Chalk one up to the vast conspiracy trying to keep entertainment hidden from us, folks! On this day in back in 1972 (in West Germany), a genre program called Alpha Alpha enjoyed its small screen premiere, and -- based largely on items I've read -- it has pretty much vanished into obscurity. From what little I've been able to uncover online, it was an uneven exploration of things that go bump in the night and the day; and even its original broadcast outlet -- for a time -- insisted none of it ever took place. (Cue 'The Twilight Zone' theme ...) In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at TMDB.com:
"Alpha Alpha was a 1972 German science fiction fantasy television series which aired on ZDF. It starred Karl Michael Vogler, Lilith Ungerer, Arthur Brauss and Horst Sachtleben. Each episode was only 25 minutes long, the series lasted only one season. Karl Michael Vogler played agent alpha of an unnamed secret organization, investigating mysteries, technical and psychic phenomena and even alien encounters. Alpha Alpha's tenor is comparable to the later X-Files drama television series."
"Alpha Alpha was a 1972 German science fiction fantasy television series which aired on ZDF. It starred Karl Michael Vogler, Lilith Ungerer, Arthur Brauss and Horst Sachtleben. Each episode was only 25 minutes long, the series lasted only one season. Karl Michael Vogler played agent alpha of an unnamed secret organization, investigating mysteries, technical and psychic phenomena and even alien encounters. Alpha Alpha's tenor is comparable to the later X-Files drama television series."
On this day back in 2001, Paramount made it official: they announced that the next TV incarnation of Gene Roddenberry's beloved franchise would be known only as Enterprise.
From what I understand and recall, Rick Berman felt that the 'Star Trek brand' was so well known to television audiences at this point in human history that a program simply no longer needed to have to the words 'Star' and 'Trek' attached to the title in order to bring viewers aboard. To me, that there should've been an indication of how far management had strayed from the original formula, but what do I know? I'm just a merry blogger.
And thus the end of the franchise -- so far as the boob tube is concerned -- began ...
From what I understand and recall, Rick Berman felt that the 'Star Trek brand' was so well known to television audiences at this point in human history that a program simply no longer needed to have to the words 'Star' and 'Trek' attached to the title in order to bring viewers aboard. To me, that there should've been an indication of how far management had strayed from the original formula, but what do I know? I'm just a merry blogger.
And thus the end of the franchise -- so far as the boob tube is concerned -- began ...
Earl Askam played a small role aboard one of the greatest Science Fiction serials of all time, Flash Gordon (1936). Furthermore, he returned to the franchise in the same role in Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars (1938) for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Askam was born on this day in 1891.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'll freely admit that I don't always understand the citations of some of the older films in the IMDB.com library. Today's example: Dimitri Tiomkin is cited as the composer for the SciFi/Classic The Thing From Another World, but the listing also indicates that his work was 'uncredited' in some capacity. Whatever the case -- though he's no longer with us -- Tiomkin was born on this day in 1894.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hollywood legend Fred Astaire tiptoed delicately into the role of the kinda/sorta/maybe father (but he wasn't) to the original Battlestar Galactica's Starbuck. Though he's no longer with us, Astaire was born on this day in 1899.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the bulk of her work steered toward very conventional fare, the lovely Margaret Field dabbled in the world of genre sparingly. Fans might know her best from work aboard The Man From Planet X (1951), Science Fiction Theatre, or her visit to Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Field was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Later in his life, the venerable George Coe starting doing more voice acting (for those who know of Archer, he was the talent behind Woodhouse). The entirety of his career spanned over five decades, popping up in such properties as The Entity (1982), Max Headroom, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Lone Gunmen, Smallville, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Though he's no longer with us, Coe was born on this day in 1929.
[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.
With nearly 150 different roles to his name, Robert Leroy Sampson was a veritable 'Sampson' himself. While his work didn't always bring him into the realm of Science Fiction, he certainly made an indelible footprint. He can be seen in such programs as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Star Trek, Wonder Woman, Knight Rider, Re-animator (1985), Robot Jox (1989), and The Arrival (1991). Though he's no longer with us, Sampson was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dana Kramer-Rolls is the literary genius who penned one of the earlier Star Trek novels to see print: Home Is The Hunter (1990) features the crew of the Enterprise facing off against an entity named 'Weyland.' Kramer-Rolls was born on this day in 1940.
Taurean Blacque (above left) played a role in the 1989 SciFi sleeper -- DeepStar Six -- alongside Greg Evigan. Though he's no longer with us, Blacque was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He played Palmer in John Carpenters' immeasurably creepy version of The Thing, and he played Crell Moset in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. IMDB.com reports that he also played the character 'Motti' aboard the original Star Wars Radio Drama adaptation for NPR. Say 'Happy Birthday' to one of the hardest working actors in entertainment today, Mr. David Clennon. Other flights of fancy of note include work in Special Bulletin (1983), Beauty And The Beast, Ghost Whisperer, Mr. Jones (2013), and Reversion (2015). Clennon was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time in 2015 -- back during the film's publicity push -- I was offered a chance to stream Reversion (2015) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time in 2015 -- back during the film's publicity push -- I was offered a chance to stream Reversion (2015) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
No, there is nothing wrong with your television set -- that's just how the venerable Maureen Lipman appeared in "The Idiot's Lantern," an episode of the BBC's Doctor Who from 2006. Lipman was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you're going to be an actress, it certainly couldn't hurt to possess one of the most penetrating stares in all of human history, and that's how I remember Meg Foster's eyes being described to me when I first saw her in a television miniseries adaptation of The Scarlet Letter. She went on to work in Masters of the Universe, Quantum Leap, They Live!, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and even Xena: Warrior Princess. Foster was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
1972's Solaris may be critically revered as a Science Fiction classic, but I found most of it boring as Hell. Now, that's no fault of the actors, of which Natalya Bondarchuk remains. I think they did the best they could with what they were given, as is often the case. Bondarchuk was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
1984's Dreamscape is a film whose effects I think are a bit dated, but it's central concept -- that of a man with the ability to help others by interacting with them in their dreams -- is one that remains interesting even today. Joseph Ruben was the director of this visionary project, and Ruben was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What? You say you've played a Klingon? Then you'll most likely get a mention here! Though he's probably better known for comic relief, Michael Hagerty gave Klingonhood a try with a cameo role aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's no longer with us, Hagerty was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You ever wonder if anyone wanted to 'take one back'? That's the question I'd have to ask Elie Samaha, the producer who helped bring the craptacular Battlefield Earth (2000) to the silver screen for Warner Bros. Since its release, the flick has been revered as one of the worst motion pictures in history. I wonder if he would take that one back? Samaha was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Teri Copley gave Science Fiction a whirl -- albeit a brief one -- with an appearance aboard NBC's fantastic Quantum Leap in the late 1980's. Copley was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Darryl M. Bell (above left) blasted off into the Final Frontier mostly for laughs in the curiously named Homeboys In Outer Space back during the 1990's. Bell was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! Actress and Playboy Playmate Tracy Tweed took a welcome swipe into the world of Science Fiction with a small role aboard Johnny Mnemonic (1995) for TriStar Pictures. She also paid a visit to the TV world of Harry And The Hendersons. Tweed is born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he had a small role as a Romulan helmsman aboard JJ Abrams' Star Trek (2009) reboot, actor Jason Brooks has many other more significant accomplishments to crow about. For example, he headlined 2014's telefilm Asteroid Vs. Earth alongside the always stunning Tia Carrere. Brooks was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adrian Scarborough joined Matt Smith (as Doctor Who) in the episode "A Town Called Mercy" back in 2012. Scarborough was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction writer John Scalzi is an American author behind such works as Old Man's War (2005), The Android's Dream (2006), and Redshirts (2012) as well as a host of other properties fiction and non-fiction. His Wikipedia.org page has a list (here) of his numerous award citations. Having not read any of his books (sorry, folks, I'm a slow reader) I can't speak to his talents, but his accolades suggest you might want to check them out. I've been told that they're quite humorous. Scalzi was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Important links:
John Scalzi's website
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Important links:
John Scalzi's website
Ah, Gina Philips! She stole our hearts in Jeepers Creepers (2001), a young woman traveling across the country with her brother until they stumbled into one of the greatest monster movies of the 21st century. Thankfully, she dabbled in Science Fiction early in her career -- with roles in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dark Skies, and Sliders -- so that we can celebrate her greatness here. Philips was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dallas Roberts faced the end of life as we know it for his part aboard AMC's entertainment juggernaut The Walking Dead. Roberts was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, the enchanting Emma Ridley hosted audiences on a grand Return To Oz (1985) for Walt Disney Pictures. Ridley was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cary Guffey certainly may not be well known by contemporary standards, but for those of us who've seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind we certainly remember his brief performance. He played little Barry Guiler, a sprite who had a strange connection to the series of events plaguing his hometown. It wasn't long before the aliens came calling, and li'l Barry was abducted. Don't fret! (Spoilers!) He resurfaces completely unharmed in the climax. Guffey was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acclaimed actress Anna Maxwell Martin brought her talents to bear aboard the period Fantasy known as The Frankenstein Chronicles during its run. Martin was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hugo Silva has been taking trips through time aboard the Spanish-language SciFi series The Ministry of Time (or The Department of Time, depending upon your translation.) Silva was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Australia's own Nicky Whelan braved the not-so-friendly-skies for her work aboard Flight 7500 (2014) for CBS Films. Whelan was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Odette Annable first came to my attention when she appeared in the terrific found footage film Cloverfield. She's since had a very busy career, popping up in several other projects that have been of interest to me, including her recent stint as the villainous 'Reign' aboard The CW's Supergirl. Annable was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After earning her stripes as the Pink Samurai Ranger aboard TV's Power Rangers Samurai, the lovely Erika Fong graduated to the big screen with a small role aboard Transformers: Age of Extinction. Fong was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to adult film star Allie Haze for bringing the lovely Princess Leia to life in a series of adult-themed Star Wars parodies. The lovely and award-winning lass has even made convention appearances all dressed up in classic Leia garb. Haze was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I honestly don't much care for Seth MacFarlane's humor on The Orville, I still think the show is a pretty respectful SciFi program; and I do so very much love Halston Sage's work on the show. She straddles the fine line between Beauty and the Beast quite well. Sage was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1950, the dangers of invisibility again took mankind by storm when The Invisible Monster was released theatrically. This SciFi/Adventure serial starred Richard Webb and Aline Towne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Evil villain plots to take over the world using an army of invisible soldiers."
"Evil villain plots to take over the world using an army of invisible soldiers."
On this day in 1951 (in Argentina), Destination Moon took audiences into outer space and beyond. Directed by Irving Pichel, the groundbreaking film starred John Archer, Warner Anderson, and Dick Wesson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has consumed too much fuel during the landing, leaving them short for the return voyage to Earth. After stripping the ship bare, they are still over 100 lbs too heavy, meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has consumed too much fuel during the landing, leaving them short for the return voyage to Earth. After stripping the ship bare, they are still over 100 lbs too heavy, meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in the Netherlands), Quatermass 2 enjoyed its big screen debut. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Brian Donlevy, John Longden, and Sidney James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
On this day in 1962, Mothra enjoyed its US theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for this classic monster movie:
"An expedition to Infant Island discovers a native population and tiny twin priestesses of the island's mythical deity. Named Mothra, she sets out on a rampage to rescue her priestesses after they're kidnapped by a greedy businessman."
"An expedition to Infant Island discovers a native population and tiny twin priestesses of the island's mythical deity. Named Mothra, she sets out on a rampage to rescue her priestesses after they're kidnapped by a greedy businessman."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey premiered in London. According to our friends at 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."
On this day in 1968 (in Ireland), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Classic feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here’s the plot summary from IMDB.com:
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
On this day in 1974 (in Denmark), Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. brought the good Doctor to the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Daleks' fiendish plot in 2150 against Earth and its people is foiled when Dr. Who and friends arrive from the 20th century and figure it out."
"The Daleks' fiendish plot in 2150 against Earth and its people is foiled when Dr. Who and friends arrive from the 20th century and figure it out."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in France), audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Market were treated to the theatrical debut of Wavelength. Written and directed by Mike Gray, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert Carradine, Cherie Currie, and Keenan Wynn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two young lovers learn that a small group of child-like space aliens are marooned on Earth and are being held prisoner at a top secret military facility. The couple then decide to liberate the extraterrestrial castaways and help them make a rendezvous with a rescue ship sent from the alien home planet."
"Two young lovers learn that a small group of child-like space aliens are marooned on Earth and are being held prisoner at a top secret military facility. The couple then decide to liberate the extraterrestrial castaways and help them make a rendezvous with a rescue ship sent from the alien home planet."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), Sheena delivered her golden loveliness to the silver screen. Directed by John Guillerman, the Fantasy feature starred Tanya Roberts, Ted Wass, and Donovan Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sheena grew up in the African wild, raised by a mystical witch woman. When her foster mother is framed for a murder Sheena is forced to flee, helped by her ability to talk to animals and her knowledge of the jungle."
For the record:
Ouch! Sheena cleaned up with a respectable 5 nominations at the 1985 Razzie Awards (no wins, however) in the categories of 'Worst Musical Score,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Actress,' and the ever-impressive 'Worst Picture.' Five nominations. No wins. That's gotta leave a mark.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned an article titled 'Three Things You Should Know About Sheena (1984)' for the site. Interested readers can find it right here.
"Sheena grew up in the African wild, raised by a mystical witch woman. When her foster mother is framed for a murder Sheena is forced to flee, helped by her ability to talk to animals and her knowledge of the jungle."
For the record:
Ouch! Sheena cleaned up with a respectable 5 nominations at the 1985 Razzie Awards (no wins, however) in the categories of 'Worst Musical Score,' 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Actress,' and the ever-impressive 'Worst Picture.' Five nominations. No wins. That's gotta leave a mark.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned an article titled 'Three Things You Should Know About Sheena (1984)' for the site. Interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1988 (in Hungary), The Last Starfighter took audiences into distance space. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
On this day in 1990 (in Argentina), Tremors broke new grounds in the SciFi/Comedy genre. Written (in part) and directed by Ron Underwood, Tremors starred Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Michael Gross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020. Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020. Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), A Little Princess was given a limited theatrical release. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the Fantasy feature starred Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, and Liam Cunningham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sara is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in WWI. When he is presumed dead, the headmistress, knowing she will not receive any more money, forces the girl to become a servant."
For the record:
To the film's credit, A Little Princess garnered two 1996 Academy Award nominations in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration' and 'Best Cinematography.'
"Sara is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in WWI. When he is presumed dead, the headmistress, knowing she will not receive any more money, forces the girl to become a servant."
For the record:
To the film's credit, A Little Princess garnered two 1996 Academy Award nominations in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration' and 'Best Cinematography.'
On this day in 1997, When Time Expires dabbled in the popular narrative territory of temporal ethics. Written and directed by David Bourla, the SciFi feature starred Richard Grieco, Cynthia Geary, and Star Wars' veteran Mark Hamill; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seemingly simple time calibration exercise turns sour for Travis Beck when he discovers that his ex-partner and an unknown team of assassins are also in town with the sole aim of stopping him complete his mission."
"A seemingly simple time calibration exercise turns sour for Travis Beck when he discovers that his ex-partner and an unknown team of assassins are also in town with the sole aim of stopping him complete his mission."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), audiences were amused and bemused with the silver screen adaptation of the Science Fiction epic Battlefield Earth. Roger Christian directed this theatrical adaptation of the somewhat beloved L. Ron Hubbard novel, and the film starred John Travolta, Barry Pepper, and Forest Whitaker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's the year 3000 A.D., and the Earth is lost to the alien race of Psychlos. Humanity is enslaved by these gold-thirsty tyrants, who are unaware that their 'man-animals' are about to ignite the rebellion of a lifetime."
"It's the year 3000 A.D., and the Earth is lost to the alien race of Psychlos. Humanity is enslaved by these gold-thirsty tyrants, who are unaware that their 'man-animals' are about to ignite the rebellion of a lifetime."
On this day in 2000 (in Switzerland and Venezuela), Mission To Mars failed to achieve a legendary liftoff but did play in theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
On this day in 2004, Walt Disney took a stab at an earlier version of A Wrinkle In Time. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young girl and her genius kid brother are aided by three curious witches in their search for their missing scientist father, captive of an omnipotent otherworldly villain simply called 'It' whose evil is slowly infecting the universe."
"A young girl and her genius kid brother are aided by three curious witches in their search for their missing scientist father, captive of an omnipotent otherworldly villain simply called 'It' whose evil is slowly infecting the universe."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Australia), it was war once again with those Nazi bastards with the release of The 25th Reich. Written (in part) and directed by Stephen Amis, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jim Knobeloch, Serge De Nardo, and Angelo Salamanca. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1943, five US soldiers are recruited by the OSS for a time travel mission to save the world from the tyranny of Hitler's 25th Reich."
"In 1943, five US soldiers are recruited by the OSS for a time travel mission to save the world from the tyranny of Hitler's 25th Reich."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Neurogenesis took a healthy shot in the dark at screen history. Written and directed by Michael Samer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Victoria Ferrara, Nic Westaway, and Gary Boulter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, mysterious loner Pearl, tracks down and acquires outlawed AI circuitry to sell on the black market to the highest bidder."
"In the near future, mysterious loner Pearl, tracks down and acquires outlawed AI circuitry to sell on the black market to the highest bidder."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Australia), Zoe's Security Service enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes. Written and directed by László Mohácsi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Emma Bellamy, Nikki Waterhouse, and Tristan McKinnon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zoe MacGraw must help a former lover and his wife escape a contaminated City by guiding them through a vicious underground Basement, which leads to greener pastures."
"Zoe MacGraw must help a former lover and his wife escape a contaminated City by guiding them through a vicious underground Basement, which leads to greener pastures."
A star is born ... or is that reborn? On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the big screen premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Written by Jonathan Kasdan, Lawrence Kasdan, and George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy was directed by Ron Howard and starred Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, and Emilia Clarke. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in an epic action-adventure that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes."
"Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in an epic action-adventure that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes."
On this day in 1957, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Prince Albert Coat." This served as the tenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A boy hears a plea on the radio for people to donate clothing to flood victims. So he donates his grand father's coat. Later when his grand father learns what he did, he freaks out because, he placed his life savings in the lining. His grand son then goes to the Planet and tells Lois what happened. She decides to print the story hoping someone will help. The two men who picked up the clothing for the drive, who are also crooks upon reading the story sets out to get the coat. Eventually Lois gets a lead so she, Jimmy and the boy set out to get the coat. But when they arrive at the center it seems that someone took the coat. And when they find out where he is, the two men show up and pretend to be trying to help. But they lock them somewhere while they go after the coat. Clark upon learning where Lois is follows."
"A boy hears a plea on the radio for people to donate clothing to flood victims. So he donates his grand father's coat. Later when his grand father learns what he did, he freaks out because, he placed his life savings in the lining. His grand son then goes to the Planet and tells Lois what happened. She decides to print the story hoping someone will help. The two men who picked up the clothing for the drive, who are also crooks upon reading the story sets out to get the coat. Eventually Lois gets a lead so she, Jimmy and the boy set out to get the coat. But when they arrive at the center it seems that someone took the coat. And when they find out where he is, the two men show up and pretend to be trying to help. But they lock them somewhere while they go after the coat. Clark upon learning where Lois is follows."
On this day in 1964, My Favorite Martian aired "How You Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Pharmacy?" Officially, this served as the thirtieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Martin is seen when he tests the flight worthiness of his space ship."
"Martin is seen when he tests the flight worthiness of his space ship."
It all began right here: on this day in 1972 (in West Germany), Alpha Alpha aired "Die Organisation." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at the Edgar Wallace Forum, here's the plot summary:
"After the Munich teacher Dr. After Michael Dahlen courageously defended a passer-by against a violent gang of rockers, he is monitored by a mysterious organization that subjects him to various tests, which he masters brilliantly and in turn challenges those unknown to him. The nameless organization - represented by five men wearing masks who look identical and therefore have been made unrecognizable for identification - reveals to Michael Dahlen their mission: maintaining world peace and the current status quo of the earth while at the same time fending off all attempts to upset this delicate balance. Dahlen is recruited for the organization as an agent “Alpha, Alpha” due to his special abilities, which include courage, high intelligence and boundless energy. He contacts his superiors by leaning against the front wall of a container trailer with his arms outstretched and being teleported inside. Sometimes the headquarters also appears to be on board an airplane. “Alpha” is supported by the attractive agent “Beta” and the agent “Gamma”, who occasionally acts as a “man for the rough”. Dahlen's main ally, however, is the organization's central computer, which he irreverently calls "rattlebox", to which he is connected via a bracelet and provides him with all the necessary information regarding his cases. He often engages in amusing verbal battles with him. The computer, equipped with a female voice, seems to have such human qualities as vanity and pedantry, despite all claims to the contrary. His sympathy for Dahlen is as obvious as the mutual attraction that “Alpha” and “Beta” exert on each other."
"After the Munich teacher Dr. After Michael Dahlen courageously defended a passer-by against a violent gang of rockers, he is monitored by a mysterious organization that subjects him to various tests, which he masters brilliantly and in turn challenges those unknown to him. The nameless organization - represented by five men wearing masks who look identical and therefore have been made unrecognizable for identification - reveals to Michael Dahlen their mission: maintaining world peace and the current status quo of the earth while at the same time fending off all attempts to upset this delicate balance. Dahlen is recruited for the organization as an agent “Alpha, Alpha” due to his special abilities, which include courage, high intelligence and boundless energy. He contacts his superiors by leaning against the front wall of a container trailer with his arms outstretched and being teleported inside. Sometimes the headquarters also appears to be on board an airplane. “Alpha” is supported by the attractive agent “Beta” and the agent “Gamma”, who occasionally acts as a “man for the rough”. Dahlen's main ally, however, is the organization's central computer, which he irreverently calls "rattlebox", to which he is connected via a bracelet and provides him with all the necessary information regarding his cases. He often engages in amusing verbal battles with him. The computer, equipped with a female voice, seems to have such human qualities as vanity and pedantry, despite all claims to the contrary. His sympathy for Dahlen is as obvious as the mutual attraction that “Alpha” and “Beta” exert on each other."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), TV's Time Express aired "Rodeo/Cop." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rodeo rider returns to 1977 when he was injured, creating an unstable living situation for his daughter. An L.A. detective returns to 1973 when he got shot in the arrest of a suspected diamond thief. But was the suspect really guilty?"
"A rodeo rider returns to 1977 when he was injured, creating an unstable living situation for his daughter. An L.A. detective returns to 1973 when he got shot in the arrest of a suspected diamond thief. But was the suspect really guilty?"
On this day in 1989, Quantum Leap aired "Camikazi Kid." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into the body of a gawky teenager to keep the boy's older sister from marrying an abusive alcoholic. Taking advice from Al, Sam hopes to reveal the young man's true nature by challenging him to a drag race."
"Sam leaps into the body of a gawky teenager to keep the boy's older sister from marrying an abusive alcoholic. Taking advice from Al, Sam hopes to reveal the young man's true nature by challenging him to a drag race."
On this day in 1992, Superboy aired "Rites Of Passage: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superboy loses his powers and now an investigation begins to discover the curious force that caused it."
"Superboy loses his powers and now an investigation begins to discover the curious force that caused it."
On this day in 1993, "Darien Comes Home" aired as the thirteenth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien decides to visit his birthplace, Chicago. While there he learns of a man who may have been killed with a weapon from the future so he checks it out. He goes to work at a computer company and learns that the owners are two brothers who are fugitives from the future. He knows they're up to something and gets one of their employees to help him."
"Darien decides to visit his birthplace, Chicago. While there he learns of a man who may have been killed with a weapon from the future so he checks it out. He goes to work at a computer company and learns that the owners are two brothers who are fugitives from the future. He knows they're up to something and gets one of their employees to help him."
On this day in 1995, Babylon 5 aired "In The Shadow Of Z'ha'dum." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sheridan discovers that Morden has a connection to his late wife Anna. Nightwatch, a new agency on Earth, is trying to recruit new personnel on Babylon 5."
"Sheridan discovers that Morden has a connection to his late wife Anna. Nightwatch, a new agency on Earth, is trying to recruit new personnel on Babylon 5."
On this day in 1995, Sliders aired "The King Is Back." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world where Rembrandt was the King of Rock N Roll and where impersonators show homage through his fashion sense, the Sliders must team up with his double to save him from a crazy and jealous former band member."
"In a world where Rembrandt was the King of Rock N Roll and where impersonators show homage through his fashion sense, the Sliders must team up with his double to save him from a crazy and jealous former band member."
On this day in 1996, The X-Files aired "Wetwired." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully investigate a series of murders linked to a mysterious device that alters television signals causing paranoid hallucinations. One of them falls victim to it."
"Mulder and Scully investigate a series of murders linked to a mysterious device that alters television signals causing paranoid hallucinations. One of them falls victim to it."
On this day in 1997, The Pretender aired "Baby Love." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jarod seeks to reunite a woman with her baby and exact justice on the men who are responsible for taking him. Meanwhile Miss Parker and Sidney discover secret files in SL-27."
"Jarod seeks to reunite a woman with her baby and exact justice on the men who are responsible for taking him. Meanwhile Miss Parker and Sidney discover secret files in SL-27."
On this day in 1998, The X-Files aired "Folie A Deux." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paranoid telemarketer takes his coworkers and Mulder hostage claiming that their boss is a disguised insectoid monster that's literally turning the workers one by one into his zombie drones."
"Paranoid telemarketer takes his coworkers and Mulder hostage claiming that their boss is a disguised insectoid monster that's literally turning the workers one by one into his zombie drones."
On this day in 2000, UPN's Seven Days aired "Mr. Donovan's Neighborhood." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a reverend fighting against drug deals in Donovan's old neighborhood gets killed, Donovan's sister is killed as well. Donovan investigates and is arrested for killing one of the men responsible, and Frank engineers a Backstep to go back and save his friend."
"When a reverend fighting against drug deals in Donovan's old neighborhood gets killed, Donovan's sister is killed as well. Donovan investigates and is arrested for killing one of the men responsible, and Frank engineers a Backstep to go back and save his friend."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Life Line." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Learning that his inventor is dying, the Doctor has his program transmitted back to the Alpha Quadrant to try to save him. There he meets Troi and Barclay who, having already tried to convince Zimmerman to seek treatment, are doubtful about the chance of success from the Doctor."
"Learning that his inventor is dying, the Doctor has his program transmitted back to the Alpha Quadrant to try to save him. There he meets Troi and Barclay who, having already tried to convince Zimmerman to seek treatment, are doubtful about the chance of success from the Doctor."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Meridian" as the twenty-first episode of the long-running program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As Jackson suffers from a fatal dose of radiation, he struggles with the value of his life while his friends deal with the emotional and diplomatic repercussions."
"As Jackson suffers from a fatal dose of radiation, he struggles with the value of his life while his friends deal with the emotional and diplomatic repercussions."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Grieving Skies." This served as the thirty-first episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"After the battle between the ZAFT mobile suits and the Earth forces and Kira's, Athrun's and Nicol's mobile suits are destroyed, while Daerka is captured as a POW, the question remains what happened to Kira? Is he alive? If so where is he, no one knows. Athrun is taken in by Cagalli and the orb ships for the time being."
"After the battle between the ZAFT mobile suits and the Earth forces and Kira's, Athrun's and Nicol's mobile suits are destroyed, while Daerka is captured as a POW, the question remains what happened to Kira? Is he alive? If so where is he, no one knows. Athrun is taken in by Cagalli and the orb ships for the time being."
On this day in 2004, Andromeda aired "The Dissonant Interval: Part 1." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Andromeda rescues a defenseless ship from former Commonwealth fighters. The inhabitants are an Ambassador and his pilot, returning to Arkology from successful peace negotiations with the Magog on board the World-Ship. However, the treaty is revoked when the ambassador dies from the Magog hatching in his stomach. The pilot, a Nietzschean from a supposedly extinct pride, leads the Andromeda to Arkology, a place of peacefulness in all aspects of life, to warn them of the coming Magog attack."
"The Andromeda rescues a defenseless ship from former Commonwealth fighters. The inhabitants are an Ambassador and his pilot, returning to Arkology from successful peace negotiations with the Magog on board the World-Ship. However, the treaty is revoked when the ambassador dies from the Magog hatching in his stomach. The pilot, a Nietzschean from a supposedly extinct pride, leads the Andromeda to Arkology, a place of peacefulness in all aspects of life, to warn them of the coming Magog attack."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "Cirque des Merveilles." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lexa's suspicions lead Mutant X to unveil a traveling death camp, which is posed as a circus for mutant refugees and Mutant X's enemy within the Dominion."
"Lexa's suspicions lead Mutant X to unveil a traveling death camp, which is posed as a circus for mutant refugees and Mutant X's enemy within the Dominion."
On this day in 2006, Lost aired "?" Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mr. Eko enlists Locke to help find a secret location he believes houses answers to the island's mysteries. Meanwhile, Jack, Sawyer, and Kate struggle to cope with the horrific situation in the hatch following the escape of "Other" Henry Gale, and of the shooting deaths of Ana-Lucia and Libby, unaware that it was Michael who is responsible."
"Mr. Eko enlists Locke to help find a secret location he believes houses answers to the island's mysteries. Meanwhile, Jack, Sawyer, and Kate struggle to cope with the horrific situation in the hatch following the escape of "Other" Henry Gale, and of the shooting deaths of Ana-Lucia and Libby, unaware that it was Michael who is responsible."
On this day in 2017, The 100 explored some fairly dark territory with the airing of "The Other Side." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Clarke faces the consequences of her fateful choice."
"Clarke faces the consequences of her fateful choice."
