Linda Watkins played a bit of a boozing lush aboard the 1957 monster movie From Hell It Came for Milner Brothers Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Watkins was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Scatman Crothers made a key appearance aboard one of the installments within Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983). Though he's no longer with us, Crothers was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You can't know anything about the world of Star Trek novelizations and not know the name of James Blish for it was Blish who adapted all of the early Trek tales into novels for fans hungry to revisit their favorite adventures of Kirk, Spock, Bones, and the crew of the Enterprise. Also, Blish wrote one of the best original tales in the franchise -- Spock Must Die! -- and it remains a favorite of mine even today. Though he's no longer with us, Blish was born on this day in 1921.
The venerable Nigel Davenport (above right) was all that stood between human extinction and a band of giant ants in the cult flick, Phase IV (1974). Though he's no longer with us, Davenport was born on this day in 1928.
Swedish-born actress Ulla Jacobsson built a solid reputation in mostly conventional dramas and comedies of the time, but she did dabble briefly in Fantasy with a role aboard the 1958 adaptation of Phantom Carriage. Though she's no longer with us, Jacobsson was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, renowned actress Barbara Barrie guested aboard Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. She's also paid a visit to the SciFi world of TV's The Invaders. Barrie was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A visit into Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone -- one of the greatest SciFi and Fantasy programs of all time -- will certainly draw you a mention on these pages, and such is the case for the lovely Laura Devon. Though she's no longer with us, Devon was born on this day in 1931.
She first appeared quiet and unassuming, just out of reach and standing on the stairs, but before the hour was over she would become the only woman Star Trek fans know with absolute certainty broke Capt. Jim Kirk's heart. She was Edith Keeler, played by the incomparable Joan Collins, and she was given the distinction of appearing in what would inevitably be overwhelming embrace by all of Trekdom as the program's finest hour, "City of the Edge of Forever." Collins was born on this day in 1933.
I probably don't speak often enough of my love for Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). This time travel comedy has a terrific sense of lunacy about the conceit of time travel being used for what basically boils down to a high school book report, and the comic timing of the entire cast just sells it perfectly. Hal Landon, Jr. played Ted's dad, and he's also appeared in The Twilight Zone, Quantum Leap, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Landon, Jr. was born on this day in 1941.
Alex Henteloff (above center) joined the crew of the Starship Enterprise (albeit briefly) in what remains the most commercially popular cinematic adventure of the original crew - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). Henteloff was born on this day in 1942.
Before he assumed the director's chair and churned out some of mankind's memorable cinematic sex scenes, a younger Zalman King suited up for Roger Corman aboard Galaxy Of Terror (1981). Though he's no longer with us, King was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know so many folks really hated Tim Burton's Mars Attacks (1996), but I thought it delivered a wonderful mix of SciFi camp and general silliness to make it all worthwhile. The lovely O-Lan Jones was willing to risk it all to protect hers, and that's definitely worth a mention here. Jones was born on this day in 1950.
Linda Thompson is know for many things, among them being a beauty pageant queen as well as the woman who kept Bruce Jenner's secret for quite some time. What matters in this space, however, is genre credentials ... and she did enjoy a small role aboard RoboCop 2 (1990) worth mentioning. Thompson was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous twins Cyb and Patricia Barnstable were the delightful pair that undoubtedly made 70's comedy shtick Quark so memorable. The Barnstable ladies were born on this day in 1951.
Actor, funnyman, and game show host Drew Carey lent his voice to the character of 'Crank' aboard the SciFi/Animated flick Robots (2005) for 20th Century Fox Animation. Carey was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fans of the fondly remembered Quantum Leap have nothing but endless praise for that franchise, so much so that they'd love to see it come back in some way, shape, or form. The lovely Beverly Leech played a guest role in an episode, and she also dabbled in the worlds of Alien Nation, Babylon 5, and Star Trek: Voyager. Leech was born on this day in 1959.
The talented Linden Ashby took a crack at curing the Apocalypse that was Resident Evil: Extinction (2007). He's also booked screen time in such properties as Werewolf, Mortal Kombat (1995), Iron Man 3 (2013), and Teen Wolf. Ashby was born on this day in 1960.
What's a VJ to do once there are no more Vs (videos) to spin? Well, how about a career in film! MTV VJ Karen Duffy dabbled in SciFi with a plum role aboard Memory Run (aka Synapse) in 1995. Duffy was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Colleen Flynn has certainly laid down some artistic footprints worthy of study. She's been seen aboard VR.5, The X-Files, and Roswell. Flynn was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Precious are the fragile moments when Carol -- aka Melissa McBride -- rises up during an hour of AMC's The Walking Dead to show us just how badass a woman can be. She's singlehandedly saving us from the Apocalypse! McBride was born on this day in 1965.
Composer Tom Tykwer did what he could to bring a sense of timelessness to the Wachowskis' box office flop Cloud Atlas (2012) for 20th Century Fox. He's also composed tracks for the Wachowskis' Netflix SciFi series Sense8. Tykwer was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chalk up another one for a case of "I know that voice but not the face": H. Jon Benjamin brings to life superspy Sterling Archer for FX's animated series Archer, and he gave life to the character of a small-town police officer dealing with alien abduction (of all things) aboard TBS's People Of Earth. Benjamin was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Guinevere Turner used her creative prowess to pen the story for the big screen cinematic Fantasy called Bloodrayne (2005) for director Uwe Boll. Turner was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) was just an awful, awful film, but that's fault of the talent: John Ortiz (above left) did what he could as the small town officer trying to face off against the unearthly menaces. Ortiz was born on this day in 1968.
B-movie queen Felissa Rose has far more 'under her belt' in the realm of horror and thrillers, but she has appeared in small roles in a handful of SciFi-themed properties. Rose got her start, humbly, in a little thing called Sleepaway Camp (1983), and she's been off-and-running ever since. Fans wanting to catch a glimpse of her talented goodness have plenty to choose from, including work aboard Prey, Zombiegeddon (2003), Corpses Are Forever (2004), Dead Serious (2005), Dead Things (2005), Slaugher Party (2006), Satan's Playground (2006), Under Surveillance (2006), Evil Ever After (2006), Dead And Gone (2008), Psycho Sleepover (2008) ... and trust me when I say that the list goes on and on! Rose was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2022 FANtastic Horror Film Festival, the lovely lady took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress In A Feature Film' for her work aboard In Search Of All American Massacre: The Lost Texas Chainsaw Film.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2022 FANtastic Horror Film Festival, the lovely lady took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress In A Feature Film' for her work aboard In Search Of All American Massacre: The Lost Texas Chainsaw Film.
Oh, the things we have women do ... for art! Am I right, fellahs? Laurel Holloman enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard Angel during its time on television. Otherwise her professional existence has been occupied by much more mainstream fare. Holloman was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The hunky LaMonica Garrett is known far more for his work in mainstream fare, but he did has a small role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Garrett was born on this day in 1975.
Model-turned-actress Kelly Monaco certainly found a professional home aboard a daytime soap opera, but thankfully she's ventured into other properties so that I can mention her in this space. She's turned up in small roles aboard Idle Hands (1999) and The Edge Of The Garden (2011). Also, she was Playboy's Playmate Of The Month (for Germany) in April 1997. Hubba hubba, indeed! Monaco was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the G.I. Joe franchise roared back onto the silver screen for its second installment, G.I. Joe: Retaliation introduced D.J. Cotrona as 'Flint.' Cotrona was born on this day in 1980.
Actor Lane Garrison has dabbled in several properties that have drawn the attention of genre fans, including appearances aboard Night Stalker, The Event, Dead Rising 3 (video game), From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, and The Messengers. Garrison was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think one of the potential downsides to working behind-the-scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the fact that you get limited recognition. For example, Wonder Woman's director Patty Jenkins received endless praise across all media for her efforts in bringing that superhero to life, but Ryan Coogler has been given little praise for Marvel's landmark success with Black Panther. Go figure. In any event, Coogler was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gavin Free is one of the merry yucksters (actor and filmmaker) behind the Rooster Teeth production company (for those who know what is, it's definitely a cause worth celebrating), and he recently was one of the headliners for the SciFi-themed Lazer Team. Free was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Relative newcomer Alexander De Jordy braved a bit of a government-imposed Apocalypse aboard the TV serial Between back in 2016. De Jordy was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born ... and this one's rumored to be perfect! On this day in 1949 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London were treated to the theatrical debut of The Perfect Woman. Directed by Bernard Knowles, the SciFi/Comedy starred Patricia Roc, Stanley Holloway, and Nigel Patrick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upper class young man has to resort to employment, together with his valet/butler in tow. He finds a job escourting a robot out for an evening, and they end up in a hotel and a farce ensues when roles are swapped."
"Upper class young man has to resort to employment, together with his valet/butler in tow. He finds a job escourting a robot out for an evening, and they end up in a hotel and a farce ensues when roles are swapped."
On this day in 1966 (in Turkey), The Lost World roared once more on the silver screen. Director Irwin Allen also worked on adapting the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tale for the big screen, and the feature starred Michael Rennie, Jill St. John, and David Hedison. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
On this day in 1968 (in Denmark), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the SciFi/Classic feature starred Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, and Kim Hunter; and here’s the plot summary from IMDB.com:
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
On this day in 1969, the unthinkable took place when Destroy All Monsters pitted every foam-stuffed creature in existence against all of mankind! Written (in part) and directed by Ishirô Honda, the Fantasy film starred Akira Kubo, Jun Tazaki, and Yukiko Kobaayashi. In case you've missed it, here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Female aliens take control of Earth's monsters and begin using them to destroy the human race."
"Female aliens take control of Earth's monsters and begin using them to destroy the human race."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the big screen premiere of The Other. Directed by Robert Mulligan from a story by Tom Tryon, the Horror/Fantasy starred Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, and Victor French. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A series of gruesome accidents plague a small American farming community in the summer of 1935, encircling two identical twin brothers and their family."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Other earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A series of gruesome accidents plague a small American farming community in the summer of 1935, encircling two identical twin brothers and their family."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Other earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Turkey and the U.S.), The Shining first graced the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on a story from Stephen King, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future."
For the record:
"A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future."
For the record:
- At the 1981 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Shining enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
- At the 1981 Razzie Awards, The Shining earned two solid nominations in the categories of 'Worst Actress' and 'Worst Director.'
- In 2018, The Shining was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry for preservation.
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were first in line to experience the epic conclusion to Star Wars: Chapter VI - Return Of The Jedi. Directed by Richard Marquand from a script by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, the film starred Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side."
For the record:
Yes, indeed, the Force was strong with Return Of The Jedi, and it wasn't long before the box office receipts and award citations were rolling in!
"After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side."
For the record:
Yes, indeed, the Force was strong with Return Of The Jedi, and it wasn't long before the box office receipts and award citations were rolling in!
- At the 1984 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed an incredible four nominations in the categories of 'Best Music: Original Score,' 'Best Effects: Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction.' While the film didn't score gold in those places, the Academy did present Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett with a Special Achievement Award for their achievements in Special Effects.
- At the 1984 Hugo Awards, Richard Marquand, Lawrence Kasdan, and George Lucas came out as winners in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- At the 1984 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Carrie Fisher missed out on winning top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' but actor Mark Hamill picked up his trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' The film also took home the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film' award.
- Lastly, in 2019, Return Of The Jedi was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, the organization which seeks to preserve pictures that have demonstrated to contribute to the lasting impact of the art form.
On this day in 1984, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg served up the second adventure in their cliffhanger saga, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. The feature starred Harrison Ford and Kate Capshaw, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After arriving in India, Indiana Jones is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace."
For the record:
The blockbuster film also scored a bit of praise from the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science awarded it the Oscar in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects.' Alas, John Williams' score had to settle for nomination only in the category of 'Best Music, Original Score.'
"After arriving in India, Indiana Jones is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace."
For the record:
The blockbuster film also scored a bit of praise from the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science awarded it the Oscar in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects.' Alas, John Williams' score had to settle for nomination only in the category of 'Best Music, Original Score.'
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), Ghoulies tried to take a bite out of the arse of the box office. Written (in part) and directed by Luce Bercovici, the Fantasy/Horror starred Peter Liapis, Lisa Pelikan, and Michael Des Barres. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons."
"A young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), a li'l SciFi something called Star Knight premiered in theatres. Written (in part) and directed by Fernando Colomo, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Klaus Kinski, Harvey Keitel, and Fernando Rey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a dazzling craft illuminates the sky above a medieval European village, the townspeople fear mayhem while the ruling party prepares for battle with the mysterious "dragon in the sky." After Princess Alba is discovered missing, the quest for power and the young girl's affections drive Klever to free her from the strange cosmic knight. But is that her desire? Worldly boundaries are crossed in this gothic sci-fi tale of power, greed and the universal language of love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Star Knight enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"When a dazzling craft illuminates the sky above a medieval European village, the townspeople fear mayhem while the ruling party prepares for battle with the mysterious "dragon in the sky." After Princess Alba is discovered missing, the quest for power and the young girl's affections drive Klever to free her from the strange cosmic knight. But is that her desire? Worldly boundaries are crossed in this gothic sci-fi tale of power, greed and the universal language of love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Star Knight enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1990 (in France ... and pardon my French!), the seminal SciFi/Comedy Tremors enjoyed its theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Ron Underwood, Tremors starred Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Michael Gross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Those interested in my thoughts on this legendary film can check them out right here.
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Those interested in my thoughts on this legendary film can check them out right here.
A star is born ... but this one was part dead! On this day in 1991 (in Hong Kong), The Blue Jean Monster brought the Frankenstein myth to life in a cop/buddy Comedy/Drama. Directed by Kai-Ming Lai from a story by Kam-Hung Ng, the film starred Fui-On Shing, Siu-Fung Wong, and Wai-Kit Tse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cop gets buried under steel rebars while pursuing triad bank robbers through a construction site. He gets reanimated supernaturally and becomes invulnerable, but needs electricity to remain alive, and goes after the gang who killed him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Blue Jean Monster via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
"A cop gets buried under steel rebars while pursuing triad bank robbers through a construction site. He gets reanimated supernaturally and becomes invulnerable, but needs electricity to remain alive, and goes after the gang who killed him."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Blue Jean Monster via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm White Dwarf aired for the first time. Written by Bruce Wagner and directed by Peter Markle, the feature starred Paul Winfield, Neal McDonough, and Ele Keats; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a distant future New York, medical student Driscoll Rampart accomplishes his internship at Rusta, a rural planet that doesn't revolve around its axis and therefore is divided into contrasting halves of eternal day vs. eternal night. One is a Victorian-styled colony, the other a medieval kingdom. Both leave Rampart in a state of constant wonder, as he finds his way among humans and aliens, strange dreams and even stranger reality, a dark keep and a red sea, and more universal matters of war and peace, good and bad, love and hate and sickness and health."
"In a distant future New York, medical student Driscoll Rampart accomplishes his internship at Rusta, a rural planet that doesn't revolve around its axis and therefore is divided into contrasting halves of eternal day vs. eternal night. One is a Victorian-styled colony, the other a medieval kingdom. Both leave Rampart in a state of constant wonder, as he finds his way among humans and aliens, strange dreams and even stranger reality, a dark keep and a red sea, and more universal matters of war and peace, good and bad, love and hate and sickness and health."
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), those pesky graboids were back in the grabbing business -- or thereabouts -- with the release of Tremors II: Aftershocks. Directed by S.S. Wilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward, Helen Shaver, and Chris Gartin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Tremors II for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Home Video Release,' no small feat indeed.
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Tremors II for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Home Video Release,' no small feat indeed.
On this day in 2001 (in Switzerland), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 2002 (in Finland), The Day The World Ended enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Terence Gross, the SciFi/Drama starred Nastassja Kinski, Bobby Edner, and Randy Quaid. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Hollow Man 2 appeared -- as if out of thin air! -- in the home video marketplace. Directed by Claudio Fah, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christian Slater, Peter Facinelli, and Laura Regan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Seattle detective and a biologist are on the run from a dangerous invisible assassin gone rogue."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Hollow Man 2 for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
"A Seattle detective and a biologist are on the run from a dangerous invisible assassin gone rogue."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Hollow Man 2 for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Brazil), a big bloody hole in the wall opened up for audiences of the Fantaspoa Film Festival ... and it was called Deep Dark. Written and directed by Michael Midaglia, the Fantasy/Horror starred Sean McGrath, Anne Sorce, and Monica Graves. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An aspiring sculptor falls in love with a talking hole in the wall when it starts to produce award winning art."
"An aspiring sculptor falls in love with a talking hole in the wall when it starts to produce award winning art."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "World Of Water." This served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A disgruntled refugee scientist, frustrated in both his professional and personal lives, develops a universal solvent, which threatens to turn all solid material into water."
"A disgruntled refugee scientist, frustrated in both his professional and personal lives, develops a universal solvent, which threatens to turn all solid material into water."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), The Twilight Zone aired "The Bard." This served as the eighteenth episode to the program's mildly revamped fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Julius Moomer, a talentless self-promoting hack who dreams of becoming a successful television writer, uses a book of magic to summon William Shakespeare to write dramatic teleplays that Moomer will pass off as his own. Shakespeare becomes irritated by Moomer's lack of appreciation and is even more appalled when he discovers the changes wrought on his plays by cynical television executives."
"Julius Moomer, a talentless self-promoting hack who dreams of becoming a successful television writer, uses a book of magic to summon William Shakespeare to write dramatic teleplays that Moomer will pass off as his own. Shakespeare becomes irritated by Moomer's lack of appreciation and is even more appalled when he discovers the changes wrought on his plays by cynical television executives."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), "The Temple of Evil" aired as part of Doctor Who's first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS arrives on Earth landing in 16th century Aztec society. Barbara goes off exploring - despite the Doctor's orders not to wander off - and is taken away by the high priest Autloc who believes she is the reincarnation of the goddess Yetaxa. They believe it is a sign that the rains - which are late - will now come. The high priest of sacrifice Tlotoxl recruits Ian to lead their army but he finds he has a rival in Ixta. Ian is less than comfortable with his role when he learns that they are to deliver the human sacrifice to the high priest at the rain ceremony."
"The TARDIS arrives on Earth landing in 16th century Aztec society. Barbara goes off exploring - despite the Doctor's orders not to wander off - and is taken away by the high priest Autloc who believes she is the reincarnation of the goddess Yetaxa. They believe it is a sign that the rains - which are late - will now come. The high priest of sacrifice Tlotoxl recruits Ian to lead their army but he finds he has a rival in Ixta. Ian is less than comfortable with his role when he learns that they are to deliver the human sacrifice to the high priest at the rain ceremony."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Forsaken." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lwaxana Troi comes for a political visit and instead hounds Odo for romantic attention. Meanwhile, an alien probe wrecks havoc with the station's computer, leaving Odo and Lwaxana trapped together."
"Lwaxana Troi comes for a political visit and instead hounds Odo for romantic attention. Meanwhile, an alien probe wrecks havoc with the station's computer, leaving Odo and Lwaxana trapped together."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "All Good Things..." (in TV syndication, so dates may vary). Officially, this served as the series finale -- the twenty-fifth episode in the program's seventh and final season -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Capt. Picard finds himself shifting continually into the past, future and present and must use that to discover a threat to humanity's existence."
For the record:
Not all shows get to go out on a high note, but Star Trek: The Next Generation certainly did with "All Good Things." The episode took home the Primetime Emmy in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Special Visual Effects' while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series,' 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production,' and 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore).' But the finale also scored the 1995 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Capt. Picard finds himself shifting continually into the past, future and present and must use that to discover a threat to humanity's existence."
For the record:
Not all shows get to go out on a high note, but Star Trek: The Next Generation certainly did with "All Good Things." The episode took home the Primetime Emmy in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Special Visual Effects' while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series,' 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production,' and 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore).' But the finale also scored the 1995 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "The Last M.I.A." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien is wounded while in pursuit of a fugitive from the future. He awakens to find himself fixed up by an ex military vet who was astonished by Darien's physical capabilities. So much so he has a request: help him bring back his son, who is missing in action, reportedly held prisoner, in Cambodia."
"Darien is wounded while in pursuit of a fugitive from the future. He awakens to find himself fixed up by an ex military vet who was astonished by Darien's physical capabilities. So much so he has a request: help him bring back his son, who is missing in action, reportedly held prisoner, in Cambodia."
By contrast (from the aforementioned "All Good Things"), the finale of Star Trek: Voyager was called "Endgame," and there was truly plenty in it to like as there was to dislike. As a finale that aired in 2001 (in the U.S.), it really only answered one true question -- how will the crew of the Voyager get home -- and it comes not so much as a consequence of anything they've done but instead as yet another chance to work the infamous Borg into a show that relied on the Borg all too much.
Truth be told, I struggled with Voyager more than I had the other Trek incarnations that had come before it. I never 'bought' Janeway as a character -- she seemed more than a bit self-serving and/or arrogant at times, and she was never a captain I'd definitely want to serve under. Still, because it was Trek, I stuck with it until that bitter end, but I'm not all that surprised that the powers that be at Paramount have let that sleeping dog stay in its house.
Truth be told, I struggled with Voyager more than I had the other Trek incarnations that had come before it. I never 'bought' Janeway as a character -- she seemed more than a bit self-serving and/or arrogant at times, and she was never a captain I'd definitely want to serve under. Still, because it was Trek, I stuck with it until that bitter end, but I'm not all that surprised that the powers that be at Paramount have let that sleeping dog stay in its house.
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired "Crocodile Fears." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the team mourns the loss of Stephen Hart, Lester recruits Captain Becker to prevent any more deaths. They're sent to the British Museum where a creature resembling the ancient Egyptian deity Ammut is on the loose."
"As the team mourns the loss of Stephen Hart, Lester recruits Captain Becker to prevent any more deaths. They're sent to the British Museum where a creature resembling the ancient Egyptian deity Ammut is on the loose."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), The Event aired "Arrival." Officially, this served as the series' finale -- its twenty second episode of its only season in broadcast existence -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a race to stop the virus - Roger Bart and Roma Maffia guest star."
"In a race to stop the virus - Roger Bart and Roma Maffia guest star."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Orphan Black aired "Certain Agony On The Battlefield." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul learns the truth about Coady's plans for Castor and has no choice but to make a dangerous play."
"Paul learns the truth about Coady's plans for Castor and has no choice but to make a dangerous play."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), 12 Monkeys aired "Immortal." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cole and Ramse travel to 1970s New York City to prevent the Twelve from murdering a Vietnam veteran with a connection to the Witness."
"Cole and Ramse travel to 1970s New York City to prevent the Twelve from murdering a Vietnam veteran with a connection to the Witness."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Hunters aired "Kissing The Machine." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Regan (Britne Oldford) is held by the Hunters, who attempt to "reprogram" her. The ETU endeavors to locate their missing agent while simultaneously trying to determine if there is a mole in their ranks."
"Regan (Britne Oldford) is held by the Hunters, who attempt to "reprogram" her. The ETU endeavors to locate their missing agent while simultaneously trying to determine if there is a mole in their ranks."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Person Of Interest aired "A More Perfect Union." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Machine sends Reese and Finch to a wedding to protect a pair of POIs before their nuptials. Also, Fusco becomes angry at being kept in the dark by the team and takes it upon himself to investigate a string of missing person reports."
"The Machine sends Reese and Finch to a wedding to protect a pair of POIs before their nuptials. Also, Fusco becomes angry at being kept in the dark by the team and takes it upon himself to investigate a string of missing person reports."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Ministry Of Time (aka The Department Of Time" aired "Cambio de tiempo." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a desperate King Philip II violates the norms of the Time Ministry and travels forward in time to 2016 to ensure the victory of his fleet. Returning from a mission, the trio finds a very different Spain than the one they left behind. They must act quickly to return the reality back to normal. The only problem is that Alonso and Julian might prefer this new reality."
"Following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a desperate King Philip II violates the norms of the Time Ministry and travels forward in time to 2016 to ensure the victory of his fleet. Returning from a mission, the trio finds a very different Spain than the one they left behind. They must act quickly to return the reality back to normal. The only problem is that Alonso and Julian might prefer this new reality."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Flash aired "Finish Line." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With nothing left to lose, Barry takes on Savitar in a final showdown."
"With nothing left to lose, Barry takes on Savitar in a final showdown."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Krypton aired "The Phantom Zone." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seg races to save his city from being taken over as the bottling of Kandor begins."
"Seg races to save his city from being taken over as the bottling of Kandor begins."
