Actor Saul Rubinek flirted around the edges of SciFi for quite a long time before settling in for the long haul as a series regular on SyFy's Warehouse 13. (I only watched a few episodes, finding it more than a bit too sugary for my tastes.) Of course, most Star Trek fans remember him as 'Kivas Fajo' from TNG's "The Most Toys," in which an intergalactic collector of oddities decided he needed a Data in his private collection. Rubinek was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I screened an episode of The Outer Limits -- "Tribunal" -- in which Rubinek headlined a story about a lawyer committed to bringing a former Nazi S.S. officer to justice. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I screened an episode of The Outer Limits -- "Tribunal" -- in which Rubinek headlined a story about a lawyer committed to bringing a former Nazi S.S. officer to justice. Interested readers can find my review right here.
That's the face of a man staring down The Killer Shrews (1959)! Ken Curtis gravitated toward scruffier characters, building a reputation in mostly Westerns and conventional dramas ... well, except for that bout with the shrews. Though he's no longer with us, Curtis was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Catherine McLeod began her professional career with some uncredited work in the early 1940's, and she built a resume that lasted an impressive four decades in the industry. Though she managed to squeeze in some performances in motion pictures, it honestly appears that the bulk of her characters were in episodic television, perhaps the greatest of which -- so far as SciFi and Fantasy fans are concerned -- would be her time spent in The Outer Limit's signature episode, "Soldier," in 1964. Though she's no longer with us, McLeod was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I sat down and watched "Soldier" (The Outer Limit's first episode of its second season) on home video, and McLeod has a role in it. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I sat down and watched "Soldier" (The Outer Limit's first episode of its second season) on home video, and McLeod has a role in it. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Veteran character actor Brock Peters came to the universe of Star Trek initially as a rather nebulous Starfleet officer (aka 'Admiral Cartwright'), but it wasn't until Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that he was given a recurring role his gravitas commanded -- that of father to 'Captain Benjamin Sisko.' The man even had a small role in TV's Battlestar Galactica that remains of note, for Pete's sake! Amazing! And -- to complete the big Science Fiction trifecta -- Peters actually voiced the character of 'Darth Vader' for the 1996 radio drama adaptations of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return Of The Jedi! Woohoo!
Still, the guy was a bit of a professional juggernaut. Look closely, and you'll find him putting in great performances in The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, Tarzan, Night Gallery, The Bionic Woman, Faerie Tale Theatre, Challenge Of The GoBots, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Alligator II: The Mutation (1991), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), The Pirates Of Dark Water, Batman: The Animated Series, Captain Planet And The Planeteers, Mortal Kombat: Defenders Of The Realm, The Pretender, Samurai Jack, The Legend Of Tarzan, Star Trek: Starfleet Command III (2002), and Borg War (2006).
Though he's no longer with us, Peters was born on this day back in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Still, the guy was a bit of a professional juggernaut. Look closely, and you'll find him putting in great performances in The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, Tarzan, Night Gallery, The Bionic Woman, Faerie Tale Theatre, Challenge Of The GoBots, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Alligator II: The Mutation (1991), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), The Pirates Of Dark Water, Batman: The Animated Series, Captain Planet And The Planeteers, Mortal Kombat: Defenders Of The Realm, The Pretender, Samurai Jack, The Legend Of Tarzan, Star Trek: Starfleet Command III (2002), and Borg War (2006).
Though he's no longer with us, Peters was born on this day back in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert Ito (pictured above center from Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Coming of Age") has dabbled in SciFi's various realms throughout his illustrious career. He's appeared in Dimension 5, Soylent Green, The Terminal Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, The X-Files, and Star Trek: Voyager. Ito was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I'll concede that David Lynch's Dune (1984) adaptation was visually impressive, I still think the film was a narrative failure on so many levels. Still, it was filled with some interesting performances, including Kenneth McMillan's take on 'Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.' Though he's no longer with us, McMillan was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received an all-new home video release of Salem's Lot -- in which McMillan played a role -- from the good people at Warner Archive in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received an all-new home video release of Salem's Lot -- in which McMillan played a role -- from the good people at Warner Archive in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Gloria Castillo found a bit of notoriety and perhaps a fair amount of unwanted alien touching for her work aboard Invasion Of The Saucer Men (1957). Though she's no longer with us, Castillo was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Polly Holliday showed up in a terrific supporting role in Joe Dante's Gremlins (1984). In the mid-1980's, she also squeezed in a visit to the world of Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories. Holliday was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards, Holliday took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I attended a special holiday screening of Gremlins at a local theater. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards, Holliday took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I attended a special holiday screening of Gremlins at a local theater. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
If you're gonna do something, then make sure you do it right: Ron Silver ventured into SciFi History when he appeared alongside the grand kickboxer himself -- Jean-Claude Van Damme -- in 1994's Timecop. Interestingly enough, the year before that he had stepped in as director on the SciFi/Telefilm Lifepod (1993) for Fox West Pictures. And in 1996, he joined Charlie Sheen aboard the fondly remembered SciFi conspiracy thriller The Arrival. Though he's no longer with us, Silver was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nancy Stephens is no stranger to the world of genre entertainment, but her SciFi credentials are a bit light. Still, I'll always celebrate anyone who worked in John Carpenter's Escape From New York and NBC's short-lived Dark Skies. Stephens was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Swedish model and actress Agneta Eckemyr braved the cold for her foray into the realm of cinematic Fantasy aboard Walt Disney's The Island At The Top Of The World (1974). Though she's no longer with us, Eckemyr was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's probably best remembered for her work in The Howling (1981), Elisabeth Brooks did have a few SciFi credits to her name: she booked appearances aboard The Six Million Dollar Man and Deep Space (1988). Though she's no longer with us, Brooks was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Brooks played a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) -- in which Brooks played a role -- when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Wendy Schaal has more than a few solid genre credits to her name. Fans probably recognize her from appearances aboard Fantasy Island, Creature (1985), Knight Rider, Airwolf, Amazing Stories, Innerspace (1987), Batteries Not Included (1987), Out There (1995), Star Trek: Voyager, and The X-Files. Schaal was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2026, I received an all-new home video release of Innerspace (1987) -- in which Schaal played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2026, I received an all-new home video release of Innerspace (1987) -- in which Schaal played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Eddie Rouse was an accomplished character actor who knew a thing or two about stealing scenes. SciFi fans may recognize him from work aboard Pandorum (2009) and HBO's Westworld. Though he's no longer with us, Rouse was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Divoff is a screen veteran who is most often cast in roles as 'the bad guy.' You may recognize him from his work in The Twilight Zone, Oblivion (1994), Xtro 3: Watch The Skies, Oblivion 2: Backlash, or ABC's long-running Lost. If you want to see him take on the role of the action hero, 1992's Interceptor is an underrated B-movie that's done quite well for the time. Divoff was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jerry Hall played the squeeze (and what a squeeze she'd be!) to Jack Nicholson's 'Jack Napier' aboard Tim Burton's version of Batman (1989). Hall was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Julia Montgomery found herself on the receiving end of some very negative attraction from the beneath-the-floor dwelling creature at the heart of The Kindred (1987). Montgomery was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kim Wall found herself trapped in one of the many Fantasy worlds coming from the mind of Stephen King for her work aboard The Mist (2007). Wall was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Emmet Tracy has a solid track record worth considering in the realms of the Fantastic. Genre fans might recognize his face from such projects as The Dead Zone, Beneath (2006), Impact (miniseries), Smallville, Sanctuary, Fringe, Divine: The Series, American Mary (2012), Continuum, R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, Olympus, The BFG (2016), The Wilding (2016), Altered Cardon, The Bad Seed (2018), Supernatural, Project Blue Book, iZombie, Batwoman, and Little Fish (2020). Tracy was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often said, Science Fiction fans love 'the tough chick,' and do they come any tougher than Yancy Butler? Back in 1992, she starred in something called Mann & Machine (I hadn't even heard of this) wherein she plays a female robot paired up with a wise-cracking police detective. Plus there's a little Fantasy show in her resume called Witchblade that's worth checking out. Butler was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received complimentary streaming access to The Accursed (2021) -- in which Butler played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received complimentary streaming access to The Accursed (2021) -- in which Butler played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Not only has the lovely Amy Weber showed her toughness as part of the WWE but also she served in the Starforce (2000). Weber was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2006, Peter Kay went for a wild ride (under much make-up) with a guest spot aboard the BBC's Doctor Who. Kay was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the devilish Annabelle finally made it home in Annabelle Comes Home (2029), veteran character actor Michael Patrick McGill enjoyed a small role in the action. McGill was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former NFL cheerleader turned actress Allison McCurdy enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Flight 7500 (2014) for CBS Films. McCurdy was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elizabeth Reaser enjoyed a bit of screen time when she found herself cast into the Horror / Fantasy universe that was the Twilight saga. Reaser was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably far more well known for his role on CBS's popular crime procedural The Mentalist, Owain Yeoman did try to scare the extraterrestrial out of Halle Berry while guest-starring in an arc of episodes on Extant (pictured above right). He also had a role in Fox TV's pilot episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He also played an investigative journalist with a bit of a secret in the short-lived Emergence. Yeoman was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, Vanessa Lee Chester faced off against those pesky dinosaurs compliments of Steven Spielberg in 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park (pictured above). Chester was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young and lovely Ashley Tisdale gave Science Fiction a try with a role aboard Aliens In The Attic (2009). Tisdale was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of those talented actors with a recognizable face -- the great Nelson Franklin -- dipped into the bizarre world of Yellowjackets for Showtime. Franklin was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former child star turned singer turned celebrity Lindsay Lohan proved she could drive ... well, with assistance ... with a starring gig aboard Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) for the Walt Disney Company. Lohan was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Barbara Dunkelman faced the end of life as we know it aboard the SciFi/Web property Day 5 from Rooster Teeth Productions. Dunkelman was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Crazy never looked so good and inviting as when it was played by Margot Robbie as 'Harley Quinn' aboard DC Comics' big budget flick Suicide Squad (2016). Robbie was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Suicide Squad during its run through theaters. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Suicide Squad during its run through theaters. Interested readers can find my review right here.
South Korean actress Kim Go-eun found herself in some dark territory with a big role aboard Exhuma (2024) for MCMC and Showbox Entertainment. Go-eun was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Exhuma (2024) -- in which Go-eun starred -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Exhuma (2024) -- in which Go-eun starred -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Critical favorite Abraham Attah enjoyed a bit of Marvel star power with a small role aboard Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). Attah was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Caitlin Carmichael is well on the way toward making a name for herself in genre entertainment with work aboard True Blood, Daybreak, Agent Carter, Monsters (2015), and Z Nation. Carmichael was born on this day in 2004.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1947 (in the Soviet Union), Spring (aka Vesna) enjoyed its very first theatrical presentation of record. Written (in part) and directed by Grigoriy Aleksandrov, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Lyubov Orlova, Nikolay Cherkasov, and Nikolai Konovalov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A drab woman scientist, working on machine to harness solar energy, and a pert concert singer look-alike being courted to play her in a movie swap identities and find personal growth, professional success, love, and happiness."
"A drab woman scientist, working on machine to harness solar energy, and a pert concert singer look-alike being courted to play her in a movie swap identities and find personal growth, professional success, love, and happiness."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Maze. Directed by William Cameron Menzies from a story by Daniel B. Ullman and Maurice Sandoz, the Fantasy/Horror starred Richard Carlson, Veronica Hurst, and Katherine Emery. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Scotsman abruptly breaks off his engagement to pretty Kitty and moves to his uncle's castle in the Scottish highlands. Kitty and her aunt follow Gerald a few weeks later, and discover he has suddenly aged. Some mysterious things happen in a maze made from the hedges adjoining the castle."
"A Scotsman abruptly breaks off his engagement to pretty Kitty and moves to his uncle's castle in the Scottish highlands. Kitty and her aunt follow Gerald a few weeks later, and discover he has suddenly aged. Some mysterious things happen in a maze made from the hedges adjoining the castle."
On this day in 1957 (in Denmark), the SciFi/Fantasy Mandragore enjoyed its theatrical run. Directed by Arthur Maria Rabenalt, the SciFi/Horror starred Hildegard Knef, Erich von Stroheim, and Trude Hesterberg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
Not to sound like I'm nitpicking but 1980's Alligator is definitely more Horror than it is Science Fiction; still, the inclusion of some genetic experimentation pushes it into our beloved genre. It was released on this day back then, and -- starring Robert Forster and Robin Riker -- here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A baby alligator is flushed down a Chicago toilet and survives by eating discarded laboratory rats injected with growth hormones. The small reptile grows gigantic, escapes the city sewers, and goes on a rampage."
For the record:
At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), screenwriter John Sayles enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Writing.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast screening of Alligator when it made the rounds on Turner Classic Movies. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A baby alligator is flushed down a Chicago toilet and survives by eating discarded laboratory rats injected with growth hormones. The small reptile grows gigantic, escapes the city sewers, and goes on a rampage."
For the record:
At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), screenwriter John Sayles enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Writing.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast screening of Alligator when it made the rounds on Turner Classic Movies. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Condorman took cinematic flight with its first theatrical presentation ever! Based on the novel by Robert Sheckley, the feature was directed by Charles Jarrott and starred Michael Crawford, Oliver Reed, and Barbara Carrera, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Comic artist and writer Woody performs a simple courier operation for his friend Harry who works for the CIA. But when he successfully fends off hostile agents, he earns the respect of the beautiful Natalia, who requests his assistance for her defection. Woody uses this request as leverage to use the CIA's resources to bring his comic book creation, Condorman, to life to battle the evil Krokov."
"Comic artist and writer Woody performs a simple courier operation for his friend Harry who works for the CIA. But when he successfully fends off hostile agents, he earns the respect of the beautiful Natalia, who requests his assistance for her defection. Woody uses this request as leverage to use the CIA's resources to bring his comic book creation, Condorman, to life to battle the evil Krokov."
A star is born!
On this day in 1981 (in Yugoslavia), Visitors From The Arkana Galaxy found modest acclaim at the box office. Written (in part) and directed by Dusan Vukotic, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ljubisa Samardzic, Zarka Potocnjak, and Lucie Zulova. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A science fiction writer is gifted with the ability to materialize his thoughts and inadvertently brings a group of aliens to Earth."
"A science fiction writer is gifted with the ability to materialize his thoughts and inadvertently brings a group of aliens to Earth."
A star is born!
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), The Secret Of NIMH enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Don Bluth, the animated Fantasy starred the voices of Elizabeth Hartman, Derek Jacobi, and Dom DeLuise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"To save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of rats, with whom she has a deeper link than she suspected."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, The Secret Of NIMH took home the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Animated Film' while it missed out on the trophy in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"To save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of rats, with whom she has a deeper link than she suspected."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, The Secret Of NIMH took home the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Animated Film' while it missed out on the trophy in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Big Trouble In Little China meant big business at the domestic box office. Directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Comedy starred Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, and Dennis Dun. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rough-and-tumble trucker and his side kick face off with an ancient sorcerer in a supernatural battle beneath Chinatown."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, director and composer John Carpenter earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Music.'
"A rough-and-tumble trucker and his side kick face off with an ancient sorcerer in a supernatural battle beneath Chinatown."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, director and composer John Carpenter earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Music.'
On this day in 1986 (in Australia), Breeders took its scientific conspiracy to the corner movie theater. Written and directed by Tim Kincaid, the SciFi/Horror starred Teresa Farley, Lance Lewman, and Frances Sherman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Manhattan General Hospital admitted a string of young women raped by something otherworldly. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims to find the fiend."
"The Manhattan General Hospital admitted a string of young women raped by something otherworldly. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims to find the fiend."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Psycho III enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Anthony Perkins from a story by Robert Bloch and Charles Edward Pogue, the film starred Perkins alongside Diana Scarwid, Jeff Fahey, Lee Garlington, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Norman Bates falls in love with a fallen nun who stays at the Bates Motel alongside a drifter and a curious reporter. Meanwhile, "Mother" is still watching."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, Perkins received a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' while the film received a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"Norman Bates falls in love with a fallen nun who stays at the Bates Motel alongside a drifter and a curious reporter. Meanwhile, "Mother" is still watching."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, Perkins received a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' while the film received a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1986 (in France), The Throne Of Fire enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Francesco Prosperi from a story by Giuseppe Buricchi and Nino Marino, the film starred Pietro Torrisi, Sabrina Siani, Harrison Muller, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
On this day in 1987 (in Uruguay), Legend transported audiences into a world of high Fantasy. Directed by Ridley Scott from a story by William Hjortsberg, the cinematic Fantasy starred Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Mexico), The Dungeonmaster delivered some phasery magic to audiences. An anthology-style thriller directed and written by a handful of professionals, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll, and Leslie Wing. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A demonic wizard challenges a modern-day computer programmer to a battle of technology vs. sorcery, with the programmer's girlfriend as the prize."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray of The Dungeonmaster via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A demonic wizard challenges a modern-day computer programmer to a battle of technology vs. sorcery, with the programmer's girlfriend as the prize."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray of The Dungeonmaster via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1988 (in South Korea), Dracula's Widow tried to sink its teeth into audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Coppola, the film starred Sylvia Kristel, Joseph Sommer, Lenny von Dohlen, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The young owner of a wax factory in Hollywood receives six instead of five boxes ordered with Romanian antiques. He doesn't know that Vanessa, widow of Count Dracula, sleeps in the sixth chest."
"The young owner of a wax factory in Hollywood receives six instead of five boxes ordered with Romanian antiques. He doesn't know that Vanessa, widow of Count Dracula, sleeps in the sixth chest."
On this day in 1990 (in Denmark), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure had two knuckleheaded high schoolers travelling through time for a good book report. Directed by Stephen Herek from a story by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, the film starred Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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 1991 (in Germany), Alien Terror brought its pervasive horror to Earth. Directed by the team of Jack Hill, Juan Ibáñez, and José Luis González de León, the Fantasy/Horror starred Boris Karloff, Christa Linder, and Sergio Kleiner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the European village of Gudenberg in 1890, Prof. Mayer and his assistant Isabel have created a powerful ray machine. One of the powerful rays is shot into space and attracts a flying saucer. The alien pilot decides that the ray poses too great a threat to the universe and must be destroyed. Sex murderer Thomas is possessed by an alien intelligence and infiltrates Mayer's household; Mayer himself is later taken over by an alien mind. Paul Rosten, a young scientist who is in love with Mayer's niece Laura, arrives. The alien "Mayer" and "Thomas" rig the ray gun to explode, killing all who know its secret. Thomas kills Isabel, but before he can murder Laura, Mayer throws off the alien intelligence and she is saved. Mayer realizes that the ray is too powerful for human use, and he destroys it. The flying saucer departs."
"In the European village of Gudenberg in 1890, Prof. Mayer and his assistant Isabel have created a powerful ray machine. One of the powerful rays is shot into space and attracts a flying saucer. The alien pilot decides that the ray poses too great a threat to the universe and must be destroyed. Sex murderer Thomas is possessed by an alien intelligence and infiltrates Mayer's household; Mayer himself is later taken over by an alien mind. Paul Rosten, a young scientist who is in love with Mayer's niece Laura, arrives. The alien "Mayer" and "Thomas" rig the ray gun to explode, killing all who know its secret. Thomas kills Isabel, but before he can murder Laura, Mayer throws off the alien intelligence and she is saved. Mayer realizes that the ray is too powerful for human use, and he destroys it. The flying saucer departs."
On this day in 1992, the direct-to-video release of Shadowchaser was coordinated. Directed by John Eyres from a story by Stephen Lister, the film starred Martin Kove, Meg Foster, and Frank Zagarino. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Terrorists with an indestructible robot take over a high-rise hospital in order to kidnap the president's daughter."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Shadowchaser earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
"Terrorists with an indestructible robot take over a high-rise hospital in order to kidnap the president's daughter."
For the record:
At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Shadowchaser earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
On this day in 1995 (in South Korea), Endgame enjoyed a broadcast television airing. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, this SciFi feature starred Al Cliver, Laura Gemser, George Eastman, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2026, I purchased my very own Blu-ray of Endgame (1983) -- the 2K release from Severin Films -- for my collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2026, I purchased my very own Blu-ray of Endgame (1983) -- the 2K release from Severin Films -- for my collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1996 (in Canada), Independence Day brought a modern age alien invasion to life for audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich (with longtime creative partner Dean Devlin), the space fantasy starred Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1998 (in Germany), audiences went back to the world of Alien Nation with the release of Alien Nation: Body And Soul. Written (in part) and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sikes and Francisco are called in to a case when a mysterious young girl, who looks part Newcomer, part human, appears. Her huge, brutish counterpart tries to free her from the precinct, and their bizarre relationship turns out to be the result of a slaveship medical experiment. Meanwhile, Cathy and Matt are going to sex school, in preparation of becoming intimate, while Buck distresses his parents by his anti-human opinions."
For the record:
At the 1996 Primetime Emmy Awards, the SciFi/Telefilm earned a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Make-Up For A Miniseries Or A Special.'
"Sikes and Francisco are called in to a case when a mysterious young girl, who looks part Newcomer, part human, appears. Her huge, brutish counterpart tries to free her from the precinct, and their bizarre relationship turns out to be the result of a slaveship medical experiment. Meanwhile, Cathy and Matt are going to sex school, in preparation of becoming intimate, while Buck distresses his parents by his anti-human opinions."
For the record:
At the 1996 Primetime Emmy Awards, the SciFi/Telefilm earned a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Make-Up For A Miniseries Or A Special.'
On this day in 1998 (in Norway), audiences in attendance of the Filmquart Film Festival were treated to a special theatrical engagement of Dark City. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received an all-new home video release of Dark City (1998) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received an all-new home video release of Dark City (1998) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within brought big budget CGI to the theaters in a feature attraction. Directed by the team of Hironobu Sakaguchi and Motonori Sakakibara, the film starred the voices of Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, and Donald Sutherland. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist makes a last stand on Earth with the help of a ragtag team of soldiers against an invasion of alien phantoms."
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Final Fantasy earned a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Special Edition Release.'
"A scientist makes a last stand on Earth with the help of a ragtag team of soldiers against an invasion of alien phantoms."
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Final Fantasy earned a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Special Edition Release.'
On this day in 2002 (in Kuwait), the 1982-produced E.T. - The Extraterrestrial enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release in celebration of the flick's 20th anniversary. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially.
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially.
- The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues.
- The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors.
- It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
- In 1994, E.T. - The Extraterrestrial was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry for its preservation.
On this day in 2002 (in Canada and the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm known as Teenage Caveman crawled out of the muck and rose for the first time. Directed by Larry Clark from a story by Christos N. Gage, the SciFi/Horror starred Andrew Keegan, Tara Subkoff, and Richard Hillman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Teens encounter people, who, after being used as guinea pigs for the experimental testing of a virus can live forever in a post apocalyptic world."
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Teenage Caveman earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.'
"Teens encounter people, who, after being used as guinea pigs for the experimental testing of a virus can live forever in a post apocalyptic world."
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Teenage Caveman earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.'
On this day in 2003 (in Canada and the U.S.), Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines sent audiences on another trip into our collective judgment. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, the film starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedoms' Schwarzenegger, Kristanna Loken, Claire Danes, and Nick Stahl. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A machine from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a man and a woman from an advanced robotic assassin to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Terminator 3 enjoyed four nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A machine from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a man and a woman from an advanced robotic assassin to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Terminator 3 enjoyed four nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2008 (in a whole host of countries around the world), Hancock soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Peter Berg from a story by Vy Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan, the Superhero/Comedy starred Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Jason Bateman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hancock is a superhero whose ill considered behavior regularly causes damage in the millions. He changes when one person he saves helps him improve his public image."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Hancock earned three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"Hancock is a superhero whose ill considered behavior regularly causes damage in the millions. He changes when one person he saves helps him improve his public image."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Hancock earned three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in Switzerland), audiences in attendance of the Neuchatel International Fantasy Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of Infestation. Written and directed by Kyle Rankin, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Christopher Marquette, Brooke Nevin, and Kinsey Packard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A slacker awakes to find himself weak and wrapped in a webbing; after realizing that the world has been taken over by giant alien insects, he wakes a ragtag group of strangers and together they fight for survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Infestation earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A slacker awakes to find himself weak and wrapped in a webbing; after realizing that the world has been taken over by giant alien insects, he wakes a ragtag group of strangers and together they fight for survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Infestation earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the cinematic Fantasy known as After The Wizard enjoyed a brief theatrical run in the city of Kingman, Kansas. Based on a story from L. Frank Baum and directed by Hugh Gross, the feature starred Jordan Van Vranken, Orien Richman, and Sean Orr. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A 12-year-old Kansas orphan turns to the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman for help during a difficult time. She imagines that things have not gone well in Oz since the Wizard left and that the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman must travel to Kansas to find Dorothy."
"A 12-year-old Kansas orphan turns to the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman for help during a difficult time. She imagines that things have not gone well in Oz since the Wizard left and that the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman must travel to Kansas to find Dorothy."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in the Czech Republic), Mars And April (aka Mars et Avril) enjoyed its first screening ever when it was premiered for audiences in attendance of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Written and directed by Martin Villeneuve, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jacques Languirand, Caroline Dhavernas, and Paul Ahmarani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, Mars & Avril is set in Montreal of the future, at the dawn of the first human landing on Mars, and tells the story of a musician who becomes obsessed with his muse."
"Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, Mars & Avril is set in Montreal of the future, at the dawn of the first human landing on Mars, and tells the story of a musician who becomes obsessed with his muse."
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in France), Appleseed Alpha came to animated life when it was unveiled first for audiences in attendance of the Japan Expo. Directed by Shinji Aramaki and Steven Foster, the project starred the voices of Yuka Komatsu, Jun'ichi Suwabe, and Aoi Yuki. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tough, cute woman and a cyborg arrive at a depopulated, post WW3 Times Sq. They leave the ruins of NYC with 2 on a secret mission."
"A tough, cute woman and a cyborg arrive at a depopulated, post WW3 Times Sq. They leave the ruins of NYC with 2 on a secret mission."
On this day in 2015 (in South Korea), Pig delivered a bit of Fantasy-fueled mystery to audiences. Written and directed by Henry Barrial, the film starred Rudolf Martin, Heather Ankeny, and Keith Diamond. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man wakes up alone in the middle of the desert with a black hood on his head and his hands tied behind his back. At death's door, he is discovered by a woman living alone in the desert and is nursed back to health. Upon regaining consciousness, the man realizes he has amnesia, and has no idea who he is. His only clue, a piece of paper in his pocket with the name "Manny Elder" on it, sends him on a journey to Los Angeles to discover his past. But things and people are not what they seem and clues lead to something bigger and more unusual than the man could have ever imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Pig earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A man wakes up alone in the middle of the desert with a black hood on his head and his hands tied behind his back. At death's door, he is discovered by a woman living alone in the desert and is nursed back to health. Upon regaining consciousness, the man realizes he has amnesia, and has no idea who he is. His only clue, a piece of paper in his pocket with the name "Manny Elder" on it, sends him on a journey to Los Angeles to discover his past. But things and people are not what they seem and clues lead to something bigger and more unusual than the man could have ever imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Pig earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the B-Retina Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of The Attack Of The Symbiotic Pigs. Written and directed by Raquel Choy, the SciFi/Comedy starred Noel Asensio, Roberto Barrachina, Marc Cardo, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A representative group of aliens belonging to the Symbiotic Pigs species is obliged to travel to Earth after the destruction of their birth planet: Piggy. Following an ancient legend, they arrive to the town where John Trabuco lives. He, according to a "known" legend, is the reincarnation of their old messiah Marco Paqueti. The local Mayoress witnesses, disconcertingly, the arrival of these beings, of which she's been informed by her enamored assistant, better known as The Delusional. But this love is not reciprocated since she's only got eyes for the biggest star the world of the street party orchestra has ever produced: Georgo Dunn (with whom she shared more than words a long time ago...). As well as the arrival of the symbiotic pigs, Empress Quasi-Tattoo reappears from the shadows, hidden up to this point in the Underworld. There, she kept herself free from the clutches of Justice, which accused her of trying to conquer the Earth on two occasions, on one of them selling radioactive melons, and on the second one, well, better not to say anything. Thus the villagers prepare to fight the invasion as the pigs arrive with their plans to conquer Earth and perpetuate their species. In this context an original fantastic action musical comedy develops, which relates the course of two such "peculiar" species, letting us know that deep inside humans and pigs-symbiotic ones, naturally- aren't so different."
"A representative group of aliens belonging to the Symbiotic Pigs species is obliged to travel to Earth after the destruction of their birth planet: Piggy. Following an ancient legend, they arrive to the town where John Trabuco lives. He, according to a "known" legend, is the reincarnation of their old messiah Marco Paqueti. The local Mayoress witnesses, disconcertingly, the arrival of these beings, of which she's been informed by her enamored assistant, better known as The Delusional. But this love is not reciprocated since she's only got eyes for the biggest star the world of the street party orchestra has ever produced: Georgo Dunn (with whom she shared more than words a long time ago...). As well as the arrival of the symbiotic pigs, Empress Quasi-Tattoo reappears from the shadows, hidden up to this point in the Underworld. There, she kept herself free from the clutches of Justice, which accused her of trying to conquer the Earth on two occasions, on one of them selling radioactive melons, and on the second one, well, better not to say anything. Thus the villagers prepare to fight the invasion as the pigs arrive with their plans to conquer Earth and perpetuate their species. In this context an original fantastic action musical comedy develops, which relates the course of two such "peculiar" species, letting us know that deep inside humans and pigs-symbiotic ones, naturally- aren't so different."
On this day in 2017 (in Switzerland), audiences in attendance of the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to a special theatrical presentation of the 1986-produced Howard The Duck. Produced by George Lucas (yes, THAT George Lucas) and directed by Willard Huyck, the Fantasy feature starred Ed Gale, Jeffrey Jones, and Lea Thompson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop a hellish alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a cute struggling female rock singer who fancies him."
For the record:
This is one case in entertainment history when I do have to honestly thank my lucky stars for an organization like the Razzie Awards so that a film can receive its honest due when properly scored. Howard The Duck set mankind back culturally for, likely, decades, and the film scored 1987 Razzie wins in the categories of 'Worst New Star,' 'Worst Visual Effects,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.' It did, however somehow, miss out on taking home trophies in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Director.'
"A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop a hellish alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a cute struggling female rock singer who fancies him."
For the record:
This is one case in entertainment history when I do have to honestly thank my lucky stars for an organization like the Razzie Awards so that a film can receive its honest due when properly scored. Howard The Duck set mankind back culturally for, likely, decades, and the film scored 1987 Razzie wins in the categories of 'Worst New Star,' 'Worst Visual Effects,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.' It did, however somehow, miss out on taking home trophies in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Director.'
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the Edinburgh International Film Festival were treated to a special theatrical presentation of the 1981-produced Time Bandits. Written by Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin (and directed by Gilliam himself), the Fantasy feature starred Sean Connery, John Cleese, Shelley Duvall, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
- At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Time Bandits was presented with the President's Award -- the very first given by the organization -- a title bestowed for quality genre entertainment that's given in honor of one of the Academy's founder, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The film was also nominated for trophies in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best International Film.'
- At the 1982 Hugo Awards, Time Bandits received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Marooned On The Ocean Floor." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode of the popular program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by TVGuide.com:
"Corry traps a mysterious creature."
"Corry traps a mysterious creature."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), TV's Science Fiction Theatre aired "One Hundred Years Young." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Though he looks to be in his forties, the man caught breaking into a research laboratory claims he's over 200 years old. He says he learned the secret formula for youth from the medicine man who raised him. The researchers find him to be sad and lonely, afraid to love someone because she will die of old age while he just keeps going."
"Though he looks to be in his forties, the man caught breaking into a research laboratory claims he's over 200 years old. He says he learned the secret formula for youth from the medicine man who raised him. The researchers find him to be sad and lonely, afraid to love someone because she will die of old age while he just keeps going."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The War Machines: Part 2." Officially, this served as the forty-third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dodo is under the control of WOTAN and attempts to lure the Doctor into a trap, while the rest of WOTAN's slaves begin construction on its robotic War Machines."
"Dodo is under the control of WOTAN and attempts to lure the Doctor into a trap, while the rest of WOTAN's slaves begin construction on its robotic War Machines."
On this day in 1979 (in Japan), Battle of The Planets aired "Capture Of The Galaxy Code." Officially, this served as the fortieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"G-Force has ensure delivery of the central mechanism of the dynastrol computer. No one besides the president of the intergalactic federation is cleared to carry it."
"G-Force has ensure delivery of the central mechanism of the dynastrol computer. No one besides the president of the intergalactic federation is cleared to carry it."
On this day in 1985 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Crowd." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"A car crash survivor discovers that the same sinister, mysterious crowd of onlookers somehow always shows up minutes after any potentially fatal car accident at the site of the crash."
"A car crash survivor discovers that the same sinister, mysterious crowd of onlookers somehow always shows up minutes after any potentially fatal car accident at the site of the crash."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Seth." Officially, this served as the second episode of the long-running program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Stargate is visited by general Jacob Carter on a mission -actually requested by his symbiont Selmak, who wants him to deal with his long-repressed break-up with Sam's brother Mark- to ask SG-1's help in the hunt for the sole system-lord the Tok'Ra never tracked down, Seth, the Egyptian god of chaos and total evil, who plausibly never left earth but hides as Ra put a high price on his head. Daniel finds a plausible series of Seth-cults, each ending in a blood-bad for followers, the latest being outside Seattle, led by Seth Fargo. Jacob and SG-1 arrange to take over the case jurisdiction from the ATF by presidential intervention. As Daniel predicts, they find escape tunnels and get in, but are awaited and disarmed, to be exposed to nish'ta, a powerful biological submission drug, and when Seth senses Jolinar's traces destined for elimination..."
"Stargate is visited by general Jacob Carter on a mission -actually requested by his symbiont Selmak, who wants him to deal with his long-repressed break-up with Sam's brother Mark- to ask SG-1's help in the hunt for the sole system-lord the Tok'Ra never tracked down, Seth, the Egyptian god of chaos and total evil, who plausibly never left earth but hides as Ra put a high price on his head. Daniel finds a plausible series of Seth-cults, each ending in a blood-bad for followers, the latest being outside Seattle, led by Seth Fargo. Jacob and SG-1 arrange to take over the case jurisdiction from the ATF by presidential intervention. As Daniel predicts, they find escape tunnels and get in, but are awaited and disarmed, to be exposed to nish'ta, a powerful biological submission drug, and when Seth senses Jolinar's traces destined for elimination..."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "The Haven." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Residents of an apartment house whose lives are isolated and provided for by an internal automated system find that they must now work together when it no longer functions properly."
"Residents of an apartment house whose lives are isolated and provided for by an internal automated system find that they must now work together when it no longer functions properly."
On this day in 1999 (in Australia), Thunderstone aired "Rats In North Col." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Noah fights for his feelings about being the Shadow Master and finally makes the decision to return home. Noah accepts Tao's offer of the vaccine and returns with Becky to North Col. Sundance discovers that Arushka has been bitten by a rat and she asks him not to tell the others. They also decide to move considering the caves not safe enough and head for the ocean and mountains. The Protectors discover more Thunderstone underneath water at the Mountains of the Moon and plan to eliminate the Sandtribers."
"Noah fights for his feelings about being the Shadow Master and finally makes the decision to return home. Noah accepts Tao's offer of the vaccine and returns with Becky to North Col. Sundance discovers that Arushka has been bitten by a rat and she asks him not to tell the others. They also decide to move considering the caves not safe enough and head for the ocean and mountains. The Protectors discover more Thunderstone underneath water at the Mountains of the Moon and plan to eliminate the Sandtribers."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), Code Name: Eternity aired "Making Love." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Ethaniel sees an advert for a new perfume on the TV and immediately likes the model in it. Later news broadcasts show the model and her boss, Michel Couprie world famous fashion designer and creator of the perfume, at a party of some kind, with them is Banning. Laura and Ethaniel want to know what Banning is up to and why he would want to be involved with a new perfume."
"Ethaniel sees an advert for a new perfume on the TV and immediately likes the model in it. Later news broadcasts show the model and her boss, Michel Couprie world famous fashion designer and creator of the perfume, at a party of some kind, with them is Banning. Laura and Ethaniel want to know what Banning is up to and why he would want to be involved with a new perfume."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Gone: Part 2." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Tom and Diana track down the 4400 children kidnapper."
"Tom and Diana track down the 4400 children kidnapper."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), A Good Knight's Quest aired the nineteenth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Karen attempts to help Dorian, Gabriel and Adriana find the second crystal, but she also reveals something about Gabriel."
"Karen attempts to help Dorian, Gabriel and Adriana find the second crystal, but she also reveals something about Gabriel."
On this day in 2012 (in Finland), Doctor Who aired "Doomsday." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Eureka aired "Mirror, Mirror." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When Grace's spying is revealed, mistrust is in the air. Major Shaw shows up to take control of the situation just as a geo-engineering project cuts off communications to the outside world."
"When Grace's spying is revealed, mistrust is in the air. Major Shaw shows up to take control of the situation just as a geo-engineering project cuts off communications to the outside world."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Lost Girl aired "Can't See The Fae-rest." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bo and Kenzi go undercover as wealthy, party-hopping socialites in order to solve a string of mysterious murders. Lauren finally summons the courage to stand up to the Ash."
"Bo and Kenzi go undercover as wealthy, party-hopping socialites in order to solve a string of mysterious murders. Lauren finally summons the courage to stand up to the Ash."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Beauty And The Beast aired "Heart Of The Matter." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cat and Vincent take their relationship to a couples counselor when Cat dives into her work and suspects a wealthy transplant recipient of being involved with the mysterious experiments on innocent people in the city."
"Cat and Vincent take their relationship to a couples counselor when Cat dives into her work and suspects a wealthy transplant recipient of being involved with the mysterious experiments on innocent people in the city."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Under The Dome aired "Redux." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The residents of Chester's Mill try to move on after emerging from the cocoons in the tunnels. Big Jim becomes suspicious of Christine and Eva."
"The residents of Chester's Mill try to move on after emerging from the cocoons in the tunnels. Big Jim becomes suspicious of Christine and Eva."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Wayward Pines aired "Betrayal." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ethan is betrayed by one of his closest. Kate reveals a new truth."
"Ethan is betrayed by one of his closest. Kate reveals a new truth."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Fear The Walking Dead aired "Red Dirt." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"News of danger spreads throughout the community as Madison struggles to keep everyone together."
"News of danger spreads throughout the community as Madison struggles to keep everyone together."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Salvation aired "Détente." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Darius and Grace must forge an emotional détente in order to get international cooperation. Also, Liam meets a new scientist with a mysterious past."
"Darius and Grace must forge an emotional détente in order to get international cooperation. Also, Liam meets a new scientist with a mysterious past."
On this day in 2023 (in the U.S.), The Walking Dead: Dead City aired "People Are A Resource." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dark instincts reveal themselves as Maggie and Negan form a strategy; Armstrong is tested; Ginny embarks on a daring journey."
"Dark instincts reveal themselves as Maggie and Negan form a strategy; Armstrong is tested; Ginny embarks on a daring journey."
On this day in 2024 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Acolyte aired "Teach/Corrupt." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's (thankfully) only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a distant island, unsettling questions about identity and destiny arise."
"On a distant island, unsettling questions about identity and destiny arise."
