Growing up as I did in a little Nowhere Town in Podunk USA, we were hard-pressed for quality entertainment. Back then -- on a good day -- you had maybe six or seven television channels, unlike today's cable service which gives you hundreds of choices every hour on the hour. When I'd get home from school, I'd start fiddling with the antennae (ask your parents or grandparents, kids) in order to prepare myself for a tiny little local channel which I believe broadcast out of Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (though I could be wrong). They'd carry mostly syndicated TV programs -- many of them Japanese imports given an English-dubbing -- and one of the finest I recall is Japan's The Space Giants. This was essentially a Toho-like production with men in suits trampling over cardboard cities (i.e. the original Godzilla or Gamera productions), and I'd rush home to watch the adventures of Goldar and Silvar sent to protect our fragile planet from the likes of Rodak. Awesome stuff, kids. It truly was.
In any event, the original broadcast of The Space Giants (in Japan) happened on this day in 1966.
In any event, the original broadcast of The Space Giants (in Japan) happened on this day in 1966.
Birthdays are great, but Star Trek birthdays are even better ... even for the folks who manage to land some of the smaller but no less important roles in our beloved franchise. Take for example actress Marnie McPhail. Not anyone could've become one of the first to learn just exactly how 'Resistance is futile.' No sirree. That takes an accomplished talent, and Ms. McPhail didn't fail when she played crewman Eiger, one of the first to fall to the dreaded Borg who had invaded the Enterprise-E in the stellar action picture, Star Trek: First Contact. McPhail was born on this day in 1966.
With nearly 200 different screen credits to his name, I'm just thrilled that William Meader squeezed in a guest spot aboard "Court Martial," one of the better hours of Star Trek's memorable first season. Though he's no longer with us, Meader was born on this day in 1904. [Source: IMDB.com]
For a generation of viewers, Gloria Stuart will always be "that lady who survived the Titanic," referring to the James Cameron blockbuster about the ill-fated voyage; but genre fans probably know her more for role of Flora Cranley in The Invisible Man (1933). Though she's no longer with us, Stuart was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
Let me be perfectly clear: as one of the biggest Superman fans around, Superman Returns was an unmistakably awful motion picture on so many levels. Still, even in a stinker there might be something worthy, and that certainly would be the casting of screen veteran Eva Marie Saint in the role of Martha Kent, Kal-El's mother on Earth (pictured above right). Saint was born on this day in 1924.
Veteran character actor Eric Fleming also had a small but pivotal role as Capt. Neal Patterson, the man with the plan who went against none other than the Queen of Outer Space (1958) Talleah herself as played by screen siren Zsa Zsa Gabor (ask your parents, kids!). Though Fleming is no longer with us, he was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
Once miniaturized and injected into the human body, Stephen Boyd not only went where no man had gone before in Fantastic Voyage but also he went along with the lovely Raquel Welch! Though he's no longer with us, Boyd was born on this day in 1931.
Otis Young found himself playing a cop racing against time to stop an evil scientist from perfecting the art of cloning in a bid to control the world's weather in The Clones (1973) for New World International. Though he's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
SciFi author Gene Brewer has penned a small handful of novels for his K-PAX franchise, a series of tales exploring a character who claims to be an extraterrestrial visiting Earth from the planet K-PAX. The first book was made into a 2001 motion picture starring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. Brewer was born on this day in 1937.
I kid you not: Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988) is another one those films where I diverge from the majority opinion as I find most of it just overblown. Now, don't get me wrong: I love the performances, and I do find it very clever. It's just that I don't find it all that funny. What can I say? In any event, the lovely Susan Kellermann shines however briefly in the flick, and that's something I'll always praise. Kellermann was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dan Desmond enjoyed a brief amount of screen time aboard an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. He's also found employment aboard such projects as The X-Files, Miracles, and NBC's Heroes. Desmond was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sometimes, all it takes is one, good look; and that's just what the talented Earl Billings brought to "The Drumhead," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, when his good look practically brought a halt to some very dangerous legal proceedings. Billings was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
With 150 different screen credits to his name, the venerable Bruce French is more than a pretty face: he's bona fide talent! Genre fans will likely recognize him from work aboard The Powers Of Matthew Star, Martians Go Home (1989), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, The Outer Limits, Team Knight Rider, The Visitor, Star Trek: Insurrection, Jurassic Park III, and Star Trek: Enterprise. French was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sometimes gruff but always talented, the brilliant Ed O'Ross is a character actor who has had few SciFi roles but did wear serious make-up for a guest spot on Star Trek: Enterprise. O'Ross was born on this day in 1946.
Veteran director Robert Iscove has dabbled in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, completing tales for such properties as Faerie Tale Theatre, Probe, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Flash (CBS), and Firestarter 2: Rekindled. Iscove was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
SciFi author David Robbins has plumbed the depths of an Apocalypse left after World War III between the United States and the Soviet Union. It's all available under his Endworld imprint, and there's even a spin-off series he's penned under the title of Blade. Robbins was born on this day in 1950.
Rosie Malek-Yonan enjoyed a brief guest appearance aboard "The Assignment," a fifth season episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The actress also visited the world of Babylon 5. Malek-Yonan was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director John R. Leonetti left his mark on the realm of genre entertainment by bringing Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) to the silver screen. Leonetti was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1997, Pitof brought his particular flair for visuals to the world of Alien: Resurrection for Twentieth Century Fox. Pitof was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've always marvelled at how some bit players manage to steal screen time, and that's exactly what Joyce Agu did: throughtout a few seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, she managed squeeze herself into nearly fifty episodes as a bridge officer. Agu was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Signy Coleman played a lovely but duplicitous foil for one of the 'Lone Gunmen' in two episodes of Fox TV's exceptional The X-Files. Coleman was born on this day in 1960.
The late Lee Reherman built an incredible body of work even in his short time on our plane of existence. Genre fans know him from such projects as Last Action Hero (1993), The X-Files, Race to Witch Mountain (2009), and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). Though he's no longer with us, Reherman was born on this day in 1966.
I kid you not: Safety Not Guaranteed is one of the better SciFi-themed romantic comedies of the past few years, and I encourage everyone to check it out on home video. The lovely Jenica Bergere had a small role in the flick, and Ms. Bergere was born on this day in 1974.
Voice actor Mick Wingert brought 'Tony Stark/Iron Man' to life aboard the animated incarnations of Avengers Assemble and Guardians Of The Galaxy. Wingert was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
And, again, you wanna talk about small but significant roles? Actor Rohan Nichol played Capt. Raymus Antilles in George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Now, the name 'Antilles' may not mean anything to Trek fans, but you might just wanna ask your die-hard Star Wars fan what the significance of that role is. Nichol was born on this day in 1976.
Zoe Naylor found herself in the middle of some existential 'technical difficulties' in Robotropolis (2011). The fetching actress was born on this day in 1977.
Dreamy Andrea Gabriel joined ABC's long-running Lost (pictured above right) in the role of Nadia Jaseem, and she's since gravitated more toward conventional dramas and comedies. Gabriel was born on this day in 1978.
Carrie Keagan practically wrote the book on Hollywood-related programming. Between her reportage efforts, she's even managed to garner screen time in Dance of the Dead (2008), Dead 7 (2016), and Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016). Plus her cosplay of DC Comics' Power Girl is picture perfect. Smithsonian quality, baby. Always lovely, Keagan was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
California-born Mo McRae rung in his Fourth of July with a role aboard the SciFi-lite The First Purge (2018) for Blumhouse Productions. McRae was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Emily Coutts has been bravely going where no one has gone before with her work aboard CBS All Access' streaming property Star Trek: Discovery. Coutts was born on this day in 1989. [Source: Memory Alpha]
For a time, the fresh-faced Rae Gray put her noggin to use in trying to solve problems aboard AMC's Fear The Walking Dead. Gray was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Colby Boothman nearly found himself served up as dinner for some dangerous critters in Jurassic World (2015). Boothman was born on this day in 1992.
On this day in 1968 (in 1968) 2001: A Space Odyssey gave serious-thinking people something to think about with their Science Fiction. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins - a spacecraft manned by two men and the 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 uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins - a spacecraft manned by two men and the 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.
On this day in 1974 (in Mexico), The Horror Of Frankenstein didn't look all that horrific, after all. That looks like a nice couple sitting down to a meal, no? In any event, the Horror/Fantasy was directed by Jimmy Sangster (who also worked on the screenplay) and starred Ralph Bates, Kate O'Mara, and Veronica Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scientist Victor Frankenstein builds a man from spare body parts; the monster comes alive and wreaks havoc."
"Scientist Victor Frankenstein builds a man from spare body parts; the monster comes alive and wreaks havoc."
On this day in 1980 (in Finland), Lisa And The Devil enjoyed a limited release. Directed by Mario Bava, the Horror/Mystery starred Telly Savalas, Elke Sommer, Sylva Koscina; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A tourist spends the night in a derelict Spanish villa seemingly held in the supernatural grip of an eccentric butler, who resembles a depiction of the Devil she had seen on an ancient fresco."
"A tourist spends the night in a derelict Spanish villa seemingly held in the supernatural grip of an eccentric butler, who resembles a depiction of the Devil she had seen on an ancient fresco."
On this day in 1985 (in Colombia), Walt Disney's Fantasy-themed Baby: Secret Of The Lost Legend enjoyed a theatrical run. The film starred William Katt and Sean Young, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A paleontologist and her husband discover a mother and baby brontosaurus in Africa, and try to protect them from a group of hunters intent on capturing the dinosaurs."
"A paleontologist and her husband discover a mother and baby brontosaurus in Africa, and try to protect them from a group of hunters intent on capturing the dinosaurs."
On this day in 1985 (in Spain), The Last Starfighter launched into the cinematic heavens. The SciFi feature starred Lance Guest and Catherine Mary Stewart, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
On this day in 1985, The Lift rose up into our collective consciousness. The SciFi/Horror film starred Huub Stapel and Willeke van Ammelrooy, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A lift begins displaying some erratic behavior, like trapping some party goers and nearly suffocating them, and decapitating a security guard. Felix, the technician from the lift company, can't find anything wrong with the circuitry. When he and a nosy reporter begin asking questions of the lift company's electronics partner (Rising Sun Electronics) his boss puts him on a leave of absence. A subsequent visit to a professor leads them to believe that some evil experiments are being conducted with MICROCHIPS."
"A lift begins displaying some erratic behavior, like trapping some party goers and nearly suffocating them, and decapitating a security guard. Felix, the technician from the lift company, can't find anything wrong with the circuitry. When he and a nosy reporter begin asking questions of the lift company's electronics partner (Rising Sun Electronics) his boss puts him on a leave of absence. A subsequent visit to a professor leads them to believe that some evil experiments are being conducted with MICROCHIPS."
On this day in 1985 (in Uruguay), James Cameron's The Terminator traveled back through time to change the future. The film certainly launched the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A seemingly indestructible robot is sent from 2029 to 1984 to assassinate a young waitress, whose unborn son will lead humanity in a war against sentient machines, while a human soldier from the same war is sent to protect her at all costs."
"A seemingly indestructible robot is sent from 2029 to 1984 to assassinate a young waitress, whose unborn son will lead humanity in a war against sentient machines, while a human soldier from the same war is sent to protect her at all costs."
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), Independence Day enjoyed its run in theatres. The SciFi Invasion film starred Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, and here's the plot summary 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."
"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."
On this day in 1997 (in Denmark and Iceland), the Men In Black showed up to fight the scum of the galaxy. The SciFi/Comedy starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A police officer joins a secret organization that polices and monitors extraterrestrial interactions on Earth."
"A police officer joins a secret organization that polices and monitors extraterrestrial interactions on Earth."
On this day in 1998 (in Indonesia), Godzilla roared for the masses who showed up in theatres. The SciFi flick starred Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A giant, reptilian monster surfaces, leaving destruction in its wake as it strides into New York City. To stop it, an earthworm scientist, his reporter ex-girlfriend, and other unlikely heroes team up to save their city."
"A giant, reptilian monster surfaces, leaving destruction in its wake as it strides into New York City. To stop it, an earthworm scientist, his reporter ex-girlfriend, and other unlikely heroes team up to save their city."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Australia, India, Pakistan, and a few other countries), Love Story 2050 brought a touch of magic to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Harry Baweja, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Harman Baweja, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Boman Irani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the help of his uncle, a man travels to the future to try and bring his girlfriend back to life."
"With the help of his uncle, a man travels to the future to try and bring his girlfriend back to life."
On this day in 2008 (in Italy), The Signal was first heard by audiences. This SciFi/Thriller starred Anessa Ramsey and Justin Welborn, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A horror film told in three parts, from three perspectives, in which a mysterious transmission that turns people into killers invades every cell phone, radio, and television."
"A horror film told in three parts, from three perspectives, in which a mysterious transmission that turns people into killers invades every cell phone, radio, and television."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), The Lazarus Papers rose from the dead with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Jeremiah Hundley, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Danny Trejo, Gary Daniels, and Krystal Vee; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the deep jungles of South East Asia a blood thirsty mercenary Sebastian, hunts for the thrill of the chase and victims to sell into slavery. In one operation he kills a peaceful local shaman Aroon, and his family. As Sebastian leaves with his catch, Aroon dies... only to come to life the next day. Something has happened to Aroon, a gift to some, but a curse to him - for he cannot die. Full of despair and unable to cope with life without his family he attempts suicide. After each attempt he dies, only to be reborn the next morning. Trying to understand what prevents him from dying Aroon must go on a quest that will lead him across the jungles and cities of Asia, searching for a secret to unlock his immortality."
"In the deep jungles of South East Asia a blood thirsty mercenary Sebastian, hunts for the thrill of the chase and victims to sell into slavery. In one operation he kills a peaceful local shaman Aroon, and his family. As Sebastian leaves with his catch, Aroon dies... only to come to life the next day. Something has happened to Aroon, a gift to some, but a curse to him - for he cannot die. Full of despair and unable to cope with life without his family he attempts suicide. After each attempt he dies, only to be reborn the next morning. Trying to understand what prevents him from dying Aroon must go on a quest that will lead him across the jungles and cities of Asia, searching for a secret to unlock his immortality."
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), audiences first investigated The Anomaly. The film starred Noel Clarke and Brian Cox, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"An ex-soldier named Ryan Reeve is taken captive by the "Anomaly" organization where he learns that he only has 9:47 minutes/seconds to find out why they want him dead."
"An ex-soldier named Ryan Reeve is taken captive by the "Anomaly" organization where he learns that he only has 9:47 minutes/seconds to find out why they want him dead."
On this day in 2018, the SciFi/Satire The First Purge made for some (ahem) bloody shenanigans for that event's cinematic founding. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"America's third political party, the New Founding Fathers of America, comes to power and conducts an experiment: no laws for 12 hours on Staten Island. No one has to stay on the island, but $5,000 is given to anyone who does."
"America's third political party, the New Founding Fathers of America, comes to power and conducts an experiment: no laws for 12 hours on Staten Island. No one has to stay on the island, but $5,000 is given to anyone who does."
On this day in 2020 (in Spain), the 1978-produced Satan's Blood played for audiences in attendance of the Madrid - Artistic Metropol. Written (in part) and directed by Carlos Puerto, the Horror/Fantasy starred Ángel Aranda, Sandra Alberti, and Mariana Karr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young couple are tricked into going into a sinister house where a coven of devil-worshipers waits for them."
"A young couple are tricked into going into a sinister house where a coven of devil-worshipers waits for them."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Duplicates." This served as the fortieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The U.S. government discovers a parallel world and sends an engineer, Bruce, to that world to kill his counterpart before the two planets destroy each other."
"The U.S. government discovers a parallel world and sends an engineer, Bruce, to that world to kill his counterpart before the two planets destroy each other."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Theft Of Terra Five." This served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The flagship of the Space Patrol is stolen by a criminal group. It is up to Commander Cory to find the stolen ship and bring the criminals to justice."
"The flagship of the Space Patrol is stolen by a criminal group. It is up to Commander Cory to find the stolen ship and bring the criminals to justice."
It all began right here: on this day in 1966 (in Japan), The Space Giants served mankind on the ground and in the air. The first episode was titled "The Monster Rodak," and here's the (lengthy) plot summary from The Space Giants Series Guide:
"One evening, young Mikko Mura receives a telephone call from an unknown man identifying himself as a messenger of Rodak, a conqueror from outer space. The caller tells Mikko that Rodak will take the boy, his mother Tomoko and his father Tom on an interesting journey at 6:00 AM the following day. The next morning, Mikko awakens and finds that his neighborhood has been transformed into a primitive jungle. A large dinosaur appears, and Mikko runs into the jungle to look for the unusual creature. The dinosaur sees him and begins to walk in his direction. Suddenly, Rodak’s saucer appears in the sky and destroys the creature with a special ray. Dropping from his ship, Rodak tells Mikko and Tom Mura— a reporter for United Press International— to print in the newspapers what they have just witnessed. Before Rodak flies off, Mikko takes a picture of him with his camera. With his house back in the old neighborhood again, Mikko has the photo developed. He then hears the loud roar of a jet engine, and looks outside to see a huge rocket land beside his house and immediately turn into a 50 foot tall golden robot. The giant introduces himself as “Goldar” (Ambassador Magma), a friend to the people of Earth. Goldar asks Mikko for the picture. When Mikko refuses, the camera flies from his hands and into the giant palm of the Space Avenger! He tells Mikko that he must show the picture of Rodak to his creator, Mathusam (Earth), a scientist from outer space."
"One evening, young Mikko Mura receives a telephone call from an unknown man identifying himself as a messenger of Rodak, a conqueror from outer space. The caller tells Mikko that Rodak will take the boy, his mother Tomoko and his father Tom on an interesting journey at 6:00 AM the following day. The next morning, Mikko awakens and finds that his neighborhood has been transformed into a primitive jungle. A large dinosaur appears, and Mikko runs into the jungle to look for the unusual creature. The dinosaur sees him and begins to walk in his direction. Suddenly, Rodak’s saucer appears in the sky and destroys the creature with a special ray. Dropping from his ship, Rodak tells Mikko and Tom Mura— a reporter for United Press International— to print in the newspapers what they have just witnessed. Before Rodak flies off, Mikko takes a picture of him with his camera. With his house back in the old neighborhood again, Mikko has the photo developed. He then hears the loud roar of a jet engine, and looks outside to see a huge rocket land beside his house and immediately turn into a 50 foot tall golden robot. The giant introduces himself as “Goldar” (Ambassador Magma), a friend to the people of Earth. Goldar asks Mikko for the picture. When Mikko refuses, the camera flies from his hands and into the giant palm of the Space Avenger! He tells Mikko that he must show the picture of Rodak to his creator, Mathusam (Earth), a scientist from outer space."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Robocop Vs. Commander Cash." This served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Children are rioting and stealing all over the city as RoboCop faces his most formidable opponent, a nut case who believes he's a real live version of OCP's super hero, Commander Cash."
"Children are rioting and stealing all over the city as RoboCop faces his most formidable opponent, a nut case who believes he's a real live version of OCP's super hero, Commander Cash."
