Throughout literary history, many an author has taken a stab in some way -- big or small -- at Science Fiction or Fantasy, and here's one of the most surprising: the legendary Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! Readers and fans know him more for one of the greatest characters in fictional history -- Sherlock Holmes -- but he also dabbled in other genres. His The Lost World has enjoyed countless theatrical presentations -- the most renowned (for my tastes) being the first one from 1925 -- as well as a fairly interesting TV incarnation that lasted three fun-filled seasons. Though he's no longer with us, Doyle was born on this day in 1859.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important SciFiHistory.Net links:
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important SciFiHistory.Net links:
- Remembering Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Genre Fans Owe The Author A Debt For His 'Lost World'
- Harry O. Hoyt's 'The Lost World' Is Found Anew
David Hillary Hughes played 'Trefayne' aboard the classic Star Trek episode "Errand Of Mercy" during the program's first season. Previous to this, Hughes made a guest visit to the world of TV's Science Fiction Theatre. Though he's no longer with us, Hughes was born on this day in 1901.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in his life, acting legend Laurence Olivier took on the role of the mighty 'Zeus' aboard Desmond Davis' Clash Of The Titans (1981). Though he's no longer with us, Olivier was born on this day in 1907.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I can't tell you all about the ins and outs of a studio's music department, but I can assure you that Else Blangsted probably could've. A review of her professional career shows that she largely worked in supervising the music of a whole library of motion pictures. As for a few names that might be of significance 'round these parts? Well, why don't you consider her work in Terror in The Wax Museum (1973), The Man With Two Brains (1983), The Goonies (1985), and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). Though she's no longer with us, Blangsted was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2006, Blangsted was given a Career Achievement Award by the Motion Picture Sound Editors (USA) for her contributions to the world of film.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2006, Blangsted was given a Career Achievement Award by the Motion Picture Sound Editors (USA) for her contributions to the world of film.
Leaving behind a professional career of nearly one hundred different screen roles, Merry Anders never quite found a breakout performance but managed to squeeze in many great smaller ones. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Princess Of The Nile (1954), The Hypnotic Eye (1960), Beauty And The Beast (1962), House Of The Damned (1963), The Time Travelers (1964), and Women Of The Prehistoric Planet (1966). Though she's no longer with us, Anders was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Shirley Bonne had a guest spot in "Shore Leave," one of the popular episodes from Star Trek's first season. She also appeared in the 1969 Telefilm "It's Alive" and made in appearance to TV's I Dream Of Jeannie for good measure. Bonne was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Comedian Richard Benjamin was 'Adam Quark,' captain of a space-based garbage scow in the 1977-78 TV season comedy program titled simply Quark. He had also appeared in the 1973's sci-fi cult flick, Westworld. In 1979, he ventured into the realm of the Horror/Comedy with a big role in Love At First Bite, following that up the next year with work in Witches' Brew (1980) opposite Teri Garr. In 1981, he starred in the Horror spoof Saturday The 14th for New World Pictures. Lastly, in 2009, he guest-starred aboard an episode of the popular Fantasy serial Pushing Daisies. Benjamin was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late actor Paul Winfield was fortunate enough to make two very memorable though tragic appearances in our much beloved Star Trek franchise. He's perhaps best remembered as 'Capt. Terrell' in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, but he was also in the classic Star Trek: The Next Generation episode titled "Darmok" as the signature character. He also had a terrific role in the original The Terminator movie. Winfield was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important SciFiHistory.Net Links:
[Source: IMDB.com]
Important SciFiHistory.Net Links:
The great Michael Sarrazin had a few forays into the realm of Science Fiction. He made appearances in Frankenstein: The True Story (1973), The Ray Bradbury Theatre, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Arrival II (1998), The Outer Limits, and Earth: Final Conflict. Though he's no longer with us, Sarrazin was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
An iconic actress from movie and television's 1960's, the lovely Barbara Perkins hasn't done work in quite some time; still, one of her last screen credits was voicing the Mother Box for Superman: The Animated Series. (And that's kinda a big thing in the Superman universe.) Parkins was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Jack Kehler leaves behind a resume rich with just over one hundred and seventy different screen credits. IDMB.com reports that he started out on his professional journey in theater and quickly moved from the stage to the screen. Fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Strange Invaders (1983), Disaster At Silo 7 (1988), Mann & Machine, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Waterworld, The Invaders, The Pretender, Men In Black II (2002), Angel, and The Man In The High Castle. Though he's no longer with us, Kehler was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That dreamy little Russian cosmonaut who curled up in Roy Scheider's arms in one fateful moment during 2010 when it appeared their mission was going to Hell in a handbasket? She was played by Natasha Schneider, who essentially turned away from the film business to focus on her music career. Though she's no longer with us, Schneider was born on this day in 1956.
I've always been a bit smitten with the work of Ann Cusack. So far as genre appearances go, she's been a part of What Planet Are You From (2000), Star Trek: Enterprise, Miracles, and The Lost Room. Cusack was born on this day in 1961.
Though she's likely best remembered for being trapped by a serial killer in the signature crime drama The Silence Of The Lambs, actress Brooke Smith has stretched her legs in Science Fiction and Fantasy with work aboard The Hunger, Stitchers, Supergirl, and The Crossing. Smith was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Michael Kelly had a small role aboard Warner Bros' Man Of Steel (2013). He also had a key role aboard The Adjustment Bureau (2011). Kelly was born on this day in 1969.
Though her acting career has been off-and-on throughout the last two decades (according to IMDB.com, that is), A.J. Langer did give SciFi fans a peek at her skills by appearing in 1996's God-awful sequel to the classic Escape From New York titled Escape from L.A. Same plot, different location. Langer was born on this day in 1974.
Gilmore Girls alumnus Sean Gunn took a walk on the wild side in the role of Kraglin aboard Marvel's popular Guardians of the Galaxy (2014 and 2017). Gunn was born on this day in 1974.
You know, the parts of the Michael Bay film The Island that actually dealt in the realm of sci-fi were actually quite good; it's when he left behind the sci-fi and embraced his action flick roots that Bay killed what could've been an otherwise solid outing. Whatever. The Island's community announcer? On that big screen? That's the lovely Noa Tishby. She's also done work in Star Trek: Enterprise as well as The 4400. Tishby was born on this day in 1977.
The scrumptious Ginnifer Goodwin wooed fans in the role of Snow White aboard ABC TV's Fantasy-themed Once Upon A Time. Goodwin was born on this day in 1978.
Maggie Q is just too damn good looking for her own good! She's had an awful lot of small roles in largely forgettable films, but I, for one, would love to see her break-through with her own SciFi and Fantasy franchise. She can be seen as the 'Priestess' in 2011's interesting Priest. Maggie was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Nazanin Boniadi's earliest roles was as 'Amira Ahmed' aboard Marvel's flagship feature, Iron Man (2008). More recently, she turned in some spectacular work aboard Star Networks' Counterpart, one of the best SciFi shows folks have never seen. Boniadi was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely model and actress Tao Okamoto joined Hugh Jackman aboard 2013's The Wolverine. Then in 2016 she jumped ship and board DC Comics for the part of 'Mercy Graves' in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Want to know more? She's turned in some pretty solid work in genre projects like The Man In The High Castle from Amazon Studios as well as Westworld from HBO. That's not too shabby! Okamoto was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The multi-talented Holly Conrad has been able to strut her stuff both in acting as well as costume design and special effects for fans to enjoy. Conrad was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Charlie DePew filled out the shoes of 'Philip Stacy' in both 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man and 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. DePew was born on this day in 1996.
Fresh-faced Camren Bicondova is slinking her way into television history by bringing to life 'Selina Kyle' (aka The Catwoman) for Fox TV's Gotham. Bicondova was born on this day in 1999.
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed brought Science Fiction's seminal monster back to the silver screen. Directed by Terence Fisher, the Horror/Fantasy starred Peter Cushing, Veronica Carlson, and Freddie Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Baron Frankenstein, with the aid of a young doctor and his fiancée, kidnaps the mentally sick Dr. Brandt in order to perform the first brain transplant operation."
"Baron Frankenstein, with the aid of a young doctor and his fiancée, kidnaps the mentally sick Dr. Brandt in order to perform the first brain transplant operation."
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to yet one more look into our impending demise with an exclusive theatrical premiere event of Chosen Survivors. Directed by Sutton Roley from a script by Harry Spalding and Joe Reb Moffly, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jackie Cooper, Alex Cord, and Richard Jaeckel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of diverse individuals are suddenly taken from their homes and flown via helicopter to a futuristic bomb shelter in the desert, one-third of a mile below the surface of the Earth. There, they learn that a nuclear holocaust is taking place and that they've been "chosen" by computer to survive in the shelter in order to continue the human race. The shelter is designed to allow the people to exist underground comfortably for years, but they are faced with a threat nobody could have predicted: a colony of thousands of bloodthirsty vampire bats finds a way into the shelter and launches a series of vicious attacks where they claim the humans one by one."
"A group of diverse individuals are suddenly taken from their homes and flown via helicopter to a futuristic bomb shelter in the desert, one-third of a mile below the surface of the Earth. There, they learn that a nuclear holocaust is taking place and that they've been "chosen" by computer to survive in the shelter in order to continue the human race. The shelter is designed to allow the people to exist underground comfortably for years, but they are faced with a threat nobody could have predicted: a colony of thousands of bloodthirsty vampire bats finds a way into the shelter and launches a series of vicious attacks where they claim the humans one by one."
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in France), Odio Mi Cuerpo (aka I Hate My Body) enjoyed its theatrical premiere when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by León Klimovsky, the SciFi/Horror starred Alexandra Bastedo, Narciso Ibáñez Menta, and Gemma Cuervo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The brain of a male engineer is transplanted into a female's body. He soon finds it very frustrating to cope with the daily sexist discrimination most women deal with. For example, he is surprised when no one will hire a female engineer. When he is faced with dealing with female sexuality, he quickly begins exhibiting lesbian tendencies."
"The brain of a male engineer is transplanted into a female's body. He soon finds it very frustrating to cope with the daily sexist discrimination most women deal with. For example, he is surprised when no one will hire a female engineer. When he is faced with dealing with female sexuality, he quickly begins exhibiting lesbian tendencies."
A star is born ... or is it made? On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), the good people of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania enjoyed a limited theatrical premiere engagement of The Mutations (aka The Freakmaker). Directed by Jack Cardiff from a script by Robert D. Weinbach and Edward Mann, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Pleasence, Tom Baker, and Brad Harris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
While it's an exceedingly rare phenomenon, there are still some actors whose mere presence elevates some relatively mundane and/or predictable script material. Case in point: Outland is basically a retelling of the western High Noon but done in outer space, and the mere presence of the legendary Sean Connery made it a better-than-average flick. It's a bit slow by today's standards, but it's still pretty well done, especially as a SciFi flick for the '80's. The film premiered on this day in 1981 (in the U.S.). Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Io uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy. He gets no help from the workers or authorities when he finds himself marked for murder."
For the record:
Indeed, 1981's Outland is a film that earned some praise during its original theatrical run. In 1982, it was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Frances Sternhagen won top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress,' but everyone one else had to be content with nominations only in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Outland enjoyed a 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the Hugo Awards.
"A federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Io uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy. He gets no help from the workers or authorities when he finds himself marked for murder."
For the record:
Indeed, 1981's Outland is a film that earned some praise during its original theatrical run. In 1982, it was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Frances Sternhagen won top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress,' but everyone one else had to be content with nominations only in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Outland enjoyed a 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences of a special 'sneak preview' event. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the film starred William Shatner, Ricardo Montalban, and Leonard Nimoy; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Star Trek II took top honors in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director' while simply having to settle for nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the feature film enjoyed the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1983 Hugo Awards.
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Star Trek II took top honors in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director' while simply having to settle for nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the feature film enjoyed the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1983 Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), the good people of San Francisco, California were treated to the silver screen premiere event that was the latest James Bond adventure -- A View To A Kill. Directed by John Glen, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Roger Moore, Christopher Walken, and Grace Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The recovery of a microchip off the body of a fellow agent leads James Bond to a mad industrialist who plans to create a worldwide microchip monopoly by destroying California's Silicon Valley."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), A View To A Kill enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The recovery of a microchip off the body of a fellow agent leads James Bond to a mad industrialist who plans to create a worldwide microchip monopoly by destroying California's Silicon Valley."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), A View To A Kill enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
Wow, do you know that I just realized I've never seen any of the Trancers movie fully? (FYI: the first one premiered on this day back in 1985.) I should really get around to that soon. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Jack Deth is a kind of cop/bounty hunter in the bleak Los Angeles of the future. He's become obssessed with chasing Whistler - an evil criminal who uses powerful hypnotic powers to convert people into zombie like creatures known as trancers. Whistler has managed to escape through time travel and is loose in 1980s L.A. but Deth is on his trail."
"Jack Deth is a kind of cop/bounty hunter in the bleak Los Angeles of the future. He's become obssessed with chasing Whistler - an evil criminal who uses powerful hypnotic powers to convert people into zombie like creatures known as trancers. Whistler has managed to escape through time travel and is loose in 1980s L.A. but Deth is on his trail."
On this day in 1992 (in the US and Canada), Ripley went further than she'd ever gone before in her struggle against the perilous Xenomorphs menacing her personally and our galaxy professionally when Alien 3 premiered in theatres. Sadly, audiences weren't exactly won over by this latest, more existential struggle against the menace, but I liked it well enough. (FYI: And it's still miles above Alien: Resurrection, not that that means much ...) Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After her last encounter, Ellen Ripley crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a maximum security prison. When a series of strange and deadly events occur shortly after her arrival, Ripley realizes that she has brought along an unwelcome visitor."
For the record:
Yes, yes, yes! I'm aware that Weaver is back in the next chapter -- Alien: Resurrection (1997) -- but what I meant was that this was the original Ripley as the one in that film is a clone of her. Calm down, haters. Still, Alien 3 took the franchise in a somewhat dark turn as fans didn't quite warm to this particular chapter as the script ended up offing the other survivors of Jim Cameron's Aliens (1986), a development long-time fans couldn't quite get beyond. Still, the motion picture was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Best Visual Effects' and went on to achieve a solid number of other nominations and top prizes. That's certainly no small feat, especially for an adventure many fans feel was a creative misstep.
"After her last encounter, Ellen Ripley crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a maximum security prison. When a series of strange and deadly events occur shortly after her arrival, Ripley realizes that she has brought along an unwelcome visitor."
For the record:
Yes, yes, yes! I'm aware that Weaver is back in the next chapter -- Alien: Resurrection (1997) -- but what I meant was that this was the original Ripley as the one in that film is a clone of her. Calm down, haters. Still, Alien 3 took the franchise in a somewhat dark turn as fans didn't quite warm to this particular chapter as the script ended up offing the other survivors of Jim Cameron's Aliens (1986), a development long-time fans couldn't quite get beyond. Still, the motion picture was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Best Visual Effects' and went on to achieve a solid number of other nominations and top prizes. That's certainly no small feat, especially for an adventure many fans feel was a creative misstep.
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Battle Queen 2020 took a sexy swing at depicting post-Apocalyptic Earth (on home video). Directed by Daniel D'Or, the SciFi/Fantasy Julie Strain, Jeff Wincott, and Brian Frank. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After a civilization is all but wiped out by a comet, evil forces take advantage of the weak. A powerful woman fights back for the sake of the vulnerable."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Battle Queen 2020 enjoyed a 2001 nomination from the DVD Exclusive Awards in the category of 'Best Visual Effects.'
"After a civilization is all but wiped out by a comet, evil forces take advantage of the weak. A powerful woman fights back for the sake of the vulnerable."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Battle Queen 2020 enjoyed a 2001 nomination from the DVD Exclusive Awards in the category of 'Best Visual Effects.'
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Boa Vs. Python slithered its way on its first television broadcast. Directed by David Flores, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred David Hewlett, Jaime Bergman, and Angel Boris Reed. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After an overly ambitious businessman transports an 80-foot python to the United States, the beast escapes and starts to leave behind a trail of human victims. An FBI agent and a snake specialist come up with a plot to combat the creature by pitting it against a bioengineered, 70-foot boa constrictor. It's two great snakes that snake great together!"
"After an overly ambitious businessman transports an 80-foot python to the United States, the beast escapes and starts to leave behind a trail of human victims. An FBI agent and a snake specialist come up with a plot to combat the creature by pitting it against a bioengineered, 70-foot boa constrictor. It's two great snakes that snake great together!"
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in France), our cultural betters all gathered at the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the big screen debut of X-Men: The Last Stand. Directed by Brett Ratner, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Famke Janssen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The human government develops a cure for mutations, and Jean Gray becomes a darker uncontrollable persona called the Phoenix who allies with Magneto, causing escalation into an all-out battle for the X-Men."
For the record:
Despite a fairly tepid reaction from fans and critics, X-Men: The Last Stand garnered four 2007 Saturn Awards nominations ('Best Costume,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') and sent actress Famke Janssen home with top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
"The human government develops a cure for mutations, and Jean Gray becomes a darker uncontrollable persona called the Phoenix who allies with Magneto, causing escalation into an all-out battle for the X-Men."
For the record:
Despite a fairly tepid reaction from fans and critics, X-Men: The Last Stand garnered four 2007 Saturn Awards nominations ('Best Costume,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') and sent actress Famke Janssen home with top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
It's always been my contention to anyone who would listen that the Indiana Jones franchise is probably one of the most mismanaged in all of filmdom. Each film has grown progressively dumber than the first film (which remains a work of genius), and I blame both Mr. Lucas and Mr. Spielberg for taking the easy way out each time. Still, 2008's Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skulls (which premiered on this day) was an admirable attempt to recapture the main character's fortune and glory, but it was all too little too late so far as this film fan is concerned. Blech. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1957, archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. is called back into action and becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls."
"In 1957, archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. is called back into action and becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Japan), Mutant Girls Squad delivered a bit of creepy camp to the silver screen. Directed by the team of Noboru Iguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura, and Tak Sakaguchi, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Asami, Naoto Takenaka, and Hikaru Shida. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a high-school girl discovers that she descends from a long line of mutants, she joins other mutants to battle anti-mutants. Ordinary humans that can't run fast get caught in the slaughter."
"After a high-school girl discovers that she descends from a long line of mutants, she joins other mutants to battle anti-mutants. Ordinary humans that can't run fast get caught in the slaughter."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Japan), the good people of Echizen (in Fukui Prefecture) enjoyed an exclusive theatrical premiere event of Hesomori. Written and directed by Tomomi Iriya, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Toshiyuki Nagashima, Ikkei Watanabe, and Ikuji Nakamura. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five young friends discover a network of time travelling tunnels that take them to different eras in Japan. Forty years later, Satoshi runs the traditional paper mill of the village and struggles to make ends meet. Strange things start to happen when a nefarious developer with connections to the tunnels swoops in and makes the region a tourist spot. Satoshi and friends are called into action as guardians of the tunnels when the developer discovers a samurai who wanders in from another era."
"Five young friends discover a network of time travelling tunnels that take them to different eras in Japan. Forty years later, Satoshi runs the traditional paper mill of the village and struggles to make ends meet. Strange things start to happen when a nefarious developer with connections to the tunnels swoops in and makes the region a tourist spot. Satoshi and friends are called into action as guardians of the tunnels when the developer discovers a samurai who wanders in from another era."
On this day in 2012 (in the Netherlands), Doomsday Prophecy enjoyed its premiere on home video. The SciFi feature starred A.J. Buckley and Jewel Staite, and here's the premise listed on IMDB.com:
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
A star is born ... and this one is crawling! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), The Giant Spider delivered yet another round of nightmares to audiences suffering from arachnophobia. Written and directed by Christopher R. Mihm, the Fantasy feature starred Shannon McDonough, Michael Cook, and James Norgard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When radiation left behind by atomic weapons testing creates a gigantic killer mutant arachnid, it's up to a trio of scientists, an Army general, and a newspaper reporter and his fiancée to figure out how to stop the hungry beast."
"When radiation left behind by atomic weapons testing creates a gigantic killer mutant arachnid, it's up to a trio of scientists, an Army general, and a newspaper reporter and his fiancée to figure out how to stop the hungry beast."
A star is born! On this day in 2016, the SciFi/Animated feature Cranium Intel crept to life. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the flick:
"The President wants a military/scientist named Micheal W. Logan dead, after he discovers the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is actually a portal to the Planet X."
"The President wants a military/scientist named Micheal W. Logan dead, after he discovers the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is actually a portal to the Planet X."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the Turtles were back as they delivered a bit of big screen magic to the good people of New York City, New York with an exclusive premiere event of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows. Directed by Dave Green, the Fantasy feature starred Megan Fox, Will Arnett, and Tyler Perry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Turtles get into another battle with their enemy the Shredder, who has acquired new allies: the mutant thugs Bebop and Rocksteady and the alien being Krang."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the Razzie Awards dished out a little bit of love (is that love?) by giving actress Megan Fox a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress' and the entire production a nod in the category of 'Worst Sequel, Prequel, Rip-off, Or Remake.' Gee, what's a turtle gotta do to earn a little respect in this town?
"The Turtles get into another battle with their enemy the Shredder, who has acquired new allies: the mutant thugs Bebop and Rocksteady and the alien being Krang."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the Razzie Awards dished out a little bit of love (is that love?) by giving actress Megan Fox a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress' and the entire production a nod in the category of 'Worst Sequel, Prequel, Rip-off, Or Remake.' Gee, what's a turtle gotta do to earn a little respect in this town?
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in France), Particles enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Directors' Fortnight. Written (in part) and directed by Blaise Harrison, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Thomas Daloz, Néa Lüders, and Salvatore Ferro; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As winter sets in and P.A. sees the world shifting around him, he starts to observe strange phenomena in the environment. The changes are imperceptible at first, but gradually his whole world seems to be on the brink."
"As winter sets in and P.A. sees the world shifting around him, he starts to observe strange phenomena in the environment. The changes are imperceptible at first, but gradually his whole world seems to be on the brink."
On this day in 1954, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Runaway Rocket." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"While conducting a space trial for a new type of speedy scout ship, Commander Arkwright, Captain Strong and Cadet Rattison's vessel veers into the path of the Sun after an electrical short-circuit. Only the tiny Polaris, with its crew of cadets, can save their friends of a fiery death."
"While conducting a space trial for a new type of speedy scout ship, Commander Arkwright, Captain Strong and Cadet Rattison's vessel veers into the path of the Sun after an electrical short-circuit. Only the tiny Polaris, with its crew of cadets, can save their friends of a fiery death."
On this day in 1964, The Twilight Zone aired "Come Wander With Me." This served as the thirty-fourth episode to the long-running program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Singer Floyd Burney searches the backwoods for new songs and finds Mary Rachel and much more deep in the Twilight Zone."
"Singer Floyd Burney searches the backwoods for new songs and finds Mary Rachel and much more deep in the Twilight Zone."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Daemons: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Master raises the Devil. The Doctor becomes a wizard."
"The Master raises the Devil. The Doctor becomes a wizard."
Why have one alpha male when you can have two? On this day in 1993, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Second Chances." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A distortion field surrounds a planet, giving one chance every eight years to visit the surface. Riker once had a mission there and their equipment was deserted in an effort to flee from the planet before the distortion returned. Having returned to the planet, he runs into another version of himself...marooned there eight years previous."
"A distortion field surrounds a planet, giving one chance every eight years to visit the surface. Riker once had a mission there and their equipment was deserted in an effort to flee from the planet before the distortion returned. Having returned to the planet, he runs into another version of himself...marooned there eight years previous."
On this day in 1994, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Collaborator." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Vedek Bareil's targeted by fellow Kai candidate, Vedek Winn as having been a collaborator with the Cardassians during the Occupation."
"Vedek Bareil's targeted by fellow Kai candidate, Vedek Winn as having been a collaborator with the Cardassians during the Occupation."
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Shakaar." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"News arrives that Kai Winn has also become Bajor's political leader. She asks Kira to negotiate with an old resistance friend about returning soil reclamators."
"News arrives that Kai Winn has also become Bajor's political leader. She asks Kira to negotiate with an old resistance friend about returning soil reclamators."
I know an awful lot of Star Trek: Voyager fans may hate me for saying this, but I thought the program had more than its fair share of 'fluff' episodes -- they were hours meant to just "fill the space" between one of the stronger moments to the next. Still, some of that 'fluff' was quite good. One such episode was first season's "Learning Curve," a clever little look at folks steppin' up to the plate now that their ship was in deep doodoo. It aired on this day in 1995, and here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"While Voyager's mixed Starfleet/Maquis crew seem to be working out, a few rogue Maquis are fighting the integration. Chakotay selects the most resistant of the group and Tuvok decides to put the rebels through boot-camp, Tuvok style. Meanwhile, Voyager's bio-neural circuitry is afflicted by a viral infection stemming from Neelix's cooking."
"While Voyager's mixed Starfleet/Maquis crew seem to be working out, a few rogue Maquis are fighting the integration. Chakotay selects the most resistant of the group and Tuvok decides to put the rebels through boot-camp, Tuvok style. Meanwhile, Voyager's bio-neural circuitry is afflicted by a viral infection stemming from Neelix's cooking."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), Lexx aired "Tunnels." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Xev and Stan lose Kai and are on the run in underground tunnels that lead from one city to another but contain dangerous killers. Prince offers to help, but Xev turns him down and the situation goes from bad to worse."
"Xev and Stan lose Kai and are on the run in underground tunnels that lead from one city to another but contain dangerous killers. Prince offers to help, but Xev turns him down and the situation goes from bad to worse."
On this day in 2001, Angel aired "There's No Place Like Plrtz Glrb." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wesley and Gunn storm the Pylean castle while Angel fights the Groosalugg."
"Wesley and Gunn storm the Pylean castle while Angel fights the Groosalugg."
On this day in 2001, Buffy The Vampire Slayer aired "The Gift." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Glory prepares Dawn for a bloodletting ritual that will open a portal to another dimension, Buffy and her friends prepare for battle."
"As Glory prepares Dawn for a bloodletting ritual that will open a portal to another dimension, Buffy and her friends prepare for battle."
On this day in 2001, Seven Days aired "Born In The U.S.S.R." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A deadly gas leak kills thousands of Russians and leads to a coup and power vacuum. When Olga is paid a visit by a former lover seeking her help with the Russian time travel program, she puts the world in peril."
"A deadly gas leak kills thousands of Russians and leads to a coup and power vacuum. When Olga is paid a visit by a former lover seeking her help with the Russian time travel program, she puts the world in peril."
On this day in 2002, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Shockwave." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Enterprise discovers a mining colony of the Paraagans. The crew gets an invitation for a meeting on the surface and a shuttle pod tries to break through the atmosphere. All of the sudden just under the shuttle a giant explosion begins and scorches the earth beneath. All 3600 colonists are reported dead. After examination Enterprise finds out plasma leaking from the pod's vents ignited tetrazine in the atmosphere. Lieutenant Reed however ensures he closed the plasma vents before the shuttle went of. After conversations with admiral Forrest of Starfleet Command, captain Archer learns Enterprise' mission is canceled and they must return home, not to return to space for another ten or twenty years. When the ship has altered course, crewman Daniels, a time traveler, pays a visit to captain Archer."
"Enterprise discovers a mining colony of the Paraagans. The crew gets an invitation for a meeting on the surface and a shuttle pod tries to break through the atmosphere. All of the sudden just under the shuttle a giant explosion begins and scorches the earth beneath. All 3600 colonists are reported dead. After examination Enterprise finds out plasma leaking from the pod's vents ignited tetrazine in the atmosphere. Lieutenant Reed however ensures he closed the plasma vents before the shuttle went of. After conversations with admiral Forrest of Starfleet Command, captain Archer learns Enterprise' mission is canceled and they must return home, not to return to space for another ten or twenty years. When the ship has altered course, crewman Daniels, a time traveler, pays a visit to captain Archer."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Hungry Earth." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a drill drills to deep into the earth, something that had been hibernating beneath the earth's crust is woken, and it's hungry for revenge."
"When a drill drills to deep into the earth, something that had been hibernating beneath the earth's crust is woken, and it's hungry for revenge."
On this day in 2017, Supergirl aired "Nevertheless, She Persisted." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season -- its season finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Supergirl challenges Rhea to battle to save National City. Meanwhile, Superman returns and Cat Grant offers Supergirl some sage advice."
"Supergirl challenges Rhea to battle to save National City. Meanwhile, Superman returns and Cat Grant offers Supergirl some sage advice."
On this day in 2018, The 100 aired "Shifting Sands." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Octavia leads her people towards Shadow Valley against the advice of Clarke and Bellamy; Kane and Abby adjust to a new set of challenges."
"Octavia leads her people towards Shadow Valley against the advice of Clarke and Bellamy; Kane and Abby adjust to a new set of challenges."
On this day in 2018, The Flash aired "We Are The Flash." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's fourth season -- its season finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team gets help from a surprising ally in their battle against DeVoe."
"The team gets help from a surprising ally in their battle against DeVoe."
On this day in 2001, Star Trek: The Next Generation - Rogue enjoyed its initial release to the consumer marketplace. The novel was written by Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin, and here's the premise as listed on Amazon.com:
"Amoral, shrouded in secrecy, answerable to no-one, Section 31 operates outside the constraints of either conscience or the law. They are the covert operations arm of Starfleet. Their mission: to protect the Federation at whatever cost."
"Amoral, shrouded in secrecy, answerable to no-one, Section 31 operates outside the constraints of either conscience or the law. They are the covert operations arm of Starfleet. Their mission: to protect the Federation at whatever cost."
On this day in 2001, the mass market paperback release for Star Trek: Voyager - Shadow enjoyed its premiere on book shelves everywhere. The novel was written by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and here's the summary from Amazon.com:
"As the crew of Voyager races against time to safe millions of refugees from an approaching stellar catastrophe, Seven of Nine becomes the unwitting target of a series of potenially lethal "accidents," and Captain Janeway and her people find themselves in an unexpected battle to preserve their own lives from a ruthless enemy."
"As the crew of Voyager races against time to safe millions of refugees from an approaching stellar catastrophe, Seven of Nine becomes the unwitting target of a series of potenially lethal "accidents," and Captain Janeway and her people find themselves in an unexpected battle to preserve their own lives from a ruthless enemy."
