When it comes to world hopping, has there been a more fun-filled entry than Sliders? The program premiered on this day (in the U.S.) back in 1995 on the Fox network, though at some point I believe it transitioned over to the SciFi Channel (well before it became Syfy). During its run wherever it aired original episodes, it garnered a Primetime Emmy nomination as well as three nominations for the Saturn Award ('Best Genre TV Series'), and who knows? Maybe we'll eventually see another incarnation ... or perhaps we already have in another world? Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A boy genius and his comrades travel to different parallel universes, trying to find their way back home."
"A boy genius and his comrades travel to different parallel universes, trying to find their way back home."
I ask you: where would Star Trek be without the birth of William Shatner?
Yeah, sure: I get that the man quite possibly thinks he's a legend in his own mind, but I could make the argument that -- with his singular performance as Capt. James T. Kirk -- he's certainly earned that right, don't you think? And he's kept the torch burning creatively as well, helping to fuel the major motion pictures and even his very own TekWar franchise.
Love him or hate him, Big Bill is here to stay! Well, for as long as his mortal coil holds out, that is.
Shatner was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received an all-new promotional release of Impulse (1974) -- in which Shatner played a serial killer -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Yeah, sure: I get that the man quite possibly thinks he's a legend in his own mind, but I could make the argument that -- with his singular performance as Capt. James T. Kirk -- he's certainly earned that right, don't you think? And he's kept the torch burning creatively as well, helping to fuel the major motion pictures and even his very own TekWar franchise.
Love him or hate him, Big Bill is here to stay! Well, for as long as his mortal coil holds out, that is.
Shatner was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- In 1978, the actor was nominated for his first Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard 1977's Kingdom Of The Spiders.
- In 1980, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized the actor in two unique ways. First, he enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture. While he didn't take home that trophy, he did take home a well-deserved Life Career Award from the Academy.
- In 1983, the actor took home top honors from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard 1982's hit Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan.
- In 1985, the actor was nominated once more for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard 1984's Star Trek III: The Search For Spock.
- In 1987, the actor was (again!) nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard 1986's Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
- In 2016, Shatner took home yet one more Saturn Award trophy -- this time in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' -- for an appearance aboard Syfy's Haven series.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received an all-new promotional release of Impulse (1974) -- in which Shatner played a serial killer -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Ah, Wonder Woman remains a vision of timeless and ageless beauty! According to the creative experts at DC Comics, March 22 is recognized as the birthday for the Amazonian Princess. Although the date doesn't coincide with her first appearance in comic books, the comics giant insists that this day be officially recognized as 'Wonder Woman Day,' and who I am to argue against their collective creative genius? I won't, and I stronly encourage all of SciFiHistory.Net's readers to do the same. Happy Birthday, Wonder Woman!
[Source: Google.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: Google.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2017, I caught a theatrical screening of Wonder Woman (2017) in which actress Gal Gadot took on the role of the Amazonian warrior princess. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In early 2021, I caught the online stream of Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), the sequel to the 2017 installment, via my subscription to HBO/Max. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Austrian-born Joseph Schildkraut leaves behind a resume solid in the realm of Drama, but he did make a pair of visits to The Twilight Zone for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Schildkraut was born on this day in 1896.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Meteor (1979) threatens to destroy all life on Earth, thankfully we had folks like Sean Connery and screen veteran Karl Malden to stand in its way. Though he's no longer with us, Malden was born on this day in 1912.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Virginia Grey faced threats largely Jurassic for her role aboard Unknown Island (1948) for Albert Jay Cohen Productions. She also appeared in Target Earth (1954) and Science Fiction Theatre. Though she's no longer with us, Grey was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
James Brown breached the bonds of gravity for his role aboard Space Probe Taurus (1965). He also appeared aboard Adventures Of Superman. Though he's no longer with us, Brown was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That helmeted fellow giving a stern finger to 'Space Lady Robinson' is none other than Hogan's Heroes regular Werner Klemperer in his guest stint aboard Irwin Allen's Lost In Space. He also guested aboard One Step Beyond, Men Into Space, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Though he's no longer with us, Klemperer was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ross Martin was a fabulous character actor who could pull off drama or comedy with equal grace. Though he's probably best remembered for playing 'Artemus Gordon' in The Wild Wild West franchise, he also booked quality time aboard Johnny Jupiter, Conquest of Space (1955), The Colossus of New York (1958), One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, The Invisible Man (TV), Gemini Man, Wonder Woman, and Quark. Though he's no longer with us, Martin was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Known as the world's greatest mime, the legendary Marcel Marceau took time off from ... erm ... miming in order to appear aboard the Cult/SciFi flick Barbarella (1968). Though he's no longer with us, Marceau was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a promotional copy of Barbarella (1968) -- in which Marceau played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a promotional copy of Barbarella (1968) -- in which Marceau played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Late in her professional career, the lovely May Britt enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Plan 10 From Outer Space," an episode of the short-lived SciFi series Probe. Britt was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1982's Forbidden World, the great Linden Chiles played a scientist blessed with a genius creation and cursed by the same as it was slowly destroying his secret planetary base. Though he's no longer with us, Chiles was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Richard Easton (above left) got to play within the realms of Doctor Who in the guise of 'Captain Stapley' in a serial from the early 1980's called "Time-Flight." Though he's no longer with us, Easton was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
M. Emmet Walsh -- seen here from the landmark film, Blade Runner -- helped get the narrative ball rolling in that seminal Science Fiction classic. He's also booked roles aboard The X-Files and The Outer Limits. Though he's no longer with us, Walsh was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, TV's Twin Peaks is a hard property to categorize. Essentially, it's a dark Drama that relies heavily on elements of Fantasy and occasionally Science Fiction. Whatever the case, it certainly makes for compelling entertainment, and Angelo Badalamenti provided its musical undercurrent. Though he's no longer with us, Badalamenti was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Legendary Star Trek: The Next Generation make-up artist Michael Westmore celebrates a birthday today. Can you imagine what all of those alien species would've looked like without his learned designs? I know I can't. Westmore was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Babs Chula was a character actress who made big things out of smaller roles. Her appearances in Science Fiction were rare, but she did visit Fox TV's M.A.N.T.I.S. along with a small role in The X-Files: I Want To Believe (2008). Though she's no longer with us, Chula was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When John Carpenter brought his zany Fantasy Big Trouble In Little China (1986) to the silver screen, he cast Carter Wong in the role of 'Thunder.' Wong was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Fanny Ardant's very first roles was aboard the French SciFi/TV serires Le Mutant from 1978. Ardant was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, there's a generation of Doctor Who fans that worship at the altar of the lovely Mary Tamm (above right). Her portrayal of the companion Romana gave so much of the show an added dimension that many of the Timelord's various tagalongs can never quite measure up. Though she's no longer with us, Tamm was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Long-time TV scribe and producer Carlton Cuse (Lost, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., USA's Colony) also celebrates a birthday today. Cuse was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The always reliable Matthew Modine showed up in a small role aboard The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He's also turned in solid work aboard Netflix's mind-bending Stranger Things. Modine was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cinzia De Carolis enjoyed screen time aboard the Horror/SciFi hybrid Cannibal Apocalypse (aka Invasion Of The Flesh Eaters) (1980) for New Fida. De Carolis was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Bruce Woloshyn (above right) was one of the special effects geniuses who helped bring the Stargate universe to life on the small screen. He's also worked on such properties as First Wave, The Outer Limits, Smallville, Andromeda, Robocop, and Power Rangers. Woloshyn was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He may not exactly have given the Starship Troopers franchise another big player to build its reputation around, but Eric Bruskotter certainly did right by his fellow 'citizens.' He's also appeared in Amazing Stories and the War of the Worlds TV series. Bruskotter was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've long pointed out the close relationship between somewhat cheesy and/or adult-themed films and Science Fiction, the kind of work that the lovely Candie Evans popped up in from time-to-time. What films, you ask? Oh, things like Backside To The Future (1986). Or Wet Science (1986). Or Sex Aliens (1986). Or even the slightly more conventional Droid (1988). Evans was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Keegan-Michael Key brought his particular "shtick" to Walt Disney's Tomorrowland in 2015. The result? A film budgeted at nearly $200 million barely made half that back at the domestic box office. Ouch. Key was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He may've enjoyed a small role in 2012's Total Recall remake, but actor Will Yun Lee has otherwise been all over the place in quality genre entertainment. Since launching an actor career in 1997, he's appeared in Brimstone, Witchblade, Die Another Day, Elektra, NBC's Bionic Woman reboot, HBO's True Blood, and Netflix's Altered Carbon. Lee was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Anne Dudek tends to gravitate toward more conventional fare, but her resume does boast appearances aboard Invasion, Touch, Grimm, The Magicians, and The Flash. Dudek was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Cole Hauser has built an impressive resume over at IMDB.com. Granted, he perhaps hasn't had the luxury of fashioning a franchise property all of his own, but he certainly helped launched Vin Diesel's career as his nemesis from the spectacular SciFi sleeper that was Pitch Black. Hauser was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Reese Witherspoon -- who apparently might be a bad drunk if the stories are true (link) -- dove headfirst into the realm of Fantasy with a big role aboard Walt Disney's A Wrinkle In Time, a big screen adaptation from the Mouse House of a beloved novel that's largely crashed and burned at the box office. Sorry, Reese. Maybe cinematic Fantasy just isn't your thing. Witherspoon was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often said, I wasn't nearly as 'gaga' over Syfy's retooled Battlestar Galactica as most were, but I did like several of the performers, including the lovely Kandyse McClure in the role of 'Anastasia Dualla.' Thankfully, she's done quite a bit more in genre projects, and fans might also recognize her from Level 9, Return To Cabin By The Lake (2001), The Outer Limits, Dark Angel, Jeremiah, Carrie (2002), The Twilight Zone, Jake 2.0, Andromeda, Smallville, Sanctuary, Reaper, Children Of The Corn (2009), Persons Unknown, Mother's Day (2010), Aladdin And The Death Lamp (2012), Hemlock Grove, Seventh Son (2014), Supernatural, Ghost Wars, V-Wars, Demonic (2021), The Flash, Snowpiercer, Charmed, Motherland: Fort Salem, and The Imperfects. McClure was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So far as I've been able to find, about as close to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy the lovely Tiffany Dupont has come is a guest spot aboard The CW's long-running Supernatural. (We'll take it!) She also managed to squeeze herself into an episode of American Horror Stories for good measure. Dupont was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young and exotic Constance Wu appeared in Parallels (2015), the story of a mysterious building bridging between different versions of Earth. She also made a visit to the world of Torchwood. Other work includes parts aboard Year Of The Fish (2007), Sound Of My Voice (2011), Spooked, High Moon, Dimension 404, All The Creatures Were Stirring (2018), Solos, and the controversial animated series Velma. Wu was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Lizzie Brocheré was utterly wasted in a stereotypical role aboard FX's The Strain, but I was interested in her skills enough to tune in to USA Network's Falling Water only until I realized rather quickly that that particular program was going nowhere fast. Other work in genre include parts aboard Relic Hunter, American Horror Story, Rings (2017), and War Of The Worlds. Brocheré was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The CW's The 100 was one of my weekly 'guilty pleasure' appointments with the boob tube, and kudos for Katie Stuart for having a role in its early seasons. The versatile talent had also put her skills to good use aboard such entries as Poltergeist: The Legacy, The Sentinel, Intensity (1997), Atomic Dog (1998), The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, The Crow: Stairway To Heaven, The Magician's House, Epicenter (2000), The Magician's House II, X2: X-Men United (2003), A Wrinkle In Time (2003), Dead Like Me, Supernatural, The Returned, Zoo, Altered Carbon, Arrow, Charmed, Nancy Drew, Eulogy To Us (2023), and The Monkey (2025). Stuart was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Jackson Oz,' James Wolk did what he could to uncover the truth behind some unexplainable animal attacks aboard CBS's Zoo. The actor has also been a part of Robot Chicken, Tell Me A Story, Watchmen, and Harley Quinn (animated). Wolk was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
ABC TV's Lost had such a huge, huge ensemble that contributed in big and small ways to the program's terrific storytelling, so much so that it's difficult to call out each and every one of them. Tania Raymonde came aboard late in the tale's run, but her 'Alex Rousseau' did deliver some of the more interesting character developments. The actress has also appeared in The Nightmare Room, Medium, Texas Chainsaw (2013), Intelligence, TNT's The Last Ship, Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020), For All Mankind, and Futra Days (2024). Raymonde was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Nick Robinson found himself trapped between a rock and a T-Rex as part of the line-up aboard Jurassic World (2015). He's also played roles aboard The 5th Wave (2015), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Shadow In The Cloud (2020), and Netflix's Damsel (2024). Robinson was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1938 (in Portugal), The Invisible Ray became visible on the silver screen! Directed by Lambert Hillyer, the SciFi feature starred Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Frances Drake. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
"A scientist becomes murderous after discovering, and being exposed to the radiation of, a powerful new element called Radium X."
On this day in 1945 (in Mexico), The Monster Maker dialed up the tension of SciFi, Fantasy, and Horror! Directed by Sam Newfield, the feature film starred J. Carroll Naish, Ralph Morgan, and Tala Birell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad scientist injects his enemies with an acromegaly virus, causing them to become hideously deformed."
"A mad scientist injects his enemies with an acromegaly virus, causing them to become hideously deformed."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), the good people of Boston, Massachusetts were treated to the mighty roar of Konga on the silver screen in its limited theatrical engagement. Directed by John Lemont, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Gough, Margo Johns, and Jess Conrad. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr.Decker comes back from Africa after a year, presumed dead. During that year, he came across a way of growing plants and animals to an enormous size. He brings back a baby chimpanzee to test out his theory. As he has many enemies at home, he decides to use his chimp, 'Konga' to 'get rid of them'. Then Konga grows to gigantic proportions and reaks havoc all over the city of London!!"
"Dr.Decker comes back from Africa after a year, presumed dead. During that year, he came across a way of growing plants and animals to an enormous size. He brings back a baby chimpanzee to test out his theory. As he has many enemies at home, he decides to use his chimp, 'Konga' to 'get rid of them'. Then Konga grows to gigantic proportions and reaks havoc all over the city of London!!"
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Italy), The Visitor (aka Stridulum) came a'callin' ... theatrically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Giulio Paradisi, the SciFi/Horror starred Mel Ferrer, John Huston, and Lance Henriksen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The soul of a young girl with telekinetic powers becomes the prize in a fight between forces of good and evil."
"The soul of a young girl with telekinetic powers becomes the prize in a fight between forces of good and evil."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Inseminoid (aka Horrorplanet) sunk its teeth into audiences. Directed by Norman J. Warren with a script from Nick and Gloria Maley, the SciFi/Horror starred Robin Clarke, Jennifer Ashley, Stephanie Beacham, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via a cable outlet I maintain a subscription to. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
- In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival.
- In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival.
- And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
ExtraExtra Alert
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via a cable outlet I maintain a subscription to. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (per Wikipedia.org), it was the end of the world as we know it (yet again) with the silver screen release of The Aftermath. Written by (in part), directed by, and starring Steve Barkett, the feature also gave roles to Lynne Margulies, Sid Haig, Forrest J. Ackerman, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An astronaut battles mutant cannibals after returning from space to find earth ravaged by nuclear and biological war. A B-movie cult classic."
"An astronaut battles mutant cannibals after returning from space to find earth ravaged by nuclear and biological war. A B-movie cult classic."
A star is born! On this day in 1982, the SciFi/Telefilm Tomorrow's Child aired on the Boob Tube. The feature starred Stephanie Zimbalist and William Atherton, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The wife of a research geneticist agrees to the experimental procedure of a 'test-tube baby' by having her fetus brought to full term in a glass jar in a laboratory."
"The wife of a research geneticist agrees to the experimental procedure of a 'test-tube baby' by having her fetus brought to full term in a glass jar in a laboratory."
A star is born! On this day in 1985, Walt Disney's Touchstone Pictures delved deep into the realm of SciFi/Fantasy with the release of Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend. Directed by Bill Norton, the SciFi/Fantasy starred William Katt, Sean Young, and Patrick McGoohan. Here's the plot summary from Amazon.com:
"A fantasy tale of a newly hatched 10-foot baby dinosaur who is being hunted by evil paleontologist Dr. Erick Kiviat. Dr. Susan Matthews-Loomis and her husband George are determined to save the baby, even though Kiviat has already captured the baby's mother and killed its father, using an army of men he has gathered together."
"A fantasy tale of a newly hatched 10-foot baby dinosaur who is being hunted by evil paleontologist Dr. Erick Kiviat. Dr. Susan Matthews-Loomis and her husband George are determined to save the baby, even though Kiviat has already captured the baby's mother and killed its father, using an army of men he has gathered together."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in Canada and the U.S.), those rascally misfits were back on the silver screen with the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze. Directed by Michael Pressman, the Fantasy feature starred Paige Turco, David Warner, and Michelan Sisti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Turtles and the Shredder battle once again, this time for the last canister of the ooze that created the Turtles, with which Shredder wants to unleash an army of new mutants."
"The Turtles and the Shredder battle once again, this time for the last canister of the ooze that created the Turtles, with which Shredder wants to unleash an army of new mutants."
On this day in 1995 (in Spain), Monolith served up some minor monolithic potential at the box office. Directed by John Eyres, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bill Paxton, Lindsay Frost, and John Hurt; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two cops investigating the murder of a young boy become invloved in a very secret project involving alien life. Needless to say, the authorities don't want them to stick their noses into this."
"Two cops investigating the murder of a young boy become invloved in a very secret project involving alien life. Needless to say, the authorities don't want them to stick their noses into this."
On this day in 2002 (in Austria), Resident Evil delivered its zombie-themed goodness. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi feature starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ryan McCluskey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
Besides launching a cinema franchise leading to well over a half-dozen motion pictures, Resident Evil garnered a modest bit of praise from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films in 2003 when it was nominated for the Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
Besides launching a cinema franchise leading to well over a half-dozen motion pictures, Resident Evil garnered a modest bit of praise from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films in 2003 when it was nominated for the Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born ... and isn't she lovely? On this day in 2002 (in Japan), She enjoyed its unveiling to the masses-at-large via a home video release. Screenwriters Peter Jobin and Harry Alan Towers adapted the H. Rider Haggard novel for this version, and Timothy Bond assumed director's responsibilities. The Fantasy/Adventure starred Ian Duncan, Ophélie Winter, and Christoph Waltz; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Leo Vincey receives a map from his late father, leading him to the legendary city of Kor in search of an explanation for his mysterious ancestry. He is accompanied by his girlfriend Roxanne. He discovers that he is the only descendant of an Egyptian priest who had been executed for the crime of falling in love with the Egyptian Princess. The ruling queen Ayesha, or rather She, is the same Egyptian Princess of centuries ago, her beauty and youth look being preserved by magic. She becomes convinced that Leo is the reincarnation of her former lover, and wants to kill him. Leo and Roxanne will have to fight against surprise attacks on them, but survival in that foreign land with strange customs, is difficult. Leo is terribly attracted to She's beauty, but at the same time he fears for her obscure spirit, and finally he must take a decision - to run away from her, or to love her and die."
For the record:
This is another case wherein -- at present -- She's original premiere date is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it enjoyed a United Kingdom release on home video in 2001, but I've not been able to locate it. In the meantime, this will serve as the film's release date until I can locate better data.
"Leo Vincey receives a map from his late father, leading him to the legendary city of Kor in search of an explanation for his mysterious ancestry. He is accompanied by his girlfriend Roxanne. He discovers that he is the only descendant of an Egyptian priest who had been executed for the crime of falling in love with the Egyptian Princess. The ruling queen Ayesha, or rather She, is the same Egyptian Princess of centuries ago, her beauty and youth look being preserved by magic. She becomes convinced that Leo is the reincarnation of her former lover, and wants to kill him. Leo and Roxanne will have to fight against surprise attacks on them, but survival in that foreign land with strange customs, is difficult. Leo is terribly attracted to She's beauty, but at the same time he fears for her obscure spirit, and finally he must take a decision - to run away from her, or to love her and die."
For the record:
This is another case wherein -- at present -- She's original premiere date is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it enjoyed a United Kingdom release on home video in 2001, but I've not been able to locate it. In the meantime, this will serve as the film's release date until I can locate better data.
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Riverworld enjoyed its first broadcast on television. Based on the books written by Philip Jose Farmer, the project was directed by Kari Skogland and starred Brad Johnson, Karen Holness, and Emily Lloyd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hale, an American astronaut dies and is reincarnated with other persons who have lived throughout all of human history and end up on a mysterious planet called 'Riverworld'. The humans are left to their own devices and create tribal fiefdoms and succumb to brutal wars and raids. A mysterious race of hooded 'beings' oversee them - sometimes intervening, but their motives are unknown. Anyone who has ever lived and died on Earth comes here rather than 'the afterlife', even an extra-terrestrial called Monat, who had the unfortunate luck of dying on planet Earth in 2039. Hale leads a revolt and joins with others on a large boat to explore this mysterious new world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Riverworld enjoyed a 2004 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
"Hale, an American astronaut dies and is reincarnated with other persons who have lived throughout all of human history and end up on a mysterious planet called 'Riverworld'. The humans are left to their own devices and create tribal fiefdoms and succumb to brutal wars and raids. A mysterious race of hooded 'beings' oversee them - sometimes intervening, but their motives are unknown. Anyone who has ever lived and died on Earth comes here rather than 'the afterlife', even an extra-terrestrial called Monat, who had the unfortunate luck of dying on planet Earth in 2039. Hale leads a revolt and joins with others on a large boat to explore this mysterious new world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Riverworld enjoyed a 2004 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
A star is born ... or in the case of a reboot is that born again? On this day in 2007 (in Israel, Russia, and Ukraine), TMNT took to the silver screen yet again to the delight of its fans. Written (in part) and directed by Kevin Munroe, the animated feature starred the voices of Patrick Stewart, Mako, and Chris Evans. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the world is threatened by an ancient evil, the four adolescent turtles must reunite and overcome their faults in order to stand against it."
For the record:
At the 2007 Scream Awards, TMNT was honored with a nomination in the category of 'Best Comic-To-Screen Adaptation.'
"When the world is threatened by an ancient evil, the four adolescent turtles must reunite and overcome their faults in order to stand against it."
For the record:
At the 2007 Scream Awards, TMNT was honored with a nomination in the category of 'Best Comic-To-Screen Adaptation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2008, the SciFi/Telefilm Rock Monster crunched down. The feature starred Chad Michael Collins and Natalie Denise Sperl, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A group of friends on a backpacking trip through Europe discover a stone with a sword embedded in it. When they remove the sword an ancient rock monster is unleashed."
"A group of friends on a backpacking trip through Europe discover a stone with a sword embedded in it. When they remove the sword an ancient rock monster is unleashed."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Spain), The Host enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Niccol, the SciFi/Drama starred Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, and Jake Abel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie Stryder risks everything to protect the people she cares about."
"When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie Stryder risks everything to protect the people she cares about."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Indonesia, Colombia, and the Philippines), Power Rangers teamed up for a shot at box office glory. Directed by Dean Israelite, the film starred Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, and RJ Cyler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Earth is on the verge of an alien invasion, five teenagers, who are infused with superhuman abilities, must harness their newfound powers to battle this threat - as the Power Rangers."
For the record:
At the 2017 Teen Choice Awards, Power Rangers scored an impressive six nominations.
"When Earth is on the verge of an alien invasion, five teenagers, who are infused with superhuman abilities, must harness their newfound powers to battle this threat - as the Power Rangers."
For the record:
At the 2017 Teen Choice Awards, Power Rangers scored an impressive six nominations.
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Space Pirates, Part 3." Officially, this served as the thirty-first episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe flee from the Space Corps with Clancey, who decides to seek refuge on Ta."
"The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe flee from the Space Corps with Clancey, who decides to seek refuge on Ta."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Public Enemy." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy dies while attempting to retrieve a ball from a high roof, but the cause of his death is not from falling. Doomwatch investigate."
"A young boy dies while attempting to retrieve a ball from a high roof, but the cause of his death is not from falling. Doomwatch investigate."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip bowed out of televised existence with the airing of "The Day Of The Clone: Part 6." (FYI: the program lasted a single season.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
"Returning to the present day, Liz is kidnapped."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Genesis of the Daleks, Part 3." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Harry head to the Kaled city to alert the authorities to Davros' plans while Sarah and Sevrin are forced to work on the completion of the Thals' rocket."
"The Doctor and Harry head to the Kaled city to alert the authorities to Davros' plans while Sarah and Sevrin are forced to work on the completion of the Thals' rocket."
On this day in 1982 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Time-Flight, Part 1." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com
"A British Airways Concord disappears on final approach. The Doctor, still reeling from the loss of Adric, becomes involved when his TARDIS miss-fires from its intended destination of London 1851 and appears at Heathrow airport. The Doctor follows the lost plane into the deep past only to discover he is part of an illusion. This forces him to ask the question: if there is an illusion, who is the conjurer?"
"A British Airways Concord disappears on final approach. The Doctor, still reeling from the loss of Adric, becomes involved when his TARDIS miss-fires from its intended destination of London 1851 and appears at Heathrow airport. The Doctor follows the lost plane into the deep past only to discover he is part of an illusion. This forces him to ask the question: if there is an illusion, who is the conjurer?"
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Twin Dilemma, Part 1." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor's moods are wide and in a jumble as he settles into his new regeneration. Elsewhere a set of genius twins are kidnapped, whose mathematical computations can manipulate features of the universe. They're immediately put to work by aliens for an as yet unknown end."
"The Doctor's moods are wide and in a jumble as he settles into his new regeneration. Elsewhere a set of genius twins are kidnapped, whose mathematical computations can manipulate features of the universe. They're immediately put to work by aliens for an as yet unknown end."
Well, it wasn't planned that way, but as happens all too often in the history of Science Fiction television, the season finale for 1984-85's airing of V ended up being the series' finale. I, for one, was disappointed, mostly because the last few episodes of the program had legitimately started to develop some stronger storylines (so far as I was concerned), and it looked like things were improving. Sadly, it all ended on a massive cliffhanger -- one that cried out for some kind of narrative follow-up -- but "The Return" wasn't much of a homecoming. It did provide the Resistance with what appeared to be some kind of truce with the Visitors, though I suspect if it had continued that the peace wouldn't have lasted for long.
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Battlestar Galactica aired "Lost Planet Of The Gods: Part 01." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
It all began right here: on this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), an all-new Science Fiction and Fantasy franchise was born with the airing of the series' pilot of Sliders. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a San Francisco basement, physics post-graduate student Quinn Mallory has found a way to create portals to parallel universes. Inviting his physics professor Maximillian Arturo and his computer store colleague Wade Wells for a trip, a series of mishaps ropes in passing singer Rembrandt Brown and takes the Sliders off their planned route. Upon discovering a frozen world and one where Russia rules America, the quartet begins to doubt that they will be able to return to their own world anytime soon..."
"In a San Francisco basement, physics post-graduate student Quinn Mallory has found a way to create portals to parallel universes. Inviting his physics professor Maximillian Arturo and his computer store colleague Wade Wells for a trip, a series of mishaps ropes in passing singer Rembrandt Brown and takes the Sliders off their planned route. Upon discovering a frozen world and one where Russia rules America, the quartet begins to doubt that they will be able to return to their own world anytime soon..."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "Worlds Apart." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut who was missing for 20 years contacts Earth from an alien planet. However, mere minutes have passed for him, and the wormhole that brought him there is unstable. What are the risks of a rescue operation?"
"An astronaut who was missing for 20 years contacts Earth from an alien planet. However, mere minutes have passed for him, and the wormhole that brought him there is unstable. What are the risks of a rescue operation?"
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), Crime Traveller aired "The Revenge of the Chronology Protection Hypothesis." This served as the fourth episode in the show's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Slade's shot during an investigation, Holly goes against everything she's ever believed and travels back in time to save him."
"When Slade's shot during an investigation, Holly goes against everything she's ever believed and travels back in time to save him."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "The Cuban Missile." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the adopted son of Fidel Castro, a renowned boxer, is assassinated during a boxing match in America, the communist leader retaliates by launching secret nuclear missiles at Miami, triggering a Backstep."
"After the adopted son of Fidel Castro, a renowned boxer, is assassinated during a boxing match in America, the communist leader retaliates by launching secret nuclear missiles at Miami, triggering a Backstep."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Dark Angel aired "Exposure." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Logan and Max track Aimes' kidnapped son to a small town where the breeding cult is readying Manticore's youngest creations for a mysterious ceremony."
"Logan and Max track Aimes' kidnapped son to a small town where the breeding cult is readying Manticore's youngest creations for a mysterious ceremony."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Summit." This served as the fifteenth episode of the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"In a Tok'ra plan to wipe out the Goa'uld, Daniel goes undercover as Yu's servant to release a poison at a meeting of the system lords. Meanwhile a Goa'uld attack on the Tok'ra base leaves the rest of SG-1 with their hands full."
"In a Tok'ra plan to wipe out the Goa'uld, Daniel goes undercover as Yu's servant to release a poison at a meeting of the system lords. Meanwhile a Goa'uld attack on the Tok'ra base leaves the rest of SG-1 with their hands full."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Land Of Peace." This served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: Clone Wars aired "Chapter 22." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a successful run of missions with Obi-Wan, Anakin spends a night with Padmé on Naboo before being dispatched to Nelvaan to locate General Grievous."
"After a successful run of missions with Obi-Wan, Anakin spends a night with Padmé on Naboo before being dispatched to Nelvaan to locate General Grievous."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Combat." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark and Chloe discover that Titan, another alien escapee from the Phantom Zone, is the hulking star of a secret fight club whose bloody, bare-knuckle battles to the death are broadcast on the Internet. Lois smells a story and investigates on her own but is captured by fight manager-presenter Maddox, the Belle Reve administrator, and forced to become wrestler Athena's first opponent. To save Lois, Clark reveals his ability to catch bullets to Maddox so he can fight Titan, but is stunned to face Lois in the ring instead... Lana returns from her honeymoon with Lex, whose men are looking for Titan, but she's more uncertain about living the life of wealthy and power and has a traumatic miscarriage."
"Clark and Chloe discover that Titan, another alien escapee from the Phantom Zone, is the hulking star of a secret fight club whose bloody, bare-knuckle battles to the death are broadcast on the Internet. Lois smells a story and investigates on her own but is captured by fight manager-presenter Maddox, the Belle Reve administrator, and forced to become wrestler Athena's first opponent. To save Lois, Clark reveals his ability to catch bullets to Maddox so he can fight Titan, but is stunned to face Lois in the ring instead... Lana returns from her honeymoon with Lex, whose men are looking for Titan, but she's more uncertain about living the life of wealthy and power and has a traumatic miscarriage."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Stitchers roared back onto the small screen with the premiere of its second season. The adventure was titled "2.0," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kirsten's temporal dysplasia disappears after she brings Cameron back to life; the team investigates a mystery involving Les Turner that puts the lab on lock down; and Kirsten's latest stitch brings up a memory."
"Kirsten's temporal dysplasia disappears after she brings Cameron back to life; the team investigates a mystery involving Les Turner that puts the lab on lock down; and Kirsten's latest stitch brings up a memory."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The CW's The 100 aired "Gimme Shelter." This served as the seventh episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clarke's arrival on the island quickly takes a turn for the worse. Meanwhile, Bellamy tries to avoid further tragedy in Arkadia."
"Clarke's arrival on the island quickly takes a turn for the worse. Meanwhile, Bellamy tries to avoid further tragedy in Arkadia."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "The Weeping Somnambulist." This served as the ninth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bobbie becomes a pawn in a struggle between Earth and Mars."
"Bobbie becomes a pawn in a struggle between Earth and Mars."
