According to Wikipedia.Org, it was on this fateful day in 1956 that one of the seminal SciFi/Classics of the 1950's -- Forbidden Planet -- first played for audiences in attendance of the Southeastern Science Fiction Convention held in Charlotte, North Carolina ... and who can possibly imagine what those people thought? For little did they know -- and little did anyone else at the time -- that this was the first time cinematically that Hollywood would take viewers on a journey deep into space and well beyond the confines of our own safe corner of the solar system. Sure, we'd seen the moon, the Mars, and maybe a planet or two next door; but Forbidden Planet -- originally titled Fatal Planet -- was something diferent. This was the first time mankind ventured into the great beyond.
The film enjoyed limited release later in the month of March, but it wasn't until a month or two later that crowds beyond a few cities experienced the wonder of what Science Fiction and Fantasy could look like on the silver screen and even the small screen for Forbidden Planet and its singular visions would become one of the greatest influences on SciFi storytellers for decades. Rumor has it that it's still 'called back' to today when creative folks go looking for inspiration.
The film enjoyed limited release later in the month of March, but it wasn't until a month or two later that crowds beyond a few cities experienced the wonder of what Science Fiction and Fantasy could look like on the silver screen and even the small screen for Forbidden Planet and its singular visions would become one of the greatest influences on SciFi storytellers for decades. Rumor has it that it's still 'called back' to today when creative folks go looking for inspiration.
He may be gone, but he can never be forgotten. Ain't that the truth? Our beloved Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott! He was played by the legendary James Doohan (shown above from Star Trek Generations), who came into our plane of existence on March 3! We miss you, Scotty! God's speed, wherever you may be! Doohan was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's quite probably remembered more for work in conventional fare, the lovely Cathy Downs braved the Missile To The Moon (1958) for Layton Film Productions, Inc. She also enjoyed screen time aboard The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues (1955), The She-Creature (1956), and The Amazing Colossal Man (1957). Though she's no longer with us, Downs was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A veteran of screen and stage, Mimi Cozzens' career really only flirted with genre entertainment, not that there's anything wrong with that. (As I always say 'round these parts, be thankful for small miracles!) She donned a lot of makeup and served Capt. Jean-Luc Picard a bowl of soup aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation; otherwise, she enjoyed guest spots to such properties as 3rd Rock From The Sun and Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction. Though she's no longer with us, Cozzens was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Rosemarie Baio Yaros enjoyed a bit of screen time as a duplicitous lady aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though she's no longer with us, Yaros was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Oh, good grief! Don't you just hate getting stuck next to 'that person' in the elevator? The one that's slowly turning into some bloodthirsty creature? "Oh, look at me, I'm becoming a zombie ..." Well, that's just what happened with Patricia Gage in David Cronenberg's Rabid (1977). She went on to appear in such other genre projects as TekWar, Earth: Final Conflict, and Highlander: The Raven. Though she's no longer with us, Gage was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That silver-haired fellow looking on over actor Tom Hardy's shoulder is none other than the writer/director/genius/creator of the best Apocalyptic action series known to man -- the Mad Max saga -- and he answers to the name George Miller. One more trip to his signature universe -- Mad Max: Fury Road -- is due in theatres soon, and I for one am looking forward to it. Miller was born on this day in 1945.
Miranda Richardson's contributions to quality genre entertainment have definitely steered much closer to the realm of Fantasy than Science Fiction, but I'm perfectly content giving her a ShoutOut today. A few of the properties she's been featured aboard include Fatherland (1994), Merlin (TV miniseries), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Merlin's Apprentice (TV miniseries). Richardson was born on this day in 1958.
If I remember correctly, the lovely Mary Page Keller lost her head over a her guest appearance aboard The CW's long-running Horror/Fantasy Supernatural. Oh, the things we do for art! She also enjoyed a role aboard Timecop: The Berlin Decision (2003). Keller was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've missed Amazon Studios' The Man In The High Castle, then you've missed something pretty special. The first season was a bit slow (for my tastes), but the venerable Carsten Norgaard played a key role in the developing saga. The actor also played aboard AVP: Aliens Vs. Predator in 2004. Norgaard was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Laura Harring sizzles whenever she's on screen ... or is that just me? In any event, she's made only a handful of genre-specific appearances, those most notable being roles aboard Alien Nation (TV), Black Scorpion II: Aftershock (1997), and the Black Scorpion television series. Harring was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Eric DaRe mastered 'small town creepiness' aboard David Lynch's visionary Twin Peaks, but he met his match up against a nasty critter in Critters 4 (1992). DaRe was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! Former Playboy Playmate Hope Marie Carlton dipped her toes into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with small roles aboard A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), The Stand, and NBC's popular Quantum Leap. Carlton was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To a generation of TV viewers, the great Heidi Swedberg will always be George Costanza's fiancé. You know the one? The one who died from licking envelopes? But to me, she'll always be Brandon's mom from 1999's Galaxy Quest. Swedberg was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Julie Bowen has certain found mainstream success by playing Claire Dunphy in ABC's hit comedy Modern Family, but genre fans might remember her work as a guest star in ABC's Lost. For the record, she also voiced Aresia (insert above right) in the terrific Justice League two-parter, Fury. Bowen was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actor, writer, and producer Christian Oliver was willing to wear any hat to get a project off-the-ground. While his might not be a household name, he definitely trafficked heavily in the world of genre entertainment. Fans might recognize him from work in such entities as Sliders, A Light In The Forest (2003), Speed Racer (2008), House Of Good And Evil (2013), Hercules Reborn (2014), Ninja Apocalypse (2014), Sense8, Timeless, The Outpost, The Outer Wild (2018), Animal Among Us (2019), and I Am Fear (2020). Though he's no longer with us, Oliver was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For those of you who appreciate solid B-Movies, then you'd do well to check out Bounty Killer. It certainly channels some of the greater SciFi-Lite/Apocalypse themes fanboys tend to dig, and it offers up a great male lead by way of Matthew Marsden. As for other genre appearances? Well, it might seem a bit light (don't be fooled!), but the actor has squeezed himself into roles in such properties as Helen Of Troy (2003), Anacondas: The Hunt For The Blood Orchid (2004), Tamara (2005), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Ghost Whisperer, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009), Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 (2011), Dead South (2016), and Tenet (2020). Marsden was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I've had the privilege to watch and review 2013's Bounty Killer via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I've had the privilege to watch and review 2013's Bounty Killer via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought? Readers can find my review right here.
David Faustino's original claim to fame was starring aboard the long-running Fox TV comedy Married With Children, but he's since branched out into other genres, including live and/or voice appearances aboard Alien Nation: Millennium (1996), Batman Beyond (animated), The Zeta Project (animated), The X-Files, Robodoc (2009), The Legend of Korra, Atomic Shark (2016), and Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016). Faustino was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the late 1980's, the young Jared Rushton made a name for himself starring alongside Tom Hanks in the Fantasy/Comedy Big. Rushton was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When it comes to understanding and appreciating the female species, I could be wrong but I've always thought men generally had a certain fondness for ladies with a kinda/sorta mousy attractiveness. You know the type? Small frame. Big soulful eyes. Deceptively tiny but with a big heart. Such appears to be the case with the lovely Sarah Smart. She appeared in the Doctor Who two-parter involving manufactured people (I didn't much care for the episode), and her character Jennifer gave much of the piece its emotional resonance. Smart was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's definitely moved on to greener pastures, the lovely Barret Swatek got her start smack-dab in the middle of genre entertainment: IMDB.com reports that her small screen debut was as a guest star aboard an episode of Power Rangers Turbo! Swatek was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I suspect that no matter how many other roles Patrick Renna enjoys in this lifetime, I'm always going to remember him as the pizza-delivering vampire from "Bad Blood," one of my favorite episodes of The X-Files. Kudos to the actor for enjoying some screen time aboard Lavalantula (2015) and 2 Lava 2 Lantula! (2016) for good measure. Renna was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Katherine Waterston delighted audiences as part of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016). In 2017, she enjoyed a role aboard the lukewarm Alien: Covenant. Waterston was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Jessica Biel proved she's more than just a pretty face in Total Recall (2012): she proved she can fight! Biel's had a career of hits and misses, but she's proven herself a talent willing to go the distance ... even if that means marrying Justin Timberlake to do it. Biel was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I gave up on Fear The Walking Dead not long after it became apparent that showrunners weren't going to do as they promised as focus its storyline on where the 'End of the World' plague came from. Still, Mercedes Mason turned in some fine work (based entirely on what I saw), and she's also similar dark circumstances in Quarantine 2: Terminal (2011). Mason was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rapper Yo-Landi Visser took time off from rapping to appear in Neill Blomkamp's box office dud, Chappie, in 2015. Visser was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model-turned-actress Bree Condon was perfectly willing to put her best foot forward for her appearance aboard the popular Fantasy/Serial Lucifer during its run. Condon was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hearts are breaking over the lovely Andrea Brooks, who has only recently stepped up her game with appearances in some wonderful genre projects, including Primeval: New World, Independence Daysaster (2013), iZombie, Once Upon A Time, The Flash, and Supergirl. Brooks was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Alina Lanina leapt onto the silver screen in the guise of 'Kseniya,' one of the heroes at the heart of the Russian-language SciFi/Actioner Guardians (2017). Lanina was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born ... or -- in the case of a sequel -- is that reborn? On this day in 1940, Flash returned to the silver screen with the theatrical premiere of Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe. Based on the works of Alex Raymond and directed by the team of Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor, the SciFi/Serial starred Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughes, and Charles Middleton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious plague, the Purple Death, ravages the earth. Dr. Zarkov, investigating in his spaceship, finds a ship from planet Mongo seeding the atmosphere with dust. Sure enough, Ming the Merciless is up to his old tricks. So it's back to Mongo for Flash, Dale, and Zarkov, this time with ready-made allies waiting: Prince Barin of Arboria and Queen Fria of the frozen northern land of Frigia; where, it so happens, is found polarite, antidote to the plague. But Ming will use all his forces to keep our heroes from thwarting his plans of conquest..."
For the record:
At the 1941 Hugo Awards, Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"A mysterious plague, the Purple Death, ravages the earth. Dr. Zarkov, investigating in his spaceship, finds a ship from planet Mongo seeding the atmosphere with dust. Sure enough, Ming the Merciless is up to his old tricks. So it's back to Mongo for Flash, Dale, and Zarkov, this time with ready-made allies waiting: Prince Barin of Arboria and Queen Fria of the frozen northern land of Frigia; where, it so happens, is found polarite, antidote to the plague. But Ming will use all his forces to keep our heroes from thwarting his plans of conquest..."
For the record:
At the 1941 Hugo Awards, Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), The Giant Behemoth surfaced from beneath the oceans. Directed by Eugene Lourie, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gene Evans, Andre Morell, and John Turner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Marine atomic tests cause changes in the ocean's ecosystem resulting in dangerous blobs of radiation and the resurrection of a dormant dinosaur that threatens London."
"Marine atomic tests cause changes in the ocean's ecosystem resulting in dangerous blobs of radiation and the resurrection of a dormant dinosaur that threatens London."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), Mutiny In Outer Space was all of the rage ... well, theatrically, it was. Written and directed by the team of Hugo Grimaldi and Arthur C. Pierce, the film starred William Leslie, Pamela Curran, and Dolores Faith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A creeping fungus starts killing off astronauts on a trip back from the moon."
"A creeping fungus starts killing off astronauts on a trip back from the moon."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), The Human Duplicators scared up what audience response it could upon theatrical release. Directed by the team of Hugo Grimaldi and Arthur C. Pierce (who also is credited with the screenplay), the film starred George Nader, George Macready, and Barbara Nichols. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien is dispatched from a faraway galaxy to take over the Earth by "duplicating" humans and creating a race of zombies resembling animated pottery."
"An alien is dispatched from a faraway galaxy to take over the Earth by "duplicating" humans and creating a race of zombies resembling animated pottery."
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in Puerto Rico), Derek Flint was back in the business of being an international superspy with the theatrical premiere of In Like Flint. Directed by Gordon Douglas with a script from Hal Fimberg, the film starred James Coburn, Jean Hale, and Lee J. Cobb. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Super-spy Flint takes on a cabal of women plotting to rule the world."
"Super-spy Flint takes on a cabal of women plotting to rule the world."
On this day in 1975 (in Spain), the 1961-produced Atlantis: The Lost Continent enjoyed a rare re-release for interested patrons. Genre legend George Pal directed this Daniel Mainwaring adaptation of the Gerald Hargreaves play ("Atalanta: A Story Of Atlantis"), and the film starred Sal Ponti, Joyce Taylor, and John Dall. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
On this day in 1978 (in Portugal), Logan's Run took off running at the box office. 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.'
A star is born ... and then it's murdered in cold blood! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), murder was committed with the theatrical release of The Toolbox Murders. Directed by Dennis Donnelly, the Horror feature starred Cameron Mitchell, Wesley Eure, and Pamelyn Ferdin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A ski-masked maniac kills apartment complex tenants with the contents of a toolbox."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Toolbox Murders (1978) in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the feature? Readers can find my review right here.
"A ski-masked maniac kills apartment complex tenants with the contents of a toolbox."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Toolbox Murders (1978) in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the feature? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1980 (in Brazil), Walt Disney's The Black Hole took audiences on a trip to the edge of the known universe ... and beyond! Directed by Gary Nelson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Forster, Yvette Mimieux, and Anthony Perkins. 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. 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.'
"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.'
It's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 1984 (in Brazil), Endgame gave audiences one more look at the Apocalypse. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Al Cliver, Laura Gemser, and George Eastman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
"A telepathic mutant recruits a post-World War III TV game-show warrior to lead her band of mutants to safety."
On this day in 1989 (in Sweden), My Stepmother Is An Alien opened in theatres. Written by the team of Jerico Stone, Herschel Weingrod, and Timothy Harris, the SciFi/ Comedy was directed by Richard Benjamin and starred Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger, and Alyson Hannigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
More for the record:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
More for the record:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
On this day in 1989 (in Mexico), Pulse came to life. Cinematically, that is. Written and directed by Paul Golding, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, and Joey Lawrence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A visiting son tries to warn his father and stepmother that they are being menaced by a living and intelligent pulse of electricity that moves from house to house and terrorizes the residents therein."
"A visiting son tries to warn his father and stepmother that they are being menaced by a living and intelligent pulse of electricity that moves from house to house and terrorizes the residents therein."
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Iceland), Arthur's Quest can to life with its release on home video. Directed by Neil Mandt, the Fantasy feature starred Eric Christian Olsen, Catherine Oxenberg, and Alexandra Paul; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To escape the clutches of the evil warrior and sorceress Morgana, Merlin transports young King Arthur into modern day America. When Merlin comes back ten years later to retrieve him, he finds a hip 15 year-old Arthur who does not believe Merlin, nor does he want to return to the past. Merlin must convince Arthur of his true identity, before Morgana can retrieve Excalibur and allow the Dark Forces to take over the world."
"To escape the clutches of the evil warrior and sorceress Morgana, Merlin transports young King Arthur into modern day America. When Merlin comes back ten years later to retrieve him, he finds a hip 15 year-old Arthur who does not believe Merlin, nor does he want to return to the past. Merlin must convince Arthur of his true identity, before Morgana can retrieve Excalibur and allow the Dark Forces to take over the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2000, the SciFi/Telefilm Code Name Phoenix aired in the United States. Written and directed by Jeff Freilich, the feature starred Christina Cox and Lexa Doig, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the future, the US Marshalls work for bounty rather than a regular fee. At one point, a bounty on a assassin from Hong Kong is doubled by the Chinese government, and all Marshalls go after this one target to secure their pension. But there might be things hidden by the Chinese special forces."
"In the future, the US Marshalls work for bounty rather than a regular fee. At one point, a bounty on a assassin from Hong Kong is doubled by the Chinese government, and all Marshalls go after this one target to secure their pension. But there might be things hidden by the Chinese special forces."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), The War Of The Starfighters enjoyed its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth is attacked by a group of Alien Raptors. The Starfighter Robots defend Earth and also ask for help from a Skeleton race but they attack too. The only solution is to get them to attack each other instead."
For the record:
Here's a bit of trivia about The War Of The Starfighters posted on IMDB.com: "First UK CGI feature length movie. Also believed to be the world's first CGI feature with all of the visuals made by just one person. It is of historic importance and therefore now archived in the East Anglian Film Archive."
"Earth is attacked by a group of Alien Raptors. The Starfighter Robots defend Earth and also ask for help from a Skeleton race but they attack too. The only solution is to get them to attack each other instead."
For the record:
Here's a bit of trivia about The War Of The Starfighters posted on IMDB.com: "First UK CGI feature length movie. Also believed to be the world's first CGI feature with all of the visuals made by just one person. It is of historic importance and therefore now archived in the East Anglian Film Archive."
A star is born ... and, oh, the things we do for beauty! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Ultraviolet brought its curious vision to audiences. Written and directed by Kurt Wimmer, the SciFi/Thriller starred Milla Jovovich, Cameron Bright, and Nick Chinlund. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A beautiful hæmophage infected with a virus that gives her superhuman powers has to protect a boy in a futuristic world, who is thought to be carrying antigens that would destroy all hæmophages."
For the record:
At their 2007 roster, the North Texas Film Critics Association (in the U.S.) dubbed Ultraviolet the year's 'Worst Film.'
"A beautiful hæmophage infected with a virus that gives her superhuman powers has to protect a boy in a futuristic world, who is thought to be carrying antigens that would destroy all hæmophages."
For the record:
At their 2007 roster, the North Texas Film Critics Association (in the U.S.) dubbed Ultraviolet the year's 'Worst Film.'
A star is born! Today's evidence that Science Fiction and Fantasy arrives in all shapes, sizes, and predilections is Serena The Sexplorer which enjoyed its first television broadcast on this day in 2015. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lusty, luscious interstellar visitor Serena comes to Earth to satisfy her deepest desires in this erotic tale."
"Lusty, luscious interstellar visitor Serena comes to Earth to satisfy her deepest desires in this erotic tale."
On this day in 2017, Logan gave Hugh Jackman a terrific swan song with his run as the X-Men mutant Wolverine. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's all you need to know about that:
"In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X somewhere on the Mexican border. However, Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces."
For the record:
For those who'd like to know a bit more, you can access SciFiHistory.Net's thoughts on the film right here.
"In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X somewhere on the Mexican border. However, Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces."
For the record:
For those who'd like to know a bit more, you can access SciFiHistory.Net's thoughts on the film right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Japan), Taking Earth enjoyed its very first release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Grant Humphreys, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ronan Quarmby, Brad Richards, and Marco Torlage; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The human race is thrown into chaos as an alien invasion takes control of the planet in an effort to find one boy out of 7 billion people who holds the power to destroy them."
"The human race is thrown into chaos as an alien invasion takes control of the planet in an effort to find one boy out of 7 billion people who holds the power to destroy them."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), 7 Splinters In Time played for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Written and directed by Gabriel Judet-Weinshel, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emmanuelle Chriqui, Austin Pendleton, and Al Sapienza. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A detective investigates a murder, only to find that the victim is... himself. Soon, he discovers multiple versions of himself, not all of them friendly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 7 Splinters In Time earned a bit of recognition from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A detective investigates a murder, only to find that the victim is... himself. Soon, he discovers multiple versions of himself, not all of them friendly."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 7 Splinters In Time earned a bit of recognition from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1956, things got a little chilly when Adventures of Superman aired "The Big Freeze." This served as the third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dishonest politician Duke Taylor and his henchman Little Jack conspire with crooked Dr. Watts to rid Metropolis of Superman just before an important election. Luring the Man of Steel into a locked room, the trio turn the temperature down to 2000 degrees below zero. Thus frozen, Superman not only loses his super-strength but also the color in his face, and must put on makeup when disguised as Clark Kent--thereby making an embarrassing situation even more so. As it turns out, Superman's only hope to return to normal is to expose himself to extreme heat."
"Dishonest politician Duke Taylor and his henchman Little Jack conspire with crooked Dr. Watts to rid Metropolis of Superman just before an important election. Luring the Man of Steel into a locked room, the trio turn the temperature down to 2000 degrees below zero. Thus frozen, Superman not only loses his super-strength but also the color in his face, and must put on makeup when disguised as Clark Kent--thereby making an embarrassing situation even more so. As it turns out, Superman's only hope to return to normal is to expose himself to extreme heat."
On this day in 1958, Adventures of Superman aired "The Atomic Captive." This served as the fifth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A nuclear scientist who defected to the U.S. was exposed to nuclear radiation and has only a short time to live has been living in the desert. But agents from his country try to get him to return. Superman stops them but knows there's another agent whom they only by a code number will try to get him. When Clark tells Jimmy and Lois about him they go to see him and because they came in contact with him, they're no exposed to the radiation. They decide to flee not knowing they're going into an area where a nuclear device is to be detonated."
"A nuclear scientist who defected to the U.S. was exposed to nuclear radiation and has only a short time to live has been living in the desert. But agents from his country try to get him to return. Superman stops them but knows there's another agent whom they only by a code number will try to get him. When Clark tells Jimmy and Lois about him they go to see him and because they came in contact with him, they're no exposed to the radiation. They decide to flee not knowing they're going into an area where a nuclear device is to be detonated."
On this day in 1961, The Twilight Zone aired the nineteenth episode of its second season, "Mr. Dingle, The Strong." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the episode's plot summary:
"A timid vacuum-cleaner salesman is given the strength of 300 men by some experimenting aliens."
"A timid vacuum-cleaner salesman is given the strength of 300 men by some experimenting aliens."
On this day in 1963, Fireball XL5 aired "Prisoner On The Lost Planet." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As they received an help call transmission from an unchartered planet, Steve and the crew go outside Sector 25 to a volcanic planet, where an exiled Amazon Queen is held as a lone prisoner."
"As they received an help call transmission from an unchartered planet, Steve and the crew go outside Sector 25 to a volcanic planet, where an exiled Amazon Queen is held as a lone prisoner."
On this day in 1963, The Jetsons aired "Elroy's Mob." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Elroy becomes involved with a gang of mobsters."
"Elroy becomes involved with a gang of mobsters."
On this day in 1980, Blakes 7 aired "Sarcophagus." This served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Avon, Cally and Vila investigates a derelict spacecraft. When they return to The Liberator, they find something else has also returned with them, and Cally finds herself under the influence of a alien woman that assumes Cally's appearance and requires the crew to transport her back to her home planet, and only Avon can stop her."
"Avon, Cally and Vila investigates a derelict spacecraft. When they return to The Liberator, they find something else has also returned with them, and Cally finds herself under the influence of a alien woman that assumes Cally's appearance and requires the crew to transport her back to her home planet, and only Avon can stop her."
On this day in 1990, Superboy aired "Superstar." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rock singer faces an attempt on her life."
"A rock singer faces an attempt on her life."
It all began right here! On this day in 1996 (in Japan), B-Fighter Kabuto (aka Bî-Faitâ Kabuto) aired "The Second Generation's A High School Warrior." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season. Thus far, I've been unable to locate an episode synopsis, so I'm instead posting the series' premise as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Five years after the destruction of Jamahl, Earth has returned to peace again. The Earth Academia has become the Cosmo Academia, a scientific research and military organization, where Takuya Kai works with Sage Guru on a new generation of Insect Armor in the event of another threat to the Earth."
"Five years after the destruction of Jamahl, Earth has returned to peace again. The Earth Academia has become the Cosmo Academia, a scientific research and military organization, where Takuya Kai works with Sage Guru on a new generation of Insect Armor in the event of another threat to the Earth."
In one of Space: Above & Beyond's quieter war-time episodes, "Dear Earth" featured several overlapping storylines that involved communication with families back home while some journalists were interested in making a documentary about the war in space. The hour premiered on this day in 1996.
On this day in 1999, UPN's Seven Days aired "Daddy's Girl." This served as the fifthteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Parker is sent to Bosnia to rescue the illegitimate daughter of the Vice President, killed in the previous time line in a botched rescue mission."
"Parker is sent to Bosnia to rescue the illegitimate daughter of the Vice President, killed in the previous time line in a botched rescue mission."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"While making plans to attend a medical conference on the Romulan home world, Dr. Bashir is contacted by Sloane of Section 31 and recruited to determine the health of a high-ranking Romulan official. Things turn more desperate, though, when the ranking Starfleet admiral traveling with him, who knows about Section 31's interest in the conference mysteriously suffers a brain aneurysm after Dr. Bashir finds out that Sloane is traveling with the group, as well."
"While making plans to attend a medical conference on the Romulan home world, Dr. Bashir is contacted by Sloane of Section 31 and recruited to determine the health of a high-ranking Romulan official. Things turn more desperate, though, when the ranking Starfleet admiral traveling with him, who knows about Section 31's interest in the conference mysteriously suffers a brain aneurysm after Dr. Bashir finds out that Sloane is traveling with the group, as well."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Voyager aired the ominously titled "Course: Oblivion." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A slight respite seems to be in order but some mysterious force is affecting the very fabric of Voyager itself. To solve the mystery this crew must retrace their steps to see what went wrong."
"A slight respite seems to be in order but some mysterious force is affecting the very fabric of Voyager itself. To solve the mystery this crew must retrace their steps to see what went wrong."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Letters Home." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Roughnecks are dug in on Klendathu and are facing an inevitable Bug attack and due to a shortage of ships, they face the almost impossible task of holding their position against impossible odds. Will the Roughnecks be making their last stand here?"
Also on this day in 2000, the above installment was paired up with another tale, this one going under the name "Among Us." Again, we consult our friends at TV.com for the associated summary:
"All S.I.C.O.N. forces revert to peace status after the Bug Queen has apparently been destroyed. However, Jenkins insist that the Queen Bug is still alive and here on Earth and he is told to take R & R. Is Jenkins right and if so, where are the bugs?"
"The Roughnecks are dug in on Klendathu and are facing an inevitable Bug attack and due to a shortage of ships, they face the almost impossible task of holding their position against impossible odds. Will the Roughnecks be making their last stand here?"
Also on this day in 2000, the above installment was paired up with another tale, this one going under the name "Among Us." Again, we consult our friends at TV.com for the associated summary:
"All S.I.C.O.N. forces revert to peace status after the Bug Queen has apparently been destroyed. However, Jenkins insist that the Queen Bug is still alive and here on Earth and he is told to take R & R. Is Jenkins right and if so, where are the bugs?"
On this day in 2000, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Crystal Skull." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The SGC send a MALP to a huge pyramid and inside they discover a crystal skull like the one Jackson's grandfather found many years before. SG1 visit the planet and whilst Daniel is looking into the eyes of the skull, as his grandfather did, an energy field envelops him. Teal'c fires his Zat at the skull, but Daniel has disappeared. Carter collapses and the team minus Daniel return to the SGC. Teal'c returns to collect the crystal skull, but will he be able to find Daniel?"
"The SGC send a MALP to a huge pyramid and inside they discover a crystal skull like the one Jackson's grandfather found many years before. SG1 visit the planet and whilst Daniel is looking into the eyes of the skull, as his grandfather did, an energy field envelops him. Teal'c fires his Zat at the skull, but Daniel has disappeared. Carter collapses and the team minus Daniel return to the SGC. Teal'c returns to collect the crystal skull, but will he be able to find Daniel?"
On this day in 2002, The X-Files aired "Provenance." This served as the ninth episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A man is chased from the Canada/US border and reportedly burned alive though his body is not found. Meanwhile, in the burned remains, the FBI finds papers with the same UFO markings Scully found in Africa."
"A man is chased from the Canada/US border and reportedly burned alive though his body is not found. Meanwhile, in the burned remains, the FBI finds papers with the same UFO markings Scully found in Africa."
On this day in 2004 (in Finland), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After scavenging the remains of a cargo spaceship, Captain Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds and his crew are found by the Alliance but they escape. They go to Persephone to sell the stolen cargo to the criminal Badger, but he is no longer interested in the wanted goods. Malcom decides to sell the cargo to the outlaw Patience in the planet Whitefall and pick up passenger to raise money. But soon they discover and Alliance's mole on board that is chasing one of the passengers. Who is who? When they arrive on Whitefall, Patience betrays Malcolm and the infamous Reavers have followed them and will attack Serenity. What will Malcolm and his crew do?"
"After scavenging the remains of a cargo spaceship, Captain Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds and his crew are found by the Alliance but they escape. They go to Persephone to sell the stolen cargo to the criminal Badger, but he is no longer interested in the wanted goods. Malcom decides to sell the cargo to the outlaw Patience in the planet Whitefall and pick up passenger to raise money. But soon they discover and Alliance's mole on board that is chasing one of the passengers. Who is who? When they arrive on Whitefall, Patience betrays Malcolm and the infamous Reavers have followed them and will attack Serenity. What will Malcolm and his crew do?"
On this day in 2004, Smallville aired "Crisis." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While working as a volunteer with Pete at Smallville Youth Center, Clark receives a distress phone call from Lana, who is shot by Adam. His further investigation shows that the call was made from the future because of a time/space porthole created by a massive electrical surge from a downed power line fitted with meteor rocks, during a coming thunderstorm. Clark must try to save Lana and change the future. Meanwhile, Lionel Luthor shuts down the obscure Merton Laboratory and the research that Dr. Lia Teng is developing with blood platelet, which were finally revealed to have been developed from the vital of Clark Kent's blood. Adam becomes aware that he has less than 12 hours to be injected with the serum, otherwise he will die."
"While working as a volunteer with Pete at Smallville Youth Center, Clark receives a distress phone call from Lana, who is shot by Adam. His further investigation shows that the call was made from the future because of a time/space porthole created by a massive electrical surge from a downed power line fitted with meteor rocks, during a coming thunderstorm. Clark must try to save Lana and change the future. Meanwhile, Lionel Luthor shuts down the obscure Merton Laboratory and the research that Dr. Lia Teng is developing with blood platelet, which were finally revealed to have been developed from the vital of Clark Kent's blood. Adam becomes aware that he has less than 12 hours to be injected with the serum, otherwise he will die."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Azati Prime." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Archer decides he should pilot a kamikaze shuttle to destroy the Xindi weapon. Temporal agent Daniels urges him to reconsider."
"Archer decides he should pilot a kamikaze shuttle to destroy the Xindi weapon. Temporal agent Daniels urges him to reconsider."
On this day in 2006, Battlestar Galactica (Syfy) aired "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1." This served as the nineteenth episode of the popular program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While Dr. Baltar is behind in the polls for the election and tries desperately to turn things around, Starbuck is planning a mission to rescue Anders from Caprica."
"While Dr. Baltar is behind in the polls for the election and tries desperately to turn things around, Starbuck is planning a mission to rescue Anders from Caprica."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Crusade." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Using the Ancients communication technology Vala, who is in the Ori galaxy, contacts the SGC. She tells them that after being sucked into the wormhole she awoke in a bed in a village much like the one she and Daniel had visited when they used the communication stones. The locals think she fell from the sky - a gift from the gods - and befriends the gentle Tomin, a devout follower of the Ori who has a bad leg. Vala has two pieces of information for the SGC: first, she is pregnant though insists that she didn't have sex with anyone; and second, the Ori have been building a fleet of ships and building up its army. Meanwhile, Col. Chekov advises General Landry that the Russians will not be renewing their working agreement with the United States and will be taking their stargate."
"Using the Ancients communication technology Vala, who is in the Ori galaxy, contacts the SGC. She tells them that after being sucked into the wormhole she awoke in a bed in a village much like the one she and Daniel had visited when they used the communication stones. The locals think she fell from the sky - a gift from the gods - and befriends the gentle Tomin, a devout follower of the Ori who has a bad leg. Vala has two pieces of information for the SGC: first, she is pregnant though insists that she didn't have sex with anyone; and second, the Ori have been building a fleet of ships and building up its army. Meanwhile, Col. Chekov advises General Landry that the Russians will not be renewing their working agreement with the United States and will be taking their stargate."
On this day in 2008, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles brought its first season to a close with the airing of two episodes. The first one was called "Vick's Chip," and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Derek catches Cameron in a lie that puts them inside Vick's head, Sarah continues to track the Turk, and Cromartie comes closer to finding John."
The second episode for the same day was called "What He Beheld," and here's is that episode's summary from the same source:
"Sarah finds herself in a business transaction with a mysterious business man named Sarkissian, who claims to be in possession of the stolen Turk computer system and wants an exorbitant amount of money for it. Cromartie closes in on John at his school, and Cameron thinks of a way to throw him off John's trail. Derek recalls his childhood before the so-called Judgement Day in 2011, when a nuclear war triggered by Skynet will destroy the world. Agent Ellison finally discovers that the terminator Cromartie is impersonating an FBI agent, and makes arrangements to apprehend him."
"Derek catches Cameron in a lie that puts them inside Vick's head, Sarah continues to track the Turk, and Cromartie comes closer to finding John."
The second episode for the same day was called "What He Beheld," and here's is that episode's summary from the same source:
"Sarah finds herself in a business transaction with a mysterious business man named Sarkissian, who claims to be in possession of the stolen Turk computer system and wants an exorbitant amount of money for it. Cromartie closes in on John at his school, and Cameron thinks of a way to throw him off John's trail. Derek recalls his childhood before the so-called Judgement Day in 2011, when a nuclear war triggered by Skynet will destroy the world. Agent Ellison finally discovers that the terminator Cromartie is impersonating an FBI agent, and makes arrangements to apprehend him."
On this day in 2014, Fox TV's Almost Human came to its bitter single-season end with an hour titled "Straw Man." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Detective Kennex and Dorian investigate a string of murders by a copycat of a serial killer whom Kennex's father put in jail. As the investigation unfolds, biotechnology from the future sheds light on crimes of the past. Meanwhile, Dorian receives his performance evaluation since being reactivated."
"Detective Kennex and Dorian investigate a string of murders by a copycat of a serial killer whom Kennex's father put in jail. As the investigation unfolds, biotechnology from the future sheds light on crimes of the past. Meanwhile, Dorian receives his performance evaluation since being reactivated."
On this day in 2015, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Aftershocks." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Coulson and the team are faced with the consequences of the war with Hydra. As revelations threaten to destroy them, Hydra makes a move."
"Coulson and the team are faced with the consequences of the war with Hydra. As revelations threaten to destroy them, Hydra makes a move."
On this day in 2016, Colony aired "In From The Cold." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A high-ranking member of the Resistance arrives; Katie gets a second chance; Bram proposes a risky journey."
"A high-ranking member of the Resistance arrives; Katie gets a second chance; Bram proposes a risky journey."
