I've never had any problem admitting that -- for whatever reason -- some SciFi and/or Fantasy programs just never registered with me while they were on-the-air, and Patrick Duffy's fondly remembered Man From Atlantis is one such entity. I have a vague recognition of seeing some promotional stuff for it back in the day, and it just looked ... erm ... watered down? Still, somehow this little gem endures, and folks are pleasantly surprised when discovering it via the web or DVD even today. Who knows? Maybe I'll Bucket List the thing yet.
In any event, this fish-out-of-water program premiered on this day back in 1977.
In any event, this fish-out-of-water program premiered on this day back in 1977.
B-Movie queen Martha O'Driscoll earned her stripes in a handful of secondary features that probably didn't get as much attention as they perhaps deserved. Fans might know her from such productions as Ghost Catchers (1944) and House Of Dracula (1945). Though she's no longer with us, O'Driscoll was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Sir Patrick Moore had the good fortune of appearing aboard Doctor Who's "The Eleventh Hour" in 2010. Acting certainly wasn't his mainstay in life -- Wikipedia.org reports his careers as a researcher, radio commentator, and television presenter -- but it's interesting to note that he followed a lifelong passion for astronomy as well as dabbling here and there in the worlds of writing Science Fiction, chiefly writing books for children. Though he's no longer with us, Moore was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2001, Moore received a BAFTA Award -- presented to him by no less than American astronaut Buzz Aldrin -- as special recognition for his lifelong body of work in television.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2001, Moore received a BAFTA Award -- presented to him by no less than American astronaut Buzz Aldrin -- as special recognition for his lifelong body of work in television.
The talented Anne Haney appeared in a relatively forgotten hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation, a third season outing called "The Survivors." During her career in the business, she also snuck in performances aboard The Invisible Woman (1983), The Twilight Zone, K-9000 (1991), Quantum Leap, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though she's no longer with us, Haney was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That lovely lady above is none other than Paula Prentiss. Again, you younger readers might not recognize her, but she was a robot! Indeed, she was a robot spouse in The Stepford Wives (1975), the original and not that tepid, ridiculous remake. Prentiss was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
John Hancock boasted two appearances aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, once during the third and fourth seasons. Other appearances in the world of genre entertainment include roles aboard The Archer: Fugitive From The Empire (1981), The Greatest American Hero, The Incredible Hulk, Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), Voyagers!, Blue Thunder, The Twilight Zone, and Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat. Though he's no longer with us, Hancock was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Italian screen siren Femi Benussi certainly knew how to turn up the heat in motion pictures. Though she largely surged to prominence in roles in the late 1960's Spaghetti Westerns, she quickly moved into Horror and Fantasy features. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Bloody Pit Of Horror (1965), The Hawks And The Sparrows (1966), Tarzana The Wild Woman (1969), and Supermen (1970). Benussi was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Novak (above, with glasses) witnessed the aftermath of the alien invasion epic, Independence Day (1996). The character actor has also made appearances aboard Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Carnosaur (1993), Watchers III (1994), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, The X-Files, and Watchmen (2009). Novak was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Kay Lenz has built a solid career on playing tough but tender ladies willing to stand up for themselves when the action required such commitment. To be fair, she hasn't done an awful lot of Science Fiction related roles, but I'm aware of a few. In 1983, she appeared in Prisoners of the Lost Universe, one of the first flicks to explore the ideas of a parallel dimension. She also made a guest star appearances aboard TV's incarnation of Starman, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and The Tick. Lenz was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Catherine O'Hara has been tickling my funny bone all the way back to her days aboard SCTV, and thankfully she made an appearance into the 1990's incarnation of The Outer Limits so that I can give her a proper shout here. O'Hara was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've faced off against any incarnation of the Xenomorph -- arguably the deadliest creature known to man -- then you deserve a mention. That's just what Dominique Pinon did with his work aboard the oft-maligned Alien: Resurrection (1997). Pinon was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his acting career, the always interesting Mykelti Williamson played a role in the ensemble behind Species II (1998). He's also booked screen time aboard Salvage 1, Time Trax, and The Outer Limits. Williamson was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not, faithful readers: according to IMDB.com, the lovely Patricia Heaton enjoyed her small screen debut in an episode of the fondly remembered Alien Nation TV series. Heaton was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Steven Weber was a part of one of my very favorite storylines in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; he starred in the three-part opener for the program's second season when the political shenanigans on the planet Bajor came to a head. Mr. Weber was born on this day back in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daniel Roebuck has to be one of the hardest working character actors in show business. I certainly know I've seen him all over the place, and he always turns in solid work even in the smallest roles. Fans might recognize him from work aboard Project X (1987), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Quantum Leap, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, FreakyLinks, The Invisible Man, Lost, Grimm, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., or Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. Roebuck was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Stacy Edwards entered the wide, wide world of NBC's popular Quantum Leap in a guest role. Edwards was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Love him or hate him, Paul W.S. Anderson has had an awful lot of time to tinker in the various franchises of SciFi and Fantasy filmdom. He's contributed to the Resident Evil property, as well as Aliens Vs. Predator, and still managed to find the time to pony up something called Pandorum (saw it, wasn't that impressed). Still, ya gotta love a guy who keeps trying. Mr. Anderson was born on this day back in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Anderson has received a reasonable amount of attention and praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Anderson has received a reasonable amount of attention and praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
The lovely Daniela Amavia looked downright royal in her supporting appearance aboard Syfy's Children Of Dune miniseries. Amavia was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
London-born Patsy Kensit has a few genre credentials worth mentioning, including work aboard Timebomb (1991) and Strange Frequency (2001). Kensit was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During his brief time in our realm of existence, D. Harlan Cutshall built a resume impressive with genre work. He served time aboard The X-Files, The Sentinel, Viper, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, First Wave, The Twilight Zone, The Dead Zone, Andromeda, Jeremiah, The 4400, Supernatural, Stargate: Atlantis, Eureka, Caprica, V, Fringe, Tomorrowland (2015), and Falling Skies. Though he's no longer with us, Cutshall was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Brittney Powell certainly left a mark on the world of Fantasy with a terrific guest spot aboard Xena: Warrior Princess. Powell was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The career of writer/director Len Wiseman is certainly steeped with genre credentials. He's been involved with such high-profile projects as the Underworld series of films, Total Recall (2012), and TV's Lucifer and The Gifted for good measure. Wiseman was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2003 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, Wiseman received a nomination for his work in bringing Underworld to the silver screen.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2003 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, Wiseman received a nomination for his work in bringing Underworld to the silver screen.
Texas-born actress Kristyn Green has enjoyed a bit of exposure in a handful of smaller features. Fans might know her from Doll Graveyard (2005), Evil Bong (2006), The Haunted Casino (2007), and Carver (2008). Green was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scott Michael Foster continues to seek out and explore new and exciting characters across all genres. SciFi and Fantasy fans know him best from roles aboard Zero Hour and ABC TV's Once Upon A Time. Foster was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Basede entirely on some pre-publicity information and reviews, I was convinced I was going to hate Ridley Scott's foray into serialized television -- Raised By Wolves -- on HBO Max. I don't think the P.R. people did the program any favors early on as they heavily promoted the political aspects of the show; while there are some, they tend to soften up as the first season wore on, and it ended up being one of my favorite TV experiences from 2020. Amanda Collin did a fabulous job portrayed the synthetic android who's tasked with helping to re-start the human race; and Collin was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2021, the Critics Choice Super Awards recognized Collin's work aboard HBO's Raised By Wolves with a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2021, the Critics Choice Super Awards recognized Collin's work aboard HBO's Raised By Wolves with a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series.'
Young and pretty Margo Harshman joined Taylor Handley in 2015's SciFi/Drama Toxin, one more tale of a pharmaceuticals company gone bad. Harshman was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tamzin Merchant underwent a few layers of make-up to become the equally lovely alien 'Lyra Strayd' aboard The CW's Supergirl. Since then, she's been gainfully employed in such genre projects as Dragonheart: Battle For The Heartfire (2017) and Amazon's Carnival Row. Merchant was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2017, the good people behind the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards rewarded Merchant with a nomination in the category of 'Best TV Supporting Actress' for her work in the Horror/Fantasy serial Salem.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2017, the good people behind the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards rewarded Merchant with a nomination in the category of 'Best TV Supporting Actress' for her work in the Horror/Fantasy serial Salem.
Josh Bowman starred as one of the small screen villainous regulars aboard the television adaptation of Time After Time during the 2017 season. He's also paid a visit to the ever-growing world of the BBC's Doctor Who. Bowman was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Jenna Boyd has definitely built some impressive inroads in the world of genre entertainment with work aboard Special Unit 2, Carnivàle, and Ghost Whisperer. Boyd was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Abigail Mavity started acting at a young age and has since taken a few years off to pursue other interests. Still, fans might know the lady from work aboard such genre projects as Touched By An Angel, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Futurestates. Mavity was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bill Milner gave audiences a glimpse into the dark backstory of a young 'Magneto' just discovering his abilities aboard X-Men: First Class (2011). Milner was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1956, The Atomic Man enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. Directed by Ken Hughes, the feature starred Gene Nelson, Faith Domergue, and Joseph Tomelty; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'The Isotope Man.'
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'The Isotope Man.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1958 (in the United Kingdom), The Electronic Monster (aka Escapement) first opened its doors cinematically for business. Directed by Montgomery Tully (with some additional effort with choreography by David Paltenghi), the feature starred Rod Cameron, Mary Murphy, and Meredith Edwards; here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"An insurance investigator finds there's more to electronic dream therapy than meets the eye."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'Escapement.'
"An insurance investigator finds there's more to electronic dream therapy than meets the eye."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'Escapement.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1958 (in London), The Strange World Of Planet X (aka Cosmic Monsters) enjoyed its original theatrical debut. Directed by Gilbert Gunn, the SciFi feature starred Forrest Tucker, Gaby André, and Martin Benson; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A friendly visitor from outer space warns against conducting experiments with the Earth's magnetic field, that could mutate insects into giant monsters."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'The Strange World Of Planet X.'
"A friendly visitor from outer space warns against conducting experiments with the Earth's magnetic field, that could mutate insects into giant monsters."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel 'The Strange World Of Planet X.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1968 (in Italy), Fenomenal And The Treasure Of Tutankamen enjoyed its original theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Ruggero Deodato, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mauro Parenti, Lucretia Love, and Gordon Mitchell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A masked superhero searches for a magical golden relic while trying to prevent the plundering of an Egyptian tomb."
"A masked superhero searches for a magical golden relic while trying to prevent the plundering of an Egyptian tomb."
A star is born!
On this day in 1969 (in the United States), the good people of Rapid City, South Dakota were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of The Mighty Gorga. Written (in part) and directed by David L. Hewlitt, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Anthony Eisley, Kent Taylor, and Megan Timothy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A circus owner and a trapper trek into an African jungle to capture a giant gorilla for his circus."
"A circus owner and a trapper trek into an African jungle to capture a giant gorilla for his circus."
On this day in 1977 (in West Germany), Logan's Run took off in its pursuit of cinematic sanctuary. Directed by Michael Anderson, the SciFi feature starred Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An idyllic science fiction future has one major drawback: life must end at the age of thirty."
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.'
"An idyllic science fiction future has one major drawback: life must end at the age of thirty."
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 1983 (in Portugal), Inseminoid (aka Horrorplanet) impregnated theaters with a particular SciFi/Fantasy perspective. Directed by Norman J. Warren, the feature starrred Stephanie Beacham, Robin Clarke, and Jennifer Ashley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
Inseminoid is not without its praise. In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival. In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival. And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
Inseminoid is not without its praise. In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival. In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival. And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
A star is born!
On this day in 1988 (per IMDB.com), the SciFi/Horror flick Pulse generated some buzz. Written and directed by Paul Golding, the SciFi/Fantasy film starred Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, and Joey Lawrence; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An intelligent pulse of electricity is moving from house to house. It terrorizes the occupants by taking control of the appliances, either killing them or causing them to wreck the house in an effort to destroy it. Then it travels along the power lines to the next house, and the terror restarts. Having thus wrecked one household in a quiet neighbourhood, the pulse finds itself in the home of a boy's divorced father whom he is visiting. It gradually takes control of everything, badly injures the stepmother, and traps father and son, who must fight their way out."
"An intelligent pulse of electricity is moving from house to house. It terrorizes the occupants by taking control of the appliances, either killing them or causing them to wreck the house in an effort to destroy it. Then it travels along the power lines to the next house, and the terror restarts. Having thus wrecked one household in a quiet neighbourhood, the pulse finds itself in the home of a boy's divorced father whom he is visiting. It gradually takes control of everything, badly injures the stepmother, and traps father and son, who must fight their way out."
On this day in 1994 (in France), Breakfast Of Aliens enjoyed a run through theaters. Written (in part) and directed by David Lee Miller, the SciFi/Comedy starred Vic Dunlop, Donald Gibb, and Indy Shriner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
A star is born!
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy-film Apple played for audiences in attendance of the Houston Film Festival. Written and directed by Damon Packard, the feature starred Gayle T. Keller and Christa Kirn, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young elven girl named Apple grows up to be a dark sorceress named Orb."
"A young elven girl named Apple grows up to be a dark sorceress named Orb."
A star is born!
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), one more incarnation of H.G. Wells' SciFi/Classic The Time Machine took audiences on a trip through the ages! Directed by Simon Wells, the Fantasy feature starred Guy Pearce, Yancey Arias, and Mark Addy; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hoping to alter the events of the past, a 19th century inventor instead travels 800,000 years into the future, where he finds humankind divided into two warring races."
For the record:
At the 2003 Academy Awards, this version of The Time Machine enjoyed a nomination for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Makeup.'
"Hoping to alter the events of the past, a 19th century inventor instead travels 800,000 years into the future, where he finds humankind divided into two warring races."
For the record:
At the 2003 Academy Awards, this version of The Time Machine enjoyed a nomination for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Makeup.'
On this day in 2005 (in Japan), Gargoyle sunk its teeth into an unsuspecting audience. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the Fantasy feature starred Michael Paré, Sandra Hess, and Fintan McKeown; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
A star is born!
On this day in 2007 (in Australia), audiences in attendance of the Adelaide Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of Dr. Plonk. Written and directed by Rolf de Heer, the SciFi/Comedy starred Nigel Martin, Paul Blackwell, and Magda Szubanski. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist & inventor in 1907, Dr Plonk, predicts that the world will end in 101 years, unless something is done about it. A comedy in the Charlie Chaplin / Buster Keaton tradition."
"A scientist & inventor in 1907, Dr Plonk, predicts that the world will end in 101 years, unless something is done about it. A comedy in the Charlie Chaplin / Buster Keaton tradition."
On this day in 2008 (in Greece), the 1975-produced version of The Stepford Wives enjoyed an all-new home video release. 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.
A star is born!
SWEET BABY JESUS! I don't know about you, but I hate spiders, so I can't even begin to imagine the life-changing fear I would've felt upon the release of the SciFi/Telefilm Camel Spiders! Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Telefilm starred C. Thomas Howell, Brian Krause, and Melissa Brasselle. Here's the plot summary as provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"Dozen of large, man-eating camel spiders first attack soldiers in thr desert of Iraq, then invades the southwestern areas of the United States."
"Dozen of large, man-eating camel spiders first attack soldiers in thr desert of Iraq, then invades the southwestern areas of the United States."
On this day in 2011, the conspiracy-themed SciFi thriller The Adjustment Bureau opened theatrically. The film starred political activist Matt Damon and the lovely Emily Blunt, and it didn't quite set box office records, grossing a disappointing $62 million while being budgeted just over $50 million. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart."
"The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Indonesia, and Jamiaca), Chappie enjoyed its very first big screen debut. Written (in part) and directed by Neill Blomkamp, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, and Hugh Jackman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, crime is patrolled by a mechanized police force. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself."
"In the near future, crime is patrolled by a mechanized police force. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Portugal), Abduct played for audiences of the Fantasporto Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Elijah Ilyas Kaduji, the feature starred Sienna Guillory, William B. Davis, and Mark Arnold. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A Texan paranormal radio host attempts to protect a young orphan woman from an onslaught of deadly alien and psychic phenomena, only to discover the world of the paranormal might be far more sinister and cohesive."
"A Texan paranormal radio host attempts to protect a young orphan woman from an onslaught of deadly alien and psychic phenomena, only to discover the world of the paranormal might be far more sinister and cohesive."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Lost Solace enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Chris Scheuerman, the Fantasy feature starred Andrew Jenkins, Melissa Roxburgh, and Leah Gibson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Spence Cutler is a psychopath. He's never felt empathy or guilt. However, a fateful encounter with a new drug is about to give him a dose of too much reality, and he takes a mind-bending trip down the psychedelic highway of consciousness to come face to face with his own morality and his own twisted soul."
"Spence Cutler is a psychopath. He's never felt empathy or guilt. However, a fateful encounter with a new drug is about to give him a dose of too much reality, and he takes a mind-bending trip down the psychedelic highway of consciousness to come face to face with his own morality and his own twisted soul."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Imitation Girl enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Written and directed by Natasha Kermani, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lauren Ashley Carter, Neimah Djourabchi, and Adam David Thompson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious young woman materializes in the middle of the southwest desert, where each step teaches her about her new world and her new body. As she assumes a new life, she discovers she has a twin with whom she shares more than just an outward appearance."
"A mysterious young woman materializes in the middle of the southwest desert, where each step teaches her about her new world and her new body. As she assumes a new life, she discovers she has a twin with whom she shares more than just an outward appearance."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone aired the twenty-second episode of its first season, a tale going by the curious name of "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a peaceful suburban street, strange occurrences and mysterious people stoke the residents' paranoia to a disastrous intensity."
For the record:
It would seem that the Writers Guild Of America was particularly smitten with this first season outing. In 1961, "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street" enjoyed a nomination as a best episode in a television anthology drama.
"On a peaceful suburban street, strange occurrences and mysterious people stoke the residents' paranoia to a disastrous intensity."
For the record:
It would seem that the Writers Guild Of America was particularly smitten with this first season outing. In 1961, "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street" enjoyed a nomination as a best episode in a television anthology drama.
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), Jonny Quest aired "Monster In The Monastery." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Quest's surprise visit to his friend Raj Guru in the high Himalayas of Nepal coincides with a storm having driven the yeti from the mountain into the old palace nearby, or so it would seem."
"Dr. Quest's surprise visit to his friend Raj Guru in the high Himalayas of Nepal coincides with a storm having driven the yeti from the mountain into the old palace nearby, or so it would seem."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Adam Adamant Lives! aired "The Deadly Bullet." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adam investigates when a magician is murdered."
"Adam investigates when a magician is murdered."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Moonbase, Part 4." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With the Cybermen preparing to launch a full attack, the Doctor and his friends must keep the Moonbase and the Gravitron out of their hands until help arrives from Earth."
"With the Cybermen preparing to launch a full attack, the Doctor and his friends must keep the Moonbase and the Gravitron out of their hands until help arrives from Earth."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Sea Devils, Part 2." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jo are trapped on the fort by a Sea Devil while the Master convinces Trenchard to help him steal some electronic components."
"The Doctor and Jo are trapped on the fort by a Sea Devil while the Master convinces Trenchard to help him steal some electronic components."
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Blue And The Green: The Swarming Season." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robert explains to John that his race uses violent energy as a power source. If they stay on Earth, they will die, but the violence needed to power their departure will complete destroy Earth's civilisation."
"Robert explains to John that his race uses violent energy as a power source. If they stay on Earth, they will die, but the violence needed to power their departure will complete destroy Earth's civilisation."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), TV's Man From Atlantis premiered. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the pilot episode:
"A water-breathing human, the sole survivor of an underwater civilization called Atlantis, emerges from the ocean and has to learn to deal with the air-breathers on the surface."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), TV's Man From Atlantis premiered. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the pilot episode:
"A water-breathing human, the sole survivor of an underwater civilization called Atlantis, emerges from the ocean and has to learn to deal with the air-breathers on the surface."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Invasion of Time, Part 5." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends flee from the Sontarans and the Doctor tries to convince Borusa to abandon his sacred office in order to help defeat them."
"The Doctor and his friends flee from the Sontarans and the Doctor tries to convince Borusa to abandon his sacred office in order to help defeat them."
On this day in 1981 (in Belgium), Battlestar Galactica aired "Lost Planet Of The Gods: Part 1." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), The Powers of Matthew Star aired "Brain Drain." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"When geniuses go missing, Matthew and Walt investigate a dating service that may be behind it all."
"When geniuses go missing, Matthew and Walt investigate a dating service that may be behind it all."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), The Highwayman aired "Road Lord." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Highway investigates the murder of his fellow Marshall, Stephen North and finds that there is more to the story. Androids."
"Highway investigates the murder of his fellow Marshall, Stephen North and finds that there is more to the story. Androids."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), TV's Superboy aired "Birdwoman Of The Swamps." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When a bulldozer is turned over at a construction site, TJ and Clark decide to investigate. Clark meets an old Indian woman who believes the birds turned over the bulldozer."
"When a bulldozer is turned over at a construction site, TJ and Clark decide to investigate. Clark meets an old Indian woman who believes the birds turned over the bulldozer."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Ghost Ship." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flying through the Bermuda Triangle strange things occur as Sam must get a sick passenger to a doctor."
"Flying through the Bermuda Triangle strange things occur as Sam must get a sick passenger to a doctor."
On this day in 1994 (in Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Wounded." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being fired upon by a Cardassian vessel, Picard races against time to find out the facts behind the Cardassian commander's claim that the Federation attacked one of their outposts."
"After being fired upon by a Cardassian vessel, Picard races against time to find out the facts behind the Cardassian commander's claim that the Federation attacked one of their outposts."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "Happy Valley." Officially, this served as the sixth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Darien gets recruited by an passed acquaintance to help the International Security Agency investigate a series of suspicious events in a suburban Florida town. However, they both soon discover there is far more going on than they could have imagined."
"Darien gets recruited by an passed acquaintance to help the International Security Agency investigate a series of suspicious events in a suburban Florida town. However, they both soon discover there is far more going on than they could have imagined."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Secrets of the Soul." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A telepath is assaulted, and the others vow revenge."
"A telepath is assaulted, and the others vow revenge."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Spring Fever." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"Discipline deteriorates when Kathryn takes ground leave and Shannon is put in charge."
"Discipline deteriorates when Kathryn takes ground leave and Shannon is put in charge."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Change Of Heart." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Worf and Jadzia travel to the badlands to procure some information on the Dominion from a traitorous Cardassian. Bashir wants to engage in a holo-suite spy simulation, but O'Brien prefers to brush up on his tongo game after watching Jadzia lose to Quark."
"Worf and Jadzia travel to the badlands to procure some information on the Dominion from a traitorous Cardassian. Bashir wants to engage in a holo-suite spy simulation, but O'Brien prefers to brush up on his tongo game after watching Jadzia lose to Quark."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager delivered the struggling UPN Network with an extra special two-part cinematic adventure: "The Killing Game" pitted the crew of the lost starship against their captors, the Hirogen, a race of space-based hunters who were smitten with the idea of replicating moments from Federation history for the purposes of enhancing 'the hunt.'
On this day in 1999 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Back In The Red: Part 3." This served as the third episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lister, Kochanski, Kryten, Cat and Holly escapes on board Blue Midget and they begin their search for the Nano Bots. Rimmer discovers Lister, Kochanski, Kryten, Cat and Holly are in a artificial reality program, where they are being observed by Captain Hoillister, as part of their trial."
"Lister, Kochanski, Kryten, Cat and Holly escapes on board Blue Midget and they begin their search for the Nano Bots. Rimmer discovers Lister, Kochanski, Kryten, Cat and Holly are in a artificial reality program, where they are being observed by Captain Hoillister, as part of their trial."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Batman Beyond aired "The Last Resort." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Terry investigates a troubled child reform camp that is more like a prison."
"Terry investigates a troubled child reform camp that is more like a prison."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Max Steel aired "Sacrifices." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TheTVDB.com:
"The episode opens with an assassination attempt on United Nations secretary general, Mari Keita, or so N-Tek believes. Max, however, has his doubts. Especially when he is told his adoptive father, Jefferson Smith, has had a heart attack, and yet, is unable to be found in any hospital. It quickly becomes apparent that Smith has been kidnapped. While the rest of N-Tek searches various leads, Max heads out on his own hunt. After discovering a hidden base and being captured, Max finds Jefferson. Working together, the father-son team manages to escape, just in time to stop Psycho from stealing a lethal virus from a hospital, which was apparently the real goal."
"The episode opens with an assassination attempt on United Nations secretary general, Mari Keita, or so N-Tek believes. Max, however, has his doubts. Especially when he is told his adoptive father, Jefferson Smith, has had a heart attack, and yet, is unable to be found in any hospital. It quickly becomes apparent that Smith has been kidnapped. While the rest of N-Tek searches various leads, Max heads out on his own hunt. After discovering a hidden base and being captured, Max finds Jefferson. Working together, the father-son team manages to escape, just in time to stop Psycho from stealing a lethal virus from a hospital, which was apparently the real goal."
On this day in 2000 (in Australia), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Resurrection" in television syndication. Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A mystical boy offers to save the life of the dying Roxton, however, in return Roxton must take the life of another."
"A mystical boy offers to save the life of the dying Roxton, however, in return Roxton must take the life of another."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Cleopatra 2525 aired "Noir or Never." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The dangerous Underground Bureau of Health is looking for Cleopatra because of the dormant illnesses her body may carry from the 21st century. Meanwhile, Voice has lost contact with Marcus so she asks Hel's team to investigate his disappearance."
"The dangerous Underground Bureau of Health is looking for Cleopatra because of the dormant illnesses her body may carry from the 21st century. Meanwhile, Voice has lost contact with Marcus so she asks Hel's team to investigate his disappearance."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Battlestar Galactica aired "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After the interrogated Cylon gave Roslin the idea that Adama might be a Cylon, Roslin becomes suspicious of him. Unexpectedly, Colonel Tigh's estranged wife Ellen turns up alive in the fleet, apparently miraculously, raising the possibility that she might be a Cylon."
"After the interrogated Cylon gave Roslin the idea that Adama might be a Cylon, Roslin becomes suspicious of him. Unexpectedly, Colonel Tigh's estranged wife Ellen turns up alive in the fleet, apparently miraculously, raising the possibility that she might be a Cylon."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Letters From Pegasus." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McKay finds a way to send a message to Earth, leaving space for personal messages. Sheppard and Teyla are off to spy on the Wraith fleet approaching Atlantis."
"McKay finds a way to send a message to Earth, leaving space for personal messages. Sheppard and Teyla are off to spy on the Wraith fleet approaching Atlantis."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Reckoning: Part 2." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Sam and Jacob are on the planet Dakara trying to configure the Ancient's device to destroy the replicators once and for all, helped partly by Baal and Daniel who succeeds in freezing the replicators by manipulating Carter's duplicate."
"Sam and Jacob are on the planet Dakara trying to configure the Ancient's device to destroy the replicators once and for all, helped partly by Baal and Daniel who succeeds in freezing the replicators by manipulating Carter's duplicate."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Battlestar Galactica aired "Maelstrom." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Admiral is forced to make the decision of whether to ground Kara Thrace when she begins to show signs of an oncoming nervous breakdown."
"The Admiral is forced to make the decision of whether to ground Kara Thrace when she begins to show signs of an oncoming nervous breakdown."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Heroes aired "Chapter One - Genesis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Scion." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lionel and Tess go head to head in a battle for the Luthor name. Clark and Lois are stunned by Tess' latest present to them."
"Lionel and Tess go head to head in a battle for the Luthor name. Clark and Lois are stunned by Tess' latest present to them."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Counter Attack." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Jedi and their troops have split up to safeguard the vital information but find that getting out of the Citadel is even harder than getting in."
"The Jedi and their troops have split up to safeguard the vital information but find that getting out of the Citadel is even harder than getting in."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "T.A.H.I.T.I." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Coulson and the team rush to Bethesda in an attempt to save Skye's life."
"Coulson and the team rush to Bethesda in an attempt to save Skye's life."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), The 100 aired "Blood Must Have Blood: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Grounder army prepare to attack Mount Weather, a desperate Cage turns to Dante for help, and Raven and Wick experience a major setback."
"As the Grounder army prepare to attack Mount Weather, a desperate Cage turns to Dante for help, and Raven and Wick experience a major setback."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Second Chance aired "May Old Acquaintance Be Forgot." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Pritchard's past comes back to haunt him. 20 years ago, Pritchard covered up a murder committed by a drug lord's girlfriend, who happened to be his confidential informant at the time. Instead of staying on the right side of the law after Pritchard helped her elude the crime. 20 years later she has turned into a major drug lord."
"Pritchard's past comes back to haunt him. 20 years ago, Pritchard covered up a murder committed by a drug lord's girlfriend, who happened to be his confidential informant at the time. Instead of staying on the right side of the law after Pritchard helped her elude the crime. 20 years later she has turned into a major drug lord."
