One of the acting giants of his generation, Peter Lorre mainly appeared in mainstream fare -- comedies, dramas, and mysteries -- did enjoy a few entries into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Not long after fleeing Germany when the Nazis came to power, Lorre made an appearance in the Universal Monsters Universe playing one of the villainous heavies in the oft-overlooked Invisible Agent (1942). It wouldn't be again until 1954 that SciFi and Fantasy came calling again with the Oscar-winning adaptation of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea; he played 'Conseil,' the loyal manservant to the scientist 'Pierre Aronnax.' Interestingly enough, ocean-based SciFi would come calling again wherein Lorre played one of the ensemble delivering Irwin Allen's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1961) to the silver screen. (You can see him in the picture above: he's the shortest standing man in the group.) Lorre had worked with Allen previously, filling out a role in the director's The Story Of Mankind (1957), a curious and campy effort that had a council of 'galactic elders' debating whether or not humanity was a good idea. While the actor's work in genre projects may have been spare, it was still memorable, as is so very much of what he did. Though he's no longer with us, Lorre was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a promotional copy of 1932's F.P.1 Doesn't Answer -- in which Lorre plays a small role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I received a promotional copy of 1932's F.P.1 Doesn't Answer -- in which Lorre plays a small role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
French-born and raised Roland Lesaffre braved the final frontier as part of his duties aboard the campy Star Pilot (1966), a film that has been curiously 'repackaged' with footage from other films more than once. As best as I've been able to surmise, this was the actor's only appearance in Science Fiction: much of his catalogue of work was in French language production, and many of them don't have English translations available on the web. Though he's no longer with us, Lesaffre was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Star Pilot (1966) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Star Pilot (1966) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Screen veteran Josef Sommer has enjoyed a long, storied career in the entertainment industry. With over four decades of work, he's appeared in The Stepford Wives (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), The Henderson Monster (1980), Doctor Franken (1980), Iceman (1984), D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), Dracula's Widow (1988), Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man And The Bionic Woman (1989), Strange Days (1995), and X-Men: The Last Stand, and The Invasion (2007). Sommer was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
If you've ever worn a Starfleet uniform, then you definitely deserve a mention in these parts. Renata Scott played an admiral who had some advice for Capt. Picard aboard "Realm of Fear," a sixth season adventure from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Scott was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Comics scribe and Spider-girl creator Tom DeFalco boasts an impressive career in the comic books industry. Throughout his days in the biz, he's worked on such titles as Superman Family, G.I. Joe, The Fantastic Four, Red Sonja, Thor, and Star Trek. For better or for worse, he was also part of the team responsible for the birth of Transformers. DeFalco was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
These days, Michael Paul Chan is most recognizable as Lt. Mike Tao from TNT's stellar police procedurals The Closer and Major Crimes. Still, earlier in his career, he gave SciFi fans what they were looking for with roles in such properties as Max Headroom, Alien Nation, Babylon 5, Galaxis, The Burning Zone, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Chan was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Special Effects wizards are the unsung heroes of both the big and small screens. Granted, they win awards and whatnot, but they're never legitimately celebrated by the fans of properties they help bring to life. Such is the case of veteran visual effects specialist Scott Farrar. He's worked on such projects as the original Star Trek films, the Back to the Future trilogy, Jurassic Park, Men In Black, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, and much much more. Farrar was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pamela Bellwood learned the truth behind 'we are not alone' with her work in the SciFi flick Hangar 18 (1980). She also enjoyed screen time aboard The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) and The Twilight Zone. Bellwood was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I reposted one of my older reviews (from Amazon.com) of the previous DVD release of Hangar 18 (1980) here on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the production right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I reposted one of my older reviews (from Amazon.com) of the previous DVD release of Hangar 18 (1980) here on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the production right here.
Robert Davi can do it all: write, act, and sing. He first fell onto my radar as the heavy from the James Bond flick License to Kill and then again when he headed up the FBI's Profiler unit on the NBC network. He's no stranger to SciFi, making appearances in such properties as VR.5, Predator 2 (1990), and Stargate: Atlantis. Davi was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a cable broadcast of Predator 2 (1990) after many, many years of not having rewatched it, and I scribbled down some thoughts for the site. Interested readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a cable broadcast of Predator 2 (1990) after many, many years of not having rewatched it, and I scribbled down some thoughts for the site. Interested readers can find them right here.
Though he'll no doubt always be far more well known as 'Crazy' Joe Davola (pictured above left) on the NBC classic sitcome Seinfeld, Peter Crombie did venture briefly into SciFi with the role of ('Crazy') Fallit Kot (pictured above right) in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Melora." Though he's no longer with us, Crombie was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Perhaps you don't know the face of actress Terri Nunn, but you may've danced to it: her main gig for a number of years as the lead singer for the rock group Berlin. Interestingly enough, fandom almost had another reason to celebrate her gifts: IMDB.com reports that she was one of the ladies who auditioned for the role of none other than 'Princess Leia Organa' in George Lucas' Star Wars. (Alas, as you know, she didn't get the part.) As an actress, she did play a guest visit to the world of TV's short-lived Time Express in 1979. Nunn was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Ian Tracey has one of those faces you recognize as he continues to pop up all over the place in smaller but significant roles. He's been aboard Stargate: SG-1, Smallville, The 4400, Sanctuary, and Continuum to name but a few. Tracey was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Kelly Deadmon paid a welcome visit to the world of NBC's SciFi serial Manifest during its run on the peacock network. Deadmon was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: Pushing Daisies was, undoubtedly, one of the best Fantasies to ever come out on broadcast television, lasting two fun-filled seasons but still not quite earning the audience level necessary to sustain it in the competitive environment. So many talented actors and actresses participated in its general lunacy, one of the which is the gifted Audrey Wasilewski. Check out her resume at IMDB.com, and you'll see she's been involved with a wealth of onscreen and voice projects, many of which are dear to genre fans. Wasilewski was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Steven Brand first caught SciFiHistory.Net's eye in the role of Memnon, the villainous foil to The Rock in 2002's The Scorpion King. Since then, fandom has enjoyed his work in Alien Express (2005), Triassic Attack, as well as his voice work in the Star Wars video games. Brand was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Matt Letscher had a role in 2013's critical favorite, Her (above right), a drama with heavy SciFi undertones. The man has also had a guest starring appearance in The CW's popular The Flash series. Letscher was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his career, Chris O'Donnell suited up to play 'Robin' -- aka 'Dick Grayson' -- aboard Batman Forever (1995) and the downright awful Batman & Robin (1997). O'Donnell was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's deservedly revered for his work in Comedy, the great Nick Offerman gave SciFi and Fantasy a whirl in a big way with his work aboard the short-lived Devs, a mystery that also explored the future of technology. Offerman was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tory Mussett enjoyed a background role aboard The Matrix Reloaded (2003) for Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures. Let's hope she dined on the red pill ... or was that the blue one? Mussett was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Julia Benson played the tough but oh so lovely soldier trapped aboard an alien spaceship aboard Syfy's under-appreciated SGU: Stargate Universe. She's also visited the worlds of Tru Calling, The Dead Zone, Stargate: Atlantis, Supernatural, Smallville, Earth's Final Hours (2011), Chupacabra vs. The Alamo (2013), and Frequency. Benson was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Based on box office receipts and DVD popularity, it's pretty clear to me that most folks have never seen much less heard of Safety Not Guaranteed, and that's a crying shame. It's one of the smartest SciFi romantic comedies to come out in ages. If you have an opportunity, then check it out on home video; I suspect you'll be as surprised as I was. It stars the wonderfully cynical Aubrey Plaza who kinda/sorta plays a bit more good-natured here, and she handles a leading role status with great charm. Plaza was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The exotic-looking Ana Ularu tried to give Fantasy a whirl with some exposure aboard the short-lived Emerald City. Let's hope she tries again. Ularu was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Born of Mexican and Irish descent, it's certainly been proven that Shawna Craig is immeasurably photogenic. Alas, her genre credentials (to date) are a bit light, but we'll take a background role in the curious Quarantine L.A. (2013) if that's all we get. Craig was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I grew up with the dream of being in radio, and although I never found that calling specifically to this day I maintain nothing but respect for folks who put their voices to work across all types of media. And you want to talk about work?! Actress and vocal maiden Brittney Karbowski has certainly put hers to ample use: check out her IMDB.com profile, and you'll see she's fast approaching four hundred different screen credits! Karbowski was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A stunning Amanda Cerny looked absolutely delicious for her work aboard the Netflix SciFi/Comedy Rim Of The World (2019) for Wonderland Sound And Vision. Cerny was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Jennette McCurdy stepped into the realm of genre entertainment with a top role aboard the Netflix SciFi/Drama Between (2015-2016). McCurdy was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Harley Quinn Smith fell in love with acting and made it her life's pursuit. Her resume is really just starting to grow, and thankfully she paid a visit to the world of The CW's Supergirl so that we can feature her in this space. Plus, it never hurts having a famous father: Kevin Smith might be able to help open some doors for his talented li'l girl. Smith was born on this day in 1999.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1955 (in Mexico), It Came From Outer Space invaded Earth's theaters. Directed by Jack Arnold, the SciFi feature starred Barbara Rush and Richard Carlson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
Proving once again that this planet isn't big enough for the both of them, King Kong Vs. Godzilla premiered theatrically on this day (in the United States) back in 1963. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pharmaceutical company captures King Kong and brings him to Japan, where he escapes from captivity and battles a recently released Godzilla."
"A pharmaceutical company captures King Kong and brings him to Japan, where he escapes from captivity and battles a recently released Godzilla."
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in Canada), audiences were treated to a deep dive into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with the release of The Neptune Factor. Directed by Daniel Petrie, the film starred Ben Gazzara, Ernest Borgnine, and Walter Pidgeon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an underwater ocean lab is lost in a earthquake, an advanced submarine is sent down to find it and encounters terrible danger."
For the record:
At the 1975 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Neptune Factor enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"When an underwater ocean lab is lost in a earthquake, an advanced submarine is sent down to find it and encounters terrible danger."
For the record:
At the 1975 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Neptune Factor enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1974 (in France), Soylent Green enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
On this day in 1976, director Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth premiered theatrically (in the Netherlands) and dished all all kinds of cult sensibilities. I've never seen it, not because the subject matter fails to interest me but rather because I've found a lot of Nicolas Roeg's films to be entirely made of gibberish. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however."
"Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), James Bond returned to silver screens but this time he went into the Final Frontier with the premiere of Moonraker in London, England. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the SciFi/Thriller starred Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, and Michael Lonsdale; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
It's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 1980 (in Japan), Day Of Resurrection (aka Virus) gave audiences yet one more taste of our eventual doom. This particular version was written (in part) and directed by Kinji Fukasaku and starred Masao Kusakari and Tsunehiko Watase, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a virus devastates the global human population, survivors in Antarctica desperately try to find a cure and save the human race."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Day Of Resurrection received a solid handful of nominations for the 1981 Awards of the Japanese Academy, including nods for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Lighting, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, and Best Musical Score. (FYI: it did win only one award for Best Sound.)
"After a virus devastates the global human population, survivors in Antarctica desperately try to find a cure and save the human race."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Day Of Resurrection received a solid handful of nominations for the 1981 Awards of the Japanese Academy, including nods for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Lighting, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, and Best Musical Score. (FYI: it did win only one award for Best Sound.)
A star is born! On this day in 1981, the Fantasy epic Dragonslayer enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever in the United States. Written (in part) and directed by Matthew Robbins, the film starred Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, and Ralph Richardson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom."
For the record:
Dragonslayer enjoyed a pair of nominations at the 1982 Academy Awards, but it failed to take home the gold in either category of 'Best Music - Original Score' or 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' Lastly, it enjoyed a nomination for the 1982 Hugo Awards as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom."
For the record:
Dragonslayer enjoyed a pair of nominations at the 1982 Academy Awards, but it failed to take home the gold in either category of 'Best Music - Original Score' or 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' Lastly, it enjoyed a nomination for the 1982 Hugo Awards as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Though mostly billed as a horror feature, Screamers had the distinction of serving up a dose of monstrous fishmen as well as a side dish named Barbara Bach. (Indeed, the film has also been titled "Island Of The Fishmen.") And with lovely Bach starring, did it really matter who else was in the picture? According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aquatic creatures threaten the existence of a mysterious island."
"Aquatic creatures threaten the existence of a mysterious island."
On this day in 1992 (in Hungary), the 1978-produced adaptation of DC Comics' Superman enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Richard Donner, the Fantasy film starred Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, and Frances O'Connor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother."
"A highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother."
On this day in 2002 (in Norway), How To Make A Monster enjoyed its debut on home video. Written and directed by George Huang, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Clea DuVall and Steven Culp, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The CEO of Clayton Software, Faye Clayton, lays off her development team after their latest game project, called "Evilution", receives numerous disastrous test previews, and begins her search for a new team. During this search, she selected a team of renowned game designers, Bug, Hardcore, Sol, led by Peter Drummond as replacements. At the same time, they are informed that a bonus of a million dollars would be awarded to those who make the game the most scariest, through innovation means. Despite the rivalry among them, they work together to make a game scary enough to scare the kids in four weeks. Just as Sol adds his powerful AI chip into the hard drive, the lightning strike causes a power surge which brings "Evilution" to life. The programmers are soon confined in the building, becoming targets of their killer game they've created and the virtual nightmare begins."
"The CEO of Clayton Software, Faye Clayton, lays off her development team after their latest game project, called "Evilution", receives numerous disastrous test previews, and begins her search for a new team. During this search, she selected a team of renowned game designers, Bug, Hardcore, Sol, led by Peter Drummond as replacements. At the same time, they are informed that a bonus of a million dollars would be awarded to those who make the game the most scariest, through innovation means. Despite the rivalry among them, they work together to make a game scary enough to scare the kids in four weeks. Just as Sol adds his powerful AI chip into the hard drive, the lightning strike causes a power surge which brings "Evilution" to life. The programmers are soon confined in the building, becoming targets of their killer game they've created and the virtual nightmare begins."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Transmorphers transformed the home video landscape with a release on DVD. Written and directed by Leigh Scott, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Matthew Wolf, Amy Weber, and Shaley Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of alien robots have conquered Earth and forced humanity underground. After 400 years, a small group of humans develop a plan to defeat the mechanical invaders in the ultimate battle between man and machine."
"A race of alien robots have conquered Earth and forced humanity underground. After 400 years, a small group of humans develop a plan to defeat the mechanical invaders in the ultimate battle between man and machine."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the New York Asian Film Festival were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl (aka Kyûketsu Shôjo tai Shôjo Furanken). Directed by Yoshihiro Nishimura and Naoyuki Tomomatsu, the Horror/Fantasy starred Yukie Kawamura, Takumi Saito, and Eri Otoguro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A reconstructed girl is created from the pieces of a vampire girl's mini-butchery. Slaughter abounds as both of them pursue the same boy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A reconstructed girl is created from the pieces of a vampire girl's mini-butchery. Slaughter abounds as both of them pursue the same boy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2010, the SciFi/Telefilm Dinocroc Vs. Supergator served up two giants beasties going at it mano a mano. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David Carradine, Rib Hillis, and Amy Holt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An unscrupulous biotech corporation run by the shady Jason Drake creates two gigantic reptiles in a secret island laboratory. Things go awry when the ravenous beasts escape from the lab. It's up to earnest undercover government investigator Paul Beaumont, spunky Fish and Game officer Cassidy Swanson, and rugged redneck swamp hunter The Cajun to figure out a way to destroy the lethal lizards before it's too late."
"An unscrupulous biotech corporation run by the shady Jason Drake creates two gigantic reptiles in a secret island laboratory. Things go awry when the ravenous beasts escape from the lab. It's up to earnest undercover government investigator Paul Beaumont, spunky Fish and Game officer Cassidy Swanson, and rugged redneck swamp hunter The Cajun to figure out a way to destroy the lethal lizards before it's too late."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the residents of San Francisco, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. Directed by Matt Reeves, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Andy Serkis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2015, the 1957-produced The Giant Claw enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release, though I couldn't say why. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Global panic ensues when it is revealed that a mysterious UFO is actually a giant bird that flies at supersonic speed and has no regard for life or architecture."
"Global panic ensues when it is revealed that a mysterious UFO is actually a giant bird that flies at supersonic speed and has no regard for life or architecture."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Z/Rex: The Jurassic Dead (aka The Jurassic Dead) enjoyed its launch on home video. Directed by the team of Milko Davis and Thomas Martwick, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Matt Block, Cooper Elliott, and Ben Johnson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cracked scientist aligns with the Axis of Evil to bring down the US of A with EMP blasts, toxic zombification gas and an unleashing of the ultimate undead killing monstrosity -- the Z-REX. When a hot-wired militia squad and a crew of college hipsters are thrown together to do something about it, chaotic Predator-Thunder action runs amok."
"A cracked scientist aligns with the Axis of Evil to bring down the US of A with EMP blasts, toxic zombification gas and an unleashing of the ultimate undead killing monstrosity -- the Z-REX. When a hot-wired militia squad and a crew of college hipsters are thrown together to do something about it, chaotic Predator-Thunder action runs amok."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Breeder. Directed by Jens Dahl from a story by Sissel Dalsgaard Thomsen, the Horror/Fantasy starred Sara Hjort Ditlevsen, Anders Heinrichsen, and Signe Egholm Olsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A ruthless businesswoman is abducting young women as part of a gruesome bio-hacking experiment to reverse the aging process. When Mia goes to investigate, she finds herself trapped, branded and tortured in an underground medical facility."
"A ruthless businesswoman is abducting young women as part of a gruesome bio-hacking experiment to reverse the aging process. When Mia goes to investigate, she finds herself trapped, branded and tortured in an underground medical facility."
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the Romford Film Festival were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of Election Night. Written and directed by Neil Monaghan, the Horror/Fantasy starred Samantha Loxley, Rebecca Ferdinando, and Sean Cronin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five friends hold an Election Night party in a politically divided Britain. A populist right-wing party and a radical left-wing party battle for the keys to 10 Downing Street. When riots break out throughout London, there is a knock on the door and a plea for help. With one simple action the friends' lives will be changed forever."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Election Night earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Five friends hold an Election Night party in a politically divided Britain. A populist right-wing party and a radical left-wing party battle for the keys to 10 Downing Street. When riots break out throughout London, there is a knock on the door and a plea for help. With one simple action the friends' lives will be changed forever."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Election Night earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Planet Of Decision." (For purists, this episode has been tied into the Who serial known as 'The Chase.') Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the long-running program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends are taken into the Mechanoid City but their troubles are far from over...especially when the Daleks launch an attack."
"The Doctor and his friends are taken into the Mechanoid City but their troubles are far from over...especially when the Daleks launch an attack."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Undermind aired "Puppets Of Evil." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Underminds gain control over a popular children's story writer, and slowly, her cartoon and puppet creation,"Zoomer", is joined by a monstrous fish-like character, "Mulagatawny" that that tell terrible stories that upset children's innocence and beliefs, such as where Father Christmas tries to kill them. The whole thing explodes when against her will, she devises a puppet performance where Zoomer himself is murdered, leaving her career ruined and her reputation disgraced."
"The Underminds gain control over a popular children's story writer, and slowly, her cartoon and puppet creation,"Zoomer", is joined by a monstrous fish-like character, "Mulagatawny" that that tell terrible stories that upset children's innocence and beliefs, such as where Father Christmas tries to kill them. The whole thing explodes when against her will, she devises a puppet performance where Zoomer himself is murdered, leaving her career ruined and her reputation disgraced."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Waiting For A Knighthood." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A vicar collapses during a sermon, and there are seemingly unrelated events, one involving John Ridge. The answers are out there, but are obscured by big business and profit margins."
"A vicar collapses during a sermon, and there are seemingly unrelated events, one involving John Ridge. The answers are out there, but are obscured by big business and profit margins."
On this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom), Space Precinct aired "The Fire Within: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pyrist priest Tendall Kalike dies by spontaneous combustion during a ceremony at the Pyrist Temple and the event is witnessed by Took on her first visit to the Temple as a Seeker. Brogan and Castle search for evidence that points to Kalike's death being homicide and suspicion falls on fellow priest Nevik Brok. Teamed with Podly's daughter Samina, Haldane goes undercover at the Pyrist Temple to discover the truth."
"Pyrist priest Tendall Kalike dies by spontaneous combustion during a ceremony at the Pyrist Temple and the event is witnessed by Took on her first visit to the Temple as a Seeker. Brogan and Castle search for evidence that points to Kalike's death being homicide and suspicion falls on fellow priest Nevik Brok. Teamed with Podly's daughter Samina, Haldane goes undercover at the Pyrist Temple to discover the truth."
On this day in 1998, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Serpent's Lair." This served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Goa'uld attack fleet approach Earth, all four members of the SG-1 team are taken prisoner. They get help from an unexpected source when Bra'tac, Teal'c's mentor, reveals that he is on board. Apophis has delayed the attack until his son Klorel is revived, giving them some time to prepare. SG-1 has used all of the C4 on one of the two ships but must find a way to dispose of the second. Back at Stargate Command, Lt. Col. Bert Samuels arrives as a Pentagon liaison officer but also reveals a new weapon they have developed. General Hammond is dubious. They begin to transport humans to transport humans to an Alpha site in order to ensure the continuation of mankind."
"As the Goa'uld attack fleet approach Earth, all four members of the SG-1 team are taken prisoner. They get help from an unexpected source when Bra'tac, Teal'c's mentor, reveals that he is on board. Apophis has delayed the attack until his son Klorel is revived, giving them some time to prepare. SG-1 has used all of the C4 on one of the two ships but must find a way to dispose of the second. Back at Stargate Command, Lt. Col. Bert Samuels arrives as a Pentagon liaison officer but also reveals a new weapon they have developed. General Hammond is dubious. They begin to transport humans to transport humans to an Alpha site in order to ensure the continuation of mankind."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Witchblade aired "Diplopia." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An artist is picked up at a gay nightclub and murdered. Sara meets Gabriel at the murder scene. He can tell her more about Witchblade. The killing continues."
"An artist is picked up at a gay nightclub and murdered. Sara meets Gabriel at the murder scene. He can tell her more about Witchblade. The killing continues."
On this day in 2005, The 4400 aired "Suffer The Children." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Some schoolchildren get startling abilities and some parents suspect child abuse by a 4400 who is their teacher. Jordan Collier changes attitude, especially towards Isabelle and her parents. Shawn is fascinated by a young homeless girl."
"Some schoolchildren get startling abilities and some parents suspect child abuse by a 4400 who is their teacher. Jordan Collier changes attitude, especially towards Isabelle and her parents. Shawn is fascinated by a young homeless girl."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Big Bang." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the re-launched program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Pandorica opened, silence fell, and now planet Earth is left alone in the universe. Jumping through time, the doctor must figure out a way to bring back those who never were and save his friends from the collapse of reality."
"The Pandorica opened, silence fell, and now planet Earth is left alone in the universe. Jumping through time, the doctor must figure out a way to bring back those who never were and save his friends from the collapse of reality."
TNT's sci-fi drama Falling Skies tried very hard to settle into some quality storytelling when on this day in 2011 it aired the third episode of its inaugural season. The hour was titled "Prisoner of War," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Dr. Michael Harris joins the 2nd Mass with a theory about what might save the teenagers abducted by the aliens. But the plan could be derailed when Tom starts digging for answers to questions that have haunted him since the early days of the invasion. The 2nd Mass comes face-to-face with skitters and mechs when they attempt to rescue Ben."
"Dr. Michael Harris joins the 2nd Mass with a theory about what might save the teenagers abducted by the aliens. But the plan could be derailed when Tom starts digging for answers to questions that have haunted him since the early days of the invasion. The 2nd Mass comes face-to-face with skitters and mechs when they attempt to rescue Ben."
On this day in 2012, Shelf Life aired "Occupy This Space." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Despite his first failed foray into politics, Hero Man is undeterred as he takes a stand with the common man. But Bug Boy soon discovers that even politics is 99% sex and 1% intelligence."
"Despite his first failed foray into politics, Hero Man is undeterred as he takes a stand with the common man. But Bug Boy soon discovers that even politics is 99% sex and 1% intelligence."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S. and Canada), Killjoys aired "The Sugar Point Run." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A hostage exchange warrant turns deadly when the Killjoys find themselves stranded in 'Sugar Point' - a restricted, bombed-out city on Westerley overrun with dangerous gangs and scavengers."
"A hostage exchange warrant turns deadly when the Killjoys find themselves stranded in 'Sugar Point' - a restricted, bombed-out city on Westerley overrun with dangerous gangs and scavengers."
On this day in 2017, Stitchers aired "Mind Palace." This served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an MI6 agent is found dead, Kirsten has a hard time deciphering anything helpful out of his memories because they are coded."
"When an MI6 agent is found dead, Kirsten has a hard time deciphering anything helpful out of his memories because they are coded."
On this day in 2010, the SciFi gaming property Singularity enjoyed its release to the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the franchise:
"A U.S. Marine captain unravels a mysterious conspiracy while investigating a time anomaly on a remote island."
"A U.S. Marine captain unravels a mysterious conspiracy while investigating a time anomaly on a remote island."
On this day in 1938, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Old People." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, here's the episode's plot summary:
"Three airplanes flying to Argentina have disappeared, which leads The Shadow to a mad scientist in the Amazon with a serum that makes people older."
"Three airplanes flying to Argentina have disappeared, which leads The Shadow to a mad scientist in the Amazon with a serum that makes people older."