Those who've followed George Lucas beyond just the ordinary know that he has a long-established affinity for more cerebral ideas in film-making. Thus, a while before he dreamed up taking audiences to a galaxy far, far away, Lucas dabbled with what he felt were more relevant themes in SciFi. His THX 1138 starred Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasance, and it took place in our own galaxy, far off in the 25th century, where a male and a female rebelled against their own rigidly controlled society. The film first debuted on this day in 1971. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
SciFi writer Christopher Anvil is the pseudonym of American author Harry Christopher Crosby. Throughout the years, he built up a solid resume of sci-fi short story writing in such magazines as Imagination and Astounding Magazine. If you'd like to know more about his own "astounding" library of works, check out the entry over at Wikipedia as it's quite impressive. Though he's no longer with us, Anvil was born on this day in 1925. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
With over 150 different screen credits to his name, it's a wonder Albert Salmi never quite became a household name. Fans might recognize him from appearances in One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, Voayge To The Bottom Of The Sea, Lost In Space, Land Of The Giants, Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971), Empire Of The Ants (1977), Dragonslayer (1981), and Knight Rider. Though he's no longer with us, Salmi was born on this day in 1927. [Source: IMDB.com]
Somehow Diane Brewster managed to squeeze in a top role aboard The Invisible Boy (1957) while also filling out a mountain of jobs in more conventional dramas. Though she's no longer with us, Brewster was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Nancy Kovak certainly left her mark on the realm of Star Trek, appearing as she did as 'Nona' aboard the program's second season outing, "A Private Little War." She also served time aboard Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Batman, The Invaders, and The Invisible Man. Kovak was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
1986's Defenders Of The Earth was a short-lived but popular animated program that's largely remembered by audience members of its day for taking a handful of 'second tier' heroes -- Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake The Magician, etc. -- and combining them into one fabulous strike force. Actor William Callaway was given the daunting task of bringing to life 'Ming The Merciless' for the show. He's also provided voicework in such properties as Sealab 2020, Challenge Of The Superfriends, The World's Greatest SuperFriends, The Incredible Hulk, and InHumanoids. Callaway was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hats off to the late Derek Deadman! Throughout his four decades in the entertainment industry, the actor built a resume rich in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy, securing screen time aboard Frankenstein: The True Story (1973), Doctor Who, Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), Morons From Outer Space (1985), and Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001). Though he's no longer with us, Deadman was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
As imperfect as Star Trek's "The Gamesters Of Triskelion" may be, it still managed to squeeze the perfect Angelique Pettyjohn into some of the loveliest Reynolds Wrap this side of Bajor. Though she's no longer with us, Pettyjohn was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alas, the future wasn't one that the lovely Tricia O'Neil was destined to see for her work aboard the stellar Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Yesterday's Enterprise." Still, she's enjoy a solid track record in genre entertainment, turning up in such properties as Brave New World (1980), The Powers Of Matthew Star, Voyagers, Airwolf, Babylon 5, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. O'Neil was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sci-fi writer Douglas Adams left behind an impressive legacy for a whole generation of sci-fi readers to discover, and there's no doubt scores of others will continue to discover his works in the future. While he's best known for penning The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, he's also earned his stripes with such other tomes as Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul, and The Salmon of Doubt. Though he's no longer with us, Adams was born on this day in 1952. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
Voice actor expert Rob Paulsen has an amazing resume on the web with over five hundred different roles. Genre fans might know his work best from Teen Titans, The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien Force, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Ben 10: Omniverse, Samurai Jack, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Paulsen was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
You've probably seen his work, but -- due to the magic of make-up and special effects -- you probably didn't know it! Stephen R. Hart has clocked appearances aboard such entities as Lost Girl, Space Janitors, Wynonna Earp, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, 12 Monkeys, Channel Zero, and The Umbrella Academy. Hart was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
The always likeable Elias Koteas had a role in Gattaca (1997). He's also appeared in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993), and Cyborg 2: Glass Shadow (1993). Koteas was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
With over 100 different screen credits to his name, it appears that Jeffrey Nordling gravitates toward conventional programming, but he had enjoyed roles aboard Alien Nation (TV), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Journey to the Center of the Earth (1993), Time Trax, TRON: Legacy (2010), and Arrow. Nordling was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of the earliest screen appearances for the lovely Barbara Alyn Woods was aboard "The Schizoid Man," a second season adventure for Star Trek: The Next Generation. She also booked roles aboard Circuitry Man (1990), The Terror Within II (1991), and Honey I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show. Woods was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Call me naive, but I hadn't realized what a polarizing character River Song can be with so many enthusiastic Whoovians. I guess the scuttlebutt all boils down to on some occasions they've liked what she's brought to the universe of Doctor Who, while in other cases they've loathed it. I guess I've never had any problems with her being part of the adventures in any great measure, and maybe that's because I enjoy actress Alex Kingston's work so much. Kingston was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Peter Berg is one of those actors who has transitioned into directing, and he's helmed such genre properties of late as Hancock (2008) and Battleship (2012). Berg was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Torchwood is another one of those instances wherein I tend to disagree modestly with much of sci-fi-fandom. The show is charming enough -- and it certainly posits some interesting storylines, situations, and characters -- but I preferred Capt. Jack Harkness's character when he was part and parcel of Doctor Who premises: I just haven't much cared for him out on his own. In either case, actor John Barrowman -- who plays the time traveler -- was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Terrence Howard (above left) joined Robert Downey Jr. in the very first Iron Man (2008); his part was recast in the subsequent entries in the franchise. Howard was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Johnny Knoxville yucked it up with a small role aboard Men In Black II (2002). He also provided the voice of 'Leonardo' in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Knoxville was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation: the venerable Christopher Khayman Lee suited up in the guise of the 'Red Ranger' aboard Power Rangers In Space. Lee was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented David Anders continues to impress whenever he's called into action, including his roles aboard such properties as Alias, Heroes, Warehouse 13, Arrow, iZombie, and Once Upon A Time. Anders was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Thora Birch had a guest role aboard USA Network's Colony program as part of the Resistance during its first season. Birch was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lindsey McKeon (above right) dropped in for a visit to The Land That Time Forgot (2009). She's also enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard The CW's long-running Supernatural. McKeon was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
To be honest, the talented Mircea Monroe pretty much sticks to more mainstream fare, but genre fans with take what we can get. She's been seen aboard Pterodactyl (2005), Growth (2010), and The CW's long-running Supernatural. Monroe was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Jade Harlow has cut her SciFi teeth with work aboard Turning Point (2015), Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., and CBS's summer series Zoo. Harlow was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
As much as Paramount Pictures hates the fans picking about every little piece of the JJ Abrams' flavored Star Trek reboot, I'll have to admit there are some charming elements to it. One of those is Anton Yelchin's portrayal of Ensign Pavel Chekov. No, it may not be perfect -- much ado can be made about the sub-par (not "pon farr") writing of the characters -- but, for all of those blemishes, Yelchin does do a pretty solid job with Chekov's youthful enthusiasm and a miserable accent. Go figure! Though he's no longer with us, Yelchin -- who also had a curious role in Terminator Salvation -- was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
The Martians are coming! The Martians are coming! On this day in 1954 (in Australia), the original The War Of The Worlds classic invaded theatrically. The feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
On this day in 1974 (in Madrid), the 1969-produced Latitude Zero made its mark cinematically. The feature starred Joseph Cotten and Cesar Romero, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A journalist is saved by a giant submarine captained by a 200 year old man who takes him to an underwater paradise city where no one ages. That's when monsters and mutants sent by the captain's rival, a 200 year old scientist, attack."
"A journalist is saved by a giant submarine captained by a 200 year old man who takes him to an underwater paradise city where no one ages. That's when monsters and mutants sent by the captain's rival, a 200 year old scientist, attack."
On this day in 1983, the Fantasy-themed Ator, The Fighting Eagle took a swing at audiences. The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Sabrina Siani, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The son of Torren learns of his heritage, goes to avenge the deaths of his fellow villagers, and rescue his sister/love interest from the evil Dakkar and his spider cult. Ator battles giant spiders, swordsmen cloaked in shadow, re-animated dead warriors, and horribly hideous witches."
"The son of Torren learns of his heritage, goes to avenge the deaths of his fellow villagers, and rescue his sister/love interest from the evil Dakkar and his spider cult. Ator battles giant spiders, swordsmen cloaked in shadow, re-animated dead warriors, and horribly hideous witches."
On this day in 1983 (in Norway), Battletruck rumbled its way into theatres. The feature starred Michael Beck and James Wainwright, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
A star is born! On this day in 1986, The Visitants visited its release on home video. The SciFi/Comedy starred Jordana Capra and Marcus Vaughter, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Aliens chase a teenager who stole one of their ray guns."
"Aliens chase a teenager who stole one of their ray guns."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Japan, per Wikipedia.org), Five Star Stories premiered theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary behind this Fantasy/Anime:
"The Joker five-star system is under Emperor Amaterasu. Mecha pilot Ladios must save his co-pilot, Fatima-class female android Lachesis, from one of many warlords, who oppose Amaterasu."
"The Joker five-star system is under Emperor Amaterasu. Mecha pilot Ladios must save his co-pilot, Fatima-class female android Lachesis, from one of many warlords, who oppose Amaterasu."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Japan), the animated SciFi flick Venus Wars launched into space. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The new frontier of Venus has degenerated into a dystopia ravaged by the civil war between Ishtar and Aphrodia. Bubbly reporter Susan Sommers arrives in the capitol of Aphrodia just before it's captured by Ishtar. She falls in with a bunch of teen-agers who live for a sort of motorcycle version of Roller Derby. Daredevil rider Hiro and his friends reluctantly join the struggle to free Aphrodia from the invaders. Not surprisingly, Hiro proves an ace at piloting the mono-cycles that are the Aphrodians' secret weapon in the key battle."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray release of Venus Wars via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Interested readers can find my review right here.
"The new frontier of Venus has degenerated into a dystopia ravaged by the civil war between Ishtar and Aphrodia. Bubbly reporter Susan Sommers arrives in the capitol of Aphrodia just before it's captured by Ishtar. She falls in with a bunch of teen-agers who live for a sort of motorcycle version of Roller Derby. Daredevil rider Hiro and his friends reluctantly join the struggle to free Aphrodia from the invaders. Not surprisingly, Hiro proves an ace at piloting the mono-cycles that are the Aphrodians' secret weapon in the key battle."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray release of Venus Wars via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1996, the SciFi/Telefilm Star Command (aka In The Fold) was released. The feature starred Chad Everett and Morgan Fairchild, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"A crew of freshly graduated space navy cadets find themselves fighting with opponents from breakaway Earth colonies after their commanding officers are killed in an attack."
"A crew of freshly graduated space navy cadets find themselves fighting with opponents from breakaway Earth colonies after their commanding officers are killed in an attack."
On this day in 2008, Outpost enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. The feature starred Ray Stevenson and Richard Brake, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a long-hidden secret in an abandoned WWII bunker."
"In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a long-hidden secret in an abandoned WWII bunker."
On this day in 2008, Recon 2022: The Mezzo Incident enjoyed its premiere. The feature starred Andy Bradshaw and Heidi Hawkins, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"After the gruesome events on Caprini, Sharp and his elite team of tough, witty and trigger happy space Marines must now head out to the icy planet Mezzo to investigate further Ma'har activities. What they will encounter will defy their imaginations as they tackle giant man eating snow worms, an underground city of Cyborgs, a slew of murderous alien entities and maybe, finally, the ever elusive Ma'hars."
"After the gruesome events on Caprini, Sharp and his elite team of tough, witty and trigger happy space Marines must now head out to the icy planet Mezzo to investigate further Ma'har activities. What they will encounter will defy their imaginations as they tackle giant man eating snow worms, an underground city of Cyborgs, a slew of murderous alien entities and maybe, finally, the ever elusive Ma'hars."
On this day back in 2011, the SciFi/Drama Battle Los Angeles premiered theatrically in wide release in the United States and beyond. Personally, I liked it quite a bit, though I know some genre fans kinda/sorta nitpicked the hell out of it. Whatever. For those who'd like to know more, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A squadron of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squadron of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
Also on this day in 2011, Mars Needs Moms opened theatrically. (I saw that one in 3D.) I've read that the film was a huge box office bomb, but I thought it was quite entertaining. Here's the plot summary from our friends over at IMDB.com:
"A young boy named Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his mom after Martians come to Earth to take her away."
"A young boy named Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his mom after Martians come to Earth to take her away."
While I'm no fan of Jake Gyllenhaal, I can appreciate a good time travel yarn as much as the next SciFi enthusiast; and Source Code works very well as one. It balances the right amount of fiction, theory, action, and character in the modest little crowd-pleaser that premiered theatrically on this day back in 2011 for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? Here's the summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A soldier wakes up in someone else's body and discovers he's part of an experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. A mission he has only 8 minutes to complete."
Also, it bears mentioning that the flick was nominated for the 2012 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (Long Form) as well as the 2012 Bradbury Award by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Kudos to all involved for making some terrific SciFi!
"A soldier wakes up in someone else's body and discovers he's part of an experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. A mission he has only 8 minutes to complete."
Also, it bears mentioning that the flick was nominated for the 2012 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (Long Form) as well as the 2012 Bradbury Award by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Kudos to all involved for making some terrific SciFi!
On this day in 2016, Creative Control enjoyed a run at the multiplexes. The SciFi/Drama starred Benjamin Dickinson and Nora Zehetner, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In near future Brooklyn, an ad executive uses a new Augmented Reality technology to conduct an affair with his best friend's girlfriend...sort of."
"In near future Brooklyn, an ad executive uses a new Augmented Reality technology to conduct an affair with his best friend's girlfriend...sort of."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Perfect enjoyed its very first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. The SciFi feature starred Garrett Wareing and Abbie Cornish, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young man with a violent past enters a mysterious clinic where the patients wildly transform their bodies and minds using genetic engineering."
"A young man with a violent past enters a mysterious clinic where the patients wildly transform their bodies and minds using genetic engineering."
On this day in 1960, "A World of Difference" aired as the twenty-third episode of The Twilight Zone's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the tale's summary:
"A businessman sitting in his office inexplicably finds that he is on a production set and in a world where he is a movie star. Uninterested in the newfound fame, he fights to get back to his home and family."
"A businessman sitting in his office inexplicably finds that he is on a production set and in a world where he is a movie star. Uninterested in the newfound fame, he fights to get back to his home and family."
On this day in 1980, Blake's 7 aired "Moloch." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Liberator follows Servalan's flagship to Sardos, where a rogue Federation officer has designs on the galaxy."
"The Liberator follows Servalan's flagship to Sardos, where a rogue Federation officer has designs on the galaxy."
On this day in 1983, The Powers of Matthew Star aired "The Great Waldo Shepard." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Stolen NATO plans send Matthew and Walt undercover at an air show to find a plane that contains them."
"Stolen NATO plans send Matthew and Walt undercover at an air show to find a plane that contains them."
On this day in 1989, Superboy aired "Terror From The Blue." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After witnessing a police officer being gunned down by a corrupt colleague, Lana is targeted by crooked cops."
"After witnessing a police officer being gunned down by a corrupt colleague, Lana is targeted by crooked cops."
On this day in 1992, Quantum Leap aired "Roberto!" This served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the role of a "Geraldo" type journalist, Sam and an asthmatic woman try and uncover the truth about what is going on at a local chemical plant."
"In the role of a "Geraldo" type journalist, Sam and an asthmatic woman try and uncover the truth about what is going on at a local chemical plant."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Lethal Weapons." This served as the seventh episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien must stop a scientist from the future who is arming criminals from the past with dangerous futuristic technology."
"Darien must stop a scientist from the future who is arming criminals from the past with dangerous futuristic technology."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Day of the Dead." This served as the eighth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"It is the Brakiri Day of the Dead. They purchase a large section of the station for their holiday. That night everyone in that sector meets with people who have passed away. Most of the inhabitants of the sector are happy to see their loved ones, but Lennier's encounter leaves him with troubling news about his future."
"It is the Brakiri Day of the Dead. They purchase a large section of the station for their holiday. That night everyone in that sector meets with people who have passed away. Most of the inhabitants of the sector are happy to see their loved ones, but Lennier's encounter leaves him with troubling news about his future."
On this day in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Threads." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Daniel finds himself in a strange time and place - a diner where Oma is working as a waitress. She gives him a clear choice - he can choose to die or to ascend but if it's the latter, he will not be able to help his friends fight Anubis, who has yet to be disposed of. He strikes up a conversation with another patron, Jim, who has his own take on the situation. Sam meanwhile decides the time has come for her fiancé to meet her father Jacob. Jacob is not well however, something he has kept from Sam for several weeks. After Pete surprises her - he thinks he's found the perfect house for them - Sam realizes she has to come to grips with her feelings for someone else. Teal'c and Master Bra'tac have information that Anubis may be gathering what remains of his forces for an attack on Dakara."
"Daniel finds himself in a strange time and place - a diner where Oma is working as a waitress. She gives him a clear choice - he can choose to die or to ascend but if it's the latter, he will not be able to help his friends fight Anubis, who has yet to be disposed of. He strikes up a conversation with another patron, Jim, who has his own take on the situation. Sam meanwhile decides the time has come for her fiancé to meet her father Jacob. Jacob is not well however, something he has kept from Sam for several weeks. After Pete surprises her - he thinks he's found the perfect house for them - Sam realizes she has to come to grips with her feelings for someone else. Teal'c and Master Bra'tac have information that Anubis may be gathering what remains of his forces for an attack on Dakara."
On this day in 2014, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Yes Men." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Skye recovers, Lady Sif arrives with need of assistance in capturing an escaped Asgardian prisoner, named Lorelei."
"While Skye recovers, Lady Sif arrives with need of assistance in capturing an escaped Asgardian prisoner, named Lorelei."
Sorry, folks, but I don't game ... so I can tell you absolutely next-to-nothing about Titanfall, the video game from Respawn Entertainment which released on this day in 2014. Still, I can tell you the premise of the thing as it's been providing by the kind folks at the reliable IMDB.com:
"Science-fiction shooter video game that juxtaposes small vs. giant, natural vs. industrial, man vs. robot."
"Science-fiction shooter video game that juxtaposes small vs. giant, natural vs. industrial, man vs. robot."
