Sorry, folks, but Crime Traveller is another one of those fateful shows I've heard about but yet to explore. It premiered on this day in 1997 in the United Kingdom, and -- as of today's date -- it maintains a very respectable 7+ rating on IMDB.com. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Detective Jeff Slade teams up with scientist Holly Turner, whose late father has created a time machine that can travel back several hours. Together they solve mysteries using the device."
"Detective Jeff Slade teams up with scientist Holly Turner, whose late father has created a time machine that can travel back several hours. Together they solve mysteries using the device."
Say what you will about the new-fangled Battlestar Galactica, but I preferred the wholesome, do-gooder charm of the original just a bit more. And Starbuck? A girl? No way! Dirk Benedict remains Starbuck in my mind, and the actor who played him celebrates another year growing older and wiser today! Benedict was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I suspect very few genre fans will remember the name of Lionel Atwill for his contributions to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror projects. He first dropped onto my radar when I saw him aboard the SciFi-lite Doctor X for First National Pictures. I did a bit of research and learned that he's also appeared aboard The Vampire Bat (1933), Mystery Of The Wax Museum (1933), Murders In The Zoo (1933), Secret Of The Blue Room (1933), Mark Of The Vampire (1935), Son Of Frankenstein (1939), The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1939), Man Made Monster (1941), The Strange Case Of Doctor Rx (1942), The Ghost Of Frakenstein (1942), Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man (1943), House Of Frankenstein (1944), the Republic Studios serial adaptation of Captain America (1944), Fog Island (1945), and House Of Dracula (1946). That's not a shabby resume, if you ask me! Though he's no longer with us, Atwill was born on this day in 1885.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It's safe to suggest that Atwill remains a largely forgotten 'regular' in the realm of 1930's and 1940's Horror, an obfuscation from film history possibly owed to the fact that he was -- ahem -- convicted of perjury for refusing to both explain and 'name names' of the guests who may have been in attendance of an alleged orgy (and more) that took place in his home for a holiday party in late 1940. His career never quite recovered from the resulting publicity, and he passed away in 1946 from lung cancer.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It's safe to suggest that Atwill remains a largely forgotten 'regular' in the realm of 1930's and 1940's Horror, an obfuscation from film history possibly owed to the fact that he was -- ahem -- convicted of perjury for refusing to both explain and 'name names' of the guests who may have been in attendance of an alleged orgy (and more) that took place in his home for a holiday party in late 1940. His career never quite recovered from the resulting publicity, and he passed away in 1946 from lung cancer.
A Whovian first! The late Roger Delgado was the very first actor to put on the identity of 'The Master,' the dreaded nemesis to the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. And truth be told Who producer Barry Letts crafted the role of the villain specifically for the man! But the property from Gallifrey wasn't the man's only visit to Science Fiction and Fantasy as his career boasts appearances in Quatermass II (1955), One Step Beyond, Danger Man, The Mind Benders (1963), The Mummy's Shroud (1967), The Avengers, and Randall And Hopkirk Deceased. Though he's no longer with us, Delgado was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Occasionally I'm berated by readers who find it offensive that I choose to feature those talented visits to the world of Fantasy -- SciFi's redheaded stepbrother -- and to them I always say, "Get off my lawn!" Personally, I grew up on features and TV shows exploring both genres together, and I choose to highlight those who've left footprints in the celluloid sand as the right thing to do. That said, Andrew Faulds certainly doesn't leave behind a resume expansive in genre appearances, but taking one for the team in Jason And The Argonauts from a stop-motion skeleton has to count for something. The actor also appeared in Blood Of The Vampire (1958), The Flesh And The Fiends (1960), Danger Man, One Step Beyond, and Danger Man. Though he's no longer with us, Faulds was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Cesare Danova certainly did far more mainstream projects than he did Science Fiction. (FYI: his resume clocks in at an impressive 115 different screen roles.) He did book time aboard Tarzan The Ape Man (1959), Valley Of The Dragons (1961), Chamber Of Horrors (1966), The Green Hornet, Night Gallery, Gemini Man, Tentacles (1977), The Astral Factor (1978), Fantasy Island, Automan, and Airwolf. Though he's no longer with us, Danova was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Among other things in his career, Eddie Hice enjoyed a pair of appearances aboard the Starship Enterprise as a security officer for the original Star Trek. Though he did enjoy a solid handful of roles and more, Hice's resume on IMDB.com makes it pretty clear that stunt work was most likely his mainstay. In that respect, he contributed to such properties as Planet Of The Apes (1968), Get Smart, Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970), The Night Stalker, Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972), Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973), The Nude Bomb (1980), Escape From New York (1981), The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982), Blue Thunder (1983), Repo Man (1984), A View To A Kill (1985), Short Circuit (1986), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Alien From L.A. (1988), Remote Control (1988), They Live! (1988), The 'Burbs (1989), A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989), RoboCop 2 (1990), Ghoulies Go To College (1990), Freaked (1993), and Wild Wild West (1999). Though he's no longer with us, Hice was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Raymond St. Jacques aptly chewed scenery as a fire-and-brimstone street preacher aboard the subversive SciFi flick, They Live (1988), from director John Carpenter. He also appeared in The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Green Hornet, Tarzan, The Invaders, Gemini Man, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, Fantasy Island, Voyagers, The Powers of Matthew Star, Airwolf, Starman, Voodoo Dawn (1990), and Timebomb (1991). Though he's no longer with us, St. Jacques was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Joan Hackett joined George Segal aboard The Terminal Man (1974), the tale of a man using computers to control a dire medical condition. As for other forays into the worlds of imagination? She paid visits to The Twilight Zone, Lights Out (1972), The Possessed (1977), Dead Of Night (1977), and Tales Of The Expected. Though she's no longer with us, Hackett was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume is reasonably slim (a scant 25 different screen roles), the fabulous Vitina Marcus had an ongoing love affair with genre projects. In her pursuits, she secured screen time in such properties as The Lost World (1960), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Lost in Space, and The Time Tunnel. Marcus was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Lana Wood has certainly left an impression on fans of genre entertainment with her work aboard The Wild Wild West, Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Night Gallery, The Next Step Beyond, Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979), Demon Rage (1982), Deadly Renovations (2010), and Subconscious Reality (2016). Wood was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Alan Thicke delivered laughs in the name of Science Fiction with his work aboard Not Quite Human (1987) and its sequel Not Quite Human II (1989). Though he's no longer with us, Thicke was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the WB's long-running Smallville, Camille Mitchell played Sheriff Nancy Adams in a recurring guest role. Mitchell was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It takes quite the actress to make a character into a household name, but that's just what the stunning Catherine Bach did by portraying 'Daisy Duke' on The Dukes Of Hazzard: her signature shortest-shorts-imaginable took the world by storm and are known as "daisy dukes" even to this day. A few years before, she enjoyed a role aboard the SciFi/Telefilm Strange New World (1975) with genre-favorite John Saxon. Bach was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hollywood wunderkind Ron Howard stepped in to complete directing Solo: A Star Wars Story when Walt Disney parted company with its earlier choices. Howard was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Mimi Lieber has come a long way from her start as little more than a dancer in the late 1970's big screen adaptation of Grease, and that journey has opened doors for her into the worlds of The X-Files, SeaQuest 2032, and NBC's Medium. Lieber was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What a Super day! Tim Daly helped bring to life the animated version of Superman, and the actor ended up creating one of the more revered versions of the Last Son of Krypton to date. Daly was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On top of providing voicework for the Alien: Isolation video game (2014), the great Sean Gilder enjoyed a guest spot on the BBC's long-running Doctor Who in 2005. Gilder was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Chris Eigeman's earliest roles was a guest spot aboard Red Dwarf. Since then, he's squeezed in work on The Outer Limits and Fox TV's Fringe. Eigeman was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Todd Lookinland appeared alongside the lovely Lynda Carter in an episode of Wonder Woman. In his adulthood, he's embarked on a career in special effects, contributing his wares to such features as RoboCop 2, Men In Black, and Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Lookinland was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though viewers may not have recognized him under makeup, J.D. Cullum has played in a few SciFi universes with work in such properties as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Sliders, and The Orville. Cullum was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Also celebrating a birthday today is director Zack Snyder, whose Man Of Steel thrilled audiences of new and old fans alike! Snyder was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actress Kat Cressida certainly has a resume worthy of attention. Be it animation or video gaming projects, she's continued to push the boundaries of her vocal delivery into untold realms. Check out her work aboard such entries as Van Helsing (2004), Doom 3 (2004), Tales From Earthsea (2006), Dragon Age: Origins (2009), Star Trek Online (2010), Marvel Heroes (2013), Doom Patrol (2020), and much, much more. She's also graced the screen with her presence in such genre projects as M.A.N.T.I.S. and Babylon 5. Cressida was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1986, a young Steve Marshall found himself caught between Science Fiction and Horror with a top role aboard the Cult film Night Of The Creeps. Marshall was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Javier Bardem made waves as the villain aboard Skyfall (2012), and he even voiced a robot for good measure in 2014's Automata. Bardem was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After surviving a look at futuristic technology in CBS's popular Persons Of Interest, Cara Buono found things even more fantastical aboard Netflix's Stranger Things. Buono was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the 2009 TV season, one of the more promising dramas to emerge was ABC TV's FlashForward; unfortunately, the program never quite 'gelled' early enough to maintain a solid viewing audience. On the show, Jack Davenport played Lloyd Simcoe, a man who may or may not have had ties to a global conspiracy. Davenport was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark-Paul Gosselaar dipped briefly into the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Atomic Twister (2002) for Once Upon A Time Films. Gosselaar was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Truth be told, the great Emily Holmes has never really strayed all that far from some great genre projects. Since embarking on her professional careers, she's secured roles in Strange Frequency, Dark Angel, The Dead Zone, Taken (miniseries), Paycheck (2003), Stargate: SG-1, Tru Calling, Andromeda, Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance, Bionic Woman, The Andromeda Strain, Fringe, Meteor Storm (2010), Alcatraz, Supernatural, Independence Daysaster (2013), Delete, Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse (2014), and Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. That's quite the resume! Holmes was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before he went off on a quest to rid the world of paranormal evil (on the CW's long-running Supernatural), Jensen Ackles was making things rough for a certain 'Last Son of Krypton' aboard the WB's Smallville. As for other genre journeys? Sure, there have been a few, including stops to such properties as Dark Angel, Devour (2005), My Bloody Valentine (2009), The Boys, and Gen V. Ackles was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2022, Ackles earned his first Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Streaming Series' for his work aboard Amazon Prime's Superhero/Fantasy The Boys.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2022, Ackles earned his first Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Streaming Series' for his work aboard Amazon Prime's Superhero/Fantasy The Boys.
German actress Anna Brüggemann certainly has led a career of some acclaim, but the only real genre appearance I'm able to find on her resume would appear to be a poorly-received flick called Ice Planet from 2001. Brüggemann was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, ABC TV's ambitious SciFi/Drama FlashForward just never quite caught on with audiences. Actor Dominic Rains had a recurring role in its only season, and he's also been seen on Powers. To his credit, he also found a bit of screen time aboard Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., A-X-L (2016), and Tales From The Loop. Rains was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lupita Nyong'o braved the daunting task of bringing to life the Force-user 'Maz Kanata' in JJ Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Nyong'o was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Kathryn Beck greeted the end of the world that was cinematically evident in These Final Hours (2013) in a curious outfit ... but, hey, I'm OK with it! As for other genre appearances? She turned up in Scorched (2008). Beck was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Madeline Wise was one of the several supporting players who filled out a rather fanciful addition to the wider Trek universe with a role in Star Trek: Picard. Wise was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Singer and actress Daniella Monet started her career in the realm of a whole lot of kid-friendly properties, so some of this might not be seen as legitimate genre entertainment. Still, I disagree, and I draw focus to them when and where I find them. In that respect, Monet turned heads with her work aboard Fred 2: Night Of The Living Fred, a Horror/Musical Comedy for Nickelodeon. Monet was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It goes without saying that the lovely Emeraude Toubia made the most of the impressive screen time aboard Shadowhunters (2016-2019) during its run on television. Toubia was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Yasmeen Fletcher enjoyed a good bit of screen time aboard the Disney+ streaming disaster that was Ms. Marvel, a serial that introduced some new players to media acclaim but fan disappointment. Fletcher was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Izabella Alvarez enjoyed a good amount of screen across HBO's tepid SciFi adaptation of Westworld during its run on the pay cable network. Alvarez was born on this day in 2004.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1915 (in Italy), the silent film Filibus (aka Filibus: the Mysterious Air Pirate) soared onto the silver screen! Written by Science Fiction author Giovanni Bertinetti and directed by Mario Roncoroni, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Valeria Creti, Giovanni Spano, and Cristina Ruspoli; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Skypirate Filibus commits robberies from her airship, while a dedicated detective attempts to put a stop to it."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Filibus for the purpose of penning a review. Those interested in knowing a bit more about the film and my thoughts on it can check out the post right here.
"Skypirate Filibus commits robberies from her airship, while a dedicated detective attempts to put a stop to it."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Filibus for the purpose of penning a review. Those interested in knowing a bit more about the film and my thoughts on it can check out the post right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1944 (in the U.S.), Weird Woman brought and delivered her weird ways to the box office. Reginald Le Borg directed this adaptation of the Fritz Leiber Jr. novel ("Conjure Wife"), and the Horror/Fantasy starred Lon Chaney Jr., Anne Gwynne, and Evelyn Ankers. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While on a South Seas trip, a professor falls in love and marries an exotic native woman. What he doesn't know is that she was raised by superstitious natives who believe her to be some kind of supernatural being."
"While on a South Seas trip, a professor falls in love and marries an exotic native woman. What he doesn't know is that she was raised by superstitious natives who believe her to be some kind of supernatural being."
A star is born ... but with a note of clarification: The Man Who Turned To Stone's true release date appears to be lost to history. So in order to give it a little bit of attention, I'm using this date (IMDB.com reports it was released in March, 1957) as a substitute premiere date. Directed by László Kardos, the SciFi/Horror starred Victor Jory, William Hudson, and Charlotte Austin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jory and his followers stay immortal by siphoning off the life forces of others. If they don't get renewed, they petrify."
"Jory and his followers stay immortal by siphoning off the life forces of others. If they don't get renewed, they petrify."
On this day in 1969 (in Hong Kong), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed its theatrical debut. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born!
On this day in 1974 (in West Germany), it looks like that nefarious vampire was up to his old tricks again with the theatrical release of Blood For Dracula (aka Andy Warhol's Dracula). Written (in part) and directed by Paul Morrissey, the Horror/Fantasy starred Joe Dallesandro, Udo Kier, and Maxime McKendry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ailing vampire count travels to Italy with his servant to find a bride."
For the record:
"An ailing vampire count travels to Italy with his servant to find a bride."
For the record:
- To the film's credit, Blood Of Dracula stirred up a little extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
- In 2022, an all-new home video release of Blood For Dracula earned a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best 4K Home Media Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Laserblast fired its big load into the silver screen. Directed by Michael Rae from a story by Franne Schacht and Frank Ray Perilli, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kim Milford, Cheryl Smith, and Gianni Russo. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A teenager stumbles upon an alien weapon, which transform him into a grotesque killer."
For the record:
In recognition of his effort, Laserblast lead actor Kim Milford received a Stinker Award nomination for 'Worst Actor' from 1978's The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.
"A teenager stumbles upon an alien weapon, which transform him into a grotesque killer."
For the record:
In recognition of his effort, Laserblast lead actor Kim Milford received a Stinker Award nomination for 'Worst Actor' from 1978's The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in Czechoslovakia), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (aka Karabat L'Apprenti Sorcier) enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever. Written (in part) and directed by Karel Zeman, the Fantasy film starred the voices of Ludek Munzar, Jaroslav Moucka, and Christian Brückner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy becomes an apprentice for a mysterious sorcerer, working at the sorcerer's strange and sinister mill where secretive black magic is being taught and performed at a very heavy price."
"A young boy becomes an apprentice for a mysterious sorcerer, working at the sorcerer's strange and sinister mill where secretive black magic is being taught and performed at a very heavy price."
On this day in 1980 (in Brazil) , the remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Philip Kaufman, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Jeff Goldblum; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
"When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, California, where they replicate the residents into emotionless automatons one body at a time."
For the record:
The 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers was no creative slouch as the film received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1979 Hugo Awards. Also, the film received an incredible eight nominations from the 1979 Saturn Awards but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Director.'
More for the record:
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of the film's 2022 re-release from Kino Lorber. Folks interested in reading what I thought of the release can find my review right here.
Well, well, well ... it looks like somebody is ready for his close-up, eh? On this day in 1983 (in Spain), Panic (aka Bakterion) broke out in theaters! Directed by Tonino Ricci, the SciFi/Horror starred David Warbeck, Playboy centerfold Janet Agren, and Roberto Ricci; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), Night Of The Werewolf tried to take a bite out of the competition at the box office. This Spanish-language Horror film was written, directed, and starred Paul Naschy along with Julia Saly, Silvia Aguilar, and and Beatriz Elorrieta. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil witch brings back to life the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, who was executed several hundred years previously for murdering young woman and bathing in their blood."
"An evil witch brings back to life the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, who was executed several hundred years previously for murdering young woman and bathing in their blood."
On this day in 1987 (in Poland), The Terminator roared to cybernetic life on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Classic starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamiton, and Michael Biehn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
A star is born ... but just to clarify: the citation for Demonwarp premiering on this day in 1988 (on U.S. home video) is entirely unofficial, as I've been unable to confirm its actual release date in the month of March. Still, this Horror/SciFi feature was directed by Emmett Alston from a script by the team of John Carl Bueschler (story), Jim Bertges, and Bruce Akiyama. It starred George Kennedy, Pamela Gilbert, and David Michael O'Neill; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man and his daughter are attacked in the woods by what they believe is a Bigfoot-type creature. However, they soon begin to suspect that they may have stumbled onto a nest of aliens in a hidden spacecraft."
"A man and his daughter are attacked in the woods by what they believe is a Bigfoot-type creature. However, they soon begin to suspect that they may have stumbled onto a nest of aliens in a hidden spacecraft."
Believe it or not, there actually was a time when politician and political conspiracy theorist Jesse 'The Body' Ventura tried to make a go at a legitimate movie career; and on this day in 1991 (in Canada) Abraxas, Guardian Of The Universe quite probably ground much of that momentum to a halt. Written and directed by Damian Lee, the SciFi film also starred Sven-Ole Thorsen, Jerry Levitan, and Marilyn Lightstone. Here's the premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"An alien policeman arrives on Earth to apprehend a renegade of his own race who impregnates a woman with a potentially destructive mutant embryo."
"An alien policeman arrives on Earth to apprehend a renegade of his own race who impregnates a woman with a potentially destructive mutant embryo."
A star is born!
On this day in 1991 (in Italy), The Sect enjoyed its big screen debut. Written (in part) and directed by Michele Soavi, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kelly Curtis, Herbert Lom, and Mariangela Giordano. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A lonely kindergarten teacher discovers a secret well in the basement of her house, and soon finds herself being followed by a murderous Satanic cult."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Sect earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A lonely kindergarten teacher discovers a secret well in the basement of her house, and soon finds herself being followed by a murderous Satanic cult."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Sect earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), the dreaded, hungry extraterrestrial presence at the heart of the greater Xtro franchise returned with the release of Xtro II: The Second Encounter. Directed by Harry Bromley Davenport from a story by John A. Curtis, Stephen Lister, Robert Smith, and Edward Kovach, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jan-Michael Vincent, Paul Koslo, and Tara Buckman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Military scientists discover an alternate dimension and, subsequently, aliens with an appetite for human flesh."
"Military scientists discover an alternate dimension and, subsequently, aliens with an appetite for human flesh."
On this day in 1996 (in Belgium), Body Switch played for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy, Thriller & Science Fiction Films. This Danish-language SciFi/Fantasy was written (in part) and directed by Jørn Faurschou. It starred Ulf Pilgaard, Morten Schaffalitzky, and Kenn Godske; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An elite sports doctor with 2 months to live offers to help a basketball team, so as to find a healthy boy to switch bodies with. A teenager wakes up to find himself in the old doctor's dying body."
"An elite sports doctor with 2 months to live offers to help a basketball team, so as to find a healthy boy to switch bodies with. A teenager wakes up to find himself in the old doctor's dying body."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Alien Lockdown locked down the marketplace with its debut on home video. Directed by Abram Cox, the SciFi/Thriller starred James Marshall, Michelle Goh, and John Savage; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an experiment to make the ultimate weapon goes wrong, a team of commandos is sent into a genetic research lab and end up getting stalked by a creature that looks a lot like the Predator."
"After an experiment to make the ultimate weapon goes wrong, a team of commandos is sent into a genetic research lab and end up getting stalked by a creature that looks a lot like the Predator."
On this day in 2008 (according to Google.com), InAlienable sprang from the minds of screenwriter Walter Koenig and director Robert Dyke. The feature starred Richard Hatch, Jett Patrick, and Priscilla Garita, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Still guilt-ridden over the accident that took his family's lives, Eric Norris discovers that his body is host to a parasite from another world. Except, it is more than a parasite: it carries his DNA."
"Still guilt-ridden over the accident that took his family's lives, Eric Norris discovers that his body is host to a parasite from another world. Except, it is more than a parasite: it carries his DNA."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sorcerers enjoyed its general release. Directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Simon Clarke, Kenzie Phillips, and Nathan Ferrier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sorcerers is an unfinished animated fantasy film that would have combined live actors with CG backgrounds and characters in a story inspired by The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas."
For the record:
Though the film is incomplete, sections of it were eventually released for public viewing (on this day) apparently via the World Wide Web. Those segments can be found on YouTube.com.
"Sorcerers is an unfinished animated fantasy film that would have combined live actors with CG backgrounds and characters in a story inspired by The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas."
For the record:
Though the film is incomplete, sections of it were eventually released for public viewing (on this day) apparently via the World Wide Web. Those segments can be found on YouTube.com.
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), The Scribbler first took its struggle for identity to audiences of the Glasgow Fright Fest. Directed by John Suits from a story by Dan Schaffer, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Katie Cassidy, Eliza Dushku, and Garret Dillahunt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"THE SCRIBBLER follows Suki (Katie Cassidy), a young woman confronting her destructive mental illness using "The Siamese Burn," an experimental machine designed to eliminate multiple personalities. The closer Suki comes to being "cured," she's haunted by a thought - what if the last unwanted identity turns out to be her?"
"THE SCRIBBLER follows Suki (Katie Cassidy), a young woman confronting her destructive mental illness using "The Siamese Burn," an experimental machine designed to eliminate multiple personalities. The closer Suki comes to being "cured," she's haunted by a thought - what if the last unwanted identity turns out to be her?"
On this day in 2015, Parallels found its way to audiences via its web release. Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Leone, the SciFi-lite property starred Mark Hapka, Jessica Rothe, and Eric Jungmann, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious building is the gateway to infinite parallel Earths."
"A mysterious building is the gateway to infinite parallel Earths."
A star is born! As I've often said, the beauty of Science Fiction is that its films come in all shapes and sizes ... and on this day in 2016 (in a whole host of countries) it took the sexy shape of Hot Bot. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Polish, the feature starred Zack Pearlman, Doug Haley, and Cynthia Kirchner. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com for the SciFi/Comedy:
"Hot Bot is the hilarious journey of two sexually repressed and unpopular teenage geeks who accidentally discover a life-like super-model sex bot (Bardot)."
"Hot Bot is the hilarious journey of two sexually repressed and unpopular teenage geeks who accidentally discover a life-like super-model sex bot (Bardot)."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Quadrant 9EV9 enjoyed its general theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by David Maga, the SciFi/Horror starred Dominique Storelli, Michael Huntsman, and Jennifer Churchich; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While on a project outing in an abandoned military zone, five college students accidentally release a long kept secret weapon with a nightmarish purpose."
"While on a project outing in an abandoned military zone, five college students accidentally release a long kept secret weapon with a nightmarish purpose."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Science itself wrecked havoc on the animal kingdom with the release of Zoombies. Directed by Glenn Miller from a story by Scotty Mullen, the Horror/SciFi feature starred Ione Butler, LaLa Nestor, and Kim Nielsen. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a strange virus quickly spreads through a safari park and turns all the zoo animals undead, those left in the park must stop the creatures before they escape and zombify the whole city."
"When a strange virus quickly spreads through a safari park and turns all the zoo animals undead, those left in the park must stop the creatures before they escape and zombify the whole city."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Russia), Beyond The Edge enjoyed its original theatrical debut. Written and directed by the team of Aleksandr Boguslavskiy and Francesco Cinquemani, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Milos Bikovic, Antonio Banderas, and Lyubov Aksyonova. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Fantasy feature:
"A talented gambler gathers a team of people with supernatural powers to win big at a casino. But they find a much stronger mystical rival."
For the record:
At the 2019 Rusty Bagel Awards -- the organization recognizing the very worst in cinema -- Beyond The Edge earned five nominations: 'Worst Russian Actress,' 'Worst Russian Actor,' 'Worst Russian Screenplay,' 'Worst Russian Director,' and 'Worst Russian Film.' That's gonna leave a mark!
"A talented gambler gathers a team of people with supernatural powers to win big at a casino. But they find a much stronger mystical rival."
For the record:
At the 2019 Rusty Bagel Awards -- the organization recognizing the very worst in cinema -- Beyond The Edge earned five nominations: 'Worst Russian Actress,' 'Worst Russian Actor,' 'Worst Russian Screenplay,' 'Worst Russian Director,' and 'Worst Russian Film.' That's gonna leave a mark!
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired the episode "The Omega Glory." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode of the program's second season, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Responding to a distress signal, Kirk finds Captain Tracey of the U.S.S. Exeter violating the prime directive and interfering with a war between the Yangs and the Kohns to find the secret of their longevity."
"Responding to a distress signal, Kirk finds Captain Tracey of the U.S.S. Exeter violating the prime directive and interfering with a war between the Yangs and the Kohns to find the secret of their longevity."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Day Of The Clone: Part 3." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Doomsday, And Counting." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Steve accompanies his Russian cosmonaut pal Vasily Zhukov to Kamkov Island, USSR territory. There Zhukov's girlfriend is trapped underground because of an unexpected earthquake. When Zhukov discovers his American friend has bionic enhancement's he talks Steve into manning a two man rescue mission. Unfortunately, they soon find out the quake has set of a nuclear self-destruct weapon."
"Steve accompanies his Russian cosmonaut pal Vasily Zhukov to Kamkov Island, USSR territory. There Zhukov's girlfriend is trapped underground because of an unexpected earthquake. When Zhukov discovers his American friend has bionic enhancement's he talks Steve into manning a two man rescue mission. Unfortunately, they soon find out the quake has set of a nuclear self-destruct weapon."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), TV's Superboy aired "Who Is Superboy?" This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Superboy's secret identity is challenged."
"Superboy's secret identity is challenged."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), "Death Takes A Holiday" as the sixth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien attempts to capture Clinton Sajak, a fugitive from the future who is now running a gambling casino."
"Darien attempts to capture Clinton Sajak, a fugitive from the future who is now running a gambling casino."
On this day in 1994 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Monsoon Man: Part 4." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adam rescues Ami and Megabyte from Cobb's trap and the three of them check out Cobb's office to try and learn his plans. Meanwhile, Cobb sends Middlemass to sabotage a satellite launch."
"Adam rescues Ami and Megabyte from Cobb's trap and the three of them check out Cobb's office to try and learn his plans. Meanwhile, Cobb sends Middlemass to sabotage a satellite launch."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Hunter, Prey." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fugitive with secret Earthforce data relating to President Santiago's death takes refuge on Babylon 5."
"A fugitive with secret Earthforce data relating to President Santiago's death takes refuge on Babylon 5."
On this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Living Stones: Part 4." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Damon is under the control of the Nghara and although Megabyte frees him it leaves him hospitalized. Meanwhile, Jade and Beth discover the zombies using Beth's machine to breed the Nghara pods which they intend to release at Lucifer's concert."
"Damon is under the control of the Nghara and although Megabyte frees him it leaves him hospitalized. Meanwhile, Jade and Beth discover the zombies using Beth's machine to breed the Nghara pods which they intend to release at Lucifer's concert."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "Into The Mystic." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a dark world of mysticism and witchcraft imagery, Quinn finds he has a bounty on his head or to be specific, his brain which a witchdoctor selects as payment after running out on a medical bill. The Sliders seek the "Sorcerer" who promises to return them home if they help him."
"In a dark world of mysticism and witchcraft imagery, Quinn finds he has a bounty on his head or to be specific, his brain which a witchdoctor selects as payment after running out on a medical bill. The Sliders seek the "Sorcerer" who promises to return them home if they help him."
It all began right here: on this day in 1997, the SciFi/Drama Crime Traveller enjoyed its television premiere in the United Kingdom. The series starred Michael French and Chloë Annett, and here's the premise for "Jeff Slade and the Loop of Infinity" from IMDB.com:
"Jeff Slade's world is turned upside down when he discovers his friend Holly has a secret. She can travel in time."
"Jeff Slade's world is turned upside down when he discovers his friend Holly has a secret. She can travel in time."
On this day in 1997, Dark Skies aired "Burn, Baby, Burn." This served as the fifteenth episode on the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"During the outbreak of a race riot, Kim is brought to Los Angeles to have her baby."
"During the outbreak of a race riot, Kim is brought to Los Angeles to have her baby."
On this day in 1999, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Bliss." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lili is given a psychotropic drug called "bliss" via a Taelon device. They discover it is widespread. With an instantly strong addictive property, the addicts are dying within 48 hours. The investigation leads Liam and Sandoval to Ireland."
"Lili is given a psychotropic drug called "bliss" via a Taelon device. They discover it is widespread. With an instantly strong addictive property, the addicts are dying within 48 hours. The investigation leads Liam and Sandoval to Ireland."
On this day in 2000, Seven Days aired "Space Station Down." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the first day of operations for the Global Space Station, an accident leads to it's destruction and the scattering of Plutonium across the United States. Frank Backsteps to fix the events, but things go wrong."
"On the first day of operations for the Global Space Station, an accident leads to it's destruction and the scattering of Plutonium across the United States. Frank Backsteps to fix the events, but things go wrong."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Ashes To Ashes." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three years ago, when Ensign Lyndsey Ballard died on an away mission, Voyager gave her a traditional burial in space. Her remains were recovered by the Kobali, a race that procreates by reanimating the corpses of other races and altering their DNA. When Lyndsey flees the Kobali and returns to Voyager, Janeway is skeptical but medical scans prove she is the real deal. While The Doctor can't make her human again, he alters her appearance to look like her old self and she tries to reintegrate herself with the crew. Also in this episode, Seven of Nine is frustrated to find the Borg children act more like children and less like Borg, despite her allotting 'fun' in their daily schedule."
"Three years ago, when Ensign Lyndsey Ballard died on an away mission, Voyager gave her a traditional burial in space. Her remains were recovered by the Kobali, a race that procreates by reanimating the corpses of other races and altering their DNA. When Lyndsey flees the Kobali and returns to Voyager, Janeway is skeptical but medical scans prove she is the real deal. While The Doctor can't make her human again, he alters her appearance to look like her old self and she tries to reintegrate herself with the crew. Also in this episode, Seven of Nine is frustrated to find the Borg children act more like children and less like Borg, despite her allotting 'fun' in their daily schedule."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Sea Dyed Red." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a final pitched battle in the desert, the Archangel must begin to make her way to the Federation base at Alaska. Cagalli and Kisaka decide to accompany them. En route, they are attacked numerous times by ZAFT maritime mobile suits. The Strike is at a distinct disadvantage. During the battle, Cagalli is shot down and lands on a deserted island. But Athrun has also crash-landed there. Cagalli takes an instant dislike to Athrun, who doesn't seem to care. The war just became personal. Finally, with an exhausted crew and a badly-damaged ship, the Archangel reaches the neutral nation of Orb. They think they're safe, but how long will it last?"
"After a final pitched battle in the desert, the Archangel must begin to make her way to the Federation base at Alaska. Cagalli and Kisaka decide to accompany them. En route, they are attacked numerous times by ZAFT maritime mobile suits. The Strike is at a distinct disadvantage. During the battle, Cagalli is shot down and lands on a deserted island. But Athrun has also crash-landed there. Cagalli takes an instant dislike to Athrun, who doesn't seem to care. The war just became personal. Finally, with an exhausted crew and a badly-damaged ship, the Archangel reaches the neutral nation of Orb. They think they're safe, but how long will it last?"
On this day in 2008 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "The Idiot's Lantern." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the re-launched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the coronation of Elizabeth II nears, the streets of London live in fear. Faceless people are stolen from their homes in the night and something evil is lurking in the television."
"As the coronation of Elizabeth II nears, the streets of London live in fear. Faceless people are stolen from their homes in the night and something evil is lurking in the television."
On this day in 2017, The 100 aired "The Tinder Box." This served as the fifth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clarke pleads with a former allied force to avoid a war and ensure her people's survival."
"Clarke pleads with a former allied force to avoid a war and ensure her people's survival."
On this day in 2017, The Expanse aired "Paradigm Shift." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth is planning an expedition to the point of Eros impact. Chrisjen conflicts with Sadavir about Jules-Pierre Mao. Col. Frederick Lucius Johnson improves his position in unexpected way. New battleground is opening."
"Earth is planning an expedition to the point of Eros impact. Chrisjen conflicts with Sadavir about Jules-Pierre Mao. Col. Frederick Lucius Johnson improves his position in unexpected way. New battleground is opening."
On this day in 1985 (per Memory Alpha), Star Trek's Shadow Lord enjoyed its general release to the consumer marketplace. Written by Laurence Yep, here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Prince Vikram of the planet Angira has been studying on Earth, and plans to return to his rather primitive world with revolutionary ideas. Spock and Sulu accompany him home, but are quickly embroiled in a savage conflict between Vikram's supporters and the technology-fearing usurpers who have seized his throne. To survive, and win Angira back for Vikram, Spock and Sulu must meet their enemies on their own terms, with swords."
"Prince Vikram of the planet Angira has been studying on Earth, and plans to return to his rather primitive world with revolutionary ideas. Spock and Sulu accompany him home, but are quickly embroiled in a savage conflict between Vikram's supporters and the technology-fearing usurpers who have seized his throne. To survive, and win Angira back for Vikram, Spock and Sulu must meet their enemies on their own terms, with swords."
