Ah, the movie-inspired-TV-spinoff!
After exploring a 'technology gone awry' premise at the box office by way of the original Westworld (1973) and its follow-up Futureworld (1976), enterprising television executives decided to explore the whole "android" as a fish-out-of-water premise with the launch of Beyond Westworld on the Boob Tube. As so often happens in the world to high-priced concepts, Beyond was cancelled due to low ratings, and its final episode was never even completed. Like so many powerless androids, this short-lived programs lies on the SciFi ash heap of human entertainment history. It deserved better. Premiering on this day in 1980, the program starred Jim McMullan, James Wainwright, William Jordan, and Connie Sellecca. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The security chief of an android manufacturing company must stop a mad scientist, who's sending the failed theme park's androids to infiltrate society for his own ends."
For the record:
To the short-lived series' credit, it did score a pair of nominations from the Primetime Emmys ('Outstanding Art Direction For A Series' and 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup') but lost out on the trophy in both categories."
After exploring a 'technology gone awry' premise at the box office by way of the original Westworld (1973) and its follow-up Futureworld (1976), enterprising television executives decided to explore the whole "android" as a fish-out-of-water premise with the launch of Beyond Westworld on the Boob Tube. As so often happens in the world to high-priced concepts, Beyond was cancelled due to low ratings, and its final episode was never even completed. Like so many powerless androids, this short-lived programs lies on the SciFi ash heap of human entertainment history. It deserved better. Premiering on this day in 1980, the program starred Jim McMullan, James Wainwright, William Jordan, and Connie Sellecca. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The security chief of an android manufacturing company must stop a mad scientist, who's sending the failed theme park's androids to infiltrate society for his own ends."
For the record:
To the short-lived series' credit, it did score a pair of nominations from the Primetime Emmys ('Outstanding Art Direction For A Series' and 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup') but lost out on the trophy in both categories."
I've always cautioned how difficult it is to make a truly funny Science Fiction idea work as either a television show or a major motion picture, but that rarely stops Hollywood executives from giving it the sailor's try. Today's exhibit: John Hughes' Weird Science (1985) took a few years to inspire said creators toward taking a stab at the material in a weekly, serialized format, but they did get around to it. And it did run for an impressive five seasons. I've caught it sparingly as I wasn't much of a fan of the original movie, either. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly create their dream woman, Lisa, on their computer. Lisa has extraordinary powers and can grant the boys their wishes for short periods of time."
"Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly create their dream woman, Lisa, on their computer. Lisa has extraordinary powers and can grant the boys their wishes for short periods of time."
Ahem. Hey, look: I'm not a prognosticator of any kind. I don't even pretend to predict the future, but adapting a pretty awesome 1979 standalone SciFi/RomCom like Time After Time for today's TV audiences quite possibly proved to be a more daunting prospect than network executives thought it would be. (Still, nobody asked me.) The motion picture worked because it had Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen, and David Warner in roles where they were perfectly cast, but the TV show incarnation of these characters just had little chemistry, certainly not enough to sustain a weekly program. The poor thing crashed and burned after airing only five of its twelve episodes. Ouch. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"After H.G. Wells' friend Jack the Ripper escapes to the present New York in his time machine, the last will try to capture him and bring him back to Victorian England. Little they know that they will be involved in something bigger than they were expecting."
"After H.G. Wells' friend Jack the Ripper escapes to the present New York in his time machine, the last will try to capture him and bring him back to Victorian England. Little they know that they will be involved in something bigger than they were expecting."
Over the years, I've taken one on the chin every time I bring up my relatively passionate dislike of most things Star Trek: Enterprise, so let me clarify this once more: I had no problem with the "idea" of Enterprise (i.e. going back in time to the kinda/sorta 'dawn of the Federation'). Rather, I've often said that was a stroke of brilliance on the part of Berman and company! However, that's where the smart decisions began, and an awful lot of less-smart decisions were made.
For example, I've heard Brannon Braga say that his original intent for the first season of Enterprise was that the ship itself wouldn't even 'take off into deep space' until the end of the first season. I can imagine how the Paramount suits hated that idea, but, to me, THAT is precisely the kind of tinkering that might've saved the program from becoming just like every other incarnation except it takes place in the past.
Still, one of the things I did like about Enterprise was Jolene Blalock as 'T'Pau.' I thought she was perfectly cast, and, while I could grumble a bit here and there over the greater portrayal of the Vulcans, hers were a pair of shoulders upon which more weight could've rested. (No, I'm not speaking about her relationship with the ship's engineer; I'd rather the writers had given her a bit more to do in the 'command' department.)
Blalock was born on this day in 1975, and she gets lovelier and lovelier each time I see her.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For example, I've heard Brannon Braga say that his original intent for the first season of Enterprise was that the ship itself wouldn't even 'take off into deep space' until the end of the first season. I can imagine how the Paramount suits hated that idea, but, to me, THAT is precisely the kind of tinkering that might've saved the program from becoming just like every other incarnation except it takes place in the past.
Still, one of the things I did like about Enterprise was Jolene Blalock as 'T'Pau.' I thought she was perfectly cast, and, while I could grumble a bit here and there over the greater portrayal of the Vulcans, hers were a pair of shoulders upon which more weight could've rested. (No, I'm not speaking about her relationship with the ship's engineer; I'd rather the writers had given her a bit more to do in the 'command' department.)
Blalock was born on this day in 1975, and she gets lovelier and lovelier each time I see her.
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Henry Travers joined Claude Rains and Gloria Stuart in the SciFi/Horror classic, The Invisible Man (1933), for Universal Pictures. Still, I suspect more people might recognize him as the angelic 'Clarence' from the holiday Fantasy/Classic It's A Wonderful Life (1946). Though he's no longer with us, Travers was born on this day in 1874.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Henry Daniell joined the cast of the Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1961) theatrical film as one of the flick's debunkers of the crew's solution to save our planet. Though he's no longer with us, Daniell was born on this day in 1894.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although Virginia Christine got a little reassurance from Kevin McCarthy about the developments in Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956), it didn't end well. That's the way of most invasions, after all. The actress also enjoyed work aboard Adventures Of Superman, Science Fiction Theatre, The Twilight Zone, and The Invaders. Though she's no longer with us, Christine was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
How embarrassing is this? You get up one morning, all you wanna do is explore space, and then your mom calls you! Well, maybe not your mom, but you get the drift from the scene from Conquest Of Space (1955). That's Joan Shawlee dialing up her message on the space phone. Gotta love it. Though she's no longer with us, Shawlee was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gertan Klauber enjoyed a guest spot aboard the early days of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Klauber was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of my ongoing rules regarding my cataloguing of SciFi History is that if you've ever sat in the Captain's chair aboard a starship then you deserve a mention. Case in point: veteran character actor James Sikking went up against James Kirk and company briefly in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock. Though he lost, he certainly gave it an admirable attempt. Though he's no longer with us, Sikking was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Nicholas Smith enjoyed a guest spot aboard the BBC's popular Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Dean Stockwell gets an awful lot of love from fans of that other franchise -- the newfangled Battlestar Galactica -- and I suppose he did a pretty good job there, too. But to me he'll always be that lovable lothario from one of the SciFi greats from the 80's: Quantum Leap. The man also enjoyed work aboard such genre properties as The Twilight Zone, The Werewolf Of Washington (1973), Tales Of The Unexpected, The Time Guardian (1987), the 1980's incarnation of The Twilight Zone, Captain Planet And The Planeteers (animated), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, The Langoliers, Sinbad: The Battle Of The Dark Knights (1998), Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (animated), Star Trek: Enterprise, and Stargate: SG-1. Though he's no longer with us, Stockwell was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Over the course of his incredible work on NBC's Quantum Leap, Stockwell earned an impressive four nominations from the Primetime Emmys Awards in the category of 'Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Over the course of his incredible work on NBC's Quantum Leap, Stockwell earned an impressive four nominations from the Primetime Emmys Awards in the category of 'Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
- I penned a few words to remember Stockwell on his passing in 2021. Interested readers can check them out right here.
- In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Werewolf Of Washington (1973) in which Stockwell served in the lead. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Check out my review right here.
Titus Moede would sometimes appear under the name 'Titus Moody.' Though his film career was hardly what one might call dense, he did enjoy a visit to the world of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Moede was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Following a successful stint with the Marines, James Wainwright turned his eye toward acting. He enjoyed what most would probably term a "work horse" career, securing roles in mainstream westerns and cop shows for the most part. As far as genre entries go, he showed up in Killdozer (1974), The Incredible Hulk, Beyond Westworld, and Battletruck (1982). Though he's no longer with us, Wainwright was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the 1980's, the great Fred Williamson saw his share of the Apocalypse, appearing in 1990: The Bronx Warriors (1982), Warrior of the Lost World (1983), and Warriors of the Wasteland (1983) almost back-to-back! He also enjoyed a guest spot aboard the original Star Trek. Williamson was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of watching a new release of Warriors Of The Wasteland (1983) on video. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of watching a new release of Warriors Of The Wasteland (1983) on video. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
The lovely Samantha Eggar has managed to sneak in some exceptional work in the realm of Science Fiction during her five decades (plus) in the entertainment business. She's signed aboard The Brood (1979), Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Phantom (1996), and The Astronaut's Wife (1999). Eggar was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With almost one hundred different screen appearances to his name, kudos to actor Michael Warren (above left) for putting in his time aboard Species III (2004). Warren was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's probably best known for her appearance aboard the seminal high school musical Grease, Annette Charles dabbled in the realm of genre entertainment with work aboard The Bionic Woman, Man From Atlantis, and The Incredible Hulk. Though she's no longer with us, Charles was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Special effects veteran Steve Neill has participated in such SciFi features as Laserblast (1978), Battle Beyond The Stars (1980), Forbidden World (1982), and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). Neill was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Funnyman and illusionist Penn Jillette put in a brief appearance in an episode of the fondly remembered Babylon 5. Jillette was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As were so many secondary players aboard FX's adaptation of Guillermo del Toro's The Strain, Adriana Barraza's fate was sealed early on in the program ... and it wasn't good. Barraza was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Talia Balsam definitely has a wealth of conventional roles under her belt, but an appearance aboard ABC TV's FlashForward is about the best SciFi fans have been given. Balsam was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of The Kindred (1987) -- in which Balsam played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of The Kindred (1987) -- in which Balsam played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Veteran television producer David Fury has helped bring such programs to life on the Boob Tube as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Lost, Terra Nova, Fringe, and Second Chance. Fury was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a few guest appearances, Lance Spellerberg operated the transporters aboard the Enterprise-D on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Spellerberg was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Today's juicy little bit of genre trivia comes by way of the lovely Bridget Hoffman. Google for promotional pictures of Sam Raimi's original Evil Dead, and you'll find this fetching lass featured relatively prominently aside series' star Bruce Campbell. But the truth is she never appeared in the picture, though it looks like she did enjoy a role as an extra aboard Army Of Darkness (1992). Still, she has an impressive resume in live acting and voiceovers, including appearances aboard Time Trackers (1989), Darkman (1990), Xtro 3: Watch The Skies (1995), Armageddon (1996), and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Hoffman was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Aasif Mandvi has made appearances in multiple genres. As far as Science Fiction goes, he had a recurring role aboard CBS's Jericho for a good run. Mandvi was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born John Fawcett maintains a resume rich in genre credentials. To date, he's directed installments of such properties as Space Cases, Xena: Warrior Princess, Mutant X, Taken, Miracles, Blade: The Series, The Dresden Files, Lost Girl, Orphan Black, Titans, and The Man In The High Castle. Fawcett was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Paul Blackthorne has certainly made his way around the genre block. He's been seen in Medium, The Dresden Files, Warehouse 13, The Flash, Arrow, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Blackthorne was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Every film starts with a story, and screenwriter Rolfe Kanefsky is well on his way to having a hundred of them under his screenwriting belt. Many of these entries do appear to be genre-related, so I'd encourage folks to head over to IMDB.com to check out his full profile for the particulars. Kanefsky was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Anubis / Sokar,' the talented David Palffy enjoyed multiple appearances aboard the long-running Stargate: SG-1. Palffy was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Lisa Robin Kelly (above left) is probably remembered far more for her comic work aboard That 70's Show, she did have an impressive guest spot aboard Fox TV's The X-Files during the program's run. Though she's no longer with us, Kelly was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
His was the voice of Ben Tennyson in the greater universe of Ben 10 animated projects, and Yuri Lowenthal (above right) provides the vocal to quite literally hundreds of characters: his IMDB.com profile is fast approaching 600 different credits. Lowenthal was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter James Moran has contributed tales to such properties as Doctor Who, Primeval, and Torchwood. Moran was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: Doctor Who Guide]
[Source: Doctor Who Guide]
Eva Mendes dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a prominent role aboard the silver screen adaptation of Ghost Rider (2007). Mendes was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Matt Lucas provides more than a fair measure of comic relief aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Lucas was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2008, English-born actress Cordelia Bugeja enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the SciFi/Indie Mindflesh. Bugeja was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Neil Jackson played a part in Push (2009), a SciFi/Thriller exploring the limits of psychic abilities. He's also appeared aboard Stargate: SG-1, Blade: The Series, Quantum of Solace (2008), Stargate: Atlantis, FlashForward, and Sleepy Hollow. Jackson was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Riki Lindhome helped bring to life the character of 'Ginormica' aboard the SciFi/Animated series, Monsters Vs. Aliens. Lindhome was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The utterly delicious (and Swedish!) Hanna Alström had a recurring role aboard Real Humans, the Swedish SciFi/Drama upon which AMC's Humans is derived. Alström was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Karolina Wydra had a great role in the under-appreciated Europa Report in 2013. She went on to a somewhat 'killer role' in HBO's True Blood. But ... was there more? There certainly was. She turned up -- with good work -- in such entries as After (2012), Incarnate (2016), Twin Peaks, and Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Wydra was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
See, that thing right there? That alien thing from Slither? That there is why I don't take baths. In any event, Tania Saulnier apparently never got the memo. She's also been a part of Poltergeist: The Legacy, Smallville, Special Unit 2, Supernatural, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010). Saulnier was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Glenn Harris guest starred aboard "Real Life," one of the more poignant episodes of Star Trek: Voyager. Harris was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Jason Fuchs was one of the creative minds behind the story for the smash DC Comics cinematic adaptation of Wonder Woman (2017). As for his other writing efforts? IMDB.com reports that he also contributed to scripts for Pan (2015), I Still See You (2018), and the box office dud Argylle (2024). Fuchs was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To his credit, Fuchs was one of the screenwriting team that took home the 2018 Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To his credit, Fuchs was one of the screenwriting team that took home the 2018 Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
The padawan Star Wars' fans somewhat universally panned -- li'l Jake Lloyd, better known as 'Anakin Skywalker,' the boy who would be Darth Vader someday, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace -- celebrates his birthday today as well. Lloyd was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Let it be known that being a movie star is never an easy gig. Frankly, it's damn impossible to please everyone, as is probably the case with Lloyd's work in the Star Wars universe. For example, his work in The Phantom Menace garnered him a 2000 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress' while -- at the same time -- earned him a 2000 Razzie Award nomination in the category of 'Worst Supporting Actor.' See what I mean?
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Let it be known that being a movie star is never an easy gig. Frankly, it's damn impossible to please everyone, as is probably the case with Lloyd's work in the Star Wars universe. For example, his work in The Phantom Menace garnered him a 2000 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress' while -- at the same time -- earned him a 2000 Razzie Award nomination in the category of 'Worst Supporting Actor.' See what I mean?
Hanna Mangan Lawrence faced some dark days for mankind indeed for her work aboard the short-lived Containment TV series. She's also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Acolytes (2008). Lawrence was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Aislinn Paul wove some dark magic as part of the cast of Heroes Reborn, NBC's kinda/sorta relaunch of the Heroes franchise from a few years earlier. She's also served time aboard such genre entries as Do Or Die (2003),Syfy's Haven, Night Cries (2015), and Freakish. Paul was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation: Nico Greetham played the Yellow Ranger aboard Power Rangers Ninja Steel. He's kept up his time in the realms of the Fantastic, including work aboard The Thundermans, Into The Dark, Birds Of Prey (2020), and American Horror Story. Greetham was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1938, Rocket Ship blasted audiences into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy! The feature starred Buster Crabbe and Jean Rogers, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes -- that most definitely is a still from the Flash Gordon serial that fans will insist was released (in installments) back in 1936. However, recognized a good thing when they had it, studio executives opted to trim down the four hours and five minutes running time into a single one hour and twelve minute standalone motion picture they could entice viewers back to the movie houses just in time to whet their appetites for the next Flash Gordon serial, Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars, which would release in serial format only a few weeks later. See what I mean? Studios have ALWAYS been double-dipping!
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes -- that most definitely is a still from the Flash Gordon serial that fans will insist was released (in installments) back in 1936. However, recognized a good thing when they had it, studio executives opted to trim down the four hours and five minutes running time into a single one hour and twelve minute standalone motion picture they could entice viewers back to the movie houses just in time to whet their appetites for the next Flash Gordon serial, Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars, which would release in serial format only a few weeks later. See what I mean? Studios have ALWAYS been double-dipping!
A star is born! On this day in 1943 (in the U.S.), Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man cinematically gave audiences a match-up for the ages. Directed by Roy William Neill from a story by Curt Siodak, the Horror/Thriller starred Lon Chaney Jr., Ilona Massey, and Patric Knowles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Larry Talbot finds himself in an asylum, recovering from an operation performed by the kindly Dr. Mannering. Inspector Owen finds him there, too, wanting to question him about a recent spate of murders. Talbot escapes and finds Maleva, the old gypsy woman who knows his secret: when the moon is full, he changes to a werewolf. She travels with him to locate the one man who can help him to die - Dr. Frankenstein. The brilliant doctor proves to be dead himself, but they do find Frankenstein's daughter. Talbot begs her for her father's papers containing the secrets of life and death. She doesn't have them, so he goes to the ruins of the Frankenstein castle to find them himself. There he finds the Monster, whom he chips out of a block of ice. Dr. Mannering catches up with him only to become tempted to monomania while using Frankenstein's old equipment."
"Larry Talbot finds himself in an asylum, recovering from an operation performed by the kindly Dr. Mannering. Inspector Owen finds him there, too, wanting to question him about a recent spate of murders. Talbot escapes and finds Maleva, the old gypsy woman who knows his secret: when the moon is full, he changes to a werewolf. She travels with him to locate the one man who can help him to die - Dr. Frankenstein. The brilliant doctor proves to be dead himself, but they do find Frankenstein's daughter. Talbot begs her for her father's papers containing the secrets of life and death. She doesn't have them, so he goes to the ruins of the Frankenstein castle to find them himself. There he finds the Monster, whom he chips out of a block of ice. Dr. Mannering catches up with him only to become tempted to monomania while using Frankenstein's old equipment."
A star is born! On this day in 1943, The Ape Man swung out of the jungle and landed on America's silver screens. Directed by William Beaudine, the SciFi/Horror starred Bela Lugosi and the lovely Louise Currie, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A crazed scientist accidentally turns himself into a half ape, half human creature, and scrambles to find a cure."
For the record:
You might find this bit of trivia for the monkeys, but The Ape Man was actually nominated for the 1944 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.
"A crazed scientist accidentally turns himself into a half ape, half human creature, and scrambles to find a cure."
For the record:
You might find this bit of trivia for the monkeys, but The Ape Man was actually nominated for the 1944 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.
Mom always said that -- if you're gonna have a death ray -- then you'd better be prepared to defend it! On this day in 1964 (in the Netherlands), The Death Ray Of Dr. Mabuse plugged itself in and was ready for business. The feature starred Peter van Eyck and Yvonne Furneaux, and here's the deadly plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The evil Dr. Mabuse develops a death ray with which he threatens the world."
For the record:
Alas, I'm unable to verify when Death Ray's first theatrical presentation was in my research online. IMDB.com lists that there was one previous to this showing (cited in Belgium), but I can't locate a specific date. For now, this one will have to do.
"The evil Dr. Mabuse develops a death ray with which he threatens the world."
For the record:
Alas, I'm unable to verify when Death Ray's first theatrical presentation was in my research online. IMDB.com lists that there was one previous to this showing (cited in Belgium), but I can't locate a specific date. For now, this one will have to do.
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Italy), Kindar The Invulnerable tested his invulnerability with a silver screen release. Directed by Osvaldo Civirani, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Mark Forest, Mimmo Palmara, and Rosalba Neri. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil desert bandit kidnaps the son of a sultan and raises him as his own. It turns out that the son has magic powers and is invincible. Years later, as a young man, he falls in love with a woman and is preparing to raid a village--when he finds out that the woman is actually his brother's fiance and the village belongs to his real father."
"An evil desert bandit kidnaps the son of a sultan and raises him as his own. It turns out that the son has magic powers and is invincible. Years later, as a young man, he falls in love with a woman and is preparing to raid a village--when he finds out that the woman is actually his brother's fiance and the village belongs to his real father."
On this day in 1965 (in West Germany), Walt Disney's Moon Pilot took audiences on a trip into the Final Frontier. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Away on a short leave before an upcoming moon launch, a NASA astronaut disappears and is feared kidnapped when the security services learn about his friendship with a suspected foreign female spy."
"Away on a short leave before an upcoming moon launch, a NASA astronaut disappears and is feared kidnapped when the security services learn about his friendship with a suspected foreign female spy."
A star is born! On this day in 1971 (in West Germany), The Devil Came From Akasava (aka Der Teufel kam aus Akasava) bared its ... erm ... theatrical hind-end for audiences. Directed by genre master Jesus Franco, the Horror/Thriller starred Fred Williams, Soledad Miranda, and Horst Tappert. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"British scientist Prof. Walter Forrester has found an intensely radioactive mineral in the Akasava jungle of South America that can purportedly transmute elements. His assistant collects a specimen in a cave, but it is stolen and the assistant suffering from a gunshot wound. When Forrester goes for medical help, he vanishes. Given the strategic value of the mineral, Scotland Yard joins the case. Their detective is murdered while searching Forrester's office in London. They dispatch Jane Morgan, an attractive agent, to Akasava to investigate. She meets and eventually joins forces with Rex, the professor's nephew who is also concerned of his fate. Someone with inside knowledge is at work. Suspicions land on Dr. Andrew Thorssen and his flirtatious wife Ingrid. Someone who also in heavily invested in finding Dr. Forrester is his friend Lord Kingsley. Finally, an important mental patient under the close but secret supervision at the asylum of Dr. Henry."
"British scientist Prof. Walter Forrester has found an intensely radioactive mineral in the Akasava jungle of South America that can purportedly transmute elements. His assistant collects a specimen in a cave, but it is stolen and the assistant suffering from a gunshot wound. When Forrester goes for medical help, he vanishes. Given the strategic value of the mineral, Scotland Yard joins the case. Their detective is murdered while searching Forrester's office in London. They dispatch Jane Morgan, an attractive agent, to Akasava to investigate. She meets and eventually joins forces with Rex, the professor's nephew who is also concerned of his fate. Someone with inside knowledge is at work. Suspicions land on Dr. Andrew Thorssen and his flirtatious wife Ingrid. Someone who also in heavily invested in finding Dr. Forrester is his friend Lord Kingsley. Finally, an important mental patient under the close but secret supervision at the asylum of Dr. Henry."
On this day in 1974 (in Italy), audiences enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release of Stanley Kubrick's 1968-produced Science Fiction classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
And speaking of death rays (see above) ... on this day in 1981, Death Ray 2000 served as a SciFi/Telefilm launching the spy series A Man Called Sloane. The feature starred Robert Logan and Penelope Windust, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The ultimate weapon is missing. And the thief intends to use it."
"The ultimate weapon is missing. And the thief intends to use it."
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), George Lucas's THX 1138 enjoyed its premiere on Japanese television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
Alas, could this be the end for Megaforce? If IMDB.com is any indication, then it was on this day in 1984 (in Uruguay) that Hal Needham's Megaforce enjoyed its very last public screening ever. Is that a shame? Well, the film is alleged to be quite the SciFi stinker, but as I've always said we could all use a bit more cheese in our diets. In any event, the feature starred Barry Bostwick and Michael Beck, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the feature gave the original crew of the Starship Enterprise a fabulous swan song to all of its cinematic journeys where no one had gone before, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Canada), Phobe: The Xenophobic Experiments took a shot in the dark at box office gold. Written and directed by Erica Benedikty, the Horror/SciFi starred John Rubick, Tina Dumoulin, and Lyon Tenbroeck. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Ex Military specialist is called in one last time to recover deadly military experiment (PHOBE)who has escaped. Tracking the PHOBE to a small planet called Earth, Dapp must stop the Phobe and destroy the egg within 72 hours."
"An Ex Military specialist is called in one last time to recover deadly military experiment (PHOBE)who has escaped. Tracking the PHOBE to a small planet called Earth, Dapp must stop the Phobe and destroy the egg within 72 hours."
This is a bit weird, folks: according to IMDB.com, David Twohy's The Arrival enjoyed its television premiere on this day in 1996 ... two months before it enjoyed its original theatrical engagement in the United States. Perhaps the feature was prepared for a cable service of the time? I couldn't say for sure (I've done a bit of research and haven't found any explanation as of yet), but I'll mention it as that's what I do. In any event, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zane, a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it."
For the record:
I've always found The Arrival a particularly good film, thematically very similar to the kind of stuff that The X-Files was doing at this time. The 1997 home video release won the Saturn Award for -- dare I say? -- "Best Home Video Release."
"Zane, a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it."
For the record:
I've always found The Arrival a particularly good film, thematically very similar to the kind of stuff that The X-Files was doing at this time. The 1997 home video release won the Saturn Award for -- dare I say? -- "Best Home Video Release."
On this day in 1997 (in France), Tykho Moon enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by Enki Bilal, the SciFi feature starred Julie Delpy and Johan Leysen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The McBee family has erected a government over a future 'colony', that looks like a run-down Paris divided into sectors by the Berlin Wall. All male family members suffer from a mysterious disease and are in urgent need of organ transplants. The perfect donor, Tykho Moon, probably has been killed in a fire, but according to rumours he's still alive. Although assassins stalk the family members, the McBees start a hunt for Tykho. Trying to escape the dragnet, Alex, a sculptor, meets Lena, a killer posing as a whore."
"The McBee family has erected a government over a future 'colony', that looks like a run-down Paris divided into sectors by the Berlin Wall. All male family members suffer from a mysterious disease and are in urgent need of organ transplants. The perfect donor, Tykho Moon, probably has been killed in a fire, but according to rumours he's still alive. Although assassins stalk the family members, the McBees start a hunt for Tykho. Trying to escape the dragnet, Alex, a sculptor, meets Lena, a killer posing as a whore."
On this day in 2002 (in the Netherlands), The Tomorrow Man delivered audiences some SciFi thrills today. The feature starred Corbin Bernsen and Beth Kennedy, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Larry Mackey is a blue-collar dad in the 1970's, determined to make a better future for his young son. A future that's coming a lot faster than he thinks... When a depraved gang of time travelers from 2000 cross Larry's path, he's accidentally forwarded, where he discovers he's the reason his grown son has become a gangland murderer. Now he must make every minute count in his second chance of a lifetime to set things right."
"Larry Mackey is a blue-collar dad in the 1970's, determined to make a better future for his young son. A future that's coming a lot faster than he thinks... When a depraved gang of time travelers from 2000 cross Larry's path, he's accidentally forwarded, where he discovers he's the reason his grown son has become a gangland murderer. Now he must make every minute count in his second chance of a lifetime to set things right."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the United Kingdom), Appleseed enjoyed its unveiling to audiences. Directed by Shinji Aramaki, the animated project featured the voices of Ai Koboyashi, Yuki Matsuoaka, and Mami Koyama. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a utopian society created at the end of the third world war, a female warrior who has been plucked from the badlands begins to see cracks in this new facade. And what does this community have planned for the rest of humankind?"
"In a utopian society created at the end of the third world war, a female warrior who has been plucked from the badlands begins to see cracks in this new facade. And what does this community have planned for the rest of humankind?"
On this day in 2004 (in Germany), the SciFi/Fantasy Sumuru enjoyed its television premiere. The feature starred Alexandra Kamp and Michael Shanks, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Based on Sax Rohmer's cult novels "Sumuru", this futuristic fantasy takes you to an Earth-colony in the far future, in which women rule and men are used to propagate the race and work in the mines."
"Based on Sax Rohmer's cult novels "Sumuru", this futuristic fantasy takes you to an Earth-colony in the far future, in which women rule and men are used to propagate the race and work in the mines."
On this day in 2009 (in the Czech Republic), the seminal SciFi/Short A Trip To The Moon played for audiences in attendance of the Zlín Student Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), 11:58 brought moviegoers close to midnight. (Cinematically, that is.) Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Scott Taylor, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christian Lagadec, Jill Wilson, and Jeremiah Benjamin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Terror and chaos ensue after the contamination of Portland's water system. Nick and Madeline run for their lives as a horde of citizens prowls the streets to quench their thirst for blood."
"Terror and chaos ensue after the contamination of Portland's water system. Nick and Madeline run for their lives as a horde of citizens prowls the streets to quench their thirst for blood."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Germany), Rubinrot (aka Ruby Red) first hit the big screen. Directed by Felix Fuchssteiner from a story by Katharina Schöde and Kerstin Gier, the Fantasy starred Josefine Preuß, Florian Bartholomäi, and Uwe Kockisch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Gwendolyn Shepherd is a regular 16-year-old girl annoyed that her family definitely has too many secrets, all having to do with the time-travel gene that's passed down through their family. Everyone is certain that Gwen's cousin Charlotte has the gene, so everything is all about Charlotte, all the time. Until the day Gwen, out of the clear blue sky, suddenly finds herself in London at the end of the 19th century. She knows right away that she, and not Charlotte, was born to be a time traveler--even if she could do without it, just as she could do without Charlotte's arrogant boyfriend Gideon de Villiers, with whom she now must forge an alliance in order to clear up the biggest secret of her family history. One thing is clear: she will do everything possible to solve the ancient mysteries. What isn't clear is that one should not fall in love between the times: that would REALLY complicate things."
"Gwendolyn Shepherd is a regular 16-year-old girl annoyed that her family definitely has too many secrets, all having to do with the time-travel gene that's passed down through their family. Everyone is certain that Gwen's cousin Charlotte has the gene, so everything is all about Charlotte, all the time. Until the day Gwen, out of the clear blue sky, suddenly finds herself in London at the end of the 19th century. She knows right away that she, and not Charlotte, was born to be a time traveler--even if she could do without it, just as she could do without Charlotte's arrogant boyfriend Gideon de Villiers, with whom she now must forge an alliance in order to clear up the biggest secret of her family history. One thing is clear: she will do everything possible to solve the ancient mysteries. What isn't clear is that one should not fall in love between the times: that would REALLY complicate things."
A star is born! On this day in 2014, audiences were treated to the home video release of Scienceless Fiction. Written and directed by Bill Zebub, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Nadine Theresa Stevens, Andrea Hall, and Scarlett Storm. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Notorious director "Bill Zebub (Assmonster) set out to spoof science fiction movies. He noticed that Star Trek had social messages woven into the stories. He thought jokingly What if I weave ANTIsocial messages?"
"Notorious director "Bill Zebub (Assmonster) set out to spoof science fiction movies. He noticed that Star Trek had social messages woven into the stories. He thought jokingly What if I weave ANTIsocial messages?"
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), We Go On enjoyed its theatrical premiere when it was first screened for audiences in attendance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Written and directed for the screen by the team of Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton, the Horror/Fantasy starred Annette O'Toole, Clark Freeman, and John Glover. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Miles Grissom offers $30,000 to the first person who can prove to him that we go on after death."
For the record:
To the film's credit, We Go On earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of We Go On (2016) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Miles Grissom offers $30,000 to the first person who can prove to him that we go on after death."
For the record:
To the film's credit, We Go On earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of We Go On (2016) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Among The Shadows enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Tiago Mesquita from a story by Mark Morgan, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Lindsay Lohan, Charlotte Beckett, and Gianni Capaldi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A private investigator must unravel the murder of her uncle while keeping the secret that she is a descendant from a line of werewolves."
"A private investigator must unravel the murder of her uncle while keeping the secret that she is a descendant from a line of werewolves."
On this day in 2019, Tangent Room knocked on the door cinematically. Written and directed by Björn Engström, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lisa Bearpark and Daniel Epstein, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Trapped in a mysterious room with no escape, four brilliant minds race against time to prevent a cosmic collapse of the universe. They must learn to work together and solve the puzzle before it's too late."
"Trapped in a mysterious room with no escape, four brilliant minds race against time to prevent a cosmic collapse of the universe. They must learn to work together and solve the puzzle before it's too late."
On this day in 2021 (in Brazil, Canada, Iceland, Italy, the Philippines, and the U.S.), Boss Level enjoyed a huge, huge launch on streaming platforms. Written (in part) and directed by Joe Carnahan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, and Naomi Watts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in China), Mutant Ghost Wargirl took the fight to the silver screen with the release of Mutant Ghost Wargirl. Directed by Binjie Liu from a story by Ye Xiao, the Fantasy/SciFi starred Zhenzhen Cui, Ziheng Guo, and Mingxuan Li. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future world, technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. A mysterious organization has emerged in the world, specializing in organizing underground "competition" for the rich - the Battle of Tomorrow. In time, mutants spread like a drug around the world, and mutant crime has also intensified. In order to combat mutant crime, the International Security Task Force was established by the relevant governments. Since then, the good and evil mutant war, officially opened the prelude."
"In the future world, technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. A mysterious organization has emerged in the world, specializing in organizing underground "competition" for the rich - the Battle of Tomorrow. In time, mutants spread like a drug around the world, and mutant crime has also intensified. In order to combat mutant crime, the International Security Task Force was established by the relevant governments. Since then, the good and evil mutant war, officially opened the prelude."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Smugglers Of Death." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The crew of the Polaris is assigned to capture smugglers of a deadly crystal."
"The crew of the Polaris is assigned to capture smugglers of a deadly crystal."
On this day in 1961 (in the United Kingdom), Pathfinders To Venus premiered with the airing of "S.O.S. From Venus." This served as the first episode in the program's second (Pathfinders) series, and here's the (edited) plot summary from the TV Musings Archive:
"Following directly on from the events of Pathfinders to Mars, the opening of S.O.S. from Venus finds our plucky band of space explorers heading back home to Earth. Somewhat awkwardly, the chisel-jawed Conway Henderson (Gerald Flood) decides to radio Earth with a rundown of the rocket’s personnel. But when they receive a distress call from an American, Captain Wilson (Graydon Gould), trapped in an orbit around Venus, they elect to change course and help him."
"Following directly on from the events of Pathfinders to Mars, the opening of S.O.S. from Venus finds our plucky band of space explorers heading back home to Earth. Somewhat awkwardly, the chisel-jawed Conway Henderson (Gerald Flood) decides to radio Earth with a rundown of the rocket’s personnel. But when they receive a distress call from an American, Captain Wilson (Graydon Gould), trapped in an orbit around Venus, they elect to change course and help him."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Steel Sky." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Steven and Dodo arrive on a giant spaceship millions of years in the future, transporting the last humans away from the doomed Earth."
"The Doctor, Steven and Dodo arrive on a giant spaceship millions of years in the future, transporting the last humans away from the doomed Earth."
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), The Champions aired "The Night People." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A poacher is killed by white-robed figures he sees round a fire near Trennick House in Cornwall. Sharron investigates, posing as a student of architecture ,but her cover is blown and she is captured by local landowner Trennick who sends an impostor to meet the boys when they come looking for her. Trennick's wife, curator of the local witchcraft museum, tells Craig that witchcraft is still alive in the area but Richard discovers that the supposedly supernatural meetings are a cover for illegal uranium mining with a view to sale to the Russians to aid them in the space race. First,however, he and Craig must rescue Sharron."
"A poacher is killed by white-robed figures he sees round a fire near Trennick House in Cornwall. Sharron investigates, posing as a student of architecture ,but her cover is blown and she is captured by local landowner Trennick who sends an impostor to meet the boys when they come looking for her. Trennick's wife, curator of the local witchcraft museum, tells Craig that witchcraft is still alive in the area but Richard discovers that the supposedly supernatural meetings are a cover for illegal uranium mining with a view to sale to the Russians to aid them in the space race. First,however, he and Craig must rescue Sharron."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "Secret Weapon: Not Quite A Sleeping Beauty." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cawston agrees to help the Tomorrow People find Tyso by introducing Stephen to Masters; however, as soon as Masters takes Stephen away, John and Liz lose contact with him."
"Cawston agrees to help the Tomorrow People find Tyso by introducing Stephen to Masters; however, as soon as Masters takes Stephen away, John and Liz lose contact with him."
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Part 2." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's fourteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After escaping from the vicious giant rat in the sewers, the Doctor & Leela team up with Litefoot. Chang, Mr Sin and Weng-Chiang go in search of the time cabinet, while the Doctor and Jago go in search of Chiang's lair."
"After escaping from the vicious giant rat in the sewers, the Doctor & Leela team up with Litefoot. Chang, Mr Sin and Weng-Chiang go in search of the time cabinet, while the Doctor and Jago go in search of Chiang's lair."
On this day in 1977, Future Cop aired "Fighting O'Haven." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season on television (the show had actually premiered in 1976 with a pilot episode, and this installment served as the first serialized one), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Haven attempts to infiltrate a crooked boxing ring by posing as a talented Irish boxer."
"Haven attempts to infiltrate a crooked boxing ring by posing as a talented Irish boxer."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Bat Ray Bombers." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Tiny falls asleep on the Phoenix and fails to answer Mark's call to duty. Because of this, he gets suspended from G-Force only to find that a mysterious sea creature is terrorizing citizens. Tiny decides to redeem himself by facing the threat alone."
"Tiny falls asleep on the Phoenix and fails to answer Mark's call to duty. Because of this, he gets suspended from G-Force only to find that a mysterious sea creature is terrorizing citizens. Tiny decides to redeem himself by facing the threat alone."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "The Bugatti Treasure." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Salvage 1 team finds a 16th century map that supposedly points to the location of Cortez's treasure in the Mojave Desert."
"The Salvage 1 team finds a 16th century map that supposedly points to the location of Cortez's treasure in the Mojave Desert."
It all began right here: on this day in 1980, TV's Beyond Westworld decided to take viewers on a journey ... well ... 'beyond' the original Westworld movie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Moore searches for the android who has joined the crew of a U.S. nuclear submarine."
"Moore searches for the android who has joined the crew of a U.S. nuclear submarine."
On this day in 1981, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century continued exploring strange new worlds when it aired "The Crystals." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Buck Rogers visits the planet Phibocetes with a landing party, hoping to gather some thurbidian crystals to power the Searcher. Though the planet is believed to be uninhabited, the landing party soon comes across a "mummy" that mysteriously comes to life and wanders off into the bushes. Buck soon meets another life form - a young girl - who has no memory of who she is or where she came from. The crew is puzzled when blood samples from the girl match that of the creature and assume the girl will eventually become one of the mummy-like beings. Both life forms also seem strangely affected by the thurbidian crystals, and it's not long before the "mummy" makes off with their entire supply."
"Buck Rogers visits the planet Phibocetes with a landing party, hoping to gather some thurbidian crystals to power the Searcher. Though the planet is believed to be uninhabited, the landing party soon comes across a "mummy" that mysteriously comes to life and wanders off into the bushes. Buck soon meets another life form - a young girl - who has no memory of who she is or where she came from. The crew is puzzled when blood samples from the girl match that of the creature and assume the girl will eventually become one of the mummy-like beings. Both life forms also seem strangely affected by the thurbidian crystals, and it's not long before the "mummy" makes off with their entire supply."
On this day in 1984, Automan aired "Renegade Run." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crooked Sheriff Horton tries to force biker Chico Fuentes to sign over half his land so the Sheriff can run illegal immigrants over the border. Fuentes is put in jail and forced into manual labor. Automan and a motorcycle gang have to come to the rescue."
"Crooked Sheriff Horton tries to force biker Chico Fuentes to sign over half his land so the Sheriff can run illegal immigrants over the border. Fuentes is put in jail and forced into manual labor. Automan and a motorcycle gang have to come to the rescue."
On this day in 1988 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Man Upstairs." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Young boy investigates whether his loving grandmother's new strange lodger is a vampire."
"Young boy investigates whether his loving grandmother's new strange lodger is a vampire."
On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Terrorform." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lister, Kryten, Cat and Holly head for a artificial moon, where Rimmer has been kidnapped, only to find the artificial moon is Rimmer's mind."
"Lister, Kryten, Cat and Holly head for a artificial moon, where Rimmer has been kidnapped, only to find the artificial moon is Rimmer's mind."
It all began right here: on this day in 1994, Weird Science aired "She's Alive." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gary and Wyatt in the quest to create the perfect woman use their computer during a raging lightning storm and create "Lisa," a computer genie who can grant their every wish."
"Gary and Wyatt in the quest to create the perfect woman use their computer during a raging lightning storm and create "Lisa," a computer genie who can grant their every wish."
On this day in 1995, Earth 2 aired "Grendlers In The Myst." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With narration by Danziger, the scouts chase a Grendler to locate its stash. The group also receives mysterious transmissions by a Dell to a Whalen and a primitive hut is found. Finally, True learns the truth about her mother."
"With narration by Danziger, the scouts chase a Grendler to locate its stash. The group also receives mysterious transmissions by a Dell to a Whalen and a primitive hut is found. Finally, True learns the truth about her mother."
On this day in 1995, SeaQuest DSV aired "Watergate." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While en-route to a USO concert with a singer on board the crew encounters some strange mythological spirits. Once they arrive at the island, they discover it to be a very large pyramid. Within the pyramid they find the spirit of Neptune."
"While en-route to a USO concert with a singer on board the crew encounters some strange mythological spirits. Once they arrive at the island, they discover it to be a very large pyramid. Within the pyramid they find the spirit of Neptune."
On this day in 1996 (in Portugal), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 1998, Prey aired "Infiltration." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tom investigates a terrorist attack committed by the members of the new species which was organized by someone he once knew."
"Tom investigates a terrorist attack committed by the members of the new species which was organized by someone he once knew."
On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "1969." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A solar flare sends SG-1 back in time thirty years to 1969. Captured by military police at Cheyenne Mountain, they escape with the help of a young Hammond and then must find the Stargate so they can return to the present."
"A solar flare sends SG-1 back in time thirty years to 1969. Captured by military police at Cheyenne Mountain, they escape with the help of a young Hammond and then must find the Stargate so they can return to the present."
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom), Life Force aired "Return To Sender." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Joshua, a young 'sender', goes missing while under Commission escort. Dr. Galina Renkova has programmed the boy with a virus engineered to make the telepaths destroy one another."
"Joshua, a young 'sender', goes missing while under Commission escort. Dr. Galina Renkova has programmed the boy with a virus engineered to make the telepaths destroy one another."
On this day in 2000, The 10th Kingdom aired the third part in its ten-part miniseries for television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Troll kids are taking an unconscious Virginia to their kingdom to torture her, meanwhile Tony must find a way to escape the Snow White Memorial prison. News about the Evil Queen's prison break is all around the nine kingdoms. The Evil Queen rides undetected in Prince Wendell's coach with the false prince. Wolf realizes he loves Virginia, and he becomes determined to help her escape the Trolls and reunite her with her father."
"The Troll kids are taking an unconscious Virginia to their kingdom to torture her, meanwhile Tony must find a way to escape the Snow White Memorial prison. News about the Evil Queen's prison break is all around the nine kingdoms. The Evil Queen rides undetected in Prince Wendell's coach with the false prince. Wolf realizes he loves Virginia, and he becomes determined to help her escape the Trolls and reunite her with her father."
On this day in 2002, Buffy The Vampire Slayer aired "Hell's Bells." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Anya and Xander's wedding is thrown into turmoil when a man claiming to be Xander's future self turns up at the ceremony."
"Anya and Xander's wedding is thrown into turmoil when a man claiming to be Xander's future self turns up at the ceremony."
On this day in 2003, Angel aired "Salvage." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Wesley tells Faith that Angelus has returned, Faith escapes from prison. Wesley takes her to Los Angeles hoping she will be able to trap Angelus. Faith finds Angelus and The Beast."
"After Wesley tells Faith that Angelus has returned, Faith escapes from prison. Wesley takes her to Los Angeles hoping she will be able to trap Angelus. Faith finds Angelus and The Beast."
On this day in 2004, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Inauguration." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The newly inaugurated President of the United States is briefed by the Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the Stargate program. Former Senator, now Vice President, Kinsey attempts to get his running mate to back his policies for the program, but the president decides to look into the situation himself. Kinsey gets Richard Woolsey to convince the president of his agenda."
"The newly inaugurated President of the United States is briefed by the Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the Stargate program. Former Senator, now Vice President, Kinsey attempts to get his running mate to back his policies for the program, but the president decides to look into the situation himself. Kinsey gets Richard Woolsey to convince the president of his agenda."
On this day in 2006 (in Germany), Flash Gordon aired "Fangs Of Fury." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thundar's mother falls fatally ill, and only Ming holds the antidote. His price for the cure'Flash Gordon. How will Thundar decide?"
"Thundar's mother falls fatally ill, and only Ming holds the antidote. His price for the cure'Flash Gordon. How will Thundar decide?"
On this day in 2007 (in Belgium), 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 2007 (in the United States), Heroes aired "Chapter 18 - Parasite." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the election and NYC's destruction looming, Nathan has a disturbing face-to-face meeting with the shadowy Linderman. Hiro's attempt to steal the sword steers him into a grim new direction. Suresh makes a breakthrough on "the list" -- at great cost. D.L. begins to suspect all is not well at home. Isaac paints his most terrible painting yet. New "hero" Candice Wilmer makes an illusive debut."
"With the election and NYC's destruction looming, Nathan has a disturbing face-to-face meeting with the shadowy Linderman. Hiro's attempt to steal the sword steers him into a grim new direction. Suresh makes a breakthrough on "the list" -- at great cost. D.L. begins to suspect all is not well at home. Isaac paints his most terrible painting yet. New "hero" Candice Wilmer makes an illusive debut."
On this day in 2008 (per IMDB.com, in France), Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline aired "The Test Of Time." Officially, this served as the thirty-ninth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"Valerian and Laureline finally find Earth, but it's not what it used to be! Now in an otherwise uninhabited pocket of the universe, the planet is under the brutal reign of a tryant, Raymond de Tancarville, direct descendant of the man Valerian originally saved Laureline from!"
"Valerian and Laureline finally find Earth, but it's not what it used to be! Now in an otherwise uninhabited pocket of the universe, the planet is under the brutal reign of a tryant, Raymond de Tancarville, direct descendant of the man Valerian originally saved Laureline from!"
It all came down to this: (per IMDB.com) on this day in 2008 (in France), Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline aired "Only Time Will Tell." Officially, this served as the fortieth episode in the program's only season -- its series finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at TV.com:
"Vlagos now rules the crowded part of the galaxy while in the backwater of Earth, Raymond de Tancarville is about to forcibly marry the captive Laureline. Can Valerian pull off a universal two-fer, saving both the partner that he loves and the galaxy that they've left behind?!"
For the record: I haven't seen an episode of the program, but I did a quick search and found it posted to YouTube.com for interested parties. You can check it out, if interested, right here.
"Vlagos now rules the crowded part of the galaxy while in the backwater of Earth, Raymond de Tancarville is about to forcibly marry the captive Laureline. Can Valerian pull off a universal two-fer, saving both the partner that he loves and the galaxy that they've left behind?!"
For the record: I haven't seen an episode of the program, but I did a quick search and found it posted to YouTube.com for interested parties. You can check it out, if interested, right here.
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "Something Borrowed." This served as the ninth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Friday night: Gwen's late for her own hen party. This is because she's been chasing a man-eating shape-shifter, which bites her before Jack shoots it. Saturday morning: Wedding day. Gwen wakes up heavily pregnant."
"Friday night: Gwen's late for her own hen party. This is because she's been chasing a man-eating shape-shifter, which bites her before Jack shoots it. Saturday morning: Wedding day. Gwen wakes up heavily pregnant."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the second episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dorian tries to get a grip and we meet the dark forces after the princess."
"Dorian tries to get a grip and we meet the dark forces after the princess."
On this day in 2010, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Senate Murders." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Padmé is working to to introduce a bill to minimize military spending and halt the creation of clone troopers. But when one of her most trusted allies is poisoned, she and Bail Organa set out to expose the murderer."
"Padmé is working to to introduce a bill to minimize military spending and halt the creation of clone troopers. But when one of her most trusted allies is poisoned, she and Bail Organa set out to expose the murderer."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S. and Canada), Alcatraz aired "The Ames Brothers." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Next fiends to return are giant Pinky and smart Herman Ames, twin brothers who ruthlessly mounted a rare, nearly successful escape in 1963. Also back is Alcatraz jailer Donovan, their accomplice then, who poses as an island Ranger to trick the team. Doc, Hauser and Rebecca each get in danger while they work out that the three are after a treasure, Civil War gold, which the warden kept locked up."
"Next fiends to return are giant Pinky and smart Herman Ames, twin brothers who ruthlessly mounted a rare, nearly successful escape in 1963. Also back is Alcatraz jailer Donovan, their accomplice then, who poses as an island Ranger to trick the team. Doc, Hauser and Rebecca each get in danger while they work out that the three are after a treasure, Civil War gold, which the warden kept locked up."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S. and Canada), Alcatraz aired "Sonny Burnett." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sonny Burnett, a man with an incredible dark side who became ultra-violent during his stint at Alcatraz, returns for another reign of terror."
"Sonny Burnett, a man with an incredible dark side who became ultra-violent during his stint at Alcatraz, returns for another reign of terror."
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), Dirk Gently followed up its pilot telefilm with the airing of its first episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's where this version of the series went:
"Dirk's client David Edwards is found dead after claiming that the Pentagon are out to kill him. His widow hires Dirk to catch the murderer, telling him that her husband was working on top secret computer software which could spell danger if it fell into the wrong hands. Dirk believes there is a connection with his other client, Emma Reynolds' philandering husband Oliver, obsessed with the fact that his horoscopes keep coming true. Having shown that the horoscopes are a fraud Dirk sets out to find the real reason for Edwards' murder."
"Dirk's client David Edwards is found dead after claiming that the Pentagon are out to kill him. His widow hires Dirk to catch the murderer, telling him that her husband was working on top secret computer software which could spell danger if it fell into the wrong hands. Dirk believes there is a connection with his other client, Emma Reynolds' philandering husband Oliver, obsessed with the fact that his horoscopes keep coming true. Having shown that the horoscopes are a fraud Dirk sets out to find the real reason for Edwards' murder."
On this day in 2014, Arrow aired "The Promise." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Oliver is shocked when he learns that Slade has come to Starling City. Back on the island, as Oliver, Slade and Sara prepare to take over the freighter from Ivo, Sara pulls Oliver aside and tells him he needs to kill Ivo to prevent him from telling Slade what happened with Shado. Oliver feels immense guilt over the situation but realizes Slade's growing rage from the Mirakuru makes him unpredictable and he could turn on his friends if he thinks Oliver is to blame. Oliver agrees to kill Ivo and the battle begins."
"Oliver is shocked when he learns that Slade has come to Starling City. Back on the island, as Oliver, Slade and Sara prepare to take over the freighter from Ivo, Sara pulls Oliver aside and tells him he needs to kill Ivo to prevent him from telling Slade what happened with Shado. Oliver feels immense guilt over the situation but realizes Slade's growing rage from the Mirakuru makes him unpredictable and he could turn on his friends if he thinks Oliver is to blame. Oliver agrees to kill Ivo and the battle begins."
On this day in 2014, Revolution aired "Dreamcatcher." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aaron suddenly awakens on March 5, 2014 in his apartment with his wife Priscilla. There is no blackout and everything is functioning normally. Aaron has several attacks of deja vue however as he sees people that he knows - Rachel, Dr. Horn - but can't quite place who they are. He soon realizes - with a bit of help from Charlie, who he dug out of the back of his mind - that it's all a nano-induced dream-like state to get him to repair the deteriorating software code."
"Aaron suddenly awakens on March 5, 2014 in his apartment with his wife Priscilla. There is no blackout and everything is functioning normally. Aaron has several attacks of deja vue however as he sees people that he knows - Rachel, Dr. Horn - but can't quite place who they are. He soon realizes - with a bit of help from Charlie, who he dug out of the back of his mind - that it's all a nano-induced dream-like state to get him to repair the deteriorating software code."
On this day in 2014, The Tomorrow People aired "Enemy Of My Enemy." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Julian is back and angrier than ever, but when he gets caught by Ultra he is forced to strike a deal that could cost his and Stephen's lives. John once again disobeys Cara's orders when he learns the Julian has discovered the location of the Tomorrow People's lair. Meanwhile, Astrid is plagued by nightmares after her near-death experience and turns to her new friend John for some comfort."
"Julian is back and angrier than ever, but when he gets caught by Ultra he is forced to strike a deal that could cost his and Stephen's lives. John once again disobeys Cara's orders when he learns the Julian has discovered the location of the Tomorrow People's lair. Meanwhile, Astrid is plagued by nightmares after her near-death experience and turns to her new friend John for some comfort."
It all began right here: on this day in 2017, Time After Time enjoyed its U.S. premiere on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for its pilot episode:
"A time-traveling Jack the Ripper is pursued by H. G. Wells."
"A time-traveling Jack the Ripper is pursued by H. G. Wells."
On this day in 2017, Time After Time aired "I Will Catch You." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Stevenson escapes authorities via H.G. Well's time machine and heads to modern-day New York City; Wells pursues Stevenson to the future; Wells and Jane continue to search for Stevenson, but their final meeting goes anything but planned."
"Dr. Stevenson escapes authorities via H.G. Well's time machine and heads to modern-day New York City; Wells pursues Stevenson to the future; Wells and Jane continue to search for Stevenson, but their final meeting goes anything but planned."
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Electric Dreams aired "Autofac." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Society and the world as we know it has collapsed. A massive, automatic factory operates according to the principles of consumerism; humans consume to be happy, and in order to consume continuously, they must be denied freedom of choice and free will. When a small band of rebels decide to shut down the factory, they discover they may actually be the perfect consumers after all."
"Society and the world as we know it has collapsed. A massive, automatic factory operates according to the principles of consumerism; humans consume to be happy, and in order to consume continuously, they must be denied freedom of choice and free will. When a small band of rebels decide to shut down the factory, they discover they may actually be the perfect consumers after all."
On this day in 2018, Legends Of Tomorrow aired "No Country For Old Dads." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being taken hostage by the Dahrks, Ray teams with Nora to fix the Fire totem in 1960's East Germany and come face-to-face with a younger and deadlier version of Damien."
"After being taken hostage by the Dahrks, Ray teams with Nora to fix the Fire totem in 1960's East Germany and come face-to-face with a younger and deadlier version of Damien."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2018, Star Wars: Rebels bowed out of the greater Star Wars universe with the airing of "A Fool's Hope." According to our friends at the Star Wars Wikia, here's the plot summary:
"Ezra calls in every favor he can to rally together a ragtag group for a seemingly impossible fight against Governor Pryce and her Imperialforces."
"Ezra calls in every favor he can to rally together a ragtag group for a seemingly impossible fight against Governor Pryce and her Imperialforces."
