Legendary producer/director/visual effects wizard Ray Harryhausen was responsible for so much of the monster movie magic in so many of the tremendous films of the 20th century. While most of his effects works was in the realm of genre, certainly the 1950's Science Fiction feature Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers showed audiences that his work could definitely translate well beyond the usual flights of fancy. In his lifetime, Harryhausen amassed an incredible eighteen award wins (yes, much of it related to his cinematic spectacles); and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame since 2003. In 1992, he received an honorary Oscar for his contribution to the world of film, a recognition long overdue. All of this aside, perhaps the coolest bit of trivia I've ever read is that -- as a teen -- he was friends with Ray Bradbury and Forrest J. Ackerman, two legends of their own in the realm of Science Fiction. Though he's no longer with us, Harryhausen was born on this day in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
Important links: The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation is an online site that memorializes the genius's ongoing legacy.
Important links: The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation is an online site that memorializes the genius's ongoing legacy.
Franz Joseph (originally named Franz Josef Schnaubelt) was certainly instrumental in exciting a generation of Trek enthusiasts when he particpated in creating a massively-impressive set of Star Trek Blueprints for sale to the consumer market. Though he's no longer with us, Schnaubelt was born on this day in 1914. [Source: Memory Alpha]
For the record:
According to the story as profiled on Wikipedia.org, Schnaubelt was 'put off' by Trekkies' attempt at of constructing models true to the screen depiction on the original Star Trek; and when he confronted them about it they challenged him to do better. His response? He created a series of technically accurate blueprints for which fans could consult to get their efforts correct. His noble bit of inspiration set off a trend within fandom for such fan productions to be as professionally depicted as possible; and his blueprints have even been used in (later) Star Trek television series and movies. How cool is that?
For the record:
According to the story as profiled on Wikipedia.org, Schnaubelt was 'put off' by Trekkies' attempt at of constructing models true to the screen depiction on the original Star Trek; and when he confronted them about it they challenged him to do better. His response? He created a series of technically accurate blueprints for which fans could consult to get their efforts correct. His noble bit of inspiration set off a trend within fandom for such fan productions to be as professionally depicted as possible; and his blueprints have even been used in (later) Star Trek television series and movies. How cool is that?
In perhaps one of the more curious posts to "On This Day In Science Fiction History," I'm giving a well-earned birthday shout-out to legendary screen cowboy Slim Pickins. (A cowboy, you say? In Science Fiction? There are no cowboys in Science Fiction!) The actor had a hugely pivotal role in Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964), Stanley Kubrick's SciFi-lite Cold War satire. (If you recall, it was Slim's character who rode the bomb like a buckin' bronco all the way to Ground Zero.) Then, in 1979, Slim provided the voice to an old-timey floating robot named B.O.B. in Walt Disney's The Black Hole. In 1981, he also had a role in the fondly-remembered Horror picture The Howling from Embassy Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, Pickins was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
"The Hand of the Goral" was the ninth episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's second season. In it, screen veteran John Fujioka played the aforementioned 'Hand' (i.e. servant) of some planetary masters who endowed him with powers to alter the perception of guests to their secret world. With nearly one hundred different screen credits to his name, the actor certainly trafficked in genre projects; he can be seen in roles aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Six Million Dollar Man, Futureworld (1976), Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, The Greatest American Hero, Airwolf, Steel Dawn (1987), Mortal Kombat (1995), and The Invisible Man. Though he's no longer with us, Fujioka was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Paramount Pictures decided it was time to put Star Trek back onto the Boob Tube, the powers that be went to veteran TV director Corey Allen to helm Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Encounter at Farpoint." Though he's no longer with us, Allen was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I've never read anything regarding Allen's selection as the director for the Farpoint episode, but one might wonder if he was a hot property in television at the time. He'd been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 'Best Direction In A Television Series' twice (won once) as well as scored directing nods from both the CableACE Awards and the Directors Guild Of America. For his work on Farpoint, Allen and D.C. Fontana and Gene Roddenberry shared the 1988 Hugo nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' no small feat. (They lost out on the Hugo to The Princess Bride.) Along with Farpoint, Allen directed five episodes within The Next Generation's entire run on television.
For the record:
I've never read anything regarding Allen's selection as the director for the Farpoint episode, but one might wonder if he was a hot property in television at the time. He'd been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 'Best Direction In A Television Series' twice (won once) as well as scored directing nods from both the CableACE Awards and the Directors Guild Of America. For his work on Farpoint, Allen and D.C. Fontana and Gene Roddenberry shared the 1988 Hugo nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' no small feat. (They lost out on the Hugo to The Princess Bride.) Along with Farpoint, Allen directed five episodes within The Next Generation's entire run on television.
Screen veteran Derek Partridge (pictured above left in the classic Star Trek episode "Plato's Stepchildren") only dabbled briefly in Science Fiction, and that's a shame: we'd definitely love to have seen more of him. In 2012, he did return in a little something called The Down Home Alien Blues, but I've not been able to find much information out about that production. Still, in another moment of genre serendipity, the actor lent his voice to the character of 'Brom Titus' for three episodes in that other big SciFi/Fantasy franchise -- Star Wars -- for three animated appearances in Star Wars Rebels. Partridge was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
All careers must begin somewhere, and the lovely Maureen O'Brien got her start in the role of 'Vicki,' one of the earliest companions for the legendary Doctor Who. O'Brien was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Soon-Tek Oh (pictured above right from The Final Countdown) was a terrific screen heavy in genre entertainment largely throughout the 1970's and 80's. As far as SciFi goes, he had roles in Earth II (1971), Logan's Run, The Greatest American Hero, Airwolf, Highlander, Time Trax, Babylon 5, and Stargate: SG-1. Though he's no longer with us, the actor was born on this day in 1943.
He gets by with a little help from his friends, especially when his friends are toting all of the proper hunting gear! Gary Busey (above center) helped bring Predator 2 to the silver screen back in 1990, and he continues to be a force in pop culture today. The legendary Busey was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Bib Fortuna,' the great Michael Carter brought to life a terrific secondary character within Jabba the Hutt's circle of influence in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983). FYI: the man got his acting start with a small part aboard the BBC's Doctor Who. Carter was born on this day in 1947.
For those unaware, Frank Herbert created the original world of Dune, but his son -- Brian Herbert -- is no slouch when it comes to word-slinging: he's crafted a handful of original novels himself as well as -- along with collaborator Kevin J. Anderson -- keeping the Dune fire's burning with a series of prequel novels set in that universe. Also along the way, he saw fit to pen a biography of his 'old man,' Dreamer Of Dune: The Biography Of Frank Herbert, for the legion of fans. Herbert was born on this day in 1947. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
Important links: Brian Herbert Website
Important links: Brian Herbert Website
While he'll no doubt always be remembered for the lovable 'Gopher' aboard TV's The Love Boat, the great Fred Grandy had a small role in Roger Corman's SciFi/Cult flick Death Race 2000 (1975). Grandy was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Artist David Mattingly discovered his love of all things visual at a very young age, young enough that he was able to focus his talent alongside his education into achieving some very big things within the world. Wikipedia.org reports that he's been the cover artist for well over 2,000 different books as well as working in the field of Visual Effects on such genre films as The Black Hole (1979), The Watcher In The Woods (1980), TRON (1982), Dick Tracy (1990), and I, Robot (2004). Mattingly was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Important links: David Mattingly's Website
Important links: David Mattingly's Website
That lovely Latino in distress (and spandex!) is none other than Cuban-born actress Maria Conchita Alonso. She shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the big-budget adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man back in 1987 did likewise with Danny Glover in Predator 2 (1990). Other genre contributions on her part include appearances in Knight Rider and The Outer Limits. Alonso was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
Trekkies may not know his face, but if they've seen Star Trek: First Contact then they know his voice all too well as Jeff Coopwood served as the voice of the Borg. Coopwood was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2002, the beautiful Sharon Lawrence braved the SciFi/Telefilm Atomic Twister for Once Upon A Time Films. In a kinda/sorta bizarre turn of events (so far as history is concerned), the actress played missing airplane pilot 'Amelia Earhart' in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager ("The 37's" from the program's second season), an installment that postulated a handful of people plucked from Earth's past were deposited in the distant Delta Quadrant. Lawrence was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amanda Donohoe appeared as 'Admiral Enolo Phid' in 2008's little-seen Starship Troopers 3: Marauder, a direct-to-DVD sequel (to the original Starship Troopers) from Sony Pictures. Now I ask you: "Who doesn't love a lady in uniform?" Donohoe was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
A little bit extra about Ms. Donohoe ... I vaguely recall watching her in the late 1980's when it seemed she was a bit of a critical darling. She appeared with a big role aboard Ken Russell's oddity The Lair Of The White Worm (1988), work for which she was nominated as 'Best Actress' for the 1990 Saturn Awards. (She didn't win.) Honestly, I don't much remember the film, but I do recall it was a bit 'out there.' She also played 'Queen Guinevere' in "A Knight In Camelot" (1998), an installment of The Wonderful World Of Disney.
For the record:
A little bit extra about Ms. Donohoe ... I vaguely recall watching her in the late 1980's when it seemed she was a bit of a critical darling. She appeared with a big role aboard Ken Russell's oddity The Lair Of The White Worm (1988), work for which she was nominated as 'Best Actress' for the 1990 Saturn Awards. (She didn't win.) Honestly, I don't much remember the film, but I do recall it was a bit 'out there.' She also played 'Queen Guinevere' in "A Knight In Camelot" (1998), an installment of The Wonderful World Of Disney.
Thomas W. Gabrielsson had a role aboard Real Humans, the original version of the artificial intelligence drama upon which AMC's Humans is derived from. Gabrielsson was born on this day in 1963.
Oh, you sexy thing! Back in 1992, Melora Hardin made a terrific two-part appearance alongside Scott Bakula in the time travel favorite Quantum Leap (pictured above right). The versatile actress also went on to parts in such properties as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Timecop, The Pretender, and Self/Less. Hardin was born on this day in 1967.
Judith Hoag slips almost effortlessly in and out of genre entertainment, though she slips away into conventional fare from time to time. Fans most likely know her as the first 'April O'Neil' from 1990's popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She's also appeared in Quantum Leap, The Burning Zone, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., The Burning Zone, Halloweentown (1998), Armageddon (1998), Strange World, Carnivàle, The X-Files, The Pretender, Grimm, I Am Number Four (2011), and The Magicians. Hoag was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Ilan Mitchell-Smith (above right) created a comic SciFi stir with his role aboard Weird Science (1985). He also enjoyed a guest starring role aboard Superboy. Mitchell-Smith was born on this day in 1969.
Aleks Paunovic continues to be a very busy talent. He's been seen aboard such properties as Roswell: The Aliens Attack (1999), Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled (2002), Jeremiah, Stargate: SG-1, Andromeda, Mutant X, The Dead Zone, Painkiller Jane, Eureka, Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep (2006), Battlestar Galactica (Syfy), Flash Gordon (TV), Bionic Woman, Stargate: Atlantis, Fireball (2009), Sanctuary, Riverworld, Caprica, Smallville, The 100, iZombie, Continuum, and Van Helsing (Syfy). That is some resume! Paunovic was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though her career focuses leans more toward conventional dramas, Christina Chang does have some genre credentials worth celebrating, including work aboard No Ordinary Family, Extant, and Lucifer. Chang was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sharon Conley enjoyed a small background role (as a computer technician) aboard The Hunger Games (2012). As far as genre appearances go, she's also visited the worlds of Green Lantern (2011), Teen Wolf, and Constantine. Conley was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Zuleikha Robinson had a great guest starring role aboard ABC TV's long-running and popular Lost. She also had a great role on Fox TV's The Lone Gunmen during its single-season existence. Robinson was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
The hunky Will Kemp sacrificed his shirt for his art, namely his work aboard the cinematic Fantasy that was Van Helsing (2004). Kemp was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bradley Stryker is one of those great character actors who does big things with smaller roles. He's been a part of Angel, Smallville, Fringe, Supernatural, iZombie, and The 100. Stryker was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamily sexy singer/songwriter Nicole Scherzinger enjoyed a dreamy cameo-style appearance aboard Columbia Pictures' Men In Black 3. Scherzinger was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Stephanie Lemelin (above right) has left some quality footprints in the realm of genre entertainment. She's been involved with Anonymous Rex (2004), the Aliens: Colonial Marines video game, the Young Justice animated series, and many, many more. Lemelin was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alexander Wraith continues to build inroads to the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Thus far, he's been a part of Westworld and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Wraith was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
The BBC's legendary Sci-Fi time traveler Doctor Who has a tradition of airing a special holiday-themed episode on Christmas Day; and -- for my tastes -- one of its finest adventures played on December 25, 2010. The tale was essentially a Who-flavored retelling of "A Christmas Carol," and one of its stars was the ravishingly lovely Katherine Jenkins who incidentally has the voice of an angel. Jenkins was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Take some time to peruse the career citations of voice actor Matthew Mercer: to date, he maintains an incredible roster of 300+ different projects. Major kudos for serving as the voice of Luke Skywalker aboard Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017). Mercer was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
A youngish Christopher Egan joined forces with Milla Jovovich in 2007's Resident Evil: Extinction. Now, the young man can be found as part of the cast on Syfy's Dominion. Egan was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
While Addison Timlin's star continues to rise, she's really only dabbled in the realm of Fantasy with roles aboard TV's Zero Hour and Fusion Films' Odd Thomas (2013). Timlin was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Erm ... is bullying logical? One of the things JJ Abrams' middling reboot of the popular Star Trek franchise proved back in 2009 was that even Vulcan youth can behave a bit like thugs. Young Lorenzo James Henrie (above left) played one of the heavies, and Henrie was born on this day in 1993. (FYI: the talented young actor has also appeared on Fear The Walking Dead and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. to expand on his talents.) [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1926, the French-language Fantasy At 3:25 (aka Paris Qui Dort) enjoyed its U.S. debut in New York City. Written and directed by René Clair, the feature starred Henri Rollan and Charles Martinelli, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist's invisible ray freezes Paris into immobility."
"A scientist's invisible ray freezes Paris into immobility."
That's right, boys: you go to the moon, then you'd better be wearing your best starched whites! On this day in 1960 (in Mexico), the SciFi film Missile to the Moon enjoyed its release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Escaped convicts Gary and Lon are caught hiding in a rocket by scientist Dirk Green, who forces them to pilot the ship to the moon. Dirk, who's secretly a moon being, wants to return to his home satellite. Dirk's partner Steve Dayton and his fiancé June stowaway on the ship by accident. Will they all make it back safely?"
"Escaped convicts Gary and Lon are caught hiding in a rocket by scientist Dirk Green, who forces them to pilot the ship to the moon. Dirk, who's secretly a moon being, wants to return to his home satellite. Dirk's partner Steve Dayton and his fiancé June stowaway on the ship by accident. Will they all make it back safely?"
A star is born! On this day in 1972, Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its big screen theatrical debut in New York City! Directed by J. Lee Thompson, this visit to the popular cinematic franchise starred Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, and Ricardo Montalban; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cornelius and Zira's son Caesar leads apes to revolution in this installment of the apes saga. Dogs and cats have been wiped out by a plague and now apes are household pets that are treated like slaves. Caesar has the intelligence to fight this oppression."
"Cornelius and Zira's son Caesar leads apes to revolution in this installment of the apes saga. Dogs and cats have been wiped out by a plague and now apes are household pets that are treated like slaves. Caesar has the intelligence to fight this oppression."
After the success of Star Wars back in 1977, everybody (and I do mean everybody) wanted to go into outer space. Knowing a good thing when he saw it, even legendary British MI-6 Agent James Bond jumped on that bandwagon, and his producers released Moonraker on this day theatrically back in 1979. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
Moonraker may not go down in the history books as any fan's favorite James Bond film, but it does have a lovely Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead. Classic Bond-girl name, if you ask me.
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
Moonraker may not go down in the history books as any fan's favorite James Bond film, but it does have a lovely Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead. Classic Bond-girl name, if you ask me.
On this day in 1981 (in Barcelona), 1966's Star Pilot enjoyed a brief theatrical release. The feature starred Leonora Ruffo and Mario Novelli, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens from the constellation Hydra crash-land on the island of Sardinia. A prominent scientist, his daughter, several young technicians, and a pair of Oriental spies are taken hostage by the beings so they can use them to repair their spaceship's broken engine. With that done, they take off towards their home planet, taking the earthlings with them. However, the humans attempt to mutiny against their captors, inadvertently sending their tiny spaceship hurtling into the infinite beyond..."
"Aliens from the constellation Hydra crash-land on the island of Sardinia. A prominent scientist, his daughter, several young technicians, and a pair of Oriental spies are taken hostage by the beings so they can use them to repair their spaceship's broken engine. With that done, they take off towards their home planet, taking the earthlings with them. However, the humans attempt to mutiny against their captors, inadvertently sending their tiny spaceship hurtling into the infinite beyond..."
On this day in 1984 (in Denmark), 'something stinks in Denmark' when the disappointing SciFi/Fantasy Krull enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Peter Yates, the feature starred Ken Marshall and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie, the SciFi/Thriller saw Mel Gibson returning as Max himself -- his third and final outing in the role -- along with Tina Turner and Bruce Spence. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1990 (in East Germany), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here’s the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
On this day in 2001 (in France), My Conquest Is A Sea Of Stars enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Noboru Ishiguro and adapted from the Yoshiki Tanaka novel, this SciFi/Anime starred the voices of Ryô Horikawa, Kei Tomiyama, and Masashi Hironaka; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two interstellar armies continue their 150-year-long war. On both sides, mid-ranking soldiers question the judgment of their superior officers and worry about the future."
"Two interstellar armies continue their 150-year-long war. On both sides, mid-ranking soldiers question the judgment of their superior officers and worry about the future."
On this day in 2005 (in Spain), She enjoyed a release on home video. Screenwriters Peter Jobin and Harry Alan Towers adapted the H. Rider Haggard novel for this version, and Timothy Bond assumed director's responsibilities. The Fantasy/Adventure starred Ian Duncan, Ophélie Winter, and Christoph Waltz; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Leo Vincey receives a map from his late father, leading him to the legendary city of Kor in search of an explanation for his mysterious ancestry. He is accompanied by his girlfriend Roxanne. He discovers that he is the only descendant of an Egyptian priest who had been executed for the crime of falling in love with the Egyptian Princess. The ruling queen Ayesha, or rather She, is the same Egyptian Princess of centuries ago, her beauty and youth look being preserved by magic. She becomes convinced that Leo is the reincarnation of her former lover, and wants to kill him. Leo and Roxanne will have to fight against surprise attacks on them, but survival in that foreign land with strange customs, is difficult. Leo is terribly attracted to She's beauty, but at the same time he fears for her obscure spirit, and finally he must take a decision - to run away from her, or to love her and die."
"Leo Vincey receives a map from his late father, leading him to the legendary city of Kor in search of an explanation for his mysterious ancestry. He is accompanied by his girlfriend Roxanne. He discovers that he is the only descendant of an Egyptian priest who had been executed for the crime of falling in love with the Egyptian Princess. The ruling queen Ayesha, or rather She, is the same Egyptian Princess of centuries ago, her beauty and youth look being preserved by magic. She becomes convinced that Leo is the reincarnation of her former lover, and wants to kill him. Leo and Roxanne will have to fight against surprise attacks on them, but survival in that foreign land with strange customs, is difficult. Leo is terribly attracted to She's beauty, but at the same time he fears for her obscure spirit, and finally he must take a decision - to run away from her, or to love her and die."
On this day in 2011, Michael Bay served up yet another magnum opus for his hungry fans with Transformers: Dark of the Moon unleashed upon the masses. (To be fair, this one did have a bit of a conspiracy plot involving our moon, and I did like that part of the flick.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what sufficed as a plot:
"The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and to learn its secrets."
"The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and to learn its secrets."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the Czech Republic), Vanishing Waves enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Kristina Buozyte, the SciFi/Drama starred Marius Jampolskis, Jurga Jutaite, and Rudolfas Jansonas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A neuron-transfer scientist experiments with the thoughts of a comatose young woman."
For the record:
I mean no measure of disrespect when I point out that Vanishing Waves is exactly the kind of cinema folks who frequent the film festival circuit go crazy for. It involves some smart writing set against the backdrop of some big ideas, and the onscreen talent hit their marks quite nicely. On top of scoring quite well on the festival circuit, the film took home five trophies from the 2013 Lithuanian Film Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Screenplay,' and 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video in the United States, I was offered a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of Vanishing Waves? Readers can find my review right here.
"A neuron-transfer scientist experiments with the thoughts of a comatose young woman."
For the record:
I mean no measure of disrespect when I point out that Vanishing Waves is exactly the kind of cinema folks who frequent the film festival circuit go crazy for. It involves some smart writing set against the backdrop of some big ideas, and the onscreen talent hit their marks quite nicely. On top of scoring quite well on the festival circuit, the film took home five trophies from the 2013 Lithuanian Film Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Screenplay,' and 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video in the United States, I was offered a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of Vanishing Waves? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2015, 1985's The Sea Serpent (finally) enjoyed release on television. The SciFi feature starred Timothy Bottoms and Taryn Power, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A serpent, created by radioactivity, threatens a Spanish coastal town."
"A serpent, created by radioactivity, threatens a Spanish coastal town."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Turkey), A.R.C.H.I.E. enjoyed its premiere on television. The SciFi/Family feature starred Michael J. Fox and Katharine Isabelle, and here's the premise as provided by Amazon.com:
"Feeling alone and friendless, Isabel Sullivan befriends a stray dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, A.R.C.H.I.E. is actually a talking robotic canine that can run with blinding speed, has super strength, and x-ray vision! They become an unstoppable team as Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. try to save their small town, and create an unbreakable bond in the process."
"Feeling alone and friendless, Isabel Sullivan befriends a stray dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, A.R.C.H.I.E. is actually a talking robotic canine that can run with blinding speed, has super strength, and x-ray vision! They become an unstoppable team as Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. try to save their small town, and create an unbreakable bond in the process."
A star is born! "Smile! You're on Candid Camera!" On this day in 2018, Hover enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Matt Osterman, the SciFi feature starred Cleopatra Coleman and Shane Coffey, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Drones are used in agriculture to optimize production and as sentinels. An employee discovers a connection between his job assisting in suicides and his employers' ownership of the drone manufacturing."
"Drones are used in agriculture to optimize production and as sentinels. An employee discovers a connection between his job assisting in suicides and his employers' ownership of the drone manufacturing."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Monster took a stab at box office glory. Written (in part) and directed by Matt Shaw, the Horror feature starred Justin Hayward, Danielle Harold, and Clair Buckley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Based on the best-selling book of the same name, MONSTER tells the harrowing tale of Richard, Mary and Andrew - a family of three. On the outside, Mary and Richard appear normal and their son, a deformed hulk of a 7 foot monster rarely seen. Look closer though and see the true monsters as controlling Richard bullies his family into living the life he wants."
"Based on the best-selling book of the same name, MONSTER tells the harrowing tale of Richard, Mary and Andrew - a family of three. On the outside, Mary and Richard appear normal and their son, a deformed hulk of a 7 foot monster rarely seen. Look closer though and see the true monsters as controlling Richard bullies his family into living the life he wants."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Tau enjoyed its wide release via the internet. Directed by Federico D'Alessandro, the SciFi/Thriller starred Maika Monroe and Gary Oldman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman is held captive by a scientist in a futuristic smart house, and hopes to escape by reasoning with the Artificial Intelligence that controls the house."
"A woman is held captive by a scientist in a futuristic smart house, and hopes to escape by reasoning with the Artificial Intelligence that controls the house."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Man Who Didn't Know." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six months after an experimental aircraft explodes over the Pacific, a scientist who was on the flight is found in a Singapore hospital. All he can remember is having been rescued by a passing ship. After returning to work on the secret aircraft team, the military learns that an enemy country has recordings of their confidential meetings. The rescued scientist has unwittingly been turned into a human transmitter."
"Six months after an experimental aircraft explodes over the Pacific, a scientist who was on the flight is found in a Singapore hospital. All he can remember is having been rescued by a passing ship. After returning to work on the secret aircraft team, the military learns that an enemy country has recordings of their confidential meetings. The rescued scientist has unwittingly been turned into a human transmitter."
On this day in 1996 (in Spain), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 roared out of the gates with an hour for its fifth season called "Enemies." Here's the plot summary, compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Stranded in another galaxy while fleeing their attack on Apophis' fleet, that proves just the beginning of their problems as multiple enemies appear."
"Stranded in another galaxy while fleeing their attack on Apophis' fleet, that proves just the beginning of their problems as multiple enemies appear."
On this day in 2007, Painkiller Jane aired "Ghost In The Machine." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Connor suffers a series of serious near accidents, all of which might have been fatal, but he escapes with moderate injuries. At this point Jane queries McBride on Connor's background. It appears that members of Connor's old Police tactical unit are all getting killed by 'mysterious accidents'. Is it a Neuro? Is it someone from Connor's past who has it out for him?"
"Connor suffers a series of serious near accidents, all of which might have been fatal, but he escapes with moderate injuries. At this point Jane queries McBride on Connor's background. It appears that members of Connor's old Police tactical unit are all getting killed by 'mysterious accidents'. Is it a Neuro? Is it someone from Connor's past who has it out for him?"
On this day in 2014, Falling Skies aired the second installment of its fourth season. The hour was titled "The Eye," and here's the plot summary from our friends at the Falling Skies Wiki:
"The Espheni reveal their new plan to Tom, and he is faced with an impossible decision. Meanwhile, Weaver and Pope investigate a way out of the Espheni prison, while Matt struggles to hide his true allegiance from the “Team Leaders” at the Espheni Youth Camp. Elsewhere, Anne leads an exhausting search for her daughter Lexi, while Ben’s concerns about Lexi’s increasing powers uncovers a devastating secret she’s been keeping."
"The Espheni reveal their new plan to Tom, and he is faced with an impossible decision. Meanwhile, Weaver and Pope investigate a way out of the Espheni prison, while Matt struggles to hide his true allegiance from the “Team Leaders” at the Espheni Youth Camp. Elsewhere, Anne leads an exhausting search for her daughter Lexi, while Ben’s concerns about Lexi’s increasing powers uncovers a devastating secret she’s been keeping."
On this day in 2017, The Ministry of Time aired "Tiempo de esplendor." This served as the fifth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Peace Treaty between Philip III and Great Britain is in jeopardy by agents of a sinister time-traveling organization. In the height of the Spanish Golden Age, the trio walks into old faces, bitter rivalries and new enemies."
"The Peace Treaty between Philip III and Great Britain is in jeopardy by agents of a sinister time-traveling organization. In the height of the Spanish Golden Age, the trio walks into old faces, bitter rivalries and new enemies."
On this day in 2017, Zoo aired "No Place Like Home." This served as the first episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ten years after the animals were cured but at the cost of sterilizing the human population, a new threat rises in the form of "the hybrids," an army of unstoppable lab-made creatures focused on destroying mankind."
"Ten years after the animals were cured but at the cost of sterilizing the human population, a new threat rises in the form of "the hybrids," an army of unstoppable lab-made creatures focused on destroying mankind."
On this day in 1952, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Case Of The Heavenly Body." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, it would appear that all of the details regarding this episode have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
