Up until fairly recently, I hadn't actually seen The Andromeda Strain (1971) all in a single sitting. It's quite long -- and quite slow -- which is why I'd settled over the years for just taking it in over several pieces. But I buckled down, purchased the DVD, and enjoyed it finally in a single viewing session. As sci-fi goes, it's definitely an amazing film, but it's hardly popcorn entertainment ... to say the least. The film was first released theatrically on this day back in 1971. Directed by Robert Wise with a story from Michael Crichton and Nelson Gidding, the feature starred James Olson, Arthur Hill, and David Wayne. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Aboard one of the biggest SciFi spectacles of all time, Alfred Abel played 'Joh Fredersen' in Fritz Lang's epic Metropolis (1927). Though he's no longer with us, Abel was born on this day in 1879.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Arthur Hewlett leaves behind a resume with almost one hundred and fifty different screen credits, but genre fans will probably remember him best for his visit to the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Hewlett was born on this day in 1907.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Overton joined William Shatner aboard "This Side Of Paradise," one of the popular episodes of Star Trek's first season. The actor also appeared on One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, and The Invaders. Though he's no longer with us, Overton was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he was often cast as a screen heavy, Vladek Sheybal played 'Dr. Doug Jackson' aboard Gerry Anderson's signature UFO series for all of ten episodes. Though he's no longer with us, Sheybal was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
SciFi author Harry Harrison delivered what I always thought was a great hybrid of pulp and Science Fiction with such characters as Bill, The Galactic Hero and The Stainless Steel Rat. You can check out a website dedicated to his works right here. Though he's no longer with us, Harrison was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: ISFDB.org]
[Source: ISFDB.org]
In her short time on Planet Earth, Myrna Fahey did big things in the realm of entertainment. Genre fans might recognize her from appearances aboard Adventures Of Superman, Batman, and The Time Tunnel. Though she's no longer with us, Fahey was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's true that Get Smart isn't SciFi proper by any estimation, but I've always tried to give shout-outs to those programs that flirted on the fringes of the genre. That said, the lovely Barbara Feldon certainly turned heads as the comely Agent 99. Feldon was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Spenser leaves behind a resume of just over fifty different screen roles. As for appearances in the realms of the Fantastic, there are a few, including stops to such enterprises as Secret Beneath The Sea, The Earth Dies Screaming (1964), Adam Adamant Lives, Battle Beneath The Earth (1967), and Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Spenser was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Katherine Woodville appeared in the third season of the classic Star Trek. She also made visits to the realms of Kolchak: The Night Slayer, Gemini Man, Wonder Man, and Salvage 1. Though she's no longer with us, Woodville was born on this day in 1938.
Dean Cundey (shown above from his cameo in Back To The Future 3) is another one of those geniuses behind-the-lens who has helped bring some of cinema's greater flicks to life via his fantastic command of visuals. He's worked on such features as Escape From New York (1981), The Invisible Woman (1983), Project X (1987), and Jurassic Park (1993). Cundey was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You may not know his face, but you've undoubtedly heard his voice as voiceover veteran Frank Welker clocks in with over eight hundred different credits to his name. Seriously, check out his profile at IMDB when you can, as it's nothing short of incredible. All genres are represented. Welker was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whether he's directing or producing Rob Cohen has certainly strayed close to the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Behind the lens, he's been involved with The Monster Squad (1987), The Running Man (1987), Knight Rider 2010 (1994), DragonHeart (1996), and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). Cohen was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chicago-born actor Charles Levin definitely gravitated a bit more toward conventional work as opposed to genre projects. Still, he has a few worthy of mention, including work aboard Tales From The Darkside, The Twilight Zone, and The Golden Child (1986). Though he's no longer with us, Levin was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the lovely Caren Kaye personified sexiness for a certain era of TV viewers and moviegoers. Though she's probably best remembered for baring her assets aboard My Tutor, genre fans might recognize her from appearances in Monster Squad, Amazing Stories, Out Of This World, and Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1993). Kaye was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. was one of those Fox TV shows that never quite managed to build an audience and, thus, didn't survive. But for those of us who watched this weird odyssey into a Wild West populated by ideas normally reserved for Science Fiction and Fantasy it was a delight. Julius Carry played 'Lord Bowler' -- a kinda/sorta unwilling sidekick to series star Bruce Campbell in their quest to dispense justice in that world; and -- though he's no longer with us -- Carry was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Via the miracle of special effects, Lesley Manville played a somewhat diminutive character in the Fantasy film Maleficent (2014). Manville was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only three professional credits to his name (if IMDB.com is to be trusted), then actor Dennis Alexio's last foray in front of the cameras was in an episode of TV's Super Force. Alexio was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Monkey Shines (1988) was one of the better SciFi/Horror films to come out of the 1980's. In it, Jason Beghe played a quadriplegic paired up with a monkey who begins to take its responsibilities a bit too seriously. The talented actor has also appeared aboard Alien Nation, Quantum Leap, Intruders, The X-Files, and X-Men: First Class (2011). Beghe was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Courtney B. Vance appeared in 2015's Terminator Genisys in the role of Miles Dyson (pictured above). Vance was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide (2011), an Apocalypse/Drama that saw Vance as one of the survivors of a nuclear assault on the U.S. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide (2011), an Apocalypse/Drama that saw Vance as one of the survivors of a nuclear assault on the U.S. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
One of my all-time favorite character actors -- the incredible Titus Welliver -- celebrates his birthday today. He doesn't do an awful lot of genre work, but he has made appearances in The X-Files, Star Trek: Voyager, The Twilight Zone, Lost, and Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014). Welliver was born on this day in 1961.
Julia Campbell is one of those actresses who never quite found mainstream, break-out success, but she's always turned in good work whenever called upon by the industry. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Werewolf, The Adventures Of Young Indiana Jones: Hollywood Follies (1994), The Pretender, Rose Red, Pushing Daisies, Heroes, and The Event. Campbell was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shannon Engemann suited up for adventure (and looked fetching by doing so!) aboard the Fantasy/Comedy Dudes & Dragons (2015). Engemann was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Rick Worthy has played some pretty key roles in a whole host of sci-fi and/or sci-fi-lite properties, ranging from Star Trek: The Next Generation to the new-fangled Battlestar Galactica and even Supernatural. Worthy was born on this day in 1967.
Actor Aaron Eckhart got to show he knew what it took to take the fight to the alien menace that had briefly invaded the West Coast in Battle Los Angeles, a terrific little military-style sci-fi flick from a few years back. Eckhart was born on this day in 1968.
When he was an urchin, Jason Lively joined Christopher Walken aboard the kinda/sorta ill-fated SciFi feature Brainstorm (1983). Lively was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Caroline Keenan enjoyed a small role aboard the Apocalypse/Drama The Day After Tomorrow (2004). Keenan was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Heidi Marnhout has dabbled in such genre projects as Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998), Angel, Flight Of The Living Dead (2007), and the short-lived The Middleman. Marnhout was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Harrington turned up in the guise of 'Gerwyn' for a few episodes aboard the Fantasy-themed Wolfblood on television. Harrington was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and producer Rhys Coiro definitely continues to build a career across multiple genres. Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror fans have seen what he can do in front of the camera in such properties as The Unborn (2009), 30 Days Of Night: Dark Days (2010), Person Of Interest, Dead Ant (2017), The Walking Dead, and the failed Disney+/Marvel streaming series She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. Coiro was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Look! Just look at that face! At that guise! At that heroic poise! Now, you tell me that isn't who was supposed to play DC's Wonder Woman! The problem is the good people at Marvel got to her first and cast her as Lady Sif for the Thor pictures and beyond. Bummer. She could've been a terrific Wonder Woman. Whatever. Her name is Jaimie Alexander, and she was born on this day in 1984.
Young Malina Weissman is certainly a hard worker set out to make a name for herself. Even at such a young age, she's booked appearances aboard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014), The CW's Supergirl, and Netflix's A Series Of Unfortunate Events. Weissman was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1964 (in Mexico), Panic In Year Zero showed audiences what was in store for them when the Apocalypse arrived. Directed and starring the great Ray Milland, the film also featured Jean Hagen and a young Frankie Avalon, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
"A family leaves L.A. for a camping trip - just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As the city descends into chaos, the father must fight to keep his family alive."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in Japan), the SciFi/Anime Crusher Joe: The Movie enjoyed its theatrical run. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Amid a supposedly simple escort mission, Joe and his crew experience a failure during their warp travel. They wake up just to find out that the passengers are missing. To make things worse, the United Space Force accuses them of committing space piracy and Crusher HQ suspends their licenses for six months. To clear their names, they head out to the dangerous planet of Lagol to find the person who hired them for that particular mission."
"Amid a supposedly simple escort mission, Joe and his crew experience a failure during their warp travel. They wake up just to find out that the passengers are missing. To make things worse, the United Space Force accuses them of committing space piracy and Crusher HQ suspends their licenses for six months. To clear their names, they head out to the dangerous planet of Lagol to find the person who hired them for that particular mission."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in Japan), the SciFi/Anime Harmagedon: Genma Taisen enjoyed its theatrical run. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Transylvanian princess, a Japanese high school student and a 2000 year old warrior are selected to be part of a small force of powerful psionic warriors assembled to be the defenders of Earth against a nihilistic alien entity bent on pure total cosmic destruction."
"A Transylvanian princess, a Japanese high school student and a 2000 year old warrior are selected to be part of a small force of powerful psionic warriors assembled to be the defenders of Earth against a nihilistic alien entity bent on pure total cosmic destruction."
On this day in 1992 (in Brazil), Dollman emerged from the theatrical toybox to win over audiences with its small charm. The flick starred Tim Thomerson and Jackie Earle Haley, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A hard-boiled, intergalactic policeman lands on Earth where he is only 12 inches tall."
"A hard-boiled, intergalactic policeman lands on Earth where he is only 12 inches tall."
A star is born! On this day back in 1993, Fire In The Sky premiered theatrically, telling the story of Arizona logger Travis Walton and his abduction by aliens from the night forest. If you haven't seen it, then I'd encourage you to check it out. It's one of the more smartly made abduction flicks you'll find.
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in Greece), Scanner Cop reported for duty with his first release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Pierre David, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Daniel Quinn, Darlanne Fluegel, and Richard Grove. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sam Staziak, a rookie cop with the Los Angeles Police Department, is also a 'scanner' (psionic). When a string of murders begins to decimate the police department, Sam faces sensory overload and possible insanity as he uses his powers to hunt the man responsible for the killings."
"Sam Staziak, a rookie cop with the Los Angeles Police Department, is also a 'scanner' (psionic). When a string of murders begins to decimate the police department, Sam faces sensory overload and possible insanity as he uses his powers to hunt the man responsible for the killings."
A star is born! On this day in 1996, Venus Rising rose onto the home video charts with its release. The feature starred Jessica Alba and Morgan Fairchild, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After escaping from the island prison where they grew up, Eve and Vegas make it to the "real world." But the world they discover is not what they expected. Set in the future, "Venus Rising" follows Eve and Vegas as they try to fit into a place where people are controlled by drugs and virtual reality. Meanwhile, the prison's owners try to track down the young couple. Soon, Eve and Vegas must fight to stay alive."
"After escaping from the island prison where they grew up, Eve and Vegas make it to the "real world." But the world they discover is not what they expected. Set in the future, "Venus Rising" follows Eve and Vegas as they try to fit into a place where people are controlled by drugs and virtual reality. Meanwhile, the prison's owners try to track down the young couple. Soon, Eve and Vegas must fight to stay alive."
A star is born! Yes, a dubious flirtation with exploring telekinesis can make any horror film more Fantasy than anything else; and on this day in 1999, The Rage: Carrie 2 did just that. The feature starred Emily Bergl and Jason London, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A horrible massacre strikes up after an outcast teenage girl is taunted by a group of high school jocks, all of them unaware of her cutthroat telekinetic powers."
"A horrible massacre strikes up after an outcast teenage girl is taunted by a group of high school jocks, all of them unaware of her cutthroat telekinetic powers."
A star is born! On this day in 1999, Wing Commander flew into the multiplexes. The SciFi feature starred Freddie Prinze Jr. and Saffron Burrows, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Blair, a fighter pilot, joins an interstellar war to fight the evil Kilrathi who are trying to destroy the universe."
"Blair, a fighter pilot, joins an interstellar war to fight the evil Kilrathi who are trying to destroy the universe."
A star is born ... and a franchise began! On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event of Resident Evil. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ryan McCluskey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' and actress Jovovich earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' and actress Jovovich earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Greece), audiences in attendance of the Athens International SciFi & Fantasy Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of The Whisperer In Darkness. Written (in part) and directed by Sean Branney, the motion picture starred Stephen Blakehart, Casey Kramer, and Zack Gold. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Based on the H. P. Lovecraft story of the same name, a folklorist investigates reports of unusual creatures in Vermont only to uncover more than he bargained for."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Whisperer In Darkness enjoyed a bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Based on the H. P. Lovecraft story of the same name, a folklorist investigates reports of unusual creatures in Vermont only to uncover more than he bargained for."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Whisperer In Darkness enjoyed a bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the big screen premiere of The Hunger Games. Written (in part) and directed by Gary Ross, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives."
"In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in China), the good people of Beijing were treated to the theatrical premiere of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Directed by Zack Snyder, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Amy Adams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The general public is concerned over having Superman on their planet and letting the "Dark Knight" - Batman - pursue the streets of Gotham. While this is happening, a power-phobic Batman tries to attack Superman. Meanwhile, Superman tries to settle on a decision, and Lex Luthor, the criminal mastermind and millionaire, tries to use his own advantages to fight the "Man of Steel"."
"The general public is concerned over having Superman on their planet and letting the "Dark Knight" - Batman - pursue the streets of Gotham. While this is happening, a power-phobic Batman tries to attack Superman. Meanwhile, Superman tries to settle on a decision, and Lex Luthor, the criminal mastermind and millionaire, tries to use his own advantages to fight the "Man of Steel"."
A star is born! On this day in 2016, Interstellar Wars (aka Independence Wars Insurgence) enjoyed its U.S. debut. Directed by Marlene Mc'Cohen, the SciFi feature starred Brian Lally and Robert Woods, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Beyond the dark side of the moon, an ancient portal opens, delivering a ruthless alien species which brings the planet Earth to its knees."
"Beyond the dark side of the moon, an ancient portal opens, delivering a ruthless alien species which brings the planet Earth to its knees."
On this day in 2019, the United States enjoyed its debut of the SciFi/Drama A.I. Rising (aka Ederlezi Rising). Directed by Lazar Bodroza, the feature starred Sebastian Cavazza and the performance artist Stoya, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ederlezi Rising is an exciting science fiction romance set in near future about the pioneering space mission to Alpha Centauri undertaken by the multinational Ederlezi Corporation. Ederlezi recruits Milutin a Slav cosmonaut trained in the newly reformed futuristic Soviet Union and accompanies him with Nimani, a female android programmed to fulfill whatever he desires."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
"Ederlezi Rising is an exciting science fiction romance set in near future about the pioneering space mission to Alpha Centauri undertaken by the multinational Ederlezi Corporation. Ederlezi recruits Milutin a Slav cosmonaut trained in the newly reformed futuristic Soviet Union and accompanies him with Nimani, a female android programmed to fulfill whatever he desires."
For the record:
I think there may be a set of critics that've largely dismissed Ederlezi Rising as a kinda/sorta bloated sex film mainly because Stoya -- one of its stars -- has worked in visual sexual therapy (ahem) for years. I'd argue that's a dissservice because intimacy is certainly a component of the tale the film doesn't revel in excess the way other adult-themed flicks do. On the festival circuit, the film has been warmly received, winning a handful of statues, including a 'Best Film' category twice while missing out on a few other nominations.
A star is born ... and this one had a face only a mother could love! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Snatchers enjoyed its theatrical premiere when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, the SciFi/Comedy starred Mary Nepi, Gabrielle Elyse, and J.J. Nolan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After status-obsessed teen Sara has sex for the first time, she wakes up the next day nine months pregnant-with an alien."
"After status-obsessed teen Sara has sex for the first time, she wakes up the next day nine months pregnant-with an alien."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Mystery of the Missing Mail Ship." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A blackballed Solar Guard links up with a weapons specialist recently dismissed from the Space Academy to wreak havoc on the solar system's merchant shipping. Tom and his men are assigned to serve as bait to lure the renegades into a trap."
"A blackballed Solar Guard links up with a weapons specialist recently dismissed from the Space Academy to wreak havoc on the solar system's merchant shipping. Tom and his men are assigned to serve as bait to lure the renegades into a trap."
On this day in 1961 (in the United Kingdom), Pathfinders To Venus aired "Into The Poison Cloud." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The MR4 arrives at Venus. Scheming Harcourt Brown is convinced that he has seen indications of advanced life on the surface of Venus and lies to Henderson telling him that Capt. Wilson has already been forced to crash land on the planet."
"The MR4 arrives at Venus. Scheming Harcourt Brown is convinced that he has seen indications of advanced life on the surface of Venus and lies to Henderson telling him that Capt. Wilson has already been forced to crash land on the planet."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "The Plague" as part of The Ark storyline. Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the Ark infected with a cold virus, the Doctor must convince the Guardians to trust him so he can find a cure."
"With the Ark infected with a cold virus, the Doctor must convince the Guardians to trust him so he can find a cure."
On this day in 1968, Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons aired "Noose of Ice." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tritonium alloy mining operations at Hotspot Tower in the North Pole are threatened when a Mysteron agent cuts the power to vital heating elements."
"Tritonium alloy mining operations at Hotspot Tower in the North Pole are threatened when a Mysteron agent cuts the power to vital heating elements."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "The Pursued." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien woman contacts David hoping he can save her. She a mutant alien, who has uncontrolled emotions, and they want to kill her before she contacts Vincent. David is dubious, but he desperately wants her to testify at a special hearing."
"An alien woman contacts David hoping he can save her. She a mutant alien, who has uncontrolled emotions, and they want to kill her before she contacts Vincent. David is dubious, but he desperately wants her to testify at a special hearing."
On this day in 1974, Casshan aired "Great Escape From The Robot Factory." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TVGuide.com:
"During a rescue operation, Casshan learns that the Braiking Boss is attempting to create more powerful robots using super-radial energy."
"During a rescue operation, Casshan learns that the Braiking Boss is attempting to create more powerful robots using super-radial energy."
On this day in 1977, Doctor Who aired "The Talons Of Weng-Chiang, Part 3." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode of the program's fourteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Leela follows Chang in order to find Greel's hideout while the Doctor and Litefoot set about finding her."
"Leela follows Chang in order to find Greel's hideout while the Doctor and Litefoot set about finding her."
On this day in 1978, Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4003: The Fremont Incident." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Major Gatlin and S/Sgt. Fritz travel to Fremont, NV to investigate a series of UFO sightings. One of them included a sighting of alien beings and another claims to have fragments of alien spacecraft."
"Major Gatlin and S/Sgt. Fritz travel to Fremont, NV to investigate a series of UFO sightings. One of them included a sighting of alien beings and another claims to have fragments of alien spacecraft."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "Race Against Disaster." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jason enters a continental auto race with a fellow driver named Lucy. However, Lucy is not all she seems to be. Although used by Spectra to infiltrate G-Force via Jason, Lucy is not able to complete her mission because she has grown fond of Jason. This is quite a feat, especially after the revelation that she is a robot."
"Jason enters a continental auto race with a fellow driver named Lucy. However, Lucy is not all she seems to be. Although used by Spectra to infiltrate G-Force via Jason, Lucy is not able to complete her mission because she has grown fond of Jason. This is quite a feat, especially after the revelation that she is a robot."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "Golden Orbit, Part 1." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Harry is hired to launch a satellite into space using his private rocket, but the U.S. government attempts to scuttle the attempt. Meanwhile, Skip, recently rehired as an astronaut, faces deadly cold in outer space when the heater in his space capsule malfunctions."
"Harry is hired to launch a satellite into space using his private rocket, but the U.S. government attempts to scuttle the attempt. Meanwhile, Skip, recently rehired as an astronaut, faces deadly cold in outer space when the heater in his space capsule malfunctions."
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "The Satyr." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Buck Rogers and Twiki visit the planet Arcadus, hoping to discover one of the lost colonies of Earth. However, they find only two survivors - Cyra Samos and her young son Delph - who have been living in terror of a half-goat, half-human satyr named Pangor. Cyra seems reluctant to speak about the satyr, and repeatedly refuses Buck's offers to relocate. When Pangor attacks Buck's ship, he and Twiki are grounded temporarily. And after being bitten by the creature during a struggle, Buck begins turning into a satyr himself. After learning a strange affliction had turned all the men of the colony into the creatures, his only hope is to leave the planet as soon as possible."
For the record:
I think it's worth a mention that composer Bruce Broughton won the 1981 Primetime Emmy for 'Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)' for his contribution to this hour of Buck Rogers ... which officially makes this second season installment the only Emmy-winning episode of Buck's two-season run. Congrats!
"Buck Rogers and Twiki visit the planet Arcadus, hoping to discover one of the lost colonies of Earth. However, they find only two survivors - Cyra Samos and her young son Delph - who have been living in terror of a half-goat, half-human satyr named Pangor. Cyra seems reluctant to speak about the satyr, and repeatedly refuses Buck's offers to relocate. When Pangor attacks Buck's ship, he and Twiki are grounded temporarily. And after being bitten by the creature during a struggle, Buck begins turning into a satyr himself. After learning a strange affliction had turned all the men of the colony into the creatures, his only hope is to leave the planet as soon as possible."
For the record:
I think it's worth a mention that composer Bruce Broughton won the 1981 Primetime Emmy for 'Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)' for his contribution to this hour of Buck Rogers ... which officially makes this second season installment the only Emmy-winning episode of Buck's two-season run. Congrats!
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired its eighteenth episode of its inaugural season, an hour which focused in on young Wesley Crusher played by the insufferable Wil Wheaton. The story was titled "Coming of Age," and here's the plot summary from our friends at IMDB.com:
"Picard finds himself facing a strenuous test of his loyalty to Starfleet, one which the other members of the crew are struggling to cope with, whilst Wesley faces an equally challenging entrance exam at Starfleet Academy."
"Picard finds himself facing a strenuous test of his loyalty to Starfleet, one which the other members of the crew are struggling to cope with, whilst Wesley faces an equally challenging entrance exam at Starfleet Academy."
On this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired "Rebirth." This served as the eighteenth episode of the cult program's first and only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Sikes comes back after being pronounced dead, he becomes obsessed with finding the Newcomer he believes healed him."
"When Sikes comes back after being pronounced dead, he becomes obsessed with finding the Newcomer he believes healed him."
On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Quarantine." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After investigating a abandoned research complex on a ice planet. Lister, Cat and Kryten returns to Red Dwarf only to find Rimmer has been infected with an electronic virus and he has taken over Red Dwarf and Lister, Cat and Kryten have been sentenced to Quarantine for three months."
"After investigating a abandoned research complex on a ice planet. Lister, Cat and Kryten returns to Red Dwarf only to find Rimmer has been infected with an electronic virus and he has taken over Red Dwarf and Lister, Cat and Kryten have been sentenced to Quarantine for three months."
On this day in 1994, Weird Science aired "Universal Remote." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To zip through the boring parts of life, Lisa creates a remote that gets Gary stuck in a time loop."
"To zip through the boring parts of life, Lisa creates a remote that gets Gary stuck in a time loop."
On this day in 1995, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Lucky Leon." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jimmy is arrested for murder and Superman is wanted for stealing nuclear warheads. Lois and Clark go out on their first date. Mayson learns Superman's identity."
"Jimmy is arrested for murder and Superman is wanted for stealing nuclear warheads. Lois and Clark go out on their first date. Mayson learns Superman's identity."
On this day in 1999, Stargate SG-1 aired "Out Of Mind." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Col. Jack O'Neill awakens to learn that he was cryogenically frozen 79 years ago and that all members of his team are now dead. Major General Trofsky, now in command of the Stargate program, tells him that the battle with the Goa'uld continues but Earth is losing. They use a device to tap his memories and he recalls his visits with those societies that may have the technology to defeat the Goa'uld. All is not as it seems however as Sam Carter and Daniel Jackson are in different rooms undergoing the same process. They are in fact captives of the Goa'uld. Back on Earth, Teal'c awakens from a three week coma and when General Hammond refuses to let him return to look for his friends, he announces he is leaving the program and returning to his home planet."
"Col. Jack O'Neill awakens to learn that he was cryogenically frozen 79 years ago and that all members of his team are now dead. Major General Trofsky, now in command of the Stargate program, tells him that the battle with the Goa'uld continues but Earth is losing. They use a device to tap his memories and he recalls his visits with those societies that may have the technology to defeat the Goa'uld. All is not as it seems however as Sam Carter and Daniel Jackson are in different rooms undergoing the same process. They are in fact captives of the Goa'uld. Back on Earth, Teal'c awakens from a three week coma and when General Hammond refuses to let him return to look for his friends, he announces he is leaving the program and returning to his home planet."
On this day in 2000, The X-Files aired "Theef." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Voodoo appears to be involved in the murder of a prominent doctor's father-in-law. Mulder and Scully work to stop the killer who uses hex-craft to exact his revenge on the doctor's family."
"Voodoo appears to be involved in the murder of a prominent doctor's father-in-law. Mulder and Scully work to stop the killer who uses hex-craft to exact his revenge on the doctor's family."
On this day in 2002, Smallville aired "Zero." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Lex helps Lana prepare for the re-opening of the Smallville theater, The Talon, as a coffee shop, a man from Lex's past, named Jude Royce, arrives in town and begins stalking Lex wanting to hold him in conjunction with a shooting death at Club Zero in Metropolis three years ago that Lex may have been responsible for. Meanwhile, Chloe looks into Clark's past as an adopted child while Martha and Jonathan try to thwart Chloe's moves."
"As Lex helps Lana prepare for the re-opening of the Smallville theater, The Talon, as a coffee shop, a man from Lex's past, named Jude Royce, arrives in town and begins stalking Lex wanting to hold him in conjunction with a shooting death at Club Zero in Metropolis three years ago that Lex may have been responsible for. Meanwhile, Chloe looks into Clark's past as an adopted child while Martha and Jonathan try to thwart Chloe's moves."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Lost City: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's seventh season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Vice President Kinsey briefs Dr. Weir on the Stargate program before her meeting with the president. SG teams 1, 3, and 5 go off-world to attempt the extraction of a newly found Ancient repository device. Upon arriving at the location of the device, SG-1 comes under fire from Goa'uld ships. With no other way to disallow Anubis from claiming the knowledge for himself, Jack submits himself to the dangerous device."
"Vice President Kinsey briefs Dr. Weir on the Stargate program before her meeting with the president. SG teams 1, 3, and 5 go off-world to attempt the extraction of a newly found Ancient repository device. Upon arriving at the location of the device, SG-1 comes under fire from Goa'uld ships. With no other way to disallow Anubis from claiming the knowledge for himself, Jack submits himself to the dangerous device."
On this day in 2008, Torchwood aired "From Out Of The Rain." This served as tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An old movie theatre, The Electro, has been restored and is opening as a museum. Ianto used to go there as a child and invites Owen and Gwen to the opening. Jack hears faint music, like pipe organ, at Torchwood. Then the movie projector somehow plays a different film than the one on the reel. Ianto sees Jack in the movie, in a traveling show. Then the projector stops. Two characters from the movie disappear into the night..."
"An old movie theatre, The Electro, has been restored and is opening as a museum. Ianto used to go there as a child and invites Owen and Gwen to the opening. Jack hears faint music, like pipe organ, at Torchwood. Then the movie projector somehow plays a different film than the one on the reel. Ianto sees Jack in the movie, in a traveling show. Then the projector stops. Two characters from the movie disappear into the night..."
On this day in 2009, Smallville aired "Infamous." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Linda Lake comes back to Smallville and blackmails Clark to expose his true identity. However, Clark decides he will reveal his secret by himself. A fanatic teenager fakes a fall so Clark can save her."
"Linda Lake comes back to Smallville and blackmails Clark to expose his true identity. However, Clark decides he will reveal his secret by himself. A fanatic teenager fakes a fall so Clark can save her."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the third episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Princess Adriana's ally Gabriel joins her in Dorian's world."
"Princess Adriana's ally Gabriel joins her in Dorian's world."
On this day in 2012, the BBC aired the second episode of one of their attempts to serialize Dirk Gently for the small screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"Accompanied by MacDuff, Dirk returns to St Cedd's Institute of Science and Technology, Cambridge, from which he had been expelled for cheating, as his former mentor Professor Jericho has asked for his help in guarding Elaine, a sophisticated robot named after his daughter, used in his research into artificial intelligence. When Elaine is stolen, Dirk investigates seeing Jericho's colleague Emelda as the prime suspect. MacDuff meanwhile is tempted to leave Dirk's agency as his girlfriend, Susan, has applied for a job in Cambridge."
"Accompanied by MacDuff, Dirk returns to St Cedd's Institute of Science and Technology, Cambridge, from which he had been expelled for cheating, as his former mentor Professor Jericho has asked for his help in guarding Elaine, a sophisticated robot named after his daughter, used in his research into artificial intelligence. When Elaine is stolen, Dirk investigates seeing Jericho's colleague Emelda as the prime suspect. MacDuff meanwhile is tempted to leave Dirk's agency as his girlfriend, Susan, has applied for a job in Cambridge."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Shelf Life aired "Siss! Boom! Bug!" Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Welcome to Season 4! With Bug Boy strapped to an M-80, Hero Lass in "the Program," Samurai Snake drowning in his sorrows in the local cantina and Hero Man... well, being heroically inappropriate as usual, our trusty toys embark on their biggest adventure yet, an adventure that will take them off the shelf and into... the unknown! Stay tuned, True Believers! This season is guaranteed to shelf you in the face!"
"Welcome to Season 4! With Bug Boy strapped to an M-80, Hero Lass in "the Program," Samurai Snake drowning in his sorrows in the local cantina and Hero Man... well, being heroically inappropriate as usual, our trusty toys embark on their biggest adventure yet, an adventure that will take them off the shelf and into... the unknown! Stay tuned, True Believers! This season is guaranteed to shelf you in the face!"
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Electric Dreams aired "Safe And Sound." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A small-town girl (Annalise Basso), already gripped with social anxiety, moves to a big city with her mother (Maura Tierney). For the first time she is exposed to urban society's emphasis on security and terrorist prevention. Her school days are soon consumed by fear and paranoia, but she finds guidance and companionship in the most unexpected of places."
"A small-town girl (Annalise Basso), already gripped with social anxiety, moves to a big city with her mother (Maura Tierney). For the first time she is exposed to urban society's emphasis on security and terrorist prevention. Her school days are soon consumed by fear and paranoia, but she finds guidance and companionship in the most unexpected of places."
