Let me be perfectly honest: I can appreciate any actor's desire to be a part of the comics-to-movies universe ... but Ryan Reynolds should've walked away from Green Lantern (FYI: it premiered on this day theatrically back in 2011). The script almost feverishly dumbed down the tapestry of the space opera that is the Lantern universe, and no talent had a prayer of saving it at the box office.
With a resume as rich as just under two hundred different screen roles, one might think Ralph Bellamy had plenty of time for genre properties; but the truth is he was always more of a mainstream kinda player. Still, this critically-acclaimed actor did make a few appearances in our beloved realms, including work aboard The Ghost Of Frankenstein (1942), The Invaders, The Immortal, Search For The Gods (1975), The Clone Master (1978), and the mid-1980's incarnation of The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Bellamy was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction and Fantasy fans may not have seen Earl Hammond, but they've likely heard his voice in any number of animated properties. For nearly six full decades, the actor did live and voice roles; and one of his earliest small screen appearances was in the role of none other than Buck Rogers himself, a part he played only in the premiere of the 1950's short-lived television show. But behind the microphone he brought to life countless characters in Star Blazers, The Adventures Of The Galaxy Rangers, Silverhawks, Thundercats, and Thunderbirds 2086. Though he's no longer with us, Hammond was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, kids, I don't know if this is accurate, but the late Lucio Fulci has been called the goriest director who ever lived. Renowned for his finesse with splattering blood, the director also wrote much of what he captured on film, much of it appearing to be either thrillers or traditional horror (at least, to my untrained eye). Personally, I knew his name from his work in bringing Rome 2033 - The Fighter Centurions to the silver screen, a feature I've read many folks consider a bit of a Rollerball knock-off. Though he's no longer with us, Fulci was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, I can remember the face of the late James Shigeta from the glorious days of my television youth as the actor appeared in a great many dramas and comedies. Genre fans might recognize him from work aboard such projects as The Outer Limits, The Greatest American Hero, Airwolf, SeaQuest 2032, Babylon 5, and Space Marines (1996). Though he's no longer with us, Shigeta was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Clearly a bit of a fitness nut, Peter Lupus used his physique to great effect in roles requiring such bulk through the 1960's before honing his craft in more dramatic ways aboard the popular TV serial Mission: Impossible. But a starring role as Hercules -- under his stage name of 'Rock Stevens' -- most decidedly deserves a mention in this space. Extra points? I remember from his work as the original 'Norberg' in the TV version of Police Squad. Lupus was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Celebrated actress, writer, and producer Lane Bradbury has been knocking it out of the park for decades. Genre fans might recognize her from contributions to such projects as The Ultimate Warrior (1975), Gemini Man, Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction, and You're Not Alone (2020). Bradbury was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I'll likely remember William Lucking (pictured above from Star Trek: Enterprise) for delivering one of the great many deaths aboard the biker drama Sons of Anarchy, it's grand that the actor dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction, too. He's also had guest roles aboard Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975), Captain America II: Death Too Soon, The Incredible Hulk, The Greatest American Hero, Voyagers!, Knight Rider, The X-Files, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though he's no longer with us, Lucking was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words on the actor's passing in 2021, and interested readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words on the actor's passing in 2021, and interested readers can find them right here.
As the alien named 'Martin,' Frank Ashmore was there with the Resistance (when he could be) as part of V, V: The Final Battle, and the subsequent short-lived series. Ashmore was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It may not be much, but when you're given the futile task of teaching the android Data how to tell a joke (as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation), I think it deserves a mention. That's what comedian Joe Piscopo brought to the Trek mythology, and he was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The heavenly Kelly Curtis did Trek fandom a solid by appearing aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in a guest role. Why, she's even lovelier under all of that make-up, if that's at all possible! Curtis was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Bicknell is a fantastic character actor who has jumped easily in and out of many different genres of film and television. He had a guest role aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation in the third season outing, "The Hunted." He's also had the distinction of voicing James Bond in a video game, so that's uber-cool! Bicknell was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you haven't figured it out yet, then let me be perfectly clear: I have a lot of respect for the 'little guys.' Why? Well, first, they get so little attention in fandom. Second, when haven't the rest of us felt like the little guy? Jon Gries has had a wonderful workmanship career, popping up in great character roles all across fandom. He first popped on my radar with NBC's The Pretender, and I've kept an eye on him ever since ... especially when he showed up in ABC TV's Lost. Gries was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thomas Haden Church gave Tobey Maguire as Spider-man a run for his money in the poorly received Spider-man 3 (2007). Church was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it's taken him some time, Greg Kinnear has finally landed in some quality Science Fiction and Fantasy work late in his career. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Electric Dreams, The Twilight Zone, and CBS's The Stand adaptation. Kinnear was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The thing one has to keep in mind when researching older Science Fiction films is that for every gem you might stumble upon there are at least one, two, or three lesser (ahem) "gems." These are flicks which aren't necessarily bad; it's just they scored points for their significance based entirely on their time and place. Such is the case with 1986's Solarbabies, an adventure that pitted a bunch of rollerskating tweens against the ruling elite. In it, a young Jason Patric played "Jason" (go figure), and he even managed to take his shirt off to impress the ladies. Patric was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Will Forte yucked up the Apocalypse for laughs in his lead role aboard TV's The Last Man On Earth for its four seasons. Forte was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know, I know: we're not supposed to talk about the Marvel movies not made specifically by Walt Disney, but I enjoyed director Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk (2008) for feeling more like a traditional comic book movie than some of what's come out of the Mouse House. (Remember: I've never been a big Marvel guy anyway.) He's also directed some episodes of Netflix's The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance since then. Leterrier was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Jan Anderson enjoyed a guest appearance to the world of the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood. Anderson was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over sixty different screen roles, it should go without saying that Jennifer Irwin has been around the genre block. Fans might recognize her contributions to such enterprises as The Gate (1987), Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, Another Evil (2016), The Legend Of Master Legend (2017), iZombie, and The Mortuary Collection (2019). Irwin was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, actress Heather Mazur got her start in the realm of the Fantastic with a creepy role aboard 1990's Night Of The Living Dead for Columbia Pictures. From there, she's graduated to work in such other fare as Journeyman, Medium, and Darkness Rising (2017). Mazur was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scott Adkins has appeared in the Metal Hurlant Chronicles, Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and a host of other sci-fi-friendly projects. He was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm going to try to be exceeding clear on this point: I'm perfectly OK with Jodie Whittaker's performance as the seminal Time Lord from Gallifrey, Doctor Who. Furthermore, I really have no qualms about her being the 'first' female incarnation of the character; yeah, I think I had some grouse about it early on -- when her first stories rolled in and they weren't very good -- but I eased into the idea as the writing improved. What does all of this gender-swapping mean for the greater mythology of the program? Pfft. Only time will tell. Whittaker was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Arthur Darvill landed one of the best gigs in all of fandom: his character 'Rory Williams' was handpicked to serve as one of the companions to the time-traveling Doctor Who himself. Nice job ... but it didn't end all that well. (Does is ever for the Companions?) And dare I fail to mention DC's Legends Of Tomorrow? Darvill was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Today's episode of "All Roads Lead To Marvel" shines a light on Manish Dayal! He joined Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. for a solid handful of episodes during its run on television. Dayal was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Gallagher, Jr. recently appeared alongside John Goodman in the kinda/sorta Cloverfield sequel, 10 Cloverfield Lane. Gallagher Jr. was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Now, the CW's The 100 is not a perfect show. In fact, I'd argue that it's highly imperfect, in several respects. Still, this "little engine that could" has grown to be one of my greatest SciFi guilty pleasures of the last decade. The lovely Marie Avgeropoulos plays the kinda/sorta lovely badass Octavia Blake on the program, and she definitely makes it worth a watch. Avgeropoulos was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rebecca Breeds firmly established herself in the realm of television Fantasy with a role aboard The CW's The Originals during its run on the network. Breeds was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I always say: "God bless the girls who'll play dress up!" Jaci Twiss has brought Jaina Solo -- one of the many creations that the Walt Disney Company thumbed their corporate nose at by dismissing so much of the Star Wars' Expanded Universe -- in the fan flick, Star Wars Legends: Legacy of the Force. Twiss was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume to date is a bit light and still growing, thankfully the relative newcomer that is Maja Lehrer has plenty of time to explore the worlds of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. To date, she's turned in solid work aboard Ever After (2018) for Grown Up Films. Lehrer was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in the Philippines), When Worlds Collide showed the clash of worlds of a very SciFi variety. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
A star is born! On this day in 1953, the Horror/SciFi flick Mesa of Lost Women crawled up from the depths. The feature starred Jackie Coogan and Allan Nixon, and here's the premise as cited on IMDB.com:
"A mad scientist named Arana is creating giant spiders and dwarfs in his lab on Zarpa Mesa in Mexico. He wants to create a master race of superwomen by injecting his female subjects with spider venom."
"A mad scientist named Arana is creating giant spiders and dwarfs in his lab on Zarpa Mesa in Mexico. He wants to create a master race of superwomen by injecting his female subjects with spider venom."
A star is born! King Dinosaur (1955) looks to be the kind of highbrow entertainment that would find its way onto the airwaves via the delightful satirists of MST3K, and who knows? Maybe it has. In any event, the film was released on this day in 1955, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's the plot summary:
"A new planet moves into our solar system and four scientists (two couples) are sent to explore Planet Nova. In between romantic interludes, the cast faces an iguana masquerading as a Tyrannosaurus Rex."
"A new planet moves into our solar system and four scientists (two couples) are sent to explore Planet Nova. In between romantic interludes, the cast faces an iguana masquerading as a Tyrannosaurus Rex."
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), The Man Who Could Cheat Death enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Terence Fisher from a story by Jimmy Sangster and Barre Lyndon, the Horror/Fantasy starred Anton Diffring, Hazel Court, and Christopher Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A centenarian artist and scientist in 1890 Paris maintains his youth and health by periodically replacing a gland with that of a living person."
"A centenarian artist and scientist in 1890 Paris maintains his youth and health by periodically replacing a gland with that of a living person."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Panic In Year Zero served up cinematic horror by way of the Apocalypse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
On this day in 1963, The Mouse on the Moon enjoyed its theatrical release. Screenwriter Michael Pertwee adapted the Leonard Wibberley novel for the screen, and it was directed by Richard Lester. The feature starred Margaret Rutherford and Bernard Cribbins, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing."
"A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing."
On this day in 1971, The Horror Of Frankenstein enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. This Hammer film was written (in part) and directed by Jimmy Sangster and starred Ralph Bates, Kate O'Mara, and Veronica Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The brilliant but misunderstood scientist Frankenstein builds a man made up of a collection of spare body parts. The monster becomes alive but he has mental capabilities much below par. The monster is aggressive and wreaks havoc outside the laboratory."
For the record:
Perhaps the single greatest nugget of trivia surrounding this film is that the monster itself is played by none other than David Prowse, who a few years later would be menacing audiences again in the famous costume of Star Wars' Darth Vader.
"The brilliant but misunderstood scientist Frankenstein builds a man made up of a collection of spare body parts. The monster becomes alive but he has mental capabilities much below par. The monster is aggressive and wreaks havoc outside the laboratory."
For the record:
Perhaps the single greatest nugget of trivia surrounding this film is that the monster itself is played by none other than David Prowse, who a few years later would be menacing audiences again in the famous costume of Star Wars' Darth Vader.
On this day in 1982 (in Australia), Strange Behavior (aka Dead Kids) turned up the cinematic heat on some rather devious teenagers. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Laughlin, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Murphy, Louise Fletcher, and Dan Shor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist is experimenting with teenagers and turning them into murderers."
"A scientist is experimenting with teenagers and turning them into murderers."
A star is born! On this day in 1983, Superman returned to the silver screen and tried to bring some laughs (by way of adding funnyman Richard Pryor to cast) with Superman III. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Synthetic kryptonite laced with tobacco tar splits Superman in two: good Clark Kent and bad Man of Steel."
For the record:
Sometimes, one never knows what to make of award nominations, so I'll be thankful that all I have to do is report them. In any event, Superman III -- a fairly lackluster affair, in my opinion -- did receive two Saturn nominations in 1984, one for Christopher Reeve as 'Best Actor' and one for the lovely Annette O'Toole for 'Best Supporting Actress.' However, Richard Pryor also received a 'Worst Supporting Actor' nomination from the Razzie Awards as did Giorgio Moroder for 'Worst Musical Score.' What can I say? You win some, you lose some.
"Synthetic kryptonite laced with tobacco tar splits Superman in two: good Clark Kent and bad Man of Steel."
For the record:
Sometimes, one never knows what to make of award nominations, so I'll be thankful that all I have to do is report them. In any event, Superman III -- a fairly lackluster affair, in my opinion -- did receive two Saturn nominations in 1984, one for Christopher Reeve as 'Best Actor' and one for the lovely Annette O'Toole for 'Best Supporting Actress.' However, Richard Pryor also received a 'Worst Supporting Actor' nomination from the Razzie Awards as did Giorgio Moroder for 'Worst Musical Score.' What can I say? You win some, you lose some.
A star is born! Thanks in large part to the success of 1982's Conan The Barbarian, a plethora of low budget Fantasy flicks were rushed into production, one of which was an Italian knock-off dubbed The Throne of Fire. It premiered on this day in 1983 (in Italy), and it starred Pietro Torrisi, Sabrina Siani, and Harrison Muller in key roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Waxwork worked is waxy magic on unsuspecting audiences. Written and directed by Anthony Hickox, the Horror/Fantasy starred Zach Galligan, Deborah Foreman, and Jennifer Bassey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wax museum owner uses his horror exhibits to unleash evil on the world."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, Waxwork enjoyed four nominations (but, alas, no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A wax museum owner uses his horror exhibits to unleash evil on the world."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, Waxwork enjoyed four nominations (but, alas, no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2000, the Walt Disney Company launched Stepsister From Planet Weird onto TV sets. Directed by Steve Boyum with a script from Chris Matheson (adapted from a book by Francess Lantz), the telefilm starred Courtnee Draper, Tamara Hope, and Lance Guest; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A teenager's life is disrupted when her mother falls in love with an alien."
For the record:
Alas, I haven't been able to find much written about Stepsister From Planet Weird. Viewer ranking (at IMDB.com) is respectable (around a 6 on the 10 scale), but it's through the roof at Amazon.com (almost a 9 out of 10). Folks who perhaps have a copy of the original 1997 novel upon which the screenplay is adapted are sitting in the fabled catbird seat as a collector's copy these day costs around $1,000.00, which is a very nice return on investment. (Never fear as reprints in both hardcover and paperback are priced very affordable.) Lastly, I did notice that Bustle -- an online entertainment and fashion magazine -- lists this Stepsister as just one of the "13 Weirdest Disney Channel Original Movies" ever made. Now that's a curious endorsement!
"A teenager's life is disrupted when her mother falls in love with an alien."
For the record:
Alas, I haven't been able to find much written about Stepsister From Planet Weird. Viewer ranking (at IMDB.com) is respectable (around a 6 on the 10 scale), but it's through the roof at Amazon.com (almost a 9 out of 10). Folks who perhaps have a copy of the original 1997 novel upon which the screenplay is adapted are sitting in the fabled catbird seat as a collector's copy these day costs around $1,000.00, which is a very nice return on investment. (Never fear as reprints in both hardcover and paperback are priced very affordable.) Lastly, I did notice that Bustle -- an online entertainment and fashion magazine -- lists this Stepsister as just one of the "13 Weirdest Disney Channel Original Movies" ever made. Now that's a curious endorsement!
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the silver screen premiere of Minority Report. Directed by Steven Spielberg and adapted from a Philip K. Dick story, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, and Samantha Morton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"John works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder."
For the record:
"John works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder."
For the record:
- At the 2003 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Sound Editing.'
- At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Minority Report earned an incredible 11 nominations across various categories and took home an impressive four trophies in the fields of 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2003 Hugo Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Hulk delivered his green madness to the silver screen. Directed by Ang Lee, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, and Sam Elliott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster when he gets angry."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards, Hulk earned four nominations in such categories as 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Bruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster when he gets angry."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards, Hulk earned four nominations in such categories as 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2006 (in Finland), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey screened a 70mm print for audiences in attendance of the Midnight Sun Film Festival. Directed by the acclaimed Stanley Kubrick, the film starred Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, and William Sylvester. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Russia), The Ugly Swans (aka Gadkie lebedi) enjoyed its premiere playing for audiences in attendance of the Sochi Open Russian Film Festival. The script -- based on the novel by Arkadiy Natanovich Strugatskiy -- was adapted and directed by Konstantin Lopushanskiy. The feature starred Gregory Hlady and Leonid Mozgovoy, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"The writer is invited to the town of Tashlinsk by the mutants who emerged after an unnatural and constant rain causing the evacuation of the city, and by the children who are studying the unearthly knowledge of mutants."
For the record:
The Ugly Swans was the recipient of great praise on the film festival circuit. A review of its impressive nominations and wins suggests that its production detail must have been quite good under Lopushanskiy's direction.
"The writer is invited to the town of Tashlinsk by the mutants who emerged after an unnatural and constant rain causing the evacuation of the city, and by the children who are studying the unearthly knowledge of mutants."
For the record:
The Ugly Swans was the recipient of great praise on the film festival circuit. A review of its impressive nominations and wins suggests that its production detail must have been quite good under Lopushanskiy's direction.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in France), P-51 Dragon Fighter enjoyed its unveiling to the masses with its very first home video release. Written and directed by Mark Atkins, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Scott Martin, Stephanie Beran, and Ross Brooks. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As World War II rages, the Allies are about to push the Germans out of North Africa. That's when the Germans turn up the heat, unleashing their secret weapon - dragons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, P-51 Dragon Fighter earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"As World War II rages, the Allies are about to push the Germans out of North Africa. That's when the Germans turn up the heat, unleashing their secret weapon - dragons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, P-51 Dragon Fighter earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1960, The Twilight Zone aired "The Mighty Casey." This served as the thirty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A down-and-out baseball team's fortunes are lifted by a mysterious but seemingly unbeatable young player."
"A down-and-out baseball team's fortunes are lifted by a mysterious but seemingly unbeatable young player."
On this day in 1967, Doctor Who aired "The Evil of the Daleks: Part 5." This served as the forty-first episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the experiment at an end, the Doctor begins to suspect the key to rescuing Jamie, Victoria and Kemel from the Daleks lies with Terrall."
"With the experiment at an end, the Doctor begins to suspect the key to rescuing Jamie, Victoria and Kemel from the Daleks lies with Terrall."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Time Monster: Part 5." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Both TARDISes reach Atlantis, where the Doctor befriends King Dalios while the Master enlists the help of Queen Galleia to try and obtain the crystal of Kronos."
"Both TARDISes reach Atlantis, where the Doctor befriends King Dalios while the Master enlists the help of Queen Galleia to try and obtain the crystal of Kronos."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation demoted Riker to ship's porter in a very special episode titled "Manhunt." This served as the nineteenth hour to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"The Enterprise crew welcomes an Antedian delegation to a peace summit and Troi's mother, now in a phase of increased sexual activity, has come to the Enterprise to visit Picard, which meets with disapproval from Counselor Troi and amusement from Riker."
"The Enterprise crew welcomes an Antedian delegation to a peace summit and Troi's mother, now in a phase of increased sexual activity, has come to the Enterprise to visit Picard, which meets with disapproval from Counselor Troi and amusement from Riker."
On this day in 1995, TekWar aired "Cyberhunt." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on TV.com:
"Nika gets herself into trouble when she hacks into cyberspace to find hidden bullion a favor to an old friend and because she feels under appreciated at Cosmos. Jake must intervene to rescue her from the law, the underworld and even the bullion."
"Nika gets herself into trouble when she hacks into cyberspace to find hidden bullion a favor to an old friend and because she feels under appreciated at Cosmos. Jake must intervene to rescue her from the law, the underworld and even the bullion."
On this day in 1995, Weird Science aired "Sci-Fi Zoned." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Gary and Wyatt have a falling out, Lisa zaps them into their favourite TV series "The Sci-Fi Zone" which was why they became friends in the first place."
"After Gary and Wyatt have a falling out, Lisa zaps them into their favourite TV series "The Sci-Fi Zone" which was why they became friends in the first place."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Broken Link." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Odo is suddenly struck by illness. He is barely able to hold shape. Bashir and Odo see no other alternative than going to the Founders. Garak wants to come along."
"Odo is suddenly struck by illness. He is barely able to hold shape. Bashir and Odo see no other alternative than going to the Founders. Garak wants to come along."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Movements of Fire and Shadow." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Sheridan finally authorizes the White Star fleet to participate in the war. Delenn travels to Minbar to start a Minbari/Earth joint project to build a prototype White Star destroyer class ship. And Vir hires Franklin and Lyta to investigate why the Drazi do not return the bodies from destroyed Centauri ships."
"Sheridan finally authorizes the White Star fleet to participate in the war. Delenn travels to Minbar to start a Minbari/Earth joint project to build a prototype White Star destroyer class ship. And Vir hires Franklin and Lyta to investigate why the Drazi do not return the bodies from destroyed Centauri ships."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Tears Of The Prophet." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Sisko is picked to head up an attack on the Cardassian homeworld, the Prophets appear to him in a vision, warning him of impending doom if he leaves the station."
"When Sisko is picked to head up an attack on the Cardassian homeworld, the Prophets appear to him in a vision, warning him of impending doom if he leaves the station."
On this day in 2002, Witchblade aired "Agape." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Sara and Danny investigate a series of bizarre drug-related murders, rookie detective Jake is pulled into a sting with a questionable cop. Now Sara must learn to use the Witchblade to solve the crime and save Jake before it's too late."
"As Sara and Danny investigate a series of bizarre drug-related murders, rookie detective Jake is pulled into a sting with a questionable cop. Now Sara must learn to use the Witchblade to solve the crime and save Jake before it's too late."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Love & Monsters." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's season (Modern Era), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Elton Pope is an ordinary man intrigued by the world of the Doctor. When he and fellow enthusiasts - L.I.N.D.A. - meet the mysterious Victor Kennedy, their lives will never be the same again."
"Elton Pope is an ordinary man intrigued by the world of the Doctor. When he and fellow enthusiasts - L.I.N.D.A. - meet the mysterious Victor Kennedy, their lives will never be the same again."
On this day in 2007, The 4400 aired "The Wrath of Graham." This served as the first episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A high school kid named Graham develops an ability which makes people worship him to the point of sacrificing their lives for him. Tom visits Isabelle in jail, hoping to get information on the whereabouts of Alana who's been missing for months. Marco calls Diana to let her know that her sister April has promicin and is nowhere to be found. NTAC gets a new director. Kyle meets a young woman named Cassie who has some advice about how to get Shawn out of his coma. Jordan shows up to deal with the high school kid."
"A high school kid named Graham develops an ability which makes people worship him to the point of sacrificing their lives for him. Tom visits Isabelle in jail, hoping to get information on the whereabouts of Alana who's been missing for months. Marco calls Diana to let her know that her sister April has promicin and is nowhere to be found. NTAC gets a new director. Kyle meets a young woman named Cassie who has some advice about how to get Shawn out of his coma. Jordan shows up to deal with the high school kid."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "Family First." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Australian Television Database:
"While the kids face charges of water theft, an Arkoddian scouting party recces the Settlement and Dressler decides to defy his orders and bring Vassler home."
"While the kids face charges of water theft, an Arkoddian scouting party recces the Settlement and Dressler decides to defy his orders and bring Vassler home."
TNT's Falling Skies came back from its downtown to premiere two episodes on this day in 2012.
Worlds Apart: "Three months have passed, now mobilized the 2nd Mass. persists on the run without Tom, but a flaw makes them prey to attack. Tom sees the traps of good and evil on the long road home after fleeing, but questions of his escape go unanswered."
Shall We Gather At The River: "Tom is still haunted by memories of his time with the aliens and begins to wonder if they did something to his mind. Pope, who is in charge of questioning Tom, plants seeds of doubt about him among the group."
Worlds Apart: "Three months have passed, now mobilized the 2nd Mass. persists on the run without Tom, but a flaw makes them prey to attack. Tom sees the traps of good and evil on the long road home after fleeing, but questions of his escape go unanswered."
Shall We Gather At The River: "Tom is still haunted by memories of his time with the aliens and begins to wonder if they did something to his mind. Pope, who is in charge of questioning Tom, plants seeds of doubt about him among the group."
On this day in 2013, Defiance aired "If I Ever Leave This World Alive." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Plague come to Defiance in the form of an Irathic virus, a flu-like disease that is deadly to humans. The disease is spread through physical contact and Dov Yewll hopes that a vaccine developed by a colleague in the Bay area will arrive in enough time for them to contain its spread. The Irathians bear the brunt of the community's wrath and Amanda does her best to protect them but the town council votes to segregate all of them in the mines until the danger passes. Soon however, they realize that Earth Republic troops are stationed at the eastern exits to the town. By the time the vaccine arrives, Amanda and Nolan are both sick and the Irathians are prepared to go to war over their treatment. Meanwhile, Quentin visits Nicky to find out what really happened to his mother."
"Plague come to Defiance in the form of an Irathic virus, a flu-like disease that is deadly to humans. The disease is spread through physical contact and Dov Yewll hopes that a vaccine developed by a colleague in the Bay area will arrive in enough time for them to contain its spread. The Irathians bear the brunt of the community's wrath and Amanda does her best to protect them but the town council votes to segregate all of them in the mines until the danger passes. Soon however, they realize that Earth Republic troops are stationed at the eastern exits to the town. By the time the vaccine arrives, Amanda and Nolan are both sick and the Irathians are prepared to go to war over their treatment. Meanwhile, Quentin visits Nicky to find out what really happened to his mother."
On this day in 2017, Orphan Black aired "Clutch Of Greed." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dragged home from the Island by Neolution, Sarah refuses to follow Rachel's new regime. Sarah sets a plan in motion to get her and her daughter out of Neolution's reach for good."
"Dragged home from the Island by Neolution, Sarah refuses to follow Rachel's new regime. Sarah sets a plan in motion to get her and her daughter out of Neolution's reach for good."
On this day in 2018, Westworld aired "Vanishing Point." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Man in Black confronts his troubled past; Charlotte forms a plan to kill all the hosts."
"The Man in Black confronts his troubled past; Charlotte forms a plan to kill all the hosts."
On this day in 2020, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Out Of The Past." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Agent Phil Coulson comes to a realization about the importance of July 22, 1955, in the S.H.I.E.L.D. history books."
"Agent Phil Coulson comes to a realization about the importance of July 22, 1955, in the S.H.I.E.L.D. history books."
On this day in 2020, The 100 aired "Welcome To Bardo." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Octavia gets to know a whole new world. Meanwhile, Murphy and Emori play make believe."
"Octavia gets to know a whole new world. Meanwhile, Murphy and Emori play make believe."
On this day in 1951, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Twin-Engine Terror." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, the details surrounding this particular tale have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
