So far as this SciFi fan is concerned, there was a lot wrong with the RoboCop (2014) reboot -- video-game intensity of the plot; no real strong emotional core to Det. Murphy's struggle; and no charismatic villain in sight. If you want my real lowdown, then you can find my review right here. But one of the things they got right was casting screen veteran Gary Oldman as the kind-hearted Dr. Dennett Norton, RoboCop's kinda/sorta creator. Goldman was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
With over 100 films to his credit, is it any wonder that SciFi fans will probably always know Gustav Fröhlich for his work as 'Freder' aboard Fritz Lang's SciFi classic Metropolis (1927)? Though he's no longer with us, Fröhlich was born on this day in 1902. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1973, the actor was given an Honorary Award from the German Film Awards for his contribution to German film over the years.
For the record:
In 1973, the actor was given an Honorary Award from the German Film Awards for his contribution to German film over the years.
With well over one hundred different screen credits, Logan Ramsey still made time for appearances in Science Fiction. Fans recognize him from roles in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Star Trek, Mork & Mindy, Battlestar Galactica (ABC) , The Beast Within (1982), Knight Rider, ALF, and Scrooged (1988). Though he's no longer with us, Ramsey was born on this day in 1921. [Source: IMDB.com]
James Coco is a name that doesn't exactly scream Science Fiction. Still, he managed a few appearances of note, including work aboard The Ray Bradbury Theatre, The Twilight Zone, and The Stepford Children (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Coco was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
Illustrator Al Williamson helped such projects climb off the page as Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, and Weird Science-Fiction, and Flash Gordon. Though he's no longer with us, Williamson was born on this day in 1931.
Lorene Yarnell Jansson enjoyed a fairly diverse life in the world in entertainment. Genre fans are probably most familiar with her work aboard Wonder Woman, The Wild Wild West Revisited (1979), and as the droid 'Dot Matrix' aboard Mel Brooks' Spaceballs. Though she's no longer with us, Jansson was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout her tenure in the entertainment business, Hilary Minster garnered guest spots aboard such series as Timeslip, Doctor Who, The Tomorrow People, and Bugs. Though she's no longer with us, Minster was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Before he became James Bond, actor Timothy Dalton played Prince Barin in 1980's deliciously campy Flash Gordon reboot. (Meh, it sadly didn't take, but a sequel would've been nice for those of us who embraced the vision.) He's also booked appearances in The Rocketeer, Tales from Earthsea, Doctor Who, and Hot Fuzz for good measure. Dalton was born on this day in 1944.
Any smilers out there remember the Saturday morning live action children's SciFi program better known as Ark II? If you do, then you must remember the lovely Jean Marie Hon, one of principle stars of the show. She went on to guest aboard Man From Atlantis as well as the SciFi/Telefilm Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land (1983). Hon was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sabrina Le Beauf (above right) had the chance to pilot the Enterprise-D aboard "Gambit," a two-part episode of the popular Star Trek: The Next Generation. Le Beauf was born on this day in 1958.
Jon Macht is a special effects wizard who has contributed to such properties as Masters of the Universe (1987) and Star Trek: Renegades. Macht was born on this day in 1960.
Note to director Roland Emmerich: Matthew Broderick is no action star. Period. FYI: He was Ferris Bueller (for God's sake!), and he did just fine with that. So the next time you want to try to update any monster movie (such as 1998's Godzilla), try casting an action star in an action star role. Broderick was born on this day in 1962.
Cynthia Geary burst onto the pop culture scene with her work as the plucky and attractive 'Shelley' aboard CBS's quirky Alaska comedy Northern Exposure. Thankfully, she's dabbled in SciFi with performances in The Outer Limits and the Fantasy/Telefilm Bigfoot (2012). Geary was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Remember Star Trek (2009)? Remember that somewhat cocky engineer who overshot the potential space-drop landing aboard that destructive Romulan drill that destroyed Vulcan? That was Greg Ellis. Check out his profile on IMDB.com, and you'll find he's a very impressive resume of voiceover work as well as live appearances. Ellis was born on this day in 1968.
Actor Jaye Davidson had very little acting experience when he burst onto the scene in The Crying Game (1992) and then followed it up with a sci-fi star turn in Roland Emmerich's Stargate (1994) ... and it kinda showed. As the Egyptian God (or was he?) Ra, he pretty much stood there and tried to make his small frame look menacing. Davidson was born on this day in 1968.
Lisa Ann Russell earned some SciFi credentials aboard A.P.E.X., a SciFi/Thriller from Blue Rider Pictures. Russell was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
As I've always said, fandom loves it when a gal plays dress-up ... and those are sentiments I suspect the yummy Vanessa Branch can appreciate. In Star Trek: Voyager's seventh season, she played the adult version of fan favorite Naomi Wildman in the episode titled "Shattered." Branch was born on this day in 1973.
Luscious Laura Allen left fandom swooning (can you blame us?) over her work as Lily Moore Tyler in the USA Network original The 4400, the tale of UFO abductees being returned to Earth years later with some minor modifications to their DNA. Allen was born on this day in 1974.
I don't have Netflix (probably never will, either, due to the President's pronounced anti-American sentiments), so I've never seen the Wachowskis' Sense8. I have been told I'm not missing much as even critics have found it somewhat perplexing. In any event, actor Joseph Mawle stars aboard the streaming vehicle. Mawle was born on this day in 1974.
Even though I loved most of Fox TV's The X-Files in its original television fun, I honestly didn't much care for the recent relaunched miniseries. Sure, it had great potential as well as some solid ideas, but methinks the glory days of the program are well in the past at this point. Stilll, funnyman Rhys Darby had a great guest role, though his story was far too tongue-in-cheek for me to really celebrate it. Darby was born on this day in 1974.
Voice actress Rachael MacFarlane has provided tracks to such projects as Samurai jack, The Batman, The Incredible Hulk, and Starcraft II: Wings Of Liberty (2010). MacFarlane was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
I have a secret fondness for the much maligned AVP: Aliens Vs. Predator. I get that it probably wasn't bled from the same thematic vein that gave us Alien or even Aliens, but it had a kind of B-movie quality that made it a fun popcorn movie for me. Sam Troughton had a small role in it, so kudos to the man. He's also appeared in the BBC's Robin Hood as well as the dark drama Hex. Troughton was born on this day in 1977.
Though he may be better recognized from work in dramas, Bruno Langley did offer up a pair of guest spots aboard the BBC's popular Doctor Who. Langley was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Natalie Gumede enjoyed a guest spot aboard Doctor Who's episode "Last Christmas" in 2014. Gumede was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Playboy playmate Tamara Witmer flexed her acting chops for work aboard the SciFi feature Supergator (2007) for New Horizons Pictures. Witmer was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
She hunted zombies on AMC's stellar The Walking Dead, and Sonequa Martin-Green had a role in the SciFi flick Shockwave Darkside back in 2014. More recently, she went boldly where no one has gone before aboard CBS's web-based Star Trek: Discovery, debatedly one of the worst incarnations of the Gene Roddenberry juggernaut ever. Martin-Green was born on this day in 1985.
Scott Eastwood was one of the regulars who worked very hard to make the Suicide Squad (2016) get along with one another. Eastwood was born on this day in 1986.
Jasmin Savoy Brown continues to impress in the realm of Fantasy with work aboard Stitchers and HBO's The Leftovers. Brown was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Power Rangers (2017) finally came to the silver screen, young RJ Cyler stepped into the shoes of the Blue Ranger. Cyler was born on this day in 1995. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1927 (in Finland), the SciFi/Classic Metropolis gave mankind one of its earliest looks into what was possible on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the feature film starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
A star is born! On this day in 1938 (in the U.S.), the second of the original Flash Gordon serials -- Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars -- roared into the cinematic heavens! Directed by Ford Beebe, Robert F. Hill, and Frederick Stephani, the feature starred Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, and Charles Middleton. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a deadly Nitron ray strikes Earth, Flash Gordon and his friends travel to Mars to battle Ming the Merciless and his new ally Queen Azura."
"When a deadly Nitron ray strikes Earth, Flash Gordon and his friends travel to Mars to battle Ming the Merciless and his new ally Queen Azura."
On this day back in 1941 (in Portugal), the original 'Savior of the Universe' made his presence known on the silver screen with the release of Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe. Directed by Ford Beebe andn Ray Taylor, the SciFi/Fantasy serial starred Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughes, and Charles Middleton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov return to the planet Mongo for an antidote to the Purple Death, which wreaking destruction on Earth. However, Ming the Merciless has other plans for them."
For the record:
It deserves mention that this serial received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' from the 1941 Hugo Awards, an honor it lost out on to Walt Disney's Fantasia. Still ... pretty good company to be in, eh?
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov return to the planet Mongo for an antidote to the Purple Death, which wreaking destruction on Earth. However, Ming the Merciless has other plans for them."
For the record:
It deserves mention that this serial received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' from the 1941 Hugo Awards, an honor it lost out on to Walt Disney's Fantasia. Still ... pretty good company to be in, eh?
On this day in 1958 (in Austria), Rocketship X-M blasted off onto its way into the hearts of viewers. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi/Drama starred Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, and John Emery; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
On this day in 1958 (in France), The Deadly Mantis crawled into theatres. Directed by Nathan Juran, the feature starred Craig Stevens, William Hopper, and Alix Talton. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
A star is born! On this day in 1962 (in Japan), Gorath lumbered onto the silver screen. Directed by Ishirô Honda, the SciFi feature starred Ryô Ikebe, Yumi Shirakawa, and Akira Kubo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, a giant planetoid named Gorath is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Even though it is smaller than Earth, its mass is huge enough to crush the Earth and destroy it. A mission sent to observe Gorath is destroyed after all the orbiting ships are drawn into the planetoid. A later mission is sent to observe and the crew barely leaves before suffering the same fate. However Astronaut Tatsuo Kanai is left in a catatonic state due to his near death experience. The Earth's scientists then come up with a desperate plan to build giant rockets at the South Pole to move Earth out of Gorath's path before it is too late."
"In 1980, a giant planetoid named Gorath is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Even though it is smaller than Earth, its mass is huge enough to crush the Earth and destroy it. A mission sent to observe Gorath is destroyed after all the orbiting ships are drawn into the planetoid. A later mission is sent to observe and the crew barely leaves before suffering the same fate. However Astronaut Tatsuo Kanai is left in a catatonic state due to his near death experience. The Earth's scientists then come up with a desperate plan to build giant rockets at the South Pole to move Earth out of Gorath's path before it is too late."
On this day in 1968 (in London), Planet Of The Apes enjoyed a run at the box office. Directed by Franklin B. Schaffner, the feature starred Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, and Roddy McDowall; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
On this day in 1971 (in New York City), The Andromeda Strain showed audiences one of the potential dangers of space bacteria. Adapted from the novel by Michael Crichton, the SciFi/Drama was directed by Robert Wise and starred James Olson, Arthur Hill, and David Wayne. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of Chicago, Illinois were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Twilight People. Written (in part) and directed by Eddie Romero (based on H.G. Wells' novel "The Island Of Dr. Moreau"), the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Ashley, Pat Woodell, and Pam Grier. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A kidnapped diver is taken to an island inhabited by a mad scientist and his half-animal, half-human creations."
"A kidnapped diver is taken to an island inhabited by a mad scientist and his half-animal, half-human creations."
A star is born ... or -- in the case of sequels -- is that born again?! On this day in 1974 (in Japan), Godzilla roared onto the silver screen once more with the theatrical release of Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla. Written (in part) and directed by Jun Fukuda, this massive Monster Movie starred Masaaki Daimon, Kazuya Aoyama, and Reiko Tajima. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Okinawan prophecy appears to foretell Earth's destruction at the hands of Godzilla, only for the true Godzilla to reveal his doppelganger as a mechanical alien weapon."
"An Okinawan prophecy appears to foretell Earth's destruction at the hands of Godzilla, only for the true Godzilla to reveal his doppelganger as a mechanical alien weapon."
A star is born! In the 1970's, even the Walt Disney Company had a few campy SciFi and Fantasy films they used to woo families into theatres. Evidence A: Escape To Witch Mountain. It premiered theatrically on this day in 1975 (in the U.S. and Ireland). Directed by John Hough from a screenplay adapted (by Robert Malcolm Young) from Alexander Key's 1968 novel, the feature starred Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, and Eddie Albert. Here's the film's plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Two mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home?"
"Two mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home?"
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), Audrey Rose enjoyed its first exhibition of record when it was screened for audiences of the USA Film Festival. Directed by Robert Wise from a script by Frank De Felitta, the film starred Anthony Hopkins, Marsha Mason, and John Beck. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A stranger attempts to convince a happily married couple that their daughter is actually his daughter reincarnated."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was offered a complimentary Blu-ray copy of Audrey Rose by the good people at Arrow Films in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A stranger attempts to convince a happily married couple that their daughter is actually his daughter reincarnated."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was offered a complimentary Blu-ray copy of Audrey Rose by the good people at Arrow Films in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in Italy), The Medusa Touch enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever. Directed by Jack Gold and adapted (by John Briley) from Peter Van Greenaway's novel, the SciFi/Horror starred Richard Burton, Lee Remick, and Lino Ventura; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A telekinetic novelist causes disasters simply by thinking about them."
For the record:
In 1979, The Meduca Touch was nominated for the Saturn Award's 'Best Horror Film,' an honor it missed out on winning.
"A telekinetic novelist causes disasters simply by thinking about them."
For the record:
In 1979, The Meduca Touch was nominated for the Saturn Award's 'Best Horror Film,' an honor it missed out on winning.
On this day in 1980 (in Portugal), Star Trek: The Motion Picture brought Kirk and company to the silver screen. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1982, Forbidden Zone turned up the heat in the world of the Fantasy/Musical genre. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Elfman, the feature starred Gene Cunningham, Marie-Pascale Elfman, and Virginia Rose; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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 Awardds, Forbidden Zone was nominated 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 Awardds, Forbidden Zone was nominated in the category of 'Best Low-Budget Film.'
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Google.com reports that Chopping Mall enjoyed its 'test market release.' Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Horror starred Kelli Maroney, Tony O'Dell, and Russell Todd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of young shopping mall employees stay behind for a late night party in one of the stores. When the mall goes on lock-down before they can get out, the robot security system malfunctions, and goes on a killing spree."
"A group of young shopping mall employees stay behind for a late night party in one of the stores. When the mall goes on lock-down before they can get out, the robot security system malfunctions, and goes on a killing spree."
On this day in 1986 (in Portugal), D.A.R.Y.L. put the mind of a genius into the brain of a young boy ... or was he? Directed by Simon Wincer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Barret Oliver, Mary Beth Hurt, and Michael McKean; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seemingly normal young boy is discovered abandoned on a mountain road and adopted by a family who are increasingly amazed by his abilities before discovering the secret behind his real identity."
For the record:
In 1986, the Saturn Awards gifted young Mr. Oliver -- the film's star -- with the award for 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A seemingly normal young boy is discovered abandoned on a mountain road and adopted by a family who are increasingly amazed by his abilities before discovering the secret behind his real identity."
For the record:
In 1986, the Saturn Awards gifted young Mr. Oliver -- the film's star -- with the award for 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1986, Gobots: Battle Of The Rock Lords served up animated SciFi action for the young at heart. This feature starred the voices of Roddy McDowall, Margot Kidder, and Telly Savalas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Go-Bots fight to rescue the Rock People."
"The Go-Bots fight to rescue the Rock People."
On this day in 1989, Gor II (aka Outlaw Of Gor and occasionally just Outlaw) premiered in the United States. The SciFi/Fantasy picture starred Rebecca Ferratti, Jack Palance, and Urbano Barberini, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An Earthman returns to the planet Gor, and fights against tyranny."
For the record:
Gor II's original release date at present appears lost to history (though I'm always searching, folks). For those who are interested in this sort of trivia, the lovely Rebecca Ferratti was featured as the 'Playmate Of The Month' in 1986's June Playboy Magazine. (Ask your parents, kids.) Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that Outlaw didn't escape the comic wrath of those lovable knuckleheads at Mystery Science Theater 3000 as it was lampooned by those yucksters in their December 11, 1993 broadcast.
"An Earthman returns to the planet Gor, and fights against tyranny."
For the record:
Gor II's original release date at present appears lost to history (though I'm always searching, folks). For those who are interested in this sort of trivia, the lovely Rebecca Ferratti was featured as the 'Playmate Of The Month' in 1986's June Playboy Magazine. (Ask your parents, kids.) Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that Outlaw didn't escape the comic wrath of those lovable knuckleheads at Mystery Science Theater 3000 as it was lampooned by those yucksters in their December 11, 1993 broadcast.
On this day in 1991 (in Germany), Prayer of the Rollerboys enjoyed earning its place in SciFi history. The feature starred Corey Haim and Patricia Arquette, and here's the plot summation as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in an unspecified time in the future, USA has declined and become a country of violence and racial prejudice. Griffin earns his living delivering pizzas while he tries to take care of his little brother. An old friend of his, Gary Lee, is the leader of a gang with big ambitions, the Rollerboys. Griff joins them to help the police keep track of the gang."
For the record:
Prayer is another one of those flicks whose original theatrical presentation date is lost to history right now, though it apparently screened at a film festival in Italy sometime during 1990. Still, the film did receive a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film from the 1992 Saturn Awards as well as a nom for Best Performance By A Younger Actor given to the late Corey Haim.
"Set in an unspecified time in the future, USA has declined and become a country of violence and racial prejudice. Griffin earns his living delivering pizzas while he tries to take care of his little brother. An old friend of his, Gary Lee, is the leader of a gang with big ambitions, the Rollerboys. Griff joins them to help the police keep track of the gang."
For the record:
Prayer is another one of those flicks whose original theatrical presentation date is lost to history right now, though it apparently screened at a film festival in Italy sometime during 1990. Still, the film did receive a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film from the 1992 Saturn Awards as well as a nom for Best Performance By A Younger Actor given to the late Corey Haim.
On this day in 1992 (in Japan), Alienator enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Fred Olen Ray, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jan-Michael Vincent, John Phillip Law, and Ross Hagen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kol is an evil guy about to be executed on a distant spaceship. He manages to escape on a shuttle and make his way to some woods in America. The commander of the spaceship decides to send out The Alienator to execute Kol at all costs. Kol meets up with some teens and Ward Armstrong and together they all try not to get killed by the pursuing Woman of Death - The Alienator."
"Kol is an evil guy about to be executed on a distant spaceship. He manages to escape on a shuttle and make his way to some woods in America. The commander of the spaceship decides to send out The Alienator to execute Kol at all costs. Kol meets up with some teens and Ward Armstrong and together they all try not to get killed by the pursuing Woman of Death - The Alienator."
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), Omega Doom dished out a rather dark look into man's possible future. Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rutger Hauer, Shannon Whirry, and Norbert Weisser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the Earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
"After Earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the Earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
On this day in 1998, the SciFi/Telefilm The Advanced Guard aired on television. The feature starred Robert Amico and James Avery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a prelude to full-blown alien invasion, a team of four aliens telepathically linked with their lifelike human-looking android bodies abducts four random humans to test them to determine if humans can make good slaves."
"As a prelude to full-blown alien invasion, a team of four aliens telepathically linked with their lifelike human-looking android bodies abducts four random humans to test them to determine if humans can make good slaves."
A star is born, and ... no wait ... not this guy again?! On this day in 2003 (in Belgium), audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the cinematic return of 'Dr. Herbert West' in Beyond Re-animator! Written (in part) and directed by Brian Yuzna, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jeffrey Combs, Jason Barry, and Elsa Pataky. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After 13 years in prison, the mad scientist from Re-Animator (1985) gets a new chance to experiment with the arrival of a young prison doctor, who secretly hopes to learn to reanimate dead people. Good intentions turn to horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond Re-animator was a respectable return to form and even garnered some positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After 13 years in prison, the mad scientist from Re-Animator (1985) gets a new chance to experiment with the arrival of a young prison doctor, who secretly hopes to learn to reanimate dead people. Good intentions turn to horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond Re-animator was a respectable return to form and even garnered some positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2003, the Horror/SciFi film Dreamcatcher enjoyed its big screen debut. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, the feature starred Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, and Jason Lee; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Friends on a camping trip discover that the town they're vacationing in is being plagued in an unusual fashion by parasitic aliens from outer space."
For the record:
This SciFi/Horror sprang from the mind of the ubiquitous Stephen King and received the nomination from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in 2004 for 'Worst Film.' Still not convinced? Well, the 2003 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in the category of 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Way to go, Mr. King!
"Friends on a camping trip discover that the town they're vacationing in is being plagued in an unusual fashion by parasitic aliens from outer space."
For the record:
This SciFi/Horror sprang from the mind of the ubiquitous Stephen King and received the nomination from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in 2004 for 'Worst Film.' Still not convinced? Well, the 2003 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in the category of 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Way to go, Mr. King!
A star is born ... and I'm thinking somebody now wishes they'd upgraded to first class! On this day in 2007 (in Japan), Flight Of The Living Dead took off into the dreary skies of home video. Written (in part) and directed by Scott Thomas, the Fantasy/Horror starred David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, and Kevin J. O'Connor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist is transferring a dead woman in a freezer with an armed guard on a plane to Paris. After slight turbulence, the freezer breaks down and she awakens, turns into a zombie, and infects all on board."
"A mad scientist is transferring a dead woman in a freezer with an armed guard on a plane to Paris. After slight turbulence, the freezer breaks down and she awakens, turns into a zombie, and infects all on board."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Scavengers scavenged up what cinematic business it could. Written and directed by Travis Sariwny, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sean Patrick Flanery, Jeremy London, and Louise Linton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of space scavengers discovers superior alien technology that threatens the balance of the known universe. Hotly pursued by a rival crew of intergalactic mercenaries, the Revelator crew must fight through the deepest reaches of space to locate and protect the life-altering device."
"A team of space scavengers discovers superior alien technology that threatens the balance of the known universe. Hotly pursued by a rival crew of intergalactic mercenaries, the Revelator crew must fight through the deepest reaches of space to locate and protect the life-altering device."
A star is born! Well ... if the above picture is any indication, then it would look as though at least the producers for Bikini Girls Vs. Dinosaurs -- which released on this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom) -- delivered on the premise. There are bikini girls, and there's a dinosaur. Writtten and directed by Kenneth D. Barker, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Agne Adomulyte, Vicki Glover, and Cheri La May. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three bikini clad heirs to a space age kingdom, on the eve of their inauguration, are tricked and sent into a black hole and back in time by their evil stepmother so she can take the throne."
"Three bikini clad heirs to a space age kingdom, on the eve of their inauguration, are tricked and sent into a black hole and back in time by their evil stepmother so she can take the throne."
On this day in 2014 (in Bulgaria), Code Red scared up a bit of box office business. Written (in part) and directed by Valeri Milev, the SciFi/Horror starred Paul Logan, Manal El-Feitury, and Mya-Lecia Naylor; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Special Forces soldier is sent into Bulgaria when a chemical agent from WWII is uncovered that can reanimate the dead."
"A Special Forces soldier is sent into Bulgaria when a chemical agent from WWII is uncovered that can reanimate the dead."
On this day in 2014, Shailene Woodley packed all of her Shailene Woodley goodness (sans nudity) into the Young Adult SciFi release, Divergent. Based on the novel from Veronica Roth, the SciFi/Fantasy also starred Theo James, Kate Winslet, and political activist Ashley Judd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
On this day in 2017, The Quiet Hour quietly found its way to audiences via home video and streaming. The SciFi-lite flick starred Dakota Blue Richards and Karl Davies, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the aftermath of an alien invasion, a feisty teenage girl sets out to protect her farm from human scavengers who will stop at nothing in order to survive in a post-apocalyptic world."
For the record:
For those who'd like to know a bit more, you can read SciFiHistory.Net's review of the release right here.
"In the aftermath of an alien invasion, a feisty teenage girl sets out to protect her farm from human scavengers who will stop at nothing in order to survive in a post-apocalyptic world."
For the record:
For those who'd like to know a bit more, you can read SciFiHistory.Net's review of the release right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Belgium, France, Indonesia, South Korea, and Taiwan), Pacific Rim: Uprising brought giant robots back to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Steven S. DeKnight, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, and Cailee Spaeny. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat."
"Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat."
On this day in 2018 (in the Philippines), The Titan enjoyed a theatrical release. Directed by Lennart Ruff, the SciFi/Drama starred Sam Worthington, Taylor Schilling, and Tom Wilkinson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in Croatia), robots and children were working together again with the cinematic release of My Grandpa Is An Alien (aka Moj dida je pao s Marsa). Directed by the team of Marina Andree Skop and Drazen Zarkovic, the SciFi/Adventure starred Lucija Sando, Nils Ole Oftebro, and Alex Rakos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A girl and an alien robot have a day to find her grandpa after he is kidnapped."
For the record:
To the film's credit, My Grandpa Is An Alien scored an awful lot of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A girl and an alien robot have a day to find her grandpa after he is kidnapped."
For the record:
To the film's credit, My Grandpa Is An Alien scored an awful lot of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Fisherman's Wife." This served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to find a plot summary anywhere on the world wide web.
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who's first season marched onward, airing an episode titled "Rider from Shang-tu." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends elect to warn Marco of Acomat's attack even though it means losing their chance to gain access to the TARDIS."
"The Doctor and his friends elect to warn Marco of Acomat's attack even though it means losing their chance to gain access to the TARDIS."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "The Ivy Curtain." This served as the eleventh hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A school in New Mexico is really a front for an alien indoctrination center. The head of the school offers a pilot a lot of money to smuggle in its otherworldly students."
"A school in New Mexico is really a front for an alien indoctrination center. The head of the school offers a pilot a lot of money to smuggle in its otherworldly students."
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who aired "The Ambassadors Of Death, Part 1." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While the Brigadier investigates a loss of contact with Mars Probe 7, the Doctor realises signals coming from the probe are of extra-terrestrial origin."
"While the Brigadier investigates a loss of contact with Mars Probe 7, the Doctor realises signals coming from the probe are of extra-terrestrial origin."
On this day in 1981, Doctor Who aired "Logopolis, Part 4." This served as the twenty-eighth episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the universe collapsing, the Doctor forms an uneasy alliance with the Master to save it. In case all does not go well, the Watcher takes the Doctor's companions to a safe place, but his plans for them don't stop there. The one hope for all lies back on Earth."
"With the universe collapsing, the Doctor forms an uneasy alliance with the Master to save it. In case all does not go well, the Watcher takes the Doctor's companions to a safe place, but his plans for them don't stop there. The one hope for all lies back on Earth."
On this day in 1987, Starman aired "The Wedding." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The owner of a fishing fleet hires Paul to photograph his daughter's wedding."
"The owner of a fishing fleet hires Paul to photograph his daughter's wedding."
As much as I loved the idea behind Star Trek: The Next Generation's episode "Cause and Effect," I still found it terribly painful to watch the signature ship of the Federation destroyed again and again and again in that temporal causality loop! The hour first aired on this day in 1992, serving as the eighteenth episode to the fifth season, and here's the plot summary as properly detailed by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"The crew's regular poker game suddenly feels too familiar to Crusher who experiences deja vu. The Enterprise is charting the Typhon Expanise when the ship's systems fail, hurling it onto a collision course with another starship... the Enterprise has been destroyed."
"The crew's regular poker game suddenly feels too familiar to Crusher who experiences deja vu. The Enterprise is charting the Typhon Expanise when the ship's systems fail, hurling it onto a collision course with another starship... the Enterprise has been destroyed."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine enriched the Ferengi universe with the airing of "The Nagus." This served as the tenth episode of its first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Ferengi leader, Grand Nagus Zek, comes to the station. He seems very interested in Quark's bar."
"The Ferengi leader, Grand Nagus Zek, comes to the station. He seems very interested in Quark's bar."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Prime Suspect." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When a person is killed and the murder weapon is RoboCop's gun, he is arrested and placed on trial. He has an alibi which he refuses to divulge, so he's about to be deactivated."
"When a person is killed and the murder weapon is RoboCop's gun, he is arrested and placed on trial. He has an alibi which he refuses to divulge, so he's about to be deactivated."
In another look at Seven of Nine's struggle with recovering her humanity, "Human Error" explored her attempts to perfect the social skills she had. This put her on the path to discovering what was buried in her heart. This Star Trek: Voyager episode first aired on this day in 2001.
On this day in 2001, Starhunter aired the twenty-first episode of its first season. It was an hour titled "Travis," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Percy goes aboard The Raider's station and meets her cousin Travis who now called Zephryn and is the leader of the Raiders. Meanwhile, Dante deals with Senaca, Zephryn's mentor and father figure, who offers to hand Travis over for the genetic-enhanced seeds Dante got from Ike. Senaca says his plan is to use the seeds to restore their ancestral home Earth, which can no longer support life. Dante finally meets his son and together they use the hologram device to see Penny who admits to experimenting with the Divinity Cluster on herself which gave their child amazing powers. Later, Salomea warns Dante and Travis of Senaca's real plan - to actually destroy what is left of Earth for the seeds are really a bioweapon."
"Percy goes aboard The Raider's station and meets her cousin Travis who now called Zephryn and is the leader of the Raiders. Meanwhile, Dante deals with Senaca, Zephryn's mentor and father figure, who offers to hand Travis over for the genetic-enhanced seeds Dante got from Ike. Senaca says his plan is to use the seeds to restore their ancestral home Earth, which can no longer support life. Dante finally meets his son and together they use the hologram device to see Penny who admits to experimenting with the Divinity Cluster on herself which gave their child amazing powers. Later, Salomea warns Dante and Travis of Senaca's real plan - to actually destroy what is left of Earth for the seeds are really a bioweapon."
Only a program as consistently stellar as Farscape could manage to serve up a series finale that -- while still serving as a cliffhanger for it was filmed before showrunners had been told they weren't being renewed -- managed to capture so very well the overall tone for the program. "Bad Timing" aired on this day back in 2003 (in the United States and Australia) as the twenty-second episode of its fourth season, and it would be some time before producers managed to put together the funds and cooperation to give their story and fans the big send-off they deserved with Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars. As for their "Bad Timing," here's what you need to know compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Scarrans know where the Wormhole to Earth is, and they're on their way. Crichton and crew race to the wormhole to stop them. But saving the Earth means destroying the chance for John to ever return home. Aeryn finally reveals the father of the baby. John and Aeryn decide to get married, but fate steps in. The finale for the television series."
"The Scarrans know where the Wormhole to Earth is, and they're on their way. Crichton and crew race to the wormhole to stop them. But saving the Earth means destroying the chance for John to ever return home. Aeryn finally reveals the father of the baby. John and Aeryn decide to get married, but fate steps in. The finale for the television series."
On this day in 2016, The Department Of Time aired "Tiempo de magia." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The 1924 Ministry contacts its 2016 self, concerned that one of its top agents plans to sell the secret of time travel to the highest bidder."
"The 1924 Ministry contacts its 2016 self, concerned that one of its top agents plans to sell the secret of time travel to the highest bidder."
