Preserving history as we do here on SciFiHistory.Net is tricky business largely because there will be times when folks from the past just have escaped into obscurity. Largely this means that we only have scraps of information to go on, and occasionally we'll be unable to locate so much as a picture.
In any event, William Gilbert was an author who was mildly renowned for his fantasy stories during the second half of the 1800's, and we wanted to mention him in this space today. Though he's no longer with us, Gilbert was born on this day in 1804.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Encyclopedia Of Fantasy]
In any event, William Gilbert was an author who was mildly renowned for his fantasy stories during the second half of the 1800's, and we wanted to mention him in this space today. Though he's no longer with us, Gilbert was born on this day in 1804.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Encyclopedia Of Fantasy]
Preserving history as we do here on SciFiHistory.Net is tricky business largely because there will be times when folks from the past just have escaped into obscurity. Largely this means that we only have scraps of information to go on, and occasionally we'll be unable to locate so much as a picture.
I've read enough about 18th century Science Fiction to know that an awful lot of it exploring Utopian ideas within the framework of fiction, sometimes depicting a future society that finally got its act together or taking readers to another place in the galaxy wherein that alien society adopted more of a socialist living model. It looks like that's the case with author Robert D. Blaine's singular work, "Messages From Mars By Aid Of The Telescope Plant." Though he's no longer with us, Braine was born on this day in 1861.
[Source: The Encyclopedia Of Science Fiction]
I've read enough about 18th century Science Fiction to know that an awful lot of it exploring Utopian ideas within the framework of fiction, sometimes depicting a future society that finally got its act together or taking readers to another place in the galaxy wherein that alien society adopted more of a socialist living model. It looks like that's the case with author Robert D. Blaine's singular work, "Messages From Mars By Aid Of The Telescope Plant." Though he's no longer with us, Braine was born on this day in 1861.
[Source: The Encyclopedia Of Science Fiction]
Alas, some of us aren't long for this world, and such was the case with Fantasy author Margaret Horton Potter. But her thirty years gave her the chance to explore an opportunity to weave a bit of tapestry, including "Uncanonized" (a tale involving King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table ... or did it?) and "Istar Of Babylon" (a tale involving the goddess Aphrodite who is given the chance at a mortal life). Sadly, alcohol and drugs consumed much of her last years. Though she's no longer with us, Potter was born on this day in 1881.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
John Emery and crew were some of the very first onscreen to explore the Final Frontier for their work aboard Rocketship X-M (1950) for Lippert Pictures. Not long after that, he was one of the principles aboard Kronos (1957), the SciFi/Horror that promised an alien invasion of Earth. Lastly, I think it bears mentioning that only his second screen role -- back in 1941 -- saw him dabbling in genre projects early with a small role in the fondly remembered Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Though he's no longer with us, Emery was born on this day in 1905.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of Rocketship X-M from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of Rocketship X-M from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find them right here.
Though he's arguably remembered for much more mainstream fare, the late and great Jimmy Stewart headlined one of the most important theatrical Fantasies of the 20th Century when he brought his talent to It's A Wonderful Life (1946) for Liberty Films. Though he's no longer with us, Stewart was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ach! Reducing a man's life to a mere post in SciFiHistory.Net is never easy ... and it's especially difficult when considering the life of author and comic book storyteller Gardner F. Fox. In short, he's responsible for (allegedly) the stories for over 4,000 comic books and over 150 novels. Though I'm certainly no expert on the man's work, I think it's fair to say that -- in many respects -- he wrote manly reads for manly men. He's recognized as the co-creator (for DC Comics) of The Flash and Hawkman. But he leaves behind a massive, massive contribution to storytelling from the Golden and Silver Age of comic books as well as the age of pulp in publishing that deserves to be rediscovered. Though he's no longer with us, Fox was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Hedison is another one of those faces you recognize from genre work yet might not know his name. He's enjoyed a fabulous career which includes contributions to The Fly (1958), The Lost World (1960), Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Journey To The Unknown, The Cat Creature (1973), Wonder Woman, Project U.F.O., Knight Rider, and Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001). Hedison was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
His time with the U.S. Armed Forces saw James McEachin earning both a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Eventually, Hollywood called the man into an entirely different kind of service. A veteran of well over one hundred productions, McEachin can be seen representing genre work -- with distinction -- in such projects as The Wild Wild West, The Dead Don't Die (1975), The Invisible Man, The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. McEachin was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Vera Fusek appeared as no less than the President of the Earth aboard "Frontier in Space," an early 1970's era serial of the BBC's Doctor Who. Fusek was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Soap opera veteran Constance Towers enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "The Forsaken" in 1993. As far as SciFi goes, she's also appeared aboard Tales of Tomorrow, The Outer Limits, The 4400, and Hulu's adaptation of Stephen King's 11.22.63. Towers was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I realize that Star Trek: Insurrection probably wasn't anybody's favorite of The Next Generation string of movies, but I thought it was all well and good, albeit not nearly as incomprehensible as Nemesis. In Insurrection, the great Anthony Zerbe played a senior Starfleet officer who was caught between doing what was right and what was needed for the Federation, and it was great to see what his gravitas (as a creative talent) added to the role. Zerbe was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Joan Staley caught early man's eye with her work aboard the SciFi/Fantasy Valley Of The Dragons (1961). She also enjoyed a pair of appearances aboard the late 1960's Batman series. Staley was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Jon Amiel certainly knows a thing or two about taking audiences on a wild ride. After a decade or two spent in more traditional fare, the storyteller 'cut his teeth' in the world of genre entertainment by delving well beneath the surface of our world in the SciFi/Thriller The Core (2003) for Paramount Pictures. Since then, he's continued on his creative trek with helming episodes of such popular franchises as Once Upon A Time, Hemlock Grove, Carnival Row, American Gods, and The Walking Dead. Amiel was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
IMDB.com reports that James Staley rather happily retired from the entertainment business in the 1990's, but -- wowza -- did the guy build an impressive career. He appeared in an incredible seventy-four different screen roles, and several of them definitely caught the interest of SciFi and Fantasy fans. To name a few? How about Wonder Woman, Mork & Mindy, Firefox (1982), The Stepford Children (1987), Robot Wars (1993), or The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr? Staley was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I don't know this for certain, I'm willing to guess that singer/songwriter/actress Jane Wiedlin (of The GoGo's) has a curious fascination with Science Fiction. For starters, she's had small roles in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home; and -- to top it off -- she has a comic book property (which is also a rock opera) named Lady Robotika to her name. Wiedlin was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1989, Matt McCoy had a role in the SciFi cult flick Deepstar Six, and that was the same year he turned up in a guest-starring role aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation as Devinoni Ral. McCoy was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Bronson Pinchot brought his particular brand of lunacy to his portrayal of 'The Prankster' aboard the popular Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Pinchot was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When it comes to Star Trek: Enterprise, I just didn't much care for the program. As I've said many times, I thought going back to that time period was genius; I just didn't like the stories that the writers came up with. However, I did enjoy the work that the talented cast brought to the program each week, and one of those regulars was John Billingsley. As Dr. Phlox, he brought a level of alien admiration to the role of dispensing medicine that only John could. Billingsley was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Tony Goldwyn took a break from running the United States on ABC TV's popular soap opera serial Scandal in order to play father to Shailene Woodley in 2014's Divergent. Goldwyn was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fate of Owen Teale's character on Game Of Thrones was pretty much sealed when he decided to take a position opposite of that of show regular Jon Snow. (But aren't they all?) The actor's resume also includes memorable work aboard Doctor Who and Torchwood. Teale was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her acting career, a young Gina Ravera had a guest role aboard the Star Trek: The Next Generation seventh season mind-trip, "Phantasms," which has gone on to be revered as one of the weirder adventures in all of Trekdom. (It's the one where Data dreams that Counselor Troi is a cake.) Ravera was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It isn't all that often that you ladies get on the bridge of the Enterprise-E (shame on you, you sexist, Capt. Picard!), so when you do we gotta celebrate! So -- with said equality in mind -- go get 'em, Stephanie Niznik! She was seen briefly in Star Trek: Insurrection (all too briefly, I might add), but she's also found work aboard Star Trek: Enterprise as well as ABC TV's Lost. Though she's no longer with us, Niznik was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For whatever reason, SciFi rarely lures an actor of Timothy Olyphant's status. He's stuck to either more period or mainstream fare, but let's hope down the road he comes over to our side of the creative universe in some high profile projects. Olyphant was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Let me introduce you to DonnaMarie Recco ... 'cause she can fix what ails you. Not only is she a model. Not only is she an actress. She's also a registered nurse! (Ok, ok, let's dial back all of the 'let's play doctor' jokes, people.) Genre fans have gotten to know her better from her work aboard Star Trek: Enterprise and SpaceDisco One. Recco was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As part of the cast to Syfy's new-fangled Battlestar Galactica, character actor Tahmoh Penikett did a great job trying to balance out the demands of living a regular life aboard a starship with that of serving in what remained of that universe's military. Penikett was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Danish beauty Trine Christensen has really gone all-in on the entertainment industry as she's proven a successful stuntwoman, actress, and producer. Genre fans might recognize her from her appearances aboard AMC's Preacher during its run on the network. Christensen was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from New York City, award-nominated actress Angela Goethals has a solid track record in mainstream fare, but her genre credentials are reasonably slim. Fans might recognize her best from her work aboard Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon, a Horror/Comedy from Glen Echo Entertainment. Goethals was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMBD.com]
[Source: IMBD.com]
Gilmore Girls' alumnus Matt Czuchry has dabbled in Science Fiction with a guest role aboard Jake 2.0 and a guest voice-role aboard the Justice League Unlimited animated series. Czuchry was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oft-decorated director Mike Flanagan has an incredible track record in the world of genre entertainment. He's been behind such properties as Absentia (2011), Oculus (2013), Hush (2016), Before I Wake (2016), Ouija: Origin Of Evil (2016), Gerald's Game (2017), The Haunting Of Hill House, Doctor Sleep (2019), The Haunting Of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club, and The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Flanagan was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
German-born Jana Pallaske's Hollywood clout didn't exactly go zero-to-sixty for her work aboard The Wachowski's poorly-received adaptation of Speed Racer (2008), a shame 'cause I found the film quite fun. Pallaske was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daya Vaidya dipped into the world of Fantasy with a recurring role aboard The CW's Superman & Lois. Vaidya was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Candace Bailey braved the Apocalypse that was CBS's Jericho for sixteen episodes. Since then, she's popped up here and there in guest starring roles and has even committed voice work to Cartoon Network's Robot Chicken. Bailey was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Michaela McManus sacrificed all of that dreaminess in order to appear as a villainous Krill aboard Fox TV's The Orville. No stranger to genre work, she's also visited the worlds of The Vampire Diaries, Awake, and The Magicians. McManus was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chad Connell continues to find employment in genre projects and beyond. Fans might recognize the actor from stints in such entities as Nature Of The Beast (2007), ReGenesis, Warehouse 13, Lost Girl, The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones (2013), Beauty And The Beast, Good Witch, and Shadowhunters. Connell was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kim Shaw raised a little ruckus in the world of genre entertainment with a recurring role aboard the short-lived Them for Amazon Prime Video. Shaw was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, I hate sounding like a prude, but at least actor Robert Emms had the decency to keep his shirt on whilst posing for publicity photos for his stint aboard Atlantis. The acclaimed actor's resume also boasts appearances in Kick-Ass 2 (2013), His Dark Materials, and War Of The Worlds. Emms was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Following in dear ol' dad's footsteps -- or is that splitkicks? -- Kris Van Damme (sometimes under the name of Kristopher Van Varenberg) has made his way to the silver screen in such SciFi/Fantasy epics as Universal Soldier (1992), Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009), and Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning (2012). Van Damme was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Josh O'Connor enjoyed a trip through time and space aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. O'Connor was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In practically no time at all, young Jack Gleeson seamlessly morphed into the king everyone loved to hate aboard HBO's Game Of Thrones. My understanding is that at this point the young Thespian has retired from acting, though IMDB.com does show that he has worked since leaving the HBO project. Gleeson was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2014 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Gleeson enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor In A Television Series.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2014 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Gleeson enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor In A Television Series.'
On this day in 1935 (in Sweden), Night Life Of The Gods gave audiences a look behind the ultimate curtain. Directed by Lowell Sherman from a story by Thorne Smith and Barry Trivers, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Alan Mowbray, Florine McKinney, Peggy Shannon, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist named Hunter Hawk invents a device that can turn flesh to stone. While celebrating his discovery he becomes involved with a half naked leprechaun. On a trip to New York, Hunter and Meg (the leprechaun) decide to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and turn all of the Statues of Greek Gods into people. What follows in a drunken romp around New York with Medusa's severed head still in Perseus' hand."
For the record:
For folks who enjoy this kind of trivia, Night Life Of The Gods was adapted from the Thorne Smith novel, "The Night Life Of The Gods." Screenwriter Barry Trivers crafted the screenplay.
"A scientist named Hunter Hawk invents a device that can turn flesh to stone. While celebrating his discovery he becomes involved with a half naked leprechaun. On a trip to New York, Hunter and Meg (the leprechaun) decide to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and turn all of the Statues of Greek Gods into people. What follows in a drunken romp around New York with Medusa's severed head still in Perseus' hand."
For the record:
For folks who enjoy this kind of trivia, Night Life Of The Gods was adapted from the Thorne Smith novel, "The Night Life Of The Gods." Screenwriter Barry Trivers crafted the screenplay.
On this day in 1936 (in Hungary), adventure and Fantasy collided on the silver screen with the theatrical release of She. Screenwriters Ruth Rose and Dudley Nichols handled the writing duties, and Lansing C. Holden and Irving Pichel shared the director's chair. The Fantasy/Adventure starred Helen Gahagan, Randolph Scott, Helen Mack, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Leo Vincey, told by his dying uncle of a lost land visited 500 years ago by his ancestor, heads out with family friend Horace Holly to try to discover the land and its secret of immortality, said to be contained within a mystic fire. Picking up Tanya, a guide's daughter, in the frozen Russian arctic, they stumble upon Kor, revealed to be a hidden civilization ruled over by an immortal queen, called She, who believes Vincey is her long-lost lover John Vincey, Leo's ancestor."
For the record:
At the 1938 Academy Awards, She enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Dance Direction.' It also bears mentioning that the 2007 Kino Lorber 2-disc special release of the film -- along with its supplementary features -- enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
"Leo Vincey, told by his dying uncle of a lost land visited 500 years ago by his ancestor, heads out with family friend Horace Holly to try to discover the land and its secret of immortality, said to be contained within a mystic fire. Picking up Tanya, a guide's daughter, in the frozen Russian arctic, they stumble upon Kor, revealed to be a hidden civilization ruled over by an immortal queen, called She, who believes Vincey is her long-lost lover John Vincey, Leo's ancestor."
For the record:
At the 1938 Academy Awards, She enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Dance Direction.' It also bears mentioning that the 2007 Kino Lorber 2-disc special release of the film -- along with its supplementary features -- enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1960 (in West Germany), audiences were caught up in a cinematic web with the theatrical release of Earth Vs. The Spider. Written (in part) and directed by Bert I. Gordon, the Fantasy/Horror starred Ed Kemmer, June Kenney, Eugene Persson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Teenagers from a rural community and their high school science teacher join forces to battle a giant mutant spider."
"Teenagers from a rural community and their high school science teacher join forces to battle a giant mutant spider."
A star is born!
Oh, be still my beating heart! On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), Invasion Of The Star Creatures enjoyed its very, very, very limited theatrical release. (Actually, IMDB.com shows this day in history as the film's only theatrical exhibition ever!) Directed by Bruno VeSota from a story by Jonathan Haze, the feature starred Robert Ball, Gloria Victor, Frank Ray Perilli, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pair of comical soldiers investigate a mysterious crater in an atomic detonation area and discover several beautiful alien vixens who plan to conquer the world using an army of vegetable monsters."
"A pair of comical soldiers investigate a mysterious crater in an atomic detonation area and discover several beautiful alien vixens who plan to conquer the world using an army of vegetable monsters."
A star is born!
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), The Maniac turned up the heat -- dangerously so -- with its silver screen release. Directed by Michael Carreras from a story by Jimmy Sangster, the film starred Kerwin Matthews, Nadia Gray, Liliane Brousse, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American painter has an affair with a bar owner in a French village. To free her from her marriage, the painter must help the estranged husband escape from an asylum."
"An American painter has an affair with a bar owner in a French village. To free her from her marriage, the painter must help the estranged husband escape from an asylum."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Evil Eye opened up, winking its dastardly evil everywhere. Written (in part) and directed by Mario Bava, the Horror/Thriller starred John Saxon, Valentina Cortese, Letícia Román, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mystery novel-loving American tourist witnesses a murder in Rome, and soon finds herself and her suitor caught up in a series of killings."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, The Evil Eye took home top honors as it was included with an all-new release -- The Mario Bava Collection -- which was considered the 'Best DVD Collection' that year.
"A mystery novel-loving American tourist witnesses a murder in Rome, and soon finds herself and her suitor caught up in a series of killings."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, The Evil Eye took home top honors as it was included with an all-new release -- The Mario Bava Collection -- which was considered the 'Best DVD Collection' that year.
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Human Vapor condensed theatrically. Directed by famed Ishirô Honda, this Japanese-language SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Tatsuya Mihashi and Kaoru Yachigusa, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A librarian is subject to a scientific experiment which goes wrong and transforms him into 'The Human Vapour'. He uses his new ability to rob banks to fund the career of his girlfriend, a beautiful dancer. The Human Vapour is ruthless in his quest for money and kills anyone who stands in his way, especially police. He soon becomes Tokyo's most wanted criminal. Can he be stopped before he kills again?"
"A librarian is subject to a scientific experiment which goes wrong and transforms him into 'The Human Vapour'. He uses his new ability to rob banks to fund the career of his girlfriend, a beautiful dancer. The Human Vapour is ruthless in his quest for money and kills anyone who stands in his way, especially police. He soon becomes Tokyo's most wanted criminal. Can he be stopped before he kills again?"
A star is born!
On this day in 1967 (in Japan), The Shuttered Room saw a bit of murder being traced to some curious circumstances. Directed by David Greene and based on a novel from H.P. Lovecraft, the Horror starred Gig Young, Carol Lynley, Oliver Reed, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a small island off the American coast, the Whateleys live in an old mill where a mysterious bloody being creates an atmosphere of horror. After her parents get killed by lightning, young Susannah is sent to New York by her aunt Agatha, who wants her to avoid the family curse. Years later, Susannah Whately Kelton (Carol Lynley), now married, persuades her husband to spend a vacation in the abandoned mill. Once on the island, Susannah and Mike Kelton (Gig Young) soon find themselves exposed to the hostility of a gang of thugs led by Ethan (Oliver Reed), Susannah's brutal cousin."
"In a small island off the American coast, the Whateleys live in an old mill where a mysterious bloody being creates an atmosphere of horror. After her parents get killed by lightning, young Susannah is sent to New York by her aunt Agatha, who wants her to avoid the family curse. Years later, Susannah Whately Kelton (Carol Lynley), now married, persuades her husband to spend a vacation in the abandoned mill. Once on the island, Susannah and Mike Kelton (Gig Young) soon find themselves exposed to the hostility of a gang of thugs led by Ethan (Oliver Reed), Susannah's brutal cousin."
A star is born!
On this day in 1970 (in France), The Nude Vampire enjoyed its first theatrical release of record. Written (in part) and directed by Jean Rollin, the Horror film starred Caroline Cartier, Olivier Rollin, Ursule Pauly, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man falls in love with a beautiful woman being chased by sinister masked figures at night. He tries to track her down, and learns she's being held captive by his father and colleagues who believe she's a vampire."
"A young man falls in love with a beautiful woman being chased by sinister masked figures at night. He tries to track her down, and learns she's being held captive by his father and colleagues who believe she's a vampire."
A star is born!
On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), Moonchild enjoyed its silver screen theatrical premiere for the folks of Norfolk, Virginia. Written and directed by Alan Gadney, the SciFi/Horror starred Victor Buono, John Carradine, William Challee, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young artists spends the night at a mysterious inn, where he meets a group of strange, sullen people, among them the innkeeper's beautiful daughter. What he doesn't know is that he has wandered into a kind of spiritual void, and the inn's residents are engaging in a battle over his soul."
"A young artists spends the night at a mysterious inn, where he meets a group of strange, sullen people, among them the innkeeper's beautiful daughter. What he doesn't know is that he has wandered into a kind of spiritual void, and the inn's residents are engaging in a battle over his soul."
On this day in 1974 (in Sweden), the diabolical Superbeast sprang from the imagination of writer/director George Schenck. The monster movie starred Antoinette Bower, Craig Littler, and Harry Lauter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A doctor finds a jungle laboratory, complete with mad scientist and genetic engineering experiments."
"A doctor finds a jungle laboratory, complete with mad scientist and genetic engineering experiments."
On this day in 1977 (in Denmark), Tentacles surfaced ... well, theatrically, of course. Directed by Ovidio G. Assonitis from a story by Jerome Max, Tito Carpi, and Steven W. Carabatsos, the Fantasy feature starred John Huston, Shelley Winters, Bo Hopkins, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mutated giant octopus wreaks havoc on a California seaside community."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new home video release of Tentacles (1977) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A mutated giant octopus wreaks havoc on a California seaside community."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new home video release of Tentacles (1977) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the theatrical premiere of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Directed by Irvin Kershner from a story by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1981 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Hell Night. Directed by Tom DeSimone from a story by Randy Feldman, the Horror starred Linda Blair, Vincent Van Patten, Peter Barton, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four college fraternity and sorority pledges spend the night in a deserted old mansion as part of a hazing ritual during hell night, where they are stalked by the only survivor of a family massacre from the mansion's sordid past."
For the record:
"Four college fraternity and sorority pledges spend the night in a deserted old mansion as part of a hazing ritual during hell night, where they are stalked by the only survivor of a family massacre from the mansion's sordid past."
For the record:
- To the film's credit, Hell Night earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
- Alas, Hell Night was not all good news: actress Linda Blair received a 1982 Razzie Awards nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress.'
On this day in 1982 (in Brazil), Snake Plissken saved the day but ruined one President's political future with the big screen release of Escape From New York. Directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kurt Russell, Isaac Hayes, and Adrienne Barbeau; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1983 (in Finland), Megaforce roared onto the silver screen. Directed by legendary Hollywood stuntman-turned-director Hal Needham, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck, and Persisi Khambatta. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for SciFi/Actioner:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
At the 1983 ceremoney for the Razzie Awards, Megaforce achieved a measure of notoriety with nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
At the 1983 ceremoney for the Razzie Awards, Megaforce achieved a measure of notoriety with nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1983 (in Spain), audiences were chilled and thrilled with the release of Panic Beats. Written (in part), directed by, and starring Paul Naschy, this Horror film also starred Julia Saly, Lola Gaos, Manuel Zarzo, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man moves his ailing wife to his family's ancestral house for a period of recovery. Things are not what they seem to be, when the wife becomes plagued with terrifying visions, which begin to worsen her ailment."
"A man moves his ailing wife to his family's ancestral house for a period of recovery. Things are not what they seem to be, when the wife becomes plagued with terrifying visions, which begin to worsen her ailment."
A star is born!
I have absolutely no problem admitting my love for some of the cheesiest SciFi movies ever made, and -- in that spirit -- I know that Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone is not a very good movie. That, however, doesn't concern me. It's perfect camp. Directed by Lamont Johnson from a story by Stewart Harding, Jean LaFleur, David Preston, Edith Rey, Daniel Goldberg, and Len Blum, the film starred Peter Strauss, Michael Ironside, Ernie Hudson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
A star is born!
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), The Mystic Warrior leapt into action with the telefilm's broadcast television premiere. Directed by Richard T. Heffron from a story by Ruth Beebe Hill and Jeb Rosebrook, the project starred Robert Beltran, Devon Ericson, Victoria Racimo, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Saga about a proud band of Sioux Indians, and the efforts of one brave to save his people from destruction through the use of mysterious powers handed down by ancestors."
For the record:
At the 1984 Primetime Emmys, The Mystic Warrior earned four nominations across multiple categories but only went home that evening with a trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Hairstyling.'
"Saga about a proud band of Sioux Indians, and the efforts of one brave to save his people from destruction through the use of mysterious powers handed down by ancestors."
For the record:
At the 1984 Primetime Emmys, The Mystic Warrior earned four nominations across multiple categories but only went home that evening with a trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Hairstyling.'
A star is born!
Those of us who've been around at least as I have know all too well how SciFi has had to embrace a fair amount of 'cheese' in order to have the longevity it has -- cheesy stories, cheesy special effects, and even just plain old cheese (aka voluptuous skin and bones). For a certain generation, there was no better 'cheese' than the lovely Traci Lords. Those of you interested can Google and/or Wiki the woman's legend; it's the stuff red-blooded American males are made of! Anyway, Ms. Lords has had a dubious flirtatious with legitimate pictures throughout the years, and she even dabbled in our territory.
In any event ... it was on this day back in 1988 (in the U.S.) that Not Of This Earth enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the film starred Traci Lords, Arthur Roberts, Rebecca Perle, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A nurse is assigned to help a strange man requiring regular blood transfusions at his home. He is really an alien checking out humans for harvesting their blood, since his race is dying out because of intergalactic nuclear wars. An assistant joins him as the final studies of blood are being completed, but the nurse, her boyfriend, and a local doctor begin figuring it out and resist."
In any event ... it was on this day back in 1988 (in the U.S.) that Not Of This Earth enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the film starred Traci Lords, Arthur Roberts, Rebecca Perle, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A nurse is assigned to help a strange man requiring regular blood transfusions at his home. He is really an alien checking out humans for harvesting their blood, since his race is dying out because of intergalactic nuclear wars. An assistant joins him as the final studies of blood are being completed, but the nurse, her boyfriend, and a local doctor begin figuring it out and resist."
A star is born!
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), George Lucas promised audiences another big franchise -- ouch! -- with the silver screen release of Willow. Directed by Ron Howard with a story by George Lucas and Bob Dolman, the Fantasy film starred Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis, Joanne Whalley, and others. According to our friends, here's the plot summary:
"A young farmer is chosen to undertake a perilous journey in order to protect a special baby from an evil queen."
For the record:
I have a vague recollection of dubbing this thing as 'Wallow' with a few of my friends, as we were less than amazed with the effort. Still, Willow has its fans. At the 1989 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed two nominations in technical categories yet failed to take home any trophies. At the 1990 Saturn Awards, the crew did take home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' Also, Willow enjoyed a nomination from the Hugo Awards for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A young farmer is chosen to undertake a perilous journey in order to protect a special baby from an evil queen."
For the record:
I have a vague recollection of dubbing this thing as 'Wallow' with a few of my friends, as we were less than amazed with the effort. Still, Willow has its fans. At the 1989 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed two nominations in technical categories yet failed to take home any trophies. At the 1990 Saturn Awards, the crew did take home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' Also, Willow enjoyed a nomination from the Hugo Awards for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1992 (in France), a quick trip through time had one man fighting for his very survival with the theatrical release of Freejack. Directed by Geoff Murphy from a story by Robert Sheckley, Steven Pressfield, Ronald Shusett, and Dan Gilroy, the film starred Emilio Estevez, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, and others. Here's the summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1994 (in Japan), the winds were a'blowing with the home video release of Slipstream. Directed by Steven Lisberger (the writer/director for the original SciFi/Classic Tron), the feature starred Bob Peck, Mark Hamill, and Bill Paxton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, where Earth has been devastated by natural disasters, and giant winds rule the planet, bounty hunter Matt kidnaps a murderer out of the hands of two police officers, planning to get the bounty himself. These in turn try to hunt the two men down."
Editor's Note:
Slipstream is one of those B-Films that folks tend to love or hate (there's very little middleground, it would seem). IMDB.com reports that not only did the film essentially bankrupt producer Gary Kurtz but also it was Mark Hamill's first return to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy after his (then) swan song of playing 'Luke Skywalker' in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983) for 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm.
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in checking out SciFiHistory.Net's collection of screencaps from the flick, you can find them right here. If you're interested in reading my Flushback Review of the film, you can find it right here.
"In the near future, where Earth has been devastated by natural disasters, and giant winds rule the planet, bounty hunter Matt kidnaps a murderer out of the hands of two police officers, planning to get the bounty himself. These in turn try to hunt the two men down."
Editor's Note:
Slipstream is one of those B-Films that folks tend to love or hate (there's very little middleground, it would seem). IMDB.com reports that not only did the film essentially bankrupt producer Gary Kurtz but also it was Mark Hamill's first return to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy after his (then) swan song of playing 'Luke Skywalker' in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983) for 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm.
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in checking out SciFiHistory.Net's collection of screencaps from the flick, you can find them right here. If you're interested in reading my Flushback Review of the film, you can find it right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1995 (in South Korea), Korean National Flower (aka Mugunghwaggoti pieotseubnida) enjoyed its only theatrical release of record (as per IMDB.com). Directed by Jung Jin-woo from a script by Jin-myeong Kim, the SciFi/Drama starred Bo-seok Jeong, Sin-hye Hwang, and Jin-su Jeong. According to our friends at MyDramaList.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jeon Man Ho, the boss of a violent organization called Jannabi, is murdered in the center of Seoul. While his murder case is reported by mass communication everyday, Kwon Sun Beom, a reporter of local news section of Bando Daily, gets a phone call from a mysterious man. The man, who starts to talk asking unexpected question whether he knows about a traffic accident of Buk Ak Skyway that happened in 1978, is Oh Chang Su who is pointed as the murderer of Jeon Man Ho. He hints the murder case is not committed by a simple power struggle between violent organizations but by a mysterious organization. Being interested in his story, Sun Beom decides to meet Oh Chang Su. While he waits for Sun Beom in the appointed place, however, Chang Su is suddenly attacked by strange men just before Sun Beom arrives."
"Jeon Man Ho, the boss of a violent organization called Jannabi, is murdered in the center of Seoul. While his murder case is reported by mass communication everyday, Kwon Sun Beom, a reporter of local news section of Bando Daily, gets a phone call from a mysterious man. The man, who starts to talk asking unexpected question whether he knows about a traffic accident of Buk Ak Skyway that happened in 1978, is Oh Chang Su who is pointed as the murderer of Jeon Man Ho. He hints the murder case is not committed by a simple power struggle between violent organizations but by a mysterious organization. Being interested in his story, Sun Beom decides to meet Oh Chang Su. While he waits for Sun Beom in the appointed place, however, Chang Su is suddenly attacked by strange men just before Sun Beom arrives."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Mosquito buzzed its way onto home video. Written (in part) and directed by Gary Jones, the SciFi/Horror starred Gunnar Hansen, Ron Asheton, and Steve Dixon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A violent massacre caused by human-sized mosquitoes forces the lone survivors to band together in a fight for survival as the mosquitoes continue their onslaught."
For the record:
In 1995, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Mosquito for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"A violent massacre caused by human-sized mosquitoes forces the lone survivors to band together in a fight for survival as the mosquitoes continue their onslaught."
For the record:
In 1995, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Mosquito for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1997, Invisible Mom appeared on home video ... or is that "disappeared"? Directed by Fred Olen Ray, the film starred Dee Wallace, Barry Livingston, and Trenton Knight; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A family's life is thrown into comical chaos after mom accidentally drinks her inventor husband's latest concoction, an invisibility potion."
"A family's life is thrown into comical chaos after mom accidentally drinks her inventor husband's latest concoction, an invisibility potion."
On this day in 1998 (in France), Dark City had audiences questioning one world's entire existence. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
As a lover of good ol' fashioned SciFi monster, I actually spent a good portion of early 1998 looking forward to Godzilla. I was hoping that director Roland Emmerich could tap the magic he used to bring Independence Day to life once more and, in the process, serve up a wonderful return for the monster movie. However, on this day in 1998, my hopes were dashed as Godzilla came to life ... but maybe he was better off dead. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"French nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that heads off to New York City. The American military must chase the monster across the city to stop it before it reproduces."
For the record:
Remakes can be a tough sell. Fans of the original occasionally get very vocal about changes, and this sometimes ends up negatively impacting box office receipts. In any event, this version of Godzilla enjoyed a bit of praise from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films when -- in 1999 -- it was featured at the Saturn Awards where it took home top honors in the category of 'Best Special Effects' but missed out on 'Best Director' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' By contrast, the 1999 Razzie Awards granted it two top wins -- 'Worst Supporting Actress' and 'Worst Remake Or Sequel' -- though the flick did miss out in the categories of 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"French nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that heads off to New York City. The American military must chase the monster across the city to stop it before it reproduces."
For the record:
Remakes can be a tough sell. Fans of the original occasionally get very vocal about changes, and this sometimes ends up negatively impacting box office receipts. In any event, this version of Godzilla enjoyed a bit of praise from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films when -- in 1999 -- it was featured at the Saturn Awards where it took home top honors in the category of 'Best Special Effects' but missed out on 'Best Director' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' By contrast, the 1999 Razzie Awards granted it two top wins -- 'Worst Supporting Actress' and 'Worst Remake Or Sequel' -- though the flick did miss out in the categories of 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 2000 (in Indonesia), the good people of Jakarta were treated to the theatrical premiere of Mission To Mars. Directed by Brian De Palma from a story by Lowell Cannon, Jim Thomas, John Thomas, and Graham Yost, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, and others. 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."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
"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."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
On this day in 2000 (in South Korea), Pitch Black shone a bit of light on audiences. Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the Science Fiction film starred Radha Mitchell, Vin Diesel, Cole Hauser, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence.
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence.
- In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award.
- Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.'
- For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
On this day in 2003 (in the Netherlands), Bridge Of Dragons enjoyed its run through theaters. Directed by Isaac Florentine from a story by Carlton Holder, Greg Latter, and Clint Lien, the feature starred Dolph Lundgren, Valerie Chow, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The tough and cold mercenary Warchild, is working for the man who took care of his war training and upbringing, the greedy General Ruechang. Ruechang is planning to take over the country by marrying Princess Halo. But Halo discovers that Ruechang killed her father to gain more power than he had working for the King, so she decides to run away. Warchild is the one who has to bring her back to Ruechang, but the one thing no one counted on happens... Warchild and Halo falls in love, and together they take on the forces of Ruechang..."
"The tough and cold mercenary Warchild, is working for the man who took care of his war training and upbringing, the greedy General Ruechang. Ruechang is planning to take over the country by marrying Princess Halo. But Halo discovers that Ruechang killed her father to gain more power than he had working for the King, so she decides to run away. Warchild is the one who has to bring her back to Ruechang, but the one thing no one counted on happens... Warchild and Halo falls in love, and together they take on the forces of Ruechang..."
A star is born ... or is that porn?
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), lips collided -- perhaps in more ways than one -- with the home video release of Vampire Vixens. Written and directed by Zachary Snygg, the Adult-themed Horror feature starred Tina Krause, Erin Brown, Darian Caine, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A female vampire teams up with a nerdy delivery boy to help her bring in female victims, while a suave business executive/vampire slayer plots to kill her."
"A female vampire teams up with a nerdy delivery boy to help her bring in female victims, while a suave business executive/vampire slayer plots to kill her."
On this day in 2003 (in Kuwait), Xchange gave audiences a peek at one potential future. Directed by Allan Moyle, the SciFi/Thriller starred Stephen Baldwin, Kyle MacLachlan, and Kim Coates. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, a company called Xchange owns a mind transference technology that enables instantaneous travel by swapping bodies with someone at the destination. A member of the privileged corporate class ("Corpie") Xchanging for the first time unwittingly switches bodies with a terrorist. Forced to hide in a limited life span cloned body with just 2 days remaining, he races against time to stop the terrorist and regain his body."
"In the near future, a company called Xchange owns a mind transference technology that enables instantaneous travel by swapping bodies with someone at the destination. A member of the privileged corporate class ("Corpie") Xchanging for the first time unwittingly switches bodies with a terrorist. Forced to hide in a limited life span cloned body with just 2 days remaining, he races against time to stop the terrorist and regain his body."
A star is born ... and it's the end of the world as we know it!
On this day in 2004 (in Germany), Post Impact enjoyed its launch to the world -- or what was left of it (snicker snicker) -- with its first broadcast airing on television. Written (in part) and directed by Christoph Schrewe, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dean Cain, Bettina Zimmerman, and Joanna Taylor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a meteor strike starts a new ice age, a group of survivors tries to find a device that could give mankind new hope"
"After a meteor strike starts a new ice age, a group of survivors tries to find a device that could give mankind new hope"
A star is born!
On this day in 2010 (in Argentina), Zenitram took to the silver screen for its debut in lights ... and tights! Written (in part) and directed by Luis Barone, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Juan Minujín, Verónica Sánchez, and Jordi Mollà. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in a decaying Buenos Aires, a poor Argentine (Minujin) wrestles with his newly discovered superpowers."
"Set in a decaying Buenos Aires, a poor Argentine (Minujin) wrestles with his newly discovered superpowers."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in Brazil), Cell Count enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition of record when it played for audiences in attendance of the Fantaspoa Film Festival. Written and directed by Todd E. Freeman, the Fantasy/Horror starred Robert McKeehen, Haley Talbot, and Christopher Toyne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Russell Carpenter reluctantly admits his wife Sadie into an experimental treatment facility for her life threatening disease. While locked in this prison like surrounding they, along with 6 others, are unknowingly subjected to a cure that might just be worse than the disease itself."
"Russell Carpenter reluctantly admits his wife Sadie into an experimental treatment facility for her life threatening disease. While locked in this prison like surrounding they, along with 6 others, are unknowingly subjected to a cure that might just be worse than the disease itself."
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in France), Lost River enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Ryan Gosling, the Fantasy/Mystery starred Christina Hendricks, Iain De Caestecker, and Matt Smith; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lost River enjoyed a fair amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lost River enjoyed a fair amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On thi day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Minneapolis, Minnesota were treated to the big screen theatrical debut of Danny Johnson Saves The World. Written and directed by Christopher R. Mihm, the film starred Elliott Mihm, Gabriella Bilotta, R.J. Lundgren, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Young Danny Johnson (Elliott Mihm) must use his smarts and adventurous spirit to stop devious, pint-sized aliens and their unstoppable robot from brainwashing the children of Earth as a precursor to worldwide domination in writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's retro-styled, sci-fi take on classic family films!"
"Young Danny Johnson (Elliott Mihm) must use his smarts and adventurous spirit to stop devious, pint-sized aliens and their unstoppable robot from brainwashing the children of Earth as a precursor to worldwide domination in writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's retro-styled, sci-fi take on classic family films!"
On this day in 2015 (in the Phillipines), the SciFi/Horror film Infini sprang to life. Written (in part) and directed by Shane Abbess, the film starred Daniel MacPherson, Grace Huang, and Luke Hemsworth; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak."
"An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), They Came From The Ether enjoyed its release the 2015 GI Film Festival. Written and directed by James Pronath, the feature starred Tavis L. Baker and Lindsey Bullen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John Henry, a down on his luck salesman, is given a chance at success by an alien visitor, trading technology for help in human experimentation. Blinded by his ambition, the salesman open a doorway in which the alien can develop the means to control the human race. It's left to Detective Mike Washburn, who is investigating the missing persons reports, to get to the bottom of the disappearances."
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Came From The Ether enjoyed a modest bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"John Henry, a down on his luck salesman, is given a chance at success by an alien visitor, trading technology for help in human experimentation. Blinded by his ambition, the salesman open a doorway in which the alien can develop the means to control the human race. It's left to Detective Mike Washburn, who is investigating the missing persons reports, to get to the bottom of the disappearances."
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Came From The Ether enjoyed a modest bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017 (in Argentina), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. The SciFi/Drama starred Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, and William Sylvester. 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."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"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."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 2017 (in Vietnam), Leon Must Die played for audiences in attendance of the Saigon Underground Festival. Written and directed by Lars Henriks, the German-language SciFi/Comedy starred Nisan Arikan, Philip Spreen, and Alexander F. Obe; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Leon is in his mid-twenties and terminally ill. He invents a technology that allows him to computerize his mind and live forever. This technology will be the downfall of mankind, so freedom fighter Aqua travels back from the future to kill him. The to fall in love and turbulent events follow."
"Leon is in his mid-twenties and terminally ill. He invents a technology that allows him to computerize his mind and live forever. This technology will be the downfall of mankind, so freedom fighter Aqua travels back from the future to kill him. The to fall in love and turbulent events follow."
A star is born ... or is that porn?
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Space Babes From Outer Space touched down on Earth for a limited theatrical run. Written and directed by Brian K. Williams, the Adult/Fantasy starred Ellie Church, Brian Papandrea, Allison Maier, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three space women land on Earth in search of sexual energy to fuel their spaceship and get back home. They befriend a lonely farmboy who helps them on their plight, all while evading their mortal enemies, the Scrotes."
"Three space women land on Earth in search of sexual energy to fuel their spaceship and get back home. They befriend a lonely farmboy who helps them on their plight, all while evading their mortal enemies, the Scrotes."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of Sci-Fi-London were treated to the theatrical debut of After We Leave. Written and directed by Aleem Hossain, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Brian Silverman, Joe Sachem, Gabrielle Gumbs, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After We Leave is a sci-fi drama about a man struggling to find his wife, whom he abandoned six years ago, before their visa to immigrate to an off-world colony expires."
For the record:
To the film's credit, After We Leave earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After We Leave is a sci-fi drama about a man struggling to find his wife, whom he abandoned six years ago, before their visa to immigrate to an off-world colony expires."
For the record:
To the film's credit, After We Leave earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2024 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical launch of The Shrouds. Written and directed by David Cronenberg, the film starred Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Karsh, an innovative businessman and grieving widower, builds a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Shrouds received an incredible nine nominations across various categories from the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards.
"Karsh, an innovative businessman and grieving widower, builds a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Shrouds received an incredible nine nominations across various categories from the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards.
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "A Passage for Trumpet." Officially, this served as the thirty-second episode to the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A suicidally despondent trumpet player finds himself in a bizarre world where he seems to be the only moving being, except for one helpful other musician."
"A suicidally despondent trumpet player finds himself in a bizarre world where he seems to be the only moving being, except for one helpful other musician."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Evil of the Daleks: Part 1." Officially, this served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Trying to find the stolen TARDIS, the Second Doctor and Jamie are lured into a trap by the Doctor's old enemies the Daleks."
"Trying to find the stolen TARDIS, the Second Doctor and Jamie are lured into a trap by the Doctor's old enemies the Daleks."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Time Monster." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"UNIT are invited to observe a demonstration of the new TOMTIT machine, unaware its creator, Professor Thascales, is actually the Master."
"UNIT are invited to observe a demonstration of the new TOMTIT machine, unaware its creator, Professor Thascales, is actually the Master."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4011: The Dollhouse Incident." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz investigate a UFO sighting by an emotionally troubled man who lives on the estate of a scheming politician who wants to use the incident to further his political aspirations."
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz investigate a UFO sighting by an emotionally troubled man who lives on the estate of a scheming politician who wants to use the incident to further his political aspirations."
On this day in 1981 (in Belgium), Battlestar Galactica aired "Take The Celestra." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Starbuck runs into his long-lost love, Aurora, who is involved with a group trying to free the electronics ship Celestra from its supposedly dictatorial captain."
"Starbuck runs into his long-lost love, Aurora, who is involved with a group trying to free the electronics ship Celestra from its supposedly dictatorial captain."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "A Leap For Lisa." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode to the popular program's fourth season (also it's season finale), and that sexy nurse about to lock lips with Dr. Sam Beckett is none other than Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Terry Farrell! Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While trying to save a married woman, Sam changes history and Al is sent to the gas chamber giving Sam a new observer."
"While trying to save a married woman, Sam changes history and Al is sent to the gas chamber giving Sam a new observer."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), goodbyes were said as Babylon 5 aired "War Without End, Part 2." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The mission to send Babylon 4 where it's needed continues. Sinclair's destiny is revealed. Sheridan sees what will happen to Centauri Prime in the future. Zathras explains who the "One" is."
"The mission to send Babylon 4 where it's needed continues. Sinclair's destiny is revealed. Sheridan sees what will happen to Centauri Prime in the future. Zathras explains who the "One" is."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Quickening." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bashir tries to help a planet in the grips of a Dominion-engineered plague that guarantees a painful death."
"Bashir tries to help a planet in the grips of a Dominion-engineered plague that guarantees a painful death."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Capt. Janeway and the crew aboard Star Trek: Voyager got back to "Basics, Part 1." Officially, this hour served as the finale to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TrekCore.com:
"When Seska sends a message to Chakotay that the Kazon plan to kill their son, Voyager sets out to rescue the baby. The message turns out to be a trap, however, and the Kazon take the ship, stranding the entire crew on an inhospitable planet with volcanoes, large reptiles, and hostile aliens."
"When Seska sends a message to Chakotay that the Kazon plan to kill their son, Voyager sets out to rescue the baby. The message turns out to be a trap, however, and the Kazon take the ship, stranding the entire crew on an inhospitable planet with volcanoes, large reptiles, and hostile aliens."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the SciFi program that was The Burning Zone came to its end with the airing of its series finale, "On the Wings of Angels." This served as the show's nineteenth episode, and here's the summary as provided by TV.com:
"Prison officials experiment on prisoners then several prisoners escape and when their leader becomes ill, one of the prisoners knows of Taft and the escaped prisoners kidnap him, insisting he treat the dying man. Cassian and Hailey must find Taft, before the gang members kill him."
"Prison officials experiment on prisoners then several prisoners escape and when their leader becomes ill, one of the prisoners knows of Taft and the escaped prisoners kidnap him, insisting he treat the dying man. Cassian and Hailey must find Taft, before the gang members kill him."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Time's Orphan." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Chief's daughter gets caught in a time displacement and when they get her back, she is considerably older."
"The Chief's daughter gets caught in a time displacement and when they get her back, she is considerably older."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Hope and Fear." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a Starfleet rescue ship, the Dauntless, is located when an alien visitor interprets a damaged data stream from Starfleet Command. The ship features a novel "slipstream" drive that offers quick trip home to earth. After her initial delight is tempered by suspicion and Seven of Nine proposes to remain in the Delta Quadrant Captain Janeway re-interprets the message and accosts the alien whom takes her and Seven-of-Nine away on the Dauntless. He reveals that her assistance to the Borg against Species 8472 led to Borg domination of a large portion of the Delta Quadrant and he intends to make her pay by returning to his home world inside Borg space."
"After a Starfleet rescue ship, the Dauntless, is located when an alien visitor interprets a damaged data stream from Starfleet Command. The ship features a novel "slipstream" drive that offers quick trip home to earth. After her initial delight is tempered by suspicion and Seven of Nine proposes to remain in the Delta Quadrant Captain Janeway re-interprets the message and accosts the alien whom takes her and Seven-of-Nine away on the Dauntless. He reveals that her assistance to the Borg against Species 8472 led to Borg domination of a large portion of the Delta Quadrant and he intends to make her pay by returning to his home world inside Borg space."
Cleopatra 2525 was a "blink and you'll miss it program" that served up ample amounts of sci-fi cheese for inquiring young minds (mostly male) that wanted to watch. Cheese. Goofy humor. Victoria Pratt's killer abs. Its first season closed out on this day back in the year 2000 with an episode titled "Hel and Highwater: Part 2" as our three ladies remained trapped in an underwater city but their exploits meant certain doom for all the residents in the underground.
On this day in 2000 (in Australia), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Barbarians At The Gate" which served as the finale (Episode 22) of its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The adventurers try to leave the plateau in their balloon but are shot down by some raiders. As they try to escape the raiders, Summerlee gets shot by an arrow, while Challenger, Roxton and Malone drop from a collapsing bridge into a river."
"The adventurers try to leave the plateau in their balloon but are shot down by some raiders. As they try to escape the raiders, Summerlee gets shot by an arrow, while Challenger, Roxton and Malone drop from a collapsing bridge into a river."
On this day in 2017, Doctor Who aired "Extremis." This served as the sixth episode in the relaunched program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Haereticum holds an ancient book known only as The Veritas. Throughout history, anyone who has ever read it has immediately taken their own life. When a new translation is online, spreading danger, the Vatican appeals to the Doctor for help. Will he read The Veritas? But can even the Doctor survive the ultimate truth?"
"The Haereticum holds an ancient book known only as The Veritas. Throughout history, anyone who has ever read it has immediately taken their own life. When a new translation is online, spreading danger, the Vatican appeals to the Doctor for help. Will he read The Veritas? But can even the Doctor survive the ultimate truth?"
On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), The 100 aired "From The Ashes." Officially, this was the first episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clarke and her friends attempt to rebuild Sanctum as a new threat rises in the woods."
"Clarke and her friends attempt to rebuild Sanctum as a new threat rises in the woods."
On this day in 2014, the Alternate History game Wolfenstein: The New Order enjoyed its release to the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind all of the action:
"After regaining consciousness following an injury sustained in World War II, legendary American commando, B.J. Blazkowicz, awakens from coma in a dystopian Nazi dominated world of 1960s. He tries to locate the remnants of the resistance."
"After regaining consciousness following an injury sustained in World War II, legendary American commando, B.J. Blazkowicz, awakens from coma in a dystopian Nazi dominated world of 1960s. He tries to locate the remnants of the resistance."
On this day in 1943, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began its "The Ghost Squadron" story. This serial aired from this day through June 2nd, and (unfortunately) I've not been able to locate any plot summary online.
- If you're interested, the entire radio play can be listened to online via YouTube.com right here.
