On this day back in 1999, Futurama -- one of the smartest genre comedies ever -- enjoyed its original launch on the Boob Tube. Over the years, the program has enjoyed some curious starts-and-stops, switching to different networks for continuation after being dropped from the Fox Network in its original run. Though the quality has waned a bit here and there, it's still a show worth the time and effort of fandom to invest in; and here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"After a young male is transported to the future, he teams up and works with a team of friends who work at a delivery company. Together, they travel on countless adventures where they learn more about each other and get into situations that could have terrible consequences."
"After a young male is transported to the future, he teams up and works with a team of friends who work at a delivery company. Together, they travel on countless adventures where they learn more about each other and get into situations that could have terrible consequences."
For some inexplicable reason, Tremors: The Series is remembered very fondly by a cadre of fans who discovered it when it first aired on television. Premiering on this day back in 2003, the show focused on the residents of Perfection Valley, Nevada, and their ongoing quest to hold their ground against those pesky 'graboids' who'll show up at a moment's notice with their insatiable appetites. The short-living ongoing series gave franchise regular Michael Gross a prominent spot in all of the action; and -- while the show was pleasant enough -- it seemed destined for the ash heap of forgotten TV shows pretty quickly. Still, we celebrate a lot of those 'round these parts, and thus we're forever thankful someone somewhere believed that quirky little universe deserved a chance for longevity on the Boob Tube.
In her very last appearance on the silver screen, the late Flora Robson chilled audiences portraying one of the Stygian witches standing in Perseus' way aboard Clash Of The Titans (1981). In 1966, her screen magic caught the Eye Of The Devil for Filmways Pictures. In 1970, the actress explored a solid genre entry called Fragment Of Fear for Columbia Pictures. In 1971, she delivered audiences to The Beast In The Cellar for Leander Films. In 1972, she dipped into the world of Fantasy with some work aboard Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. She also enjoyed some screen time aboard the Horror/Fantasy Dominique (1979). Though she's no longer with us, Robson was born on this day in 1902.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Casual fans of the Science Fiction classic Planet Of The Apes tend to forget that Charlton Heston's 'George Taylor' wasn't the only astronaut who found himself in the apocalyptic nightmare: actor Jeff Burton played astronaut 'Dodge,' one who suffered a much crueler fate than the film's star. He also showed audiences what he could do with work aboard Tarzan, Batman, Bewitched, and Night Gallery. Though he's no longer with us, Burton was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor John Bluthal maintains a resume rich in genre entertainment. He's been a part of The Mouse On The Moon (1963), Fireball XL5, Casino Royale (1967), The Flying Sorcerer (1973), Superman III (1983), Labyrinth (1986), and The Fifth Element (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Bluthal was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's nothing like being caught on the business end of a six shooter to knock some sense in a feller, and that's the fate Ron Soble met aboard Star Trek's classic episode, "Spectre Of The Gun." He also made appearances aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, Shazam!, Planet Of The Apes, Salvage 1, Knight Rider, and Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Soble was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though IMDB.com reports that Jamie Smith-Jackson hasn't done anything in quite some time, that's no reason to forget about her work aboard Planet Of The Apes, Bug (1975), The Invisible Man, The Bionic Woman, and Man From Atlantis. Smith-Jackson was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To my delight, the lovely and super-talented Dianne Wiest has a few Science Fiction and Fantasy credits to her name. She's enjoyed exposure aboard The Lost Boys (1987), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Practical Magic (1998), The 10th Kingdom, Category 6: Day Of Destruction (2004), and Robots (2004). Wiest was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A small role aboard John Carpenter's They Live (1988) quite possible whet Jason Robards III's appetite for Science Fiction as he appeared in Zenith (2010) for Surla Films. Robards III was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
God bless the work of SciFi Special Effects wizard Doug Drexler! He's helped bring to life so many exceptional properties, including Star Trek, Star Trek: New Voyages, Bionic Woman, Battlestar Galactica, and Syfy's Defiance. Drexler was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Strong, gutsy, and ginger, country crooner Reba McEntire shot up the screen as the wife and shooting partner to Michael Gross's gun enthusiast in Tremors (1990). McEntire was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you're only going to have a single screen credit to your name, then why not make it part of Star Trek? The young Melvin Caesar Belli appeared alongside his father in the third season adventure, "And The Children Shall Lead." Belli was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Looking for advice to get Star Trek: The Next Generation's Counselor Troi drunk? Then ask for Paul Eiding! Not sure he got her drunk, per se, but he obviously got her to drink (in "Liasons"). He's also a master of voice acting, and I encourage you to check out his IMDB.com citation for her massive resume. Eiding was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Stephen Ure has definitely left a footprint in the realm of Fantasy having played characters aboard such properties as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002), The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The Kind (2003), The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (2005), Perfect Creature (2007), Legend Of The Seeker, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). Ure was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but when it comes to the BBC's Red Dwarf? You're on your own. I tried to watch it one time, and it just didn't strike any chords with me. Kudos to Chris Barrie for being a part of the franchise, though, as I'm always happy to praise the contributions of so, so many. Barrie was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, Dell Yount doesn't act professionally all that much these days. Still, he managed to squeeze in roles aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Project: ALF, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Yount was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2012, Orla Brady was nominated for the Saturn Award for 'Best Guest Starring Role on Television' for her impressive turn as Elizabeth Bishop of Fox TV's spectacular Fringe. She's also visited the worlds of Doctor Who and The Deep. Brady was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Roger Nygard is a veteran Hollywood editor / writer / producer who helped Denise Crosby throughout the process of bringing both Trekkies and Trekkies 2 to bold cinematic life. Nygard was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though I'm quite probably one of the world's biggest Superman fans, I honestly didn't watch that much of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. What I did seemed a bit sugary-sweet for my tastes, but I'll likely make my way over to the show as it's on my Bucket List. If I have lovely ladies like Lori Fetrick -- as Vixen -- waiting for me, I'll most likely enjoy the ride. Fetrick was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bernie Pock was an actor/stuntman who ably served time aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, Beauty and The Beast, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), and Star Trek: Generations (1994). Though he's no longer with us, Pock was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Darcy Laurie is another one of those talented players who somehow manages to pop up all over the place. He's served time aboard Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994), The X-Files, Millennium, Viper, Special Unit 2, Dark Angel, The Twilight Zone, Jeremiah, The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004), Stargate: SG-1, The Dead Zone, Kyle XY, Battlestar Galactica, V, SGU Stargate Universe, Fringe, Supernatural, Continuum, Arrow, The Man In The High Castle, The 100, and Once Upon A Time. And there's still more to come! Laurie was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Fox TV's VR.5 made its entry into the realm of televised Science Fiction, the show brought along Tracey Needham as a recurring guest star. Needham was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
CBS's Apocalypse/Drama Jericho never really caught on with a large enough audience to sustain it for long, but that's no fault of players like Siena Goines who did the show proud. Goines was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Yes, I realize the collected works of director Brett Ratner is probably more well recognized for controversy than anything else, but I think he does just fine on his own. He's helmed such projects as X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Hercules (2014) among several others. Ratner was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Vince Vaughn has only flirted with Science Fiction with a role aboard Jennifer Lopez's The Cell (2000). Vaughn was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2025, I received an all-new home video release of The Cell (2000) 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 early 2025, I received an all-new home video release of The Cell (2000) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Granted, Santa Claus isn't really a SciFi creation, but when he makes an appearance as part of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who then he'll get a shout out from us! Funnyman Nick Frost played the memorable man in red, and he did so quite well. Frost was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Kelly is the writer/director behind such screen journeys as Donnie Darko (2001), Southland Tales (2006), S. Darko (2009), and The Box (2009). Kelly was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I just love Annie Wersching. FYI: that's her above from an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. (2nd FYI: IMDB.com reports that was her first acting gig!) She was a terrific addition to Fox TV's 24, and I was so, so, so bummed when she met her ultimate fate on that program. I'm also totally digging her work right now on Amazon TV's Bosch. As for SciFi, she also had an appearance on the short-lived Journeyman, Touch, Revolution, Extant,, NBC's Timeless, and Star Trek: Picard. But I'd watch her in anything. Though she's no longer with us, Wersching was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, I haven't seen all that much of the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood, but what I have seen I have enjoyed. Gareth David-Lloyd was a series regular for the program. He's also booked appearances on Doctor Who as well as Syfy's Warehouse 13. David-Lloyd was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The plucky Natalie Lander brought to life the equally plucky Stargirl aboard recent animated incarnations of DC Comics' Justice League. Lander was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The highly-decorated Adult Film Temptress Kagney Linn Karter definitely suited up nicely in the role of 'Supergirl' for her work aboard the Superman Vs. Spider-Man XXX: An Axel Braun Parody. Though she's no longer with us, Karter was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Ms. Karter took her own life on February 15, 2024. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Ms. Karter took her own life on February 15, 2024. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
Though her resume boasts more mainstream projects, Lacey Turner did enjoy a guest spot aboard the BBC's popular Being Human. Turner was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In reality, she's known as model/actress Jenna Berman. In the realm of fantasy where angels fear to tread -- namely Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn -- she's better known as Spartan Kelly-087. Berman was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Laura Harrier spun a web all of her own for her part in Marvel Entertainment's Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). Harrier was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Looking as dreamy as she does, I can't fathom why a lady like Blair Williams would even consider to Escape From Pleasure Planet (2016), an Adult-themed SciFi romp. I would think she'd fit right in! Williams was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Captain Marvel first stood up for justice in American theaters. Directed by John English and William Witney, the Superhero/Thriller starred Tom Tyler, Louise Currie, Robert Strange, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: "Shazam!"
For the record:
At the 2018 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of Adventures Of Captain Marvel received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Collection.'
"To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: "Shazam!"
For the record:
At the 2018 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of Adventures Of Captain Marvel received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Collection.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), Horror Island proved to be a destination ... for Horror! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Maurice Tombragel, Victor McLeod, and Alex Gottlieb, the picture starred Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Fuzzy Knight, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A down-on-his-luck businessman organizes an excursion to Sir Henry Morgan's Island for a treasure hunt only to encounter a mysterious phantom and murder."
"A down-on-his-luck businessman organizes an excursion to Sir Henry Morgan's Island for a treasure hunt only to encounter a mysterious phantom and murder."
A star is born!
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the Man Made Monster! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Harry Essex, Sid Schwartz, and Len Golos, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, Anne Nagel, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
On this day in 1952 (in Japan), The Day The Earth Stood Still touched down in theaters once again. Edmund H. North adapted the written story by Harry Bates, and Robert Wise directed the feature. The film starred Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen blastoff of Forbidden Planet. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the feature film starred Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
- At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments.
- In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
- In 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Horror hybrid The Manster delivered the thrills only a SciFi/Horror hybrid can. Directed by George P. Breakston and Kenneth G. Crane from a story by William J. Sheldon and Breakston, the Fantasy/Horror starred Peter Dyneley, Jane Hylton, Tetsu Nakamura, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American reporter in Japan is sent to interview an eccentric Japanese scientist working on bizarre experiments in his mountain laboratory. When the doctor realizes that the hapless correspondent is the perfect subject for his next experiment, he drugs the unfortunate man and injects him with a serum that gradually transforms him into a hideous, two-headed monster."
"An American reporter in Japan is sent to interview an eccentric Japanese scientist working on bizarre experiments in his mountain laboratory. When the doctor realizes that the hapless correspondent is the perfect subject for his next experiment, he drugs the unfortunate man and injects him with a serum that gradually transforms him into a hideous, two-headed monster."
A star is born!
On this day in 1963 (in Turkey, Canada, and the U.S.), The Birds flew the coup and took to the silver screen for a flight of terror. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a story by Daphne Du Maurier and Evan Hunter, the film starred Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Birds enjoyed an Academy Award nomination in 1964 in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Visual Effects.'
"A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Birds enjoyed an Academy Award nomination in 1964 in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Visual Effects.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1968 (in Mexico), the silver screen lit up with what might have been a curious theft of intellectual property with the theatrical release of The Batwoman! René Cardona directed with a script from Alfredo Salazar (that does properly credit the stories of Bob Kane and Bill Finger for inspiration), and the flick cast the lovely Maura Monti in the role of the masked hero. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Batwoman is called to investigate a whacked-out scientist who is capturing wrestlers and using their spinal fluid to create a Gill Man."
"Batwoman is called to investigate a whacked-out scientist who is capturing wrestlers and using their spinal fluid to create a Gill Man."
A star is born ... or is that porn?
On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), the good people of Champaign, Illinois were treated to the silver screen debut of 2069 A.D.: A Sensation Odyssey. Directed by Sam Kopetzky from a story by Robert Faust, the Adult/Fantasy starred Harvey Shain, Barbara Lynn, Sharon Matt, and others. According to our friends at TCM.com, here's the plot summary:
"Citizen 3X47 is accused and convicted of the crime of violence in his nonviolent society in the year 2069 and is sentenced to travel back in time to learn about lovemaking in the past. He is given a ring which is programmed to convey him to the selected times and places. If he loses the ring, he will be banished to infinity. In a college dormitory in the 1960's, 3X47 shows the ring to a student, and without any hesitation they make love. 3X47 drops the ring and is sent to infinity; the student picks it up and is transported 100 years into the past to the tent of a Civil War captain. While they are making love, the captain and the ring are delivered to a Russian czarina. She seduces him, and he is sent to the next stop on the sex tour, a sultan's palace. The captain makes love with a slave girl; she receives the ring, pops up in a Roman garden, and makes love with a woman who is waiting there for her lover. This woman takes the ring and finds herself in the cell of a condemned warrior during the time of Genghis Khan. Taking the ring, the warrior travels back to prehistoric times, meets a cavewoman, and makes love with her. The woman's mate destroys the ring and is inexplicably transported to the year 2069."
"Citizen 3X47 is accused and convicted of the crime of violence in his nonviolent society in the year 2069 and is sentenced to travel back in time to learn about lovemaking in the past. He is given a ring which is programmed to convey him to the selected times and places. If he loses the ring, he will be banished to infinity. In a college dormitory in the 1960's, 3X47 shows the ring to a student, and without any hesitation they make love. 3X47 drops the ring and is sent to infinity; the student picks it up and is transported 100 years into the past to the tent of a Civil War captain. While they are making love, the captain and the ring are delivered to a Russian czarina. She seduces him, and he is sent to the next stop on the sex tour, a sultan's palace. The captain makes love with a slave girl; she receives the ring, pops up in a Roman garden, and makes love with a woman who is waiting there for her lover. This woman takes the ring and finds herself in the cell of a condemned warrior during the time of Genghis Khan. Taking the ring, the warrior travels back to prehistoric times, meets a cavewoman, and makes love with her. The woman's mate destroys the ring and is inexplicably transported to the year 2069."
A star is born!
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England found themselves bound and gagged (cinematically, that is) with the big screen launch of House Of Whipcord. Written (in part) and directed by Pete Walker, the Horror/Fantasy starred Barbara Markham, Patrick Barr, Ray Brooks, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An insane couple take over the operation of an old jail and seek out young women who they believe have escaped justice. A beautiful young French model becomes their latest victim and must attempt escape or face an almost certain death."
"An insane couple take over the operation of an old jail and seek out young women who they believe have escaped justice. A beautiful young French model becomes their latest victim and must attempt escape or face an almost certain death."
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to a limited theatrical engagement of Zardoz. Written and directed by John Boorman, the film starred Sean Connery, Charlotte Rampling, and Sara Kestelman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
A star is born!
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), Jabberwocky delivered Fantasy and laughs to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Terry Gilliam, the film starred Michael Palin, Harry H. Corbett, John Le Mesurier, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young peasant with no interest in adventure or fortune is mistaken for the kingdom's only hope when a horrible monster threatens the countryside."
"A young peasant with no interest in adventure or fortune is mistaken for the kingdom's only hope when a horrible monster threatens the countryside."
On this day in 1977 (in Sweden), Logan's Run took off running for box office fortune and glory. Directed by Michael Anderson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Phantasm enjoyed its original theatrical release. Written and directed by Don Coscarelli, the Fantasy/Horror starred A. Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, and Reggie Bannister. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Phantasm enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Phantasm enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1979 (in France), Starcrash tried to ride that wave of popularity created by the success of George Lucas' Star Wars. Written (in part) and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Caroline Munro, Marjoe Gornter, Christopher Plummer, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
For the record:
At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Starcrash received a nomination in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
On this day in 1980 (in Uruguay and Venezuela), the ground-breaking SciFi/Horror Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Ridley Scott from a story by Dan O'Bannon, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
A star is born!
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), those Humanoids From The Deep rose up from the ocean depths to take their place on the silver screen for the good people of Cincinnati, Ohio. Directed by Barbara Peeters and Jimmy T. Murakami from a story by Frank Arnold, Martin B. Cohen, and William Martin, the Fantasy/Horror starred Doug McClure, Ann Turkel, Vic Morrow, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Humanoid sea creatures start killing a fishing town's residents, and raping their women. It's up to the townsfolk and a visiting biologist to fight back and fend them off."
Editor's Note:
It's worthy of mention that the late, great Roger Corman served as Executive Producer -- albeit uncredited -- for the motion picture.
"Humanoid sea creatures start killing a fishing town's residents, and raping their women. It's up to the townsfolk and a visiting biologist to fight back and fend them off."
Editor's Note:
It's worthy of mention that the late, great Roger Corman served as Executive Producer -- albeit uncredited -- for the motion picture.
On this day in 1980 (in Finland), audiences were taken boldly where no man had gone before with the theatrical release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Directed by Robert Wise, the original crew of the Starship Enterprise all returned to active duty for the film; 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 1980 (in Australia), The Black Hole rocketed onto the silver screen compliments of the folks at the Walt Disney Company. Directed by Gary Nelson from a story by Jeb Rosebrook, Bob Barbash, and Richard H. Landau, the SciFi/Thriller starred Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, Robert Forster, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season.
"A research vessel finds a missing ship, commanded by a mysterious scientist, on the edge of a black hole."
For the record:
The Black Hole earned some solid recognition during the awards season.
- At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' and 'Best Cinematography.'
- At the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film earned nominations for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- Lastly, at the 1980 Hugo Awards, the film earned the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1980 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Changeling delivered about as grim a look into the supernatural as audiences could embrace. Directed by Peter Medak from a story by Russell Hunter, William Gray, and Diana Maddox, the Horror/Fantasy starred George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After experiencing tragic personal losses, a music professor rents a Seattle mansion, haunted by a slain boy."
For the record:
"After experiencing tragic personal losses, a music professor rents a Seattle mansion, haunted by a slain boy."
For the record:
- At the 1980 Genie Awards (the now-defunct equivalent to America's Oscar Awards), The Changeling received an incredible 10 nominations. Ultimately, the film took home eight trophies in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Sound,' 'Best Sound Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Art Direction / Production Design,' 'Best Achievement In Cinematography,' 'Best Screenplay Adapted From Another Medium,' 'Best Performance By A Foreign Actor,' 'Best Performance By A Foreign Actress,' and 'Best Motion Picture.'
- At the 1981 Saturn Awards, The Changeling received two nominations, one in the category for 'Best Supporting Actor' and one in the category of 'Best International Film.'
- At the 2019 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of The Changeling received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release.'
A star is born ... and this one's undead!
On this day in 1980 (in Italy), Zombie Holocaust (aka Doctor Butcher) drew first blood ... and brains! Directed by Marino Girolami, the Fantasy/Horror starred Ian McCulloch, Alexandra Delli Colli, Sherry Buchanan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An expedition in the East Indies, encounters not only the cannibals they were looking for, but also an evil scientist and his zombie army."
"An expedition in the East Indies, encounters not only the cannibals they were looking for, but also an evil scientist and his zombie army."
A star is born!
On this day in 1983 (in Spain), El E.T.E. y el Oto (aka Spanish E.T.) looked to take a bite out of the box office. Written (in part) and directed by Manuel Esteba, the SciFi/Comedy starred Francisco Calatrava, Manuel Calatrava, Curro Garcia, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ugly guy in spandex (supposedly an alien) befriends Spain's youngest psychopath."
"An ugly guy in spandex (supposedly an alien) befriends Spain's youngest psychopath."
On this day in 1984 (in France), Timerider: The Adventure Of Lyle Swann took a modern day motorcross performer and sent him back into the Wild West. Written and directed by William Gear (with some assistance from Michael Nesmith of The Monkees' music fame), the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward, Belinda Bauer, Peter Coyote, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A maverick motorbike racer wanders into a top-secret time-travel research test site which unintentionally teleports him to the mid-1800s and ends up having to fight violent outlaws for his survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Timerider earned a wee bit of praisie from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A maverick motorbike racer wanders into a top-secret time-travel research test site which unintentionally teleports him to the mid-1800s and ends up having to fight violent outlaws for his survival."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Timerider earned a wee bit of praisie from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1985 (in Brazil), the 1927-produced Metropolis -- this one with a contemporary soundtrack provided by Giorgio Moroder) -- enjoyed a theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the SciFi/Drama starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Fritz Rasp, and others. Here's the film's 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."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
"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."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
On this day in 1985 (in Norway), The Terminator took audiences on a trip to save or destroy mankind. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold "Screw Your Freedoms!" Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Alien Space Avenger took a bite out of the home video marketplace with its release. Directed by Richard W. Haines, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Prichard, Michael McCleery, and Charity Staley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1939 a spaceship carrying four alien escaped prisoners crash-lands on Earth and the aliens take over the bodies of four locals. Fifty years later the aliens find out that an artist has written a comic book called "Space Avenger," which they believe is about them. They go to New York to try to kill the artist."
"In 1939 a spaceship carrying four alien escaped prisoners crash-lands on Earth and the aliens take over the bodies of four locals. Fifty years later the aliens find out that an artist has written a comic book called "Space Avenger," which they believe is about them. They go to New York to try to kill the artist."
On this day in 1990 (in Finland), the 1975-produced The Stepford Wives enjoyed a broadcast television airing. This SciFi/Mystery was directed by Bryan Forbes as adapted from the Ira Levin novel by William Goldman. It starred a host of lovely ladies, including Katharine Ross, Paual Prentiss, Tina Louise. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD copy of The Stepford Wives (1975) to add to my own collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD copy of The Stepford Wives (1975) to add to my own collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Alligator II: The Mutation tried to sink its teeth into viewers with its home video release. Directed by Jon Hess from a story by Curt Allen, the sequel starred Joseph Bologna, Dee Wallace, Richard Lynch, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A giant alligator runs riot in a small town with a lake connected to a sewer/drainage system. Typical plot; nobody believes the sightings until lots of people have been killed."
"A giant alligator runs riot in a small town with a lake connected to a sewer/drainage system. Typical plot; nobody believes the sightings until lots of people have been killed."
Chalk this one up as another one I've never heard about: 1995's Steel Frontier (it premiered on this day back then) gave hunky Joe Lara the chance to police the Apocalypse in a style befitting Mad Max. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mad Max meets the Man With No Name in this futuristic story of a gunfighter (Joe Lara), who goes after a band of marauders who are terrorizing everyone and killing indiscriminately. As with the spaghetti westerns, the lone gunman enters into a town where the people have lost the will to fight back and proceeds to kill off the bad guys single-handedly. But once he is out-numbered totally and wounded, some do find the capability to fight back. Chief of those who try to aid him is a widow (Stacie Foster) with a young son. Brion James plays the general in charge of the marauders."
"Mad Max meets the Man With No Name in this futuristic story of a gunfighter (Joe Lara), who goes after a band of marauders who are terrorizing everyone and killing indiscriminately. As with the spaghetti westerns, the lone gunman enters into a town where the people have lost the will to fight back and proceeds to kill off the bad guys single-handedly. But once he is out-numbered totally and wounded, some do find the capability to fight back. Chief of those who try to aid him is a widow (Stacie Foster) with a young son. Brion James plays the general in charge of the marauders."
On this day in 1997 (in Mexico), the Borg were up to their old time-travel-tricks again for the theatrical release of Star Trek: First Contact. Directed by Jonathan Frakes from a story by Rick Berman, Ronald D. Moore, and Brannon Braga, the feature film starred Patrick Stewart, Alice Krige, Brent Spiner, and James Cromwell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Fatal Error enjoyed its original broadcast airing for interested audiences. Directed by Armand Mastroianni, the SciFi/Thriller starred Antonio Sabato Jr., Janine Turner, Robert Wagner, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deadly, unidentifiable virus is causing a series of mysterious deaths in Seattle. Disease specialist Samantha Carter (Turner) must team up with Dr. Nick Baldwin (Sabato) to track down the lethal pathogen and stop its deadly path of destruction. They discover that a computer virus has evolved into a deadly organic virus. Samantha and Nick face a race against time to uncover the deadly source before it is unleashed on an unsuspecting public."
"A deadly, unidentifiable virus is causing a series of mysterious deaths in Seattle. Disease specialist Samantha Carter (Turner) must team up with Dr. Nick Baldwin (Sabato) to track down the lethal pathogen and stop its deadly path of destruction. They discover that a computer virus has evolved into a deadly organic virus. Samantha and Nick face a race against time to uncover the deadly source before it is unleashed on an unsuspecting public."
A star is born!
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Frightvision Horror Film Festival were treated to the premiere of Mega Scorpions. Written (in part) and directed by J.R. Bookwalter, the Horror/Fantasy starred Nicolas Read, Lilith Stabs, Marcella Laasch, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Residents of a half-way house are bombarded by 6 foot long killer scorpions. A horror/comedy homage to the giant mutant bug films of the 1950's."
"Residents of a half-way house are bombarded by 6 foot long killer scorpions. A horror/comedy homage to the giant mutant bug films of the 1950's."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Polar Storm cast a frigid chill over audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Paul Ziller, the flick starred Jack Coleman, Emma Lahana, Holly Elissa, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A comet passes near the Earth and disturbs Earth's magnetic field."
"A comet passes near the Earth and disturbs Earth's magnetic field."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in Argentina, Belgium, and France), Wrath Of The Titans took audiences back to the Titans universe for a heavy second helping. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman from a story by Dan Mazeau, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, and Greg Berlanti, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world."
For the record:
At the 2013 Razzie Awards, actor Liam Neeson received a nomination in the category of 'Worst Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Wrath Of The Titans (2012).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of Wrath Of The Titans (2012) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world."
For the record:
At the 2013 Razzie Awards, actor Liam Neeson received a nomination in the category of 'Worst Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Wrath Of The Titans (2012).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of Wrath Of The Titans (2012) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
For what it's worth, I know whom I'm betting on in this match-up: on this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Airplane Vs. Volcano erupted onto video. Written and directed by the team of James and Jon Kondelik, the feature starred Dean Cain, Robin Givens, Matt Mercer, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a commercial airliner is trapped within a ring of erupting volcanoes, the passengers and crew must find a way to survive - without landing, but, when the relentless onslaught of lava and ash causes fear and distrust amongst those onboard, it isn't just the volcanoes that are life-threatening. Everyone must learn to work together if they are to survive their epic flight of fire."
"When a commercial airliner is trapped within a ring of erupting volcanoes, the passengers and crew must find a way to survive - without landing, but, when the relentless onslaught of lava and ash causes fear and distrust amongst those onboard, it isn't just the volcanoes that are life-threatening. Everyone must learn to work together if they are to survive their epic flight of fire."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences of the Atlanta Film Festival were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of Montedoro. Written and directed for the screen by Antonello Faretta, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Domenico Brancale, Anna di Dio, Mario Duca, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rich middle aged American woman unexpectedly discovers her true origin after her parents have died. Deeply moved, in the midst of an identity crisis, she decides to travel, hoping to find the natural mother she has never known. She therefore goes to a small and remote place in the south of Italy, Montedoro. She finds an apocalyptic scene when she gets there: the village, resting on a majestic hill, is completely abandoned and nobody seems to live there anymore."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Montedoro earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A rich middle aged American woman unexpectedly discovers her true origin after her parents have died. Deeply moved, in the midst of an identity crisis, she decides to travel, hoping to find the natural mother she has never known. She therefore goes to a small and remote place in the south of Italy, Montedoro. She finds an apocalyptic scene when she gets there: the village, resting on a majestic hill, is completely abandoned and nobody seems to live there anymore."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Montedoro earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017, Mindgamers played tricks with audiences during its U.S. theatrical release. The feature starred Oliver Stark and Sam Neill, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Students at a quantum academy attempt to create a collective consciousness, only to discover that they themselves are part of a greater experiment."
"Students at a quantum academy attempt to create a collective consciousness, only to discover that they themselves are part of a greater experiment."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Flight Overdue." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An internationally acclaimed aviatrix is recruited ostensibly for a flight over the Pacific over her husband's misgivings. Years after she disappears, her angry husband is informed of the true nature of her mission and her ultimate fate."
"An internationally acclaimed aviatrix is recruited ostensibly for a flight over the Pacific over her husband's misgivings. Years after she disappears, her angry husband is informed of the true nature of her mission and her ultimate fate."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Laughing Alien." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Commander Corry becomes concerned for Cadet Happy's well-being when he has repeated visions of the young man in various perilous situations followed by a image of a man laughing at him. Major Robertson is concerned, too. He fears that Corry's heavy responsibilities are causing him to go space happy."
"Commander Corry becomes concerned for Cadet Happy's well-being when he has repeated visions of the young man in various perilous situations followed by a image of a man laughing at him. Major Robertson is concerned, too. He fears that Corry's heavy responsibilities are causing him to go space happy."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Mighty Kublai Khan" as part of its first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Ian and Barbara are forced to surrender to Tegana and Marco, leaving both of them the opportunity to gain possession of the TARDIS."
"The Doctor, Ian and Barbara are forced to surrender to Tegana and Marco, leaving both of them the opportunity to gain possession of the TARDIS."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "The Betrayed." Officially, this served as the twelfth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"David Vincent steals a computer tape in order to expose alien activity on Houston oil fields."
"David Vincent steals a computer tape in order to expose alien activity on Houston oil fields."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Ambassadors Of Death: Part 2." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"UNIT retrieve the returned Recovery 7 but then Carrington hijacks it while the Doctor and Liz try to decode the signal he sent."
"UNIT retrieve the returned Recovery 7 but then Carrington hijacks it while the Doctor and Liz try to decode the signal he sent."
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Heart Of Sogguth: Beat The Drum." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stranger, Jake, offers to manage Mike's band, but when Liz learns that he is the leader of a religious group called the Hearts of Sogguth, she begins to wonder what his motives are."
"A stranger, Jake, offers to manage Mike's band, but when Liz learns that he is the leader of a religious group called the Hearts of Sogguth, she begins to wonder what his motives are."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Starman aired "Fathers and Sons." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Forrester and Scott meet with one of the real Forrester's friends who gives him a job. At the same time a young man is following them. When Scott confronts him he reveals that Forrester's his father."
"When Forrester and Scott meet with one of the real Forrester's friends who gives him a job. At the same time a young man is following them. When Scott confronts him he reveals that Forrester's his father."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Leaping In Without A Net." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam must overcome his fear of heights when he leaps into a trapeze artist whose sister dies doing a stunt without a net."
"Sam must overcome his fear of heights when he leaps into a trapeze artist whose sister dies doing a stunt without a net."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired "Wounds And Scars." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Harry sinks into a deep depression after Josie's death. Josie's body holds more questions than answers. Norma's troubled sister, Annie, arrives in Twin Peaks. Wheeler and Audrey hit it off. Cooper's stalemate angers Earle."
"Harry sinks into a deep depression after Josie's death. Josie's body holds more questions than answers. Norma's troubled sister, Annie, arrives in Twin Peaks. Wheeler and Audrey hit it off. Cooper's stalemate angers Earle."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), young Wesley Crusher stepped up and did the right thing in a special episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation called "The First Duty." Officially, it served as the nineteenth episode to the popular program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"As the Enterprise arrives back at Earth, news reaches Picard and Crusher that an accident has happened involving Wesley which has injured four pilots and killed one. An inquiry is launched, and Wesley is forced to lie under oath."
"As the Enterprise arrives back at Earth, news reaches Picard and Crusher that an accident has happened involving Wesley which has injured four pilots and killed one. An inquiry is launched, and Wesley is forced to lie under oath."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), RoboCop: The Series aired "Trouble In Delta City." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A new miracle drug gets rushed to the market by OCP, but more thorough testing reveals that it has powerful mind-altering properties. This causes many people in Delta City to have violent and psychotic outbursts, including none other than officer Madigan. RoboCop investigates to discover what the truth is behind the dangerous drug and to get it off the streets, as well as clear Madigan of any wrongdoing."
"A new miracle drug gets rushed to the market by OCP, but more thorough testing reveals that it has powerful mind-altering properties. This causes many people in Delta City to have violent and psychotic outbursts, including none other than officer Madigan. RoboCop investigates to discover what the truth is behind the dangerous drug and to get it off the streets, as well as clear Madigan of any wrongdoing."
On this day in 1995 (in Belgium), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 1998 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "Tomorrow Is Yesterday." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Enterprise is flung back in time while trying to escape the gravitational pull of a black star, they find themselves in orbit around a 1960's Earth. When they are seen by a U.S. Air Force pilot, they beam him aboard but then face the dilemma of what to do with him as he learns more and more about the future. They have to review their initial decision to just keep him when historical records show that his yet-to-be-born son will lead Earth's first successful mission to probe Saturn. Spock devises a plan to do so while also erasing any memory of recent events."
"When the Enterprise is flung back in time while trying to escape the gravitational pull of a black star, they find themselves in orbit around a 1960's Earth. When they are seen by a U.S. Air Force pilot, they beam him aboard but then face the dilemma of what to do with him as he learns more and more about the future. They have to review their initial decision to just keep him when historical records show that his yet-to-be-born son will lead Earth's first successful mission to probe Saturn. Spock devises a plan to do so while also erasing any memory of recent events."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Futurama aired "Space Pilot 3000." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season -- its series' pilot -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A down-on-his-luck pizza delivery guy is accidentally frozen on New Year's Eve 1999 and wakes up in the year 3000."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Futurama aired "Space Pilot 3000." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season -- its series' pilot -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A down-on-his-luck pizza delivery guy is accidentally frozen on New Year's Eve 1999 and wakes up in the year 3000."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Alpha." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's sixth season. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A series of murders is blamed on a mythical Asian dog that supposedly escaped from the US cryptozoologist who caught it. Mulder asks a reclusive female dog expert for help which angers Scully. The woman leaves him a special gift."
"A series of murders is blamed on a mythical Asian dog that supposedly escaped from the US cryptozoologist who caught it. Mulder asks a reclusive female dog expert for help which angers Scully. The woman leaves him a special gift."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode of its first and only season titled "Trackers." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The S.I.C.O.N. Fleet is hunting for the Bug Queen, after she escaped in a Transport Bug from Klendathuin heading for Earth. Can they find and destroy the Transport Bug before it reaches Earth?"
"The S.I.C.O.N. Fleet is hunting for the Bug Queen, after she escaped in a Transport Bug from Klendathuin heading for Earth. Can they find and destroy the Transport Bug before it reaches Earth?"
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), The Strangerers aired "The Streets Of Laredo." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. To date, I've been unable to locate a plot summary; in lieu, I am placing the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens in human form land on Earth to carry out a secret mission, and when the Supervisor is decapitated, the two bumbling Cadets have no idea what the mission entails. With a mixture of their of own language, and mannerisms taken from old 50s movies, they try and get through the crazy world we live in, without trying to get caught by the various shady organisations after them."
"Aliens in human form land on Earth to carry out a secret mission, and when the Supervisor is decapitated, the two bumbling Cadets have no idea what the mission entails. With a mixture of their of own language, and mannerisms taken from old 50s movies, they try and get through the crazy world we live in, without trying to get caught by the various shady organisations after them."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), it all came down to this as Starhunter aired the season finale to its first year in existence. The hour was titled "Resurrection," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at Wikipedia.org:
"The Tulip is pursued and crippled by The Raiders, but Senaca calls his fighters off and prepares his misson to destroy what is left of Earth with the bioweapon seeds. Luc makes contact with Navarre in hopes of warning the Orchard of Seneca's plans. She then goes to Mars to form a resistance force but time is running out. Meanwhile, Eccleston returns from the "other side" and helps both Travis and Dante unlock their untapped powers. Father and son use a shuttle to intercept Seneca's forces in hopes of psychically willing the seeds away from them, but the shuttle is hit by a missile and begins to burn up in the atmosphere. Meanwhile the Tulip comes under attack by a barrage of missiles and Eccleston uses the last of his power to make the ship vanish to another dimension and taking Percy with it. At the last second before impact, Dante finds himself 10 years back in time on Titan, with his wife Penny and young son Travis. An air-raid siren sounds as the Raiders begin their attack on the Titan colony and Dante appears to relive the event all over again."
"The Tulip is pursued and crippled by The Raiders, but Senaca calls his fighters off and prepares his misson to destroy what is left of Earth with the bioweapon seeds. Luc makes contact with Navarre in hopes of warning the Orchard of Seneca's plans. She then goes to Mars to form a resistance force but time is running out. Meanwhile, Eccleston returns from the "other side" and helps both Travis and Dante unlock their untapped powers. Father and son use a shuttle to intercept Seneca's forces in hopes of psychically willing the seeds away from them, but the shuttle is hit by a missile and begins to burn up in the atmosphere. Meanwhile the Tulip comes under attack by a barrage of missiles and Eccleston uses the last of his power to make the ship vanish to another dimension and taking Percy with it. At the last second before impact, Dante finds himself 10 years back in time on Titan, with his wife Penny and young son Travis. An air-raid siren sounds as the Raiders begin their attack on the Titan colony and Dante appears to relive the event all over again."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Tremors: The Series aired two of the episodes of its only season in existence. The first was called "Feeding Frenzy," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Burt and the others struggle to find out what is wrong with El Blanco, who is behaving unusually aggressive. Meanwhile, a guy named Tyler Reed moves into town, taking over Desert Jack's Graboid Adventures."
The second episode of this premiere event was titled "Ghost Dance." According to IMDB.com, here's that summary:
"After three people are sucked dry by a strange ghost-like creature in Perfection's abandoned silver mine, Rosalita thinks something paranormal is on the loose. When two government agents arrive in town, Burt realizes it is something else."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Tremors: The Series aired two of the episodes of its only season in existence. The first was called "Feeding Frenzy," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Burt and the others struggle to find out what is wrong with El Blanco, who is behaving unusually aggressive. Meanwhile, a guy named Tyler Reed moves into town, taking over Desert Jack's Graboid Adventures."
The second episode of this premiere event was titled "Ghost Dance." According to IMDB.com, here's that summary:
"After three people are sucked dry by a strange ghost-like creature in Perfection's abandoned silver mine, Rosalita thinks something paranormal is on the loose. When two government agents arrive in town, Burt realizes it is something else."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Department Of Time aired "Tiempo de valientes: Part 1." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While hiding in Manila in 1898, Julián promises a dying soldier that he will carry a jewel of his mother to his Filipina lover in Baler. Meanwhile, the 2016 Ministry must make an audit of its recent activities."
"While hiding in Manila in 1898, Julián promises a dying soldier that he will carry a jewel of his mother to his Filipina lover in Baler. Meanwhile, the 2016 Ministry must make an audit of its recent activities."
On this day in 2006, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Warpath was released to the marketplace. The adventure was written by David Mack, and here's the (edited) plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"They were created to be killing machines. Highly intelligent, resourceful, and deceptively complex, the Jem'Hadar are a species engineered for war and programmed at the genetic level for one purpose: to fight until death as soldiers of the sprawling stellar empire known as the Dominion. No Jem'Hadar has ever lived thirty years, and not even their masters, the shape-shifting Founders, know what such a creature is capable of becoming were it to be freed of its servitude. One Founder, however, has dared to wonder ..."
"They were created to be killing machines. Highly intelligent, resourceful, and deceptively complex, the Jem'Hadar are a species engineered for war and programmed at the genetic level for one purpose: to fight until death as soldiers of the sprawling stellar empire known as the Dominion. No Jem'Hadar has ever lived thirty years, and not even their masters, the shape-shifting Founders, know what such a creature is capable of becoming were it to be freed of its servitude. One Founder, however, has dared to wonder ..."
On this day in 2007, a little something called Command And Conquer III: Tiberium Wars launched into being for the SciFi gaming community. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"You are in command of the armies of either GDI or NOD with the fate of Earth in the balance."
"You are in command of the armies of either GDI or NOD with the fate of Earth in the balance."
