Always remember that the youngest among us need Science Fiction and Fantasy, too, and that's what a little something something called Space Cases was all about: bringing magic to the young-at-heart. It premiered on this day back in 1996 in the United States, and here's the series' premise as provided by the good folks at IMDB.com:
"A group of students from a space academy and two of their teachers find themselves lost in space aboard a mysterious ship of alien origin."
"A group of students from a space academy and two of their teachers find themselves lost in space aboard a mysterious ship of alien origin."
Back in 1983, John Cullum (and a host of talented folks) braved the Nuclear Apocalypse at the heart of the controversial and award-winning TV SciFi/Drama, The Day After. Cullum was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The eclectic Al Waxman provided vocals to a character in 1981's adaptation of the SciFi/Cult film, Heavy Metal. Though he's no longer with us, Waxman was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com is any indication, then Henry Stamper didn't act (professionally) all that often, but he did squeeze in an appearance aboard Doctor Who's "The Enemy Of The World" in 1967. Though he's no longer with us, Stamper was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Compton (above center) is one of those rare actors who's had the singular distinction of having been a part of the original Star Trek series and then -- during Star Trek: The Next Generation's run -- he actually had the chance to come in and direct an episode. Check out his resume on IMDB.com, and you'll see he's touched an awful lot of SciFi TV franchises as a director. Though he's no longer with us, Compton was born on this day in 1938.
Among her many accolades and honors, the lovely BarBara Luna appears in two of my personal all-time favorites in the realm of televised SciFi: she played 'Marlena' in the Star Trek classic episode "Mirror, Mirror" (above left), and she played 'Koori' in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's exceptional "Time of the Hawk" outing (above right). Luna was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not only did the great Hugh Walters (above right) get to play in the world of Doctor Who, he also appeared in the seminal 1984 (1984) as a lecturer. Though he's no longer with us, Walters was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Jon Finch leaves behind a resume solid in period dramas, but he did have a small role (as no less than Christ himself) aboard NBC's miniseries adaptation of Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Though he's no longer with us, Finch was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and writer George Layton made an appearance in the earlier realms of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Layton was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Best-selling author Peter Straub traffics in the realms of Horror and Fantasy, and his works are often compared with his occasional collaborator Stephen King. Straub was born on this day in 1943.
Gemini Man was a short-lived, mid-1970's SciFi procedural about a man with powers of limited invisibility, and the lovely Katherine Crawford (above right) starred on the show as 'Dr. Abby Lawrence.' Crawford was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gone too soon: Joy Garret's last credited screen role was as 'Annie Meyers,' the lovely bar patron from the fan favorite episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "A Fistful of Datas." Though she's no longer with us, Garret was born on this day in 1945.
March 2 marks the birthday of everyone's favorite personal physician, 'Dr. Beverly Crusher,' better known as Gates McFadden! She served with distinction aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's Enterprise-D, and the ship was a safer place knowing that she was there. Another year wiser, another year lovelier! McFadden was born on this day in 1949.
The fetching Hilary Thompson doesn't act all that much these days, but during her tenure she enjoyed screen time aboard such projects as Wonderbug, The Fury (1978), Automan, and ALF. Thompson was born on this day in 1949.
Science Fiction and Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, and -- aboard the kid-friendly Harry and the Hendersons TV show -- the lovely Molly Cheek (above right) played mother 'Nancy Henderson.' Cheek was born on this day in 1950.
No doubt I'll always remember Matthew Laurance for his work in the Eddie and The Cruisers films, but he did guest aboard the cable version of The Outer Limits for good measure. Laurance was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Syngenor (1990), actor Mitchell Laurance played out the Frankenstein mythos when scientists created genetic super-soldiers for the government who eventually turn on their creators. Laurance was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, Cassie Yates guest-starred aboard an episode of the popular The Bionic Woman. Yates was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When The Coneheads morphed from a Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time sketch to the silver screen in 1993, Laraine Newman still played a part, only one reduced to a cameo in favor of a younger actress to play the family's daughter. Newman was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the elements that moves drama forward -- yes, even Science Fiction drama -- is creating flawed characters with the opportunity and ability to redeem themselves. James Cameron's SciFi epic Aliens is ripe with such occurrences, not the least of which was 'Lt. Gorman' (as played by William Hope). Hope imbued the stiff but fair Gorman with bookish sensibilities, allowing the man to screw up royally in the picture's set-up while still 'rising to the occasion' when he was presented with a truly dire predicament. Well played, Mr. Hope! The actor was born on this day in 1955.
Personally, I love the Doctor Who Holiday Specials. Granted, the quality of the storytelling has been widely varied, but each special usually presents a particular Whovian situation that gets wrapped up with just the right amount of yuletide sentiment. Veteran character actor Michael Troughton played a small part in 2014's Last Christmas, but it's still worth a mention for like-minded enthusiasts in these pages. Troughton was born on this day in 1955.
Debra McMichael went from the wrestling ring to the world of Fantasy -- perhaps not all that far a leap! -- for her role aboard Gathering Of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords (2018). McMichael was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tracee Lee Cocco was one of the players who had the good fortune of serving as a regular background actor (and stuntwoman) aboard the entire run of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Cocco was born on this day in 1961.
The stunning Andrea Kelly has put her assets to good use filling out supporting roles in such properties as Dark Skies and Threshold. Kelly was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Daniel Craig is certainly more widely known for playing British super-spy James Bond in the motion picture franchise, SciFi fans thrilled to his exploits as the cowboy with a fantastic weapon in 2011's lukewarm Cowboys & Aliens. Craig was born on this day in 1968.
In the 2011 Doctor Who holiday special (aka "The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe"), Alexander Armstrong made an appearance as 'Reg Arwell.' Armstrong was born on this day in 1970.
The dreamy Elizabeth Lackey enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard NBC TV's Heroes during its original run. Lackey was born on this day in 1971.
The lovely Amber Smith found herself on the knife's edge as part of the cast of Mars (1997), a tale of crime finding its was to the colonized red planet. Smith was born on this day in 1971.
In one of his earliest acting gigs, a young Richard Ruccolo played FBI Agent Peyton Ritter aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Ruccolo was born on this day in 1972.
Early in his acting career, the talented Paul Popowich guested aboard "Valiant," an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also visited Dark Angel, The Outer Limits, Mutant X, Phil the Alien (2004), and The Expanse. Popowich was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter and director Jeff Wadlow helped bring Kick-Ass 2 (2013) to the masses at large, and he continues to seek out new genre projects and opportunities. Wadlow was born on this day in 1976.
The lovely Heather McComb played Special Agent Angela Collier aboard NBC's The Event. She's also booked roles aboard Alien Nation (TV), The X-Files, Millennium, and 2012: Supernova (2009). McComb was born on this day in 1977.
Funny lady Jocelyn Jee Esien made a handful of appearances aboard the Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Esien was born on this day in 1979.
I've written elsewhere about how much of a narrative mess I found HBO's first season of their overhyped Westworld reboot, but I did like several of the performances, including the lovely Ingrid Bolsø Berdal in the role of the villainous 'Armistice.' Berdal was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bryce Dallas Howard certainly chose an ambitious role with which to break into the SciFi field: she played the wife of the infamous John Connor in Terminator Salvation (2009). Though she's probably done with that franchise, Howard was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pilou Asbæk continues to turn in impressive work in one role after another. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Lucy (2014) and HBO's Game Of Thrones. Asbæk was born on this day in 1982.
Award-nominated Adult film temptress Rachel Roxx hasn't had too many forays into the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy -- well, not THAT Fantasy, anyway -- but kudos to the lady for making an appearance aboard porndom's This Ain't Avatar XXX 2: Escape From Pandwhora for good measure. We'll take what we can get. Roxx was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Warner Bros. and DC Comics brought Catwoman (2004) to the silver screen, they also brought the lovely Kim Smith along in the role as 'Drina.' Smith was born on this day in 1983.
Ethan Peck suited up and picked up a weapon for a role opposite Justin Timberlake for In Time (2011). He's also earned screen time aboard Halo 4, Halo 5, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010). Peck was born on this day in 1986.
The Maze Runner (2014) was quite good. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) was pretty awful. Now, that's no fault of Nathalie Emmanuel who turned in a nice role in the flick; and the lovely lady also turned heads (before losing her own) aboard HBO's powerful Game Of Thrones adaptation. Emmanuel was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though she's relatively new to this whole 'acting' thing, the lovely Maisie Richardson-Sellers already boasts a resume rich in genre entries, including roles aboard The Originals, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Richardson-Sellers was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
California born-and-raised Veronica Dunne used her pipes to provide pipes to the character of 'Janna' aboard Star Vs. The Forces Of Evil during its run on television. Dunne was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Power Rangers (2017) moved from the small screen to the silver, the lovely Becky G suited up as Trini, the Yellow Ranger. Ms. G was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1930 (in Germany), beauty had a name ... and it was Alraune! Directed by Richard Oswald, the motion picture was adapted from the Hanns Heinz Ewers novel by Charlie Roellinghoff and Richard Weisbach. The film starred Brigitte Helm, Albert Basserman, and Harald Paulsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist, Professor Jakob ten Brinken, interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts. The girl, Alraune, suffers from obsessive sexuality and perverse relationships throughout her life. She learns of her unnatural origins and she avenges herself against the professor."
"A scientist, Professor Jakob ten Brinken, interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts. The girl, Alraune, suffers from obsessive sexuality and perverse relationships throughout her life. She learns of her unnatural origins and she avenges herself against the professor."
A star is born! On this day in 1933 (in the U.S.), the eighth wonder of the world himself -- King Kong -- enjoyed its big screen theatrical premiere in New York City! Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the film used some pioneering special effects to bring the king to life; 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 1961 (in Colombia), The Ship Of Monsters was launched into cinematic heaven. Directed by Rogelio A. González, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eulalio González, Ana Bertha Lepe, and Lorena Velázquez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two extraterrestrial women are sent on a mission by the regent of Venus to search for a male of another planet."
"Two extraterrestrial women are sent on a mission by the regent of Venus to search for a male of another planet."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Queen Of Blood spilled its horrific images over silver screens everywhere. Written (in part) and directed by Curtis Harrington, the SciFi/Horror starred John Saxon, Dennis Hopper, and Basil Rathbone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 1990. An alien species makes contact with Earth through radio transmissions. After astronauts from earth venture to the planet, they find one - a female, who's mute. As they transport her back to earth, one by one, the male crew members die. It's too late when they realise she needs their blood to survive."
"The year is 1990. An alien species makes contact with Earth through radio transmissions. After astronauts from earth venture to the planet, they find one - a female, who's mute. As they transport her back to earth, one by one, the male crew members die. It's too late when they realise she needs their blood to survive."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Spain), Arrebato enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever. Written and directed by Iván Zulueta, the Horror/Fantasy starred Eusebio Poncela, Cecilia Roth, and Will More. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A low budget horror filmmaker gets in touch with an eccentric who is trying to film his consciousness during drug abuse."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrebato enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A low budget horror filmmaker gets in touch with an eccentric who is trying to film his consciousness during drug abuse."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrebato enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1981 (in Brazil), there were aliens among us with the theatrical release of the Special Edition of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. Written and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and François Truffaut;. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1983 (in Colombia), audiences were treated to an all-new kind of Horror with the release of The Boogens. Directed by James L. Conway, the film starred Rebecca Balding, Fred McCarren, and Anne-Marie Martin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Otherworldly creatures are released from the bootleg tunnels underneath a small-town mining community, and begin chomping on the locals."
"Otherworldly creatures are released from the bootleg tunnels underneath a small-town mining community, and begin chomping on the locals."
Repo Man was one of those films that just didn't interest me in its original theatrical run -- it premiered on this day in 1984 -- but I saw it as soon as it was released on home video. Even then, it just did nothing for me. Granted, I thought it was a clever idea; I just watched as it went nowhere. Written and directed by Alex Cox, it starred Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tracey Walter. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Young punk Otto becomes a repo man after helping to steal a car, and stumbles into a world of wackiness as a result."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it certainly garnered some attention on the festival circuit as well as some notable organizations. In 1984, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at Mystfest (in Italy). In the same year, the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards nominated it for 'Best Cinematography.' In 1985, screenwriter Alex Cox was awarded the 'Best Screenplay' trophy from the Boston Society Of Film Critics. Last but not least, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Cox's script for 'Best Writing;' though it lost in that contest, actor Tracey Walter did take home the trophy for 'Best Supporting Actor.'
"Young punk Otto becomes a repo man after helping to steal a car, and stumbles into a world of wackiness as a result."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it certainly garnered some attention on the festival circuit as well as some notable organizations. In 1984, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at Mystfest (in Italy). In the same year, the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards nominated it for 'Best Cinematography.' In 1985, screenwriter Alex Cox was awarded the 'Best Screenplay' trophy from the Boston Society Of Film Critics. Last but not least, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Cox's script for 'Best Writing;' though it lost in that contest, actor Tracey Walter did take home the trophy for 'Best Supporting Actor.'
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), Welcome To Blood City served up SciFi thrills and chills with one of the oddest SciFi pairings you'll ever imagine: Jack Palance and Keir Dullea. (FYI: the film was shot in 1976 but not released until much later.) According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of people find themselves as slaves in what looks like a Wild West town, but with no memory of who they are or how they got there. In this town, people advance through killing others. One of the people decides to go for the top position."
"A group of people find themselves as slaves in what looks like a Wild West town, but with no memory of who they are or how they got there. In this town, people advance through killing others. One of the people decides to go for the top position."
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), Warrior Of The Lost World appeared in our world's theaters. Written and directed by David Worth, the SciFi feature starred Robert Ginty and the late Persis Khambatta, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A nomad mercenary on a high-tech motorcycle helps bring about the downfall of the evil Orwellian government, the Omega."
"A nomad mercenary on a high-tech motorcycle helps bring about the downfall of the evil Orwellian government, the Omega."
On this day in 1987 (France), audiences turned out for not so much a 'night on the town' as they did a Night Of The Creeps! Written and directed by Fred Dekker, the SciFi/Horror starred Jason Lively, Tom Atkins, and Steve Marshall. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1959, an alien experiment crashes to earth and infects a fraternity member. They freeze the body, but in the modern day, two geeks pledging a fraternity accidentally thaw the corpse, which proceeds to infect the campus with parasites that transform their hosts into killer zombies."
"In 1959, an alien experiment crashes to earth and infects a fraternity member. They freeze the body, but in the modern day, two geeks pledging a fraternity accidentally thaw the corpse, which proceeds to infect the campus with parasites that transform their hosts into killer zombies."
On this day back in 1988, Gandahar (aka Light Years) was released theatrically (in France). Here's the scuttlebutt from IMDB.com:
"An evil force from a 1000 years in the future begins to destroy an idyllic paradise, where the citizens are in perfect harmony with nature."
"An evil force from a 1000 years in the future begins to destroy an idyllic paradise, where the citizens are in perfect harmony with nature."
On this day in 1991 (in Hungary), the 1965-produced film The 10th Victim enjoyed its debut on television. Written (in part) and directed by Elio Petri, the SciFi/Comedy starred Marcello Mastroianni, Ursula Andress, and Elsa Martinelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 21st Century, where a human vs. human "Big Hunt" is used as an alternative to war, a veteran huntress agrees to kill a "victim" to get a major TV sponsorship deal, but romantic entanglements between the two complicate matters."
"In the 21st Century, where a human vs. human "Big Hunt" is used as an alternative to war, a veteran huntress agrees to kill a "victim" to get a major TV sponsorship deal, but romantic entanglements between the two complicate matters."
On this day in 1994, Robot In The Family served up some family-friend SciFi. The feature starred Joe Pantoliano and Danny Gerard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A manic search for a valuable relic pits a father, son, and trouble-prone robot against a nasty villain."
"A manic search for a valuable relic pits a father, son, and trouble-prone robot against a nasty villain."
On this day in 1995 (in the Netherlands), the past incarnation of Star Trek passed the baton to an new generation with the silver screen release of Star Trek: Generations. Written by Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, and Ronald D. Moore, the first cinema adventure for the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D was directed by David Carson. It starred Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, and Malcolm McDowell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in Australia), Christopher Lambert found himself incarcerated in the future yet again when Fortress 2 came up for parole. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"7 years after the original Fortress movie, Brennick along with the rebels are captured and sent to a new, more sophisticated fortress prison, in outer space."
"7 years after the original Fortress movie, Brennick along with the rebels are captured and sent to a new, more sophisticated fortress prison, in outer space."
A star is born! Because Fantasy remains SciFi's red-headed stepsister, we do give it 'props' from time-to-time on our site, and -- on this day in 2001 (in Canada) -- the Fantasy/Telefilm Voyage of the Unicorn set sail for adventure. The feature starred Beau Bridges and Heather McEwen, and here's the plot summary that's been provided to IMDB.com:
"A professor, grieving for his dead wife, and his two daughters unwillingly journey to a parallel universe of fairy court, marauding trolls, and a prophecy that they will save this nether world. They board the Unicorn, a magic ship manned by elves. In the search for a dragon who will help them fulfill the prophecy, they encounter the Minotaur, Medusa, the Sphinx, an ogre, and a unicorn whose tears they need to reverse one of Medusa's misguided stares. The trolls also seek the dragon. Capture and slavery awaits failure, while faith precedes the miracle. The spirit of their mother is close to the girls, who must find courage and imagination, while Dad must keep his wits."
"A professor, grieving for his dead wife, and his two daughters unwillingly journey to a parallel universe of fairy court, marauding trolls, and a prophecy that they will save this nether world. They board the Unicorn, a magic ship manned by elves. In the search for a dragon who will help them fulfill the prophecy, they encounter the Minotaur, Medusa, the Sphinx, an ogre, and a unicorn whose tears they need to reverse one of Medusa's misguided stares. The trolls also seek the dragon. Capture and slavery awaits failure, while faith precedes the miracle. The spirit of their mother is close to the girls, who must find courage and imagination, while Dad must keep his wits."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (within the great nation-state of Japan), Infection: The Invasion Begins invaded theatres. This SciFi/Thriller starred Kelly Pendygraft and Alice Amter, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A mystery surrounds a small town that was attacked on September 9, 2009. Now sixty years later, the last survivor, Sarah, sends a high profile reporter a letter suggesting what really happened on that day. The government calls 9/9/09 the start of the "Modern Plague", and the reporter soon realizes that the truth may be harder to uncover than the lies."
"A mystery surrounds a small town that was attacked on September 9, 2009. Now sixty years later, the last survivor, Sarah, sends a high profile reporter a letter suggesting what really happened on that day. The government calls 9/9/09 the start of the "Modern Plague", and the reporter soon realizes that the truth may be harder to uncover than the lies."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Starzinger enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the SciFi/Animated feature:
"Three powerful androids must assist Princess Aurora on her dangerous journey to the Great Planet, in order to restore balance in the universe."
"Three powerful androids must assist Princess Aurora on her dangerous journey to the Great Planet, in order to restore balance in the universe."
On this day in 2016 (in Bulgaria), the 1981-produced Time Bandits played for audiences in attendance of the Sofia Film Fest. Written by Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin (and directed by Gilliam himself), the Fantasy feature starred Sean Connery, John Cleese, and Shelley Duvall; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
- At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Time Bandits was presented with the President's Award -- the very first given by the organization -- a title bestowed for quality genre entertainment that's given in honor of one of the Academy's founder, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The film was also nominated for trophies in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best International Film.'
- At the 1982 Hugo Awards, Time Bandits received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2018 (in Estonia), romance and SciFi and time travel all convergence on the Frontier! Directed by Dmitriy Tyurin, the SciFi/Drama starred Stanislav Duzhnikov, Sergey Chirkov, and Viktor Dobronravov; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael's perfect life changes dramatically when he discovers a portal which allows him to travel in time. He travels back to the World War II to go through the quest of time and find his one and only beloved."
"Michael's perfect life changes dramatically when he discovers a portal which allows him to travel in time. He travels back to the World War II to go through the quest of time and find his one and only beloved."
A star is born ... and this one was animated! On this day in 2018 (in Luxenbourg), Luis And The Aliens enjoyed its big screen theatrical premiere when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Luxembourg Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Christoph Lauenstein, Wolfgang Lauenstein, and Sean McCormack, the SciFi/Fantasy starred the voices of Callum Maloney, Dermot Magennis, and Ian Coppinger. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An 11-year-old boy befriends three aliens after they crash their spaceship onto the grounds of an closed gas station by his house."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Luis And The Aliens enjoyed a big win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"An 11-year-old boy befriends three aliens after they crash their spaceship onto the grounds of an closed gas station by his house."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Luis And The Aliens enjoyed a big win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), heroes came in all shapes and sizes with the release of Strong Hawk: My Sister's Keeper! Directed by Ramasses Head from a script by Damon A. Hart, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kara Anderson, Cash Evans, and Sierra Mora. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Strong Hawk: My Sister's Keeper is about a family of sisters who lost their parents over a decade ago and now discover they have powers. They attempt to help their community by acting as vigilantes but their heroic efforts make the ladies vulnerable to their natural enemies. This begins a journey for them to unravel family secrets and test themselves to see if they are really heroes."
"Strong Hawk: My Sister's Keeper is about a family of sisters who lost their parents over a decade ago and now discover they have powers. They attempt to help their community by acting as vigilantes but their heroic efforts make the ladies vulnerable to their natural enemies. This begins a journey for them to unravel family secrets and test themselves to see if they are really heroes."
On this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Beyond The Curtain Of Space: Chapter II." This served as the second episode of the show's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Space Ranger Rocky Jones comes to the rescue of Professor Newton and Bobby and discovers the fact that somehow, The Office Of Space Affairs on Earth has been infiltrated by a spy."
"Space Ranger Rocky Jones comes to the rescue of Professor Newton and Bobby and discovers the fact that somehow, The Office Of Space Affairs on Earth has been infiltrated by a spy."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Contraband." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McCauley must take four scientists back to the moon to find a deposit of a valuable mineral that one of them stole, so that he can trick the thief into revealing himself."
"McCauley must take four scientists back to the moon to find a deposit of a valuable mineral that one of them stole, so that he can trick the thief into revealing himself."
On this day in 1962, Rod Serling threw open the door to The Twilight Zone for the airing of one of his program's most beloved episodes. "To Serve Man" was the twenty-fourth tale of the third season, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's what all the hubbub was about:
"An alien race comes to earth, promising peace and sharing technology. A linguist and his team set out to translate the alien's language, using a book whose title they deduce is 'To Serve Man'."
"An alien race comes to earth, promising peace and sharing technology. A linguist and his team set out to translate the alien's language, using a book whose title they deduce is 'To Serve Man'."
Oh, what's a Spock to do when he gets his 'love jones' on? Why, he's supposed to give in! At least, that's the premise behind Star Trek's first season episode, "This Side of Paradise." Airing on this day back in 1967, the show pitted the crew of the Enterprise against a series of plant spores that infect them with the desire to pursue some much needed bliss.
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "The Web of Fear, Part 5." This served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Victoria and Travers are held prisoner by the Great Intelligence, who is planning to drain the Doctor's mind."
"Victoria and Travers are held prisoner by the Great Intelligence, who is planning to drain the Doctor's mind."
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "Death to the Daleks, Part 2." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and the MSC crew join forces with the Daleks to mine the parrinium, only to come under attack from the Exxilons."
"The Doctor and the MSC crew join forces with the Daleks to mine the parrinium, only to come under attack from the Exxilons."
On this day in 1982, Doctor Who aired "Black Orchid, Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ann escapes her Harlequin-clad abductor but it's The Doctor whom she accuses. Strangled bodies mount and The Doctor is arrested along with "accessories" Tegan, Nyssa and Adric. Will Lady Cranleigh's secret come out?"
"Ann escapes her Harlequin-clad abductor but it's The Doctor whom she accuses. Strangled bodies mount and The Doctor is arrested along with "accessories" Tegan, Nyssa and Adric. Will Lady Cranleigh's secret come out?"
On this day in 1983, Doctor Who aired "Enlightenment, Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Striker and his officers reveal themselves to be Eternals, mind-reading creatures who live outside of time and who require Ephemerals (humans and other "time dwellers") to relieve them of their emptiness. They race against other Eternals for the grand prize of Enlightenment, by which to grant their deepest wishes. That can't be good for the universe, but how can the Doctor strategize against beings adept at reading his every thought?"
"Captain Striker and his officers reveal themselves to be Eternals, mind-reading creatures who live outside of time and who require Ephemerals (humans and other "time dwellers") to relieve them of their emptiness. They race against other Eternals for the grand prize of Enlightenment, by which to grant their deepest wishes. That can't be good for the universe, but how can the Doctor strategize against beings adept at reading his every thought?"
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "Planet of Fire, Part 4." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary according to IMDB.com:
"While the Master, victim of his own attempt to improve his TCE weapon, seeks restoration through Sarn's numismaton gas, the truth of Turlough's past comes out at last, though to guarantee the safety of his brother and the Sarn people, Turlough must consider a great personal sacrifice."
"While the Master, victim of his own attempt to improve his TCE weapon, seeks restoration through Sarn's numismaton gas, the truth of Turlough's past comes out at last, though to guarantee the safety of his brother and the Sarn people, Turlough must consider a great personal sacrifice."
On this day in 1985, Doctor Who aired "The Two Doctors, Part 3." This served as the ninth episode of the program's twenty-second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Closing in on the goal of time travel, the Androgum and Sontarans get set to double-cross each other. With Peri and Jamie alternately in danger of winding up on the bill of fare, the decision is made to genetically transform Doctor No. 2 into an insatiably carnivorous Androgum, which causes Doctor No. 6 to develop a sudden taste for house cats as he races to not let this change become permanent."
"Closing in on the goal of time travel, the Androgum and Sontarans get set to double-cross each other. With Peri and Jamie alternately in danger of winding up on the bill of fare, the decision is made to genetically transform Doctor No. 2 into an insatiably carnivorous Androgum, which causes Doctor No. 6 to develop a sudden taste for house cats as he races to not let this change become permanent."
On this day in 1986, Amazing Stories aired "Dorothy And Ben." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It is shocking enough when old Ben Dumfy emerges like Rip Van Winkle from a 40-year coma, but his special mental communication with Dorothy, a comatose 7-year-old, leads to an even greater miracle. But there's a price."
"It is shocking enough when old Ben Dumfy emerges like Rip Van Winkle from a 40-year coma, but his special mental communication with Dorothy, a comatose 7-year-old, leads to an even greater miracle. But there's a price."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired "Tales of Future Past." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A genetically engineered warrior from the future is sent back to kill Super Force!"
"A genetically engineered warrior from the future is sent back to kill Super Force!"
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "Mind War." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Psi-Cops arrive at the station to capture Talia's old Psi Corps instructor. Catherine is warned not to survey a sector of space by G'Kar."
"The Psi-Cops arrive at the station to capture Talia's old Psi Corps instructor. Catherine is warned not to survey a sector of space by G'Kar."
On this day in 1995, William Shatner's TekWar aired "Alter Ego." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A powerful Teklord was put on ice for his crimes but soon reappears and begins killing those responsible for putting him away. Jake checks the freezer but finds that he is still on ice. There's an AI simulating the real Teklord."
"A powerful Teklord was put on ice for his crimes but soon reappears and begins killing those responsible for putting him away. Jake checks the freezer but finds that he is still on ice. There's an AI simulating the real Teklord."
It all began right here: on this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Space Cases enjoyed its television debut. The first episode was titled "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of human and alien space cadets explore a mysterious abandoned alien starship that reactivates and takes them to the far reaches of space along with their two teachers. The ship's amnesiac female A.I. android tries to help."
"A team of human and alien space cadets explore a mysterious abandoned alien starship that reactivates and takes them to the far reaches of space along with their two teachers. The ship's amnesiac female A.I. android tries to help."
On this day in 2005, Smallville aired "Lucy." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lois' younger sister, Lucy, with whom Lois doesn't get along, visits Smallville and charms everyone she meets."
"Lois' younger sister, Lucy, with whom Lois doesn't get along, visits Smallville and charms everyone she meets."
On this day in 2007 (in Brazil), Heroes aired "Chapter One: Genesis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In this episode, we are introduced to Peter Petrelli, a young man who dreams of flying, and his brother Nathan, a ruthless politician who thinks that Peter is dreaming his life away. Meanwhile, ordinary people from all around the world are starting to suspect that they have abilities beyond those of normal humans. Artist Isaac Mendez believes that he is painting the future, high school cheerleader Claire Bennet is suddenly able to recover from any wound almost instantly, Japanese businessman Hiro Nakamura tries to convince a friend that he can bend space and time, and single mother Niki Sanders starts seeing strange things in mirrors. Upon learning of his father's death, genetics Professor Mohinder Suresh begins to look into his research for a clue to why he was killed. When he follows his father's trail to New York City, however, Mohinder learns that someone else is on the trail of the same research. Someone who may kill to protect the secrets of the next step in human evolution."
"In this episode, we are introduced to Peter Petrelli, a young man who dreams of flying, and his brother Nathan, a ruthless politician who thinks that Peter is dreaming his life away. Meanwhile, ordinary people from all around the world are starting to suspect that they have abilities beyond those of normal humans. Artist Isaac Mendez believes that he is painting the future, high school cheerleader Claire Bennet is suddenly able to recover from any wound almost instantly, Japanese businessman Hiro Nakamura tries to convince a friend that he can bend space and time, and single mother Niki Sanders starts seeing strange things in mirrors. Upon learning of his father's death, genetics Professor Mohinder Suresh begins to look into his research for a clue to why he was killed. When he follows his father's trail to New York City, however, Mohinder learns that someone else is on the trail of the same research. Someone who may kill to protect the secrets of the next step in human evolution."
On this day in 2012, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Bounty." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Asajj Ventress joins a group of bounty hunters led by Boba Fett. Their mission is to deliver a box with unknown cargo to the leader of the planet Quarzite."
"Asajj Ventress joins a group of bounty hunters led by Boba Fett. Their mission is to deliver a box with unknown cargo to the leader of the planet Quarzite."
On this day in 2013, the second part of the two-part miniseries Delete aired on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
On this day in 2014, Avengers Assemble aired "Savages." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When Tony becomes too reliant on his tech, Cap challenges him to go without it for one full day."
"When Tony becomes too reliant on his tech, Cap challenges him to go without it for one full day."
On this day in 2015, a phenomenon was born when the Spanish-language SciFi/Fantasy program known as The Department Of Time aired its first episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The Ministry agent in 1588 Lisbon, Gil Pérez, raises the alarm when he notices that would-be famous playwright Lope de Vega has missed his historical appointment to serve in the Spanish Armada."
"The Ministry agent in 1588 Lisbon, Gil Pérez, raises the alarm when he notices that would-be famous playwright Lope de Vega has missed his historical appointment to serve in the Spanish Armada."
On this day in 2002, Starfleet: Year One was published by Pocket Books under their Star Trek imprint. The book was penned by fan favorite author Michael Jan Friedman, and if you're interested in knowing a bit more about the read then you can follow the link I've found right here.
If you're unfamiliar with the novels involving future military grunt Takeshi Kovacs, then you're really missing something special. Author Richard K. Morgan's hero lives in a world centuries down the road from ours, where folks who've grown used to very long lives by occupying bodies only temporarily through some consciousness-transferring technology. Also, we've grown accustomed to enhancing our skills and abilities through clever gene-splicing, and it would seem we're always hot-on-the-trail of trying to uncover what happened to the original Martian civilization whose spaceflight technology we've commandeered for our own uses. I've just about finished Broken Angels, and I've found much of it a staggering delight. The novel was first published on this day in 2004.
