From the catalogue of forgotten series comes ... The Chronicle! The SciFi/Horror/Comedy premiered on U.S. television on this day back in 2001and lasted a single season in broadcast existence, producing twenty-two fun-filled genre episodes. Created by Silvio Horta, the program starred Chad Willett, Rena Sofer, Reno Wilson, and Jon Polito. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the series' premise:
"A young, highly qualified reporter can't find work with a major paper and signs on with a tabloid. There he learns that all the tabloid stories including aliens, big foot, and reincarnation are true."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, The Chronicle earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series.'
"A young, highly qualified reporter can't find work with a major paper and signs on with a tabloid. There he learns that all the tabloid stories including aliens, big foot, and reincarnation are true."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, The Chronicle earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series.'
Zita Johann (above right) did not have a very prolific theatrical career. She's best remembered in the role of 'Anhk-es-en-amon,' the pivotal character in the original Fantasy/Horror film The Mummy (1932). Later in life, she enjoyed some exposure aboard Raiders Of The Living Dead (1986) for Independent-International Pictures. Though she's no longer with us, Johann was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dale Robertson secured himself a place in cinematic Fantasy history with the top role aboard Son Of Sinbad (1955) for RKO Studios. Though he's no longer with us, Robertson was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1979's immortal SciFi classic Alien, all Harry Dean Stanton's character Brett wanted was a bonus; well, he got more than he bargained for! Stanton has led an impressive career, playing largely one malcontent after another, and he continues to astound critics while serving his seventh decade in the entertainment business. Though he's no longer with us, Stanton was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former pin-up queen Laurie Mitchell enjoyed royalty of a vastly theatrical twist with her big role aboard Queen Of Outer Space (1958) for Allied Artists Pictures. As for other forays into the realms of the Fantastic? She also enjoyed time in such projects as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954), Adventures Of Superman, Attack Of The Puppet People (1958), and Missile To The Moon (1958). Though she's no longer with us, Mitchell was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nancy Olson certainly left a mark on the world of Fantasy with a pair of appearances for the Walt Disney Company in their early 1960's adventures, The Absent Minded Professor (1961) and Son Of Flubber (1963). Olson was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When I was a (relative) small fry, I spent the Saturday mornings I remember hissing at the TV screen every time Sid Haig showed up as the evil Dragos on Jason of Star Command. Haig has built an impressive career playing one baddie after another, and he continues to make appearances in horror thrillers even today. Though he's no longer with us, Haig was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When NBC executives passed on the original pilot for the classic Star Trek series, there were a handful of actors who just got lost in the shuffle of retooling. One of them was Peter Duryea. The actor appeared as Lt. Jose Tyler, a character who did get some screen time when "The Cage" was reworked into Trek's two-parter, "The Menagerie." Though he's no longer with us, Duryea was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Author Christopher Priest says that within only a few months of discovering Science Fiction as a reader that he knew he had to write it ... and write it he has done. According to Wikipedia.org, he's won the British Science Fiction Award (BSFA) an incredible four times along with a handful of other honors for his various works short or long. His novel "The Prestige" (1995) was eventually turned into a hit movie by director Christopher Nolan, though there are marked differences between Priest's story and the finished screenplay. Priest was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important Links:
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important Links:
- "Indoctrinaire" (Amazon.com)
- "Fugue For A Darkening Island" (Amazon.com)
- "Inverted World" (Amazon.com)
- "The Space Machine" (Amazon.com)
- "The Prestige" (Amazon.com)
Lynn Loring took a dip into the world of Science Fiction with a role aboard 1969's Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun. Loring was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Stan Shaw grows another year wiser today. Genre fans have seen his work aboard Future Cop, Lucan, Darkroom, Runaway (1984), The Monster Squad (1987), Lifepod (1993), and The X-Files. And an impressive 'side project' for the actor is the graphic novel creation of Gargoyle Bob (link). Shaw was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Big-time Hollywood producer Joel Silver used his considerable clout to get The Matrix trilogy in front of the SciFi masses ... and they're forever thankful that he did! (Well, at least '1/3 thankful' might be a more accurate assessment.) Silver was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Czechoslovakian born Vladimir Kulich has only flirted with Science Fiction, never quite landing a franchise but breaking through with some quality guest starring appearances. He's been a part of Highlander, M.A.N.T.I.S., The X-Files, Seven Days, and Angel. Kulich was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Jane Lynch provided some voicework for the SciFi/Animated feature Back To The Jurassic (2015), a tale of children going back in time. Lynch was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leaving behind a legacy of only four screen credits, thankfully Keely Sims found a wee bit of screen time as a background character aboard the pilot telefilm of Star Trek: Voyager. Though she's no longer with us, Sims was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jackie Earle Haley has certainly come a long way from his days with The Bad News Bears, and genre fans certainly have a lot to be excited about his various performances. In 2009, he starred as Rorschach, a pivotal superhero/vigilante in Watchmen, and then in 2014 he starred in the big screen rebooting of Robocop. In it, he played Rick Mattox (pictured above), a soldier turned quality-control-inspector for OCP's line of justice-enforcement machines, and he nearly takes down our immortal police hero. Haley was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the bulk of her work falls squarely into the realm of conventional dramas, Katherine Fugate dabbled in genre early in her career as a screenwriter by penning a script for the popular Xena: Warrior Princess. Fugate was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran TV producer and writer Jane Espenson has forgotten more about quality genre entertainment than most of her peers will ever come to know. Behind-the-scenes, she's worked on such programs as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Syfy's Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Dollhouse, Warehouse 13, and Torchwood. Espenson was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although it isn't Science Fiction, I'll probably never forget Simon Merrells' work as 'Marcus Crassus' aboard Starz Network's incredible Spartacus series. But -- so far as SciFi and Fantasy goes -- the actor has served time aboard The Wolfman (2010), Ashes to Ashes, Judas Ghost (2013), The Tomorrow People, Index Zero (2014), and Syfy's Dominion for good measure. Merrells was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although the supermarket tabloids made it pretty clear that the man has anger issues, Matthew Fox is probably best remembered as the hunky Jack Shephard, the physician who along with countless others crashed on a island (or did they?) as part of the ABC ensemble drama Lost. Fox was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and voice actress Juliet Cesario enjoyed a handful of appearances -- largely in the background -- aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's first two seasons. Cesario was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2004, the lovely Stephanie Moore founded herself trapped inside Cube Zero for Lions Gate Entertainment. Her resume also boasts appearances aboard Bugs (2003), The Dresden Files, Alien Mysteries, Warehouse 13, Heroes Reborn, and Syfy's short-lived Incorporated. Moore was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Maxine Peake took the plunge into the world of anthology/Fantasy with a top guest spot in the world of Black Mirror. Peake was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Kristy Wright enjoyed a small role aboard 2005's finale to the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith. Wright was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2010, Scott Porter played a role in Syfy's lukewarm Battlestar Galactica spin-off, Caprica, for its short life. Porter was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chad Faust played Kyle Baldwin (pictured above) throughout The 4400's run on the USA Network. Faust has also appeared in Smallville and Heroes. Faust was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Teri Reeves entered the wide, wide world of Once Upon A Time for two appearances as 'Dorothy Gale.' Reeves was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jillian Batherson has enjoyed a great handful of roles in genre projects near and far. Fans might recognize her from such enterprises as The Reaping (2007), 51 (2011), Green Lantern (2011), Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), American Horror Story, Re-Kill (2015), and Tales From The Hood 2 (2018). Batherson was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know: you hated Solo (2018) ... but I gotta say that I enjoyed quite a bit of it. There were a few sequences I thought could've been done better, but all-in-all I enjoyed the look into the earlier days of the galaxy's best known scoundrel. And the lovely Phoebe Waller-Bridge did a pretty fabulous job provided the voicework for one of the universe's most empowered droids ever. Waller-Bridge was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've said many times, we here at SciFiHistory.Net love our SciFi tough girls, and I consider Sara Canning one of the best. The young actress did what she could to elevate Syfy's Primeval: New World above the humdrum; sadly, it just didn't take. Still, she has a solid track record in the realm of genre entertainment, appearing in such projects as Smallville, Kyle XY, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Android Employed, War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017), Once Upon A Time, A Series Of Unfortunate Events, A.R.C.H.I.E. 2: Mission Impawsible (2018), and Van Helsing. Canning was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elise Gatien has certainly made her way around a handful of memorable projects. Fans have marveled at her gifts from appearances in Eureka, Bionic Woman, Smallville, Tower Prep, R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, The Tomorrow People, iZombie, Supernatural, and Colony. Gatien was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Talented newcomer Darby Camp may not have an awful lot of genre work under her belt, but as she's just a young'un we're still interested in the choices she has before her. Thus far, we've been able to enjoy work aboard The Leftovers and NOS4A2 for good measure. Camp was born on this day in 2007.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1957 (in Brazil), the SciFi/Classic Forbidden Planet showed audiences one view of tomorrow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
On this day in 1972 (in Finland), Slaughterhouse-Five delivered a thoughtful and prescient look at one man's curious existence. Directed by George Roy Hill, the SciFi/Drama stars Michael Sacks and Ron Leibman, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens."
For the record:
it's worth noting that Slaughterhouse-Five was no slouch when it came to critical and cultural acclaim. In the inaugural year of Saturn Awards being issued for Best Science Fiction Film, it took home 1973's top honor. The film also took the Jury Prize for the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, with director Hill being nominated for the Palm d'Or. In 1973, it won the Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation.
More for the record:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Arrow Films 2019 Blu-ray release of the feature, and I penned a review of it. Those interested can access my thoughts right here.
"A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens."
For the record:
it's worth noting that Slaughterhouse-Five was no slouch when it came to critical and cultural acclaim. In the inaugural year of Saturn Awards being issued for Best Science Fiction Film, it took home 1973's top honor. The film also took the Jury Prize for the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, with director Hill being nominated for the Palm d'Or. In 1973, it won the Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation.
More for the record:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Arrow Films 2019 Blu-ray release of the feature, and I penned a review of it. Those interested can access my thoughts right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Blythe Danner got into a little bondage (snicker snicker) with the theatrical release of Futureworld, the sequel to 1973's popular Westworld. Directed by Richard T. Heffron from a story by Mayo Simon and George Schenck, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Blythe Danner, Peter Fonda, and Arthur Hill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
While I'll admit to finding Futureworld a bit tepid, the film did garner some positive attention during the corresponding awards season.
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
While I'll admit to finding Futureworld a bit tepid, the film did garner some positive attention during the corresponding awards season.
- At the 1977 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Blythe Danner took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress.' While the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film,' that honor went home with Logan's Run.
- At the 1977 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), audiences were stung by the original theatrical release of The Swarm. Directed by Irwin Allen from a story by Arthur Herzog III and Stirling Silliphant, the Horror/Fantasy starred Michael Caine, Katharine Ross, and Richard Widmark. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A huge swarm of deadly African bees spreads terror over American cities by killing thousands of people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Swarm did earn a 1979 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Costume Design.'
"A huge swarm of deadly African bees spreads terror over American cities by killing thousands of people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Swarm did earn a 1979 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Costume Design.'
On this day in 1983 (in Australia), Nightmare City brought a new level of terror to the multiplexes. Directed by Umberto Lenzi, the Horror/Fantasy starred Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter, and Maria Rosario Omaggio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An airplane exposed to radiation lands, and blood drinking zombies emerge armed with knives, guns and teeth! They go on a rampage slicing, dicing, and biting their way across the Italian countryside."
"An airplane exposed to radiation lands, and blood drinking zombies emerge armed with knives, guns and teeth! They go on a rampage slicing, dicing, and biting their way across the Italian countryside."
On this day in 1983 (in Norway), The Beastmaster bared his cinematic chest for audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Don Coscarelli, the Fantasy featured starred Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, and Rip Torn. (FYI: The screenplay was based on the novel by Andre Norton.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man's search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Beastmaster enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. It was also the birth of a Fantasy franchise as two sequels would follow along with a somewhat rebooted TV series.
"A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man's search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Beastmaster enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. It was also the birth of a Fantasy franchise as two sequels would follow along with a somewhat rebooted TV series.
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), THX 1138 showed television audiences one more Dystopian possibility for tomorrow. Written (in part) and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, and Don Pedro Colley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
A star is born! On this day in 1986, James Cameron did the unthinkable yet somehow managed to up the ante with the excitement with the big screen premiere of Aliens. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn, the SciFi/Adventure took Ripley into her very own 'heart of darkness,' and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Poland), I Like Bats tried to take a bit out of the box office. Written and directed by Grzegorz Warchol, the Horror/Fantasy starred Katarzyna Walter, Marek Barbasiewicz, and Malgorzata Lorentowicz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Izabella works at her aunt's shop in a small town in Poland. She is also a vampire."
"Izabella works at her aunt's shop in a small town in Poland. She is also a vampire."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), viewers were mesmerized by the appearance of Hobgoblins. Written and directed by Rick Sloane, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tom Bartlett, Paige Sullivan, and Billy Frank. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young security guard must track down diminutive aliens who kill people even as they make their fantasies come true."
"A young security guard must track down diminutive aliens who kill people even as they make their fantasies come true."
On this day in 1989 (in Spain), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure took audiences on a most excellent trip through time. Directed by Stephen Herek, the feature gave Keanu Reeves one of the earliest hits, pairing him up with a goofy Alex Winter in the winning premise of two dudes just trying to get through high school and maybe even save the world. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1990, Solar Crisis premiered theatrically (in Japan). According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A huge solar flare is predicted to fry the Earth. Astronauts must go to the Sun to drop a talking bomb (Freddy) at the right time so the flare will point somewhere else. Giant IXL Corp CEO Teague thinks the flare won't happen and wants the mission to fail so he can buy the planet cheaply while the scare lasts. Employee Haas prepares a surprise for the astronauts. While daddy Steve Kelso commands the space ship where temperaturs rise, granddaddy Admiral Skeet Kelso is searching the desert for grandson Mike who's gone AWOL to say goodbye to his dad but who inadvertently crossed the path of the guys from IXL after meeting desert-dweller Travis."
"A huge solar flare is predicted to fry the Earth. Astronauts must go to the Sun to drop a talking bomb (Freddy) at the right time so the flare will point somewhere else. Giant IXL Corp CEO Teague thinks the flare won't happen and wants the mission to fail so he can buy the planet cheaply while the scare lasts. Employee Haas prepares a surprise for the astronauts. While daddy Steve Kelso commands the space ship where temperaturs rise, granddaddy Admiral Skeet Kelso is searching the desert for grandson Mike who's gone AWOL to say goodbye to his dad but who inadvertently crossed the path of the guys from IXL after meeting desert-dweller Travis."
On this day in 1994 (in Mexico), The Unborn II delivered itself upon mankind. The SciFi/Horror film starred Michele Green and Robin Curtis, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A sinister fertility experiment has created a generation of twisted children. A relentless woman has made it her business to destroy these mutant babies before they destroy the world! One mother and her only friend are torn between love an repulsion of this deformed being and are ready to fight for it's survival, but this baby doesn't need love. It's been programmed to survive at any cost."
"A sinister fertility experiment has created a generation of twisted children. A relentless woman has made it her business to destroy these mutant babies before they destroy the world! One mother and her only friend are torn between love an repulsion of this deformed being and are ready to fight for it's survival, but this baby doesn't need love. It's been programmed to survive at any cost."
Who doesn't love The Muppets? Well, maybe it's more apropos to ask, "Who doesn't at least appreciate The Muppets?" On this day in 1999, the Jim Henson Company took those lovable things boldly where they really hadn't gone before when Muppets From Space screened theatrically. The rest, as they say, is history.
On this day in 2003 (in Italy), Swamp Thing emerged from the murk for a new release on home video. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the DC Comics adaptation starred Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, and Dick Durock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
A star is born ... but should it have been? On this day in 2004 (in the Netherlands) Thunderbirds weren't exactly go (snicker snicker) with the theatrical release of the film adaptation of the beloved Gerry Anderson franchise. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Bill Paxton, Anthony Edwards, and Ben Kingsley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When The Hood finds and invades International Rescue's secret base and traps most of the Tracy family, only young Alan Tracy and his friends can save the day."
"When The Hood finds and invades International Rescue's secret base and traps most of the Tracy family, only young Alan Tracy and his friends can save the day."
On this day in 2005, danger got "toothy" with the airing of the SciFi/Telefilm Attack of the Sabretooth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the Fiji islands, the greedy and unscrupulous owner of the Valalola Resort Primal Park invites investors and guests for an opening party of his compound composed of hotel and zoo aiming to find partners for his discoveries. When a bunch of college smalltime thieves puts a virus in the security system to participate in a scavenger hunt, the greatest attractions of the zoo - sabretoothes from the prehistoric age developed from DNA found in fossils - escape, killing the hosts and guards for fun."
"In the Fiji islands, the greedy and unscrupulous owner of the Valalola Resort Primal Park invites investors and guests for an opening party of his compound composed of hotel and zoo aiming to find partners for his discoveries. When a bunch of college smalltime thieves puts a virus in the security system to participate in a scavenger hunt, the greatest attractions of the zoo - sabretoothes from the prehistoric age developed from DNA found in fossils - escape, killing the hosts and guards for fun."
A star is born! On this day in South Korea, Cheon Gun gave audiences a look into an alternate history timeline. Written (in part) and directed by Joon-ki Min, the Fantasy/Drama starred Ma Dong-seok, Kong Hyo-Jin, and Hwang Jung-min. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a historically altered Korea, by 2005 the North and South Korean governments have secretly joined forces to create a nuclear warhead."
"In a historically altered Korea, by 2005 the North and South Korean governments have secretly joined forces to create a nuclear warhead."
On this day in 2007, the SciFi/Video release of Supergator gave audiences a chance to sink their teeth into terror! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scott Kinney is an American geologist monitoring a local volcano when the Supergator, a prehistoric alligator recreated from fossilized DNA escapes from a secret bio-engineering research center. Kinney joins forces with another scientist and a Texan alligator hunter as they pursue the monster as it heads down river intent on destroying a luxurious resort packed with tourists."
"Scott Kinney is an American geologist monitoring a local volcano when the Supergator, a prehistoric alligator recreated from fossilized DNA escapes from a secret bio-engineering research center. Kinney joins forces with another scientist and a Texan alligator hunter as they pursue the monster as it heads down river intent on destroying a luxurious resort packed with tourists."
On this day in 2010 (in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Iceland, and Italy), the hunters became the hunted again with the theatrical release of Predators. Directed by Nimrod Antal, the SciFi feature starred Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Topher Grace; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
On this day in 2012, the Fantasy/Telefilm True Bloodthirst sunk its teeth into its viewing audience. It starred Andrew Lee Potts and Heida Reed, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Set in a not-too-distant future in which a synthetic blood substitute, dispensed by the Romanian government, allows humans and vampires to potentially co-exist."
"Set in a not-too-distant future in which a synthetic blood substitute, dispensed by the Romanian government, allows humans and vampires to potentially co-exist."
On this day in 2014 (in Argentina), the good people of Buenos Aires were treated to the silver screen launch of Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. Directed by Matt Reeves, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Andy Serkis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2015 (in Brazil), the 1971-produced SciFi/Drama The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a special release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
On this day in 2017 (in South Korea), Replace enjoyed an exclusive screening for audiences in attendance of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Norbert Keil, the Fantasy/Horror starred Rebecca Forsythe, Lucie Aron, and Barbara Crampton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kira's skin starts to age rapidly, dry out and crumble away. But then she discovers that she can replace her own skin with somebody else's."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Replace earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Kira's skin starts to age rapidly, dry out and crumble away. But then she discovers that she can replace her own skin with somebody else's."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Replace earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in South Korea), the Grindhouse/Fantasy flick Spare Parts enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition. Directed by Andrew Thomas Hunt, the feature starred Julian Richings, Michelle Argyris, and Emily Alatalo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While travelling on their first American tour, Ms. 45, an all-girl punk band, is drugged and kidnapped. They awaken to find their limbs removed and replaced with crude weaponry, and are forced to fight as Gladiators for a sadistic town."
ExtraExtra Report:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing Spare Parts on home video, so here's the link to the review written. This is far more Exploitation than it is Fantasy, but it's definitely a close enough second to warrant coverage in this space.
"While travelling on their first American tour, Ms. 45, an all-girl punk band, is drugged and kidnapped. They awaken to find their limbs removed and replaced with crude weaponry, and are forced to fight as Gladiators for a sadistic town."
ExtraExtra Report:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing Spare Parts on home video, so here's the link to the review written. This is far more Exploitation than it is Fantasy, but it's definitely a close enough second to warrant coverage in this space.
On this day in 2020 (in Israel), Underwater buoyed itself to the surface with a release via the Internet. Directed by William Eubank from a story by Brian Duffield and Adam Cozad, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, and Jessica Henwick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crew of oceanic researchers working for a deep sea drilling company try to get to safety after a mysterious earthquake devastates their deepwater research and drilling facility located at the bottom of the Mariana Trench."
"A crew of oceanic researchers working for a deep sea drilling company try to get to safety after a mysterious earthquake devastates their deepwater research and drilling facility located at the bottom of the Mariana Trench."
A star is born! On this day in 2020, Useless Humans turned up the laughs on an indie-style alien invasion comedy. Directed by Stephen Ohl, the feature starred Josh Zuckerman, Rushi Kota, and Davida Williams; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A thirtieth birthday and the survival of mankind are left hanging in the balance after a mysterious creature crashes a party, forcing four childhood friends to save the night."
"A thirtieth birthday and the survival of mankind are left hanging in the balance after a mysterious creature crashes a party, forcing four childhood friends to save the night."
On this day in 1951, Space Patrol aired "The Legend Of Wild Man's Ridge." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Commander Corry, Cadet Happy and Tonga are forced to crash land in the barren Wastelands of Kralic on the planet Mars. They have to leave the spaceship and the precious spacephone, their only hope of rescue, due to lethal radiations spreading from the engine room. Soon lost in the wilderness, they are stalked by a frightening legend the Wild Man of the Ridge."
"Commander Corry, Cadet Happy and Tonga are forced to crash land in the barren Wastelands of Kralic on the planet Mars. They have to leave the spaceship and the precious spacephone, their only hope of rescue, due to lethal radiations spreading from the engine room. Soon lost in the wilderness, they are stalked by a frightening legend the Wild Man of the Ridge."
On this day in 1962 (in the United Kingdom), Out Of This World aired "Cold Equations." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lee Cross is a teenage stowaway on a rocket ship hoping to see her brother on another planet. However, her extra mass was obviously not accounted for, leaving the ship with not enough fuel to reach its destination."
"Lee Cross is a teenage stowaway on a rocket ship hoping to see her brother on another planet. However, her extra mass was obviously not accounted for, leaving the ship with not enough fuel to reach its destination."
On this day in 1989 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theatre aired "A Miracle Of Rare Device." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two drifters, Robert and William, stumble across a desert mirage while evading their nemesis, Ned. The two men soon realize that the mirage shows each viewer the city where they'd like to be, and start selling views."
"Two drifters, Robert and William, stumble across a desert mirage while evading their nemesis, Ned. The two men soon realize that the mirage shows each viewer the city where they'd like to be, and start selling views."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1992 Mann & Machine bowed out of televised existence with the airing of "Cold, Cold Heart." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mann poses as Eve's dying brother to investigate the death of a doctor, who was the only hope for a terminally ill cryonics scientist."
"Mann poses as Eve's dying brother to investigate the death of a doctor, who was the only hope for a terminally ill cryonics scientist."
On this day in 1996, The Outer Limits aired "Out Of Body." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Rebecca Warfield escapes from her body during a scientific experiment, but, due to the meddling of her assistant, she is now trapped and must find a way to communicate with her associates."
"Rebecca Warfield escapes from her body during a scientific experiment, but, due to the meddling of her assistant, she is now trapped and must find a way to communicate with her associates."
On this day in 1999, Crusade aired "Ruling From The Tomb." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gideon and Lochley must prevent a doomsday cult from killing everyone at a virus conference on Mars."
"Gideon and Lochley must prevent a doomsday cult from killing everyone at a virus conference on Mars."
On this day in 2000, Farscape aired "My Three Crichtons." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An energy ball enters Moya, and comes into contact with everyone on board. When it reaches Crichton, it engulfs him, then a cave man comes out, followed by Crichton. Blood tests show the cave man is Crichton. Another Crichton emerges from the energy ball, this one is extremely advanced. The probe says it needs to study at least one of the Crichtons. If it doesn't get at least one of them back, it will destroy Moya."
"An energy ball enters Moya, and comes into contact with everyone on board. When it reaches Crichton, it engulfs him, then a cave man comes out, followed by Crichton. Blood tests show the cave man is Crichton. Another Crichton emerges from the energy ball, this one is extremely advanced. The probe says it needs to study at least one of the Crichtons. If it doesn't get at least one of them back, it will destroy Moya."
On this day in 2000, Lexx aired "Woz." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"790 tells the crew that Xev will die in 79 hours because, as a love slave, she has an expiration date. They must travel to the planet Woz to locate a prototype of the Lusticon (the machine which transforms women into love slaves) to give Xev more time."
"790 tells the crew that Xev will die in 79 hours because, as a love slave, she has an expiration date. They must travel to the planet Woz to locate a prototype of the Lusticon (the machine which transforms women into love slaves) to give Xev more time."
On this day in 2000, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Upgrades." This served as the third episode of the long-running program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The SGC is visited by Tok'Ra called Anise who brings some armbands used by the soldiers of a long extinct race, supposed to increase the abilities of the wearers. O'Neill, Carter and Jackson put the armbands on and it improves their physical strength, but it also causes them to make rash decisions. can they get the armbands off before they cause their deaths?"
"The SGC is visited by Tok'Ra called Anise who brings some armbands used by the soldiers of a long extinct race, supposed to increase the abilities of the wearers. O'Neill, Carter and Jackson put the armbands on and it improves their physical strength, but it also causes them to make rash decisions. can they get the armbands off before they cause their deaths?"
On this day in 2000, The Outer Limits aired "The Grid." This served as the fifteenth episode of the long-running program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"On Scott Bowman's urgent return to his hometown of Halford, Washington, he finds the town full of antenna towers and its inhabitants under some form of mind control."
"On Scott Bowman's urgent return to his hometown of Halford, Washington, he finds the town full of antenna towers and its inhabitants under some form of mind control."
It all began right here: on this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), The Chronicle aired its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tucker Burns, a good journalist with a blemish on his record that makes him unemployable, is hired by The World Chronicle, a paranormal tabloid. Although a skeptic, Tucker agrees to investigate the case of a monster attack for the paper."
"Tucker Burns, a good journalist with a blemish on his record that makes him unemployable, is hired by The World Chronicle, a paranormal tabloid. Although a skeptic, Tucker agrees to investigate the case of a monster attack for the paper."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: Atlantis aired "No Man's Land." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On board the Wraith hive ship, Ronon Dex and Rodney McKay are taken prisoner after the Wraith reveal their true plot: to learn the location of Earth and use it as a feeding ground. Both Wraith ships manage to jump into hyperspace before the Daedalus or the Orion can inflict much damage. Sheppard however has found a way to travel along with them. When they come out of hyperspace, the battle begins. Elizabeth Weir is ordered to return to Stargate Command headquarters on Earth to be questioned by the International Oversight Advisory about her handling of the dealings with the Wraith and particularly her decision to form an alliance with them. Elizabeth concludes that her days as leader of the Atlantis expedition are numbered."
"On board the Wraith hive ship, Ronon Dex and Rodney McKay are taken prisoner after the Wraith reveal their true plot: to learn the location of Earth and use it as a feeding ground. Both Wraith ships manage to jump into hyperspace before the Daedalus or the Orion can inflict much damage. Sheppard however has found a way to travel along with them. When they come out of hyperspace, the battle begins. Elizabeth Weir is ordered to return to Stargate Command headquarters on Earth to be questioned by the International Oversight Advisory about her handling of the dealings with the Wraith and particularly her decision to form an alliance with them. Elizabeth concludes that her days as leader of the Atlantis expedition are numbered."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 roared back onto the small screen for its tenth and final season with the airing of "Flesh and Blood." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the Ori invasion continues, Vala and Daniel must deal with their leader, Vala's young daughter, who is rapidly aged by the Ori to serve their purposes."
"As the Ori invasion continues, Vala and Daniel must deal with their leader, Vala's young daughter, who is rapidly aged by the Ori to serve their purposes."
On this day in 2007, Star Trek aired the Remastered version of "Charlie X" in U.S. television syndication. Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
On this day in 2013, Avengers Assemble aired "The Serpent Of Doom." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thor believes he must sacrifice himself to save the world."
"Thor believes he must sacrifice himself to save the world."
On this day in 2013, Continuum aired "Second Wave." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a surprise attack by the shadowy group posing as Section Six, Kiera is captured by Julian's followers. Alec reactivates Travis' military chip in order to hunt him, but the hunter soon becomes the hunted."
"After a surprise attack by the shadowy group posing as Section Six, Kiera is captured by Julian's followers. Alec reactivates Travis' military chip in order to hunt him, but the hunter soon becomes the hunted."
On this day in 2013, Falling Skies aired "The Pickett Line." This served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Masons run into trouble on the road when a family of outlaws intercepts their search-and-rescue mission."
"The Masons run into trouble on the road when a family of outlaws intercepts their search-and-rescue mission."
On this day in 2015, Zoo aired "The Silence of the Cicadas." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson Oz and Abraham Kenyatta fly to Japan to recover the rest of Oz's father's research involving animals. Also, Jamie convinces Mitch to accompany her on a trip to her hometown in Louisiana to show a senator their findings on the abnormal behavior of the zoo lions. In Paris, Chloe is the first to be recruited by a shadowy intelligence agent, Gaspard Alves (Henri Lubatti), who is looking for the cause of the strange animal behavior, and a death row inmate escapes from a Mississippi prison after a vicious wolf invasion sets the prison ablaze."
"Jackson Oz and Abraham Kenyatta fly to Japan to recover the rest of Oz's father's research involving animals. Also, Jamie convinces Mitch to accompany her on a trip to her hometown in Louisiana to show a senator their findings on the abnormal behavior of the zoo lions. In Paris, Chloe is the first to be recruited by a shadowy intelligence agent, Gaspard Alves (Henri Lubatti), who is looking for the cause of the strange animal behavior, and a death row inmate escapes from a Mississippi prison after a vicious wolf invasion sets the prison ablaze."
On this day in 2017, Killjoys aired "The Hullen Have Eyes." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After tracing a Black Root ship to a radiation scorched planet, the Killjoys find an abandoned Hullen training camp, creepy inhabitants and a connection to their past."
"After tracing a Black Root ship to a radiation scorched planet, the Killjoys find an abandoned Hullen training camp, creepy inhabitants and a connection to their past."
On this day in 2015, Broadway Books released A.L. Kennedy's Doctor Who: The Drosten's Curse. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the premise:
"Something distinctly odd is going on in Arbroath. It could be to do with golfers being dragged down into the bunkers at the Fetch Brothers’ Golf Spa Hotel, never to be seen again. It might be related to the strange twin grandchildren of the equally strange Mrs Fetch--owner of the hotel and fascinated with octopuses. It could be the fact that people in the surrounding area suddenly know what others are thinking, without anyone saying a word. Whatever it is, the Doctor is most at home when faced with the distinctly odd. With the help of Fetch Brothers’ Junior Receptionist Bryony, he’ll get to the bottom of things. Just so long as he does so in time to save Bryony from quite literally losing her mind, and the entire world from destruction."
"Something distinctly odd is going on in Arbroath. It could be to do with golfers being dragged down into the bunkers at the Fetch Brothers’ Golf Spa Hotel, never to be seen again. It might be related to the strange twin grandchildren of the equally strange Mrs Fetch--owner of the hotel and fascinated with octopuses. It could be the fact that people in the surrounding area suddenly know what others are thinking, without anyone saying a word. Whatever it is, the Doctor is most at home when faced with the distinctly odd. With the help of Fetch Brothers’ Junior Receptionist Bryony, he’ll get to the bottom of things. Just so long as he does so in time to save Bryony from quite literally losing her mind, and the entire world from destruction."
On this day in 1955, the Science Fiction radio serial X Minus One aired "Dr. Grimshaw's Sanitorium." According to our friends at Old Time Radio Downloads (link), here's the episode's plot summary:
"What you will hear transcribed in the next half hour represents either a magnificent hoax or the true explanation of the famous Grimshaw sanatorium scandal, which made the headlines back in 1947. The manuscript upon which this account is based was removed by the New York State Police from a fountain pen cover found in the doorway to Dr Grimshaw’s study. We offer this manuscript as evidence only and whether it is authentic or not you must judge for your self…"
"What you will hear transcribed in the next half hour represents either a magnificent hoax or the true explanation of the famous Grimshaw sanatorium scandal, which made the headlines back in 1947. The manuscript upon which this account is based was removed by the New York State Police from a fountain pen cover found in the doorway to Dr Grimshaw’s study. We offer this manuscript as evidence only and whether it is authentic or not you must judge for your self…"
