zone back in 2003. One could argue that she's been living there ever since! Simpson was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It may not count for much, but we at SciFiHistory.Net take 'em where we get 'em: the lovely Aviva Baumann enjoyed a role in the SciFi/ShortFilm Earthbound (2011). Baumann was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Heather Hemmens is just one of the many players involved in The CW's politically-suspect reboot of the fondly remembered Roswell series. Hemmens was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, the fresh-faced Haley Pullos hasn't done much by way of traditional genre roles, but she did appear in an episode of Joss Whedon's SciFi-lite Dollhouse. Pullos was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Isabela Moner proved she was woman enough to step into a big role aboard Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). Moner was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1925 (in the U.S.), Chapter 11 of the SciFi serial The Power God was released to theaters. Directed by Francis Ford and Ben F. Wilson (who also starred), the film starred Neva Gerber, Lafe McKee, and Al Ernest Garcia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Sturgess invents a miraculous engine which can draw unlimited power from the atoms of the air. When the professor is killed, his daughter and her fiance must fight to keep the secret of the power engine out of the hands of evil Weston Dore and his henchmen."
"Professor Sturgess invents a miraculous engine which can draw unlimited power from the atoms of the air. When the professor is killed, his daughter and her fiance must fight to keep the secret of the power engine out of the hands of evil Weston Dore and his henchmen."
A star is born! On this day in 1936 (in the U.S.), the world got small again with the theatrical release of The Devil Doll. Directed by Tod Browning from a story by Garrett Fort, Guy Endore, and Erich von Stroheim, the Fantasy feature starred Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Frank Lawton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An escaped convict uses miniaturized humans to wreak vengeance on those who framed him."
"An escaped convict uses miniaturized humans to wreak vengeance on those who framed him."
On this day in 1951 (in West Germany), audiences went a little bit 'lunar' with the release of Destination Moon. Directed by Irving Pichel, the groundbreaking film starred John Archer, Warner Anderson, and Dick Wesson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has consumed too much fuel during the landing, leaving them short for the return voyage to Earth. After stripping the ship bare, they are still over 100 lbs too heavy, meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has consumed too much fuel during the landing, leaving them short for the return voyage to Earth. After stripping the ship bare, they are still over 100 lbs too heavy, meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... and this one's televised! On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Crash Of Moons (aka Crash Of The Moons) enjoyed its broadcast airing. Officially, this was a compilation of three episodes in the TV run of Rocky Jones, Space Ranger that were linked up into a single telefilm; and the project starred Richard Crane, Scotty Beckett, and Sally Mansfield. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rocky has to deal with an upcoming collision between the gypsy moon Posita, home to his friend Bovaro, and Ophecius, the location of his archenemy Cleolanta. Cleolanta's reaction is to imprison Rocky while she takes her head man Atlasande to blow up Posita, even though it is still inhabited. Luckily, Rocky is aided by Atlasande's wife Trinka so that the Orbit Jet can run down Cleolanta's spaceship. There is just sufficient time to evacuate Posita's peoples to its twin moon Negato. Secretary Drake arranges for an armada of United World ships to help remove the Ophecians just before the collision occurs."
"Rocky has to deal with an upcoming collision between the gypsy moon Posita, home to his friend Bovaro, and Ophecius, the location of his archenemy Cleolanta. Cleolanta's reaction is to imprison Rocky while she takes her head man Atlasande to blow up Posita, even though it is still inhabited. Luckily, Rocky is aided by Atlasande's wife Trinka so that the Orbit Jet can run down Cleolanta's spaceship. There is just sufficient time to evacuate Posita's peoples to its twin moon Negato. Secretary Drake arranges for an armada of United World ships to help remove the Ophecians just before the collision occurs."
On this day in 1959 (in Finland), The Colossus of New York set his sights on the Big Apple. Directed by Eugene Lourie from a story by Thelma Schnee and Willis Goldbeck, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Baragrey, Mala Powers, and Otto Kruger. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jeremy Spensser, genius humanitarian, is killed in an accident just after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. His father William, a brilliant brain surgeon, works on the body in secret before burial; later revealing to his other son Henry that he has the brain on life support and hopes to encase it in a robot body! The resulting being is large, strong, and develops many strange powers."
"Jeremy Spensser, genius humanitarian, is killed in an accident just after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. His father William, a brilliant brain surgeon, works on the body in secret before burial; later revealing to his other son Henry that he has the brain on life support and hopes to encase it in a robot body! The resulting being is large, strong, and develops many strange powers."
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in Japan), The Manster brought its two-headed goodness to audiences. Directed by George P. Breakston and Kenneth G. Crane, the Fantasy/Horror starred Peter Dyneley, Jane Hylton, and Tetsu Nakamura. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American reporter in Japan is given a mysterious injection by a scientist, who turns him into a two-headed monster."
"An American reporter in Japan is given a mysterious injection by a scientist, who turns him into a two-headed monster."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Italy), The Wild Wild Planet propelled audiences into that wild wild frontier! Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi/Thriller starred Tony Russel, Lisa Gastoni, and Massimo Serato. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deranged scientist is using his employer's top-secret bio-laboratory to engage in clandestine experiments. When he starts kidnapping leading citizens for use in his twisted tests, it's up to rogue cop Mike Halstead to come to the rescue."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
"A deranged scientist is using his employer's top-secret bio-laboratory to engage in clandestine experiments. When he starts kidnapping leading citizens for use in his twisted tests, it's up to rogue cop Mike Halstead to come to the rescue."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
On this day back in 1970, one of the more underrated but occasionally maligned entries in Sci-Fi (I hate it when that happens) Colossus: The Forbin Project opened theatrically ... in West Germany of all places. (Maybe East Germany cinemas were already booked?) Directed by Joseph Sargent from a script by James Bridges and D.F. Jones, the SciFi/Thriller starred Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, and Gordon Pinsent. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
For the 1971 Hugo Awards, Colossus was colossal as it scored an award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
For the 1971 Hugo Awards, Colossus was colossal as it scored an award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Well, it's always funny until someone loses an eye ... and such was the case on this day in 1978 (in the U.S.) when Day Of The Animals enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by William Girdler, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christopher George, Leslie Nielsen, and Lynda Day George; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A battle for survival as hikers encounter a chemically imbalanced forest."
For the record:
As I'm aware some readers like this kind of information, Day Of The Animals has been lampooned by the folks at Rifftrax.
"A battle for survival as hikers encounter a chemically imbalanced forest."
For the record:
As I'm aware some readers like this kind of information, Day Of The Animals has been lampooned by the folks at Rifftrax.
A star is born! Oh, no, they didn't! Oh, yes, they did! The good people of India decided to cash in on the Superhero business when on this day in back in 1980 Lakshmi Productions released their version of (ahem) Superman, complete with (as you may've guessed) musical numbers. Written and directed by V. Madhusudan Rao, the feature starred Taraka Rama Rao Nandamuri as the Indian man of steel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien orphan is sent to earth where he becomes a superhero."
"An alien orphan is sent to earth where he becomes a superhero."
Most men of my generation can speak endlessly about their unabashed love for all things Fletch, but no film -- and I do mean no film -- owns a place in my heart, mind, and soul in quite the same way John Carpenter's seminal Escape from New York. (FYI: it premiered theatrically on this day in 1981 for those of you keeping score.) So pardon me if I gush like a schoolgirl (and also pardon me, ladies, for even having typed that phrase) about my love for dystopian drama with an attitude 'cause that's precisely what Escape is to me and the countless others who worship the film. Sure, maybe it ain't SciFi like Brazil or Gravity or Gattaca, but that's because all of those films would've been a frak of a lot shorter had Snake Plissken been called into action.
You thought he was dead? Think again.
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
You thought he was dead? Think again.
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), Megaforce roared onto the silver screen with its campy SciFi goodness. Directed by Hal Needham, the feature starred Barry Bostwick, Persis Khambatta, andMichael Beck. Here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
Remember a time when Mad Max really wasn't dwarfed by Mad Mel? On this day back in 1985, the Mad Max franchise grew by one more flick when Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome roared into theatres. It wasn't a total failure -- some critics today look back on it much more fondly than I do. I just thought its central storyline was way too similar to what had come before (in The Road Warrior, no less) with much stronger direction. Oh, well ... it'll have to do until the impending Max reboot screens. Go, Tom Hardy! Those are some pretty big sand-battered boots to fill.
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1987 (in Spain, Ireland, and Sweden), Walt Disney's Flight Of The Navigator took to the cinematic skies. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the SciFi feature starred Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, and Cliff De Young. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A 12-year-old boy goes missing in 1978, only to reappear once more in 1986. In the eight years that have passed, he hasn't aged. It is no coincidence that at the time he "comes back", a flying saucer is found, entangled in power lines."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A 12-year-old boy goes missing in 1978, only to reappear once more in 1986. In the eight years that have passed, he hasn't aged. It is no coincidence that at the time he "comes back", a flying saucer is found, entangled in power lines."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1988 (in Peru), Cherry 2000 delivered love and laughs to the cinema. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt from a script by Michael Almereyda (adapted from a story by Lloyd Fonvielle), the feature starred a young and tough Melanie Griffith teamed up with the always likeable David Andrews, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cherry 2000 earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the United Kingdom), Deceit enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Written and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Comedy starred Norbert Weisser and Samantha Phillips, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two outer-space aliens visit Earth with the intention of blowing it up, but they meet a hot blonde and decide to postpone the planet's destruction in order to try to score with her."
"Two outer-space aliens visit Earth with the intention of blowing it up, but they meet a hot blonde and decide to postpone the planet's destruction in order to try to score with her."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Canada and the U.S.), Cool World blended live action and animation to the delight of fandom. Directed by Ralph Bakshi from a story by Michael Grais and Mark Victor, the project included such stars as Brad Pitt, Kim Basinger, and Janni Brenn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Jack Deebs was behind bars he found escape by creating Cool World, a cartoon series featuring a vixen named Holli Would. The flesh proves weaker than ink, however, as Holli takes human form in Las Vegas."
For the record:
At the 1993 Razzie Awards, actress Kim Basinger enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress.'
"When Jack Deebs was behind bars he found escape by creating Cool World, a cartoon series featuring a vixen named Holli Would. The flesh proves weaker than ink, however, as Holli takes human form in Las Vegas."
For the record:
At the 1993 Razzie Awards, actress Kim Basinger enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress.'
On this day back in 1992, the Universal Soldier franchise became the phenomenon it is as earnestly as it could, bringing together Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundren for the first time. I didn't think the film was a complete disaster, though I'll admit I wasn't all that enamored of it. Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"Luc and Scott were killed in Vietnam, but the army has a secret project for reanimating dead people as near-perfect soldiers."
"Luc and Scott were killed in Vietnam, but the army has a secret project for reanimating dead people as near-perfect soldiers."
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in Canada and the U.S.), Small Soldiers enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by genre master Joe Dante, the SciFi/Comedy starred Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, and David Cross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Small Soldiers created a little bit of buzz with a screening on the film festival circuit.
"When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Small Soldiers created a little bit of buzz with a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1998 (in Canada), Tale Of The Mummy played for audiences in attendance of the Fantasia Film Festival. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the Fantasy featured starred Jason Scott Lee and Louise Lombard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Centuries ago, under the sands of ancient Egypt, a Prince was buried and his tomb eternally cursed so that no man would ever again suffer from his evil ways. But hundreds of years later on a greedy search for treasure, a group of archaeologists break the cursed seal of the tomb. Every man vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a log book, and a deadly warning of the legend of the bloodthursty Talos. Fifty years later, the log book ends up in the hands of the granddaughter of the head archaeologist, and she defiantly sets out to retrace his steps. Discovering the forbidden treasure, she recovers a sacred amulet and once again unleashes the savage power of the tomb. Racing through the streets of London, and against the force of a rare interplanetary line-up, she, along with the help of her original dig team and an American detective, desperately try to turn back the inhuman curse and to keep Talos from destroying all in his path in an attempt to gain immortal power."
"Centuries ago, under the sands of ancient Egypt, a Prince was buried and his tomb eternally cursed so that no man would ever again suffer from his evil ways. But hundreds of years later on a greedy search for treasure, a group of archaeologists break the cursed seal of the tomb. Every man vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a log book, and a deadly warning of the legend of the bloodthursty Talos. Fifty years later, the log book ends up in the hands of the granddaughter of the head archaeologist, and she defiantly sets out to retrace his steps. Discovering the forbidden treasure, she recovers a sacred amulet and once again unleashes the savage power of the tomb. Racing through the streets of London, and against the force of a rare interplanetary line-up, she, along with the help of her original dig team and an American detective, desperately try to turn back the inhuman curse and to keep Talos from destroying all in his path in an attempt to gain immortal power."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Heavy Metal 2000 enjoyed its debut. Directed by the team of Michael Coldewey and Michel Lemire, the animated project featured the voices of Michael Ironside, Julie Strain, and Billy Idol. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After surviving an invasion on her peaceful homeworld, a beautiful avenger must stop a powerful psychopath from gaining immortality and rescue her kidnapped sister."
"After surviving an invasion on her peaceful homeworld, a beautiful avenger must stop a powerful psychopath from gaining immortality and rescue her kidnapped sister."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in Singapore), Starforce roared onto the silver screen. Directed by Cary Howe and Tony Kandah, the SciFi/Actioner starred Michael Bergin, Amy Weber, and Vernon Wells. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A warrior and a beautiful ex-convict are left to fight the galaxy's most fearsome commandos in an alien wasteland."
"A warrior and a beautiful ex-convict are left to fight the galaxy's most fearsome commandos in an alien wasteland."
On this day in 2002 (in Finland), audiences learned How To Make A Monster when the Fantasy/Telefilm premiered on home video. Written and directed by George Huang, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Clea DuVall, Steven Culp, and Tyler Mane. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The CEO of Clayton Software, Faye Clayton, lays off her development team after their latest game project, called "Evilution", receives numerous disastrous test previews, and begins her search for a new team. During this search, she selected a team of renowned game designers, Bug, Hardcore, Sol, led by Peter Drummond as replacements. At the same time, they are informed that a bonus of a million dollars would be awarded to those who make the game the most scariest, through innovation means. Despite the rivalry among them, they work together to make a game scary enough to scare the kids in four weeks. Just as Sol adds his powerful AI chip into the hard drive, the lightning strike causes a power surge which brings "Evilution" to life. The programmers are soon confined in the building, becoming targets of their killer game they've created and the virtual nightmare begins."
"The CEO of Clayton Software, Faye Clayton, lays off her development team after their latest game project, called "Evilution", receives numerous disastrous test previews, and begins her search for a new team. During this search, she selected a team of renowned game designers, Bug, Hardcore, Sol, led by Peter Drummond as replacements. At the same time, they are informed that a bonus of a million dollars would be awarded to those who make the game the most scariest, through innovation means. Despite the rivalry among them, they work together to make a game scary enough to scare the kids in four weeks. Just as Sol adds his powerful AI chip into the hard drive, the lightning strike causes a power surge which brings "Evilution" to life. The programmers are soon confined in the building, becoming targets of their killer game they've created and the virtual nightmare begins."
On this day in 2006 (in France), Alien Hunter enjoyed its premiere on broadcast television. Directed by Ron Krauss from a story by J.S. Cardone and Boaz Davidson, the SciFi feature starred James Spader, Janine Eser, and John Lynch. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien black box is found in the South Pole, where a government agency is conducting botanical experiments."
"An alien black box is found in the South Pole, where a government agency is conducting botanical experiments."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/Drama Anti Matter enjoyed its home video release. Written and directed by Keir Burrows, the feature starred Yaiza Figueroa and Philippa Carson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist faces the question of what makes us whole and if there is a part of us that is not part of this physical world when she discovers how to travel through a worm hole."
"A scientist faces the question of what makes us whole and if there is a part of us that is not part of this physical world when she discovers how to travel through a worm hole."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Scarecrows Of The Third Reich delivered a bit of Horror to a post wartime yarn. Written and directed by Troy Fritz, the flick starred William Long and Timothy Scott Wimer Jr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"At the end of WWII, Hitler ordered operation Scarecrow to a small SS outpost in the Seelow Heights of Germany. Nobody knew of the existence of this clandestine operation until 70 years later when FBI agent John Fox runs across a vilgiante known as the Red Wolf. After killing the Red Wolf, Agent Fox learned the shocking secret of operation Scarecrow. Fox then travels to Germany and meets Pastor Gabriel who unites Fox with a group of outlaws stuck on an SS outpost fighting the remnant Scarecrows of the Third Reich. Only they can save the world from this new evil that if undefeated could bring about a 4th Reich."
"At the end of WWII, Hitler ordered operation Scarecrow to a small SS outpost in the Seelow Heights of Germany. Nobody knew of the existence of this clandestine operation until 70 years later when FBI agent John Fox runs across a vilgiante known as the Red Wolf. After killing the Red Wolf, Agent Fox learned the shocking secret of operation Scarecrow. Fox then travels to Germany and meets Pastor Gabriel who unites Fox with a group of outlaws stuck on an SS outpost fighting the remnant Scarecrows of the Third Reich. Only they can save the world from this new evil that if undefeated could bring about a 4th Reich."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in Brazil, Canada, and the U.S.), Archive enjoyed its launch via streaming platforms. Written and directed by Gavin Rothery, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Theo James, Stacy Martin, and Rhona Mitra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Archive enjoyed a bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Archive enjoyed a bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1965 (in Australia), Astroboy aired "The Birth Of Astroboy." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's time on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
On this day in 1965, Doctor Who aired "The Meddling Monk." This served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is being held prisoner by the Monk and Steven and Vicki's search for him brings them to the Saxon village.But a greater danger threatens when a Viking raiding party arrives."
"The Doctor is being held prisoner by the Monk and Steven and Vicki's search for him brings them to the Saxon village.But a greater danger threatens when a Viking raiding party arrives."
On this day in 1971, UFO aired "Confetti Check A-OK." This served as the twenty-second episode in the program's only season on the tube, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When the wife of a SHADO officer, Lieutenant Grey, gives birth, Straker's put in mind of events from a decade earlier, when he was still with his wife Mary. Having recently established SHADO, the responsibility and degree of commitment put a heavy strain on the marriage. Mary saw him visiting another woman but it was professional, not sexual, and due to the secret nature of SHADO, he was unable to tell her the truth without jeopardising the organisation."
"When the wife of a SHADO officer, Lieutenant Grey, gives birth, Straker's put in mind of events from a decade earlier, when he was still with his wife Mary. Having recently established SHADO, the responsibility and degree of commitment put a heavy strain on the marriage. Mary saw him visiting another woman but it was professional, not sexual, and due to the secret nature of SHADO, he was unable to tell her the truth without jeopardising the organisation."
On this day in 1972, Doomwatch aired "Hair Trigger." This served as the sixth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A radical new procedure has been developed for treating violent criminals. The results are extremely positive, but Anne Tarrant is not convinced of its ethics."
"A radical new procedure has been developed for treating violent criminals. The results are extremely positive, but Anne Tarrant is not convinced of its ethics."
On this day in 1995, Gerry Anderson's Space Precinct aired "The Forever Beetle." This served as the twenty-second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pteronarcys Eternicum, a rare beetle capable of cell regeneration, is stolen from Dexkor Laboratories. Brogan and Haldane are assigned to the case and suspect that the theft may be an inside job. But Brogan is preoccupied with nailing drugs dealer Amory Wolf whom he believes is responsible for the death of Tommy Murphy, his oldest friend. Meanwhile, Jane and Took have a run-in with local hero Thunder Cole."
"Pteronarcys Eternicum, a rare beetle capable of cell regeneration, is stolen from Dexkor Laboratories. Brogan and Haldane are assigned to the case and suspect that the theft may be an inside job. But Brogan is preoccupied with nailing drugs dealer Amory Wolf whom he believes is responsible for the death of Tommy Murphy, his oldest friend. Meanwhile, Jane and Took have a run-in with local hero Thunder Cole."
On this day in 1998, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Prisoners." This served as the third episode of the long-running program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"SG1 inadvertently help a desperate criminal and is charged and sentenced as accessories to his crime. They are banished to a desolate, brutal penal colony and strike a deal with a powerful female prisoner to help them escape. But is this prisoner hiding something from them?"
"SG1 inadvertently help a desperate criminal and is charged and sentenced as accessories to his crime. They are banished to a desolate, brutal penal colony and strike a deal with a powerful female prisoner to help them escape. But is this prisoner hiding something from them?"
On this day in 1998, The Outer Limits aired "Monster." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A group of talented psychics are gathered together in an underground bunker for a military project. But then some kind of mysterious assailant begins to murder them one by one."
"A group of talented psychics are gathered together in an underground bunker for a military project. But then some kind of mysterious assailant begins to murder them one by one."
On this day in 2005, USA Network's The 4400 aired "As Fate Would Have It." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Maia has a vision that frightens her and causes the NTAC serious concerns. Heidi visits her mother which makes Isabelle cry in despair. Collier sees Isabelle to get some crucial advice."
"Maia has a vision that frightens her and causes the NTAC serious concerns. Heidi visits her mother which makes Isabelle cry in despair. Collier sees Isabelle to get some crucial advice."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "Children of Earth: Day Five." This served as the fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With little choice now but to give in to their demands, the British authorities begin to round up the children under the pretense of giving them inoculations. Panic begins to set in as parents begin to wonder what is happening to their children. Captain Jack is released as are his daughter and grandson and he tries to find a way fight the 456. Gwen and her husband return home to tell Ianto's sister what has happened but they arrive to find a house full of children, whom they try to save from the arriving soldiers. With Fobisher no longer available, Col. Oduya becomes the intermediary and the 456 reveal the reason they need the children. For Captain Jack his finding a way to fight the 456 forces him to make an incredible sacrifice."
"With little choice now but to give in to their demands, the British authorities begin to round up the children under the pretense of giving them inoculations. Panic begins to set in as parents begin to wonder what is happening to their children. Captain Jack is released as are his daughter and grandson and he tries to find a way fight the 456. Gwen and her husband return home to tell Ianto's sister what has happened but they arrive to find a house full of children, whom they try to save from the arriving soldiers. With Fobisher no longer available, Col. Oduya becomes the intermediary and the 456 reveal the reason they need the children. For Captain Jack his finding a way to fight the 456 forces him to make an incredible sacrifice."
On this day in 2011, TNT's Falling Skies aired "Silent Kill." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Hal comes up with a risky new plan to rescue captured teenagers from the aliens, but it might require putting someone at risk."
"Hal comes up with a risky new plan to rescue captured teenagers from the aliens, but it might require putting someone at risk."
On this day in 2014, Syfy's Defiance aired "Beasts Of Burden." This served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his caravan is viciously attacked in the badlands, a badly shaken Pottinger orders Nolan to hunt down and destroy those responsible. Nolan's manhunt implicates one of Rafe's miners causing tensions to explode. Meanwhile, a vengeful Datak is determined to reclaim control over the family business."
"After his caravan is viciously attacked in the badlands, a badly shaken Pottinger orders Nolan to hunt down and destroy those responsible. Nolan's manhunt implicates one of Rafe's miners causing tensions to explode. Meanwhile, a vengeful Datak is determined to reclaim control over the family business."
On this day in 2015, Syfy's Defiance aired "Where The Apples Fell." This served as the sixth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Nolan and Berlin pursue the Tarrs, their connection to the Votanis Collective exposed; Alak faces his future as a father."
"Nolan and Berlin pursue the Tarrs, their connection to the Votanis Collective exposed; Alak faces his future as a father."
On this day in 2015, Syfy's Killjoys aired "Vessel." This served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Killjoys find their real rhythm as a trio while protecting a group of gorgeous Surrogates under siege in a badlands fortress. It's a manic, bullet-riddled ride to get to safety, while negotiating the ugly side of Qreshi politics."
"The Killjoys find their real rhythm as a trio while protecting a group of gorgeous Surrogates under siege in a badlands fortress. It's a manic, bullet-riddled ride to get to safety, while negotiating the ugly side of Qreshi politics."
On this day in 2017, Stitchers aired "Paternis." This served as the fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Cameron's incarcerated father is accused of murdering a prison guard, the team breaks protocol to stitch into the guard, all while dealing with memories of their own father figures."
"When Cameron's incarcerated father is accused of murdering a prison guard, the team breaks protocol to stitch into the guard, all while dealing with memories of their own father figures."
