Regular readers to SciFiHistory.Net know all too well that I'm not a big fan of creating lists. As far as I'm concerned, I want you -- the readership -- to like what you like; and I'll spout off from time-to-time in occasional commentary for my own sake. Still, when I'm asked about my favorite shows that I think never received the amount of love they were owed, one of the very first that comes to mind is Humans (2015-2018). It premiered on this day in 2015 in the United Kingdom; and -- to my surprise -- it kept finding something to say about Artifical Intelligence put into human form for its three thought-provoking seasons. Mind you: I didn't always agree with it ideologically, but I can respect good storytelling and solid performances as much as the next pundit. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth'--a highly-developed robotic servant that's so similar to a real human--is transforming the way we live."
"In a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth'--a highly-developed robotic servant that's so similar to a real human--is transforming the way we live."
Roswell, New Mexico:
Did It Happen ... Or Didn't It?
Roswell, New Mexico's claim to fame would have to be the (ahem) alleged UFO landing which was first reported by farmer Mack Brazel on this day back in 1947, and -- since that time -- the government has claimed many, many things. First, there was nothing to it; then, it was a weather balloon; then, it turned into some kind of aerial crash test dummies story; and now I think they're sticking with the weather balloon, albeit a more experimental model (or some other such nonsense). Whatever the case may be, a reasonable wealth of eyewitnesses to the events that followed has certainly kept the door open for ample speculation, and much of the reportage has bled over into the realm of Science Fiction, influencing countless impressive properties from NBC's Dark Skies to Fox TV's mega-popular The X-Files.
Will we ever know the truth? Well, the government says you do ... but who's gonna take them at their word, eh?
Will we ever know the truth? Well, the government says you do ... but who's gonna take them at their word, eh?
Singer and actor Burl Ives is certainly not remembered for Science Fiction, but he did headline a project called Earthbound in 1981. In 1978, he explored the SciFi and Fantasy elements surrounding a kinda/sorta global phenomenon in The Bermuda Depths, a telefilm from Rankin/Bass Productions. And SciFiHistory.Net wouldn't be doing its job properly if we failed to mentioned that Ives provided the narration for the Lucasfilm Star Wars telefilm The Ewok Adventure (1984).
To his credit, Ives did manage to sneak aboard a few other genre projects in his lifetime of work. In 1964, he turned in a somewhat magical performance aboard The Brass Bottle for Universal Pictures. He was the voice of 'Gepetto' for a 1968 televised incarnation of the beloved Pinocchio. Rod Serling had him aboard an episode of his dark procedural Night Gallery. Lastly, he braved a rather dark Horror/Drama about one really, really, really bad dog in White Dog for Paramount Pictures.
Though he's no longer with us, Ives was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
To his credit, Ives did manage to sneak aboard a few other genre projects in his lifetime of work. In 1964, he turned in a somewhat magical performance aboard The Brass Bottle for Universal Pictures. He was the voice of 'Gepetto' for a 1968 televised incarnation of the beloved Pinocchio. Rod Serling had him aboard an episode of his dark procedural Night Gallery. Lastly, he braved a rather dark Horror/Drama about one really, really, really bad dog in White Dog for Paramount Pictures.
Though he's no longer with us, Ives was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
I don't know about the rest of you, but I grew up on a regular diet of SciFi movies on television whenever I could find one. In my youth, none stuck with me more than the popular War of the Worlds, based on the epic H.G. Wells novel of the same name. In that picture, Gene Barry played 'Dr. Clayton Forrester,' the man of science caught between helping mankind avert the invasion and saving those he loved most. Barry even had a cameo in Steven Spielberg's tepid 2005 remake, but, for my tastes, he was one of the best reasons to still prefer the original.
Honestly, the actor didn't traffic all that often in other genre projects. A quick glance at his professional resume on IMDB.com includes such other works as Science Fiction Theatre, The 27th Day (1957), The Devil And Miss Sarah (1971), Fantasy Island, and the 1980's version of The Twilight Zone.
Though he's no longer with us, Barry was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, the actor didn't traffic all that often in other genre projects. A quick glance at his professional resume on IMDB.com includes such other works as Science Fiction Theatre, The 27th Day (1957), The Devil And Miss Sarah (1971), Fantasy Island, and the 1980's version of The Twilight Zone.
Though he's no longer with us, Barry was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in his career, the venerable Sam Wanamaker joined the 80's version of the DC Universe with a role aboard Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987). Earlier in his professional career he enjoyed a visit to the world of The Outer Limits; he directed in the realm of Fantasy with his work on Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger (1977); and still managed to find time for work in all kinds of conventional dramas and comedies. Though he's no longer with us, Wanamaker was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Decorated Marine veteran Cal Bolder took a shot at serving the entertainment industry with work aboard such projects as Honey West, One Spy Too Many (1966), The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966), The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. and Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Bolder was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over one hundred different screen credits, Kenneth Cope certainly has had ample opportunity to give genre fans something to think about. A review of his profile on IMDB.com shows that he's contributed work to such properties as X The Unknown (1956), One Step Beyond, The Damned (1962), The Avengers, My Partner The Ghost, and Doctor Who. Cope was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fans of the SciFi/Cult-Classic The Prisoner might remember the lovely Angela Browne from her guest shot on the program in the guise of 'Number Eighty-Six.' She also enjoyed a guest spot aboard Out Of The Unknown. Though she's no longer with us, Browne was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The mighty 'Rexor' -- as played by the musclebound Ben Davidson -- stayed at the side of his master, the nefarious Thulsa Doom, aboard 1982's epic silver screen Fantasy Conan The Barbarian. Though he's no longer with us, Davidson was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Celebrated cinematographer Allen Daviau helped director Steven Spielberg capture movie magic with their collaboration E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982) for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Though he's no longer with us, Daviau was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Marilyn Schreffler leaves behind a resume solid in the world of voice acting, especially as it comes to properties that tickle the fancy of Science Fiction and Fantasy fans. Between her live action appearances and that, you can find her making footprints in Yogi's Space Race, Galaxy Goof-Ups, Casper The Friendly Ghost, Fred And Barney Meet The Thing, Thundarr The Barbarian, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Challenge Of The GoBots, Airwolf, Dragon's Lair, Runaway (1984), Starchaser: The Legend Of Orin (1985), Explorers (1985), The Golden Child (1986), Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star (1986), Jaws: The Revenge (1987), The Real Ghostbusters, and Scooby-Doo And The Ghoul School (1988). Though she's no longer with us, Schreffler was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Expert Star Wars collector Steve Sansweet built a career out of keeping the millions and millions of Star Wars fans informed about the various developments in the wide, wide world of plastic taking the shapes of their favorite heroes, rebels, and villains on behalf of the Lucasfilm empire. Sansweet was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Trish Stewart starred as one of the series regulars aboard the late 1970's SciFi/Fantasy series Salvage 1, an adventure that saw regular folks using space rocket technology to tackle some of life's extraordinary challenges. She also enjoyed screen time in Time Travelers (1976), Mansion Of The Doomed (1976), Project UFO, and Fantasy Island. Stewart was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Book him, Dano! Well ... book him, Space Dano! Conroy Gedeon played the Starfleet police officer who cautioned a mildly rattled Leonard McCoy in Star Trek: The Search For Spock when the good doctor was found openly discussing Project Genesis in some planetary watering hole. Gedeon was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
The great Harry Turtledove has long been regarded as the master of Alternative History, creating entire worlds out of some of the most incredible "What If ..." scenarios known to modern man. Turtledove was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
In 1977's Star Wars, Jeremy Sinden was better known as 'Gold Two.' For he was part of the team that first went in for the kill, that first went in to the dreaded Death Star trench in hopes of destroying that vast space station. And -- as fate would have it -- 'Gold Two' was the first one shot down by the pursuing Darth Vader. Though he's no longer with us, Sinden was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Will Patton has an impressive career that currently spans three-and-one-half-decades. This screen veteran has graced SciFi with his presence in The Puppet Masters (1994), VR5, The Postman (1997), Armageddon (1998), The Mothman Prophecies (2002), The Punisher (2004), The Fourth Kind (2009), TNT's Falling Skies, Boarding School (2018), The Devil Below (2021), The Forever Purge (2021), the short-lived Swamp Thing series, Halloween Ends (2022), and Amazon Prime's Outer Range. Patton was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1998 Saturn Awards, Patton earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard The Postman (1997).
- At the 2003 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the actor earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard The Mothman Prophecies (2002).
Wikipedia.org estimates that comics scribe Paul Kupperberg has contributed well over 1,000 separate tales to the business, having worked on such titles as Green Lantern, The Superman Family, Star Trek, and (obviously!) many, many others. Kupperberg was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Welcome to the big leagues, milady! Back in 1983, Jackie Kong scored her directing debut marshalling a Horror/SciFi project named The Being to the silver screen. And not only did she direct it, but she wrote it as well. Kong was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
At least, we'll always have Paris ... voice actress Samantha Paris, that is. During the late 1980's, she voiced 'Meg Bennett' of the fondly remembered SciFi/Animation Bionic Six for TMS Entertainment. Paris was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com has it listed correctly, then the dreamy Traylor Howard got her professional debut aboard an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman in 1994. In 2005, she enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Son Of The Mask for New Line Cinema. Howard was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alexandra Castillo is the kind of actress who pops up in smaller roles and makes the best of them. Since her career began, she's appeared in such SciFi projects as Seven Days, The 6th Day (2000), Stephen King's The Dead Zone, Mutant X, Eye Of The Beast (2007), 2012 (2009), Fringe, The Listener, 11.22.63, Warehouse 13, Damien, Incorporated, The Expanse, Good Witch, Creeped Out, Utopia Falls, The Handmaid's Tale, DC's Legends Of Tomorrow, The Boys, Gen V, and Orphan Black: Echoes. Castillo was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Phillip Rhys played one of the many "The Husbands of River Song" in a 2015 episode of the long-running Doctor Who. More recently, he turned in solid work aboard the short-lived Syfy serial Nightflyers in 2018. Rhys was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Phillipino actress Ina Raymundo has built a career out of turning heads. Her genre credentials are a bit light, but hats off to her for taking time out of her schedule to appear in Tsuperhero (animated), La luna sangre, The Ghost Bride (2017), and Block Z (2020). Raymundo was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pascale Hutton endured a handful of smaller parts until finally landing a spot as a recurring regular on Syfy's Sanctuary as Abby Corrigan. Since that program ended, she continues to keep busy, though in much more mainstream fare. Corrigan was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, the lovely Rochelle Davis held her own on the silver screen in The Crow (1994), one of the truly great Fantasy films to come out of the 1990's. Davis was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daniel Newman played a role -- albeit briefly -- aboard NBC's Heroes during the program's original run, and he also played a role in the short-lived SciFi series, Surface. More recently, he turned in some great work fighting the Apocalypse that is AMC's The Walking Dead. Newman was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It isn't every Star Trek fan who gets to turn an obsession into a career, but for Gabriel Koerner -- profiled in both Trekkies and Trekkies 2 -- it means he gets to live the dream. The dedication to his craft has given him the opportunity to work on such projects as Syfy's Battlestar Galactica, Serenity (2005), Superman Returns (2006), and the web series Star Trek Continues. Koerner was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
While building a name for himself in period dramas, the hunky Torrance Coombs still managed to secure guest spots aboard Syfy's Battlestar Galactica and Haven. Coombs was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Haley Hudson made an appearance on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles during its second and final season. Hudson was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I gave Syfy's Helix a chance (three episodes), but it just didn't quite stick. Loved the setting and the premise; it just seemed to really do nothing new with it. Still, I can appreciate a fresh face as much as the next, and Jordan Hayes certainly brought that to her work. The lady was also gainfully employed in such projects as House At The End Of The Street (2012), Good Witch, and The Toll (2020). Hayes was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his professional career, Tyler Johnston enjoyed a guest visit to the wide, wide world of The CW's Smallville. As far as genre work goes, he's also enjoyed work aboard Zixx: Level Two, Decoys 2: Alien Seduction (2007), V, Supernatural, and the SciFi/Short-Film Firebase (2017). Johnston was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In between her roles in mainstream dramas, the lovely Kara Killmer scored a SciFi role in telefilm Horizon (2013). Killmer was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another SciFi property that underwent a reboot was Bionic Woman. As much as I wanted it to work for me, (again) it just didn't. One bright spot was the young Lucy Hale who played Becca Sommers. Otherwise, Hale can be found as part of the cast to Pretty Little Liars, and she recently released her first album (pop country). Hale was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Carter is a film that shouldn't have failed but did. Somehow this property -- a myth that's inspired countless filmmakers and storytellers all the world wide -- failed to tap into that fertile territory often explored in books, on television, and in film. Go figure. Still, kudos to Walt Disney for trying to make it work as those of us who enjoyed the film briefly were given a chance to see one of the seminal works of our children brought to life. Young Daryl Sabara was given the chance to portray the young Edgar Rice Burrough as he learned a think or two about his family's secrets, and Sabara was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1934 (in the U.S.), audiences were chilled and thrilled with one of the earliest incarnations of The Tell-Tale Heart (aka Bucket Of Blood). Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst who also worked on the adaptation of the famous Edgar Allan Poe story, this pre-code Horror/Fantasy starred Norman Dryden, John Kelt, and Yolande Terrell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man is driven mad by his obsession with the repulsive diseased eye of the old man who cares for him."
"A young man is driven mad by his obsession with the repulsive diseased eye of the old man who cares for him."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in the United States), the good people of Los Angeles, California were given an anatomy lesson in Horror ... with the theatrical release of Anatomy Of A Psycho! Directed by Boris Petroff, the Horror/Drama starred Ronnie Burns, Pamela Lincoln, and Darrell Howe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crazed brother of a condemned killer sent to the gas chamber swears vengeance on those he holds responsible for his brother's execution."
"The crazed brother of a condemned killer sent to the gas chamber swears vengeance on those he holds responsible for his brother's execution."
A star is born ... and this one's funny! On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), the good people of Bismarck, North Dakota were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event of The Reluctant Astronaut. Directed by Edward Montagne from a story by James Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, the SciFi/Comedy starred Don Knotts, Leslie Nielsen, and Joan Freeman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A NASA janitor is sent into space."
For the record:
In reaction to his performance in the picture, actor Don Knotts enjoyed a 1968 Laurel Awards nomination in the category of 'Male Comedy Performance.'
"A NASA janitor is sent into space."
For the record:
In reaction to his performance in the picture, actor Don Knotts enjoyed a 1968 Laurel Awards nomination in the category of 'Male Comedy Performance.'
On this day in 1968 (across all of Spain), 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.”
“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.”
On this day in 1968 (in France), The Power enjoyed a surge at the box office. Directed by Byron Haskin from a screen adaptation of the Frank M. Robinson novel, the SciFi/Drama starred George Hamilton, Richard Carlson, and Suzanne Pleshette; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One by one members of a special project team are being killed by telekinesis - the ability to move things with the power of the mind alone. The race is to determine which of the remaining team members is the murderer and how to stop them."
"One by one members of a special project team are being killed by telekinesis - the ability to move things with the power of the mind alone. The race is to determine which of the remaining team members is the murderer and how to stop them."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the big screen premiere of Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes. Directed by J. Lee Thompson from a story by Paul Dehn and Pierre Boulle, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Roddy McDowall, Ricardo Montalban, and Don Murray. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
For the record:
In 2009, Conquest -- along with the other Apes films of the era -- were gathered into a single home video collection set by 20th Century Fox that enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
For the record:
In 2009, Conquest -- along with the other Apes films of the era -- were gathered into a single home video collection set by 20th Century Fox that enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in Spain), La Casa was opened up for business after the Apocalypse. Written (in part) and directed by Angelino Fons, the SciFi/Drama starred Carlos Estrada, José María Prada, and Magda Konopka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The explosion of an atomic bomb in the earth causes the disturbed and millionaire Paul Stone to construct a space capsule in which, besides him, five people will travel, all of them deceived and without knowing what is really happening on the planet."
"The explosion of an atomic bomb in the earth causes the disturbed and millionaire Paul Stone to construct a space capsule in which, besides him, five people will travel, all of them deceived and without knowing what is really happening on the planet."
On this day in 1978 (in France), one of the coolest combat vehicles ever created for film drove into Damnation Alley. Directed by Jack Smight as adapted from a novel by Roger Zelany, the film starred George Peppard, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Dominque Sanda. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the silver screen theatrical premiere of Firefox. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the SciFi/Thriller starred Eastwood alongside Freddie Jones, David Huffman, and Warren Clarke. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pilot is sent into the Soviet Union on a mission to steal a prototype jet fighter that can be partially controlled by a neuralink."
"A pilot is sent into the Soviet Union on a mission to steal a prototype jet fighter that can be partially controlled by a neuralink."
On this day in 1984 (in Argentina), 1990: The Bronx Warriors suited up and rode into theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Enzo G. Castellari, the Apocalypse/Thriller starred Vic Morrow, Mark Gregory, and Fred Williamson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
A star is born! D.A.R.Y.L. was one of those films that certainly had an audience in mind: I just wasn't part of it. It was all a bit too neat, tidy, and sweet for my tastes. Still, the story of the boy with some secret abilities who can't remember where he comes from is probably a delight with younger ones even today. It premiered in theatres on this day back in 1985, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy is found wandering without any memory of who he is. A family takes him in and begin to look for clues to help him find his way home. In the meantime, they notice that the boy seems to have certain special abilities, not usually found in kids his age, or even fully-grown adults."
"A young boy is found wandering without any memory of who he is. A family takes him in and begin to look for clues to help him find his way home. In the meantime, they notice that the boy seems to have certain special abilities, not usually found in kids his age, or even fully-grown adults."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Ireland), the truth wasn't so much 'out there' as it was 'in the trunk' with the release of Repo Man. Written and directed by Alex Cox, the film starred Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tracey Walter; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young punk recruited by a car repossession agency finds himself in pursuit of a Chevrolet Malibu that is wanted for a $20,000 bounty - and has something otherworldly stashed in its trunk."
"A young punk recruited by a car repossession agency finds himself in pursuit of a Chevrolet Malibu that is wanted for a $20,000 bounty - and has something otherworldly stashed in its trunk."
On this day in 1985, the SciFi/Comedy The Stuff released its stuff at the American box office. The feature starred Michael Moriarty and Andrea Marcovicci, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A delicious, mysterious goo that oozes from the earth is marketed as the newest dessert sensation, but the tasty treat rots more than teeth when zombie-like snackers who only want to consume more of the strange substance at any cost begin infesting the world."
"A delicious, mysterious goo that oozes from the earth is marketed as the newest dessert sensation, but the tasty treat rots more than teeth when zombie-like snackers who only want to consume more of the strange substance at any cost begin infesting the world."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in France), Bunker Palace Hotel enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Jean-Louis Trintignant and Carole Bouquet, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an imaginary dictature of a futuristic world, rebellion has broken out. The men in power scramble to the Bunker Palace Hotel, a bunker built long ago for just this kind of contingency. But a rebel spy sneaks in, and although her nature is very quickly suspected, she is left to observe the raving of the decadent power class, who keeps wondering what happened to their leader, who has failed to show up."
"In an imaginary dictature of a futuristic world, rebellion has broken out. The men in power scramble to the Bunker Palace Hotel, a bunker built long ago for just this kind of contingency. But a rebel spy sneaks in, and although her nature is very quickly suspected, she is left to observe the raving of the decadent power class, who keeps wondering what happened to their leader, who has failed to show up."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), two big cities -- Los Angeles (CA) and Orlando (FL) hosted silver screen premiere engagements of Dick Tracy. Directed by Warren Beatty from a story by Chester Gould, Jim Cash, and Jack Epps Jr, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Beatty alongside Madonna, Al Pacino, and Glenne Headly. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The comic strip detective finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice's united mob."
"The comic strip detective finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice's united mob."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in Australia), the crew of a earth mover went down under in the home video release of Deep Core. Directed by Rodney McDonald from a story by Phillip J. Roth and Jim Christopher, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Craig Sheffer, Terry Farrell, and Bruce McGill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The future of Earth is in question when a strange reaction deep beneath its surface causes a massive rupture in the planet's inner structure."
"The future of Earth is in question when a strange reaction deep beneath its surface causes a massive rupture in the planet's inner structure."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in Argentia), something very wicked looking crawled out of the web with the premiere of Spiders! Directed by Gary Jones, the SciFi/Horror starred Lana Parrilla, Josh Green, and Oliver Macready; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A DNA experiment on a rare breed of spider is taking place on a NASA space shuttle, when a freak meteor shower engulfs the shuttle, causing everything to go horribly wrong. One survivor is found on the ship and watched over in a secret location deep in the California desert. The problem continues, as the survivor isn't alone, as another deadly spiders climbs out of him and goes on a rampage around the ship. Curious reporter Marci Eyre must now survive, escape and warn everyone before the spider reaches outside the desert."
"A DNA experiment on a rare breed of spider is taking place on a NASA space shuttle, when a freak meteor shower engulfs the shuttle, causing everything to go horribly wrong. One survivor is found on the ship and watched over in a secret location deep in the California desert. The problem continues, as the survivor isn't alone, as another deadly spiders climbs out of him and goes on a rampage around the ship. Curious reporter Marci Eyre must now survive, escape and warn everyone before the spider reaches outside the desert."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), The Crow: Salvation took flight. Directed by Bharat Nalluri from a story by James O'Barr and Chip Johannessen, the Fantasy/Horror starred Kirsten Dunst, William Atherton, and Debbie Fan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alex Corvis returns to the world of the living to solve the murder of a young woman that he was wrongly accused of."
"Alex Corvis returns to the world of the living to solve the murder of a young woman that he was wrongly accused of."
On this day in 2002 (in Mexico), our collective future indeed didn't look bright in the story that was Resident Evil. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Horror starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Anna Bolt; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), yet one more adaptation of the H.G. Wells' Science Fiction classic came to home video with the release of The War Of The Worlds. Scripted (in part) and directed by Timothy Hines, the film starred Anthony Piana, Jack Clay, and James Lathrop. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In one of the most faithful adaptations of HG Wells' science fiction masterpiece, Martians launch a ruthless assault on an unsuspecting Victorian England, in an attempt to escape their dying planet."
"In one of the most faithful adaptations of HG Wells' science fiction masterpiece, Martians launch a ruthless assault on an unsuspecting Victorian England, in an attempt to escape their dying planet."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Cthulhu enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Seattle International Film Festival. Dan Gildark both worked on the adaptation of the H.P. Lovecraft story and directed the feature film, and it starred Jason Cottle, Casey Curran, and Ethan Atkinson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Seattle history professor, drawn back to his estranged family on the Oregon coast to execute his late mother's estate, is reaquainted with his best friend from childhood, with whom he has a long-awaited tryst. Caught in an accelerating series of events, he discovers aspects of his father's New Age cult which take on a dangerous and apocalyptic significance."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cthulhu earned a bit of extra love with a nomination from the 2008 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
"A Seattle history professor, drawn back to his estranged family on the Oregon coast to execute his late mother's estate, is reaquainted with his best friend from childhood, with whom he has a long-awaited tryst. Caught in an accelerating series of events, he discovers aspects of his father's New Age cult which take on a dangerous and apocalyptic significance."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cthulhu earned a bit of extra love with a nomination from the 2008 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
On this day in 2010 (in Germany), Metal Man tried to -- cough cough -- muscle in on another superhero's territory. Directed by Ron Karkoska from a story by Carlos Perez, Ted Chalmers, and Novin Shakiba, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Reggie Bannister, Samuel Nathan Hoffmire, and P. David Miller. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kyle Finn has the ultimate combat machine, a metal suit with super-human powers, and he uses it to defend the good and fight evil. That 'evil' comes in the form of Reed, his ninja henchmen and the Mecha Terror robot: has the Metal Man finally met his match?"
"Kyle Finn has the ultimate combat machine, a metal suit with super-human powers, and he uses it to defend the good and fight evil. That 'evil' comes in the form of Reed, his ninja henchmen and the Mecha Terror robot: has the Metal Man finally met his match?"
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in New Zealand), Ryan Reynolds took to the silver screen in the theatrical premiere of DC Comics' Green Lantern. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film also starred Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, and Mark Strong; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps."
"Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps."
On this day in 2014 (in the Netherlands and Portugal), Chernobyl Diaries gave audiences a nuclear-themed chill. Directed by Bradley Parker, the SciFi/Horror starred Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski, and Olivia Taylor Dudley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone."
"Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone."
On this day in 2013, movie audiences were introduced to a whole new take on the DC Cinematic Universe when Man Of Steel premiered theatrically. The feature starred Henry Cavill and Amy Adams, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction."
"Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the big screen launch of Perfect: Android Rising. Written and directed by Chris R. Notarile, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Roberto Lombardi, Samantha Ruston, and Kasey Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The perfect killing machine is reprogrammed to think and feel."
"The perfect killing machine is reprogrammed to think and feel."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Earth To Echo enjoyed its theatrical unveiling for the good people in attendance of the Los Angeles Film Festival. Directed by Dave Green from a story by Henry Gayden and Andrew Panay, the film starred Teo Halm, Astro, and Reese Hartwig. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After receiving a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group of kids embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help."
"After receiving a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group of kids embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help."
On this day in 2019 (in India), Empire Of The Apes enjoyed its general release. Written and directed by Mark Polonia, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Danielle Donahue, Marie DeLorenzo, and Elizabeth V. Costanzo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a distant galaxy three escaped female convicts crash land on a primitive world inhabited by a race of warlike apes. They fight for survival as the humanoid apes fight for their possession, body and soul. A daring escape is their only way out. Hot on their heels are the blood lusting gorillas and a prison warden bent on their return to the prison ship they escaped from. Treachery, alliances and battle await the fighting factions. Who will survive on a planet where apes rule and humans are only breeding stock."
"In a distant galaxy three escaped female convicts crash land on a primitive world inhabited by a race of warlike apes. They fight for survival as the humanoid apes fight for their possession, body and soul. A daring escape is their only way out. Hot on their heels are the blood lusting gorillas and a prison warden bent on their return to the prison ship they escaped from. Treachery, alliances and battle await the fighting factions. Who will survive on a planet where apes rule and humans are only breeding stock."
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The War Games: Part 9." Officially, this served as the forty-third episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"To prove his loyalty to the Aliens, the Doctor is ordered to reprocess his friends while the Security Chief finally uncovers evidence of the War Chief's treachery."
"To prove his loyalty to the Aliens, the Doctor is ordered to reprocess his friends while the Security Chief finally uncovers evidence of the War Chief's treachery."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Bionic Six aired "Return Of The Bunji." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Prof. Sharp receives a message from Momo Yashima, an ally of Karate-1's from Dragon's Rock. The Bionic Six travel to Momo's village in Japan, where they must protect the village from the threat of the Ancients, ghosts from the past. The Ancients are angered because someone unworthy has desecrated the Armor of Light in the Temple of the Lost Samurai."
"Prof. Sharp receives a message from Momo Yashima, an ally of Karate-1's from Dragon's Rock. The Bionic Six travel to Momo's village in Japan, where they must protect the village from the threat of the Ancients, ghosts from the past. The Ancients are angered because someone unworthy has desecrated the Armor of Light in the Temple of the Lost Samurai."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), TV's Bionic Six aired "Crown Of The Scarab King." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Professor Sharp and a team of archaeologists discover the ancient Scarab Scroll: a map to an ancient treasure. Bionic One turns over command of the team to the kids for 24 hours, and the kids must learn how to work together before Dr. Scarab gains control the Crown of the Scarab King."
"Professor Sharp and a team of archaeologists discover the ancient Scarab Scroll: a map to an ancient treasure. Bionic One turns over command of the team to the kids for 24 hours, and the kids must learn how to work together before Dr. Scarab gains control the Crown of the Scarab King."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman bowed out of original broadcast existence with the airing of "The Family Hour." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A criminal with telekinetic powers takes Lois and Clark's parents hostage. Clark learns he cannot have children with Lois. However, a baby is left inside their apartment by someone who knows Clark's true identity and their problem."
"A criminal with telekinetic powers takes Lois and Clark's parents hostage. Clark learns he cannot have children with Lois. However, a baby is left inside their apartment by someone who knows Clark's true identity and their problem."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), First Wave aired "The Believers." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"After 2 years of fighting the GUA Foster and Eddie try a desperate move and take hostages in a television broadcast studio, in an effort to raise awareness of the invasion to a huge audience, but not all goes according to plan."
"After 2 years of fighting the GUA Foster and Eddie try a desperate move and take hostages in a television broadcast studio, in an effort to raise awareness of the invasion to a huge audience, but not all goes according to plan."
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), Farscape aired the second episode of its fourth season. The hour was titled "What Was Lost, Part 1: Sacrifice," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Everyone but Aeryn meets on Arnesk. Where Jool has discovered the remains of an ancient civilization."
"Everyone but Aeryn meets on Arnesk. Where Jool has discovered the remains of an ancient civilization."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Redemption: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's sixth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Anubis' weapon continues to threaten Earth. Various plans are tried until Jonas Quinn suggests something simple that just might work. Meanwhile, Master Bra'tac has discovered the planet from which Anubis is launching the attack. He, Teal'c and Rya'c journey there to put a stop to it."
"Anubis' weapon continues to threaten Earth. Various plans are tried until Jonas Quinn suggests something simple that just might work. Meanwhile, Master Bra'tac has discovered the planet from which Anubis is launching the attack. He, Teal'c and Rya'c journey there to put a stop to it."
On this day in 2003 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "In the Name of Justice." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Midnight." This served as the tenth episode in the re-launched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
Hippies In Space? Say it isn't so! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired its remastered version of the original third season stinker "The Way To Eden" in television syndication. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), TRON: Uprising aired "The Renegade: Part 2." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While Mara works with Zed to get the Chief's rare bike back, Beck must figure out a way to release his friend from a death sentence and allow the resistance to begin again with recruiting."
"While Mara works with Zed to get the Chief's rare bike back, Beck must figure out a way to release his friend from a death sentence and allow the resistance to begin again with recruiting."
It all began right here: on this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Turkey), the SciFi/Drama named Humans aired its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Laura Hawkins begins to suspect there's something unusual about their family 'Synth' Anita."
"Laura Hawkins begins to suspect there's something unusual about their family 'Synth' Anita."
On this day in 2017, IDW Publishing released its comic miniseries Star Trek: The Next Generation: Mirror Broken: Issue 2 to the general marketplace. According to our friends at Memory Alpha, here's the plot summary:
In the sinister Mirror Universe, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is determined to get his hands on the Terran Empire's new secret weapon, the Galaxy-class warship known as Enterprise, by any means necessary. Unfortunately, one obstacle stands in his way-and his name is William T. Riker!
In the sinister Mirror Universe, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is determined to get his hands on the Terran Empire's new secret weapon, the Galaxy-class warship known as Enterprise, by any means necessary. Unfortunately, one obstacle stands in his way-and his name is William T. Riker!
Though it's largely billed as an 'action' property, The Last Of Us -- released on this day in 2013 -- clearly deals with elements involving a future Apocalypse, placing it new and dear to Science Fiction. According to IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"20 years after a pandemic destroyed the United States, Joel gets the task of taking Ellie into a nation-wide mission to unveil a secret that can save humanity."
"20 years after a pandemic destroyed the United States, Joel gets the task of taking Ellie into a nation-wide mission to unveil a secret that can save humanity."
On this day in 1943, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began "Society Of The Flamingo." This serial aired from this day through July 5th, and I've unfortunately been able to locate a plot summary on the internet.
On this day in 1945, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began "The Desert Adventure." This serial aired from this day through July 10th, and I've unfortunately been able to locate a plot summary on the internet.
On this day in 1948, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial aired "The Secret Of Meteor Island." This serial began on this day and aired through July 6th, and here's the (edited) plot summary from the Superman Homepage (link):
"The Daily Planet has received a mysterious radiogram from someone with the initials "E.W." The Eastern Queen will be docked at Pier Eight at noon today, and a big story will break then. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are among the reporters awaiting the big news from the boat. Unfortunately, Lois learns that movie queen Estelle Winson wants publicity for her comeback. The tip was a dud. Meanwhile, Jimmy was given a package by a stranger who went to make a telephone call. When the odd man had not returned, Lois and Jimmy looked inside the oilskin wrapped parcel only to find a bunch of dirty stones and broken glass inside it. The pair take a taxi back to the newspaper offices when some gunmen capture Jimmy because someone called the Count had given him the strange pebbles. Superman will soon be involved in one unusual mystery."
"The Daily Planet has received a mysterious radiogram from someone with the initials "E.W." The Eastern Queen will be docked at Pier Eight at noon today, and a big story will break then. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are among the reporters awaiting the big news from the boat. Unfortunately, Lois learns that movie queen Estelle Winson wants publicity for her comeback. The tip was a dud. Meanwhile, Jimmy was given a package by a stranger who went to make a telephone call. When the odd man had not returned, Lois and Jimmy looked inside the oilskin wrapped parcel only to find a bunch of dirty stones and broken glass inside it. The pair take a taxi back to the newspaper offices when some gunmen capture Jimmy because someone called the Count had given him the strange pebbles. Superman will soon be involved in one unusual mystery."
On this day in 1953, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Howling Beast." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, it would appear that all details regarding this particular tale have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
