My original interest in seeking out and exploring The Ray Bradbury Theater (which premiered on this day in 1985 in France) was to check out the updated version of The Martian Chronicles (the author was never all that enamored with the 1980 television miniseries from NBC), but I have watched a handful of episodes further. Many of them are quite good. I'd strongly encourage interested parties to check it out via streaming or DVD purchase. Can you really go wrong with anything bearing the Bradbury name?
May 21, 1980. It's a date that'll live in infamy of its own sorts. That's the date when Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back rocked the world of fandom to its core. That's when sci-fi fans learned a secret that no one saw coming, and it changed the way we looked at George Lucas's space western.
In the three long years since Star Wars opened our eyes to the possibilities of what could be done on the big screen, fans had grown a bit older, a bit wiser. What Lucas did -- along with many creative artists who contributed to TESB -- was to show us that our films can mature nicely as well, and boy did they deliver on that premise.
In the three long years since Star Wars opened our eyes to the possibilities of what could be done on the big screen, fans had grown a bit older, a bit wiser. What Lucas did -- along with many creative artists who contributed to TESB -- was to show us that our films can mature nicely as well, and boy did they deliver on that premise.
Arthur Hohl enjoyed a fairly prominent role aboard Island of Lost Souls (1932), one of the earliest (if not "the" earliest) adaptation of H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau. Though he's no longer with us, Hohl was born on this day in 1889. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bill Williams has a particular leadership style, one that may or may not be all that popular with the ladies, but he perseveres, nevertheless. Williams is a screen veteran from such properties as Zombies On Broadway (1945), Space Master X-7 (1957), Men Into Space, Spaceflight IC-1: An Adventure In Space (1965), and a few more. Though he's no longer with us, Williams was born on this day in 1915. [Source: IMDB.com]
Acting legend Raymond Burr lent his considerable clout to such Fantasy projects as Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956) and Godzilla 1985 (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Burr was born on this day in 1917. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jeanne Bates joined no less than The Phantom himself in one of the earlier Fantasy adaptations of the popular property. Though she's no longer with us, Bates was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though her role was brief aboard Ghostbusters (1984), this New York City librarian certainly had plenty to scream about as played by Alice Drummond. Though she's no longer with us, Drummond was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Jim Goodwin clocked in an impressive three visits to the world of Star Trek, appearing incidentally in "The Enemy Within," "Mudd's Women," and "Miri." Though he's no longer with us, Goodwin was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the venerable Richard Libertini left his mark on a pretty significant swath of entertainment, including roles aboard such entities as The Twilight Zone, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and The CW's Supernatural. Though he's no longer with us, Libertini was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Cinema baddie Ross Hagen leaves behind a legacy of almost one hundred different screen credits, but I'll never forget his work aboard the mildly clever SciFi/Exploitation flick Star Slammer (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Hagen was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
The first season of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century actually had some great one-off characters (people who showed up once and then never again), and perhaps one of the best was David Groh. In the first two-part episode -- "Planet of the Slave Girls" -- Groh played Major Duke Danton, a competitor against Buck for the reigning title of the 25th century's leading Alpha Male. (As happens in episodic TV, the two eventually bonded.) Groh also boasted appearances aboard Tales from the Darkside, M.A.N.T.I.S., Last Exit to Earth, The X-Files, and Black Scorpion. Though he's no longer with us, Groh was born on this day in 1939.
In the guise of 'Dr. M'Benga,' Booker Bradshaw made a pair of appearances to the classic world of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Bradshaw was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's no longer with us, actor Richard Hatch (above center) was born on this day in 1945, and, so far as fandom is concerned, he came to fame in the role of Captain Apollo, the dashing and handsome Colonial pilot serving aboard the Battlestar Galactica under command of his father, Adama. He was also given the chance to contribute to Syfy's new Galactica incarnation by signing aboard as the politico Tom Zarek, who made things tough for both Adama and the new government.
Guillermo del Toro's The Strain was a curious mess of visually-interesting storytelling that managed to corral a cast of great players, including the always impressive Jonathan Hyde in a role that eventually saw him assume 'The Master' over what was left of humankind. Hyde was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
The diverse Trevor Cooper has tried Science Fiction on for size with work aboard Doctor Who, Star Cops, and Wizards Vs. Aliens. Cooper was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jean Kasem explored her comic side with a brief appearance in Ivan Reitman's Ghostbusters (1984). She also enjoyed a small role in an episode of the short-lived Good vs Evil. Kasem was born on this day in 1954. [Source: Google]
Ben Lemon enjoyed a somewhat villainous guest spot aboard "Violations," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Lemon was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Netherlands-born Renée Soutendijk broke into genre entertainment in a big way when -- back in 1991 -- she played dual roles as Dr. Eve Simmons and Eve VIII in the Terminator-inspired Eve of Destruction. The lovely Soutendijk was born on this day in 1957.
David Lynch's Twin Peaks is one of those rare properties that simply defies categorization. Is it comedy? Is it Fantasy? Or none of the above? Think what you will, I've always classified it as Fantasy, and Brent Briscoe enjoyed a sizable role aboard the Showtime-sponsored continuation in 2017. Though he's no longer with us, Briscoe was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Edelstein voiced 'Mercy Graves,' Lex Luthor's right-hand-woman aboard Superman: The Animated Series among other animated projects. Edelstein was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Taylor Sheridan enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Enterprise's "Chosen Realm" in 2004. Sheridan was born on this day in 1970. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Olga Sosnovska has appeared in the mainstream fare than genre projects, but roles aboard Jason and the Argonauts, Heroes, and The Leftovers still deserve a mention. Sosnovska was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Brett Tucker played the role of a Einherjar Guard aboard Marvel's Thor: The Dark World (2013). Tucker was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fairuza Balk continues to explore one diverse project after another. While Science Fiction and Fantasy are clearly not her mainstays, she has appeared in Return to Oz (1985), The Craft (1996), and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996). Balk was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Juliet Cowan enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard the Doctor Who spin-off -- The Sarah Jane Adventures -- during that show's run. Cowan was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Did you know there was already an Adult-themed Game of Thrones porn adaptation? Well, now you do. (And, by the way, isn't Game of Thrones already a bit adult-themed?) The luscious Marie McCray did the deed no less in the role of 'Sansa Stark,' and McCray was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Calvin Dean has made inroads into the greater world of the BBC's Doctor Who with a guest spot aboard the original program as well as its spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Dean was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Brett Rossi has dabbled in a few properties which might score a few points with genre fans, the chief of which is probably the This Ain't Terminator XXX parody adaptation. Rossi was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sarah Ramos has invested heavily in the realm of Fantasy for her work aboard TV's Midnight, Texas. Ramos was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Lexi Johnson played a small role but a huge catalyst for the events unfolding in the earliest episodes of AMC's Fear The Walking Dead. Johnson was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Her resume might not be all that involved, but fresh-faced Fallon Brooking has graced the silver screen in such cinematic Fantasies as The Stepford Wives (2004) and My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006). Brooking was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty newcomer Brighid Fleming continues to find terrific work across all genres. To date, she's contributed to such realms as Gamer (2009), Alice in Wonderland (2010), After The Wizard (2011), Awake, and Once Upon A Time. Fleming was born on this day in 1999. [Source: IMDB.com]
I don't remember much of the short-lived Tremors: The Series, but I do remember one of its lovely regulars: Gladise Jiminez played a spicey li'l thing who made Perfection Valley worth the visit. I don't know her year of birth, but -- according to IMDB.com -- Jiminez was born on this day.
A star is born! On this day in 1945 (in the U.S.), The Vampire's Ghost enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Lesley Selander, the Horror/Thriller starred John Abbott, Charles Gordon, and Peggy Stewart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a small African port, a tawdry bar is run by a man named Webb Fallon. Fallon is actually a vampire, but he is becoming weary of his 'life' of the past few hundred years."
For the record:
For those who like this kind of trivia, The Vampire's Ghost does credit the Bram Stoker novel for its source material but the script shows penned by John K. Butler and Leigh Brackett; several decades later, Brackett -- an established veteran of Science Fiction and Fantasy in print -- would go on to work on the script for George Lucas's The Empire Strikes Back (1980).
"In a small African port, a tawdry bar is run by a man named Webb Fallon. Fallon is actually a vampire, but he is becoming weary of his 'life' of the past few hundred years."
For the record:
For those who like this kind of trivia, The Vampire's Ghost does credit the Bram Stoker novel for its source material but the script shows penned by John K. Butler and Leigh Brackett; several decades later, Brackett -- an established veteran of Science Fiction and Fantasy in print -- would go on to work on the script for George Lucas's The Empire Strikes Back (1980).
A star is born! 'You'll be afraid to go back in the water ...' On this day in 1954, Monster From The Ocean Floor submerged from the depths to scare mankind crazy. Directed by Wyott Ordung (is that a Star Wars' name?), this SciFi/Horror starred Anne Kimbell and Dick Pinner (isn't that a porn name?), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Julie, an American on vacation in Mexico, spots a giant, one-eyed amoeba rising from the ocean, but when she tries to tell the authorities, no one believes her. She finally teams up with a marine biologist in an attempt to destroy it."
"Julie, an American on vacation in Mexico, spots a giant, one-eyed amoeba rising from the ocean, but when she tries to tell the authorities, no one believes her. She finally teams up with a marine biologist in an attempt to destroy it."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Denmark), Around The World Under The Sea went around the world under the sea theatrically. Directed by Andrew Marton, the SciFi feature starred Lloyd Bridges, Shirley Eaton, and Brian Kelly; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
A star is born! On this day back in 1971 (per Wikipedia.org), Escape from the Planet of the Apes took our loyal simian friends Cornelius and Zira and saw them sped to Earth in the past, where they come face-to-face with a kind of bigotry that threatens their very survival. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world is shocked by the appearance of three talking chimpanzees, who arrived mysteriously in a U.S. spacecraft. They become the toast of society, but one man believes them to be a threat to the human race."
"The world is shocked by the appearance of three talking chimpanzees, who arrived mysteriously in a U.S. spacecraft. They become the toast of society, but one man believes them to be a threat to the human race."
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Rock Hudson and Barbara Carrera starred in the SciFi/Horror Embryo. Ralph Nelson directed from a script provided by Anita Doohan and Jack W. Thomas. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist doing experiments on a human fetus discovers a method to accelerate the fetus into a mature adult in just a few days. However, the "adult" fetus turns into a homicidal psycho and looks for a new formula to prevent her from aging further."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Embryo for its Golden Scroll award for 'Best Science Fiction Film' at its 1977 ceremony.
"A scientist doing experiments on a human fetus discovers a method to accelerate the fetus into a mature adult in just a few days. However, the "adult" fetus turns into a homicidal psycho and looks for a new formula to prevent her from aging further."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Embryo for its Golden Scroll award for 'Best Science Fiction Film' at its 1977 ceremony.
A star is born! On this day in 1980, the good people of Honolulu, Hawaii were treated to the silver screen theatrical premiere of Monstroid. Written and directed by Kenneth Hartford, the creature feature starred James Mitchum, John Carradine, and Philip Carey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
On this day in 1980 (in Spain), Saturn 3 catapulted audiences into space only to have them confronted by a menacing robot. Directed by Stanley Donan and John Barry (who also worked on the script), the film starred Kirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett, and Harvey Keitel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
For the record:
Well, I guess we can chalk this little tidbit of knowledge up to 'Dubious Achievements,' but Saturn 3 does have the distinction of being nomination for three Razzie Awards: Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and -- ahem -- Worst Actress.
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
For the record:
Well, I guess we can chalk this little tidbit of knowledge up to 'Dubious Achievements,' but Saturn 3 does have the distinction of being nomination for three Razzie Awards: Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and -- ahem -- Worst Actress.
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in London, England), The Final Countdown enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever with its big screen theatrical debut. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and Katharine Ross, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1981, the Fantasy/Telefilm The Girl, The Gold Watch & Dynamite enjoyed its U.S. television broadcast premiere. Directed by Hy Averback and based on characters created by John P. MacDonald, the feature starred Lee Purcell and Philip MacHale, and here's the plot as provided by Letterboxd.com:
"In this sequel to The Girl, the Gold Watch & Everything, down-on-his-luck Kirby Winter inherits a floundering business, and the magical gold watch which can stop time. But his wedding plans with Bonnie Lee Beaumont are interrupted when her mother phones them to help her save her family farm from a nasty land developer – using the gold watch’s powers."
"In this sequel to The Girl, the Gold Watch & Everything, down-on-his-luck Kirby Winter inherits a floundering business, and the magical gold watch which can stop time. But his wedding plans with Bonnie Lee Beaumont are interrupted when her mother phones them to help her save her family farm from a nasty land developer – using the gold watch’s powers."
On this day in 1981 (in Canada and the U.S.), a sequel emerged that vastly surpassed its original when Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior premiered theatrically. Max was back ... and back with a vengeance. (Little known bit of trivia: in the picture above, that's Mel Gibson being held at arrow-point by none other than Virginia Hey ... who'd eventually turn up two decades later in Syfy's Farscape!) Here's the film's summary from IMDB.com:
"In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline rich, community escape a band of bandits."
For the record:
As it should have, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior received solid praise during its original theatrical run. It garnered a wealth of praise from the Australian Film Institute, taking home trophies in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Costume Design,' 'Best Achievement In Production Design,' 'Best Achievement In Sound,' and 'Best Direction.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards, the film missed out winning the top honors in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Director' but did take home the trophy in the 'Best International Film' category. Lastly, The Road Warrior earned a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1983 Hugo Awards.
"In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline rich, community escape a band of bandits."
For the record:
As it should have, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior received solid praise during its original theatrical run. It garnered a wealth of praise from the Australian Film Institute, taking home trophies in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Costume Design,' 'Best Achievement In Production Design,' 'Best Achievement In Sound,' and 'Best Direction.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards, the film missed out winning the top honors in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Director' but did take home the trophy in the 'Best International Film' category. Lastly, The Road Warrior earned a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1983 Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in East Germany), the Russian-language SciFi film To The Stars By Hard Ways had its premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Viktorov, the feature starred Yelena Metyolkina, Vadim Ledogorov, and Nadezhda Sementsova; and here's its premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A female creature created in space tries to live on earth and has special (and sometimes dangerous) powers."
For the record:
I am using this date as the film's first theatrical presentation as I've been unable to confirm its original screening in the Soviet Union, which IMDB.com reports was sometime in April, 1982. Also, To The Star By Hard Ways was nominated for top honors at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in 1982.
"A female creature created in space tries to live on earth and has special (and sometimes dangerous) powers."
For the record:
I am using this date as the film's first theatrical presentation as I've been unable to confirm its original screening in the Soviet Union, which IMDB.com reports was sometime in April, 1982. Also, To The Star By Hard Ways was nominated for top honors at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in 1982.
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Equalizer 2000 sought to equalize things at the box office. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago, the SciFi/Thriller starred Richard Norton, Corinne Wahl, and Robert Patrick; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A ruthless vehicular gang rules the post-apocalyptic wasteland. That's until a muscled hero named Slade builds the ultimate machine gun - Equalizer 2000, and declares a one man war on the gang's "piece of garbage" leader."
For the record:
This is another case wherein I'm substituting one premiere date in lieu of another as IMDB.com suggests that Equalizer 2000 actually opened earlier than this (on video) in Spain ... but yet I'm unable to find the specific date anywhere else.
"A ruthless vehicular gang rules the post-apocalyptic wasteland. That's until a muscled hero named Slade builds the ultimate machine gun - Equalizer 2000, and declares a one man war on the gang's "piece of garbage" leader."
For the record:
This is another case wherein I'm substituting one premiere date in lieu of another as IMDB.com suggests that Equalizer 2000 actually opened earlier than this (on video) in Spain ... but yet I'm unable to find the specific date anywhere else.
On this day in 1987 (in Australia), Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star came down to Earth for a theatrical appearance. Directed by Peter R. Hunt, the feature starred Dennis Holahan, Sydney Penny, and Rosie Marcel; and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
A star is born! I have a vague, vague recollection of seeing this when it came onto home video, but I completely missed Carnosaur when it screened theatrically on this day in 1993. (I was suitable unimpressed with the video; that's all I recall from it.) Adam Simon adapted the John Brosnan novel -- and Simon also directed with some assistance from Darren Moloney. The feature starred Diane Ladd, Raphael Sbarge, and Jennifer Runyon. Here's the plot summary, as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genetically manipulated and very hungry dinosaur escapes from a bioengineering company and reeks havoc on the local desert town."
Maybe you should call it 'Jurassic Lark,' eh?
"A genetically manipulated and very hungry dinosaur escapes from a bioengineering company and reeks havoc on the local desert town."
Maybe you should call it 'Jurassic Lark,' eh?
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in France), the SciFi/Animated Dominator enjoyed its first breath of life when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. (In fact, there is no other screening data listed on IMDB.com but the Cannes showing, a curious citation indeed given the fact that the website also shows the film as enjoying an award nomination at 2004's Fantasporto Film Festival.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a civil war in Hell, Lucifer has been defeated and the Key to Hell is in Lord Desecrater's grasp. However, the rebellious Dominator has his own thoughts and keeps the Key to Hell away from Lord Desecrater and is forced to fight off his forces including three other demons - Decimator, Extricator and Lady Violator. While on Earth, undertaker and exocrist Dr. Payne is in charge of London's dead. His three daughters who play in their own rockband called Crowcut, accidentally open a gateway to Hell by invoking black magi-ck into their music via the Lost Chord and unleash Dominator. Luckily for humanity, Dominator is willing to defend mankind, even if he is only interested in Dr. Payne's eldest daughter, Tara. When Desecrater learns of what has happened on Earth, he seeks out help using his new human agent - the corrupt politician Bishop, to carry out the rest of his deeds."
"After a civil war in Hell, Lucifer has been defeated and the Key to Hell is in Lord Desecrater's grasp. However, the rebellious Dominator has his own thoughts and keeps the Key to Hell away from Lord Desecrater and is forced to fight off his forces including three other demons - Decimator, Extricator and Lady Violator. While on Earth, undertaker and exocrist Dr. Payne is in charge of London's dead. His three daughters who play in their own rockband called Crowcut, accidentally open a gateway to Hell by invoking black magi-ck into their music via the Lost Chord and unleash Dominator. Luckily for humanity, Dominator is willing to defend mankind, even if he is only interested in Dr. Payne's eldest daughter, Tara. When Desecrater learns of what has happened on Earth, he seeks out help using his new human agent - the corrupt politician Bishop, to carry out the rest of his deeds."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in France), Alien Encounter (aka They Came From Outer Space) served up modest SciFi thrills and chills when it screened for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Marche de Film. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew MacKenzie, the feature starred Mackenzie Firgens, Ossie Beck, and Matt Mercer; and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Two college students, Cameron and Justin go camping in the Arizona mountains for the weekend only to find themselves lost on a beach somewhere in California. Missing time, the mystery deepens when Cameron uncovers a unknown specimen not from Earth. In a race against time, with the government hot on their trail, Cameron and Justin's journey twists and turns and becomes more than just another close encounter."
"Two college students, Cameron and Justin go camping in the Arizona mountains for the weekend only to find themselves lost on a beach somewhere in California. Missing time, the mystery deepens when Cameron uncovers a unknown specimen not from Earth. In a race against time, with the government hot on their trail, Cameron and Justin's journey twists and turns and becomes more than just another close encounter."
On this day in 2009, Terminator Salvation opened theatrically. From what I can recall, fans weren't all that impressed with this outing, but I liked it just fine. To be perfectly honest, I think I've found something of value in each of the Terminator movies. Directed by McG, the feature starred Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, and Moon Bloodgood. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2018, a mysterious new weapon in the war against the machines, half-human and half-machine, comes to John Connor on the eve of a resistance attack on Skynet. But whose side is he on, and can he be trusted?"
For the record:
Terminator Salvation was an attempt by the studio to kinda/sorta provide a soft reboot to the wider Terminator property, but the film's box office results underperformed expectations and thus the planned remaining installments were abandoned. At the 2010 Saturn Awards, the flick only mustered a single nomination -- in the soft category of 'Best Make-up' -- but lost out on the top prize.
"In 2018, a mysterious new weapon in the war against the machines, half-human and half-machine, comes to John Connor on the eve of a resistance attack on Skynet. But whose side is he on, and can he be trusted?"
For the record:
Terminator Salvation was an attempt by the studio to kinda/sorta provide a soft reboot to the wider Terminator property, but the film's box office results underperformed expectations and thus the planned remaining installments were abandoned. At the 2010 Saturn Awards, the flick only mustered a single nomination -- in the soft category of 'Best Make-up' -- but lost out on the top prize.
I ask you: can you get more Fantasy than Sinbad? I don't think so! On this day in 2011, the Fantasy/Telefilm Sinbad And The Minotaur had its day in the sun. Directed by Karl Zwicky, the feature starred Manu Bennett, Holly Brisley, and Pacharo Mzembe; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Sinbad discovers an ivory scroll case in the desert camp of the evil sorcerer Al-Jibar, leading him to the golden head of the Colossus of Rhodes."
"Sinbad discovers an ivory scroll case in the desert camp of the evil sorcerer Al-Jibar, leading him to the golden head of the Colossus of Rhodes."
On this day in 1954, Space Patrol aired "Lost In Galactic Space." 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:
"Having now made repairs and left the planet the crew of the battle cruiser are faced with the realization they are now lost in space. As they search for an answer the planet has one last surprise for them."
"Having now made repairs and left the planet the crew of the battle cruiser are faced with the realization they are now lost in space. As they search for an answer the planet has one last surprise for them."
On this day in 1955, Adventures of Superman aired "Great Caesar's Ghost." This served as the fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Everybody knows that the favorite expletive of "Daily Planet" reporter Perry White (John Hamilton is "Great Caesar's Ghost!" With this in mind, imagine White's shock and dismay when he is confronted with the ghost of Julius Caesar (Trevor Bardette). Before long, all of Metropolis is seriously questioning White's sanity--which is precisely the intention of a gang of crooks who hope to discredit Perry's testimony at a criminal trial. Looks like Superman (George Reeves) is going to have to do some ghost-busting in this one!"
"Everybody knows that the favorite expletive of "Daily Planet" reporter Perry White (John Hamilton is "Great Caesar's Ghost!" With this in mind, imagine White's shock and dismay when he is confronted with the ghost of Julius Caesar (Trevor Bardette). Before long, all of Metropolis is seriously questioning White's sanity--which is precisely the intention of a gang of crooks who hope to discredit Perry's testimony at a criminal trial. Looks like Superman (George Reeves) is going to have to do some ghost-busting in this one!"
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Brain Of John Emerson." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A policeman is recovering from brain surgery. His surgeon was a renowned neuroscientist who has died and his IQ has mysteriously increased. He visits the surgeon's laboratory and recognizes the room and equipment. Visiting the doctor's home, he encounters his widow, who is suspicious that he knows so much about the house and the doctor's work."
"A policeman is recovering from brain surgery. His surgeon was a renowned neuroscientist who has died and his IQ has mysteriously increased. He visits the surgeon's laboratory and recognizes the room and equipment. Visiting the doctor's home, he encounters his widow, who is suspicious that he knows so much about the house and the doctor's work."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Ambush In Space." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Roy Cowan, a disgraced Solar Guard captain, breaks out of prison and, with two henchman, hijacks a space freighter to use as bait to destroy his old adversaries on board the Polaris."
"Roy Cowan, a disgraced Solar Guard captain, breaks out of prison and, with two henchman, hijacks a space freighter to use as bait to destroy his old adversaries on board the Polaris."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "The O.K. Corral." This served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The Clantons have shot Warren Earp, leading to a showdown between the two families with the Doctor powerless to prevent bloodshed."
"The Clantons have shot Warren Earp, leading to a showdown between the two families with the Doctor powerless to prevent bloodshed."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Space Rock Concert." This served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The Team is relaxing at a Dirty Name 5 concert when Spectra appears! The entire band is kidnapped and forced to play. Their music is used as a sound weapon, literally shaking apart whatever it is directed at. The G-Force team have to rescue the band and stop Zoltar from succeeding in his plan."
"The Team is relaxing at a Dirty Name 5 concert when Spectra appears! The entire band is kidnapped and forced to play. Their music is used as a sound weapon, literally shaking apart whatever it is directed at. The G-Force team have to rescue the band and stop Zoltar from succeeding in his plan."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired a two-part season finale, which was essentially two separate stories strung together for the purposes of making it more of an 'event.' The first hour was titled "Energy Solution," and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Melanie plan to develop a method to create crude oil literally backfires, resulting in a raging underground inferno."
The second hour of the two-part event was titled "Confederate Gold," and here's its premise from IMDB.com:
"While trying to locate gold from the Confederate States of America, the Salvage 1 team is captured by greedy townspeople and forced to work for the locals."
"Melanie plan to develop a method to create crude oil literally backfires, resulting in a raging underground inferno."
The second hour of the two-part event was titled "Confederate Gold," and here's its premise from IMDB.com:
"While trying to locate gold from the Confederate States of America, the Salvage 1 team is captured by greedy townspeople and forced to work for the locals."
On this day in 1980 (in Australia), Timelapse aired "The Irish Joke." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate an episode summary for this particular installment, but here is the premise behind the entire show's run as provided by AustralianTelevision.Net:
"A science fiction series centered around Douglas Hardy, a computer genius who is cryogenically frozen by corrupt politicians after being murdered. Hardy returns to seek his revenge and bring down the corrupt government."
"A science fiction series centered around Douglas Hardy, a computer genius who is cryogenically frozen by corrupt politicians after being murdered. Hardy returns to seek his revenge and bring down the corrupt government."
It all began right here: on this day in 1985 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater opened its doors for business on television with the airing of "Marionettes, Inc." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mysterious Fantoccini offers an unhappy overworked suburbanite husband the services of his high tech company. He'll be replaced by a robot duplicate both at home and work. However, the man becomes jealous of his perfect double."
"Mysterious Fantoccini offers an unhappy overworked suburbanite husband the services of his high tech company. He'll be replaced by a robot duplicate both at home and work. However, the man becomes jealous of his perfect double."
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Terrahawks aired "The Sporilla." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A visit to the district moon Callisto is an unpleasant experience for Tiger and his crew. They find themselves faced by a fearsome Sporilla - one of Zelda's most terrifying monsters."
"A visit to the district moon Callisto is an unpleasant experience for Tiger and his crew. They find themselves faced by a fearsome Sporilla - one of Zelda's most terrifying monsters."
On this day in 1988 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "There Was An Old Woman." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stubborn old woman has spent her entire life defying death; after the Grim Reaper finally pays his call, her ghost tries to reclaim her body from the mortuary."
"A stubborn old woman has spent her entire life defying death; after the Grim Reaper finally pays his call, her ghost tries to reclaim her body from the mortuary."
On this day in 1994, the second part of a three-part animated project titled Red Planet aired on U.S. television. Apparently this program was adapted from the novel by Robert Heinlein, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"On the distant mining world of New Aries, a young colonist, Jim Marlowe, has acquired a native pet, a "roundhead" he names Willis, which can parrot speech and record visual information. As Jim and his sister P.J. are about to be sent to a boarding school, their mother Jane, the colony's chief medical officer, discovers that a substance in the deeper mines is killing the miners. She uses her authority to shut down the mines, but the decision is rescinded by the evil colony leader, a Beta Earth Mining Company man who sees only the rich profits at any cost. When the colony leader and the school's headmaster discover that Jim has a roundhead in captivity, they seek to steal it for use in medical experiments to make a serum that will temporarily protect the miners against the deadly substances in the mines. Willis records their conversation and when Jim escapes with him, it sets off a revolt against the Company that ends up involving the mysterious intelligent natives. Only Jim's friendship with Willis saves the colonists from eviction or possibly genocide at the hands of the natives, and in an epilogue set many decades later, we see that humans remained and "terraformed" New Aries to make it suitable for both species to co-exist."
If you'd like to know more, it looks like the entire project was edited into a single flick, and it's available for viewing up on YouTube.com right here.
"On the distant mining world of New Aries, a young colonist, Jim Marlowe, has acquired a native pet, a "roundhead" he names Willis, which can parrot speech and record visual information. As Jim and his sister P.J. are about to be sent to a boarding school, their mother Jane, the colony's chief medical officer, discovers that a substance in the deeper mines is killing the miners. She uses her authority to shut down the mines, but the decision is rescinded by the evil colony leader, a Beta Earth Mining Company man who sees only the rich profits at any cost. When the colony leader and the school's headmaster discover that Jim has a roundhead in captivity, they seek to steal it for use in medical experiments to make a serum that will temporarily protect the miners against the deadly substances in the mines. Willis records their conversation and when Jim escapes with him, it sets off a revolt against the Company that ends up involving the mysterious intelligent natives. Only Jim's friendship with Willis saves the colonists from eviction or possibly genocide at the hands of the natives, and in an epilogue set many decades later, we see that humans remained and "terraformed" New Aries to make it suitable for both species to co-exist."
If you'd like to know more, it looks like the entire project was edited into a single flick, and it's available for viewing up on YouTube.com right here.
On this day in 1994, Weird Science aired "Fatal Lisa." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gary wishes for Lisa to fall in love with him, but she falls for Wyatt instead turning into an obsessive psycho."
"Gary wishes for Lisa to fall in love with him, but she falls for Wyatt instead turning into an obsessive psycho."
On this day in 1995, somebody popped the important question as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "And The Answer Is ..." (FYI: I'm guessing that there was no answer, and this was a season cliffhanger!) Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Lois & Clark Wiki:
"Mr and Mrs Superman? A criminal kidnaps Jonathan and Martha and Lois risks her life to save them. In the aftermath of the ordeal, Clark realizes how much he loves Lois and finally asks, "Will you marry me?"
"Mr and Mrs Superman? A criminal kidnaps Jonathan and Martha and Lois risks her life to save them. In the aftermath of the ordeal, Clark realizes how much he loves Lois and finally asks, "Will you marry me?"
On this day in 1995, SeaQuest aired "Splashdown." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seaquest is transported to another planet after responding to a message from Commander Scott Keller. Once there they get involved with a civil war and a possible fight to the finish."
"Seaquest is transported to another planet after responding to a message from Commander Scott Keller. Once there they get involved with a civil war and a possible fight to the finish."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Scorpion, Part 1." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"About to enter Borg space, Voyager finds a threat so devastating that even the Borg cannot deal with it."
"About to enter Borg space, Voyager finds a threat so devastating that even the Borg cannot deal with it."
On this day in 1999, Total Recall 2070 aired "Begotten Not Made." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Latham is starting to cooperate when a lawyer from Recall shows up demanding his release. Moments after his release, the doctor is assassinated. Surprisingly, an autopsy reveals that it was just a clone, so Hume and Farve try to find the real Latham."
"Dr. Latham is starting to cooperate when a lawyer from Recall shows up demanding his release. Moments after his release, the doctor is assassinated. Surprisingly, an autopsy reveals that it was just a clone, so Hume and Farve try to find the real Latham."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "The Mission." This served as the second episode in the show's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Ethaniel and Laura, having been wrongly implicated for murder, are forced to flee from the authorities, as well as Banning and Dent, while trying to clear their own names."
"Ethaniel and Laura, having been wrongly implicated for murder, are forced to flee from the authorities, as well as Banning and Dent, while trying to clear their own names."
On this day in 2000, The X-Files aired "Requiem." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Nearly a decade since their first case, Agents Mulder and Scully return to Oregon to investigate a strange entity in a forest, risking their partnership and lives."
"Nearly a decade since their first case, Agents Mulder and Scully return to Oregon to investigate a strange entity in a forest, risking their partnership and lives."
On this day in 2002, Smallville aired "Tempest." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex and Lionel engage in a struggle over closing down the fertilizer plant. Reporter Roger Nixon steals Clark's spacecraft and learns his secret. Whitney joins the Marines, and Clark takes Chloe to the prom, while a huge tornado approaches."
"Lex and Lionel engage in a struggle over closing down the fertilizer plant. Reporter Roger Nixon steals Clark's spacecraft and learns his secret. Whitney joins the Marines, and Clark takes Chloe to the prom, while a huge tornado approaches."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Workforce: Part 1." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Upon returning from a mission, Chakotay, Kim and Neelix find Voyager abandoned and the Doctor the only crew member aboard. The entire crew have been kidnapped, their memories erased and they are now working in an alien industrial complex. Chakotay and Neelix infiltrate the complex and have to make Captain Janeway remember."
"Upon returning from a mission, Chakotay, Kim and Neelix find Voyager abandoned and the Doctor the only crew member aboard. The entire crew have been kidnapped, their memories erased and they are now working in an alien industrial complex. Chakotay and Neelix infiltrate the complex and have to make Captain Janeway remember."
On this day in 2003, the creative powers that be behind-the-scenes on the struggling Star Trek: Enterprise decided to up the stakes by finally giving the crew of the NX-01 Enterprise somewhat of a mission. The twenty-sixth episode to the second season -- and serving as the season's finale -- was titled "The Expanse," and it introduced a new villain worthy of a season-long conflict that would populate stories for the next viewing year. Here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"An alien probe unleashes an assault upon Earth. Enterprise is recalled, and along the way home Captain Archer acquires information that the perpetrators come from a mysterious region of space known as the Delphic Expanse."
"An alien probe unleashes an assault upon Earth. Enterprise is recalled, and along the way home Captain Archer acquires information that the perpetrators come from a mysterious region of space known as the Delphic Expanse."
On this day in 2005, Doctor Who aired "The Empty Child." This served as the ninth episode to the (restarted) program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Rose and the Doctor find themselves in 1941 London when the TARDIS receives an emergency signal from another time-traveling vehicle. While the Doctor tries to determine where the object may have landed, Rose goes off in search of a child she can hear calling for help. When she gets herself into a precarious situation, she's rescued by the rather handsome RAF Captain Jack Harkness, who owns a time machine of his own."
"Rose and the Doctor find themselves in 1941 London when the TARDIS receives an emergency signal from another time-traveling vehicle. While the Doctor tries to determine where the object may have landed, Rose goes off in search of a child she can hear calling for help. When she gets herself into a precarious situation, she's rescued by the rather handsome RAF Captain Jack Harkness, who owns a time machine of his own."
On this day in 2007, Heroes aired "Chapter 23: How To Stop An Exploding Man." 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:
"Can Sylar be stopped? Will Linderman's vision live on with Nathan? What will it take for Peter to save the world, what sacrifices will be made? With all the horrible predictions unfolding before them the heroes face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza."
"Can Sylar be stopped? Will Linderman's vision live on with Nathan? What will it take for Peter to save the world, what sacrifices will be made? With all the horrible predictions unfolding before them the heroes face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the thirteenth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Chosen One has become quite the nuisance and Agent 2 needs to bite his tongue."
"The Chosen One has become quite the nuisance and Agent 2 needs to bite his tongue."
On this day in 2011, Doctor Who aired "The Rebel Flesh." (Gotta say -- in brief -- I just didn't care for the storyline.) This served as the fifth episode to the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Amy and Rory arrive in a future Earth where a small group of humans operate a plant extracting highly dangerous chemicals. To minimize the danger to themselves, they create clones made of a plastic-like substance, 'gangers' (short for doppelganger) who do the actual work. While forming their clones however, the Earth is struck by massive solar flare activity that transfer the humans' emotions and memories in addition to their technical abilities. As they all try to deal with what has happened, the gangers are clearly no longer prepared to accept the limited status they previously had and insist on being treated as sentient beings in their own right. As it turns out, others have been affected as well."
"The Doctor, Amy and Rory arrive in a future Earth where a small group of humans operate a plant extracting highly dangerous chemicals. To minimize the danger to themselves, they create clones made of a plastic-like substance, 'gangers' (short for doppelganger) who do the actual work. While forming their clones however, the Earth is struck by massive solar flare activity that transfer the humans' emotions and memories in addition to their technical abilities. As they all try to deal with what has happened, the gangers are clearly no longer prepared to accept the limited status they previously had and insist on being treated as sentient beings in their own right. As it turns out, others have been affected as well."
On this day in 2014, things were looking very dark indeed for the Earthbound survivors on the CW's The 100 as Murphy returned to the camp but with something along for the ride no one expected. This was the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Murphy returns to the camp carrying a horrific virus created by the Grounders to weaken the camp. After learning the Grounders plan to attack the next day, Bellamy, Finn and Raven come up with a plan to delay them."
"Murphy returns to the camp carrying a horrific virus created by the Grounders to weaken the camp. After learning the Grounders plan to attack the next day, Bellamy, Finn and Raven come up with a plan to delay them."
Sorry, folks, I don't game ... but I can tell you that it was on this day in 2004 that the video game The X-Files: Resist Or Serve was released to the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully travel to the town of Red Falls, in the Rocky Mountains, to investigate a series of murders committed by a man supposedly raised from the dead by two teenage sisters that the superstitious townsfolk suspect of witchcraft. Mulder believes that the girls are innocent and hopes to find them before the angry locals lynch them. However, the town turns out to be infested by rage zombies and Mulder and Scully's investigation into this zombie outbreak only leads to further mysteries involving an alien artifact, Krycek, a doomsday cult from Tunguska, Siberia and subsequently an alien spacecraft buried beneath the surface of the Earth, where the two agents must stop the "black oil" alien virus from taking control of the planet. This survival horror game consists of three parts that are presented like three connected mythology arc episodes of the show."
"FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully travel to the town of Red Falls, in the Rocky Mountains, to investigate a series of murders committed by a man supposedly raised from the dead by two teenage sisters that the superstitious townsfolk suspect of witchcraft. Mulder believes that the girls are innocent and hopes to find them before the angry locals lynch them. However, the town turns out to be infested by rage zombies and Mulder and Scully's investigation into this zombie outbreak only leads to further mysteries involving an alien artifact, Krycek, a doomsday cult from Tunguska, Siberia and subsequently an alien spacecraft buried beneath the surface of the Earth, where the two agents must stop the "black oil" alien virus from taking control of the planet. This survival horror game consists of three parts that are presented like three connected mythology arc episodes of the show."
