A star is born! Please don't ask me to explain the logic of this, but Outlander is exactly the kind of B-movie I could watch forever. The story has just the right mix of camp and curiosity that I've no problem suspending disbelief since quite a bit of it doesn't make much sense to begin with. Still, it's confection for the brain. The film's release record is one of those mysteries forever shrouded in confusion, but -- for reasons I won't pretend to understand -- studio executives were happy burying this flick with a release on this day back in 2008 ... in Latvia. (Yes, I typed Latvia. You read that right. Nothing against any Latvians who might be here reading this ... but Latvia?!?!)
If you haven't seen it ... well, then I would guess that you've probably already decided it isn't your cup of tea. But from where I'm sitting it tastes just right.
If you haven't seen it ... well, then I would guess that you've probably already decided it isn't your cup of tea. But from where I'm sitting it tastes just right.
Born on this day in 1913, Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger -- better known to Sci-Fi fans under his pseudonym Cordwainer Smith -- was a noted expert on psychological warfare. According to Wikipedia, his most celebrated Sci-Fi short -- "Scanners Live In Vain" -- is published in the first volume of classic tales, The Science Fiction Hall of Fame (1929-1964). Collections and/or novels of his include You Will Never Be The Same, Quest of the Three Worlds, and Norstrilia. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
I sometimes grow weary of explaining to all of you young Turks what Sci-Fi was like for an old dogs like me back in the days before Star Wars. Well, look no further than 1973's Westworld. This formative flick was written and directed by Michael Crichton (yes, that Michael Crichton), and its story explored the dangers of a widespread animatronic robot malfunction in an adult-themed amusement park. The Gunslinger who went all bang-bang cray-cray was played by Yul Brynner. Though Mr. Brynner's no longer with us, he was born on this day back in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Brett Somers (above left) put the laughs on hold for a nice guest appearance aboard the popular late 1970's SciFi series Battlestar Galactica. Though she's no longer with us, Somers was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the world of Science Fiction owes a debt to actor David Graham. For the record, he served as one of the earliest voices for Doctor Who's nefarious Daleks, as well as playing other roles a few times. He's also contributed to the worlds of Supercar, The Avengers, Fireball XL5, Doctor Who and the Daleks (1965), Stingray, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966), Thunderbirds, Out of the Unknown, Timeslip, The Tomorrow People, Supergirl (1984), Space Precinct, and Thunderbirds Are Go. Graham was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Bruce McGill turns up all over the place in all kinds of genres, but he has dabbled in Science Fiction from time to time with roles in Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, and Quantum Leap. McGill was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Confession time: most of you folks are probably crazier about Avatar than I was. Sure, it was a good story, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking if you've been around the block a few times. However, I loved its cast, among them being the very conspiratorial Stephen Lang. He followed up that jaunt in Sci-Fi with as a series' regular in Fox TV's ambitious but flat Terra Nova. Lang was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Timeless beauty Sela Ward had a brief but important role as President Lanford in the long-awaiting sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), for 20th Century Fox. Ward was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Rinna joined David Hasselhoff -- the original Nick Fury -- in the 1998 telefilm, Nick Fury: Agent of Shield, back in 1998. Rinna was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Craig Charles delivered the laughs as part of his gig aboard the long-running Red Dwarf (1988-2016). He also squeezed in a visit to the wide, wide world of Lexx. Charles was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Liane Curtis has definitely garnered attention for her work in the world of genre entertainment, including roles aboard The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Critters 2 (1988), and Phantom 2040 (animated). Curtis was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Home Improvement's Debbe Dunning played tough and lovely (not that it got her much before her cinematic demise) for her part aboard Leprecaun 4: In Space (1996). Dunning was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Somehow, Greg Grunberg used his influence with long-time Hollywood pal JJ Abrams to weasel himself into a role in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens ... not that anyone can blame him. Grunberg was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Justin Chambers suited up -- well, in an animated way -- to play 'The Flash' aboard Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013), arguably one of the best of the DC Animated Features. Chambers was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Rosenbaum is another young actor who I think turns in some pretty impressive work no matter where he shows up. While he was around, he was one of the better things on the WB's Smallville, though the show lasted longer than it should have. He's also lent his vocal talents to a handful of DC Comics animated projects including Justice League and the Justice League: Doom direct-to-DVD production. Rosenbaum was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Bridgette Andersen played a li'l girl who was all too happy to adopt herself a Japanese robot in the SciFi/Comedy Too Much (1987). Though she's no longer with us, Andersen was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was an urchin, Hollywood executive Brandy Gold had a small part aboard V: The Final Battle miniseriers. Gold was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Vandal Savage, Casper Crump made things rough for all of the Legends of Tomorrow as part of the CW program's inaugural season. Crump was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Melanie Papalia has brought her winning smile and wholesome good looks to such genre projects as Smallville, Supernatural, Blade: The Series, Painkiller Jane, Super Hybrid (2011), Extraterrestrial (2014), and Travelers. Papalia was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Well, thank goodness Serinda Swan has absolutely no reservations about playing dress-up! She looks terrific, no? Plus, she's a talented actress -- to say the least -- one who looks great in whatever costume she dons. Watch for her curves on display in Tron: Legacy, as well as her brief stint as Zatanna in the WB's Smallville. Swan was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
A former contestant of several beauty pageants, Rachael Taylor turned into a big screen actress with an important role aboard Michael Bay's Transformers (2007). Taylor was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Count me amongst the folks who honestly believed the makers of The Hunger Games deserved a massive lawsuit on behalf of the makers of Japan's Battle Royale, for which the lovely Aki Maeda was one of its players. Maeda was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
The young rogue A.J. LoCascio brought vocal life to the older yet still rogueish 'Han Solo' aboard the Walt Disney animated project Star Wars: Forces of Destiny. LoCascio was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
The first rule when fighting pterodactyls: never bring a handgun. But that's what you do when the script calls for it, and a fetching Candice Nunes probably proved more up to the challenge than most in Terrordactyl (2016). Nunes was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and prolific geek Katie Wilson braved the Apocalypse that was at the chilly heart of 2012: Ice Age (2011) for Asylum Studios. Wilson was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Connor Paolo stepped up into the major leadership role in the SciFi/Fantasy Stake Land (2010) for Glass Eye Pix. Paolo was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1949 (in Sweden), Siren Of Atlantis probes the depths of cinematic Fantasy. The feature starred Maria Montez and Dennis O'Keefe, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city of the jungle ruled by a mysterious queen."
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city of the jungle ruled by a mysterious queen."
On this day in 1952 (in Denmark), those dastardly critters from Unknown Island roared into theatres once more. The feature starred Virginia Grey and Phillip Reed, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
On this day in 1975 (in Mexico), the Fantasy-themed The Holy Mountain enjoyed theatrical release. The feature starred Alejandro Jodorowsky and Zamira Saunders, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a Christ-like character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment."
"In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a Christ-like character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment."
On this day in 1980, the SciFi/Horror hybrid known as Monstroid submerged from the depths. The feature starred James Mitchum and John Carradine, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow deepened the Gundam mythology. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After managing to survive attacks by Zeon's Char Aznable and Garma Zabi, the crew of Federation warship White Base and its mobile suits battle Zeon forces through Asia, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean if they are to reach Earth Federation's headquarters alive. During that process many of its crewmembers like Amuro Ray, Bright Noah, Kai Shinden, Sayla Mass, Mirai Yashima, Fraw Bow, and Hayato Kobayashi must overcome their fears, losses, immaturities, and insecurities in order to survive."
"After managing to survive attacks by Zeon's Char Aznable and Garma Zabi, the crew of Federation warship White Base and its mobile suits battle Zeon forces through Asia, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean if they are to reach Earth Federation's headquarters alive. During that process many of its crewmembers like Amuro Ray, Bright Noah, Kai Shinden, Sayla Mass, Mirai Yashima, Fraw Bow, and Hayato Kobayashi must overcome their fears, losses, immaturities, and insecurities in order to survive."
On this day in 1989 (in Greece), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical run. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in France), Flesh Gordon Meets The Cosmic Cheerleaders enjoyed its theatrical run. The feature starred Vince Murdocco and Robyn Kelly, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Space-faring hero and galactically-renowned stud Flesh Gordon is kidnapped by a group of space cheerleaders hoping to use him to save their planet. A being simply known as Evil Presence has been rendering the men of their world impotent, and the women are desperate for some form of relief. Flesh's girlfriend Ardor, meanwhile, is following behind to try to keep him out of trouble, but soon finds herself kidnapped by Evil Presence's henchman who has plans of his own. Can Flesh get the men of this planet standing tall once again?"
"Space-faring hero and galactically-renowned stud Flesh Gordon is kidnapped by a group of space cheerleaders hoping to use him to save their planet. A being simply known as Evil Presence has been rendering the men of their world impotent, and the women are desperate for some form of relief. Flesh's girlfriend Ardor, meanwhile, is following behind to try to keep him out of trouble, but soon finds herself kidnapped by Evil Presence's henchman who has plans of his own. Can Flesh get the men of this planet standing tall once again?"
On this day in 1997, Carl Sagan's Contact entered theatres, starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughy. The film gave audiences a more academic portrait of communication taking place between the human race and some species "out there." Here's the plot summary, compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine."
"Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine."
1997's Cube premiered on this day (in the Netherlands), and it explored the story of complete strangers trapped inside a sci-fi-style mechanical box that kept changing shape and altering the conditions for those desperately trying to escape. It created a strong enough buzz when it was eventually released on home video that it spawned a small franchise all of its own.
On this day in 2001, Chris Lee Productions and partners launched Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within as a theatrical motion picture. The property was based on a series of popular role-playing games, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them."
"In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them."
On this day in 2008, Eddie Murphy attempted another dubious flirtation with Science Fiction with the theatrical release of Meet Dave. Murphy's The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) had pretty much tanked at the box office, and Meet Dave really didn't fare any better. (Believe it or not, rumors persist that the funnyman was linked originally to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in the role that ultimately ended up going to Catherine Hicks.) Still, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman."
"A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman."
On this day in 2014, the apes returned to take their role in Earth's future when Dawn of the Planet of the Apes premiered theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ape empire conflicts with a sustaining human rebellion, as well as a rogue renegade due to the catastrophic events ten years earlier."
"An ape empire conflicts with a sustaining human rebellion, as well as a rogue renegade due to the catastrophic events ten years earlier."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Mysterious Ocean In Space." This served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Commander Corry and his crew discover a massive body of water flowing in the middle of space. Investigating, they learn that criminals on Mars are in the process of stealing of Earth's water unless the planet's government pays them an extraordinary ransom."
"Commander Corry and his crew discover a massive body of water flowing in the middle of space. Investigating, they learn that criminals on Mars are in the process of stealing of Earth's water unless the planet's government pays them an extraordinary ransom."
On this day in 1955 (in the United Kingdom), The Invisible Man aired "Picnic With Death." This served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Peter's existence as an invisible man becomes public knowledge, while Sally's friend needs help when her stepfather plots to kill her mother."
"Peter's existence as an invisible man becomes public knowledge, while Sally's friend needs help when her stepfather plots to kill her mother."
On this day in 1964, the long-running BBC series Doctor Who continued its inaugural season with the episode "Hidden Danger." Here's the summary, provided by IMDB.com: "The Doctor, Susan and Ian agree to accompany the Sensorites to their home planet in the hope of finding a cure for John. But not everyone is willing to welcome them there."
On this day in 1966 (in Japan), The Space Giants aired "The Subterranean Menace." This served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by The Space Giants Series Guide:
"Goldar takes Mikko to his base, located deep in the heart of the active volcano Mt. Olympian. There Mikko meets Goldar’s wife Silvar (Mol), and Mathusam, the elderly, white-haired scientist. Goldar and Silvar are taken with Mikko and ask Mathusam to create a son for them in Mikko’s image. He grants their wish, creating “Gam”, a boy robot who can change to a rocket just like his parents. Mathusam also gives Mikko a supersonic whistle to call for help whenever he is in danger. One blast will summon Gam, two blasts will call Silvar and three blasts will bring Goldar the Space Avenger into action! As a show of force, Rodak sends his mechanical creature Molesaurus (Moguness) to Earth. Mikko returns to his parents’ home and learns his father Tom Mura has been assigned to cover the story. Tom boards a train, but suddenly the creature Molesaurus attacks from underground! The survivors of the trainwreck seek shelter. Mikko and his mother learn about the accident and wonder if Tom is still alive."
"Goldar takes Mikko to his base, located deep in the heart of the active volcano Mt. Olympian. There Mikko meets Goldar’s wife Silvar (Mol), and Mathusam, the elderly, white-haired scientist. Goldar and Silvar are taken with Mikko and ask Mathusam to create a son for them in Mikko’s image. He grants their wish, creating “Gam”, a boy robot who can change to a rocket just like his parents. Mathusam also gives Mikko a supersonic whistle to call for help whenever he is in danger. One blast will summon Gam, two blasts will call Silvar and three blasts will bring Goldar the Space Avenger into action! As a show of force, Rodak sends his mechanical creature Molesaurus (Moguness) to Earth. Mikko returns to his parents’ home and learns his father Tom Mura has been assigned to cover the story. Tom boards a train, but suddenly the creature Molesaurus attacks from underground! The survivors of the trainwreck seek shelter. Mikko and his mother learn about the accident and wonder if Tom is still alive."
On this day in 1997, The Outer Limits aired "Feasibility Study." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Joshua Haywood is a single parent who has his hands full with his daughter Sarah who wants to elope with her motorcycle driving boyfriend. They wake up one morning to find that there is no electricity, water or telephone service. When Joshua tries to leave their suburban neighborhood, he finds their way is blocked by an electrical field of some kind. Sarah has plans to run off but she meets an alien creature who is dying and she too is infected. Joshua eventually learns the truth: their entire neighborhood has been carried off to a distant planet to see if humans would be suitable as slave labor. For Joshua, there is only one course of action available to the survivors."
"Joshua Haywood is a single parent who has his hands full with his daughter Sarah who wants to elope with her motorcycle driving boyfriend. They wake up one morning to find that there is no electricity, water or telephone service. When Joshua tries to leave their suburban neighborhood, he finds their way is blocked by an electrical field of some kind. Sarah has plans to run off but she meets an alien creature who is dying and she too is infected. Joshua eventually learns the truth: their entire neighborhood has been carried off to a distant planet to see if humans would be suitable as slave labor. For Joshua, there is only one course of action available to the survivors."
On this day in 1998, TV's Timecop aired "D.O.A." This served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on the Boob Tube, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Acting on a surprise visit from "his future" Claire, Logan less than ten hours to stop a murder - Matuzek's and his own."
"Acting on a surprise visit from "his future" Claire, Logan less than ten hours to stop a murder - Matuzek's and his own."
On this day in 1998, Weird Science aired "School Spirits." This served as the fourteenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ghosts from past Farber High School teachers don't want the library built over the old facility lounge."
"Ghosts from past Farber High School teachers don't want the library built over the old facility lounge."
On this day in 2003, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Revisions." This served as the fifth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"SG-1 investigate a seemingly idyllic and subtly advanced human colony sheltered inside an energy dome on an otherwise inhospitable planet."
"SG-1 investigate a seemingly idyllic and subtly advanced human colony sheltered inside an energy dome on an otherwise inhospitable planet."
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Graboid Rights." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Protesters swarm Perfection, demanding the inhabitants to leave because their presence is supposedly harming El Blanco. El Blanco is behaving very erratically indeed. One of the protesters turns out to be Nancy's daughter, Mindy."
"Protesters swarm Perfection, demanding the inhabitants to leave because their presence is supposedly harming El Blanco. El Blanco is behaving very erratically indeed. One of the protesters turns out to be Nancy's daughter, Mindy."
On this day in 2004, 'they' came back ... and by 'they' I mean several thousand people who had previously been abducted by UFOs. The 4400 was a solid Sci-Fi-themed mainstay on the USA Network for all of its four seasons, exploring the stories of various former abductees and the government agency that was tasked with uncovering the conspiracy behind who they were, why they were taken, where they went, and what happened to them as a result of their experience.
On this day in 2008 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "Midnight." This served as the tenth episode of the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
On this day in 2011, the mildly Sci-Fi-themed Alphas premiered with its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ominous messages steer a man to a building's rooftop, where he executes an improbable shooting in the opener of the series following a team of people with extraordinary abilities who investigate crimes linked to others like them."
"Ominous messages steer a man to a building's rooftop, where he executes an improbable shooting in the opener of the series following a team of people with extraordinary abilities who investigate crimes linked to others like them."
