A star is born! I'm going to be perfectly honest with you: I loved Waterworld. Well, I loved parts of it. Now, of course that doesn't mean I think it was the greatest motion picture ever made. It's just that I totally dug this unique take on our dystopian tomorrow, complete with Costner filling in the 'Mad Max' role somewhere out on the high seas. Would I want to see a sequel? Nah. Probably not. But for a one-off view of tomorrow? I dug it all well and good. Waterworld first premiered in theatres on this day back in 1995. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future where the polar ice-caps have melted and Earth is almost entirely submerged, a mutated mariner fights starvation and outlaw "smokers," and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl try to find dry land."
"In a future where the polar ice-caps have melted and Earth is almost entirely submerged, a mutated mariner fights starvation and outlaw "smokers," and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl try to find dry land."
OMG! The industrious Ann Doran managed to squeeze in an incredible 376 different acting gigs in her celebrated life, no small feat indeed. Genre fans might know her best from appearances in Adventures Of Superman, Them (1954), The Man Who Turned To Stone (1957), It! The Terror From Beyond Space (1958), Men Into Space, Project UFO, or the 1980's incarnation of The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Doran was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
Clearly award-winning director Andrew V. McLaglen's expertise was in more mainstream, conventional fare, but he did marshal an episode of The Fantastic Journey to the small screen for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, McLaglen was born on this day in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
Charles Cyphers had a great supporting role aboard John Carpenter's Escape From New York (1981), one of my all-time favorite Science Fiction flicks. He's also enjoyed work aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, The Fog (1980), Airwolf, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Sliders, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Cyphers was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
This could likely be the biggest case of "I Don't Know The Face" in history, considering people everywhere are possibly quite familiar with the voice. The face above belongs to Peter Cullen, and, while he may not look familiar, he's the voice of none other than Optimus Prime of Transformers fame! Cullen's been involved in the franchise since the very beginning, and, as of today, he's still using his craft to bring that character to cinematic life. Cullen was born on this day in 1941.
Medical doctor and sometimes Science Fiction author Geoffrey Simmons has explored the realms of toxins, space stations, and cryogenics, as well as crafted some very cerebral non-fiction for like-minded professionals. Simmons was born on this day in 1943. [Note: the profile portrait has been upscaled by Icons8.com.] [Source: The Encyclopedia Of Science Fiction]
In the 1985 SciFi comedy classic, Back to the Future, the great Frances Lee McCain played 'Stella Baines' -- aka Marty McFly's grandmother -- for nothing but laughs. McCain was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
The home video revolution of the early 1980's brought us some truly wonderful flicks -- the likes of which we'll probably never see for a generation -- and one of the demented favorites happens to be 1985's Re-Animator. In it, some promising medical students experiment with chemicals to bring the dead back to life; its sequel -- 1989's Bride of Re-Animator -- wasn't nearly as inspired, but it did bring the stars of the original back for another go-round in science. Bruce Abbott played the straight guy to Jeffrey Combs' whacked out genius, and he did so with great machismo. Abbott was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, the lovely Nina Axelrod was one of the actresses considered for the part of 'Rachael' aboard Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, a role that eventually went to Sean Young. However, the lady did find work aboard Time Walker (1982), Brainstorm (1983), and Critters 3 (1991). Axelrod was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dey Young is an actress who has had the good fortune to make appearances in a handful of significant SciFi projects. She's appeared in Spaceballs, Not Quite Human II, Spontaneous Combustion, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, The Outer Limits, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Young was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Don't kid yourselves, peeps: SciFi loves its slave girls, and the luminous Brianne Leary definitely turned heads as the lovely Ryma when she appeared on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's first season outing "Planet of the Slave Girls" playing -- you guessed it -- one of the slave girls! She also held guest starring spots on The Astronauts and Voyagers! Leary was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Lori Loughlin dabbled in the realm of comic book fantasy with a guest spot aboard the short-lived Birds Of Prey. She also did a voiceover for Justice League Unlimited. Loughlin was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Carlos Jacott came packing heat for his work aboard Fox TV's' short-lived Firefly from the mind of Joss Whedon. He also enjoyed a visit to the world of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Jacott was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
I missed the pulpy TV series The Lost World when it made the rounds in TV syndication in the late 1990's and early 2000's. I vaguely remember watching an episode or two and I recently took in a few episodes more on Amazon Prime and IMDB TV. (It's quite cheesy at time but still good. The lovely Rachel Blakely played the equally lovely 'Marguerite Krux' on the program. Blakely was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back when Alexis Arquette was still Robert Arquette the actor made an appearance as 'Caligula' (above left) in the world of Xena: Warrior Princess. Though she's no longer with us, Arquette was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Author Drew Karpyshyn has created original worlds in Science Fiction and Fantasy as well as contributed in significant ways to such franchise properties as Mass Effect and Star Wars. Karpyshyn was born on this day in 1971. [Source: Karpyshyn website]
Though I suspect she'll always be remembered for her part in Paul Verhoeven's (ahem) epic Showgirls, Elizabeth Berkley (above right) continues to seek out and explore some quality guest spots, including a role back in 2005 aboard CBS's SciFi alien invasion drama, Threshold. Berkley was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Barak Hardley experienced the hardcore, shoot 'em up capitalist future of our world aboard Bounty Killer (2013) for Kickstart Productions. Hardley was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, a younger Allan Hawco enjoyed a guest visit to the world of TV's syndicated SciFi serial Mutant X from Fireworks Entertainment. Hawco was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though much of Eliza Swenson's work has been in B movies and direct-to-DVD home video releases, SciFiHistory.Net still celebrates these often unheard of (if not unseen) performers out of respect for our beloved genre. Swenson's acting chops and good looks have been put through the paces in Frankenstein Reborn (2005), Transmorphers (2007), and Chrome Angels (2009). Swenson was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
I first discovered the sterling work of Tom Pelphrey when he joined Cinemax's Banshee in the role of tattooed and troubled police officer Kurt Bunker. More recently he can be seen as part of Netflix's Iron Fist adaptation. Pelphrey was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and producer John David Washington was just one of the creative forces behind bringing the stellar The Book Of Eli (2010) to the silver screen. Washington was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born Dustin Milligan had a rather nefarious role for his contribution to the BBC's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Milligan was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, we all had high hopes for Riddick (2013), didn't we? Vin Diesel promised so much, but, alas, it wasn't meant to be. In any event, the flick did give relatively newcomer Nolan Gerard Funk the chance to play in the SciFi franchise. The talented actor is in the process of building a resume of solid genre work, as he's already booked roles in such properties as Seven Days, Taken (miniseries), Smallville, Warehouse 13, and Arrow. Funk was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sarah Snook had a small but central role aboard Predestination (2014) for Screen Australia. Snook was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beauty of Science Fiction is that it comes in all shapes and sizes, so kudos to actor Spencer Boldman for delivering it in such a family-friendly fashion aboard Walt Disney's Lab Rats. Boldman was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1957, The Cyclops enjoyed its original theatrical release. The feature starred James Craig and Gloria Talbott, and here's the premise that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"An expedition to Mexico finds and does battle with a mutated 25-foot man with one big eye."
"An expedition to Mexico finds and does battle with a mutated 25-foot man with one big eye."
A star is born! According to Wikipedia.org, Arcadia Of My Youth opened in Japan on this day back in 1982. This SciFi/Anime involved a related television series, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Space captain Harlock, the latest in a family of proud aerial warriors, begins his journey to free the oppressed Earth from the despotic Illumidas Command."
"Space captain Harlock, the latest in a family of proud aerial warriors, begins his journey to free the oppressed Earth from the despotic Illumidas Command."
A star is born! On this day in 1985, the SciFi/Telefilm Murder In Space appeared on the TV horizon. The feature starred Michael Ironside and Wilford Brimley, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Set in the "not-so-distant future", the crew of an international space station are set to return triumphantly to Earth, until someone starts killing the other crew members."
"Set in the "not-so-distant future", the crew of an international space station are set to return triumphantly to Earth, until someone starts killing the other crew members."
On this day in 1990 (in South Korea), Robocop 2 took to the streets of Detroit again. The film starred Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, and here's the plot summary compliments of 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."
"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."
A star is born! While doing my usual amount of weekly SciFi research, I stumbled across this obscure title: Space Marines. All I can tell you is basically what I could dig up -- it's a little release that hit theatres on this day back in 1996. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Space pirates, led by diabolical Colonel Fraser, take over a cargo ship carrying anti-matter explosive and an important official. Space marines, led by Captain Gray, must stop their evil plans."
"Space pirates, led by diabolical Colonel Fraser, take over a cargo ship carrying anti-matter explosive and an important official. Space marines, led by Captain Gray, must stop their evil plans."
A star is born! On this day in 2009, a SciFi/Telefilm gave us yet one more look into The Land That Time Forgot. This go-round starred C. Thomas Howell and Timothy Bottoms, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Shipwrecked castaways stumble upon the mysterious island of Caprona in the Bermuda Triangle, confronting man-eating dinosaurs and a stranded German U-Boat crew while trying to escape."
"Shipwrecked castaways stumble upon the mysterious island of Caprona in the Bermuda Triangle, confronting man-eating dinosaurs and a stranded German U-Boat crew while trying to escape."
On this day in 2011 (in Russia), the SciFi/Horror known as 51 opened theatrically. The feature starred Tammi Arender and Randy Austin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
A star is born! On this day in 2012, another attempt to investigate The Philadelphia Experiment emerged as a TV movie. It starred Nicholas Lea and Michael Paré, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"... a secret government research project tries reviving the World War II "Philadelphia Experiment," which was an attempt to create a cloaking device to render warships invisible. When the experiment succeeds, it brings back the original ship (the Eldridge) that disappeared during the first test in 1943 - which brings death and destruction to the 21st century. It's up to the sole survivor (Lea) of the first experiment and his granddaughter (Ullerup) to stop it."
"... a secret government research project tries reviving the World War II "Philadelphia Experiment," which was an attempt to create a cloaking device to render warships invisible. When the experiment succeeds, it brings back the original ship (the Eldridge) that disappeared during the first test in 1943 - which brings death and destruction to the 21st century. It's up to the sole survivor (Lea) of the first experiment and his granddaughter (Ullerup) to stop it."
On this day in 1971, Ace Of Wands aired "Seven Serpents, Sulphur And Salt: Part 2." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Mr. Stabs, in the guise of Polandi, breaks into Tarot's headquarters and forces Lulli to reveal the last of the Seven Serpents."
"Mr. Stabs, in the guise of Polandi, breaks into Tarot's headquarters and forces Lulli to reveal the last of the Seven Serpents."
On this day in 1999, J. Michael Straczynski's Babylon 5 spinoff -- Crusade -- boldly went into the eighth episode of its single season run. Here's the plot summary for "Appearances and Other Deceits" compliments of IMDB.com:
"Gideon must outwit an alien consciousness that takes over the Excalibur's crew."
"Gideon must outwit an alien consciousness that takes over the Excalibur's crew."
On this day in the year 2000, Farscape deepened the mystery of "Look to the Princess" by airing its second part, one given the sub-heading of "I Do, I Think":
"The Queen offers Crichton a choice; marry her daughter the crown princess, or she'll turn him over to Scorpius. Meanwhile, Moya has found her builders, the ones who created Leviathans. They know Moya gave birth to a warship, and do not want another one born. They want Moya to shut down, permanently."
"The Queen offers Crichton a choice; marry her daughter the crown princess, or she'll turn him over to Scorpius. Meanwhile, Moya has found her builders, the ones who created Leviathans. They know Moya gave birth to a warship, and do not want another one born. They want Moya to shut down, permanently."
On this day in 2000, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Divide and Conquer." This served as the fifth episode of the long-running program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"When an SG member tries to assassinate the Tok'Ra leader, it is believed that some of the SGC have been converted into za'tarc - programmed assassins. The Tok'Ra Anise comes to the SGC with Lantash, to try and test the SG members. But the za'tarc detector suggests that O'Neill and Carter are actually za'tarcs. Is this correct and is there another za'tarc at the SGC?"
"When an SG member tries to assassinate the Tok'Ra leader, it is believed that some of the SGC have been converted into za'tarc - programmed assassins. The Tok'Ra Anise comes to the SGC with Lantash, to try and test the SG members. But the za'tarc detector suggests that O'Neill and Carter are actually za'tarcs. Is this correct and is there another za'tarc at the SGC?"
On this day in 2000, The Outer Limits aired "Gettysburg." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two 21st century Civil War enthusiasts find themselves back in time at the original Battle of Gettysburg and meet another time traveler who gives them a mission."
"Two 21st century Civil War enthusiasts find themselves back in time at the original Battle of Gettysburg and meet another time traveler who gives them a mission."
On this day in 2002, The Outer Limits aired "Free Spirit." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The schizophrenic inhabitants of a mental institution find themselves being possessed by a mysterious entity."
"The schizophrenic inhabitants of a mental institution find themselves being possessed by a mysterious entity."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 was counting down the episodes to its tenth and final season. Its third episode was a little something titled "The Pegasus Project," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While Daniel and Vala search for Merlin's anti-Ori weapon in Atlantis' library, Mitchell, McKay and Carter try to to dial the Ori Supergate in the Milky Way."
"While Daniel and Vala search for Merlin's anti-Ori weapon in Atlantis' library, Mitchell, McKay and Carter try to to dial the Ori Supergate in the Milky Way."
On this day in 2013, Continuum aired the twelfth episode of its second season, an hour called "Second Last." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kiera and Carlos are trying to locate CSIS Agent Gardner but learn that the law firm he was to visit does not exist. Carlos finds his body in the trunk of his car and CSIS believes Kiera is responsible. Alec has been working on the time travel device and is certain that once he's learned a bit more about it, he could recreate any moment in time. That's good news for Kiera, despite Alec's warning that history has already been changed and there is no guarantee about what she may find in the future. Escher tells Emily he will free her of any obligations if she gets him the sphere Alec has in his lab. Kellog learns about Emily's background and arranges for Travis to have access to the lab. Alec learns the identity of his biological father."
"Kiera and Carlos are trying to locate CSIS Agent Gardner but learn that the law firm he was to visit does not exist. Carlos finds his body in the trunk of his car and CSIS believes Kiera is responsible. Alec has been working on the time travel device and is certain that once he's learned a bit more about it, he could recreate any moment in time. That's good news for Kiera, despite Alec's warning that history has already been changed and there is no guarantee about what she may find in the future. Escher tells Emily he will free her of any obligations if she gets him the sphere Alec has in his lab. Kellog learns about Emily's background and arranges for Travis to have access to the lab. Alec learns the identity of his biological father."
Also on this day in 2013, Falling Skies continued to make its way through its pretty solid (and most interesting) third season. The hour that aired was titled "Journey to Xilbalba" and here's what we know of its premise:
"Tom uncovers confidential intelligence about the heart of the alien operation. Meanwhile, Charleston prepares to mount an offensive against the Espheni, but a massive explosion brings the operation to a halt."
"Tom uncovers confidential intelligence about the heart of the alien operation. Meanwhile, Charleston prepares to mount an offensive against the Espheni, but a massive explosion brings the operation to a halt."
On this day in 2015, Zoo aired "Blame It On Leo." This serves as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson, Jamie and Agent Shaffer search for a chemist in Alabama who has evidence of Reiden Global's role in the growing animal problem. Meanwhile, Chloe, Mitch and Abraham fly to Rio de Janeiro to delay the local government's plan for a massive bat extermination and come up against a ruthless drug lord."
"Jackson, Jamie and Agent Shaffer search for a chemist in Alabama who has evidence of Reiden Global's role in the growing animal problem. Meanwhile, Chloe, Mitch and Abraham fly to Rio de Janeiro to delay the local government's plan for a massive bat extermination and come up against a ruthless drug lord."
