I'm a huge film fan. Always have been. Probably always will be. However, I'm ashamed to say that I've never been that much a follower of silent films. Yes, I've seen a few; and, while I've found some of them interesting, it's rare for me to stumble across one that makes me truly appreciate the 'silent film' as a wholly unique form of art for its place and time in our history. But Metropolis (1927) is an exception to that experience. It's amazing what ideas director Fritz Lang is able to bring to the surface in the picture. Much of the subtext has to do with society and how individuals fit into it (or don't), and it's brilliant realized with effects and production details that were, indeed, state of the art for their time and place. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so. You'll likely be glad you did. (FYI: it opened across the USA on this day back in 1927.)
The great Paul Fix left behind a cinema legacy of well over three hundred different screen roles. Fans know him best from time spent aboard The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, The Time Tunnel, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Battlestar Galactica. Though he's no longer with us, Fix was born on this day in 1901. [Source: IMDB.com]
Most folks only know the name "L. Ron Hubbard" as it applies to the creation of Scientology, a system of belief responsible for bringing Tom Cruise to Earth. (I kid, I kid!) However, Hubbard enjoyed a career crafting some science fiction works, including a little tome called "Battlefield Earth." Though he's no longer with us, he was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
Olaf Pooley is one of those actors with the rare distinction of appearing in both the worlds of Doctor Who as well as Star Trek (Voyager). Though he's no longer with us, Pooley was born on this day in 1914.
Don't know the face? I'll bet you know his voice! When Hal 9000 spoke in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), voice actor Douglas Rain provided the words. Though he's no longer with us, Rain was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
You say you were a Talosian?! Well, then you deserve a mention! Serena Sande played one of the Talosians nearly banished to obscurity when Star Trek's original pilot was asked for a reshoot, but thankfully her performance was resurrected in the classic program's only two parter. Though she's no longer with us, Sande was born on this day in 1929. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Hollywood leading man Peter Breck trafficked sparingly in Science Fiction, making appearances aboard The Outer Limits, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982), and in the 1996 incarnation of The Outer Limits once again. Though he's no longer with us, Breck was born on this day in 1929.
Grant Woods (above left) had the good fortune of appearing in several episodes of the original Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Woods was born on this day in 1932.
David McKail enjoyed a brief guest spot aboard "The Talons of Weng-Chiang," a Doctor Who serial from the late 1970's. He also appeared briefly in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). McKail was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Christopher Gable played Sharaz Jek, the man under the mask aboard Doctor Who's "The Caves of Androzani." Though he's no longer with us, Gable was born on this day in 1940.
I would say that piloting the original Enterprise definitely warrants a mention, so here's Sean Kenney's birthday shout. He appeared in multiple episodes of the original series, and he also boasts work in an independent production, Star Trek: Captain Pike. Kenney was born on this day in 1944.
Whitney Rydbeck built an interesting career in Science Fiction. He's appeared in Sleeper (1973), Far Out Space Nuts, Wonderbug, Monster Squad (TV), Man From Atlantis, The Next Step Beyond, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Whitney and the Robot, Battle Beyond The Stars (1980), Star Trek: The Next Generation, and 3rd Rock from the Sun. Rydbeck was born on this day in 1945.
The venerable William H. Macy dipped into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with a plumb role aboard Jurassic Park III (2001). Macy was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
The first half of her professional career involved an awful lot of genre properties for Deborah Raffin. Fans might recognize her from appearances in The Sentinel (1977), Dance of the Dwarfs (1983), The Twilight Zone, and Scanners II: The New Order (1991). Though she's no longer with us, Raffin was born on this day in 1953.
Funny lady Robin Duke has tickled the fancies of genre fans with small roles in Groundhog Day (1993) and The Outer Limits. Duke was born on this day in 1954.
Dana Delany has been called upon on several occasions to provide voicework to DC Comics' properties, and her best turn was bringing Lois Lane to life aboard Superman: The Animated Series. Delany was born on this day in 1956.
During the mid-1980's, the lovely Dione Inman made a single appearance in the world of the BBC's Doctor Who. Inman was born on this day in 1956.
Chuck Borden is an actor and stuntman who's toiled behind-the-scenes in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager as well as countless other projects. Borden was born on this day in 1962.
Early in her career, the lovely Gigi Rice was a regular aboard Harry and the Hendersons, and she even guested aboard an episode of the popular Quantum Leap. Rice was born on this day in 1965.
Odds are Steve Bacic has forgotten more about quality genre work than most actors will ever remember. He's been aboard such items as M.A.N.T.I.S., Viper, Highlander, The Outer Limits, Millennium, The X-Files, First Wave, NightMan, Earth: Final Conflict, BeastMaster (TV), Dark Angel, Mutant X, The Twilight Zone, X-Men 2 (2003), Stargate: SG-1, Andromeda, Flash Gordon, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate: Continuum (2008), Supernatural, Smallville, The 100, Syfy's Aftermath, and The CW's Arrow. Bacic was born on this day in 1965.
David Orth (above left) has a history of appearances aboard some great SciFi franchises. He's been a part of Beyond Reality, The Ray Bradbury Theatre, Robocop (TV), Total Recall 2070, The Lost World, Mutant X, Stargate: Atlantis, Supernatural, Smallville, 2012 (2009), and Fringe. Orth was born on this day in 1965.
Christopher Collet experimented with atomic power in a big, big way aboard The Manhattan Project (1986). As genre properties go, Collet has also been involved with Prayer Of The Rollerboys (1990), The Langoliers, and Ultraman: Tiga (vocals). Collet was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Rossie Harris turned up in a guest spot aboard the SciFi/Cult series, Voyagers, playing the young incarnation of Samuel Clemens. Harris was born on this day in 1969.
A few of Tim Story's genre projects include bringing to the big screen Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Story was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sexier-beyond-belief Annabeth Gish (above right) was a fantastic late addition to the growing world of Fox TV's The X-Files while it aired; I just wished the writers had given her better stories with a bit more to do. Gish was born on this day in 1971.
The lovely Leigh-Allyn Baker has provided vocals for characters featured on Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force, X-Men Legends, and Mass Effect. Baker was born on this day in 1972.
A delicious Kiara Hunter dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction with guest roles aboard The X-Files, The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space, Viper, NightMan, Stargate: SG-1, and Alien Incursion (2006). Hunter was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Rapper-turned-actor Common had a small role aboard Suicide Squad (2016). He also played a role in Terminator Salvation (2009). Common was born on this day in 1972.
Shane Taylor helped bring to life the BBC TV Miniseries adaptation of SciFi classic The Day of the Triffids in 2009. Taylor was born on this day in 1974.
Funnyman Danny Masterson has played it straight for genre in guest spots aboard such franchises as The Dead Zone and Syfy's Haven. Masterson was born on this day in 1976.
April Matson was one of the regulars exploring 'clone life' aboard the SciFi/Fantasy/Drama Kyle XY during the program's run. Matson was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Àlex Pastor (above right) is an award-winning screenwriter who has brought some impressive visions to life. He's penned work for Carriers (2009), The Last Days (2013), and Syfy's Incorporated. Pastor was born on this day in 1981.
That pale-faced recruit there in the middle (pictured above) is actor Noel Fisher as he appeared in Pfc. Shaun Lenihan in 2011's Battle Los Angeles. He was part of a platoon of soldiers sent in to stop an alien menace from invading our world. Fisher was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Emile Hirsch faced his own version of a deadly alien invasion aboard The Darkest Hour (2011) for Summit Entertainment. More recently, the actor turned in a fabulous performance as the emotionally-tortured 'Dad' in the underrated SciFi/Drama Freaks (2018) for Amazing. Hirsch was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Kaya Scodelario is an actress who makes audiences sit up and take notice. She burst onto the SciFi scene with a role in 2009's Moon (her motion picture debut), and then she ratcheted it up a few notches by joining The Maze Runner franchise. (If you haven't seen the first installment, it's available on home video, and it gets SciFiHistory.Net's ringing endorsement.) Scodelario was born on this day in 1992.
George MacKay (above left) joined James Franco aboard the Stephen King Time Travel yarn 11.22.63 for Hulu. MacKay was born on this day in 1992.
You'll be afraid to go back in the water! On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), Attack Of The Giant Leeches (aka The Giant Leeches) sunk its teeth into the box office. Directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, the SciFi/Horror film starred Ken Clark and Yvette Vickers, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A backwoods game warden and a local doctor discover that giant leeches are responsible for disappearances and deaths in a local swamp, but the local police don't believe them."
"A backwoods game warden and a local doctor discover that giant leeches are responsible for disappearances and deaths in a local swamp, but the local police don't believe them."
On this day in 1967 (in Spain), the 1956-produced SciFi/Classic Forbidden Planet played in theaters. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the feature starred Leslie Nielsen and Anne Francis, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
On this day in 1974, Zardoz showed audiences what a bleak and confusing future awaits us all! Written and directed by John Boorman, the SciFi feature starred Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
Hangar 18 -- which premiered theatrically on this day in 1980 -- was the kind of thing I recall seeing several times at the local theatre. It wasn't that it was all that good; rather, it was that SciFi films in my little town were few and far between, so when we got one me and the boys went several times if it was even remotely entertaining. Here's the film's summary from IMDB.com:
"Shortly after the launch of a satellite from a space shuttle the satellite collides with an UFO in front of the crew's eyes. Because of an election campain some politicians try to hide the crashed UFO -- inside hangar 18."
"Shortly after the launch of a satellite from a space shuttle the satellite collides with an UFO in front of the crew's eyes. Because of an election campain some politicians try to hide the crashed UFO -- inside hangar 18."
On this day in 1981 (in Finland), Saturn 3 brought robotic evil to the theatrical box office. The SciFi feature starred Kirk Douglas and Farrah Fawcett, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), Burst City enjoyed its original theatrical run. The SciFi/Musical starred Michirô Endô and Shigeru Izumiya, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Punk rock gangs and music groups clash with one another and the brutal police force in a futuristic Tokyo setting."
"Punk rock gangs and music groups clash with one another and the brutal police force in a futuristic Tokyo setting."
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters In Space blasted into theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Amuro Ray and the rest of the White Base crew, now denominated the 13th Autonomous Corps, return to outer space to support the rest of the Earth Federation forces for the decisive battle against the Duchy of Zeon's forces."
"Amuro Ray and the rest of the White Base crew, now denominated the 13th Autonomous Corps, return to outer space to support the rest of the Earth Federation forces for the decisive battle against the Duchy of Zeon's forces."
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), Queen Millennia exercised her royal reign with its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The planet LaMetal is on a collision (and conquering) course with the Earth, and the only one who can stop the forthcoming catastrophe is Queen Millennia, a former princess of La-Metal who has made Earth her home."
"The planet LaMetal is on a collision (and conquering) course with the Earth, and the only one who can stop the forthcoming catastrophe is Queen Millennia, a former princess of La-Metal who has made Earth her home."
On this day in 1991 (in Italy), Flight From Paradise enjoyed its round in theaters. Written and directed by Ettore Pasculli, the SciFi feature starred Fabrice Josso and Horst Buchholz, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic society, an old man tells the legend of a strange medal to two children. In flashback, we learn that after a nuclear catastrophe, two teenagers were living in an artificial paradise, maintained by electronic means, and once decide to leave that shelter and escape using that same medal - a mini video-disc - in search of outer-space freedom."
"In a futuristic society, an old man tells the legend of a strange medal to two children. In flashback, we learn that after a nuclear catastrophe, two teenagers were living in an artificial paradise, maintained by electronic means, and once decide to leave that shelter and escape using that same medal - a mini video-disc - in search of outer-space freedom."
On this day in 2009 (in Germany), Millennium Crisis enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Andrew Bellware, the SciFi feature starred Ted Raimi and Clare Stevenson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A violent alien species, the Kluduthu, kidnap Aurora and take her to their desert home planet because she holds a secret power which could wipe out all of humanity. But she escapes, only to find herself in the middle of a war which has been going on for millions of years. Can she fight them, or will she become one of them?"
"A violent alien species, the Kluduthu, kidnap Aurora and take her to their desert home planet because she holds a secret power which could wipe out all of humanity. But she escapes, only to find herself in the middle of a war which has been going on for millions of years. Can she fight them, or will she become one of them?"
On this day in 2010, Dinoshark emerged from the depths to frighten anyone who was watching. The telefilm starred Eric Balfour and Iva Hasperger, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A baby dinoshark evolves into a ferocious predatory adult, terrorising tourists and locals offshore from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico."
"A baby dinoshark evolves into a ferocious predatory adult, terrorising tourists and locals offshore from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico."
On this day in 2015, the SciFi/Fantasy Eva found release in the United States. The feature starred Marta Etura and Alberto Ammann, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A shy genius is employed by his former university to design robot software."
"A shy genius is employed by his former university to design robot software."
On this day in 1954, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Earth Digger." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The crew of the Polaris is sent to investigate a mysterious cave-in under the Moon's surface."
"The crew of the Polaris is sent to investigate a mysterious cave-in under the Moon's surface."
On this day in 1965, Doctor Who aired "The Web Planet: Invasion." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Barbara and the surviving Menoptera take refuge in the Temple of Light while the Doctor and Vicki attempt to escape by taking control of a Zarbi."
"Barbara and the surviving Menoptera take refuge in the Temple of Light while the Doctor and Vicki attempt to escape by taking control of a Zarbi."
On this day in 1971, Doctor Who aired "The Claws of Axos, Part 1." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a mysterious object lands near the Nuton power complex, UNIT investigate and encounter the Axons, a group of aliens who offer the mineral axonite, which can duplicate matter, as a gift."
"When a mysterious object lands near the Nuton power complex, UNIT investigate and encounter the Axons, a group of aliens who offer the mineral axonite, which can duplicate matter, as a gift."
On this day in 1987, Starman aired "Grifters." This served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul and Scott are tricked into a scam by two con-man."
"Paul and Scott are tricked into a scam by two con-man."
On this day in 1988, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "New Order: Part 2 - The Land Shall Burn." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The downed Icarus platform crashes into Volcania, but the Prometheus beam (phase 4 of Project New Order) remains active. Therefore, Power and his group infiltrates Volcania to deactivate Prometheus and face Dread."
"The downed Icarus platform crashes into Volcania, but the Prometheus beam (phase 4 of Project New Order) remains active. Therefore, Power and his group infiltrates Volcania to deactivate Prometheus and face Dread."
On this day in 1994, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Vatman." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superman saves a crippled jet near Paris... while Clark Kent is in the newsroom of the Daily Planet?!? How can Superman be one place, and Clark another, since they are the same man? And yet, this new Superman seems to have the costume, the powers... everything Superman has. Except, perhaps, the solid moral background of Jonathan and Martha Kent. What he does have is a quite different set of moral codes, taught him by an old adversary of Superman's who means to use the young look-alike to end Superman's career permanently."
"Superman saves a crippled jet near Paris... while Clark Kent is in the newsroom of the Daily Planet?!? How can Superman be one place, and Clark another, since they are the same man? And yet, this new Superman seems to have the costume, the powers... everything Superman has. Except, perhaps, the solid moral background of Jonathan and Martha Kent. What he does have is a quite different set of moral codes, taught him by an old adversary of Superman's who means to use the young look-alike to end Superman's career permanently."
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Emanations." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on TrekCore.com:
"Kim is accidentally transported to a way-station for the dying where the aliens believe he has returned from the dead. In his stead, Voyager beams aboard a dying alien, who teaches them the belief systems of her people so that they can find their ensign."
"Kim is accidentally transported to a way-station for the dying where the aliens believe he has returned from the dead. In his stead, Voyager beams aboard a dying alien, who teaches them the belief systems of her people so that they can find their ensign."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Investigations." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TrekCore.com:
"Having suspected that there was a traitor on board sending messages to Seska, Tuvok and Janeway send Paris undercover as a defector, but Neelix's journalistic meddling threatens to blow the scheme. Though Chakotay is angry when he learns that he was left out of the plan, they successfully track down their betrayer, who is killed by Neelix in a fight in engineering."
"Having suspected that there was a traitor on board sending messages to Seska, Tuvok and Janeway send Paris undercover as a defector, but Neelix's journalistic meddling threatens to blow the scheme. Though Chakotay is angry when he learns that he was left out of the plan, they successfully track down their betrayer, who is killed by Neelix in a fight in engineering."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Requiem." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"S.I.C.O.N has discovered that there is a vast network of bug tunnels under San Francisco and they have determined that the only way to eliminate the bugs is to bomb the city. Razak and Walker present another plan that is risky, but would save the civilian population. Can they complete the task before S.I.C.O.N. has to bomb the city?"
"S.I.C.O.N has discovered that there is a vast network of bug tunnels under San Francisco and they have determined that the only way to eliminate the bugs is to bomb the city. Razak and Walker present another plan that is risky, but would save the civilian population. Can they complete the task before S.I.C.O.N. has to bomb the city?"
On this day in 2004, Starhunter 2300 continued blazing a trail across its second season, airing its nineteenth hour. It was called "Negative Energy," and here's the plot summary compliments of Wikipedia.org:
"The Tulip crew pursue shipjackers in a stolen craft capable of near-lightspeed, but Marcus struggles to keep the ship from falling apart. When the bounty gets away, Travis decides to go with Marcus' plan to use Durenium to power the engines and hopefully achieve hyperspace. To get the fuel cheaply, Rudolpho contacts an old girlfriend named Karina who leads him and Marcus into Io City's underworld looking for a unlicensed mineral supplier. Meanwhile, Travis and Callie deal with Executive Chief Inspector Tibbit who is sent by Jupiter Fed to sign off on their refueling permit. Tibbit however, is not who he claims to be and is secretly working with The Orchard to steal the Tulip and capture Travis."
"The Tulip crew pursue shipjackers in a stolen craft capable of near-lightspeed, but Marcus struggles to keep the ship from falling apart. When the bounty gets away, Travis decides to go with Marcus' plan to use Durenium to power the engines and hopefully achieve hyperspace. To get the fuel cheaply, Rudolpho contacts an old girlfriend named Karina who leads him and Marcus into Io City's underworld looking for a unlicensed mineral supplier. Meanwhile, Travis and Callie deal with Executive Chief Inspector Tibbit who is sent by Jupiter Fed to sign off on their refueling permit. Tibbit however, is not who he claims to be and is secretly working with The Orchard to steal the Tulip and capture Travis."
On this day in 2009, the end was indeed in sight as Syfy aired "Daybreak, Part 1," the first part of the three-part finale to their space opera, Battlestar Galactica. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Colony is located sitting on the edge of a black hole with only one point of entry in what is a very large debris field. Knowing that the Galactica has reached the end of the line, Admiral Adama asks for volunteers to mount a raid on the Cylon base, realizing it may be the ship's last jump. In flashbacks prior to the Cylon invasion, key moments in the lives of several of the crew are presented. These include include the first time Kara Thrace and Lee Adama meet; Admiral Adama's struggle with his decision to retire from the colonial fleet; Gaius Baltar's relationship with his father and his developing relationship with Caprica Six; and Sam Anders discussing the motivation behind his professional sports career."
"The Colony is located sitting on the edge of a black hole with only one point of entry in what is a very large debris field. Knowing that the Galactica has reached the end of the line, Admiral Adama asks for volunteers to mount a raid on the Cylon base, realizing it may be the ship's last jump. In flashbacks prior to the Cylon invasion, key moments in the lives of several of the crew are presented. These include include the first time Kara Thrace and Lee Adama meet; Admiral Adama's struggle with his decision to retire from the colonial fleet; Gaius Baltar's relationship with his father and his developing relationship with Caprica Six; and Sam Anders discussing the motivation behind his professional sports career."
On this day in 2015, 12 Monkeys aired "Tomorrow." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Cole finds himself in 2017 at the height of the plague. Out of options, Jones faces an impossible choice to replace the Core."
"Cole finds himself in 2017 at the height of the plague. Out of options, Jones faces an impossible choice to replace the Core."
On this day in 2016, Dimension W aired "Resurrected Nightmare." This served as the tenth episode of the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kyoma starts to connect the dots as he fights with an old comrade controlled by K.K., and the truth is revealed about Lwai."
"Kyoma starts to connect the dots as he fights with an old comrade controlled by K.K., and the truth is revealed about Lwai."
