Hmm. I guess if an author is going to pen a SciFi Dystopian novel set in London then he may as well make it arguably one of the very best ever written. Such is the case with author Aldous Huxley: his Brave New World (Wikipedia.org link here) certainly set the bar high, so much so than thousands of authors have tried reaching it on their own out of respect for what he'd done first. The work has been the subject of a few theatrical adaptations for fans over the years, and it'll likely continue to inspire others in the decades ahead. Though he's no longer with us, Huxley was born on this day in 1894.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Screen veteran Jason Robards built his reputation around playing strong-willed dynamic males in largely mainstream drama. In the early 80's, however, he was cast to be one of the survivors of the nuclear holocaust which decimated much of the United States in the TV broadcast event, The Day After. Though he's no longer with us, Robards was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Biff Elliot had a role aboard the classic Star Trek episode "The Devil In The Dark," and that's something worth screaming about. (FYI: he did scream in his big death scene.) Besides Star Trek, the actor also paid visits to the worlds of Science Fiction Theatre, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Destination Inner Space (1966), Planet Of The Apes, The Next Step Beyond, and Starman. Though he's no longer with us, Elliot was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran James Best went mano-a-mano (well) against The Killer Shrews (1959) for Hollywood Pictures Corporation. He also made appearances aboard The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953), Riders To The Stars (1954), Forbidden Planet (1956), I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957), Men Into Space, The Twilight Zone, The Green Hornet, and The Brain Machine (1977). Though he's no longer with us, Best was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One could ask, "Where would smart, big screen Science Fiction be without the influence of director Stanley Kubrick?" His 2001: A Space Odyssey defines quality cinema for a whole generation of critics, not to mention his take on the dystopian future in A Clockwork Orange (1971). And his Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964) -- while not pure SciFi -- decidedly brought political-infused satire to a wider audience. It's also worth noting that the storyteller remains one of cinema's celebrated masters as throughout his career he amassed an incredible 45 award wins and 63 nominations, so having him give audiences his take on Science Fiction certainly helped advance the genre toward the mainstream of society. Though he's no longer with us, Kubrick was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In the realm of the serious Science Fiction motion picture, it's hard to dismiss the legacy that Kubrick leaves for students of serious study. In fact, he may very well be the only director who has won the coveted Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' not once ... not twice ... but an incredible three times: Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and A Clockwork Orange (1971) all took home the top honors in their respective years ... and that certainly has to count for something in the history of genre wins.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In the realm of the serious Science Fiction motion picture, it's hard to dismiss the legacy that Kubrick leaves for students of serious study. In fact, he may very well be the only director who has won the coveted Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' not once ... not twice ... but an incredible three times: Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and A Clockwork Orange (1971) all took home the top honors in their respective years ... and that certainly has to count for something in the history of genre wins.
The talented Joe Knowland had a spiffy li'l role as an antiques expert aboard the popular Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Though he's no longer with us, Knowland was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert Colbert certainly made his mark in the realm of Science Fiction with a leading role aboard Irwin Allen's television series The Time Tunnel. Groovy, baby, groovy. Other forays into the unknown on his part include work aboard Have Rocket - Will Travel (1959), My Favorite Martian, Land Of The Giants, City Beneath The Sea (1971), Knight Rider, and Timescape (1991). Colbert was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
True, Star Trek's third season was plagued with an awful lot of inferior storytelling, but I've always thought "The Empath" had a tone similar to much of what had come from the program's best outings. In the episode, the lovely Kathryn Hays played 'Gem,' the empath for which the story was written. Though she's no longer with us, Hays was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Peter Hyams has a handful of solid Science Fiction and Fantasy features under his learned belt, including Capricorn One (1977), Outland (1981), 2010 (1984), Timecop (1994), The Relic (1997), and A Sound Of Thunder (2005). To his credit, Hyams won the 1982 Saturn Award for 'Best Writing' with his work on Outland; he also shared the 1985 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' with Arthur C. Clarke for his work on 2010. On this downside? Well, he did score the 'Worst Director' nomination from the Razzies for his work on the 1999 Arnold Schwarzenegger stinker End Of Days, so there's that. Hyams was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of stumbling across 1997's The Relic during another run on pay cable, one of the many genre projects Hyams brought to the screen. Interested in knowing what I thought of the work? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of stumbling across 1997's The Relic during another run on pay cable, one of the many genre projects Hyams brought to the screen. Interested in knowing what I thought of the work? Readers can find my review right here.
It isn't every day that we here in the realm of Science Fiction get to celebrate the work of a legitimate Rock'n'Roll legend, but it isn't every day we're introduced to a piece of filmmaking as demented as Freejack (1992) was, either. His name? Mick Jagger. And the Mickster was born on this day in 1943. Rock on.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Good Lord, did Star Trek's second season lovely maidens get any dreamier than the dreamy Celeste Yarnall? She also enjoyed guest spots aboard The Wild, Wild West, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Land of the Giants. Though she's no longer with us, Yarnall was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Linda Harrison played the incomparable 'Nova' as part of the original Planet of the Apes (1968) and its sequel, Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970). She's worked sparingly since that time, but she was wooed into an appearance into 1985's Cocoon and its sequel, Cocoon: The Return (1988). Harrison was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Helen Mirren has built a reputation in dramatic roles, but she did gives SciFi fans a great performance in 1984's 2010: The Year We Make Contact. No doubt fans of Fantasy remember her work in the guise of 'Morgana' aboard Excalibur (1981), work for which she received the 1982 Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Supporting Actress.' Mirren was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Susan George enjoyed a taste of Science Fiction with her work aboard the SciFi/Telefilm Computercide (1981). This lovely lady also gave fans something worth watching with appearances aboard The Sorcerers (1967), Billion Dollar Brain (1967), Mystery And Imagination, Tales Of Unease, Fright (1971), Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1973), Tintorera: Killer Shark (1977), Tales Of The Unexpected, Venom (1981), The House Where Evil Dwells (1982), Jack The Ripper, Tales Of Mystery And Imagination, and In Your Dreams (2008). George was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, George earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard The House Where Evil Dwells (1982).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, George earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard The House Where Evil Dwells (1982).
Lawrence Watt-Evans (whose pseudonym is Nathan Archer) dabbles in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. You can access his personal website right here, and Watt-Evans was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
I'd heard it said somewheres that showrunners for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had originally intended Michelle Forbes to head-up the Bajoran contingent of the cast as Ensign Ro; however, Ms. Forbes had moved on in her career and apparently was no longer interested. This paved the way for Nana Visitor to step in and have the role re-worked as Major Kira Nerys. And could you ever imagine a DS9 without Nana Visitor? I know I can't. Her portrayal of the sometimes tightly-wound-up Bajoran officer captivated fans, and she brought much depth and emotion to a universe largely underplayed by most actors. Visitor was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It goes without saying that Visitor's work aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was impressive. In fact, it was so impressive that -- from the Online Film & Television Association -- she earned five acting nominations, taking home the trophy twice.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It goes without saying that Visitor's work aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was impressive. In fact, it was so impressive that -- from the Online Film & Television Association -- she earned five acting nominations, taking home the trophy twice.
Sorry, folks. There are some topics I just won't mince words on, and one of those topics is Superman Returns. Short story: it's a wretched, wretched movie. On so many levels. Granted, it did give us Kevin Spacey channeling Gene Hackman, so much so that I would rather have seen Gene Hackman in the role of 'Lex Luthor' again, but it is what it is. Alas, this one-time critical darling has largely disappeared from the entertainment as his -- ahem -- sexual dalliances would appear to have gotten the better (or is that worst?) of him. Maybe he'll make a comeback, as stranger things have happened. In any event, Spacey was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Spacey earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard K-PAX (2001).
Public Service Announcement:
Tales of Kevin Spacey's inappropriate sexual advances have dogged the actor's career for some time. (Link) If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual harassment, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 565-HOPE for advice.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Spacey earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard K-PAX (2001).
Public Service Announcement:
Tales of Kevin Spacey's inappropriate sexual advances have dogged the actor's career for some time. (Link) If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual harassment, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 565-HOPE for advice.
You say you've driven a starship? Then you definitely deserve our attention! Veteran character actor Boris Lee Krutonog began a character in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country that was given a bit of a follow-up aboard an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. The actor has also made appearances aboard Monolith (1993), M.A.N.T.I.S., Millennium, and NightMan. Krutonog was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! A completely fetching Deirdre Imershein made visits to both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Imershein was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I suspect when Hollywood looks back on her career, Sandra Bullock will least likely be remembered for her work in Science Fiction, but that didn't stop her from achieving big screen attention by appearing alongside George Clooney in the box office smash Gravity. Me? Well, I prefer her work in Demolition Man (1993) for which she received a nomination for the 1994 Razzie Awards as 'Worst Supporting Actress.' Call me old-fashioned! Bullock was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Paramount Pictures dipped back into the Fantastical waters for its 2014 adaptation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, producers hired funnyman Danny Woodburn to voice the central character of 'Splinter.' Woodburn was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before he achieved leading man status in major motion pictures, a much younger Jason Statham popped up in some curious genre entertainment. John Carpenter took a liking to him and cast him alongside Natasha Henstridge (of Species' fame) in the curiously silly Ghosts of Mars (2001). Statham was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Olivia Williams first came to the attention of Science Fiction fans when she appeared alongside Kevin Costner in 1997's The Postman. About ten years later, she took a major role in the Joss Whedon TV program Dollhouse. More recently? Check out her work aboard Counterpart, a production of the Starz Network that explored parallel worlds. Williams was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cress Williams dove feet first into the realm of The CW's Superhero line-up as the lead do-gooder aboard Black Lightning. the actor has also paid visits to the worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Creature, Good Vs Evil, Touched By An Angel, The Flash, and DC's Legends Of Tomorrow. Williams was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Spencer Wilding is certainly someone to watch ... well, that is when you can tell it's him under all of that makeup and costuming. Genre fans might know of him from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005), Eragon (2006), The Golden Compass (2007), Wrath Of The Titans (2012), Doctor Who, Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014), Jupiter Ascending (2015), and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Wilding was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
God's gift to heterosexual males everywhere -- Kate Beckinsale -- graciously stepped into the shoes previously filled by Sharon Stone with the 2012 remake of Total Recall. While many found the updating a bit too obligatory, it was certainly grand to see Kate show up in a SciFi vehicle. Still, methinks she's a reliable and relatable choice as an actress in the world of genre entertainment as her resume includes roles aboard Underworld (2003), Van Helsing (2004), Underworld: Evolution (2006), Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans (2009), Underworld: Awakening (2012), and Underworld: Blood Wars (2016). Beckinsale was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 2004 Saturn Awards, Beckinsale earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard Underworld (2003).
- At the 2006 MTV Movie+TV Awards, the actress earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Hero' for her work aboard Underworld: Evolution (2006).
Lovely lady Susse Budde may not have a wealth of SciFi appearances to her name, but fans still have work aboard ABC TV's Lost and a small role in Cloverfield to get excited about. Budde was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ben Cotton continues to delight audiences whenever given the opportunity. Though I've never met him nor seen an in-depth interview, he would appear to possess a workmanlike ethic as he's well on his way to two hundred different screen projects. We've seen him chew scenery in roles big and small aboard First Wave, Strange Frequency, Smallville, Dark Angel, Special Unit 2, Jeremiah, Taken, The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004), The 4400, The Dead Zone, Stargate: Atlantis, Kyle XY, Alcatraz, Fringe, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, Mars, The Astronauts, Resident Alien, Debris, and many others. Cotton was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Eve Myles plays the curiously equally lovely 'Gwen Cooper' for the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off -- Torchwood -- focusing on the adventures of Captain Jack Harkness and his crew. I'd be a fool if I failed to point out that her work on the show has been Saturn Award nomination caliber, my friends. Myles was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hawaiian-born Mageina Tovah joined Tobey Maguire in Spider-man 2 (2004) and 3 (2007) for some web-slinging action. The actress also enjoyed a recurring role aboard The Magicians for good measure. Furthermore, it's worthy of mentioning that her skills extend beyond acting: in 2016, she wrote, directed, and starred in a Drama/SciFi Short Film -- Hux -- which won her the 'Dramatic Original Short' trophy from the 2016 Worldfest Huston as well as the 'Best Dramatic Short Film' trophy from the 2016 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. Bravo, milady! Bravo! Tovah was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! The beautiful Anna Bell Peaks made an appearance in an (ahem!) adult-themed pornographic parody of DC Comics' Fantasy-themed Suicide Squad. Bless her heart! Peaks was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Honestly, CBS's Under The Dome just never quite fell on to my radar. I watched the first episode; I wasn't impressed; so I tuned it out. In any event, Megan Ketch enjoyed a solid run on the SciFi/Fantasy program, and Ketch was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Louisa Mignone has established herself as a player in the world of Science Fiction with prominent roles aboard Infini (2015) and The Osiris Child (2016). Mignone was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Miriam McDonald plunged headfirst into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard The Sea Beast (2008) for The SciFi Channel. She followed that up on dry land with some work aboard Wolves (2014) for Copperheart Entertainment. McDonald was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1954 (in Sweden), life from out there crashed down here with the theatrical release of It Came From Outer Space. Based on a story from Ray Bradbury, the SciFi feature was directed by Jack Arnold and starred Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, and Charles Drake. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in Czechoslovakia), Ikarie XB-1 (aka Icarus XB-1) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Jindrich Polák, the SciFi/Drama starred Zdenek Stepánek, Frantisek Smolík, and Dana Medricka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the universe to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the universe to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
On this day in 1963 (in Finland), Panic In Year Zero! delivered audiences with one early look at the impending nuclear Apocalypse. Directed by Ray Milland (who also stars), the drama brought together the cast of Jean Hagen, Mary Mitchel, and Frankie Avalon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
On this day in 1968 (in Ireland), 2001: A Space Odyssey gave audiences something serious to think about. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1968, humanity was granted yet another look at the Red Planet with the theatrical release of Mission Mars. The feature starred Darren McGavin and Nick Adams, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three American astronauts who land on Mars discover the body of a frozen Russian cosmonaut and a mysterious talking orb."
For the record:
Alas, I've not been able to locate much data on the Information Superhighway about Mission Mars. On IMDB.com, I do see that someone has listed that this was the first motion picture shot at the Studio City Complex in Miami, Florida. Also, the feature starred Darren McGavin, an actor who would go on to small screen fame in Kolchak, The Night Stalker. Its screenwriter -- Michael St. Clair -- also penned the script for The Body Stealers (1969).
"Three American astronauts who land on Mars discover the body of a frozen Russian cosmonaut and a mysterious talking orb."
For the record:
Alas, I've not been able to locate much data on the Information Superhighway about Mission Mars. On IMDB.com, I do see that someone has listed that this was the first motion picture shot at the Studio City Complex in Miami, Florida. Also, the feature starred Darren McGavin, an actor who would go on to small screen fame in Kolchak, The Night Stalker. Its screenwriter -- Michael St. Clair -- also penned the script for The Body Stealers (1969).
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in Japan), Latitude Zero (aka Ido zero daisakusen) enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Ishiro Honda, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Joseph Cotten, Akira Takarada, and Cesar Romero. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A journalist is saved by a giant submarine captained by a 200 year old man who takes him to an underwater paradise city where no one ages. That's when monsters and mutants sent by the captain's rival, a 200 year old scientist, attack."
For the record:
From what I've read (on IMDB.com), it looks like Latitude Zero was originally intended to be an American and Japanese co-production, except the American backers declared bankrupty just as production was set to begin. Toho Studios opted to go ahead and finance the picture on their own. The film's screenwriter -- Ted Sherdeman -- based the script on stories he had crafted under the name 'Latitude Zero' for a popular radio serial of the same name. And Sherdeman has a solid screenwriting record, having penned scripts for such properties as Them! (1954), Men Into Space, My Favorite Martian, and Bewitched.
"A journalist is saved by a giant submarine captained by a 200 year old man who takes him to an underwater paradise city where no one ages. That's when monsters and mutants sent by the captain's rival, a 200 year old scientist, attack."
For the record:
From what I've read (on IMDB.com), it looks like Latitude Zero was originally intended to be an American and Japanese co-production, except the American backers declared bankrupty just as production was set to begin. Toho Studios opted to go ahead and finance the picture on their own. The film's screenwriter -- Ted Sherdeman -- based the script on stories he had crafted under the name 'Latitude Zero' for a popular radio serial of the same name. And Sherdeman has a solid screenwriting record, having penned scripts for such properties as Them! (1954), Men Into Space, My Favorite Martian, and Bewitched.
A star is born ... and this one had bite! On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of Fort Worth, Texas were treated to the silver screen premiere of Blacula. Directed by William Crain from a story by Joan Torres and Raymond Koenig, the Horror/Fantasy starred William Marshall, Vonetta McGee, and Denise Nicholas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An 18th-century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles."
For the record:
At the 1973 Saturn Awards, Blacula took home top honors in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"An 18th-century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles."
For the record:
At the 1973 Saturn Awards, Blacula took home top honors in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1975 (in Japan), Chosen Survivors pulled back the veil on a government conspiracy. Directed by Sutto Roley, the SciFi/Drama starred Jackie Cooper, Alex Cord, and Richard Jaeckel; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of diverse individuals are suddenly taken from their homes and flown via helicopter to a futuristic bomb shelter in the desert, one-third of a mile below the surface of the Earth. There, they learn that a nuclear holocaust is taking place and that they've been "chosen" by computer to survive in the shelter in order to continue the human race. The shelter is designed to allow the people to exist underground comfortably for years, but they are faced with a threat nobody could have predicted: a colony of thousands of bloodthirsty vampire bats finds a way into the shelter and launches a series of vicious attacks where they claim the humans one by one."
"A group of diverse individuals are suddenly taken from their homes and flown via helicopter to a futuristic bomb shelter in the desert, one-third of a mile below the surface of the Earth. There, they learn that a nuclear holocaust is taking place and that they've been "chosen" by computer to survive in the shelter in order to continue the human race. The shelter is designed to allow the people to exist underground comfortably for years, but they are faced with a threat nobody could have predicted: a colony of thousands of bloodthirsty vampire bats finds a way into the shelter and launches a series of vicious attacks where they claim the humans one by one."
On this day in 1975 (in Japan), the future of sports grew a bit dark with the release of Rollerball. Directed by Norman Jewison from a story by William Harrison, the SciFi/Thriller feature starred James Caan, John Beck, and Maud Adams. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
On this day in 1976 (in Sweden), the world became a little supernatural with the theatrical release of Black Moon. Written (in part) and directed by Louis Malle, the Horror/Fantasy feature starred Cathryn Harrison, Alexandra Stewart, and Therese Giehse; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To escape a gender war, a girl flees to a remote farmhouse and becomes part of an extensive family's unusual, perhaps even supernatural, lifestyle."
For the record:
I suspect it might help potential viewers to know -- before going into the feature -- that many have suggested that its narrative is best considered 'experimental.' In an interview, director Malle stated that he was inspired by his own fascination with Alice In Wonderland to tell this tale (per IMDB.com). To the film's credit, Black Moon went on to win trophies for 'Best Sound' and 'Best Cinematography' at the 1976 Cesar Awards, the French equivalent to the U.S. Oscar Awards.
"To escape a gender war, a girl flees to a remote farmhouse and becomes part of an extensive family's unusual, perhaps even supernatural, lifestyle."
For the record:
I suspect it might help potential viewers to know -- before going into the feature -- that many have suggested that its narrative is best considered 'experimental.' In an interview, director Malle stated that he was inspired by his own fascination with Alice In Wonderland to tell this tale (per IMDB.com). To the film's credit, Black Moon went on to win trophies for 'Best Sound' and 'Best Cinematography' at the 1976 Cesar Awards, the French equivalent to the U.S. Oscar Awards.
On this day in 1978 (in France), Starship Invasions tried to quickly (and cheaply) capitalize on the trend for cinematic Science Fiction and Fantasy that fueled a great deal of the late 1970's. Written and directed by Ed Hunt, the film starred Robert Vaughn, Christopher Lee, and Daniel Pilon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth."
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth."
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands), the theatrical cut of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century soared into 20th century movie houses. Directed by Daniel Haller, the SciFi film starred Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, and Pamela Hensley. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A 20th century astronaut emerges out of 500 years of suspended animation into a future time where Earth is threatened by alien invaders."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
"A 20th century astronaut emerges out of 500 years of suspended animation into a future time where Earth is threatened by alien invaders."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
On this day in 1979 (in Colombia), Foes brought flying saucers to the silver screen again. Written and directed by John Coats, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Macdonald Carey, Jerry Hardin, and Jane Wiley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The tranquil life of a lighthouse keeper and his family is disrupted when a flying saucer and its alien inhabitants invade."
"The tranquil life of a lighthouse keeper and his family is disrupted when a flying saucer and its alien inhabitants invade."
On this day in 1979 (in Australia), James Bond finally went into the Final Frontier with the release of Moonraker. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the SciFi/Thriller starred Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, and Michael Lonsdale; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1979 (in Colombia), Starcrash crashed (and burned, mostly) in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Caroline Munro, Marjoe Gornter, and Christopher Plummer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
On this day in 1979, the Walt Disney company flirted with Science Fiction again with Unidentified Flying Oddball. Directed by Russ Mayberry, the feature starred Dennis Dugan, Jim Dale, and Ron Moody; and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"An astronaut and his android double travel back to the time of King Arthur."
"An astronaut and his android double travel back to the time of King Arthur."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), Godzilla roared once again in theaters with the big screen release of Godzilla 1985. Written and directed by a team of writers and directors (too many to mention), the SciFi/Fantasy starred Raymond Burr, Keiju Kobayashi, and Ken Tanaka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thirty years after the original monster's rampage, a new Godzilla emerges and attacks Japan."
"Thirty years after the original monster's rampage, a new Godzilla emerges and attacks Japan."
A star is born ... and this one was animated! On this day in 1986 (in Japan), Ai City (aka Ai shitî) was first released to the masses. Directed by Kôichi Mashimo, the SciFi/Fantasy featured the voice talents of Hirotaka Suzuoki, Miyuki Ueda, and Nachi Nozawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future, Kei and Ai run for their lives, Ai is a small girl she holds a deep secret that can destroy the world. The world is populated by Headmeters people that have psychic powers and strong strength. When Headmeters fight their strength is shown on their forehead but Kei's for some reason never went beyond level five but other Headmeters's strength has. Kei has the ability to increase his strength when Ai gets in trouble."
"In the future, Kei and Ai run for their lives, Ai is a small girl she holds a deep secret that can destroy the world. The world is populated by Headmeters people that have psychic powers and strong strength. When Headmeters fight their strength is shown on their forehead but Kei's for some reason never went beyond level five but other Headmeters's strength has. Kei has the ability to increase his strength when Ai gets in trouble."
On this day in 1986 (in West Germany), Swamp Thing enjoyed its initial broadcast airing. 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.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"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.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1990 (in Argentina), RoboCop 2 marched his mechanical way onto the silver screen. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the feature starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allan, and Belinda Bauer. Here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), The Rift opened up in theatres. Written (in part) and directed by Juan Piquer Simon, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Jack Scalia, R. Lee Ermey, and Ray Wise. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An experimental submarine, the "Siren II", is sent to find out what happened to the "Siren I", which has mysteriously disappeared in a submarine rift. Things go awry when they begin to find things that shouldn't be there."
For the record:
The Rift was not without its praise, though much of it was very modest. Besides some favorable reception at the 1990 Fantasporto Film Festival, it also won the 'Best Special Effects' trophy from the 1990 Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards ceremony.
"An experimental submarine, the "Siren II", is sent to find out what happened to the "Siren I", which has mysteriously disappeared in a submarine rift. Things go awry when they begin to find things that shouldn't be there."
For the record:
The Rift was not without its praise, though much of it was very modest. Besides some favorable reception at the 1990 Fantasporto Film Festival, it also won the 'Best Special Effects' trophy from the 1990 Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards ceremony.
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Arnold took a wild ride to Mars with the big screen release of Total Recall. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on a story from Philip K. Dick, the film starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedom' Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, and Sharon Stone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those of you who'd like to know a bit more about Total Recall (1990), please check out the film's official page on SciFiHistory.Net right here.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those of you who'd like to know a bit more about Total Recall (1990), please check out the film's official page on SciFiHistory.Net right here.
On this day in 1996 (in Poland), Pamela Anderson brought out the big guns in the Fantasy-themed Barb Wire. Directed by David Hogan, the SciFi/Thriller also starred Amir AboulEla, Xander Berkeley, and Tony Bill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 1996 (in Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay), we learned we weren't alone in the universe yet again with the big screen release of Independence Day. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich (with longtime creative partner Dean Devlin), the space fantasy starred Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Deep Blue Sea tried to take a huge bite out of the domestic box office. Directed by Renny Harlin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, and Jacqueline McKenzie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, a group of scientists on an isolated research facility become the prey, as a trio of intelligent sharks fight back."
"Searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, a group of scientists on an isolated research facility become the prey, as a trio of intelligent sharks fight back."
A star is born! Or is that ... born again? On this day in 2001 (in Hong Kong and Puerto Rico), Hollywood went back to the well for a recreation of the SciFi/Classic Planet Of The Apes. This time, director Tim Burton put his particular aesthetic on display, along with an impressive cast including Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tim Roth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2029, an Air Force astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where evolved, talking apes dominate a race of primitive humans."
For the record:
Alas, Burton's vision really broke no new ground, giving the film a general incohesiveness all revolving around his 'twist' ending. Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films celebrated it with an impressive six nominations. On the flip side of things, it did take home three trophies from the 2002 Razzie Awards.
"In 2029, an Air Force astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where evolved, talking apes dominate a race of primitive humans."
For the record:
Alas, Burton's vision really broke no new ground, giving the film a general incohesiveness all revolving around his 'twist' ending. Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films celebrated it with an impressive six nominations. On the flip side of things, it did take home three trophies from the 2002 Razzie Awards.
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Momentum took its place on the broadcast TV dial. Directed by James Seale, the Fantasy/Drama starred Teri Hatcher, Louis Gossett Jr., and Grayson McCouch; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man with telekinetic abilities meets a group of people with similar powers."
"A man with telekinetic abilities meets a group of people with similar powers."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Germany), audiences in attendance of the Munchen Fantasy Filmfest were treated to the exclusive premiere of Evil Remains (aka Trespassing). Written and directed by James Marendino, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jeff Galpin, Maryam d'Abo, and Will Rokos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A graduate student preparing his thesis on mythology leads his friends on a research expedition to an old plantation estate on the outskirts of the Big Easy. The site is reputed to mysteriously cause madness and death to all who enter it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Evil Remains earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A graduate student preparing his thesis on mythology leads his friends on a research expedition to an old plantation estate on the outskirts of the Big Easy. The site is reputed to mysteriously cause madness and death to all who enter it."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Evil Remains earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Flesh Wounds enjoyed its initial release on home video. Directed by Dan Garcia from a story by Gabriel Saint, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kevin Sorbo, Bokeem Woodbine, and Heather Marie Marsden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a remote US Army facility, a group of scientists conducting top secret weapon experiments, vanish. An elite covert ops team, commanded by Lt. Tyler (Kevin Sorbo), is tasked with recovering the missing personnel within 24 hours."
"On a remote US Army facility, a group of scientists conducting top secret weapon experiments, vanish. An elite covert ops team, commanded by Lt. Tyler (Kevin Sorbo), is tasked with recovering the missing personnel within 24 hours."
A star is born! On this day in 2011, Time Again delivered Action/Adventure with just a twist of SciFi. Written (in part) and directed by Ray Karwel, the feature starred Angela Rachelle, Tara Smoker, and Scott F. Evans. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious woman helps prevent a notorious underworld criminal from getting his hands on a set of strange coins that can tip the balance between life and death."
For the record:
To its credit, Time Again does have a few citations worthy of mention. In 2011, it won the Feature Film Award Of Merit at the Accolade Competition. Also in the same year, it was a nominee for 'Action Film Of The Year' from the Action On Film International Film Festival. Then in 2012, the feature earned a handful of nominations ('Best Action Picture,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Indie Auteur') from the Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival.
"A mysterious woman helps prevent a notorious underworld criminal from getting his hands on a set of strange coins that can tip the balance between life and death."
For the record:
To its credit, Time Again does have a few citations worthy of mention. In 2011, it won the Feature Film Award Of Merit at the Accolade Competition. Also in the same year, it was a nominee for 'Action Film Of The Year' from the Action On Film International Film Festival. Then in 2012, the feature earned a handful of nominations ('Best Action Picture,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Indie Auteur') from the Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Canada), A Night Of Nightmares enjoyed its unveiling for audiences in attendance of the Fantasia International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Buddy Giovinazzo, the Horror/Fantasy starred Marc Senter, Elissa Dowling, and Richard Portnow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the world is infected by a devastating disease a man is forced to take shelter in his home."
"When the world is infected by a devastating disease a man is forced to take shelter in his home."
On this day in 2012 (in Japan), audiences in attendance of the Akiruno Film Festival were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of the 1902-produced A Trip To The Moon. Inspired by the work of Jules Verne, the film was directed by Georges Méliès, and it starred Victor André, Bleuette Bernon, and Jehanne d'Alcy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An association of astronomers has convened to listen to the plan of Professor Barbenfouillis, their president, to fly to the moon. With the one dissenting voice quashed by Barbenfouillis and the other members, the plan is approved with Barbenfouillis choosing five others to accompany him. Most of the preparation for the trip is in building the vessel and launching mechanism, which resemble a large bullet and a large gun respectively. Hitting the moon in the eye, the six land safely at their destination. They find that much about the moon is wonderful and fantastical, but also that much is not what they would have liked to encounter as it is life threatening. They have to find a way to get out of their alien predicament to get back home safely."
"An association of astronomers has convened to listen to the plan of Professor Barbenfouillis, their president, to fly to the moon. With the one dissenting voice quashed by Barbenfouillis and the other members, the plan is approved with Barbenfouillis choosing five others to accompany him. Most of the preparation for the trip is in building the vessel and launching mechanism, which resemble a large bullet and a large gun respectively. Hitting the moon in the eye, the six land safely at their destination. They find that much about the moon is wonderful and fantastical, but also that much is not what they would have liked to encounter as it is life threatening. They have to find a way to get out of their alien predicament to get back home safely."
The Christian Slater space vehicle, Stranded, premiered on this day in 2013. It's not a downright awful SciFi B-movie, but, in all honesty, it's pretty close. The greatest problem with it -- so far as I'm concerned -- is that it really brought nothing bold, new, or visionary to its slim story of astronauts battling a space virus on a small moon base. Still, it's use of practical miniatures and some claustrophobic cinematography make it a one-time-only viewing experience. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Lunar Base Ark is hit by a meteor shower and has severe damage. Colonel Gerard Brauchman sends Ava Cameron to repair a wing that is full of carbon monoxide. Dr. Lance Krauss warns that the gas may cause paranoia and hallucinations. Ava brings a sample of the meteor for analysis and Dr. Krauss finds that there are spores attached to the meteor. Ava accidentally cuts her finger in a sample but she hides the cut from the doctor. Soon Ava gets pregnant and delivers an alien offspring. Brauchman and Kraus believe that Ava is delusional. The offspring bites the crewman Bruce Johns and produces a clone of him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sometime during the film's original promotional run, I was offered a promotional DVD of Stranded in exchange for review coverage. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"The Lunar Base Ark is hit by a meteor shower and has severe damage. Colonel Gerard Brauchman sends Ava Cameron to repair a wing that is full of carbon monoxide. Dr. Lance Krauss warns that the gas may cause paranoia and hallucinations. Ava brings a sample of the meteor for analysis and Dr. Krauss finds that there are spores attached to the meteor. Ava accidentally cuts her finger in a sample but she hides the cut from the doctor. Soon Ava gets pregnant and delivers an alien offspring. Brauchman and Kraus believe that Ava is delusional. The offspring bites the crewman Bruce Johns and produces a clone of him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sometime during the film's original promotional run, I was offered a promotional DVD of Stranded in exchange for review coverage. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
A star is born ... but this one looks undead! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Zombie Hunter enjoyed its big screen debut when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Fantasia International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by K. King, the Horror/Comedy starred Danny Trejo, Martin Copping, and Clare Niederpruem. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a street drug turns junkies into an army of zombies, a man named Hunter finds himself with nothing but a beat-up car and a trunk full of guns and booze, until he stumbles across a small band of survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Zombie Hunter enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during Zombie Hunter's original home video release, I received a promotional DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on it? Readers can find them right here.
"When a street drug turns junkies into an army of zombies, a man named Hunter finds himself with nothing but a beat-up car and a trunk full of guns and booze, until he stumbles across a small band of survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Zombie Hunter enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during Zombie Hunter's original home video release, I received a promotional DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on it? Readers can find them right here.
On this day in 2014, the 1978-produced Jubilee played for audiences in attendance of the New Horizons Film Festival in Poland. Written and directed by Derek Jarman, the Fantasy feature starred Adam Ant, Richard O'Brien, and Ian Charleson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Queen Elisabeth I travels 400 years into the future to witness the appalling revelation of a dystopian London overrun by corruption and a vicious gang of punk guerrilla girls led by the new Monarch of Punk."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jubilee enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"Queen Elisabeth I travels 400 years into the future to witness the appalling revelation of a dystopian London overrun by corruption and a vicious gang of punk guerrilla girls led by the new Monarch of Punk."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jubilee enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2014 (in Poland), the 1982-produced Nightbeast played for audiences in attendance of the New Horizons Film Festival. Directed by Don Dohler and Dave Geatty, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tom Griffith, Jamie Zemarel, and Karin Kardian. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A creature from outer space crash lands in a small town and starts killing people."
"A creature from outer space crash lands in a small town and starts killing people."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), audiences were afraid to go back out onto the ice with the small screen launch of Ice Sharks. Written and directed by Emile Edwin Smith, the Horror/Comedy starred Edward DeRuiter, Jenna Parker, and Kaiwi Lyman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of scientists at a research facility based in the Arctic battle a breed of sharks that have invaded Arctic waters."
"A group of scientists at a research facility based in the Arctic battle a breed of sharks that have invaded Arctic waters."
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Fanged Up tried sinking its teeth into the box office. Scripted by Nick Nevern, Daniel O'Reilly, and Dan Palmer, the Horror feature was directed by Christian James. The film starred Danny Reilly, Danielle Harold, and Stu Bennett. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young rogue is thrown into prison for the weekend, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims."
"A young rogue is thrown into prison for the weekend, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Mystery Of Ancient Egypt." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard:
"Buzz Corry, with Cadet Happy, Carol and Tonga aboard the Commander's ship, the Terra Five, test its powerful star drive. The new ship accelerates them beyond the speed of light 6,000 years into the past to Ancient Egypt in the year 2700 B.C. Their mission, to discover how a piece of 30th Century metal could have gotten into the ruins of ancient Egypt."
"Buzz Corry, with Cadet Happy, Carol and Tonga aboard the Commander's ship, the Terra Five, test its powerful star drive. The new ship accelerates them beyond the speed of light 6,000 years into the past to Ancient Egypt in the year 2700 B.C. Their mission, to discover how a piece of 30th Century metal could have gotten into the ruins of ancient Egypt."
On this day in 1962 (in the United Kingdom), The Andromeda Breakthrough aired "Hurricane." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's second season (as continued from A For Andromeda), and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The alien enzyme is causing the Earth's atmosphere to get thinner, and violent storms are sweeping the world. Intel get the scientists to develop a solution, to be sold on their terms. A counter-revolution led by the former president overthrows the rebels and Intel."
"The alien enzyme is causing the Earth's atmosphere to get thinner, and violent storms are sweeping the world. Intel get the scientists to develop a solution, to be sold on their terms. A counter-revolution led by the former president overthrows the rebels and Intel."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Meddlers: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With his new companions, Nikki and Chas, Tarot investigates a strange curse which has frightened the smallholders away from a London street market. Mr Dove, who watches from a nearby tower block through his binoculars, and Mockers, the local 'prophet of doom' are determined to hamper his progress."
"With his new companions, Nikki and Chas, Tarot investigates a strange curse which has frightened the smallholders away from a London street market. Mr Dove, who watches from a nearby tower block through his binoculars, and Mockers, the local 'prophet of doom' are determined to hamper his progress."
On this day in 1983 (in the United Kingdom), Astronauts aired the curiously-titled "Why Are We Here?" Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"Ackroyd denounces the whole mission as a big publicity stunt. Mattocks, meanwhile, has been caught out acting furtively and sending scrambled messages. Gentian and Ackroyd want to know what's happening but it's top secret..."
"Ackroyd denounces the whole mission as a big publicity stunt. Mattocks, meanwhile, has been caught out acting furtively and sending scrambled messages. Gentian and Ackroyd want to know what's happening but it's top secret..."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), ITV's Worlds Beyond aired "Reflections Of Evil." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TVDB.com:
"A young girl is caught up in an inexplicable series of events."
"A young girl is caught up in an inexplicable series of events."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lexx aired "Super Nova." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The gang visits Kai's dead homeworld as the planet's sun is going supernova and ends up caught in a death trap set by the insane hologram of the planet's last survivor known as the Poet Man who died there driven mad by loneliness."
"The gang visits Kai's dead homeworld as the planet's sun is going supernova and ends up caught in a death trap set by the insane hologram of the planet's last survivor known as the Poet Man who died there driven mad by loneliness."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), that Syfy epic Farscape aired the seventh episode of its fourth and final season. It was an hour titled "John Quixote," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Crichton and Chiana get stuck in a video game where they encounter strange/twisted versions of their friends. They must figure how to beat the game, or they'll be stuck inside forever. The game shows Crichton how dangerous/distracting his feelings for Aeryn are, leading him to a dark path to deal with his feelings."
"Crichton and Chiana get stuck in a video game where they encounter strange/twisted versions of their friends. They must figure how to beat the game, or they'll be stuck inside forever. The game shows Crichton how dangerous/distracting his feelings for Aeryn are, leading him to a dark path to deal with his feelings."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Shadow Play." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stargate Command is approached by representatives of Jonas Quinn's home planet seeking military hardware. Their world is divided into three territories and there is a long history of war among them. Jonas' country fears that the other two territories are about to sign a non-aggression pact thus making them vulnerable to attack. In return for arms, they are offering an abundance of naquadria. SGC isn't about to get involved in what amounts to a civil war but there's another possible outcome when Jonas' one-time professor, Doctor Kieran, tells them of an underground movement ready to overthrow the government and seek out a lasting peace. SG-1 travels to Jonas Quinn's home planet to obtain information on the situation there but not all is as it seems."
"Stargate Command is approached by representatives of Jonas Quinn's home planet seeking military hardware. Their world is divided into three territories and there is a long history of war among them. Jonas' country fears that the other two territories are about to sign a non-aggression pact thus making them vulnerable to attack. In return for arms, they are offering an abundance of naquadria. SGC isn't about to get involved in what amounts to a civil war but there's another possible outcome when Jonas' one-time professor, Doctor Kieran, tells them of an underground movement ready to overthrow the government and seek out a lasting peace. SG-1 travels to Jonas Quinn's home planet to obtain information on the situation there but not all is as it seems."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Lucas Strikes." Officially, this served as the forty-second episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Hyperdrive aired "Admiral's Daughter." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Transporting the reluctant peacenik Arabella to university proves to be more troublesome that it first appears - as does she. With officers at each others throats and encounters with the Engulfers, it's anything but an easy mission."
"Transporting the reluctant peacenik Arabella to university proves to be more troublesome that it first appears - as does she. With officers at each others throats and encounters with the Engulfers, it's anything but an easy mission."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Falling Skies aired "Non-Essential Personnel." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The 2nd Mass leaves Chinatown en route to what they hope will be the final Espheni battle. Along the way, they encounter a deranged and desperate gunman who takes Weaver hostage. Meanwhile, Tom sets off to rescue Hal from Pope and his dangerous group of survivors."
"The 2nd Mass leaves Chinatown en route to what they hope will be the final Espheni battle. Along the way, they encounter a deranged and desperate gunman who takes Weaver hostage. Meanwhile, Tom sets off to rescue Hal from Pope and his dangerous group of survivors."
On this day in 2015, AMC's Humans aired the fifth hour of its popular first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With Karen on her tail, Leo sends Niska to George's house and an unlikely friendship begins. Also: Joe's secret threatens to destroy the Hawkins family."
"With Karen on her tail, Leo sends Niska to George's house and an unlikely friendship begins. Also: Joe's secret threatens to destroy the Hawkins family."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Zoo aired "Sex, Lies, and Jellyfish." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team travels to Portugal where they square off against a dangerous venom dealer in order to get one step closer to the cure. Also, Jackson's increasingly erratic behavior jeopardizes the entire team."
"The team travels to Portugal where they square off against a dangerous venom dealer in order to get one step closer to the cure. Also, Jackson's increasingly erratic behavior jeopardizes the entire team."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Salvation aired "Truth or Darius." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It's a race against time as Darius must accelerate his plan to stop the asteroid before the Pentagon shuts him down. Also, Grace has to make difficult decisions that could have life or death consequences for millions of people, and Liam and Jillian reunite under surprising circumstances."
"It's a race against time as Darius must accelerate his plan to stop the asteroid before the Pentagon shuts him down. Also, Grace has to make difficult decisions that could have life or death consequences for millions of people, and Liam and Jillian reunite under surprising circumstances."
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Radio drama Dimension X aired "Courtesy." Officially, this served as the program's forty-first episode, and here's the plot summary as detailed by The Oldtime Radio Review:
"When the members of an Earth expedition on an alien planet are faced with a deadly plague their only hope for a cure lies with the planet's indigenous inhabitants. Based on a short story first published in Astounding Science Fiction magazine, in August 1951; and later in Clifford D. Simak's short-story collection The Autumn Land and Other Stories, in 1990."
"When the members of an Earth expedition on an alien planet are faced with a deadly plague their only hope for a cure lies with the planet's indigenous inhabitants. Based on a short story first published in Astounding Science Fiction magazine, in August 1951; and later in Clifford D. Simak's short-story collection The Autumn Land and Other Stories, in 1990."
