The venerable Willis Bouchey had a small role aboard one of the earlier Apocalypse-style features: Panic In The Year Zero (1962) with Ray Milland and Jean Hagen. He also visited The Twilight Zone for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Bouchey was born on this day in 1907.
It's mentioned in Peter Ellenshaw's IMDB.com biography that he was so revered by the Walt Disney Company for his work in Special Effects that they brought him back after having been retired from work for ten years to help bring their big space epic The Black Hole (1979) to life on the silver screen. It looks like the Mouse House made a good choice as the film was not only nominated for an Oscar in the effects category but also it earned a Saturn Award nomination as well. Though he's no longer with us, Ellenshaw was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Six feet six inches tall Don Megowan was exactly what was needed to convey the monstrosity that was The Creature Walks Among Us (1956), the third feature to host the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The man's size certainly helped him find employment in genre projects as audiences were treated to more performances in such programs as Rocky Jones Space Ranger, The Werewolf (1956), Tales Of Frankenstein (1958), The Creation Of The Humanoids (1962), and Tarzan And The Valley Of Gold (1966). Though he's no longer with us, Megowan was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Perhaps her association with the legendary Ingmar Bergman set her out as an international sensation, but the late Mai Zetterling certainly followed that work up with her own acting, writing, and producing in Europe. Alas, she didn't do much genre work at all, but one of her last appearances with in the underrated The Witches (1990) from Lorimar Film Entertainment and Jim Henson Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Zetterling was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1979, actor Michael Lonsdale played the nefarious Hugo Drax -- the villain who threatened the Earth from outer space -- in the James Bond thriller, Moonraker. Since threatening mankind with certain doom back then, the actor has since focused his talents on much more conventional fare. Though he's no longer with us, Lonsdale was born on this day in 1931.
Gary Burghoff was just one of the many actors fortunate enough to have been lassoed by the great Lynda Carter with her work aboard TV's incarnation of Wonder Woman. Burghoff was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That tall drink of ladywater is none other than legendary B-movie queen Sybil Danning, and she made her commanding presence known in Roger Corman's cheesy answer to Star Wars called Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). In it, she played a mercenary for hire willing to go up against an evil overlord on behalf of an embattled, peaceful people. Plus, she looked killer in her silver bikini costume, didn't she? Danning was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It's worth noting that Danning has a solid tenure in genre entertainment beyond her work in Battle Beyond The Stars, a performance which did capture her the 1981 Saturn Award for 'Outstanding Achievement.' A few years later, however, in 1984, she also captured the Razzie Award for 'Worst Supporting Actress' in Hercules (1983). Think what you may, but I tend to believe the Razzie was a reflection on that entire film, not just so much what Danning brought to it.
Important links: Sybil Danning's Official Website
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It's worth noting that Danning has a solid tenure in genre entertainment beyond her work in Battle Beyond The Stars, a performance which did capture her the 1981 Saturn Award for 'Outstanding Achievement.' A few years later, however, in 1984, she also captured the Razzie Award for 'Worst Supporting Actress' in Hercules (1983). Think what you may, but I tend to believe the Razzie was a reflection on that entire film, not just so much what Danning brought to it.
Important links: Sybil Danning's Official Website
While he could, James Cosmo played a figure of some authority aboard HBO's Game Of Thrones. Genre fans might also recognize the actor from work aboard Survivors, Highlander (1986), SS-GB, and His Dark Materials. Cosmo was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Carla Ferrigno joined her off-screen hubby in an onscreen role aboard the big guy's The Adventures Of Hercules (1985) for for Cannon. Ferrigno was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brilliant character actor Jim Broadbent brought his considerable talents to Cloud Atlas (2014), but the box office returns confirmed few people saw them. Check it out on home video. Broadbent was born on this day in 1949.
If you want to bring the worlds of imagination to life on either the big or the small screen, then you'd better have someone who knows an awful lot about capturing such images perfectly ... and award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins is one of the industry's best. This visual genius is well on his way to earning nearly two hundred different awards for the work he has rendered. Genre fans might be familiar with him from work aboard 1984 (1984), Skyfall (2012), and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Deakins was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Spider-Man 2 (2004) gave normally straight-guy actor Alfred Molina the opportunity to flex his acting muscles into the plum role of Doc Ock. Molina was born on this day in 1953.
Actor Doug Jones has done an impressive amount of genre work, including stints in both Hellboy films as well as being the body for the Silver Surfer in Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Also, he turned up in season 3 of TNT's alien invasion drama, Falling Skies, as 'Cochise.' Even more recently, he's turned in solid performances as part of the cast for Paramount's poorly-conceived Star Trek: Discovery. Jones was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If Star Trek enthusiasts are looking for someone to blame over the destruction of the once noble, once heroic Captain Jean-Luc Picard, then look no further than screenwriter Michael Chabon, the scribe responsible for much of Star Trek: Picard's plotlines. As genre projects go, he'd previously participated in the destruction of literature's John Carter with his screenplay of the movie of the same name as well as claiming responsibility for the screen story of Spider-Man 2 (2004) for Sony Pictures. Chabon was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy was cinema fun, but it could've used some more of the comic stylings of John C. Reilly if you ask me. Reilly was born on this day in 1965.
One of the reasons I've always admired all incarnations of David Lynch's Twin Peaks is that the program cleverly gave all characters big and small something to do. Granted, some of these activities weren't always as interesting as others, but it helped give an underlying sense of reality to a franchise heavily steeped in its own mythology. The great Dana Ashbrook was there as one of those regulars from the beginning, and Ashbrook was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Enough folks enjoyed 1996's Dark Skies tv program that it pretty much was guaranteed cult status. In it, Eric Close (pictured above, right) played John Loengard, a man desperately racing to expose the secret truth involving a classified invasion of planet Earth. It lasted a single season, but many folks remember fondly. (I'm not one of them. I found all of it a bit too slow.) Close was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
No stranger to genre projects, Julie Dretzin recently put her talents to good use aboard Hulu's SciFi/Drama The Handmaid's Tale for a multi-episode arc. She's also been involved with Aliens In The Family, Threshold, Medium, and Monsterland. Dretzin was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Greg Berlanti is doing the work of several Jedi masters in television, creating a handful of properties for The CW Network exploring the limitless bounds of the DC Comics Universe. He's marshaling his forces behind Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Black Lightning, and Superman & Lois (among others). (Here's hoping he'll lighten up on the politics, though, inherent in his expanding plotlines.) Alas, it would seem that the creator inevitably broke The CW to some degree as the majority of these shows were ended and/or cancelled, and -- the last I checked -- the network stated that they hadn't been profitable in almost a decade. Ouch! Berlanti was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dash Mihok braved The Day After Tomorrow (2004), a cinematic look at what lay in store for mankind due to an all-new Ice Age occurring. Mihok was born on this day in 1974.
It may not account for much, but SciFi fans long ago learned to take what you can get: funnyman Will Sasso made a guest star appearance aboard The X-Files, allowing me to feature his genius here. Sasso was born on this day in 1975.
Sorry, folks, I don't Netflix ... but I know a beautiful Norwegian woman when I see one, and Synnøve Macody Lund certainly ranks amongst the best of them. She's filled out her Fantasy shoes with some work aboard the streaming giant's Ragnarok series. Lund was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
From the looks of her professional resume, Jo Joyner sticks mostly with conventional properties. Thankfully she took a dive into Fantasy with a pair of appearances in the rebooted Doctor Who serial back in 2005. Joyner was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Amelia Cooke bared more than her soul for her work aboard the SciFi franchise installment Species III (2004) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She also stole screen time aboard Alien Agent (2007). Cooke was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For her part aboard the genre-favorite Buffy The Vampire Slayer, actress Sarah Hagan did what she could to keep the world safe from bloodsuckers. Hagan was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Erm ... did no one warm the lovely Callie Hernandez (above middle) about smiling in an Alien picture? Seriously: you smile, and you're a goner. Such is the case for her role aboard Alien: Covenant, I'm guessing. So sad to see you eaten alive! Hernandez was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brianne Howey enjoyed a multi-episode commitment to the first season of The CW's under-performing Superhero/Drama Batwoman. She also sported a great contribution to Fox TV's short-lived The Passage during its run. Howey was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I gave up a long time ago trying to explain to some fans why properties like Power Rangers Samurai weren't legitimately Science Fiction; in fact, they're much more fantasy than anything else. Just because they might have some elements more commonly associated with SciFi doesn't make them SciFi. In any event, I gave up the ghost, and -- instead -- I try to embrace the talent here when I see them. Such is the case for the lovely Kimberley Crossman, the dreamy lass who brought the Red Samurai Ranger to life. Crossman was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2006, a young Cayden Boyd earned the chance to play the younger version of the mutant Angel in X-Men: The Last Stand for 20th Century Fox and Marvel Enterprises. Boyd was born on this day in 1994.
I've read a fair amount of academic gibberish written by folks disappointed in one of the current incarnations of H.G. Wells' War Of The Worlds, but honestly I've enjoyed what I've seen. I suspect these critics don't really know what they want as anything that looked too much like the original likely would've been equally trounced. Relative newcomeer Daisy Edgar-Jones shone in the piece, and Edgar-Jones was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! For those of you who think Daryl Hannah did it first, you'd better think again! On this day in 1948 (in the United Kingdom), Miranda served up a dose of cinematic Fantasy by way of the beloved RomCom. Peter Blackmore adapted his own stage play for director Ken Annakin; and the feature starred the lovely Glynis Johns, Googie Withers, and Griffith Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young married physician discovers a mermaid, and gives into her request to be taken to see London. Comedy and romantic entanglements ensue soon after."
"A young married physician discovers a mermaid, and gives into her request to be taken to see London. Comedy and romantic entanglements ensue soon after."
On this day in 1957, Enemy From Space (aka Quatermass 2) enjoyed its theatrical premiere in the United Kingdom. Written (in part) and directedy by Val Guest, the feature starred Brian Donlevy, Sidney James, and Vera Day; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the Phillipines), Zarex took 50's audiences on a trip to the lunar surface! Directed by Richard Abelardo from a script by Clodualdo Del Mundo Sr., the SciFi/Fantasy starred Carmencita Abad, Willie Sotelo, and Jose Vergara. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Filipinos land in the moon."
"Filipinos land in the moon."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), the good people of Honolulu, Hawaii were treated to the theatrical premiere of Master Of The World. Directed by William Witney from a script by Richard Matheson (adapting the Jules Verne novel), the SciFi/Fantasy starred Vincent Price, Charles Bronson, and Henry Hull. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1868, an American scientist and his team become hostages of fanatical pacifist Robur who uses his airship Albatross to destroy military targets on Earth."
For the record:
Technically, this may or may not have been Master Of The World's first theatrical exhibition. IMDB.com cites two previous possibilities, but as those dates are incomplete I am using this one in lieu of them until further clarity can be established.
"In 1868, an American scientist and his team become hostages of fanatical pacifist Robur who uses his airship Albatross to destroy military targets on Earth."
For the record:
Technically, this may or may not have been Master Of The World's first theatrical exhibition. IMDB.com cites two previous possibilities, but as those dates are incomplete I am using this one in lieu of them until further clarity can be established.
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in Mexico), audiences were treated to the theatrical debut of Doctor Of Doom. Directed by the team of René Cardona and Manuel San Fernando, the Horror/Thriller starred Lorena Velázquez, Armando Silvestre, and Elizabeth Campbell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist terrorizes a city by kidnapping young women with his ape-man Gomar and then using them as subjects in sadistic brain transplant experiments. A female wrestler whose sister was one of the victims swears vengeance against the Mad Doctor."
"A mad scientist terrorizes a city by kidnapping young women with his ape-man Gomar and then using them as subjects in sadistic brain transplant experiments. A female wrestler whose sister was one of the victims swears vengeance against the Mad Doctor."
Well, well, well ... the eyes have it! On this day in 1973 (in Spain), audiences all hopped aboard the Horror Express. Directed by Eugenio Martín from a script by Arnaud d'Usseau and Julian Zimet, the SciFi/Horror starred Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Silvia Tortosa; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While travelling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a lifeform that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew."
"While travelling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a lifeform that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew."
On this day in 1974, Horror and SciFi collided in the realm of the Apocalypse, and the result was something not unlike Chosen Survivors. Sutton Roley directed the script from Harry Spalding and Joe Reb Moffley. The feature starred Jackie Cooper, Alex Cord, and Diana Muldaur; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"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."
On this day in 1974 (in Belgium), John Boorman's Zardoz enjoyed a run at the box office. Written and directed by John Boorman, the feature starred Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1977, the SciFi/Telefilm The Man With The Power premiered on US TV. Directed by Nicholas Sgarro from a script by Allan Balter, this SciFi/Drama starred Bob Neill, Vic Morrow, and Persis Khambatta; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man whose father was an alien from another planet inherits his father's supernatural powers. He is assigned to guard a beautiful Indian princess who is on a state visit to America."
For the record:
The Man With The Power appears to be the late Persis Khambatta's first foray into the realm of Science Fiction as well as her first appearance on US television; she'd find greater fame a few years later in the role of 'Lieutenant Ilia' aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Also, The Man With The Power appears to have been telefilm intended as the pilot for a new television series; alas, it wasn't picked up, but the network thought it a worthy enough investment to air before shuttling it off to obscurity. I've not seen it, but it's writer Balter has been on my radar previously; in his career as a screenwriter, he's been involved with The Outer Limits, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Time Tunnel, Lost In Space, Mission: Impossible, Earth II (1971), and The Powers Of Matthew Star ... and that's an impressive resume indeed.
"A man whose father was an alien from another planet inherits his father's supernatural powers. He is assigned to guard a beautiful Indian princess who is on a state visit to America."
For the record:
The Man With The Power appears to be the late Persis Khambatta's first foray into the realm of Science Fiction as well as her first appearance on US television; she'd find greater fame a few years later in the role of 'Lieutenant Ilia' aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Also, The Man With The Power appears to have been telefilm intended as the pilot for a new television series; alas, it wasn't picked up, but the network thought it a worthy enough investment to air before shuttling it off to obscurity. I've not seen it, but it's writer Balter has been on my radar previously; in his career as a screenwriter, he's been involved with The Outer Limits, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Time Tunnel, Lost In Space, Mission: Impossible, Earth II (1971), and The Powers Of Matthew Star ... and that's an impressive resume indeed.
(Disclaimer: some of these older motion pictures have grown very obscure even with today's vast reserves on the internet, so apologies to all involved that I haven't located a better image.)
A star is born! (Or is that ... born again?) It just so happens that religious-themed films that flirt with mankind's impending doom do get wrapped up in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and on this day in 1978 (on screens in Chariton, Iowa) A Distant Thunder sounded its clarion call for all to hear. Written (in part) and directed by Donald W. Thompson, the film starred Patty Dunning, Sally Johnson, and Sandy Christen. Here's the film's premise as cited on IMDB.com:
"The second film, A Thief in the Night being the first, A Distant Thunder continues the story of Patty, a young woman living in the "end times" referred to in biblical prophecy. This action suspense thriller finds Patty living as a fugitive, trying to hide from the ever increasing evil around her. Relentlessly pursued and finally captured by the forces of UNITE, she is given a choice: Either receive "the mark" or face death."
A star is born! (Or is that ... born again?) It just so happens that religious-themed films that flirt with mankind's impending doom do get wrapped up in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and on this day in 1978 (on screens in Chariton, Iowa) A Distant Thunder sounded its clarion call for all to hear. Written (in part) and directed by Donald W. Thompson, the film starred Patty Dunning, Sally Johnson, and Sandy Christen. Here's the film's premise as cited on IMDB.com:
"The second film, A Thief in the Night being the first, A Distant Thunder continues the story of Patty, a young woman living in the "end times" referred to in biblical prophecy. This action suspense thriller finds Patty living as a fugitive, trying to hide from the ever increasing evil around her. Relentlessly pursued and finally captured by the forces of UNITE, she is given a choice: Either receive "the mark" or face death."
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the big city of Mandan, North Dakota), Mars got a bit closer to Earth (in a way) with The Alpha Incident. Directed by Bill Rebane from a script by Ingrid Neumayer, the feature starred Ralph Meeker, Stafford Morgan, and John F. Goff. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A microorganism from Mars, brought to Earth by a space probe, terrorizes passengers in a railroad office."
"A microorganism from Mars, brought to Earth by a space probe, terrorizes passengers in a railroad office."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Japan), audiences took to the Crazy Thunder Road! Written and directed by Gakuryû Ishii, the SciFi/Thriller starred Tatsuo Yamada, Mamamitsu Ohike, and Kôji Nanjô. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the leader of the once-notorious biker gang of Tokyo falls in love with a barmaid and quickly loses his rebellious ideals, the rest of the gang feels betrayed. Especially the reputedly troubled kid Ken revolts against his former friend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Crazy Thunder Road earned a bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"When the leader of the once-notorious biker gang of Tokyo falls in love with a barmaid and quickly loses his rebellious ideals, the rest of the gang feels betrayed. Especially the reputedly troubled kid Ken revolts against his former friend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Crazy Thunder Road earned a bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1980 (in Japan), Superwoman (aka Ms. Magnificent) proved that she could gossip in a single bound! Directed by Joe Sherman from a script by John Finegold, this X-Rated Fantasy starred Jesie St. James, Desiree Cousteau, and Starr Wood. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Villainous Kreeta Borgia is bound for Earth in her spacecraft, planning on a diabolical take over of the world. Standing in her way is Linda Kent, none other than the superhero Ms. Magnificent."
"Villainous Kreeta Borgia is bound for Earth in her spacecraft, planning on a diabolical take over of the world. Standing in her way is Linda Kent, none other than the superhero Ms. Magnificent."
A star is born ... and this one's going to hell! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), TV viewers were tempted to RSVP for their disturbing Invitation To Hell. Directed by Wes Craven from a script by Richard Rothstein, the SciFi/Horror starred Robert Urich, Joanna Cassidy, and Susan Lucci. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family moves to a suburban town only to be coerced into joining a suspicious club."
For the record:
For the 1984 Primetime Emmys, Invitation To Hell enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Art Direction For A Limited Series Or A Special.'
"A family moves to a suburban town only to be coerced into joining a suspicious club."
For the record:
For the 1984 Primetime Emmys, Invitation To Hell enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Art Direction For A Limited Series Or A Special.'
On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), the distant past met the modern era in Walt Disney's Baby: Secret Of The Lost Legend. Directed by Bill Norton, the feature starred William Katt, Sean Young, and Patrick McGoohan; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A paleontologist and her husband discover a mother and baby brontosaurus in Africa, and try to protect them from a group of hunters intent on capturing the dinosaurs."
"A paleontologist and her husband discover a mother and baby brontosaurus in Africa, and try to protect them from a group of hunters intent on capturing the dinosaurs."
On this day in 1988 (in Argentina), the SciFi/Horror film Breeders enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Tim Kincaid, the feature starred Teresa Farley, Lance Lewman, and Natalie Savage; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Manhattan General Hospital has admitted a string of young women who have been raped by something otherworldly. The perpetrator only attacks women who are virgins. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti work together to try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims, and to try and locate the fiend. Soon the victims begin arising in a trance and leaving the hospital by an underground passage where their fate awaits them."
"The Manhattan General Hospital has admitted a string of young women who have been raped by something otherworldly. The perpetrator only attacks women who are virgins. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti work together to try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims, and to try and locate the fiend. Soon the victims begin arising in a trance and leaving the hospital by an underground passage where their fate awaits them."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S. and Canada), the man with the hat was back -- with his dad in tow -- with the theatrical release of Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. Directed once again by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, and Alison Doody. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers."
For the record:
Heavily lauded as the signature characters big send-off (though two more films followed), Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade certainly earned its share of attention from film organizations around the world.
"In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers."
For the record:
Heavily lauded as the signature characters big send-off (though two more films followed), Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade certainly earned its share of attention from film organizations around the world.
- For the 1990 Academy Awards, the film scored three nominations ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing') but only took home the Sound Effects Editing win.
- At the 1990 Hugo Awards, Last Crusade scored the big win in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- For the 1990 BAFTA Awards, the flick scored an impressive three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Actor In A Supporting Role.'
- Last but not least, the 1991 Saturn Awards recognized Last Crusade with four nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), the mysteriously named Dr. M enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Claude Chabrol, the SciFi/Thriller starred Alan Bates, Jennifer Beals, and Jan Niklas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Investigating a series of suicides, police detective reveals a sinister plot."
"Investigating a series of suicides, police detective reveals a sinister plot."
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), somebody lost a head -- it would seem -- over the cinematic release better known as Tales From The Hood. Written (in part) and directed by Rusty Cundieff, the Horror/Fantasy starred Clarence Williams III, Corbin Bernsen, and Joe Torry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A funeral director tells four strange tales of horror with an African American focus to three drug dealers he traps in his place of business."
For the record:
At the 1996 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Tales From The Hood was recognized with two solid nominations: 'Best Makeup FX' and 'Best Soundtrack.'
"A funeral director tells four strange tales of horror with an African American focus to three drug dealers he traps in his place of business."
For the record:
At the 1996 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Tales From The Hood was recognized with two solid nominations: 'Best Makeup FX' and 'Best Soundtrack.'
On this day in 1999 (in Germany), Frankenstein And Me enjoyed a premiere on television. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Tinnell, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Jamieson Boulanger, Ricky Mabe, and Polly Shannon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earl Williams is a dreamer teenager obsessed with monsters, who fantasizes his life as if he were living in the world of the monsters of Universal Studios. Although being an excellent student, his intolerant and nasty school teacher Mrs. Perdue does not like him and punishes him for any minor fault. His supportive father Les Williams is also a dreamer, who has never been successful in life. When his father dies, his mother becomes lost with two boys, and tries to change the behavior of Earl. One day, the boy finds the "true Frankenstein" lost by a Carnival, and decides to bring the monster back to life."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Frankenstein And Me enjoyed a bit of praise at the 1997 Fantasporto Film Festival.
"Earl Williams is a dreamer teenager obsessed with monsters, who fantasizes his life as if he were living in the world of the monsters of Universal Studios. Although being an excellent student, his intolerant and nasty school teacher Mrs. Perdue does not like him and punishes him for any minor fault. His supportive father Les Williams is also a dreamer, who has never been successful in life. When his father dies, his mother becomes lost with two boys, and tries to change the behavior of Earl. One day, the boy finds the "true Frankenstein" lost by a Carnival, and decides to bring the monster back to life."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Frankenstein And Me enjoyed a bit of praise at the 1997 Fantasporto Film Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Diamond Zero enjoyed its only theatrical exhibition of record (if IMDB.com is to be believed). Directed by the team of David Gaz and Annelie Wilder, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bronson Pinchot, Tippi Hedren, and Darin Heames. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This is how it works: In nature, the heat and pressure of the earth turns coal into diamonds over a period of thousands of years. Industrial diamonds are created by processing coal in a machine that mimics the heat and pressure of the earth. Because coal is the carbonized remains of prehistoric plants and animals, it is made up of the same chemical components found in all other organic life forms, including human beings, so, what would happen if cremated human remains were used instead of coal?"
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, Diamond Zero enjoyed what looks to be a single festival win from an exclusive screening.
"This is how it works: In nature, the heat and pressure of the earth turns coal into diamonds over a period of thousands of years. Industrial diamonds are created by processing coal in a machine that mimics the heat and pressure of the earth. Because coal is the carbonized remains of prehistoric plants and animals, it is made up of the same chemical components found in all other organic life forms, including human beings, so, what would happen if cremated human remains were used instead of coal?"
For the record:
According to IMDB.com, Diamond Zero enjoyed what looks to be a single festival win from an exclusive screening.
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in France), Silk (aka Giu Si) enjoyed its theatrical debut when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Chao-Bin Su, the SciFi/Mystery starred Chang Chen, Yôsuke Eguchi, and Karena Kar-Yan Lam. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Taipei, the crippled scientist Hashimoto uses his invention of "Menger Sponge" to capture the energy of the spirit of a child in an old building. He invites the specialist in reading lips, Detective Tung, to join his research team that is studying the phenomenon to understand the movements of the lips of the ghost. Hashimoto is trying to disclose why the energy of the ghost does not dissipate, and Tung discovers the identity and the dramatic story of the boy. He was sick with tumors and was killed by his own mother and buried nearby a nuclear plant. Hashimoto deduces that the rage of the boy for his mother associated to the location where the body was buried were the reason to keep the energy. When the government decides to shutdown the research, Hashimoto becomes insane and takes the spirit with him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Silk enjoyed a good amount of love when it was screened at the Golden Horse Film Festival.
"In Taipei, the crippled scientist Hashimoto uses his invention of "Menger Sponge" to capture the energy of the spirit of a child in an old building. He invites the specialist in reading lips, Detective Tung, to join his research team that is studying the phenomenon to understand the movements of the lips of the ghost. Hashimoto is trying to disclose why the energy of the ghost does not dissipate, and Tung discovers the identity and the dramatic story of the boy. He was sick with tumors and was killed by his own mother and buried nearby a nuclear plant. Hashimoto deduces that the rage of the boy for his mother associated to the location where the body was buried were the reason to keep the energy. When the government decides to shutdown the research, Hashimoto becomes insane and takes the spirit with him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Silk enjoyed a good amount of love when it was screened at the Golden Horse Film Festival.
On this day in 2008 (in Hungary), it was the end of the world as we know with the release of Category 7: The End Of The World. The feature starred Cameron Daddo, Gina Gershon, and Shannen Doherty. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
A star is born! You can chalk this one up as another one I've never seen and not quite certain I ever will: on this day in 2008, the SciFi/Musical Christmas On Mars came giftwrapped under the tree when it enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever for audiences in attendance of the Sasquatch Music Festival. Written and directed (in part) by Wayne Coyne, the film starred Steven Drozd, Steve Burns, and Fred Armisen. Here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"Major Syrtis goes insane as he tries to improve morale in an abandoned colony on Mars through a Christmas pageant, where the first colonist baby will be born."
"Major Syrtis goes insane as he tries to improve morale in an abandoned colony on Mars through a Christmas pageant, where the first colonist baby will be born."
A star is born! Who would have ever thunk there would be such a thing as Killer School Girls From Outer Space? It arrived on this day in 2011, being written and directed by Alexander Shumake. The feature film starred Donny Boaz, Derek Lee Nixon, and Clem Beard. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a shooting star lands in Small Town USA, a teenage couple decide to check it out. They discover their shooting star is a flying saucer piloted by Killer School Girls from outer space on a mission to destroy the earth!"
"When a shooting star lands in Small Town USA, a teenage couple decide to check it out. They discover their shooting star is a flying saucer piloted by Killer School Girls from outer space on a mission to destroy the earth!"
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Germany), Android Insurrection took it mutinous ways to a release on home video. Directed by Andrew Bellware, the SciFi/Thriller starred Juanita Arias, Nat Cassidy, and Rebecca Kush. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth, age XXIII. Elite group of soldiers is sent to a secret government research station in order to destroy the supercomputer, which rebelled against their creators. On site, it is apparent that the machine is much stronger than expected."
"Earth, age XXIII. Elite group of soldiers is sent to a secret government research station in order to destroy the supercomputer, which rebelled against their creators. On site, it is apparent that the machine is much stronger than expected."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Russia and the Ukraine), Chernobyl Diaries enjoyed its first theatrical engagement. Directed by Bradley Parker, the SciFi/Horror starred Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski, and Olivia Taylor Dudley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone."
"Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone."
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the SciFi-lite feature Subject 0: Shattered Memories enjoyed release in the home video market. Written (in part) and directed by Tiziano Cella, the film starred Cinzia Susino, Yuri Antonosante, and Jonathan Silvestri. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The perfect prototype is ready. Will they be able to keep everything under control?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Subject 0: Shattered Memories enjoyed a modest bit of attention on the film festival circuit.
"The perfect prototype is ready. Will they be able to keep everything under control?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Subject 0: Shattered Memories enjoyed a modest bit of attention on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... but that's the worst tourism campaign I've ever seen! On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), the good people in attendance of the Romford Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Welcome To Essex. Written and directed by Ryan J. Fleming, the Horror/Fantasy starred Catherine Delaloye, Greg Burridge, and Muzzy Tahir. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small group of mismatched survivors of a zombie apocalypse try to escape to a rumoured rescue point on the Essex coast."
"A small group of mismatched survivors of a zombie apocalypse try to escape to a rumoured rescue point on the Essex coast."
A star is born ... but this one looks mighty lonely! On this day in 2019 (in Russia), All People Disappeared Forever enjoyed its only theatrical release of recored (if you're to believe IMDB.com). Directed by, written by, and starring only Sergey A., the SciFi/Fantasy must painted a very bleak look into tomorrow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year 2222. All people disappeared. No one human lives at Earth."
"The year 2222. All people disappeared. No one human lives at Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2019, Assimilate enjoyed both a limited US theatrical release as well as a general internet release. Written (in part) and directed by John Murlowski, the SciFi/Horror film starred Joel Courtney, Calum Worthy, and Andi Matichak; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three friends making a web series about their town discover that their neighbors are being killed and replaced by creatures who are perfect copies of their victims."
"Three friends making a web series about their town discover that their neighbors are being killed and replaced by creatures who are perfect copies of their victims."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in far too many countries to mention), Rim Of The World enjoyed its launch via the internet. Directed by McG from a script by Zack Stentz, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jack Gore, Miya Cech, and Benjamin Flores Jr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four misfit campers must band together and conquer their fears in order to save the world during an alien invasion."
"Four misfit campers must band together and conquer their fears in order to save the world during an alien invasion."
On this day in 1957, Adventures Of Superman aired "Mr. Zero." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Daily Planet gets a strange visitor who turns out to be a rejected citizen from Mars. It is discovered Mr Zero has a talent that attracts the attention of some local gangsters who draw Mr Zero into their gang."
"The Daily Planet gets a strange visitor who turns out to be a rejected citizen from Mars. It is discovered Mr Zero has a talent that attracts the attention of some local gangsters who draw Mr Zero into their gang."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Battlestar Galactica aired "Take The Celestra." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Starbuck runs into his long-lost love, Aurora, who is involved with a group trying to free the electronics ship Celestra from its supposedly dictatorial captain."
"Starbuck runs into his long-lost love, Aurora, who is involved with a group trying to free the electronics ship Celestra from its supposedly dictatorial captain."
On this day in 1992 (in the Netherlands), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
On this day in 1993, "Little Boy Lost" aired as the fifteenth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien watches the news and sees a report on a man who was brought to the hospital and he recognizes him as one of his instructors. He goes to see him and learns that he adopted a boy who is deaf and he was with him. Darien goes to find him. And when he does he gets injured."
"Darien watches the news and sees a report on a man who was brought to the hospital and he recognizes him as one of his instructors. He goes to see him and learns that he adopted a boy who is deaf and he was with him. Darien goes to find him. And when he does he gets injured."
On this day in 1995, Babylon 5 aired "Confessions And Lamentations." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Franklin tries desperately to find a cure for a disease which is killing off all the Markab on the station."
"Dr. Franklin tries desperately to find a cure for a disease which is killing off all the Markab on the station."
On this day in 1997, Dark Skies aired "Strangers In The Night." This served as the eighteenth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Juliet and John are sent with Major Colin Powell to investigate the collapse of the Soviet Union's counterpart to Majestic."
"Juliet and John are sent with Major Colin Powell to investigate the collapse of the Soviet Union's counterpart to Majestic."
On this day in 1998 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "Amok Time." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
Oh, you dastardly Borg! One of reasons I was kinda/sorta down on Star Trek: Voyager was that once the starship encountered the Borg it honestly seemed like they were all over the place for too much of the programming schedule. Still, I guess when you have a villain as popular as they were it's perfectly understandable why every writer in the writer's room wanted to have a crack at them. On this day in 2000, the show aired "Unimatrix Zero, Part 1," which served as the finale to the sixth season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Seven of Nine encounters a past lover in a secret Borg hideaway where drones maintain their individuality; Janeway seeks to foster a resistance movement among them."
"Seven of Nine encounters a past lover in a secret Borg hideaway where drones maintain their individuality; Janeway seeks to foster a resistance movement among them."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Gathering Darkness." This served as the thirty-third episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Archangel limps toward Alaska, having lost contact with both the Strike Gundam and Tolle's Skygrasper. Cagalli, meanwhile, discovers a wounded Athrun, and is shocked to learn what happened. In Alaska, the Archangel crew are told to stand by for further orders, and tensions continue to mount. Elsewhere, Kira awakens and finds himself in the care of Lacus Clyne. ZAFT launches Operation Spit Break, and the Federation is caught completely by surprise. Now, the Archangel is one of a handful of ships left at Alaska to defend JOSH-A from a massive ZAFT offensive. And beneath the base lies a secret that will destroy them all!"
"The Archangel limps toward Alaska, having lost contact with both the Strike Gundam and Tolle's Skygrasper. Cagalli, meanwhile, discovers a wounded Athrun, and is shocked to learn what happened. In Alaska, the Archangel crew are told to stand by for further orders, and tensions continue to mount. Elsewhere, Kira awakens and finds himself in the care of Lacus Clyne. ZAFT launches Operation Spit Break, and the Federation is caught completely by surprise. Now, the Archangel is one of a handful of ships left at Alaska to defend JOSH-A from a massive ZAFT offensive. And beneath the base lies a secret that will destroy them all!"
On this day in 2016, Stitchers aired "All In." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kristen is getting closer to finding answers about her parents, but her most recent stitch might lead her down the wrong path."
"Kristen is getting closer to finding answers about her parents, but her most recent stitch might lead her down the wrong path."
On this day in 2017, The 100 aired "Praimfaya." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It's a race against the end of the world as Praimfaya arrives forcing our heroes to make impossible decisions to ensure their survival."
"It's a race against the end of the world as Praimfaya arrives forcing our heroes to make impossible decisions to ensure their survival."
One of the scribes who helped turn Star Trek literature into a sizzling pot of mediocrity is none other than Keith R.A. DeCandido; and his Articles Of The Federation was first released to the consumer marketplace on this day in 2005. [Source: Memory Alpha] According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the premise:
"Following the surprise resignation of Federation President Min Zife after the disastrous Tezwa affair, Nan Bacco of Cestus III has won a hotly contested election to become the new chief executive of over one hundred fifty planetary civilizations and their colonies. But no sooner does she take office than the Romulan Star Empire falls into chaos. With tensions already high, a Reman refugee ship is sighted approaching a Federation outpost, its intentions unknown. As the first year of the Bacco Administration unfolds, the Federation Council is slow to work with its new president, and not always supportive of her policies or her appointments to key council positions; a successful first contact suddenly becomes a diplomatic disaster; and the sins of President Zife prove difficult to lay to rest...as one celebrated Starfleet officer's career reaches a turning point."
"Following the surprise resignation of Federation President Min Zife after the disastrous Tezwa affair, Nan Bacco of Cestus III has won a hotly contested election to become the new chief executive of over one hundred fifty planetary civilizations and their colonies. But no sooner does she take office than the Romulan Star Empire falls into chaos. With tensions already high, a Reman refugee ship is sighted approaching a Federation outpost, its intentions unknown. As the first year of the Bacco Administration unfolds, the Federation Council is slow to work with its new president, and not always supportive of her policies or her appointments to key council positions; a successful first contact suddenly becomes a diplomatic disaster; and the sins of President Zife prove difficult to lay to rest...as one celebrated Starfleet officer's career reaches a turning point."
Sorry, kids, but daddy's not a "gamer" so I couldn't tell you much about Overwatch ... except that it was released to the general marketplace on this day in 2016. Here's the synopsis from IMDB.com:
"After a devastating war against a combat-ready team of intelligent machines known as Omnics, the former agents of the heroic team known as Overwatch must join forces once more to fight a new threat. A strategy based multiplayer first person shooter game by Activision-Blizzard."
"After a devastating war against a combat-ready team of intelligent machines known as Omnics, the former agents of the heroic team known as Overwatch must join forces once more to fight a new threat. A strategy based multiplayer first person shooter game by Activision-Blizzard."
