Veteran actor Macdonald Carey made an appearance aboard Buck Rogers In The 25th Century ("Planet of the Slave Girls") playing 'Dr. Mallory,' the scientific genius racing against time to find the cause of a medical plague threatening the survival of planet Earth. In his career, the man also booked appearances on Science Fiction Theatre, The Outer Limits, Bewitched, Foes (1977), End Of The World (1977), The Girl The Gold Watch And Everything (1980), Fantasy Island, and It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Carey was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late, great Lawrence Tierney tangled with a certain captain of a certain Enterprise-D starship aboard "The Big Goodbye," one of the more memorable episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season. He also found a bit of screen time aboard Naked Evil (1966), Killer Without A Face (1968), Bloodrage (1980), Silver Bullet (1985), From A Whisper To A Scream (1987), House III: The Horror Show (1989), Wizards Of The Demon Sword (1991), The Runestone (1991), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Armageddon (1998). Though he's no longer with us, Tierney was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'll probably always remember Walter Gotell as the Russian adversary to James Bond in several of that series entries, but I'm also thankful he turned up in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actor also earned himself a bit of screen notoriety with appearances in such propertie as The Invisible Man, The Two Faces Of Dr. Jekyll (1960), One Step Beyond, Danger Man, The Andromeda Breakthrough, The Damned (1962), Sword Of Lancelot (1963), The Saint, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), The Boys From Brazil (1978), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), Airwolf, Fantasy Island, A View To A Kill (1985), Knight Rider, The Living Daylights (1987), Freddy's Nightmares, Puppetmaster III: Toulon's Revenge (1991), Tales From The Crypt, The X-Files, and Prince Valiant (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Gotell was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran heavyweight Judd Hirsch brought some considerable gravitas along with a bit of comic relief to 1996's SciFi summer blockbuster, Independence Day, and he even returned for its sequel Independence Day : Resurgence which screened in 2016. Other appearances of note include work in The Halloween That Almost Wasn't (1979), Warehouse 13, Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014), and Forever. Hirsch was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) -- in which Hirsch played a role -- when it made the rounds in theaters near me. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) -- in which Hirsch played a role -- when it made the rounds in theaters near me. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Legendary storyteller David Cronenberg may not be to every cinema-goer's delight, but he certainly knows how to achieve a certain aesthetic appeal to those willing to embrace his visions. He's brought to life such films as Scanners (1981), Videodrome (1983), The Dead Zone (1983), and The Fly (1986), to name but a few. Cronenberg was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a promotional copy of Scanners in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1984 Saturn Awards, the director earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work on The Dead Zone.
- At the 1987 Saturn Awards, he earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work aboard The Fly.
- At the 1990 Saturn Awards, he earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Writing' for his work in conceiving Dead Ringers (1988).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a promotional copy of Scanners in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Nicholas Shaffer (above right) has booked appearances in several SciFi properties, including roles aboard Voyagers!, Quantum Leap, K-9000 (1991), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Shaffer was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Craig Wasson will likely always be known for his work aboard Brian De Palma's Body Double, but genre fans might know him from work in A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987), Trapped In Space (1995), and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Wasson was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jacqueline Schultz arrived late to the party that was Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, appearing in the seventh season as the wife to the nefarious Mr. Sloane. Schultz was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lisa Langlois found herself trapped in The Nest (1988). So far as genre entries go, she's also been a part of The Man Who Wasn't There (1983), Transformations (1991), Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, and Relic Hunter. Langlois was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I was offered a promotional copy of 1983's The Man Who Wasn't There in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I was offered a promotional copy of 1983's The Man Who Wasn't There in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Director Renny Harlin has given genre fans something to dream about by martialing such projects as A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) and The Legend Of Hercules (2014) to the silver screen. Harlin was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Poison frontman Bret Michaels took a little time off from rock'n'roll to make an appearance in the greater Sharknado universe. Michaels was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Greg Nicotero knows a thing or two about your nightmares. He works in the realm of makeup effects, polishing off stars to look either good or bad in such properties as Transformers (2007), Splice (2009), The Book Of Eli (2010), and AMC's Apocalypse juggernaut The Walking Dead. Nicotero was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she probably feels more at home in conventional fare, Robyn Malcolm has worked in such projects as Atlantis High and The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002) for balance. Malcolm was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, James G. Becker gave the whole "acting thing" a shot, but the only gig that truly came his way (so far as IMDB.com indicates) was some uncredited work aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Still, he managed to book appearances aboard forty different hours of the program. Though he's no longer with us, Becker was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Chris Bruno (above left) was one of the regulars aboard USA Network's TV adaptation of Stephen King's The Dead Zone. Bruno was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Isa Dick Hackett (above left) has worked with Amazon Studios to usher her the work of her late father -- Philip K. Dick -- to their streaming platform, and The Man In The High Castle continues to impress audiences. Hackett was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark McGrath is another actor who braved a Sharknado for the benefit of all mankind and his professional career. McGrath was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kim Raver's gifts include a natural beauty along with the unassuming ability to step into just about any role -- big or small -- and make something of it. Sadly, she's done so very little Science Fiction -- she did have a role braving the Apocalypse at the heart of the short-lived Revolution -- though methinks fans would love to see more of her. Raver was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Cara Pifko maintains both live- and voice-acting citations, and she's definitely proven to have 'the right stuff' as part of such projects as Mass Effect 2, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Mass Effect 3. Pifko was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Since launching a professional acting career in 2000, Brian Tee has built a resume impressively stocked with quality genre work. He's had roles aboard The Invisible Man, Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation, The Wolverine, and Jurassic World. Tee was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Apocalypses don't get much more barren than AMC's The Walking Dead, but a late addition Pollyanna McIntosh led a group of survivors who speak in the same manner Yoda does, bringing the program some unintentional comic relief. But she's had a bit more screen time in the world of genre, including stops aboard such entities as Bats: Human Harvest (2007), Land Of The Lost (2009), Offspring (2009), The Woman (2011), Let Us Prey (2014), Tales Of Halloween (2015), Darlin' (2019), Revenge Ride (2020), Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Double Blind (2023), Scavengers Reign, and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. McIntosh was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 2012 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, McIntosh earned a 'Best Actress' nomination for her work aboard The Woman.
- At the 2020 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the talented lady earned a 'Best First Feature' nomination for her work in bringing Darlin' -- a sequel to The Woman -- to the screen as its director and screenwriter.
Lisa Marcos trafficks in the realm of Fantasy for her work aboard Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments. She's also booked time aboard Mutant X, Threshold (2003), Tarzan, Wonderfalls, The Listener, Hemlock Grove, Lost Girl, Good Witch, and Halcyon. Marcos was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aside from appearing in the Harry Potter series of films, Sean Biggerstaff made a vocal contribution to the 2003 animated adaptation of Doctor Who's "Shada." More recently, he enjoyed a guest visit to the world of Amazon.com's adaptation of Good Omens. Biggerstaff was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Tatum Langton is more well known for work in conventional dramas and such, she did give SciFi a try with a role aboard Alienate (2016) for Film Base. According to IMDB.com, she also appeared in 2024's Mythica: Stormbound. Langton was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Eva Amurri may not have a great track record when it comes to genre appearances, but -- as I always say -- we take what we can get. In that respect, kudos to the actress for squeezing herself into such projects as The Life Before Her Eyes (2007), Animals (2009), and Isolation (2011). Amurri was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While some actors are content baring their souls, others are better at baring their abs. Kellan Lutz does both. Fans have seen his work in the Twilight saga, Immortals (2011), and The Legend of Hercules (2014). He's also turned up in such genre projects as The Osiris Child (2016), 7 Guardians Of The Tomb (2018), and The Guardians Of Justice (Will Save You!). Lutz was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Vimala Pons found herself trapped in the heart of the SciFi vision known as Eden Log (2007) for Imperia Films. She also earned a bit of screen time aboard How I Became A Super Hero (2020). Pons was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Playing the villanous Eric, international star Jai Courtney has lit up the silver screen in the Divergent series as well as taking over the shoes of 'Kyle Reese' in the ill-received Terminator reboot, Terminator: Genisys. Courtney was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Suicide Squad (2016) -- in which Courtney played a role -- when it made the round through theaters. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Suicide Squad (2016) -- in which Courtney played a role -- when it made the round through theaters. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Sosie Bacon made a huge impact on the world of Horror with a great role aboard Smile (2022) for Paramount Players. Bacon was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So many young actors roared into the realm of Fantasy with roles aboard the Harry Potter franchise, and Anna Shaffer was one of them. Thankfully, she's continued to flex her acting muscles with roles in such programs as the BBC's Class and Netflix's The Witcher. Shaffer was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1933, the original Monster Movie classic King Kong roared to life on the silver screen with a special premiere engagement in Baltimore, Maryland. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the feature starred Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
On this day in 1934 (in Spain), The Invisible Man emerged from the shadows and appeared in glorious black-and-white ... well, when he wasn't invisible, that is! Haha! Directed by James Whale, the Universal Pictures Monsters Classic starred Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, and William Harrigan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
A star is born!
On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), audiences heard the Drums Of Fu Manchu! Directed by the team of John English and William Witney and springing from the imagination of Sax Rohmer, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Henry Brandon, William Royle, and Robert Kellard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesis, Dr. Nayland Smith, and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys."
"The nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesis, Dr. Nayland Smith, and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys."
On this day in 1945 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Bluebeard. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, the Horror/Fantasy starred John Carradine, Jean Parker, and Nils Asther. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Paris, an artist hires portrait models, and after he finishes their portraits, he strangles them."
"In Paris, an artist hires portrait models, and after he finishes their portraits, he strangles them."
On this day in 1957 (in France), Godzilla roared onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Ishirô Honda, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, and Akira Takarada; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
A star is born!
On this day in 1957 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were let in on the devastating Plan 9 From Outer Space. Written and directed by Edward Wood Jr., the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gregory Walcott, Tom Keene, and Tor Johnson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Evil aliens attack Earth and set their terrible "Plan 9" into action. As the aliens resurrect the dead of the Earth, the lives of the living are in danger."
"Evil aliens attack Earth and set their terrible "Plan 9" into action. As the aliens resurrect the dead of the Earth, the lives of the living are in danger."
A star is born!
On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), The Terror Of The Tongs terrorized moviegoers. Directed by Anthony Bushell from a story by Jimmy Sangster, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christopher Lee, Yvonne Monlaur, and Geoffrey Toone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1910, Hong Kong members of a secret Tong crime syndicate protect their identities by murdering the daughter of a British sea captain who vows revenge."
"In 1910, Hong Kong members of a secret Tong crime syndicate protect their identities by murdering the daughter of a British sea captain who vows revenge."
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Day The Earth Caught Fire. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the film starred Edward Judd, Janet Munro, and Leo McKern. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the U.S. and Russia unwittingly test atomic bombs at the same time, it alters the nutation (axis of rotation) of the Earth."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Day The Earth Caught Fire enjoyed a 1962 BAFTA Award win in the category of 'Best British Screenplay.' Also, it enjoyed a 1963 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of purchasing a Blu-ray copy of this film in 2022 as it kept popping up in my research and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts on it, you can find my review right here.
"When the U.S. and Russia unwittingly test atomic bombs at the same time, it alters the nutation (axis of rotation) of the Earth."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Day The Earth Caught Fire enjoyed a 1962 BAFTA Award win in the category of 'Best British Screenplay.' Also, it enjoyed a 1963 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of purchasing a Blu-ray copy of this film in 2022 as it kept popping up in my research and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts on it, you can find my review right here.
A star is born!
Good grief! Some megalomaniacs never learn! On this day in 1967, Frankenstein Created Woman gave the fateful doctor one more chance to get his act together. This picture starred Peter Cushing and the lovely Susan Denberg, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Baron Frankenstein has acquired the dead body of a young maiden, Christina, and all it lacks is the spark of life. He captures the soul of a recently executed young man and installs it in the young woman. With the memories from the young man still intact, she starts to kill the people whose false accusations led to the young man's execution."
For the record:
Frankenstein Created Woman comes from Hammer Films, and -- according to IMDB.com -- it's apparently a longtime favorite of critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.
"Baron Frankenstein has acquired the dead body of a young maiden, Christina, and all it lacks is the spark of life. He captures the soul of a recently executed young man and installs it in the young woman. With the memories from the young man still intact, she starts to kill the people whose false accusations led to the young man's execution."
For the record:
Frankenstein Created Woman comes from Hammer Films, and -- according to IMDB.com -- it's apparently a longtime favorite of critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.
A star is born!
On this day in 1967 (in Japan), Gamera took flight again with the big screen premiere of Gamera Vs. Gyaos! Starring Kôjirô Hongô, Kichijirô Ueda, and Reiko Kasahara, the monster movie was the third outing for the singular creature, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gamera's back, and just in time to save Japan from Gaos, a mysterious bat-like creature awakened by a volcanic eruption. As in the first Gamera movie, a young boy establishes an emotional link with Gamera, and the two work together, with the help of the world's scientists, to put and end to Gaos' violent rampage."
"Gamera's back, and just in time to save Japan from Gaos, a mysterious bat-like creature awakened by a volcanic eruption. As in the first Gamera movie, a young boy establishes an emotional link with Gamera, and the two work together, with the help of the world's scientists, to put and end to Gaos' violent rampage."
A star is born!
I had the good fortune of meeting author Kurt Vonnegut Jr when he was speaking at a seminar one time. Truth be told, he wasn't a very friendly guy. Whatever, I guess. Anyway, a filmed adaptation of his novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, was first released theatrically on this day in 1972. Directed by George Roy Hill and based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut, the SciFi/Drama stars Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman, Eugene Roche, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens."
For the record:
it's worth noting that Slaughterhouse-Five was no slouch when it came to critical and cultural acclaim. In the inaugural year of Saturn Awards being issued for Best Science Fiction Film, it took home 1973's top honor. The film also took the Jury Prize for the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, with director Hill being nominated for the Palm d'Or. In 1973, it won the Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation.
More for the record:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Arrow Films 2019 Blu-ray release of the feature, and I penned a review of it. Those interested can access my thoughts right here.
"A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens."
For the record:
it's worth noting that Slaughterhouse-Five was no slouch when it came to critical and cultural acclaim. In the inaugural year of Saturn Awards being issued for Best Science Fiction Film, it took home 1973's top honor. The film also took the Jury Prize for the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, with director Hill being nominated for the Palm d'Or. In 1973, it won the Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation.
More for the record:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Arrow Films 2019 Blu-ray release of the feature, and I penned a review of it. Those interested can access my thoughts right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1975 (in Japan), Terror Of Mechagodzilla brought a big, big, big fight to the silver screen. Directed by Ishiro Honda and Jun Fukuda, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Katsuhiko Sasaki, Tomoko Ai, and Akihiko Hirata. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A submarine expedition to salvage the remains of Mechagodzilla is thwarted by a massive dinosaur named Titanosaurus. Biologist Akira Ichinose is brought in by INTERPOL as an investigation is launched. Ichinose's inquiry leads to him to meet Katsura Mafune and uncover the work of her seemingly late father, Dr. Mafune, a brilliant scientist shunned by the scientific community. Dr. Mafune is revealed to be alive and aligned with the Black Hole Aliens, who seek to unleash a reconstructed Mechagodzilla 2 along with Titanosaurus on Tokyo and defeat Godzilla. Ichinose heads off to save Katsura before she loses her humanity to the monsters she controls against Godzilla."
"A submarine expedition to salvage the remains of Mechagodzilla is thwarted by a massive dinosaur named Titanosaurus. Biologist Akira Ichinose is brought in by INTERPOL as an investigation is launched. Ichinose's inquiry leads to him to meet Katsura Mafune and uncover the work of her seemingly late father, Dr. Mafune, a brilliant scientist shunned by the scientific community. Dr. Mafune is revealed to be alive and aligned with the Black Hole Aliens, who seek to unleash a reconstructed Mechagodzilla 2 along with Titanosaurus on Tokyo and defeat Godzilla. Ichinose heads off to save Katsura before she loses her humanity to the monsters she controls against Godzilla."
A star is born!
Very, very little can be found out there on the Information Superhighway about The Space-Watch Murders. Scripted by Howard Rayfield, the SciFi/Drama starred Joan Caulfield and Russ Conway. It aired on this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), and here's what IMDB.com has to say about it:
"This 90 minute movie aired on Mystery of the Week series. This story was about a crew member who was held for the murder of her six shipmates by the inhabitants of a hostile planet."
Editor's Note:
IMDB.com's trivia section associated to the flick states that it's believed that the film is entirely lost to history as it's never surfaced again after its sole listed airing as part of a 'Mystery Of The Week' television line-up of features. The only other interesting tidbit I've found about it is that scripter Rayfield also penned an episode of the fondly remembered Saturday morning SciFi television program Space Academy ("Space Hookey") for its 1977 season.
"This 90 minute movie aired on Mystery of the Week series. This story was about a crew member who was held for the murder of her six shipmates by the inhabitants of a hostile planet."
Editor's Note:
IMDB.com's trivia section associated to the flick states that it's believed that the film is entirely lost to history as it's never surfaced again after its sole listed airing as part of a 'Mystery Of The Week' television line-up of features. The only other interesting tidbit I've found about it is that scripter Rayfield also penned an episode of the fondly remembered Saturday morning SciFi television program Space Academy ("Space Hookey") for its 1977 season.
A star is born!
On this day in day in 1980 (in Japan), 8 Kamen Riders Vs. Galaxy King took a ride in pursuit of justice. Directed by and starring Shotaro Ishinomori, the Fantasy/Thriller also starred Hiroaki Murakami. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The movie begins in space, on a space station. A space team called, TENKA, was testing a super-powered weapon on a deserted planet. It worked, so they celebrated. But Galaxy King saw this, and decides to attack the space station."
"The movie begins in space, on a space station. A space team called, TENKA, was testing a super-powered weapon on a deserted planet. It worked, so they celebrated. But Galaxy King saw this, and decides to attack the space station."
A star is born!
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of Filmex in Los Angeles, California were treated to the big screen debut of Forbidden Zone. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Richard Elfman, the Musical/Fantasy starred Gene Cunningham, Marie-Pascale Elfman, and Virginia Rose. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The bizarre and musical tale of a girl who travels to another dimension through the gateway found in her family's basement."
For the record:
At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Forbidden Zone earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Low-Budget Film.'
"The bizarre and musical tale of a girl who travels to another dimension through the gateway found in her family's basement."
For the record:
At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Forbidden Zone earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Low-Budget Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1980 (in Japan), the sky's the limit when Space Firebird (aka Phoenix 2772) enjoyed its silver screen premiere. Written and directed by the team of Taku Sugiyama and Osamu Tezuka, the SciFi/Anime starred the voices of Kaneto Shiozawa, Keiko Takeshita, and Hiroshi Ôtake; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a young cadet is sent to find and capture "Cosmozone 2772", a mystical universal Phoenix which possesses the power to rejuvenate the drained Earth."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, Space Firebird was nominated for 'Best Animated Film' but missed out on the win.
"In the distant future, a young cadet is sent to find and capture "Cosmozone 2772", a mystical universal Phoenix which possesses the power to rejuvenate the drained Earth."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, Space Firebird was nominated for 'Best Animated Film' but missed out on the win.
On this day in 1982 (in Spain), Sex Is Crazy enjoyed a rare theatrical release. Written and directed by Jesus Franco, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lina Romay, Lynn Endersson, and Antonio Mayans. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bizarre comedy from Jess, the story revolves around a stage show that has aliens kidnapping Earth women and making them pregnant so that they can give birth to 600 babies an hour! However some real aliens see the show and decide that it's all a very good idea."
For the record:
At present, the original theatrical premiere date for Franco's Sex Is Crazy is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was originally screened in 1981, but as that specific day cannot be proven (yet) I'm posting this in this space for posterity's sake.
"Bizarre comedy from Jess, the story revolves around a stage show that has aliens kidnapping Earth women and making them pregnant so that they can give birth to 600 babies an hour! However some real aliens see the show and decide that it's all a very good idea."
For the record:
At present, the original theatrical premiere date for Franco's Sex Is Crazy is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was originally screened in 1981, but as that specific day cannot be proven (yet) I'm posting this in this space for posterity's sake.
A star is born!
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), audiences were forced up to DEFCON-4. Written (in part) and directed (in part) by Paul Donovan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lenore Zann, Maury Chaykin, and Kate Lynch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two men and a woman circle the globe in a satellite armed with a nuclear device. The third world war breaks out, and a few months later the satellite crashes. They survive the crash but one man gets killed by survivors and the other man gets caught. The woman stays by the remains of the the satellite but is soon caught by evil punks who have taken power."
"Two men and a woman circle the globe in a satellite armed with a nuclear device. The third world war breaks out, and a few months later the satellite crashes. They survive the crash but one man gets killed by survivors and the other man gets caught. The woman stays by the remains of the the satellite but is soon caught by evil punks who have taken power."
On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), The Terminator established screenwriter/director James Cameron as a creative force in Hollywood. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
On this day in 1986 (in Canada), Voyage Of The Rock Aliens enjoyed its debut on television. This (ahem) SciFi comedy musical starred the great (ahem) Pia Zadora and Craig Sheffer and apparently (ahem) boasted a special appearance by no less than Jermaine Jackson himself. Ugh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens land in the town of "Speelburgh" searching for the source of rock & roll. They find trouble with Dee Dee, Frankie and the pack."
"Aliens land in the town of "Speelburgh" searching for the source of rock & roll. They find trouble with Dee Dee, Frankie and the pack."
A star is born!
The Stepford Children was a 1987 SciFi telefilm that took audiences back to that sleepy little burg in Connecticut for another go-round in the world of fashionable, tailor-made families. It starred Barbara Eden and Don Murray, and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"In this sequel to The Stepford Wives, Steven and Laura Harding (along with their kids David and Mary) have moved to the quiet community of Stepford, CT. Steven joins the men's club, which is still assimilating their wives into robots. This time, they have begun to turn their out of control teens into robots as well. Once they are assimilated, they are obedient, homework loving, big band dancing droids. Laura, David, and Mary stumble onto this mystery, and they must avoid Steven's plans to turn them into robots."
For the record:
Believe it or not, the Stepford franchise actually has remained modestly popular throughout the years following the publication of the original novel back in 1972. The first film to explore this universe was the 1975 adaptation from Columbia Pictures (it's largely billed as a 'Horror/Satire' by critics). 1980 saw the telefilm Revenge Of The Stepford Wives introducing Don Johnson and Sharon Gless to the ongoing saga. Almost a decade after this 1987 telefilm, another twist on the franchise -- The Stepford Husbands -- put Donna Mills and Michael Ontkean in a similar situation, albeit one more dramatic than truly SciFi. Then in 2004, Paramount Pictures dabbled in this universe with their more comedic interpretation of the original, this one starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick.
"In this sequel to The Stepford Wives, Steven and Laura Harding (along with their kids David and Mary) have moved to the quiet community of Stepford, CT. Steven joins the men's club, which is still assimilating their wives into robots. This time, they have begun to turn their out of control teens into robots as well. Once they are assimilated, they are obedient, homework loving, big band dancing droids. Laura, David, and Mary stumble onto this mystery, and they must avoid Steven's plans to turn them into robots."
For the record:
Believe it or not, the Stepford franchise actually has remained modestly popular throughout the years following the publication of the original novel back in 1972. The first film to explore this universe was the 1975 adaptation from Columbia Pictures (it's largely billed as a 'Horror/Satire' by critics). 1980 saw the telefilm Revenge Of The Stepford Wives introducing Don Johnson and Sharon Gless to the ongoing saga. Almost a decade after this 1987 telefilm, another twist on the franchise -- The Stepford Husbands -- put Donna Mills and Michael Ontkean in a similar situation, albeit one more dramatic than truly SciFi. Then in 2004, Paramount Pictures dabbled in this universe with their more comedic interpretation of the original, this one starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick.
A star is born!
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Cannibal Women In The Avocado Jungle Of Death enjoyed its premiere on home video. Written and directed by J.F. Lawton, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Shannon Tweed, Bill Maher, and Adrienne Barbeau. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The government hires a feminist at the local university to track down the Piranha Women living in the uncharted Avocado Jungle (westernmost outpost is San Bernardino) to convince them to move to a reservation condo in Malibu. She hires a guide at the edge of the jungle, a male chauvinist pig, and they have many arguments about men and women as they work their way in, and eventually confront the Piranha Women."
"The government hires a feminist at the local university to track down the Piranha Women living in the uncharted Avocado Jungle (westernmost outpost is San Bernardino) to convince them to move to a reservation condo in Malibu. She hires a guide at the edge of the jungle, a male chauvinist pig, and they have many arguments about men and women as they work their way in, and eventually confront the Piranha Women."
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), Captain Jean-Luc Picard took his crew on a trip through time to save our universe with the theatrical release of Star Trek: First Contact. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the feature film starred Patrick Stewart, Alice Krige, and Brent Spiner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2001 (in the Czech Republic), audiences were on the perfect maze through Cube. Written (in part) and directed by Vincenzo Natali, the feature starred Nicole de Boer, Nicky Guadagni, and David Hewlett; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
On this day back in 2002, our collective future got a little more grim as the video game inspired Resident Evil launched its first film theatrically, giving Milla Jovovich a franchise to call her own. I saw it, but I honestly don't remember all that much of it, so here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"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:
This day marked the film's full U.S. (and Canada) theatrical release, though it actually enjoyed its first theatrical screening in Los Angeles on March 12, 2002. At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
"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:
This day marked the film's full U.S. (and Canada) theatrical release, though it actually enjoyed its first theatrical screening in Los Angeles on March 12, 2002. At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
A star is born!
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), audiences of the South By Southwest Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of Able Edwards. Written and directed by Graham Robertson, the SciFi/Drama starred Scott Kelly Galbreath, Michael Shamus Wiles, and David Ury. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Shot on mini dv entirely against a green screen, "Able Edwards" is a story about the clone of a famous entertainment mogul created to revive the glory days of his deceased predecessor's corporation. In the process of restoring reality entertainment to a synthetic, virtual world, the clone relizes he has yet to live as his own man."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Able Edwards earned a wee bit of extra love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Shot on mini dv entirely against a green screen, "Able Edwards" is a story about the clone of a famous entertainment mogul created to revive the glory days of his deceased predecessor's corporation. In the process of restoring reality entertainment to a synthetic, virtual world, the clone relizes he has yet to live as his own man."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Able Edwards earned a wee bit of extra love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), the 1993-produced Philadelphia Experiment II enjoyed its release on DVD. Directed by Stephen Cornwell, the SciFi/Thriller starred Brad Johnson, Marjean Holden, and Gerrit Graham; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David Herdeg's participation in a failed 1943 experiment in radar invisibility has propelled him 40 years into the future. An aberration in his genetic makeup enabled him to pass through the portal of time. It has also made him sensitive to any alteration to the time continuum. Another disasterous experiment in 1993 sends a stealth aircraft through the time portal, into 1943 Germany. Simultaneously, Herdeg is pulled into the portal, and finds himself in the terrifying 1993 that resulted from a Nazi victory in World War II."
"David Herdeg's participation in a failed 1943 experiment in radar invisibility has propelled him 40 years into the future. An aberration in his genetic makeup enabled him to pass through the portal of time. It has also made him sensitive to any alteration to the time continuum. Another disasterous experiment in 1993 sends a stealth aircraft through the time portal, into 1943 Germany. Simultaneously, Herdeg is pulled into the portal, and finds himself in the terrifying 1993 that resulted from a Nazi victory in World War II."
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in France), the animated SciFi/Thriller Renaissance gave audiences something black-and-white to look at. Directed by Christian Volckman, the feature starred the voices of Daniel Craig, Catherine McCormack, and Jonathan Pryce; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young gene researcher, Ilona, is kidnapped in a future Paris. Police Captain Karas and his team are in charge of finding her."
For the record:
In 2006, the film won the 'Best Feature' Award from the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. In 2007, director Volckman took home the 'Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film in Silver' Award from Fantasporto.
"A young gene researcher, Ilona, is kidnapped in a future Paris. Police Captain Karas and his team are in charge of finding her."
For the record:
In 2006, the film won the 'Best Feature' Award from the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. In 2007, director Volckman took home the 'Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film in Silver' Award from Fantasporto.
A star is born!
As I'll always warn you, Science Fiction and Fantasy comes in all shapes, sizes, and predilections ... so on this day in 2011, the adult-themed SciFi/Comedy Bikini Time Machine was released on television. The feature starred Kylee Nash and Jenna Presley, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two down-on-their-luck waitresses become paid guinea pigs in a wacky doctor's time travel experiments in this erotic adult comedy. Traveling back and forth through History has a peculiar side effect - it makes the girls lose control of themselves and become very frisky!"
"Two down-on-their-luck waitresses become paid guinea pigs in a wacky doctor's time travel experiments in this erotic adult comedy. Traveling back and forth through History has a peculiar side effect - it makes the girls lose control of themselves and become very frisky!"
On this day in 2013 (in Ireland), Earthbound landed in theatres. This film starred Rafe Spall and Jenn Murray, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Joe is an Alien on Earth. At least that is what his father told him before he died when Joe was eleven. He finds it difficult to adjust, and to find a compatible girl friend."
"Joe is an Alien on Earth. At least that is what his father told him before he died when Joe was eleven. He finds it difficult to adjust, and to find a compatible girl friend."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Vanishing Waves enjoyed its splash into theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Kristina Buozyte, the SciFi/Drama starred Marius Jampolskis, Jurga Jutaite, and Rudolfas Jansonas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A neuron-transfer scientist experiments with the thoughts of a comatose young woman."
For the record:
I mean no measure of disrespect when I point out that Vanishing Waves is exactly the kind of cinema folks who frequent the film festival circuit go crazy for. It involves some smart writing set against the backdrop of some big ideas, and the onscreen talent hit their marks quite nicely. On top of scoring quite well on the festival circuit, the film took home five trophies from the 2013 Lithuanian Film Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Screenplay,' and 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video in the United States, I was offered a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of Vanishing Waves? Readers can find my review right here.
"A neuron-transfer scientist experiments with the thoughts of a comatose young woman."
For the record:
I mean no measure of disrespect when I point out that Vanishing Waves is exactly the kind of cinema folks who frequent the film festival circuit go crazy for. It involves some smart writing set against the backdrop of some big ideas, and the onscreen talent hit their marks quite nicely. On top of scoring quite well on the festival circuit, the film took home five trophies from the 2013 Lithuanian Film Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Screenplay,' and 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during the film's original release on home video in the United States, I was offered a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of Vanishing Waves? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Cleric held a gun to the head of a seated man, innocent or otherwise. Written and directed by the team of David R. Williams and Sean-Michael Argo, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Seregon O'Dassey, Aaron Krygier, and Dale Rugg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cleric is the journey of a psychic enforcer named Samara, who comes out of a self-imposed retirement as a servant of the Ministry of Control to hunt down the Heretic, a genetically engineered terrorist."
"Cleric is the journey of a psychic enforcer named Samara, who comes out of a self-imposed retirement as a servant of the Ministry of Control to hunt down the Heretic, a genetically engineered terrorist."
Ach! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2014 (in Japan), the Fantasy-themed Gallowwalkers enjoyed a theatrical run. The feature starred Wesley Snipes and Riley Smith, and here's the plot summary as provided by the reliable IMDB.com:
"A cursed gunman (Snipes) whose victims come back from the dead recruits a young warrior to help in the fight against a gang of zombies."
"A cursed gunman (Snipes) whose victims come back from the dead recruits a young warrior to help in the fight against a gang of zombies."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), The Walking Deceased enjoyed its big screen premiere for audiences in attendance of the WalkerStalkerCon. Directed by Scott Dow from a story by Tim Ogletree, the Horror/Comedy starred Ogletree alongside Joey Oglesby, Troy Ogletree, and Dave Sheridan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a police officer wakes up in a hospital to find out he is in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, he will do anything to find his family, even sacrifice Twitter."
"When a police officer wakes up in a hospital to find out he is in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, he will do anything to find his family, even sacrifice Twitter."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of We Are Still Here. Written and directed by Ted Geoghegan, the Horror/Fantasy starred Larry Fessenden, Andrew Sensenig, and Lisa Marie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the cold, wintery fields of New England, a lonely old house wakes up every thirty years - and demands a sacrifice."
For the record:
To the film's credit, We Are Still Here earned a good deal of love from screenings on the film festival circuit as well as getting a lot of extra attention at the 2016 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards.
"In the cold, wintery fields of New England, a lonely old house wakes up every thirty years - and demands a sacrifice."
For the record:
To the film's credit, We Are Still Here earned a good deal of love from screenings on the film festival circuit as well as getting a lot of extra attention at the 2016 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards.
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in Canada, Turkey, and the U.S.), Captive State enjoyed its first theatrical engagements ever! Written (in part) and directed by Rupert Wyatt, the SciFi/Drama starred Ashton Sanders, John Goodman, Jonathan Majors, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system - and dissent among the populace."
"Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system - and dissent among the populace."
On this day in 2019 (in Brazil and the U.S.), Chimera Strain appeared in cinemas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A brilliant but disturbed scientist freezes his children alive, while he races to cure their deadly genetic disease by decoding the DNA of the immortal Turritopsis jellyfish."
"A brilliant but disturbed scientist freezes his children alive, while he races to cure their deadly genetic disease by decoding the DNA of the immortal Turritopsis jellyfish."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Dracula In A Women's Prison enjoyed its release on home video. (Note: IMDB.com reports that the film was completed in 2017, but this 2019 citation is the only date I can find showing general release.) Directed by Jeff Leroy from a story by Vinnie Bilancio, the Horror/Comedy starred Victoria De Mare, Rachel Riley, and Elissa Dowling. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ten years after the horrific events of Werewolf in a Women's Prison, the penitentiary has a new warden with a thirst for blood. Young American Liz (Victoria De Mare) travels to the the third world country of Campuna to gather her sisters remains, who mysteriously passed in jail. However, anyone who dies in Campuna State Prison comes back to life under warden Drago better known as Count Dracula (Robert Rhine)."
"Ten years after the horrific events of Werewolf in a Women's Prison, the penitentiary has a new warden with a thirst for blood. Young American Liz (Victoria De Mare) travels to the the third world country of Campuna to gather her sisters remains, who mysteriously passed in jail. However, anyone who dies in Campuna State Prison comes back to life under warden Drago better known as Count Dracula (Robert Rhine)."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), the Russian-language SciFi/Thriller The Blackout played for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Directed by Egor Baranov, the film starred Aleksey Chadov, Pyotr Fyodorov, and Svetlana Ivanova; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"No meteorites hit Earth, no terrorists put the world in danger, no atomic war was started, but something did go wrong. Contact between most towns on Earth has been severed. A small ring-like area in Eastern Europe still has electricity, and maybe even life is being reported from the Space. What military forces find outside the Ring is shocking. There are dead corpses everywhere: in stores, in cars, on roads, in hospitals and railway stations. Who or what is destroying all life on Earth? How long will the last outpost of mankind survive?"
For the record:
I've seen this one, and -- while it's quite good as a feature -- it's entirely unfinished at this point. From what I've read, it was written originally as a TV-style miniseries, ending on a massive cliffhanger ... and its second season has never happened. For those who want to know more, here's my review of the project.
"No meteorites hit Earth, no terrorists put the world in danger, no atomic war was started, but something did go wrong. Contact between most towns on Earth has been severed. A small ring-like area in Eastern Europe still has electricity, and maybe even life is being reported from the Space. What military forces find outside the Ring is shocking. There are dead corpses everywhere: in stores, in cars, on roads, in hospitals and railway stations. Who or what is destroying all life on Earth? How long will the last outpost of mankind survive?"
For the record:
I've seen this one, and -- while it's quite good as a feature -- it's entirely unfinished at this point. From what I've read, it was written originally as a TV-style miniseries, ending on a massive cliffhanger ... and its second season has never happened. For those who want to know more, here's my review of the project.
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The Directive enjoyed a limited theatrical release alongside a simultaneous launch on the World Wide Web. Written and directed by Alexander Raye Pimentel, the SciFi/Comedy starred Nicholas Winand, Paul Askedall, and Kyle Abraham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One year after a catastrophic pandemic wipes out most of humanity, a lone survivor embarks on a journey to find Safe Zone 57 with the help of a broken robot."
"One year after a catastrophic pandemic wipes out most of humanity, a lone survivor embarks on a journey to find Safe Zone 57 with the help of a broken robot."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019, Volition enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in attendance of the Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Tony Dean Smith, the SciFi feature starred Adrian Glynn McMorran and Magda Apanowicz, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man afflicted with clairvoyance tries to change his fate when a series of events leads to a vision of his own imminent murder."
For the record:
Volition has a very respectable track record at garnering solid praise on the film festival circuit, including the "Best SciFi Feature" from the 2019 Shriekfest as well as trophies for "Best Writing In A Motion Picture," "Best Lead Performance By A Male in A Motion Picture," and "Best Sound In A Motion Picture" from the 2020 Leo Awards.
"A man afflicted with clairvoyance tries to change his fate when a series of events leads to a vision of his own imminent murder."
For the record:
Volition has a very respectable track record at garnering solid praise on the film festival circuit, including the "Best SciFi Feature" from the 2019 Shriekfest as well as trophies for "Best Writing In A Motion Picture," "Best Lead Performance By A Male in A Motion Picture," and "Best Sound In A Motion Picture" from the 2020 Leo Awards.
On this day in 2020 (in Italy), A.I. Rising (aka Ederlezi Rising) enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Lazar Bodrosa, the SciFi/Drama starred Stoya, Sebastian Cavazza, and Marusa Majer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
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.
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
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!
On this day in 2022 (in the United Kingdom), Blank enjoyed its first screening of record for audiences of the Manchester Film Festival. Directed by Natalie Kennedy from a story by Stephen Herman, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rachel Shelley, Heida Reed, and Wayne Brady. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A desperate writer signs up for a fully A.I. operated retreat to cure her writer's block, but when an unforeseen software glitch occurs, she gets trapped inside her unit with an unstable android and no communication with the outside world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Blank earned a great amount of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A desperate writer signs up for a fully A.I. operated retreat to cure her writer's block, but when an unforeseen software glitch occurs, she gets trapped inside her unit with an unstable android and no communication with the outside world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Blank earned a great amount of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2023 (in the U.S.), audiences of the South By Southwest Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of Evil Dead Rise. Written and directed by Lee Cronin, the Horror/Fantasy starred Mirabai Pease, Alyssa Sutherland, and Anna-Maree Thomas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Moving the action out of the woods and into the city, "Evil Dead Rise" tells a twisted tale of two estranged sisters, played by Sutherland and Sullivan, whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of sitting down for a streaming watch of Evil Dead Rise. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"Moving the action out of the woods and into the city, "Evil Dead Rise" tells a twisted tale of two estranged sisters, played by Sutherland and Sullivan, whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of sitting down for a streaming watch of Evil Dead Rise. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1967, Lost In Space aired "The Colonists." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A female alien meets the Robinsons and uses them to help erect an arch to bring her people to colonize the Robinsons' planet."
"A female alien meets the Robinsons and uses them to help erect an arch to bring her people to colonize the Robinsons' planet."
Star Trek's "Bread and Circuses" remains classic Trek, the kind of story the program did quite well in its first and second seasons. It first aired on this day in 1968, and the action saw the crew encountering nothing but danger while investigating a sector of space for a missing starship. What do they find? They land on a world that's derivative of ancient Rome, where captives are forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the greater society.
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired "The Long Sleep." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ten years earlier Straker accidentally knocked Catherine Frazer down in his car as she was running away from something which frightened her and she has been unconscious ever since.Now Catherine awakes from her coma and explains that she and a boy named Tim whom she had not long met went to a derelict farm-house to take recreational drugs. There they saw two aliens planting a bomb. The couple ran off - Catherine into the path of Straker's car, Tim, she understood to have fallen off a roof and died. However, he was taken by the aliens who took him over and is now back, looking no older than he did ten years ago and about to set off the bomb."
For the record:
UFO purists can confirm that "The Lost Sleep" was, in fact, the last show produced for the Gerry Anderson program, but while the show originally aired during the 1970-1971 television season this installment wasn't broadcast in the United Kingdom until 1973. (It did air earlier elsewhere where the show was sold into syndication.) Apparently, the reason for this unusual delay was the fact that "Sleep" included sequences of LSD drug trips which censors found inappropriate for audiences at the time. [Source]
"Ten years earlier Straker accidentally knocked Catherine Frazer down in his car as she was running away from something which frightened her and she has been unconscious ever since.Now Catherine awakes from her coma and explains that she and a boy named Tim whom she had not long met went to a derelict farm-house to take recreational drugs. There they saw two aliens planting a bomb. The couple ran off - Catherine into the path of Straker's car, Tim, she understood to have fallen off a roof and died. However, he was taken by the aliens who took him over and is now back, looking no older than he did ten years ago and about to set off the bomb."
For the record:
UFO purists can confirm that "The Lost Sleep" was, in fact, the last show produced for the Gerry Anderson program, but while the show originally aired during the 1970-1971 television season this installment wasn't broadcast in the United Kingdom until 1973. (It did air earlier elsewhere where the show was sold into syndication.) Apparently, the reason for this unusual delay was the fact that "Sleep" included sequences of LSD drug trips which censors found inappropriate for audiences at the time. [Source]
On March 15, 1985, V visited "The Secret Underground," a story that saw Julia and Donovan boarding the Mothership, hoping to recover a list containing the names of the Resistance from the aliens!
On this day in 1993, "Night of the Savage" aired as the eighth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien tracks a killer from the future to London. Known as the Savage, the killer drains the blood from his victims and may be posing as a police officer."
"Darien tracks a killer from the future to London. Known as the Savage, the killer drains the blood from his victims and may be posing as a police officer."
On this day in 1997, Crime Traveller aired "Fashion Shoot." This served as the third episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fashion designer Sonia Duvall has been receiving death threats and despite all the efforts of Slade and the team, is shot on the catwalk."
"Fashion designer Sonia Duvall has been receiving death threats and despite all the efforts of Slade and the team, is shot on the catwalk."
On this day in 1997, Dark Skies aired "To Prey In Darkness." This hour served as the seventeenth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When Majestic learns that some film that shows the aliens is missing they look for it. They eventually find the film in the possession of TV news reporter who's hoping that it could get her into more serious work. So Loengard, Juliet, and Albano proceed to CBS and inform Majestic member William Paley of the situation. When the reporter turns up dead, they have to find it. But the hive also is there."
"When Majestic learns that some film that shows the aliens is missing they look for it. They eventually find the film in the possession of TV news reporter who's hoping that it could get her into more serious work. So Loengard, Juliet, and Albano proceed to CBS and inform Majestic member William Paley of the situation. When the reporter turns up dead, they have to find it. But the hive also is there."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Good Shepherd." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TrekCore.com:
"Janeway goes on an away mission in the Delta Flyer with three misfit crewmembers from the lower decks who, according to Seven, are constant underperformers. When the mission runs into difficulty, Janeway's leadership skills are needed more than ever."
"Janeway goes on an away mission in the Delta Flyer with three misfit crewmembers from the lower decks who, according to Seven, are constant underperformers. When the mission runs into difficulty, Janeway's leadership skills are needed more than ever."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Spirits of the Departed." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"As Rico Struggles with his promotion to Lieutenant and leader of the Roughnecks, the squad is assigned to Honolulu, Hawaii and when they arrive, they greet the new recruit, Max Brutto. While on station, they are attacked by a huge swarm of the Bug Army. Will Rico be able to get the Roughnecks out alive as his first mission as their leader?"
"As Rico Struggles with his promotion to Lieutenant and leader of the Roughnecks, the squad is assigned to Honolulu, Hawaii and when they arrive, they greet the new recruit, Max Brutto. While on station, they are attacked by a huge swarm of the Bug Army. Will Rico be able to get the Roughnecks out alive as his first mission as their leader?"
On this day in 2002, Dark Angel aired "Fuhgeddaboudit." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A transgenic with the ability to control people messes with Max's mind to keep her from coercing a meek mob bookie into selling out his boss to Eyes Only. But once the mutant sets her sights on Alec, the stakes are raised, leading him back into the boxing ring to make some money for some not-so-good fellas."
"A transgenic with the ability to control people messes with Max's mind to keep her from coercing a meek mob bookie into selling out his boss to Eyes Only. But once the mutant sets her sights on Alec, the stakes are raised, leading him back into the boxing ring to make some money for some not-so-good fellas."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "48 Hours." This served as the fourteenth episode to the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When Teal'c is trapped in the Stargate buffer, the team must juggle the technical challenges along with personal, interdepartmental and diplomatic rivalries to rescue him in time."
"When Teal'c is trapped in the Stargate buffer, the team must juggle the technical challenges along with personal, interdepartmental and diplomatic rivalries to rescue him in time."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "War For Two." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2007, Smallville aired "Promise." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark has second thoughts about Lana marrying Lex, Lana starts to have the same concerns. Meanwhile... the doctor involved in the secret behind Lana's pregnancy threatens Lex with his knowledge."
"Clark has second thoughts about Lana marrying Lex, Lana starts to have the same concerns. Meanwhile... the doctor involved in the secret behind Lana's pregnancy threatens Lex with his knowledge."
On this day in 2017, The 100 aired "We Will Rise." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Clarke and Roan are forced to work together when they are tasked to deliver a dangerous but crucial asset to Abby through enemy territories."
"Clarke and Roan are forced to work together when they are tasked to deliver a dangerous but crucial asset to Abby through enemy territories."
On this day in 2017, The Expanse aired "Pyre." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Naomi tracks down signs of protomolecule and Fred Johnson's control over OPA collapses."
"Naomi tracks down signs of protomolecule and Fred Johnson's control over OPA collapses."
