Did you see it? (snicker snicker) It was on this day back in 1958 that The Invisible Man premiered on television in the United Kingdom compliments of the hard-working souls at Incorporated Television Company (ITC). Actor Tim Turner headlined the program as Dr. Peter Brady, a scientist who accidentally renders himself -- you guessed it -- invisible. It lasted for two seasons and seems to be fondly remembered by those who frequent the ratings portal at IMDB.com.
Why, it isn't every day that SciFiHistory.Net gets to feature the greatness of actors like Basil Rathbone -- seen above from his work in the Fantasy-themed The Magic Sword (1962) -- so smoke 'em if you got 'em. Though he's no longer with us, Rathbone was born on this day in 1892. [Source: IMDB.com]
Frederick Stephani was just one of a small team of screenwriters utilized to bring the original Flash Gordon (1936) serial to life for Universal Pictures Corporation. Though he's no longer with us, Stephani was born on this day in 1903. [Source: IMDB.com]
Russian-born actor Georgiy Teykh explored the more cerebral side of Science Fiction with work aboard Planeta bur (1962) and Solaris (1972). Though he's no longer with us, Teykh was born on this day in 1906. [Source: IMDB.com]
Long after making a name for himself by appearing in some memorable Westerns, Ben Johnson joined Melanie Griffith in the cinematic wasteland at the heart of Cherry 2000 (1987) for Orion Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, Johnson was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Percy Rodriguez (or Rodrigues) guested aboard "Court Martial," one of my personal favorite episodes of the original Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Rodriguez was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Kristine Miller had the distinction of appearing aboard television's Science Fiction Theatre not once but a total of four times. She retired from acting entirely not long after, choosing instead to spend time with her growing family. Though she's no longer with us, Miller was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
While it's true that George Lucas is owed for creating Star Wars, I've always felt designer Ralph McQuarrie deserved vastly more credit than he's ever received, mostly because without the man's singular ability to translate George's wishes and desires into something that other people could "see" there would essentially "be" no Star Wars universe. In his career, he also contributed to the redesign of the starship Enterprise for Star Trek: The Motion Picture; designed the alien ships from Close Encounters of the Third Kind; and helped bring the original Battlestar Galactica to life on television. Though he's no longer with us, McQuarrie was born on this day in 1929.
Oh, boo hiss! Malcolm McDowell almost gleefully came aboard our beloved franchise because his character was giving the singularly distinction of becoming the man to kill James T. Kirk. Star Trek: Generations wasn't exactly the grand passing-of-the-torch I would've wanted to see, but it was still plenty fine nonetheless. Mr. McDowell also had the chance to add to his sci-fi legacy by playing H.G. Wells in the wonderful sci-fi rom/com Time After Time (1979), and he had a recurring role throughout the first season of Heroes. McDowell was born on this day back in 1943.
Whitley Strieber's experiences with non-human entities have fueled the imaginations of so very many readers and writers, and his written works have also been tapped for theatrical and/or televised adaptations: in fact, Syfy aired Hunters, a franchise based on his Alien Hunter novels. Strieber was born on this day in 1945.
One of the more interesting aspects to the BBC's long-running Doctor Who is that from time-to-time the writers manage to come up with a story that involves the guest appearance of some revered person from our planet's history. Case in point: in both "The Unquiet Dead" and "The Wedding of River Song," actor Simon Callow was given the opportunity to bring the late Charles Dickens to life on the small screen. Callow was born on this day in 1949.
Though her resume for the last two decades is a bit slim, actress Belinda Bauer made a pretty big splash in Sci-Fi in the 80's. She was a part of Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982). She had a terrific role in the original Airwolf tele-film that launched the helicopter action franchise. And, in 1990, she joined the Robocop franchise, appearing in the first sequel as Dr. Juliette Faxx. Bauer was born on this day in 1950.
Christine Healy enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Meridian," one of the more Fantasy-themed adventures that was part of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's early seasons. As far as genre work is concerned, the actress also booked roles aboard Starman, Knight Rider 2000 (1991), The Burning Zone, The Visitor, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Invasion. Healy was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actor Stellan Skarsgard has even dabbled heartily in the Marvel Universe, taking on in Thor, The Avengers, and Thor: The Dark World while still finding time to star in other high-brow projects. Skarsgard was born on this day in 1951.
I've said it before -- and here I am saying it again -- that 1980's Battle Beyond the Stars is one of my very favorite B-movie / Star Wars knock-offs ever. Sure, it gets a bit goofy in the final reel, but this John Sayles-penned riff on The Magnificent Seven (but set in space, mind you) still looks and sounds dynamite with age. The lead was the always fresh-faced Richard Thomas; his 'Shad' was the young man who set out to find a group of warriors who would defend his planet against the coming invaders. Thomas was born on this day in 1951.
Funnyman Tim Allen brought the perfect measure of macho charm and Hollywood cluelessness to his portrayal of an aging actor inadvertently caught up in a real outer space adventure in 1999's Galaxy Quest. Allen was born on this day in 1953.
Ada Maris played 'Capt. Erika Hernandez,' another of the rank and file serving in what was early Starfleet aboard Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth season. Maris was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dennis Ott literally buried himself under layers of prosthetic make-up in order to play an incarcerated alien making things tough on Starfleet's Capt. Kirk for only a few minutes of screen time aboard Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). Though he's no longer with us, Ott was born on this day in 1958. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Brat Packer Ally Sheedy has been and out of sci-fi-friendly roles since she took on the part of Stephanie Speck in 1986's kid-friendly Short Circuit. Since then, she's booked parts on the 1990's redux of The Outer Limits and a recurring stint on Kyle XY. Sheedy was born on this day in 1962.
I suppose it's true to say that Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife is far more fantasy than it is Science Fiction, and I suppose it's equally true to suggest that it's much more romance than it is fantasy, but the book still deserves to be read by SciFi fans everywhere as I think it's probably one of the most compelling uses of time travel in narrative form today. Niffenegger was born on this day in 1963.
Screenwriter Greg Daniels is just one of the screenwriters engaged in lampooning American exceptionalism in the Space Race for his part in scripting Netflix's SciFi/Comedy Space Force for the streaming service. Daniels was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
As First Lady Christina Martinez, actress Lisa Vidal stayed up-close-and-personal to the sci-fi quandary presented at the heart of NBC's single-season show, The Event. Vidal also booked a fleetingly small cameo as part of JJ Abrams' 2009 STAR TREK reboot. Vidal was born on this day in 1965.
Spanish sensation Cayetana Guillén Cuervo managed to work a recurring role into the Spanish-language SciFi/Fantasy serial The Ministry Of Time within her busy schedule. Cuervo was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Shannon Fill enjoyed a pair of visits to the world of Star Trek: The Next Generation, both of them stand-out episodes for entirely different reasons. Fill was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hubba-Hubba Alert: Missy Crider (above right) wins hearts and takes name whenever she gets the opportunity ... it's just sad that we haven't seen her in a plethora of SciFi projects. She shared headline duties with Jason London in 1999's Alien Cargo, so I guess we'll have to be thankful for that. Crider was born on this day in 1974.
There's always room for one more in the realm of genre properties: the lovely Brande Roderick enjoyed a small role in Dracula II: Ascension (2003) for Castel Film Romania. Roderick was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tygh Runyan had a terrific recurring role aboard Syfy's vastly underrated and under-appreciated SGU: Stargate Universe in the program's two-season run. Runyan was born on this day in 1976.
The great Ethan Embry (pictured second from right from 2003's Timeline) has this unassuming presence: you really rarely notice him until he wants you to, and then he takes full charge of his characters. I've always found him fascinating to watch. Embry was born on this day in 1978.
Model-turned-actress Esther Anderson enjoyed a modest amount of screen time with a role aboard the YouTube Red original SciFi series Lifeline. Anderson was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
The grizzled fellow under the stocking cap is none other than Chris Evans. While he's better known for his roles in The Fantastic Four, Captain America, and The Avengers, Evans also headlined an apocalyptic thriller known as Snowpiercer that just can't quite seem to find the light of day in the States. (It is available on home video, and I thought it was a particularly effective SciFi satire.) Evans was born on this day in 1981.
Why so blue? Peter Caulfield enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Oxygen," one of the Doctor Who episodes highlighting Peter Capaldi's last season as the time traveler. Caulfield was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
As I've said before, I'm not really a Marvel man. (I prefer DC.) But I still give 'em props: they make highly successful comic book movies, and their fans have no problem embracing them. Kat Dennings made an appearance in the Marvel Universe, playing Darcy Lewis in both Thor and Thor: The Dark World. No word yet on whether or not she'll book another guest role, but I'd be interested in seeing her again. Dennings was born on this day in 1986.
Mary-Kate Olsen turned downright Beastly (2011) for her work in the Fantasy-themed picture of the same name for CBS Films, a modern incarnation of 'Beauty And The Beast.' Olsen was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things we do for art! For example, Bree Wasylenko dipped herself in green in order to help bring the lovely Orion 'Shava' to life for CBS's Star Trek: Discovery. Wasylenko was born on this day in 1988. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Irina Gorovaia enjoyed a role aboard the Fantasy-themed The Butterfly Effect (2004) for BenderSpink. Gorovaia was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Alessa Savage proved the Force was strong with that one with a role aboard the Fantasy-themed Star Wars - Underworld: A XXX Parody (2016). Savage was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. How do you celebrate becoming one of the longest-running programs in the history of television? Well, it wasn't Doctor Who's idea, but some enterprising Adult actors and actresses got together and filmed the (ahem) Doctor Whore Porn Parody for the production company better known as (ahem) Wood Rocket. The lovely Tara Lynn Foxx played a hand in the guise of 'Rose.' Foxx was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aaron Taylor-Johnson made a big splash as the teen-turned-vigilante in Kickass and its sequel, but -- in the summer of 2014 -- he was practically the last man standing against and then on the side of Godzilla. Taylor-Johnson was born on this day in 1990.
Adult film temptress Ella Hughes continues to build an impressive body of work (pun intended), much of which is delightfully genre-related entries like Sherlock: A XXX Parody (2016), Game Of Thrones, Star Wars - Underworld: A XXX Parody (2016), Queen Of Thrones: A Brazzers XXX Parody (2017), and The Bewitcher: A DP XXX Parody (2018). Hughes was born on this day in 1995. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Kodi Smit-McPhee looks to have a bright future ahead of him, certainly if box office returns are any indications. He played a small but important role in 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. What's up next? He was also cast as Nightcrawler in X-Men: Apocalypse. Smit-McPhee was born on this day in 1996.
On this day in 1936 (in the United Kingdom), Flash Gordon took to the silver screen and faced off against Ming the Merciless. The SciFi/Serial starred Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, and Charles Middleton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1953, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms was released theatrically. Directed by Eugène Lourié from a script adaptation of a Ray Bradbury story, the film starred Paul Hubschmid, Paula Raymond, and Cecil Kellaway; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a result of an arctic nuclear test, a carnivorous dinosaur thaws out and starts making its way down the east coast of North America. Professor Tom Nesbitt, only witness to the beast's existence, is not believed, even when he identifies it as a "rhedosaurus" to paleontologist Thurgood Elson. All doubts disappear, however, when Elson is swallowed whole during an oceanic bathysphere excursion to search for the creature. Soon thereafter the rhedosaurus emerges from the sea and lays waste to Manhattan Island until Nesbitt comes up with a plan to try to stop the seemingly indestructible beast."
For the record:
The Beast was a beast, indeed! The film enjoyed a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1954 Hugo Awards. Cool beans! Also worthy of note is that the script adaptation was worked on (in part) by the late Fred Freiberger, a screenwriter and producer of several great genre shows including Star Trek, Space: 1999, and The Six Million Dollar Man.
"As a result of an arctic nuclear test, a carnivorous dinosaur thaws out and starts making its way down the east coast of North America. Professor Tom Nesbitt, only witness to the beast's existence, is not believed, even when he identifies it as a "rhedosaurus" to paleontologist Thurgood Elson. All doubts disappear, however, when Elson is swallowed whole during an oceanic bathysphere excursion to search for the creature. Soon thereafter the rhedosaurus emerges from the sea and lays waste to Manhattan Island until Nesbitt comes up with a plan to try to stop the seemingly indestructible beast."
For the record:
The Beast was a beast, indeed! The film enjoyed a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1954 Hugo Awards. Cool beans! Also worthy of note is that the script adaptation was worked on (in part) by the late Fred Freiberger, a screenwriter and producer of several great genre shows including Star Trek, Space: 1999, and The Six Million Dollar Man.
Erm ... this one is a bit bizarre, folks, so bear with me: IMDB.com clearly reports that Forbidden Planet enjoyed its original U.S. release in 1956 (well, it certainly looks to have opened that year though the citations indicate specific cities), but then it also states that the film didn't enjoy its full U.S. release until this day in 1958. I'll do some more digging when time permits as this looks a bit suspect unless this were a re-release, which might be a bit weird since it's only two years out. In any event, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), Kronos enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi feature starred Jeff Morrow, Barbara Lawrence, and John Emery; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens from another world send a huge robotic accumulator to invade the Earth and absorb all energy it comes in contact with."
"Aliens from another world send a huge robotic accumulator to invade the Earth and absorb all energy it comes in contact with."
On this day in 1968 (in Brazil), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Classic feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here’s the plot summary from IMDB.com:
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
Look! Up in the sky! On this day in 1979 (in Colombia), Superman took flight on the silver screen. Directed by Richard Donner, the Fantasy release starred Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in the exceptional origins tale, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1980, The Girl, The Gold Watch & Everything enjoyed its original broadcast premiere on U.S. television. Directed by William Wiard and based on a novel by John D. MacDonald, the Telefilm/Fantasy starred Robert Hays and Pam Dawber, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Kirby inherits only one thing from his millionaire uncle: a pocket watch that can stop time. Only, the bad guys know that he has it, and will do anything to take it from him. But they don't know that he's found the girl of his dreams, and she's got a sense of humor that, when combined with the watch, is devastating."
"When Kirby inherits only one thing from his millionaire uncle: a pocket watch that can stop time. Only, the bad guys know that he has it, and will do anything to take it from him. But they don't know that he's found the girl of his dreams, and she's got a sense of humor that, when combined with the watch, is devastating."
On this day in 1997 (in Denmark and Turkey), Star Trek: First Contact traveled back in time to save the future. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the SciFi/Adventure starred the crew of the popular television series, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1997 (in Estonia), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back: The Special Edition enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the Fantasy film brought back Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher for another round of space-based adventures. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2005, Radiant enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever, playing for audiences in attendance of the Cinevegas Film Festival. Written and directed by Steve Mahone, the SciFi/Drama starred James Cable and Sandra Fish, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genetically-engineered virus, meant for good, but never before tested on humans, has found a host. This is the story of four desperate people who, in their search for medical answers, were exposed to this created virus, called radiant, and the solitary lab assistant who becomes their only witness."
"A genetically-engineered virus, meant for good, but never before tested on humans, has found a host. This is the story of four desperate people who, in their search for medical answers, were exposed to this created virus, called radiant, and the solitary lab assistant who becomes their only witness."
On this day in 2007 (in France), the director's cut of THX 1138 enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Drama starred Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasance, and Don Pedro Colley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
I realize 2008's The Incredible Hulk wasn't exactly to everyone's liking, but I honestly enjoyed it more than I enjoy most Marvel movie projects. It first premiered on this day back then to some modest controversy involving star Edward Norton's preferred 'cut' on the flick, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government must find a cure for the monster he emerges whenever he loses his temper. However, Banner then must fight a soldier whom unleashes himself as a threat stronger than he."
For the record:
Though the film was largely maligned by Marvel fans and critics alike, I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit as a return to the cinematic format of the more traditional comic book movie. In any event, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films enjoyed it enough for the picture to receive a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.' So there!
"Bruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government must find a cure for the monster he emerges whenever he loses his temper. However, Banner then must fight a soldier whom unleashes himself as a threat stronger than he."
For the record:
Though the film was largely maligned by Marvel fans and critics alike, I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit as a return to the cinematic format of the more traditional comic book movie. In any event, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films enjoyed it enough for the picture to receive a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.' So there!
On this day in 2008, M. Night Shyamalan gave it another attempt to recover his lost glory with the theatrical release of The Happening. The production was plagued by allegedly 'leaked' endings (there's a twist, you know, to every M. Night picture, in lieu of a captivating story), and audiences were largely divided on its effectiveness. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide."
For the record:
At their 2009 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Happening with a nomination for 'Best Horror Film.'
"A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide."
For the record:
At their 2009 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Happening with a nomination for 'Best Horror Film.'
Who doesn't appreciate a good Apocalypse? On this day in 2013 (in Hungary), The Colony delivered yet one more glimpse into mankind's dire future. Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Renfroe, the film starred Kevin Zegers, Laurence Fishburne, and Bill Paxton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
On this day in 2013 (in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Israel), Star Trek Into Darkness labored loudly in incoherence compliments of a plot that didn't quite make much sense to established Trekdom. Directed by JJ Abrams, the feature brought Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto back into their commanding roles, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Los Angeles, California), audiences were treated to an Animal that tried to take a bite out of the box office. Directed by Brett Simmons, the SciFi/Horror starred Joey Lauren Adams, Elizabeth Gillies, and Paul Iacono; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When plans for a weekend vacation hit a dead end, a group of close-knit friends find themselves stranded in unfamiliar territory, pursued by a menacing, blood thirsty predator."
"When plans for a weekend vacation hit a dead end, a group of close-knit friends find themselves stranded in unfamiliar territory, pursued by a menacing, blood thirsty predator."
On this day in 2014, eighty ordinary Americans found themselves plucked out of their everyday lives and deposited inside some urban arena where they had to face The Human Race, a kinda/sorta Death Race being put on by omnipotent overlords ... but to what end? It's a low budget thriller that I gave high marks to in my Amazon review. Check it out from your local video store if you like B-movies. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com
"In THE HUMAN RACE a group of 80 people are ripped out of their daily lives and all re-appear in an undisclosed location. These people are from all walks of life: young and old, athletic and disabled, white-collared and homeless. The rules to a race boom in their heads, in their own voice and language, laying out what will become a horrific race of terror: 'If you are lapped twice, you die. If you step off the path, you die. If you touch the grass, you will die. Race... or die.'"
"In THE HUMAN RACE a group of 80 people are ripped out of their daily lives and all re-appear in an undisclosed location. These people are from all walks of life: young and old, athletic and disabled, white-collared and homeless. The rules to a race boom in their heads, in their own voice and language, laying out what will become a horrific race of terror: 'If you are lapped twice, you die. If you step off the path, you die. If you touch the grass, you will die. Race... or die.'"
On this day in 2018 (in France), a restored print of the 1968-produced 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a theatrical re-release. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, 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.
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "All The Time In The World." Officially, this served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman proposes to rob New York's Metropolitan Museum, using a wristwatch which accelerates time for the wearer, so their movements go undetected by anyone more than 5 feet away. The small-time crook she hires for the job doesn't care where the artworks are going or why the woman who identifies herself only as "The Collector," wants the masterpieces."
"A woman proposes to rob New York's Metropolitan Museum, using a wristwatch which accelerates time for the wearer, so their movements go undetected by anyone more than 5 feet away. The small-time crook she hires for the job doesn't care where the artworks are going or why the woman who identifies herself only as "The Collector," wants the masterpieces."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Man Who Stole A City." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by SolarGuard.com:
"Houses, space ships and civic buildings mysteriously disappear. Baffled by the fantastic occurrences, Commander Corry summons the assistance of one of the leading scientists of the United Planets, only to discover that he too has disappeared."
"Houses, space ships and civic buildings mysteriously disappear. Baffled by the fantastic occurrences, Commander Corry summons the assistance of one of the leading scientists of the United Planets, only to discover that he too has disappeared."
It all began right here: on this day in 1959, H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man premiered on British television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for "Secret Experiment":
"Scientist Peter Brady is inadvertently rendered invisible during a botched lab experiment."
"Scientist Peter Brady is inadvertently rendered invisible during a botched lab experiment."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Day of Darkness" as part of its first season. Officially, this served as the thirtieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Tlotoxl's machinations result in both Susan and Ian being arrested.With the TARDIS once again trapped inside the tomb, the travelers' only hope for escape lies with Autloc and Cameca."
"Tlotoxl's machinations result in both Susan and Ian being arrested.With the TARDIS once again trapped inside the tomb, the travelers' only hope for escape lies with Autloc and Cameca."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "Hostages Of The Deep." Officially, this served as the thirty-seventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an undersea alien named Gadus kidnaps World Navy Admiral Carson and his wife from their remote island home, Troy, Phones and Marina head off on a rescue mission in Stingray."
"When an undersea alien named Gadus kidnaps World Navy Admiral Carson and his wife from their remote island home, Troy, Phones and Marina head off on a rescue mission in Stingray."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Inferno: Part 6." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Doctor Who Online Guide:
"As Earth in the parallel world faces destruction, the Doctor is desperate to return to his world to warn it of the danger. But time is running out."
"As Earth in the parallel world faces destruction, the Doctor is desperate to return to his world to warn it of the danger. But time is running out."
Star Trek: The Next Generation's fifth season finale -- "Time's Arrow, Part 1" -- aired on this date in 1992 (in U.S. TV syndication, so dates do vary), and the time travel (kinda/sorta) yarn featured a Data-centric episode that postulated an alien race had interacted with humanity in the late 1800's. Of course, the crew had to go back and check it out. Wouldn't you? Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Picard and his archaeological curiosity are called upon by scientists from Earth when they find evidence to support beliefs that aliens had visited Earth in the late 1800s."
"Captain Picard and his archaeological curiosity are called upon by scientists from Earth when they find evidence to support beliefs that aliens had visited Earth in the late 1800s."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Duet." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Cardassian suffering from Kalla-Nohra, a disease that indicates he served in a labor camp, visits DS9. Kira is determined to convict him as a war criminal."
"A Cardassian suffering from Kalla-Nohra, a disease that indicates he served in a labor camp, visits DS9. Kira is determined to convict him as a war criminal."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia - per Wikipedia.org.), Spellbinder aired "High Tech Power Suit." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Riana escapes from the old castle, she follows Ashka back to Paul's world and tries to find Paul. Ashka visits Paul's father and shows him the designs for the power suit, encouraging him to build a more advanced version of it."
"After Riana escapes from the old castle, she follows Ashka back to Paul's world and tries to find Paul. Ashka visits Paul's father and shows him the designs for the power suit, encouraging him to build a more advanced version of it."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Fallen." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of nomads on an alien planet find Daniel Jackson naked in the middle of ruins and take him in. Jonas translates the tablet Daniel said was important and discovers that it describes the last city the Ancients were building before the plague. He surmises that the list of addresses Jack put into the computer while storing the Ancient data were Ancient outposts in temporal order. Thus the last of the addresses should be the "City of the Lost". SG-1 visits the planet and happens upon the nomadic people, now inhabiting the ruins of the Ancient city. There they find Daniel, but discover his memory is gone. They must recover his memories in order to discover the secret to defeating Anubis."
"A group of nomads on an alien planet find Daniel Jackson naked in the middle of ruins and take him in. Jonas translates the tablet Daniel said was important and discovers that it describes the last city the Ancients were building before the plague. He surmises that the list of addresses Jack put into the computer while storing the Ancient data were Ancient outposts in temporal order. Thus the last of the addresses should be the "City of the Lost". SG-1 visits the planet and happens upon the nomadic people, now inhabiting the ruins of the Ancient city. There they find Daniel, but discover his memory is gone. They must recover his memories in order to discover the secret to defeating Anubis."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Homecoming." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Anubis's superweapon has been put out of commission, but Yu's fleet has been diverted to the other side of the galaxy by Yu himself, allowing Anubis to escape into hyperspace. Jonas has been captured by Anubis and Daniel is still aboard Anubis's ship, evading capture. Anubis uses the mind probe on Jonas, learns of Naquadria, and begins his attack on Kelowna. The Kelownans seek aid from the SGC. Jack and Sam arrive on Langara to discover that they have given Anubis Naquadria in order to secure their safety. They communicate with Daniel who is attempting to free Jonas. Teal'c has convinced Yu's first prime to seek a new leader of the System Lords, Baal."
"Anubis's superweapon has been put out of commission, but Yu's fleet has been diverted to the other side of the galaxy by Yu himself, allowing Anubis to escape into hyperspace. Jonas has been captured by Anubis and Daniel is still aboard Anubis's ship, evading capture. Anubis uses the mind probe on Jonas, learns of Naquadria, and begins his attack on Kelowna. The Kelownans seek aid from the SGC. Jack and Sam arrive on Langara to discover that they have given Anubis Naquadria in order to secure their safety. They communicate with Daniel who is attempting to free Jonas. Teal'c has convinced Yu's first prime to seek a new leader of the System Lords, Baal."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S. and Canada), Syfy aired the tenth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth season. Officially, it was an hour titled "Revelations," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"D'Anna demands that the four Cylons in the fleet be sent to the basestar. Only Tory goes, while the remaining three are suddenly drawn to Kara's Viper by the music. The route to Earth is finally found."
"D'Anna demands that the four Cylons in the fleet be sent to the basestar. Only Tory goes, while the remaining three are suddenly drawn to Kara's Viper by the music. The route to Earth is finally found."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "The Unicorn and The Wasp." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With a 1926 dinner party turning into a murder mystery, The Doctor and Donna Noble get the chance to meet Agatha Christie on the eve of her well-known 9-days disappearance."
"With a 1926 dinner party turning into a murder mystery, The Doctor and Donna Noble get the chance to meet Agatha Christie on the eve of her well-known 9-days disappearance."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sanctuary aired "Out of the Blue." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Helen and Will seem to have the perfect lives, careers, and marriages? Underneath suburbia, something lurks."
"Helen and Will seem to have the perfect lives, careers, and marriages? Underneath suburbia, something lurks."
On this day in 2012, Lightning Point aired "Circle Of Friends." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Luca and Brandon so close to their secret, Kiki, Zoey and Amber attend Brandon's 17th birthday party to keep an eye on them."
"With Luca and Brandon so close to their secret, Kiki, Zoey and Amber attend Brandon's 17th birthday party to keep an eye on them."
On this day in 2014, Continuum aired "3 Minutes To Midnight." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kiera and John Doe confront the harsh realities of their relationship's origins while both are put in danger by a direct attack from Liber8. Meanwhile, family bonds are strengthened as Alec grapples with the fact that his new invention is responsible for Jason's increasingly strange behavior."
"Kiera and John Doe confront the harsh realities of their relationship's origins while both are put in danger by a direct attack from Liber8. Meanwhile, family bonds are strengthened as Alec grapples with the fact that his new invention is responsible for Jason's increasingly strange behavior."
On this day in 2018, Colony aired "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will finds clues that may expose the Seattle's colony dangerous secret. Katie helps out with refugees. Bram takes over parenting Gracie."
"Will finds clues that may expose the Seattle's colony dangerous secret. Katie helps out with refugees. Bram takes over parenting Gracie."
On this day in 2018, The Expanse aired "Dandelion Sky." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Holden sees past, present, and future; a ghost from Melba's past threatens her mission; Bobbie struggles to trust an old friend as she leads a group into uncharted territory."
"Holden sees past, present, and future; a ghost from Melba's past threatens her mission; Bobbie struggles to trust an old friend as she leads a group into uncharted territory."
On this day in 2019, Siren aired "No North Star." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Everyone deals with the fallout from the oil rig attack; Ryn returns to land to follow through on an agreement she made with the military."
"Everyone deals with the fallout from the oil rig attack; Ryn returns to land to follow through on an agreement she made with the military."
On this day in 1954, The Shadow radio serial aired "Temple Of Death." According to our friends on The Shadow Wiki, it appears that all of the details involving this tale have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
