Late in her incredible career, Jessica Tandy was given the opportunity to appear on-screen not once but three times with her real-life hubby Hume Cronyn in SciFi-themed films: first was in Ron Howard's Cocoon (1985), second was Matthew Robbins' Batteries Not Included (1987), and last was Daniel Petrie's Cocoon: The Return (1988). That's a respectable SciFi-Trifecta for a much revered actress well into her golden years, and she did the genre proud. Though she's no longer with us, Tandy was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, the late and great Dean Martin took a stab at screen legacy in the role of super-spy Matt Helm in four theatrical flicks: The Silencers (1966), Murderers' Row (1966), The Ambushers (1967), and The Wrecking Crew (1969). Though he's no longer with us, Martin was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things we do for money! I can just hear the lovely Alix Talton right now saying "I was young, I needed the money" about her work aboard The Deadly Mantis (1957). Sure you did. Well, acting opposite a one of nature's biggest predators is better than some ladies choose, I'll give you that. Besides, nothing quite screams 'Science Fiction' more than a frightened woman encountering a giant bug in the 1950's. That was the era of giant bugs. This lovely lady also represented the state of Georgia in the 1938 Miss America pageant. Though she's no longer with us, Talton was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Bolle (website) is an illustrator and comic book artist who has worked on such genre properties as Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Dr. Solar - Man of the Atom, Space Adventures, Captain Marvel, Tarzan, and The Avengers. In 2003, he was one of a small group of artists who were awarded Comic-Con International's Inkpot Award, an honor given to artists who've had enjoyed a lasting impact on the world of pop culture. Though he's no longer with us, Bolle was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Former Playboy Playmate and actress Sally Todd no doubt found herself with a bit more man than she wanted to handle with her work aboard Boris Petroff's The Unearthly (1957) from AB-PT Pictures Corp. A modeling career led to her discovery by a talent scout, and her career was graced with such opportunities as The Saga Of The Viking Women And Their Their Voyage To The Waters Of The Great Sea Serpent (1957), Frankenstein's Daughter (1958), and a host of appearances in conventional TV fare. Todd was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know more people who flat-out hated Mars Attacks! when it premiered in theatres, but what I honestly don't understand is why. To be honest, I enjoyed its good-time shtick from start-to-finish, and, yes, I even loved it when legendary crooner and ladies' panties collector Tom Jones showed up in a wonderfully absurd role as himself. This legendary singer has built an incredible library of hits, and genre fans have even heard his tunes featured in such projects as My Stepmother Is An Alien (1987), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Tales From The Crypt, Deep Impact (1998), and Lake Placid (1999). Jones was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Take note: only an Imperial officer who was sure of himself would dare to march side-by-side with the lethal Darth Vader, but Michael Pennington gave it a go in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) ... though like so many others his character probably never lived to tell the tale! Pennington was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she doesn't do that much acting these days, the lovely Pamela Susan Shoop booked time aboard such programs as Night Gallery, Gemini Man, Wonder Woman, Empire of the Ants (1977), The Incredible Hulk, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Galactica 1980, Knight Rider, and The Highwayman. Shoop was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Illustrator Larry Hama is certainly a Jack-Of-All-Trades kinda guy. After selling his first comic book story at the ripe age of 16, he ended up eventually serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Once back home, he found employment in the realm of print media with Marvel, Rolling Stones, and Esquire. A student of Judo and laido, he turned his love of martial arts into a variety of tales within existing characters before taking a stab at his own in the guise of Nth Man: Ultimate Ninja. He took a stab at acting as well as screenwriting, crafting or inspiring scripts for such properties as G.I. Joe, X-Men: The Animated Series, and Robotboy. Hama was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
'Qui-Gon Jinn' was one of those characters who -- despite a somewhat jumbled script -- truly lit up the silver screen when Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) premiered in theatres, and much of that gravitas is due to the presence of Liam Neeson. The actor emboldened his character with just the right amounts of humility and (dare I say?) interstellar cynicism as the Jedi Master who saw the fate of the galaxy within his grasp when the Jedi Council fractured at his suggestion of young Anakin Skywalker possibly bringing "balance" to the Force. Neeson was born on this day back in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1991 Saturn Awards, Neeson earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Darkman (1990).
- At the 2000 Saturn Awards, the actor earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard The Phantom Menace (1999).
- At the 2006 Saturn Awards, Neeson earned his third acting nomination -- 'Best Supporting Actor' -- for his work aboard Batman Begins (2005).
One can't think about 1970's, 80's, and 90's flicks without thinking about Camp ... Colleen Camp, to be more accurate. This lovely damsel lit up the big and small screen usually in some small roles, but she did great things in them, including appearances aboard Tales From The Darkside, D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), Tales From The Crypt, Last Action Hero (1993), and How To Make A Monster (2001). Though it isn't SciFi nor Fantasy (well, maybe not that kind of Fantasy) she played arguably the sexiest French maid ever in Clue (1985). Plus she made her silver screen debut in a little something-something called Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973) though the work was uncredited. Camp was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bobby Di Cicco played a soldier in the wrong time and the wrong place aboard the SciFi/Cult flick The Philadelphia Experiment (1984). Di Cicco was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The reliable William Forsythe joined Denzel Washington in Virtuosity (1995), the SciFi police procedural about a virtual reality killer who manages to escape into the real world. To be fair, the award-winning actor is best known for his work in much more mainstream fair, but he has dabbled in our realms. Fans might recognize him from work aboard Tales Of The Gold Monkey, The Man Who Wasn't There (1983), Dick Tracy (1990), Sharkman (2001), John Doe, Larva (2005), Infected (2013), and Marvel's Daredevil. Forsythe was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The versatile Mark Ryan has definitely left an imprint on the world of genre entertainment with work aboard such properties as Robin Hood, First Knight (1995), Conan, and some major, major contributions to the entire Transformers cinematic saga. Ryan was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, I wasn't all that fond of the long-running TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory, but I did like how its creators very lovingly and respectfully poked fun at nerd culture. One of its producers -- Bill Prady -- even took a stab at the Star Trek universe, penning a script for an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Prady was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Lance Reddick is certainly an actor who has grown into an industry leader. He played a voice of authority aboard Fox's popular Fringe SciFi procedural, and he popped up in both mainstream and genre projects to the delight of audiences. While it isn't Science Fiction, the sitcom Corporate (2018-2020) was an incredible funny show, made even funnier with Reddick's somewhat ruthless yet clueless portrayal of business mogul 'Christian DeVille.' Though he's no longer with us, Reddick was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, his work aboard Fringe enjoyed not one but two nominations from the Saturn Awards, once in 2011 and once in 2013.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, his work aboard Fringe enjoyed not one but two nominations from the Saturn Awards, once in 2011 and once in 2013.
Actress Judie Aronson had a small role in 2000's Deep Core, a SciFi thriller that saw a group of scientists racing against time to save planet Earth from an inner rupture. (Is "inner rupture" a thing? I think I had mine surgically repaired once.) She also enjoyed modest exposure for her part aboard John Hughes' SciFi/Comedy Weird Science (1985). And -- for good measure -- her professional debut (according to IMDB.com) was in the cult SciFi series, The Powers of Matthew Star. Aronson was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional copy of Weird Science (1985) -- in which Aronson played a part -- 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 Weird Science (1985) -- in which Aronson played a part -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The delightfully delicious Gia Carides was one of the ensemble that brought the delightfully zany SciFi comedy The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space to life (on the boob tube), but sadly the program didn't last. This award-nominated actress is no stranger to genre, boasting work in such properties as Ultraman G (1990), Ultraman: Towards The Future, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), Twin Peaks, and The Librarians ... but we're always on the lookout for more! Carides was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, I couldn't tell you the last time I read a Star Trek novel that -- as a long-time fan -- I cared about, but that doesn't stop the world from spinning or publishers from issuing yet another tome. Dayton Ward (website) is doing what he can as a scribe to keep the literary incarnation of Gene Roddenberry's final frontier alive, so methinks he's owed some kudos for that. Ward was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Sarah Parish vamped up some serious evil (in spidery form!) for the BBC in an episode of the long-running SciFi franchise, Doctor Who. And she also brought a touch of class to Atlantis while it was on. Parish was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the lovely Kim Rhodes impresses every time she's called upon in filmdom. Thankfully, her career has a lot of terrific genre appearances, including work aboard Star Trek: Voyager, The Invisible Man, Star Trek Online, Extant, and Colony ... but I suspect Supernatural fans will always remember her as the ever-resourceful 'Sheriff Jody Mills.' She can frisk us any time! Rhodes was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Some men just look better all grizzled, no? At least, that appears to be the case with the talented Francis Magee. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances in The Fades, Game Of Thrones, Misfits, Outlander, Black Mirror, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Justice League (2017), The Frankenstein Chronicles, Humans, and Into The Badlands. Magee was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
But Star Wars isn't the only franchise who had a warrior born on this day: back in 1969, Anthony Simcoe was brought into this world by way of birth. His face sans make-up is probably not all that recognizable to genre fans, but, once he's properly done up in the guise, he played 'Ka D'Argo' on Syfy's absolutely stellar Farscape. Happy birthday, indeed!
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Simcoe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor In A Television Series' for his work aboard Farscape.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Simcoe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor In A Television Series' for his work aboard Farscape.
Though she's probably remembered more for being "that Brit whom Ross Geller dumped" (on NBC's Friends), the Helen Baxendale helped bring Dirk Gently to small screen life. Baxendale was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek. The Lord Of The Rings. Dredd. Almost Human. The Boys. Need I go on, or do you get the point? I penned an article for UnrealityMag.com not all that long ago about how Karl Urban had indeed become 'the Man' to watch in SciFi and Fantasy. Although JJ's Trek films haven't exactly grown on me and although Almost Human didn't make it past its first season, I for one am holding out hope that someone greenlights a Dredd sequel for this man. Urban was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dave Filoni is one of the 'geniuses' of modern day animation in that he's helped bring the projects of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch brilliantly to the small screen. His live action stuff? Well ... meh. Filoni was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
For the record:
In 2024, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films awarded the man the George Pal Memorial Award to commemorate how the man so quickly and easily destroyed the Star Wars franchise ... I kid, I kid. They recognized him for his excellence in production of genre entertainment ... not for how he's destroyed the Star Wars franchise.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
For the record:
In 2024, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films awarded the man the George Pal Memorial Award to commemorate how the man so quickly and easily destroyed the Star Wars franchise ... I kid, I kid. They recognized him for his excellence in production of genre entertainment ... not for how he's destroyed the Star Wars franchise.
Funnyman Bill Hader played it mostly for laughs (albeit briefly) with his work aboard Men In Black 3 (2012). Hader was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The equally incomparable and delicious Anna Torv is what made watching Fox TV's Fringe such a delight. She put a human face on some otherwise inhuman science, and the opportunity to play both good and evil versions of one single persona gave her a chance to display her acting gifts. Torv was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- You want to talk about amazing? At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Torv enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress On Television' for her work aboard Fringe. Now, sadly, she didn't win that year ... but she did win over the next four consecutive years (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013) in that same category for the increasingly challenging body of work. That, my friends, speaks volumes.
- At the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards, the actress enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series' for her work aboard HBO's The Last Of Us.
The lovely Cathy Baron has ably dabbled in the realm of genre entertainment. She had an uncredited role in Planet Terror (2007). She had terrific exposure aboard the Fantasy-themed series A Good Knight's Quest. Also, she set the web on fire in the Fantasy short ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining in 2011. Lastly, she had multiple appearances in Hollywood Wasteland. Baron was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Ania Bukstein has put her beauty and talents to use in a guest spot aboard HBO's stellar Game Of Thrones adaptation. Bukstein was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Ellen Wroe is certainly one to watch. Her genre credentials aren't exactly what one might call 'light,' but it would be great if she found more work in the realm of SciFi and Fantasy. She's enjoyed screen time aboard Final Destination 5 (2011), Grimm, and The Kid (2018). Wroe was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Cera took a break from some more introspective-style roles to kinda/sorta mock introspective-style roles with his turn as 'Scott Pilgrim' in the Fantasy-themed Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010). Cera was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of watching Black Mirror via a Netflix subscription. Interested in my thoughts on "Joan Is Awful" in which Mr. Cera played a role? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of watching Black Mirror via a Netflix subscription. Interested in my thoughts on "Joan Is Awful" in which Mr. Cera played a role? Readers can find my review right here.
When MTV decided they wanted to tap into some of the lucrative Fantasy business, they properly signed the delicious Poppy Drayton to bring the equally delicious 'Amberle Elessedil' to life for The Shannara Chronicles. Alas, the show was cancelled (and with a pretty big cliffhanger) after its second season, but thankfully the experience hasn't scared the actress away from genre projects. In 2018, she appeared in a live action adaptation of The Little Mermaid; and, even more recently, she dabbled in the rebooted Charmed series. Drayton was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only a handful of screen credits to her name, it would still seem that India Oxenberg isn't afraid of genre projects. In fact, her big debut was aboard a SciFi/Mystery titled The Vector File (2002) for Daybreak Pacific. Oxenberg was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Alex McGregor has certainly established herself in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with work aboard such projects as Charlie Jade and Syfy's short-lived Apocalypse series Blood Drive. McGregor was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You can't get much closer to the world of cinematic Fantasy than films like Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005), and a young Jordan Fry enjoyed some work amidst all of its sugary goodness. Fry was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1935 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of The Clairvoyant. Directed by Maurice Elvey from a story by Ernst Lothar, Charles Bennett, and Bryan Edgar Wallace, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Claude Rains, Fay Wray, and Mary Clare. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A fake music-hall clairvoyant meets a woman, and suddenly his predictions seem to come true ..."
"A fake music-hall clairvoyant meets a woman, and suddenly his predictions seem to come true ..."
A star is born! On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), the good people of Detroit, Michigan were treated to the glorious theatrical premiere of The Ghost Breakers! Directed by George Marshall, the Horror/Comedy starred Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, and Richard Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A radio broadcaster, his quaking manservant and an heiress investigate the mystery of a haunted castle in Cuba."
For the record:
Though I do not see this cited on my usual source (IMDB.com), I have read online that The Ghost Breakers enjoyed a 1941 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Original Score.'
Editor's Note:
According to the trivia citation on IMDB.com, actor Dan Aykroyd has cited 1940's The Ghost Breakers as serving as one of the chief inspirations behind his 1984 box-office smash Ghostbusters. I've read at several locations across the Information Superhighway that the critical and commercial success of The Ghost Breakers has been the driving force behind countless other Horror/Comedy hybrids.
"A radio broadcaster, his quaking manservant and an heiress investigate the mystery of a haunted castle in Cuba."
For the record:
Though I do not see this cited on my usual source (IMDB.com), I have read online that The Ghost Breakers enjoyed a 1941 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Original Score.'
Editor's Note:
According to the trivia citation on IMDB.com, actor Dan Aykroyd has cited 1940's The Ghost Breakers as serving as one of the chief inspirations behind his 1984 box-office smash Ghostbusters. I've read at several locations across the Information Superhighway that the critical and commercial success of The Ghost Breakers has been the driving force behind countless other Horror/Comedy hybrids.
On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), The Shadow Of The Cat crept and crawled through theaters. Directed by John Gilling from a story by George Baxt, the Horror/Fantasy starred Andre Morell, Barbara Shelley, and William Lucas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A house cat sees her mistress murdered by two servants under orders from her husband , and becomes ferociously bent on revenge."
"A house cat sees her mistress murdered by two servants under orders from her husband , and becomes ferociously bent on revenge."
A star is born ... and Horror got a new face! On this day in 1962 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London were treated to the theatrical premiere of The Phantom Of The Opera. Directed by Terence Fisher, the Horror/Fantasy starred Herbert Lom, Heather Sears, and Edward de Souza. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An acid-scarred composer has his dwarf helper bring an opera singer to his London sewer hide-out."
For the record:
At the 2006 Saturn Awards, The Phantom Of The Opera was nominated in the category of 'Best DVD Collection' for its inclusion along with several other titles as part of The Hammer Horror Series home video release.
Editor's Note:
I have read that this production was originally conceived as a starring vehicle for Cary Grant ... though there seems to be some confusing over what role Grant would've played. Some suggest it was the Phantom, but I find that highly suspect. Whatever the truth, I have read that the actor passed on the scipt.
"An acid-scarred composer has his dwarf helper bring an opera singer to his London sewer hide-out."
For the record:
At the 2006 Saturn Awards, The Phantom Of The Opera was nominated in the category of 'Best DVD Collection' for its inclusion along with several other titles as part of The Hammer Horror Series home video release.
Editor's Note:
I have read that this production was originally conceived as a starring vehicle for Cary Grant ... though there seems to be some confusing over what role Grant would've played. Some suggest it was the Phantom, but I find that highly suspect. Whatever the truth, I have read that the actor passed on the scipt.
A star is born! On this day in 1984, the original SciFi/Fantasy/Classic Ghostbusters enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever at the film's Westwood, California premiere event. Written by and starring both Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, the film also starred Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson is the key roles of pseudo-scientists battling the paranormal. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service."
For the record:
The original Ghostbusters remains a powerful film in the entertainment industry.
Editor's Note:
It was somewhat recently confirmed -- by the actor himself -- that Eddie Murphy was almost the star of Ghostbusters. I've read him assigned to both the Peter Venkman role as well as the Winston Zeddmore part, so I'm unsure as to what part he may've played, though the Zeddmore one seems more likely. Murphy turned down the role as he chose Beverly Hill Cop instead.
"Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service."
For the record:
The original Ghostbusters remains a powerful film in the entertainment industry.
- The film received two Academy Award nominations, one for 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Original Song.'
- It won the 1985 Saturn Award for 'Best Fantasy Film.'
- It was a nominee for the 1985 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- In 2015, it was added to the National Film Registry which preserves features deemed to be culturally and historically relevant.
Editor's Note:
It was somewhat recently confirmed -- by the actor himself -- that Eddie Murphy was almost the star of Ghostbusters. I've read him assigned to both the Peter Venkman role as well as the Winston Zeddmore part, so I'm unsure as to what part he may've played, though the Zeddmore one seems more likely. Murphy turned down the role as he chose Beverly Hill Cop instead.
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Goonies were good enough ... for their theatrical debut, that is. Directed by Richard Donner from a story by Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg, the Adventure/Fantasy starred Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Jeff Cohen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards, The Goonies enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Supporting Actress' ... and Anne Ramsey did go home with the trophy that evening.
"A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards, The Goonies enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Supporting Actress' ... and Anne Ramsey did go home with the trophy that evening.
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Phantom soared from the pages of a comic book onto the silver screen. Directed by Simon Wincer, the Fantasy/Thrller starred Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, and Treat Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Phantom, descendent of a line of African superheroes, travels to New York City to thwart a wealthy criminal genius from obtaining three magic skulls which would give him the secret to ultimate power."
"The Phantom, descendent of a line of African superheroes, travels to New York City to thwart a wealthy criminal genius from obtaining three magic skulls which would give him the secret to ultimate power."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Dracula II: Ascension enjoyed its launch on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Patrick Lussier, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jennifer Kroll, Jason Scott Lee, and Brande Roderick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of medical students discover the body of the infamous count. Soon, they find themselves in the middle of a bizarre and dangerous conflict when a shadowy figure offers them $30 million for the body so that he may harvest his blood."
"A group of medical students discover the body of the infamous count. Soon, they find themselves in the middle of a bizarre and dangerous conflict when a shadowy figure offers them $30 million for the body so that he may harvest his blood."
A star is born ... but this one ain't looking so hot! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), the Hellraiser franchise grew by one more entry when Hellraiser: Deader enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Rick Bota, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kari Wuhrer, Ionut Chermenski, and Linda Marlowe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A journalist uncovers an underground group who can bring back the dead and slowly becomes drawn into their world."
For the record:
At the 2006 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, actress Kari Wuhrer enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard Hellraiser: Deader.
"A journalist uncovers an underground group who can bring back the dead and slowly becomes drawn into their world."
For the record:
At the 2006 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, actress Kari Wuhrer enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard Hellraiser: Deader.
On this day in 2013 (in Turkey and South Africa), director JJ Abrams continued the devastation he wanted to inflict on the Trek franchise with the theatrical release of Star Trek Into Darkness. Written by the three-headed beast from Hell that is Roberto Orci, Damon Lindelof, and Alex Kurtzman, the film returned the cast of the first outing; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2016, the SciFi/Thriller Independents' Day cleverly tried to 'cash in' on the popular franchise of another name, not that there's anything wrong with it. Directed by Laura Beth Love from a story by Geoff Meed, he film starred Fay Gauthier, Sal Landi, and Jacquelin Arroyo. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Aliens invade, this time delivering a clear ultimatum. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as the U.S. President and citizens decide if these aliens are to be trusted ...or feared."
"Aliens invade, this time delivering a clear ultimatum. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as the U.S. President and citizens decide if these aliens are to be trusted ...or feared."
On this day in 2017 (in the Philippines), the Family-friendly SciFi flick A.R.C.H.I.E. enjoyed a theatrical run. Written and directed by Robin Dunne, the feature starred Michael J. Fox, Katharine Isabelle, and Farrah Aviva. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Isabel Sullivan, who's fifteen, has just moved to a small town to live with her Uncle Paul, who is the town's Mayor. Isabel has recently lost her parents in a car accident. Feeling very alone and friendless, Isabel befriends a stray robot dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, he is anything but. He can talk. He can run at blinding speed. He has super strength and x-ray vision. Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. become fast friends. She teaches him how to be a normal dog, while he helps her to fit in with the cool kid clique. Most of all, Isabel can confide in A.R.C.H.I.E. about what happened to her parents. A.R.C.H.I.E. can relate. He's never had a family, until now. As the summer progresses, things start to get tricky. Paul is up for re-election, and finds himself running against Veronica Taylor, who happens to be in cahoots with Burgertropolis, a national fast food franchise that has been trying to buy Paul out for years."
"Isabel Sullivan, who's fifteen, has just moved to a small town to live with her Uncle Paul, who is the town's Mayor. Isabel has recently lost her parents in a car accident. Feeling very alone and friendless, Isabel befriends a stray robot dog named A.R.C.H.I.E. Though he looks like a normal dog, he is anything but. He can talk. He can run at blinding speed. He has super strength and x-ray vision. Isabel and A.R.C.H.I.E. become fast friends. She teaches him how to be a normal dog, while he helps her to fit in with the cool kid clique. Most of all, Isabel can confide in A.R.C.H.I.E. about what happened to her parents. A.R.C.H.I.E. can relate. He's never had a family, until now. As the summer progresses, things start to get tricky. Paul is up for re-election, and finds himself running against Veronica Taylor, who happens to be in cahoots with Burgertropolis, a national fast food franchise that has been trying to buy Paul out for years."
On this day in 2019, Abduction enjoyed its release to the US via the world wide web. Directed by Ernie Barbarash from a story by Mike MacLean, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Scott Adkins, Andy On, and Aki Aleong. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Quinn steps out of a park fountain in Vietnam with no recollection of who he is or where he came from. As he wanders through the city, piecing together clues to his past, he is relentlessly pursued by mysteriously dangerous figures."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Abduction earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Quinn steps out of a park fountain in Vietnam with no recollection of who he is or where he came from. As he wanders through the city, piecing together clues to his past, he is relentlessly pursued by mysteriously dangerous figures."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Abduction earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2019 (in Canada, the United Kingdom, and whole host of other countries), I Am Mother birthed itself onto audiences via Internet streaming. Directed by Grant Sputore (from his own story), the SciFi/Drama starred Hilary Swank and Tahlia Sturzaker, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the wake of humanity's extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news."
For the record:
I Am Mother has received accolades a bit more for its technical production than it has its story and acting (that's not an insult, just an observation). For example, its effects won the Feature Film VFX - Special Merit from the 2019 AEAF Awards; and Hilary Swank was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Australia Academy Of Cinema And Television Arts Awards.
"In the wake of humanity's extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news."
For the record:
I Am Mother has received accolades a bit more for its technical production than it has its story and acting (that's not an insult, just an observation). For example, its effects won the Feature Film VFX - Special Merit from the 2019 AEAF Awards; and Hilary Swank was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Australia Academy Of Cinema And Television Arts Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2019, Project Ithaca was first streamed for the masses. Directed by Nicholas Humphries from a story by Anthony Artibello and Kevin J. Bjerkness, the SciFi/Horror starred James Gallanders, Deragh Campbell, and Daniel Fathers. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of strangers awaken aboard an alien spacecraft. Divided they will die. Together, they can find a way home."
Editor's Note:
I am not certain as to how this release date (obtained via IMDB.com) is established. The film has no earnings via Box Office Mojo, and Amazon.com shows a different home video release date. However, I'm going with this day based on my longtime to commitment to IMDB.com. It may change, but it'll suffice for now.
"A group of strangers awaken aboard an alien spacecraft. Divided they will die. Together, they can find a way home."
Editor's Note:
I am not certain as to how this release date (obtained via IMDB.com) is established. The film has no earnings via Box Office Mojo, and Amazon.com shows a different home video release date. However, I'm going with this day based on my longtime to commitment to IMDB.com. It may change, but it'll suffice for now.
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Scheming Sibling." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.TV:
"Commander Corry's secretary has a brother. He is a thief. In order to escape from Terra, he kidnaps Happy and forces his own sister to steal classified needed to pull his next job. Can Buzz capture the criminal and save his prisoners before being murdered in a trap."
"Commander Corry's secretary has a brother. He is a thief. In order to escape from Terra, he kidnaps Happy and forces his own sister to steal classified needed to pull his next job. Can Buzz capture the criminal and save his prisoners before being murdered in a trap."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), My Favorite Martian aired "The Disastro-Nauts." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Martin convinces Tim to use his connections as a reporter to get Martin a tryout as the astronaut for a Mars destined rocket, privately financed by Omar M. Keck. Despite a slew of younger stereotypical astronaut types vying for the job, Martin's obvious advantages as a Martian get him the job. Before Martin is ready to leave, he allows Tim to prepare a story of his uncle "The Martian" for publication after Martin is on his way. On his way to the air force base with Martin, Tim leaves the tape of the story on Mr. Burns' desk - based on his usual schedule, Mr. Burns should arrive at the office after Martin and the rocket are safely in space. However the launch of the rocket is delayed, leaving Tim and Martin to rush back to the office to retrieve the tape. They rush back to base to watch the launch happen without Martin in the rocket. At least the launch was picture perfect!"
"Martin convinces Tim to use his connections as a reporter to get Martin a tryout as the astronaut for a Mars destined rocket, privately financed by Omar M. Keck. Despite a slew of younger stereotypical astronaut types vying for the job, Martin's obvious advantages as a Martian get him the job. Before Martin is ready to leave, he allows Tim to prepare a story of his uncle "The Martian" for publication after Martin is on his way. On his way to the air force base with Martin, Tim leaves the tape of the story on Mr. Burns' desk - based on his usual schedule, Mr. Burns should arrive at the office after Martin and the rocket are safely in space. However the launch of the rocket is delayed, leaving Tim and Martin to rush back to the office to retrieve the tape. They rush back to base to watch the launch happen without Martin in the rocket. At least the launch was picture perfect!"
On this day in 1992 (in the Netherlands), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Naked Now." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of the Enterprise is infected with a virus that causes them to behave as though they were intoxicated."
"The crew of the Enterprise is infected with a virus that causes them to behave as though they were intoxicated."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "The Young And The Relentless." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world with Howard Stern as president, adults over the age of thirty are treated as second class citizens who must then retire. Quinn fills in for his recently murdered double in an attempt to promote the EduLearn computer technology designed to replace human educators. However, he has seconds thoughts when he learns of this culture's desperate race to succeed before the mandatory retirement age. Arturo and Rembrandt handle curfew violations in a court of what is surely not their peers."
"In a world with Howard Stern as president, adults over the age of thirty are treated as second class citizens who must then retire. Quinn fills in for his recently murdered double in an attempt to promote the EduLearn computer technology designed to replace human educators. However, he has seconds thoughts when he learns of this culture's desperate race to succeed before the mandatory retirement age. Arturo and Rembrandt handle curfew violations in a court of what is surely not their peers."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Toy Story." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An angry toy maker starts kidnapping children and Superman and Lois must stop him. Meanwhile, Perry puts a "lonely hearts" ad in the paper and gets interesting results."
"An angry toy maker starts kidnapping children and Superman and Lois must stop him. Meanwhile, Perry puts a "lonely hearts" ad in the paper and gets interesting results."
It all began right here: on this day in 1997, Perversions Of Science premiered with an episode titled "Dream Of Doom." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Arthur Bristol is a college professor who is stuck in a series of dreams that he can't wake up from. Or is he?"
"Arthur Bristol is a college professor who is stuck in a series of dreams that he can't wake up from. Or is he?"
On this day in 1997, Perversions Of Science aired the second episode of its only season. It was called "Anatomy Lesson," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"On his eighteenth birthday, a psychotic young man decides to finally take down a mysterious bearded stranger who's been appearing to him ever since childhood warning him each time not to give in to his urge to kill."
"On his eighteenth birthday, a psychotic young man decides to finally take down a mysterious bearded stranger who's been appearing to him ever since childhood warning him each time not to give in to his urge to kill."
On this day in 1997, Perversions Of Science tried to prove the third time was a charm with its premiere event with the airing of "Boxed In." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sex farce about a horny faithful space ace who, after several years, finally arrives home for a tryst with his fiancee. Unfortunately, her admiral dad forces them to wait until marriage, so the pilot decides to use a sexbot. Big mistake."
"Sex farce about a horny faithful space ace who, after several years, finally arrives home for a tryst with his fiancee. Unfortunately, her admiral dad forces them to wait until marriage, so the pilot decides to use a sexbot. Big mistake."
On this day in 2002 (in the United States and Australia), Farscape premiered "Crichton Kicks" at the start of its fourth (and final) television season on Syfy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's been several months. Since the crew disbanded, and Moya was sucked down a wormhole. Crichton is now on board aged Leviathan, working on wormholes. But some visitor arrive who want to harvest the Leviathan. Crichton reunites with some of his old crew, and meets a new ally."
"It's been several months. Since the crew disbanded, and Moya was sucked down a wormhole. Crichton is now on board aged Leviathan, working on wormholes. But some visitor arrive who want to harvest the Leviathan. Crichton reunites with some of his old crew, and meets a new ally."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Redemption: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Master Bra'tac arrives with bad news: Teal'c's wife is deathly ill, and Teal'c leaves to be with her. Shortly thereafter, the gate is opened but nothing comes through. Then Carter discovers a very low power signal that is slowly building an overload powerful enough to destroy the Earth."
"Master Bra'tac arrives with bad news: Teal'c's wife is deathly ill, and Teal'c leaves to be with her. Shortly thereafter, the gate is opened but nothing comes through. Then Carter discovers a very low power signal that is slowly building an overload powerful enough to destroy the Earth."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Descending Sword." This served as the thirty-fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), TV audiences were first treated to the airing of Doctor Who's "Forest of the Dead." This served as the ninth episode in the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With the library darkening, the Doctor takes on the Vashta Nerada while figuring out what links River Song to his future. Meanwhile, Donna finds out the mystery of Dr. Moon and the Girl."
"With the library darkening, the Doctor takes on the Vashta Nerada while figuring out what links River Song to his future. Meanwhile, Donna finds out the mystery of Dr. Moon and the Girl."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the retooled, new, and improved Electra Woman And Dyna Girl aired what I've only seen labeled as "Episode 1.1." According to the citation on IMDB.com, here's the plot summation:
"Questioning if they are really making a difference, super-heroins Electra Woman and Dyna Girl get noticed by a famous super hero manager. This is framed as a prequel to the 1970's series."
"Questioning if they are really making a difference, super-heroins Electra Woman and Dyna Girl get noticed by a famous super hero manager. This is framed as a prequel to the 1970's series."
On this day in 1953, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Ring Of Zanlaghora." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, it seems that the details involving this particular tale have been lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
