Denver Pyle joined a pair of what may've been extraterrestrial children in the Walt Disney SciFi flick Escape To Witch Mountain (1975). Though he's no longer with us, Pyle was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With a professional resume of just short of fifty different screen roles, the lovely Yvonne Furneaux still managed to find some time for pursuits in the realm of the fantastic. Genre fans might recognize her best from appearances aboard The Mummy (1959), The Death Ray Of Dr. Mabuse (1964), The Lion Of Thebes (1964), Secret Agent, and Frankenstein's Great Aunt Tillie. Furneaux was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Thring is certainly more well known for his work in such high-minded affairs as Ben-Hur, El Cid, and King of Kings; but he did give SciFi fans something to crow about (albeit briefly) with a small but memorable role as 'The Collector' in 1985's underwhelming Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (pictured above). Though he's no longer with us, Thring was born on this day in 1926.
The lovely Joan Swift had a guest role aboard the classic Star Trek episode "Operation - Annihilate!" She also enjoyed an uncredited role aboard The Andromeda Strain (1971). Swift was born on this day in 1933.
1970's era Science Fiction and Fantasy was an awful lot of hit and miss. Actor Doug McClure helped bring to the screen a good number of mostly forgettable fare -- motion pictures like The Land That Time Forgot (1974), The People That Time Forgot (1977), Warlords of the Deep (1978), and even Humanoids From The Deep (1980) -- but, as a fan, you take the good with the bad. Though he's no longer with us, McClure was born on this day in 1935.
Pam Ferris played a critical role for the resistance in 2006's Children Of Men, arguably one of smartest Science Fiction Films so far of the twenty-first century. Ferris was born on this day in 1948.
Lance Hool not only had the SciFi hutzpah to produce the SciFi/Cult film Steel Dawn (1987) starring Patrick Swayze but also he directed it! Hool was born on this day in 1948.
One of great mysteries of all time is how Frances Fisher has never become a household name. I first noticed her when she was a cast regular on Fox TV's fantasy-themed Strange Luck (it was briefly paired up with The X-Files in the Friday night line-up). She's also appeared on The Outer Limits, The X-Files, Torchwood, Touch, and Resurrection. Fisher was born on this day in 1952.
I haven't seen an awful lot of Shohreh Aghdashloo's work, but what I have seen has been pretty phenomenal. In roles large or small, she tends to create a presence you want to listen to, you want to understand greater. She had a great turn in Fox TV's 24 a few years back, but she's also been a part of X-Men: The Last Stand, ABC TV's FlashFordward, and done voiceover work for the Mass Effect video game franchise. Most recently, she turned up in a role as part of Syfy's The Expanse. Aghdashloo was born on this day in 1952.
Regular readers of SciFiHistory.Net know how big a fan of the entire Superman franchise I am, but I didn't honestly much care for the Superboy iteration from the late 1980's / early 1990's. It was just a bit too campy for my tastes. Still, kudos to actor Gerard Christopher for his willingness to suit up for the lead. Christopher was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've written about the weird dystopian drama The Handmaid's Tale in this space before. While it's not quite a film I'd encourage sci-fi fans to run out and watch immediately, it definitely falls within sci-fi's sphere on influence. I don't recall all of it perfectly, but I remember enjoying the late Natasha Richardson's performance. Though she's no longer with us, Richardson was born on this day in 1963.
Roark Critchlow has enjoyed screen time aboard a handful of terrific properties, including roles aboard Highlander, A.I. Assault (2006), Afterworld, Battlestar Galactica, V, Arrow, and Supernatural. Critchlow was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm not sure what the status of 2008's The Incredible Hulk is within the greater Marvel Universe. The last I'd heard, it was pretty much dismissed from canon, which is a shame considering I like it quite a bit. Tim Blake Nelson played 'Samuel Sterns' in it, and it was nice to see the actor in something less goofy than he usually plays. Nelson was born on this day in 1964.
For three seasons, Marguerite MacIntyre played 'Nicole Trager,' adoptive mother to Kyle XY himself on the popular teen SciFi program. She followed that up with a run aboard the CW Fantasy program, The Vampire Diaries. MacIntyre was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nancy Hower had a terrific guest gig as Ensign Samantha Wildman throughout a good portion of Star Trek: Voyager's run. She's since moved on to the daunting challenges of writing and directing. Hower was born on this day in 1966.
Jeffrey Donovan (above in the brown coat) had a prominent role opposite Matthew Fox aboard Extinction (2015). Donovan was born on this day in 1968.
Nicky Katt has dabbled in some quality genre projects across his professional career. Fans might recognize him from work in Voyagers, Gremlins (1984), V, Martians Go Home (1989), Knight Rider 2010 (1994), Strange Days (1995), Kindred: The Embraced, Batman & Robin (1997), Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords, and Planet Terror (2007). Katt was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
No doubt savvy viewers might recognize the face of Aaron Pearl as he's certainly enjoyed a good number of small roles in a handful of solid franchises. To date, he's stolen scenes in Poltergeist: The Legacy, Highlander, First Wave, Escape from Mars (1999), The Outer Limits, Taken, The Twilight Zone, X-Men 2 (2003), Smallville, Stargate: SG-1, Battlestar Galactica, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), The Dead Zone, Fringe, Supernatural, Godzilla (2014), and Arrow. Pearl was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, Todd Hann's last recorded theatrical project was a little something called Alien Agenda: Project Grey (2007). He also enjoyed small roles aboard Anthrax (2001), Stargate: SG-1, and Stargate: Atlantis. Hann was born on this day in 1974.
Veteran character actor Coby Bell enjoyed a meaty supporting role aboard Fox TV's Superhero drama The Gifted. Bell was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his younger days, Austin O'Brien did double-duty, playing the character of Peter Parkette in The Lawnmower Man and Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace. He also paired up with no less than Arnold Schwarzenegger in the tepid Last Action Hero. O'Brien was born on this day in 1981.
Hats off to the smilers who tried to make Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles a success on the boob tube, but truth is that The Terminator franchise pretty much built its reputation on big, bigger, and biggest effects and action sequences. Try as we might, TV just can't pack that same punch on a week-by-week basis. Still, the players did some fine work, and Jonathan Jackson gave us yet one more look at John Connor's father, Kyle Reese. Jackson was born on this day in 1982.
Before he sang his heart out on Fox TV's popular Glee, young Cory Monteith explored time and space in a guest spot aboard Stargate: SG-1. Though he's no longer with us, Monteith was born on this day in 1982.
The delicioius Holly Valance had a terrific supporting role aboard the SciFi gaming property Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising. Valance was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Up'n'coming Lana Condor got her start on the silver screen with a small role aboard Marvel's X-Men: Apocalypse (2016). Condor was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1951 (in Finland), Rocketship X-M blasted off into the theatrical heavens. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi/Drama starred Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, and John Emery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! Curse you, Ed Wood, Jr.! It was on this day in 1955 that his original "masterpiece" Bride Of The Monster enjoyed its original theatrical debut in Hollywood, California. The feature starred Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by the good folks at IMDB.com:
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
On this day in 1966 (in France), Agent For H.A.R.M. served up a slice of Science Fiction by way of the greater spy genre. The feature starred Peter Mark Richman and Wendell Corey, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Secret agent tries to stop a scientist who has devised a bacterium that devours the body from within."
"Secret agent tries to stop a scientist who has devised a bacterium that devours the body from within."
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), the good people of High Point, North Carolina were treated to an exclusive event ... the cinematic debut of Mad Doctor Of Blood Island! Directed by Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero from a script by Reuben Canoy, the SciFi/Horror starred John Ashley, Angelique Pettyjohn, and Ronald Remy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man who loves to travel, travels to an island where a mad doctor is creating zombies."
"A man who loves to travel, travels to an island where a mad doctor is creating zombies."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in Mexico), El increíble profesor Zovek (aka The Incredible Professor Zovek) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by René Cardona, the SciFi/Comedy starred Zovek, Tere Velázquez, and Germán Valdés. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A plane carrying 26 famed scientists blows up, but only 25 bodies are accounted for. Professor Zovek (in real-life, a famed mentalist/magician/athlete) must determine who the 26th person was, as he deduces he may not only still be alive, but also responsible for the explosion. What he discovers involves mind control experiments, as well as Island of Dr. Moreau-like mutations."
"A plane carrying 26 famed scientists blows up, but only 25 bodies are accounted for. Professor Zovek (in real-life, a famed mentalist/magician/athlete) must determine who the 26th person was, as he deduces he may not only still be alive, but also responsible for the explosion. What he discovers involves mind control experiments, as well as Island of Dr. Moreau-like mutations."
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in France), Fantastic Planet enjoyed its very first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Rene Laloux, the animated Science Fiction film featured the voices of Barry Bostwick and Jennifer Drake, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Slaves and masters dominate the narrative of the faraway world of Ygam. Set around the lifespan of Terr, a minute human shaped Om slave, and pet, of the giant blue alien Draags. Escaping into the wilderness and with a device used for intellectual advancement of the Draags, Terr finds refuge and support from fellow Oms and using the learning tool, he finds that knowledge is power and then sets to use the new found knowledge to revolt against the Draag masters..."
"Slaves and masters dominate the narrative of the faraway world of Ygam. Set around the lifespan of Terr, a minute human shaped Om slave, and pet, of the giant blue alien Draags. Escaping into the wilderness and with a device used for intellectual advancement of the Draags, Terr finds refuge and support from fellow Oms and using the learning tool, he finds that knowledge is power and then sets to use the new found knowledge to revolt against the Draag masters..."
On this day in 1978 (in the Netherlands), Damnation Alley took audiences on a ride through the Apocalypse. Directed by Jack Smight as adapted from a novel by Roger Zelany, the film starred George Peppard, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Dominque Sanda. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), home audiences were treated to the small screen premiere of The Power Within. Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey from a script by William Clark and Edward J. Lakso, the telefilm starred Art Hindle, Edward Binns, and Joseph Rassulo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A daredevil pilot becomes a human dynamo after being struck by lighting and is then pursued by enemy agents determined to find out the secret of his superhuman strength."
"A daredevil pilot becomes a human dynamo after being struck by lighting and is then pursued by enemy agents determined to find out the secret of his superhuman strength."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in the Netherlands), the cinematic doors opened wide for the very first time, and audiences were invited aboard ... The Lift! Written and directed by Dick Maas, the Horror/Fantasy starred Huub Stapel, Willeke van Ammelrooy, and and Josine van Dalsum. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A lift technician finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and peril as he investigates the perplexing deadly accidents occurring in the elevators of a new office building."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Lift earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A lift technician finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and peril as he investigates the perplexing deadly accidents occurring in the elevators of a new office building."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Lift earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1984 (in West Germany), Death Dimension opened the door to another realm. The SciFi-lite feature starred Jim Kelly and George Lazenby, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"The Pig has a plan to eradicate some people with a freeze bomb that instantly freezes people to death. It is up to Detective Ash to stop him and protect the woman with the secret to the ice bomb embedded in a microdot under the skin of her forehead."
"The Pig has a plan to eradicate some people with a freeze bomb that instantly freezes people to death. It is up to Detective Ash to stop him and protect the woman with the secret to the ice bomb embedded in a microdot under the skin of her forehead."
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), the good people of Lubbock, Texas were treated to a very exclusive theatrical run of Human Animals. Written and directed by Eligio Herrero, the Apocalypse/Drama starred Carole Kirkham, Geir Indvard, and Jose Yepes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After several nuclear explosions, two men and one woman wake up in the middle of a desert and begin a journey of survival and self discovery."
"After several nuclear explosions, two men and one woman wake up in the middle of a desert and begin a journey of survival and self discovery."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in France), Evils Of The Night enjoyed its first exhibition ever when it was screened at the Cannes Film Market. Written (in part) and directed by Mardi Rustam, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Neville Brand, Aldo Ray, and Tina Louise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Vacationing teens are systematically kidnapped and taken to a strange, rural hospital, run by a mysterious group that needs their blood."
"Vacationing teens are systematically kidnapped and taken to a strange, rural hospital, run by a mysterious group that needs their blood."
A star is born ... or has it just been brought back to life?!?! On this day in 1985 (in France), the audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Market were treated to the theatrical premiere of Re-Animator. Directed by Stuart Gordon and adapted from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, and Bruce Abbott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an odd new medical student arrives on campus, a dedicated local and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue."
For the record:
As well as scoring some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, the original Re-Animator enjoyed two 1986 Saturn Awards nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I sat down for a viewing of Re-Animator three decades after first experiencing it. Interested in knowing what I thought of it after so long? Readers can find my review right here.
"After an odd new medical student arrives on campus, a dedicated local and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue."
For the record:
As well as scoring some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, the original Re-Animator enjoyed two 1986 Saturn Awards nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I sat down for a viewing of Re-Animator three decades after first experiencing it. Interested in knowing what I thought of it after so long? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born ... and this one is animated! On this day in 1985 (in France), Starchaser: The Legend Of Orin enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audienced in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Steven Hahn from a script by Jeffrey Scott, the SciFi/Fantasy starred the voices of Joe Colligan, Carmen Argenziano, and Noelle North. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set on the subterranean Mine-World, a band of human worker are treated like slaves under the power of the evil overlord Zygon until one, Orin, unearths the hilt of a mythical sword that only he can master. Escaping the planet, he runs into the rogue smuggler Dagg and a pair of helpful droids and the princess, who all team up to return to the Mine-World with a plan to defeat Zygon and free Orin's enslaved people."
"Set on the subterranean Mine-World, a band of human worker are treated like slaves under the power of the evil overlord Zygon until one, Orin, unearths the hilt of a mythical sword that only he can master. Escaping the planet, he runs into the rogue smuggler Dagg and a pair of helpful droids and the princess, who all team up to return to the Mine-World with a plan to defeat Zygon and free Orin's enslaved people."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in France), The Quiet Earth enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it premiered for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Screenwriters Bill Baer and Bruno Lawrence adapted Craig Harrison's novel ("The Quiet Earth") for director Geoff Murphy, and the SciFi/Drama starred Alison Routledge, Pete Smith, and Anzac Wallace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man named Zac Hobson awakens to find himself alone in the world. In a desperate attempt to search for others, he finds only two who have their own agenda."
For the record:
While The Quiet Earth quietly enjoyed a modest amount of praise earned from screenings at film festivals, it was a huge hit with the 1987 New Zealand Film And TV Awards. The project took home an incredible eight top honors, including 'Best Screenplay - Adaptation,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
"A man named Zac Hobson awakens to find himself alone in the world. In a desperate attempt to search for others, he finds only two who have their own agenda."
For the record:
While The Quiet Earth quietly enjoyed a modest amount of praise earned from screenings at film festivals, it was a huge hit with the 1987 New Zealand Film And TV Awards. The project took home an incredible eight top honors, including 'Best Screenplay - Adaptation,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
On this day in 1987 (in Spain), From Beyond took audiences onto a trip ... from beyond! Based on a story written by H.P. Lovecraft, the motion picture was directed by Stuart Gordon and starred Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, and Ted Sorel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of scientists have developed the Resonator, a machine which allows whoever is within range to see beyond normal perceptible reality. But when the experiment succeeds, they are immediately attacked by terrible life forms."
For the record:
In 1987, From Beyond received Saturn Award nominations from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A group of scientists have developed the Resonator, a machine which allows whoever is within range to see beyond normal perceptible reality. But when the experiment succeeds, they are immediately attacked by terrible life forms."
For the record:
In 1987, From Beyond received Saturn Award nominations from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1987 (at the Cannes Film Festival of all places), the SciFi/Comedy/Exploitation film Star Slammer premiered. (Sorry, folks, but the US theatrical release date appears lost to history.) The feature starred the lovely Sandy Brooke and Suzy Stokey, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Two women who have been unjustly confined to a prison planet plot their escape, all the while having to put up with lesbian guards, crazed wardens and mutant rodents."
ExtraExtra Alert:
"Two women who have been unjustly confined to a prison planet plot their escape, all the while having to put up with lesbian guards, crazed wardens and mutant rodents."
ExtraExtra Alert:
On this day in 1990, the cheesy sci-fi flick Class of 1999 was released theatrically. Here's the plot summary, compliments of our friends over at IMDB.com:
"Robot teachers have been secretly placed in the schools where the students have run riot. The teachers do a god job of controlling the unruly youngsters, until they go too far and some students get suspicious."
"Robot teachers have been secretly placed in the schools where the students have run riot. The teachers do a god job of controlling the unruly youngsters, until they go too far and some students get suspicious."
On this day in 1989 (in Argentina), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here’s the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in France), Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat enjoyed its silver screen debut for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Anthony Hickox, the Horror/Comedy starred David Carradine, Bruce Campbell, and Morgan Brittany. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Reclusive vampires lounge in a lonely American town. They wear sun cream to protect themselves. A descendant of Van Helsing arrives with hilarious consequences."
Editor's Note:
I've technically been unable to locate Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat's actual premiere date. What I do know is that -- according to IMDB.com -- it was first screen at the Cannes Film Festival in 1989 which took place between May 11 through May 23. Without further specificity, I am choosing to use Cannes' opening date as Sundown's premiere date. Suck it, haters!
"Reclusive vampires lounge in a lonely American town. They wear sun cream to protect themselves. A descendant of Van Helsing arrives with hilarious consequences."
Editor's Note:
I've technically been unable to locate Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat's actual premiere date. What I do know is that -- according to IMDB.com -- it was first screen at the Cannes Film Festival in 1989 which took place between May 11 through May 23. Without further specificity, I am choosing to use Cannes' opening date as Sundown's premiere date. Suck it, haters!
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Canada), Terminal City Ricochet put a satiric spin on SciFi of the near future. Directed by Zale Dalen, the SciFi/Comedy starred Peter Breck, Germain Houde, and Jello Biafra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Welcome to Terminal City, a decaying world where the citizens wallow amidst a mind-boggling profusion of discarded consumer goods; a ruthless world where television is exploited to its fullest to sell yet more needless junk to eager consumers; a bewildering land where the unreal is real and the real, unreal. Alex Stevens is hurled into this bedlam where he finds himself pitted against the maniacal Ross Gilmore, Mayor of Terminal City, and the evil Bruce Coddle, agent of Gilmore's Social Peace Enforcement Unit."
"Welcome to Terminal City, a decaying world where the citizens wallow amidst a mind-boggling profusion of discarded consumer goods; a ruthless world where television is exploited to its fullest to sell yet more needless junk to eager consumers; a bewildering land where the unreal is real and the real, unreal. Alex Stevens is hurled into this bedlam where he finds himself pitted against the maniacal Ross Gilmore, Mayor of Terminal City, and the evil Bruce Coddle, agent of Gilmore's Social Peace Enforcement Unit."
On this day in 2000 (in Germany), Mission To Mars put man on the red planet. 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."
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), audiences took their chances with an exposure to something Biohazardous. Written and directed by Michael J. Hein, the SciFi/Horror starred Sprague Grayden, David Lee Garver, and Katheryn Winnick. According to our friends at Letterboxd.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a small suburban community of Hillsdale NJ, something very strange is happening. Gentech Industries, a research company, has moved their labs and corporate offices to a small, quiet town. Barbed wire fences surround Gentech and no civilians are permitted inside the complex."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Biohazardous scored a few wins while making the rounds on the film festival circuit.
"In a small suburban community of Hillsdale NJ, something very strange is happening. Gentech Industries, a research company, has moved their labs and corporate offices to a small, quiet town. Barbed wire fences surround Gentech and no civilians are permitted inside the complex."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Biohazardous scored a few wins while making the rounds on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2001 (in Japan), Future Shock enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Eric Parkinson, Matt Reeves, and Oley Sassone, the SciFi/Horror starred Vivian Schilling, Martin Kove, and Brion James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Horror anthology about a psychiatrist who uses virtual reality to probe the minds of three unsuspecting patients, a paranoid woman home alone, a meek man with a roommate from hell (Paxton) and a man obsessed with his own death."
For the record:
Not a lot is out there on the web regarding this particular release, but I did find a fairly recent write-up regarding its content on the site Trash Culture Goes To The Movies right here. Enjoy!
"Horror anthology about a psychiatrist who uses virtual reality to probe the minds of three unsuspecting patients, a paranoid woman home alone, a meek man with a roommate from hell (Paxton) and a man obsessed with his own death."
For the record:
Not a lot is out there on the web regarding this particular release, but I did find a fairly recent write-up regarding its content on the site Trash Culture Goes To The Movies right here. Enjoy!
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in Brazil), Jean-Claude Van Damme gave the world of Science Fiction another go with Replicant. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scientists create a genetic clone of a serial killer in order to help catch the killer, teaming up with two cops."
"Scientists create a genetic clone of a serial killer in order to help catch the killer, teaming up with two cops."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), tickets were sold, bon voyages were said, and audiences were sent on a Lost Voyage. Written (in part) and directed by Christian McIntyre, the Fantasy/Horror starred Lance Henriksen, Judd Nelson, and Janet Gunn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Twenty-five years after it vanished into the Bermuda Triangle, the SS Corona Queen mysteriously reappears. Seven people go aboard to learn the truth behind the vessel's disappearance, but they soon learn the ship did not return alone."
"Twenty-five years after it vanished into the Bermuda Triangle, the SS Corona Queen mysteriously reappears. Seven people go aboard to learn the truth behind the vessel's disappearance, but they soon learn the ship did not return alone."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Russia), the Fantasy-themed Minotaur took audiences through a labyrinth of horror. The feature starred Tom Hardy (yes, that Tom Hardy) and Tony Todd, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Long ago in the Iron Age, a shadow loomed over a lonely village. For generations, the village youths are stolen from their families and delivered as sacrifice to a mythical beast - the Minotaur that dwells beneath a great palace. Theo, haunted by the loss of his love in an earlier sacrifice is convinced that the beast isn't real, and that his girl still lives as a slave within the palace. His father, Cyrnan, the village leader, tries to reason with Theo not to go, but Theo is driven by blind rage. He devises a plan and is taken with the other youths who are dragged screaming from their families."
"Long ago in the Iron Age, a shadow loomed over a lonely village. For generations, the village youths are stolen from their families and delivered as sacrifice to a mythical beast - the Minotaur that dwells beneath a great palace. Theo, haunted by the loss of his love in an earlier sacrifice is convinced that the beast isn't real, and that his girl still lives as a slave within the palace. His father, Cyrnan, the village leader, tries to reason with Theo not to go, but Theo is driven by blind rage. He devises a plan and is taken with the other youths who are dragged screaming from their families."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival were treated to the premiere of The Carrington Event. Written (in part) and directed by Rob Underhill, the SciFi/Drama starred Rusty Martin Sr., Katie Garfield, and Chris Marrone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"News of a massive solar flare goes viral. Soon after, the power is out. Phone's dead. Water taps are dry. Radio is static. Days pass with no news, just people getting more crazy. A week later the fight for survival has already begun."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Carrington Event enjoyed a good amount of praise earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"News of a massive solar flare goes viral. Soon after, the power is out. Phone's dead. Water taps are dry. Radio is static. Days pass with no news, just people getting more crazy. A week later the fight for survival has already begun."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Carrington Event enjoyed a good amount of praise earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2016, Einstein's God Model found theatrical release. The feature starred Aaron Graham and Kirby O'Connell, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"For thousands of years, only religion has offered an answer to what happens after death. Science is about to change that. With the help of a physicist, a blind medium, and Thomas Edison's final experiment, Brayden Taylor embarks on a quest to contact the afterlife. For his love to transcend dimensions, he must defy the laws of quantum physics. He must defy the balance nature demands. He must defy ... the God Model."
"For thousands of years, only religion has offered an answer to what happens after death. Science is about to change that. With the help of a physicist, a blind medium, and Thomas Edison's final experiment, Brayden Taylor embarks on a quest to contact the afterlife. For his love to transcend dimensions, he must defy the laws of quantum physics. He must defy the balance nature demands. He must defy ... the God Model."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Spain), Rendezvous enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Bilbao Fantasy Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Guillermo Julián and Román Santiago Pidre, the film starred Natalia de Molina, Alejandro de la Peña, and Iñaki Urrutia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a bleak retrofuture, the powerful Tiger Corp. develops an ambitious project to improve the world. Of course, something goes wrong."
"In a bleak retrofuture, the powerful Tiger Corp. develops an ambitious project to improve the world. Of course, something goes wrong."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in France), audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the big screen theatrical debut of Virtual Revolution (aka 2047: Virtual Revolution). Written and directed by Guy-Roger Duvert, the SciFi/Thriller starred Mike Dopud, Jane Badler, and Jochen Hägele. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future mega city, where most people spend most time hooked up to a virtual world, an agent, employed by a corporation supplying virtual reality, is busy tracking down killers/terrorists, both in the virtual and real world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Virtual Revolution enjoyed a wealth of positive praise -- nominations and big wins -- while making the rounds of the film festival circuit. It is a highly decorated genre release.
"In a future mega city, where most people spend most time hooked up to a virtual world, an agent, employed by a corporation supplying virtual reality, is busy tracking down killers/terrorists, both in the virtual and real world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Virtual Revolution enjoyed a wealth of positive praise -- nominations and big wins -- while making the rounds of the film festival circuit. It is a highly decorated genre release.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Another Version Of You enjoyed its silver screen debut when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Nashville Film Festival. Written and directed by Motke Dapp, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kristopher Wente, C.J. Perry Barnyashev, and Sara Antonio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Diggsy meets a stranger who gives him a key to parallel universes where another version of the girl of his dreams may not only exist, but where one of them could possibly love him back."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Another Version Of You earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Diggsy meets a stranger who gives him a key to parallel universes where another version of the girl of his dreams may not only exist, but where one of them could possibly love him back."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Another Version Of You earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2019 (in Greece), Last Sunrise enjoyed an exhibition for audiences in attendance of the Horrorant Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Wen Ren, the SciFi/Drama starred Sen Yang, Jue Zhang, and Ran Zhang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A future reliant on solar energy falls into chaos after the sun disappears, forcing a reclusive astronomer and his bubbly neighbor out of the city in search of light in the perpetual darkness."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Last Sunrise enjoyed a modest amount of acclaim gleaned from screenings made on the film festival circuit.
"A future reliant on solar energy falls into chaos after the sun disappears, forcing a reclusive astronomer and his bubbly neighbor out of the city in search of light in the perpetual darkness."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Last Sunrise enjoyed a modest amount of acclaim gleaned from screenings made on the film festival circuit.
First airing ever! On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Beyond the Stars." This served as the thirty-first episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A 3-man team visit the Lunar Observatory, isolated from all Earth signals on the Moon's far side, for routine Radio Telescope work. They pass the time during a long sky-mapping session by taping 'A glimpse of lunar life' sound-broadcast. An power fault interrupts and requires a Moon walk to the Radio Telescope. One man is badly injured while returning. Unconscious for days, he responds to the tape-recording and deliriously asks to hear the 'sound from the stars'. His colleagues comply and make an interesting discovery."
"A 3-man team visit the Lunar Observatory, isolated from all Earth signals on the Moon's far side, for routine Radio Telescope work. They pass the time during a long sky-mapping session by taping 'A glimpse of lunar life' sound-broadcast. An power fault interrupts and requires a Moon walk to the Radio Telescope. One man is badly injured while returning. Unconscious for days, he responds to the tape-recording and deliriously asks to hear the 'sound from the stars'. His colleagues comply and make an interesting discovery."
First airing ever! On this day in 1962, The Twilight Zone aired "Young Man's Fancy." This served as the thirty-fourth episode to the long-running program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Newlywed Alex Walker finds himself being pulled back to his childhood and back to his widowed mother in the house where he grew up."
"Newlywed Alex Walker finds himself being pulled back to his childhood and back to his widowed mother in the house where he grew up."
First airing ever! On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Wheel In Space, Part 3." This served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jamie sabotages the Wheel's x-ray laser, unknowingly giving the Cybermen an opportunity to reach the Wheel."
"Jamie sabotages the Wheel's x-ray laser, unknowingly giving the Cybermen an opportunity to reach the Wheel."
First airing ever! On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet of the Spiders: Part 2." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lupton forms an alliance with the spider to steal the Doctor's blue crystal, while Sarah and Mike attempt to alert people to what they've seen."
"Lupton forms an alliance with the spider to steal the Doctor's blue crystal, while Sarah and Mike attempt to alert people to what they've seen."
On this day in 1986, Amazing Stories aired "One For The Books." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An elderly college janitor amazes himself, his wife and the scientific community when his brain turns into a sponge that soaks up more and more incredible knowledge of every subject taught at the school - until a shocking event changes everything."
"An elderly college janitor amazes himself, his wife and the scientific community when his brain turns into a sponge that soaks up more and more incredible knowledge of every subject taught at the school - until a shocking event changes everything."
First airing ever! On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Host." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Crusher falls for someone who's not at all what she expects him to be."
"Dr. Crusher falls for someone who's not at all what she expects him to be."
First airing ever! On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "By Any Means Necessary." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While the station's dock workers stage an illegal strike, G'Kar tries to hold a Narn religious ceremony, but Londo holds the plant he needs and won't relinquish it."
"While the station's dock workers stage an illegal strike, G'Kar tries to hold a Narn religious ceremony, but Londo holds the plant he needs and won't relinquish it."
On this day in 1997, television audiences were treated to yet one more adaptation of Jules Verne's SciFi/Fantasy epic 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 1886, when New England's fishing harbours are the scene for a "creature of unknown origin" destroying ships at sea. It is the job of Professor Pierre Arronax, a marine expert, and Ned Land, the iron-willed sailor, to learn the truth of the "monster" roaming the seas. The great novelist, Jules Verne, described this perilous journey to the darkest depths of the sea with Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus."
"The year is 1886, when New England's fishing harbours are the scene for a "creature of unknown origin" destroying ships at sea. It is the job of Professor Pierre Arronax, a marine expert, and Ned Land, the iron-willed sailor, to learn the truth of the "monster" roaming the seas. The great novelist, Jules Verne, described this perilous journey to the darkest depths of the sea with Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus."
On this day in 1997, Tarzan: The Epic Adventures aired "Tarzan And The Shadow Of Anger." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast history, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Young shaman in training botches a magic ritual that turns Tarzan's rage into a separate demonic entity that haunts him. Meanwhile, the village teacher clashes with Tarzan over whether or not the boy should be thought Western education."
"Young shaman in training botches a magic ritual that turns Tarzan's rage into a separate demonic entity that haunts him. Meanwhile, the village teacher clashes with Tarzan over whether or not the boy should be thought Western education."
First airing ever! On this day in 1997, The X-Files aired "Demons." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Covered in blood and suffering from amnesia, Mulder pieces together the events of the last few days, but the trail leads to a double murder that appears to have been committed with Mulder's weapon."
"Covered in blood and suffering from amnesia, Mulder pieces together the events of the last few days, but the trail leads to a double murder that appears to have been committed with Mulder's weapon."
First airing ever! On this day in 2000, Charmed aired "Apocalypse, Not." 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:
"San Francisco is in a chaotic situation, with riots everywhere. Piper and Leo find a mysterious man in the middle of the confusion, who vanishes when they chase him. Later, the Halliwell sisters prepare a spell assuming that they have to vanquish an Anarchy Demon, but they find that the man has three mates and they actually are the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: War, Death, Famine and Strife. When they cast the spell in an alley, Prue and War disappears. Then Phoebe and Piper join to the three other horsemen trying to bring Prue and War back. But the sisters feel that they are making a mistake and they take the heartbreaking decision of sacrificing Prue for the good of mankind."
"San Francisco is in a chaotic situation, with riots everywhere. Piper and Leo find a mysterious man in the middle of the confusion, who vanishes when they chase him. Later, the Halliwell sisters prepare a spell assuming that they have to vanquish an Anarchy Demon, but they find that the man has three mates and they actually are the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: War, Death, Famine and Strife. When they cast the spell in an alley, Prue and War disappears. Then Phoebe and Piper join to the three other horsemen trying to bring Prue and War back. But the sisters feel that they are making a mistake and they take the heartbreaking decision of sacrificing Prue for the good of mankind."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), So Weird aired "Meow." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the So Weird Wiki:
"Whilst traveling, Annie and the gang visit an old friend in Cairo, where she encounters a cat who wants to be with its Egyptian Princess."
"Whilst traveling, Annie and the gang visit an old friend in Cairo, where she encounters a cat who wants to be with its Egyptian Princess."
First airing ever! On this day in 2002, Mutant X aired "Deadly Desire." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team tries to stop Eckhart from acquiring a rare element. But a thief gets it. The woman who has the ability to make men fall in love with her sets her sights on Brennan. She makes him fall for her and he leaves the team to be with her. Adam suspects she has the abilities of a scorpion who in addition to making men fell for her, kills them after she's done with them. Adam has to find a way to break her control over him."
"The team tries to stop Eckhart from acquiring a rare element. But a thief gets it. The woman who has the ability to make men fall in love with her sets her sights on Brennan. She makes him fall for her and he leaves the team to be with her. Adam suspects she has the abilities of a scorpion who in addition to making men fell for her, kills them after she's done with them. Adam has to find a way to break her control over him."
On this day in 2005, Smallville aired "Forever." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the last day of Smallville High before graduation, the emotionally disturbed and frustrated photographer of the Torch, Brendan Nash, feels rejected by the Universities and decides to abduct some schoolmates to stay with him forever in a replica of the school. He uses his power of 'Medusa Touch' of turning people into stone by mere touch, and brings Lana, Chloe, and other successful schoolmates to the place. While Clark teams up with the nosy Lois to find the other students, he also talks with Jonathan and Martha over his college choices after graduation. Meanwhile, Genevieve and Jason Teague kidnap Lionel and Lex Luthor and hold them hostage in a remote mountain cabin and torture both of them to try to retrieve the second mystical stone that Lionel took from them."
"On the last day of Smallville High before graduation, the emotionally disturbed and frustrated photographer of the Torch, Brendan Nash, feels rejected by the Universities and decides to abduct some schoolmates to stay with him forever in a replica of the school. He uses his power of 'Medusa Touch' of turning people into stone by mere touch, and brings Lana, Chloe, and other successful schoolmates to the place. While Clark teams up with the nosy Lois to find the other students, he also talks with Jonathan and Martha over his college choices after graduation. Meanwhile, Genevieve and Jason Teague kidnap Lionel and Lex Luthor and hold them hostage in a remote mountain cabin and torture both of them to try to retrieve the second mystical stone that Lionel took from them."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: Atlantis aired "The Game." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Atlantis team finds a program in the Atlantis database which throws Mckay and Sheppard into a Simsesque game that could destroy two civilizations in the Pegasus Galaxy."
"The Atlantis team finds a program in the Atlantis database which throws Mckay and Sheppard into a Simsesque game that could destroy two civilizations in the Pegasus Galaxy."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Bounty" as the fifteenth episode of the long-running program's tenth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After SG-1 successfully destroys a major shipment of corn, the Lucian Alliance leader Netan puts a bounty on them. With some time off, the members of SG-1 pursue their own interests. Sam is giving a lecture at a conference, Daniel is conducting research, Teal'c is off-world with the Jaffa and Mitchell attends a high school reunion with Vala in tow. Daniel and Sam escape their pursuers without injury and Teal'c is wounded. Vala is having good time, learning more about Mitchell and meeting Amy Vandenberg, the woman he never had the nerve to ask out when they were in high school. After Mitchell is taken prisoner, SG-1 soon arrives to help out their colleagues."
"After SG-1 successfully destroys a major shipment of corn, the Lucian Alliance leader Netan puts a bounty on them. With some time off, the members of SG-1 pursue their own interests. Sam is giving a lecture at a conference, Daniel is conducting research, Teal'c is off-world with the Jaffa and Mitchell attends a high school reunion with Vala in tow. Daniel and Sam escape their pursuers without injury and Teal'c is wounded. Vala is having good time, learning more about Mitchell and meeting Amy Vandenberg, the woman he never had the nerve to ask out when they were in high school. After Mitchell is taken prisoner, SG-1 soon arrives to help out their colleagues."
First airing ever! On this day in 2013, the BBC's Orphan Black aired "Parts Developed In An Unusual Manner." This was the seventh episode to the popular program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"With Paul missing, Sarah is forced to confront the conspiracy head on. But when Paul learns Sarah has kept essential information from him, the fragile trust between them threatens to shatter. Meanwhile, Cosima grows closer to Delphine and the dangerously fascinating Dr. Leekie."
"With Paul missing, Sarah is forced to confront the conspiracy head on. But when Paul learns Sarah has kept essential information from him, the fragile trust between them threatens to shatter. Meanwhile, Cosima grows closer to Delphine and the dangerously fascinating Dr. Leekie."
First airing ever! On this day in 2013, Doctor Who aired "Nightmare In Silver." This served as the thirteenth episode to the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Hedgewick's World of Wonders was once the greatest theme park in the galaxy, but it's now the dilapidated home to a shabby showman, a chess playing dwarf and a dysfunctional army platoon. When the Doctor, Clara, Artie and Angie arrive, the last thing they expect is the re-emergence of one of the Doctor's oldest foes. The Cybermen are back!"
"Hedgewick's World of Wonders was once the greatest theme park in the galaxy, but it's now the dilapidated home to a shabby showman, a chess playing dwarf and a dysfunctional army platoon. When the Doctor, Clara, Artie and Angie arrive, the last thing they expect is the re-emergence of one of the Doctor's oldest foes. The Cybermen are back!"
