Screen veteran Don Ameche (above, far right) made a career out of the stately gentleman, but sci-fi fans remember him best as 'Art Selwyn' from 1985's Cocoon and 1988's Cocoon: The Return. While the actor might be best remembered for far more conventional fare, he does have a few other citations worthy of note. In 1943, he starred in Heaven Can Wait for Twentieth Century Fox. In 1980, he paid a visit to TV's popular anthology Fantasy Island. In 1987, he enjoyed a supporting role in Harry And The Hendersons for Universal Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, Ameche was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Academy Awards, Ameche took home the coveted statue in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Cocoon (1985).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Academy Awards, Ameche took home the coveted statue in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Cocoon (1985).
In the guise of 'Marcus Brody,' actor Denholm Elliott helped pave the way to successful archaeological pursuits for the first three Indiana Jones movies. Thankfully, he did have a few other appearances in the world of genre projects, including stops to such enterprises as The Night My Number Came Up (1955), Secret Agent, The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1968), Mystery And Imagination, The House That Dripped Blood (1971), The Vault Of Horror (1973), Supernatural, The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1978), The Boys From Brazil (1978), Hammer House Of Horror, Tales Of The Unexpected, The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1983), Underworld (1985), Worlds Beyond, and The Ray Bradbury Theater. Though he's no longer with us, Elliott was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1982 BAFTA Awards, Elliott enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Artist' for his work aboard Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary release of Underworld (1985) -- in which Elliott played a role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1982 BAFTA Awards, Elliott enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Artist' for his work aboard Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary release of Underworld (1985) -- in which Elliott played a role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Wow. One of Julian Beck's very last screen performances was aboard Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), a film that was in production while the man was slowly making his exit -- afflicted with stomach cancer -- from our world into whatever waits beyond. That, my friends, is creepy beyond belief. Though he's no longer with us, Beck was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, I think Menahem Golan experienced his creative heyday in the 1980's when he was paired up with Sylvester Stallone on a handful of projects. Still, he leaves behind a record of well over two hundred different projects he worked on, and some of the more significant genre entries were The Apple (1980), Hercules (1983), Sword Of The Valiant: The Legend Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (1984), Lifeforce (1985), America 3000 (1986), Invaders From Mars (1986), Masters Of The Universe (1987), Cyborg (1989), Captain America (1990), and Prison Planet (1992). Though he's no longer with us, Golan was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2022, I received a complimentary release of Treasure Of The Four Crowns (1983) -- one of Golan's projects -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2023, I received a complimentary release of Lifeforce (1985) -- one of Golan's projects -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Editor's note: I absolutely hate movie musicals. Now -- that said -- there are a few I do enjoy; but if you're looking for many of them to get a nod in this space you're bound to be disappointed. Still, Brigadoon definitely toys with elements of Fantasy, and the lovely Elaine Stewart enjoyed a role in the picture. Though she's no longer with us, Stewart was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It isn't every day that Dirty Harry himself goes to space (now there's an idea I'd tune in for!), but thankfully Clint Eastwood did give SciFi a try with 2000's somewhat predictable Space Cowboys. Eastwood was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of actor Jim Hutton's earliest screen roles was aboard an episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Hutton was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sharon Gless is one of those actresses I haven't seen much (she doesn't appear in much genre work), but I've enjoyed her work every time I've watched. She's always a commanding presence, one who doesn't tolerate any shenanigans, and SciFi could use a bit more of her, if I don't say so myself. Recently, she entered the realm of The Gifted for a handful of episodes, and Gless was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Danny Goldring has a resume terrific with quality appearances in genre entertainment. He's been a part of VR.5, Virtuosity (1995), Space: Above and Beyond, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, The Invisible Man, Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Dark Knight (2008). Though he's no longer with us, Goldring was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the bulk of her resume involves mainstream dramatic work, the lovely Lynda Bellingham enjoyed a recurring role during the 1986 season of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Bellingham was born on this day in 1948.
Source: IMDB.com]
Source: IMDB.com]
The always reliable Tom Berenger had a small role aboard Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010). (Trivia: one of the actor's earliest roles was as a young man in an episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker.) Berenger was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the big budget and theatrical Logan's Run made the switch from the silver screen to the small screen, showrunners enlisted TV star Gregory Harrison to play the lead. Harrison was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Julio Oscar Mechoso has had great parts in several quality genre projects including Quantum Leap, Virus (1999), Jurassic Park III (2001), Invasion, Planet Terror (2007), and Flashforward. Though he's no longer with us, Mechoso was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I was never a fan of Joss Whedon's TV incarnation of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Oh, I caught a few episodes during its run on The WB, but it just never quite struck a bell with me. I liked the cast. I like the world building. But its stories? Maybe if I'd hung with it, then it could've resonated. Still, kudos to actor Camden Toy for making his presence known across an incredible six episodes. Though he's no longer with us, Toy was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The makers of The Purge: Election Year (2016) would have you believe that their ongoing bloody series is incisive human commentary with a SciFi-lite angle; what it really is is typical political hate speech directed at mainstream Americans. Shame on everyone who participates in it, and that includes actor Kyle Secor. (But, hey, everyone's gotta eat, so 'Happy Birthday' anyway to Secor who was born on this day in 1957.)
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's doubtless recognized more often for her work in much more conventional fare, the talented Roma Maffia has appeared aboard Welcome To Paradox and The Event. Maffia was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The usually looney Chris Elliott (above center) found himself playing the straight man to Bill Murray's lunacy in Groundhog Day (1993). Elliott was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Star Trek: Generations (1994), actor Tommy Hinkley (above center) played a journalist just trying to get the scoop on the launch of the Enterprise-B. Hinkley was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction doesn't get all that many truly great and inspired comedies, but -- when we do -- audiences usually sit up and take notice. That's exactly what fandom did when Lea Thompson lent her perfect looks and winning smile to the Back to the Future films. In fact, she's so lovely even today we'll forgive her for participating in Howard the Duck and Space Camp. Thompson was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Thompson enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in Back To The Future (1985).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Thompson enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in Back To The Future (1985).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Hugh Dillon brought another layer of mystery to Syfy's Continuum. The talented actor has also enjoyed guest roles aboard the cult favorite Starhunter, ReGenesis, and Syfy's The Expanse. Dillon was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The ever-luminous Brooke Shields joined Scott Bakula in a special shipwreck-themed episode of the popular time travel series, Quantum Leap. She's also paid visits to such other genre staples as Tales From The Crypt, Justice League: The New Frontier (2008), and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (2010). Shields was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Author Peter Clines has mixed SciFi with superheroes in his popular Ex-Heroes series of novels, and he maintains an online presence here. Clines was born on this day in 1969.
I don't think anyone can fault Colin Farrell for taking a shot at the Total Recall (2012) reboot/remake. I saw it on home video, and it wasn't awful. It was just rather forgettable, unlike the original. Still, kudos for giving it an honest attempt. Farrell was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Archie Panjabi enjoyed a guest role aboard the BBC's Life On Mars, one of the more brilliant television fantasies of its generation. Panjabi was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Karl Geary braved the SciFi-themed threat (mutant bugs!) at the heart of the direct-to-DVD release for Mimic: Sentinel in 2003. Geary was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The exotic Merle Dandridge played the equally exotic 'Vega' aboard the CW's short-lived Star-Crossed back in 2014. Dandridge was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Eric Christian Olsen found himself in a cold, dark place where only The Thing (2011) gets out alive. Olsen was born on this day in 1977.
Robin Wasserman is an author whose work dabbles generously with some meaty SciFi elements. She maintains an online website here, and Wasserman was born on this day in 1978.
Author Sophia McDougall maintains a website discussing her works, including her novels as well as her shorter fiction in some detail. You can check her out right here. McDougall was born on this day in 1979.
The talented Lee Majdoub is a terrific character actor who has been gaining exposure with smaller roles aboard such projects as Bionic Woman, Fringe, Arrow, Once Upon A Time, Supernatural, The Magicians, and Zoo. Majdoub was born on this day in 1982.
Back in 2006, Jonathan Tucker joined Kristen Bell and Christina Milian in Pulse, a SciFi/Horror hybrid about a mysterious signal bent on taking over the world. More recently, he turned in a solid performance aboard HBO's lukewarm (if not confusing) re-imagining of Michael Crichton's Westworld. And did you catch his work aboard the short-lived SciFi/Fantasy serial Debris? If you did, then shame on you, as it was quite a good potboiler with heavy genre potential. Tucker was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For what it's worth, I enjoyed some of the run of The CW's Supergirl ... that is until its writers morphed the show into some weird political morality tale for no good reason. (I don't watch genre shows to be preached to constantly, peeps.) In any event, Yael Grobglas plays the villainous psychically-powered 'Psi' on a few occasions, and I'll always be thankful for that. Grobglas was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Luke Arnold has built an impressive career in a reasonably short amount of time, drawing positive attention from critics and audiences alike. Work in the realms of the Fantastic continues to evolve, and fans might recognize him from stops aboard The Elephant Princess, Panic At Rock Island (2011), The Tunnel (2011), Murder In The Dark (2013), Salvation, and Glitch. Arnold was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born actress Ellen Wong maintains a resume rich in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. To date, she's scored screen time in such properties as Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010), Silent Night (2012), Son Of Zorn, The Void (2016), Dark Matter, Into The Dark, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and Beacon 23. Wong was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Justine Lupe continues to shine in projects that gravitate much more toward drama and comedies than anything else. She has given genre a respectable glance, and fans might recognize her from her work in CBS's short-lived BrainDead SciFi/Comedy. Lupe was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Indian actress Sobhita Dhulipala's star is on the rise. Hopefully, audiences will continue to see her work, though her genre credentials are a bit light. Fans might remember her scenes from Netflix's Ghost Stories (2020), an anthology of frights, that streamed on the platform. Dhulipala was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
(Relative) Newcomer Jeremy Szal maintains a solid SciFi blog as well as a Hugo Award winning podcast exploring the realms of Science Fiction. Szal was born on this day in 1995.
A star is born! On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), it wasn't good enough to have the original Sinbad entertaining audiences any longer, so they brought along his son? Son Of Sinbad required a trio of screenwriters (Jeff Bailey, Jack Pollexfen, and and Audrey Wisberg) and the Oscar-nominated director Ted Tetzlaff to bring it to cinematic life, along with stars like Dale Robertson, Sally Forrest, and the legendary Vincent Price. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Legendary pirate and adventurer Sinbad is in single-minded pursuit of two things: beautiful women and a substance called Greek Fire--an early version of gunpowder."
"Legendary pirate and adventurer Sinbad is in single-minded pursuit of two things: beautiful women and a substance called Greek Fire--an early version of gunpowder."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), The Evil Of Frankenstein tried to shine a little light on the seminal creature. Directed by Freddie Francis from a script by Anthony Hinds, the Fantasy/Horror starred Peter Cushing, Peter Woodthorpe, and Duncan Lamont. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upon returning to his home village to continue his experimental research, the destitute Dr. Frankenstein revives his old creature, but a hypnotist wants the monster to control for himself."
"Upon returning to his home village to continue his experimental research, the destitute Dr. Frankenstein revives his old creature, but a hypnotist wants the monster to control for himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), Invaders From Space brought these space-aged invaders to television. Written by Ichirô Miyagawa, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ken Utsui, Minako Yamada, and Junko Ikeuchi; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bunch of pernicious salamander men from the planet Kulimon in the Moffit Galaxy plan on taking over Earth by unleashing a lethal plague on mankind. It's up to valiant superhero Starman from the Emerald Planet to save the human race before it's too late."
"A bunch of pernicious salamander men from the planet Kulimon in the Moffit Galaxy plan on taking over Earth by unleashing a lethal plague on mankind. It's up to valiant superhero Starman from the Emerald Planet to save the human race before it's too late."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in France), Ne jouez pas avec les Martiens enjoyed its only theatrical exhibition of record (if IMDB.com is to be believed). Written (in part) and directed by Henri Lanoë, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jean Rochefort, Macha Méril, and Jean Ozenne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"These space people have cat eyes and a disintegrating pistol; and when they touch a woman 's lips with their magic kiss."
"These space people have cat eyes and a disintegrating pistol; and when they touch a woman 's lips with their magic kiss."
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in Austria), beauty was once again in the eye of the beholder with the theatrical release of Kiss Me Monster. Written (in part) and directed by Jesus Franco, the Horror/Mystery starred Janine Reynaud, Rosanna Yanni, and Adrian Hoven. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"KISS ME, MONSTER finds The Red Lips moonlighting on a striptease world tour - but no sooner do they hit the stage than the girls are up to their pasties in stiffs, Satanists and Sapphic sadists, all after a secret formula for human clones!"
"KISS ME, MONSTER finds The Red Lips moonlighting on a striptease world tour - but no sooner do they hit the stage than the girls are up to their pasties in stiffs, Satanists and Sapphic sadists, all after a secret formula for human clones!"
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in France), La maldicion de Frankenstein delivered an erotic spin on the whole Frankenstein legend. Written (in part) and directed by Jesus Franco, the Horror/Fantasy starred Alberto Dalbés, Dennis Price, and Howard Vernon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Morpho are killed just as they bring their creation to life. The monster is taken by Cagliostro and he now controls the monster and plans to have it mate and create the perfect master race."
"Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Morpho are killed just as they bring their creation to life. The monster is taken by Cagliostro and he now controls the monster and plans to have it mate and create the perfect master race."
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), the horrific Deathmoon enjoyed its broadcast television debut. Directed by Bruce Kessler from a script by Jay Benson and George Schenck, the Horror/Fantasy starred Robert Foxworth, Joe Penny, and Barbara Trentham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A manager is sent to vacation by his doctor due to symptoms of stress. He chooses Hawaii, because that's where his grandfather worked as a missionary. He doesn't know that his grandpa and all male successors are cursed by the Voodoo clan. Every night he transforms into a werewolf and horribly slays young women."
"A manager is sent to vacation by his doctor due to symptoms of stress. He chooses Hawaii, because that's where his grandfather worked as a missionary. He doesn't know that his grandpa and all male successors are cursed by the Voodoo clan. Every night he transforms into a werewolf and horribly slays young women."
Premiering theatrically on this day in 1980 in the United States (per AllMovie.com), The Day Time Ended probably came and went pretty quickly. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens visit the solar-powered house of a middle-class family, and the house is suddenly sucked into a time warp that transports it back to prehistoric times."
"Aliens visit the solar-powered house of a middle-class family, and the house is suddenly sucked into a time warp that transports it back to prehistoric times."
On this day in 1985 (in Spain), audiences were treated to a curious ending of all mankind in the SciFi/Comedy Night Of The Comet. Written and directed by Thom Eberhardt, the feature film starred Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney, and Robert Beltran; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A comet wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls fighting against cannibal zombies and a sinister group of scientists."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Mary Woronov enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
"A comet wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls fighting against cannibal zombies and a sinister group of scientists."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Mary Woronov enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
On this day in 1985 (in Sweden), The Last Starfighter soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Nick Castle, the SciFi feature starred Lance Guest, Robert Preston, and Catherine Mary Stewart. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
More for the record:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
"Video game expert Alex Rogan finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Last Starfighter video game only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best starfighters to defend their world from the attack."
For the record:
I could be wrong, but I think The Last Starfighter is one of the more celebrated Science Fiction releases to come out of the 1980's. At the 1985 Saturn Awards, actor Robert Preston received a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor.' At the 1985 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, director Nick Castle received a nomination for their 'Grand Prize' for his work on the film. Lastly, the feature was nominated for the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1985 Hugo Awards.
More for the record:
In 2020, I was privileged to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Arrow Video's release in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Folks interested in checking out what I thought can do so right here.
On this day in 1990 (in Argentina), The Handmaid's Tale gave audiences one dark look at a Dystopian future. Directed by Volker Schlondorff from a script by Margaret Atwood and Harold Pinter, the SciFi/Drama starred Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Aidan Quinn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
A star is born! On this day in 1990, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever for audiences in attendance of the film's premiere in Los Angeles, California. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on a story from Philip K. Dick, the film starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedom' Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, and Sharon Stone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those of you who'd like to know a bit more about Total Recall (1990), please check out the film's official page on SciFiHistory.Net right here.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
For those of you who'd like to know a bit more about Total Recall (1990), please check out the film's official page on SciFiHistory.Net right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in Hong Kong), Robotrix got the electric charge it needed with a silver screen theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Jamie Luk, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Amy Yip, Chikako Aoyama, and David Wu. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man transfers his mind to an android, and kidnaps a middle eastern prince, demanding a ransom. Meanwhile, he goes on a spree of raping and killing prostitutes. The police secret androids, Robotrix, are the only ones that could stop him."
"A man transfers his mind to an android, and kidnaps a middle eastern prince, demanding a ransom. Meanwhile, he goes on a spree of raping and killing prostitutes. The police secret androids, Robotrix, are the only ones that could stop him."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), The Pit And The Pendulum enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Stuart Gordon from an adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe story completed by Dennis Paoli, the Fantasy/Horror starred Lance Henriksen, Stephen Lee, and William Norris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Horror film set in 1492 Toledo, Spain, depicting the cruel deeds of a monk named Torquemada, Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition."
For the record:
As well as some positive praise earned from film festival appearances, The Pit And The Pendulum scored three nominations from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards: 'Best Soundtrack,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Independent/Low Budget Film.' At the 1992 Saturn Awards, the film scored a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
"Horror film set in 1492 Toledo, Spain, depicting the cruel deeds of a monk named Torquemada, Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition."
For the record:
As well as some positive praise earned from film festival appearances, The Pit And The Pendulum scored three nominations from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards: 'Best Soundtrack,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Independent/Low Budget Film.' At the 1992 Saturn Awards, the film scored a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
On this day in 1992, Still Not Quite Human enjoyed its broadcast television premiere in the United States. Directed by Eric Luke, the SciFi/Comedy starred Alan Thicke and Christopher Neame, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chip and his "father" attend a robotics convention. Here, Dr. Carson is kidnapped and replaced with an android. Can Chip and his newfound friends save Dr. Carson from a dangerous competitor?"
"Chip and his "father" attend a robotics convention. Here, Dr. Carson is kidnapped and replaced with an android. Can Chip and his newfound friends save Dr. Carson from a dangerous competitor?"
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in Italy), Knights enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Dylan Dog Horror Fest. Written and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kathy Long, Lance Henriksen, and Kris Kristofferson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future, a kickboxer and a robot lead a revolution against ruling cyborgs."
"In the future, a kickboxer and a robot lead a revolution against ruling cyborgs."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in Canada), The Fantastic Four delivered a bit of Superhero magic to the silver screen. Directed by Oley Sassone, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Alex Hyde-White, Rebecca Staab, and Jay Underwood. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When dosed with cosmic rays, four intrepid explorers are given incredible powers."
"When dosed with cosmic rays, four intrepid explorers are given incredible powers."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Canada and the U.S.), DragonHeart roared onto the silver screen. Directed by Rob Cohen, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, and Dina Meyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The last dragon and a disillusioned dragonslaying Knight must cooperate to stop an evil King, who was given partial immortality."
For the record:
DragonHeart was a film not without a bit of praise from a handful of sources. At the 1997 Academy Awards, the effects crew enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Effect - Visual Effects.' At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), DragonHeart took home the big win in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.' Alas, it had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Special Effects.'
"The last dragon and a disillusioned dragonslaying Knight must cooperate to stop an evil King, who was given partial immortality."
For the record:
DragonHeart was a film not without a bit of praise from a handful of sources. At the 1997 Academy Awards, the effects crew enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Effect - Visual Effects.' At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), DragonHeart took home the big win in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.' Alas, it had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Special Effects.'
Believe it or not, I'm one of the rare few who saw The Arrival when it aired theatrically starting on this day in 1996. (My wife was there; she can vouch for me!) The story of an astronomer (Charlie Sheen) accidentally uncovering the plot for an alien invasion was right up my alley. I've never seen its sequel -- that direct-to-DVD product just never interested me -- but this original is done perfectly in the vein of The X-Files, if I don't say so myself. It's an underrated gem.
On this day in 1997 (in Japan), The Relic tried to take a bite out of the box office receipts. Directed by Peter Hyams, the Monster Movie starred Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, and Linda Hunt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary. Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
A star is born ... and this one is hungry! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Devour sunk its teeth into the home video marketplace with a general video release. Directed by David Winkler from a script by Adam Gross and Seth Gross, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jensen Ackles, Shannyn Sossamon, and Dominique Swain. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Revolves around a character named Jake Gray and his friends that have been playing a deadly game called "The Pathway", which eventually spirals out of control and threatens a worldwide epidemic of violence."
"Revolves around a character named Jake Gray and his friends that have been playing a deadly game called "The Pathway", which eventually spirals out of control and threatens a worldwide epidemic of violence."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Heatstroke enjoyed its original broadcast premiere. Directed by Andrew Prowse from a script by Richard Manning and David Kemper, the SciFi/Fantasy starred D.B. Sweeney, Danica McKellar, and Chris Cleveland. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Gradually people notice the heat index is rising, and that all life on Earth is at risk, for a hoard of alien dinosaurs want to take over; until a soldier and a ex-model step in to take back planet Earth."
"Gradually people notice the heat index is rising, and that all life on Earth is at risk, for a hoard of alien dinosaurs want to take over; until a soldier and a ex-model step in to take back planet Earth."
The luster that is so very much of Will Smith's box office career lost a few layers of its sheen when on this day in 2013 After Earth premiered in theatres ... mostly to the sound of noisy crickets. (Get the metaphor, SciFi movie fans?) For reasons never quite satisfactorily explained, audiences stayed away from the actioner headlined by Smith and starring his young son. Despite the financial performance, I suspect someone somewhere somehow will still greenlight Men In Black IV.
On this day in 2013 (in the United Kingdom and Ireland), Byzantium enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Neil Jordan, the Fantasy/Horror feature starred Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Residents of a coastal town learn, with deathly consequences, the secret shared by the two mysterious women who have sought shelter at a local resort."
"Residents of a coastal town learn, with deathly consequences, the secret shared by the two mysterious women who have sought shelter at a local resort."
On this day in 2013, The History Of Future Folk enjoyed its general U.S. theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two aliens from the planet Hondo have come take over our planet. But when they discover an amazing human invention called "music", they immediately abandon their mission, head to a tiny Brooklyn bar, and start the universe's first Hondonian bluegrass duo: Future Folk!"
"Two aliens from the planet Hondo have come take over our planet. But when they discover an amazing human invention called "music", they immediately abandon their mission, head to a tiny Brooklyn bar, and start the universe's first Hondonian bluegrass duo: Future Folk!"
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), the good people of Barcelona were treated to a special theatrical re-release of the 1997-produced Starship Troopers. Paul Verhoeven directed this adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel, and it starred Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2018 (in the Netherlands), the 1968-produced SciFi/Classic 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical release. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The War Games, Part 7." Officially, this served as the forty-first episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Carstairs manage to return to the 1917 zone only to be captured by Smythe, who orders the Doctor executed."
"The Doctor, Jamie and Carstairs manage to return to the 1917 zone only to be captured by Smythe, who orders the Doctor executed."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Hulk aired "The Waterfront Story." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David 'Barton' works in the kitchen of a tavern on the waterfront and helps the young widow who owns it to fight pushy union men."
"David 'Barton' works in the kitchen of a tavern on the waterfront and helps the young widow who owns it to fight pushy union men."
On this day in 1992 (in the Netherlands), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint: Part 2." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from 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."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the cult program that was Dark Skies came to the end of its only season of existence with the airing of the hour titled "Bloodlines." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Loengard offers to infiltrate the Hive's mothership to gain critical intelligence data and find his son."
"Loengard offers to infiltrate the Hive's mothership to gain critical intelligence data and find his son."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "I've Got You Under My Skin." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Woody Samms, who is trying to get a contract taken off of him by the mob, uses a crystal to transfer himself into the body of an unsuspecting Clark, not knowing until it's too late that he is now Superman. Meanwhile, a now powerless Clark is trapped in the body of a mob-hunted man and must convince Lois that it is him to get his own body back."
"Woody Samms, who is trying to get a contract taken off of him by the mob, uses a crystal to transfer himself into the body of an unsuspecting Clark, not knowing until it's too late that he is now Superman. Meanwhile, a now powerless Clark is trapped in the body of a mob-hunted man and must convince Lois that it is him to get his own body back."
On this day in 1998, Sleepwalkers aired "A Matter Of Fax." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Still grieving over her colleague's death, Kate tries to help a slightly autistic, desperate man who suffers from recurring nightmares in which he strangles a stripper whom he likes in real life and who's now missing."
"Still grieving over her colleague's death, Kate tries to help a slightly autistic, desperate man who suffers from recurring nightmares in which he strangles a stripper whom he likes in real life and who's now missing."
On this day in 2000 (in the Czech Republic), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), First Wave aired "Underworld." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mob boss narrowly escapes death by a GUA assassin, meanwhile Foster follows a quatrain and poses as a mob gunman for hire, to get inside the crime syndicates and find out why and what are the GUA's goals."
"A mob boss narrowly escapes death by a GUA assassin, meanwhile Foster follows a quatrain and poses as a mob gunman for hire, to get inside the crime syndicates and find out why and what are the GUA's goals."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Seen and Unseen." This served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired "The Submarine." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Liopleudon enters submarine HMS Gartside through an underwater anomaly, though the sub's captain bans the team from bringing their weapons on board and it is left to Connor to try and shoot the creature back through the hole on a torpedo. However the craft is sucked through the anomaly,causing a loss of power and is surrounded by a school of the creatures. Whilst Sir James dissuades a gung-ho admiral from nuking the area the team discharge the animal and return to their own time where Abby tries in vain to dissuade Connor from working for Burton before showing a Matt a newspaper cutting telling the fate of Emily."
"A Liopleudon enters submarine HMS Gartside through an underwater anomaly, though the sub's captain bans the team from bringing their weapons on board and it is left to Connor to try and shoot the creature back through the hole on a torpedo. However the craft is sucked through the anomaly,causing a loss of power and is surrounded by a school of the creatures. Whilst Sir James dissuades a gung-ho admiral from nuking the area the team discharge the animal and return to their own time where Abby tries in vain to dissuade Connor from working for Burton before showing a Matt a newspaper cutting telling the fate of Emily."
On this day in 2012, Lightning Point aired "Wires Crossed." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Kiki and Zoey use the primitive school satellite dish to send an alien signal, Amber with the help of pet Police Dog Piper, will have to think quickly to stop the school being overrun by canines."
"When Kiki and Zoey use the primitive school satellite dish to send an alien signal, Amber with the help of pet Police Dog Piper, will have to think quickly to stop the school being overrun by canines."
