Starting on this day back in 2013, the Walt Disney Company officially recognized May 4th as Star Wars Day, more commonly known as "May The Fourth Be With You," as a means of celebrating Star Wars fandom around the world. While the background of how May the Fourth actually came to be is subject to some differing opinions, I personally had always thought it was a day chosen by Lucasfilm to encourage literacy among school children (by obviously getting them to read Star Wars books), but I've been told that's inaccurate. Anyone with the "official" straight scoop, feel free to contact me and set me straight.
But in the meantime: "May The Fourth Be With You!"
But in the meantime: "May The Fourth Be With You!"
Luther Adler found himself in the most precarious of identities aboard Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Adler was born on this day in 1903.
Esmond Knight left behind a legacy of over one hundred and fifty different screen credits, but fans probably know him best from his appearance aboard the BBC's A For Andromeda in 1961. He did make an appearance in the world of Doctor Who, as well. Though he's no longer with us, Knight was born on this day in 1906.
Peter Bathurst played in the world of Doctor Who aboard the serials "The Claws of Axos" and "The Power of The Daleks." Though he's no longer with us, Bathurst was born on this day in 1912.
The late Godfrey Quigley made an appearance in the world of Doctor Who in the role of 'Dortmun' in Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., a theatrical release from 1966. Though he's no longer with us, Quigley was born on this day in 1923.
The lovely Christine White joined William Shatner aboard "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," arguably one of the most memorable episodes of The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, White was born on this day in 1926.
Veteran character actor Paul Gleason (shown above from the seminal high school flick, The Breakfast Club) dabbled in the realms of Science Fiction. In his career, he appeared in such properties as Panic In The Year Zero!, The Invaders, Doc Savage: Man of Bronze, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Digital Man, and Dark Skies. Though he's no longer with us, Gleason was born on this day in 1939.
Best-selling author Robin Cook knows more than a thing or two about fashioning cutting edge science / Science Fiction into real world thrillers. His works typically tend to dabble with viruses posing unique challenges for the characters they inflict, and he's even played in the realm of viruses emerging on Earth from deep space spelling certain doom for all of mankind (TV movie Invasion). Cook was born on this day in 1940.
Harry Winer established himself within the wide, wide world of Science Fiction by directing the fondly-remembered SpaceCamp (1986) for ABC Motion Pictures. He's also helped bring to life episodes of such genre programs as Mr. Merlin, Jake 2.0, and ABC's short-lived Invasion. Winer was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Richard Jenkins are arguably one of the most talented character actors of his generation, and SciFi fans have been able to mark his goodness with performances aboard The Manhattan Project (1986), What Planet Are You From? (2000), and The Core (2003). Jenkins was born on this day in 1947.
Pia Zadora played DeeDee in 1984's cult SciFi musical comedy Voyage Of The Rock Aliens. (Don't bother looking it up, as you'll be disappointed.) Zadora was born on this day in 1954.
Jeff Lester played the FBI agent who got to question the captured Pavel Chekov aboard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). Lester was born on this day in 1955.
I actually caught about thirty minutes of the SciFi/B-Movie Steel And Lace one night on television. Meh. While I'll admit it wasn't for me, I didn't mind watching Clare Wren spin some SciFi revenge. Wren was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's probably remembered more for her forays in the realm of Horror, the lovely Juliette Cummins enjoyed a guest spot aboard the SciFi/Cult series Max Headroom. Cummins was born on this day in 1964.
The lovely Jodi Russell lent her vocal charms and identity to Tesla Effect, a SciFi video game released to the market in 2014. Russell was born on this day in 1965.
The great Murray McArthur has had the opportunity to play in the greater universes of Doctor Who and HBO's Game Of Thrones. McArthur was born on this day in 1966.
Whereas Fox TV's The X-Files played the alien abduction phenomenon for drama, TBS's People Of Earth played it for laughs, with the funny and talented Ana Gasteyer starring as the host of a support group for abductees in a small Midwestern town. Gasteyer was born on this day in 1967.
Funnyman Will Arnett had an uncredited role aboard Men In Black III back in 2012. He also appeared in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows in 2016. Arnett was born on this day in 1970.
Aleksandar Jovanovic played the part of 'Dr. Sim' aboard the Doctor Who holiday special, "The Return of Doctor Mysterio," in 2016. Jovanovic was born on this day in 1971.
If you face and survive the dreaded Dragon Wasps (2012), then let's hope somebody somewhere writes about it! Dominika Juillet did so in the direct-to-DVD feature, and she's also enjoyed screen time on Fox TV's Dark Angel during its run. Juillet was born on this day in 1975.
Young Emily Perkins (pictured above from her guest appearance aboard The Twilight Zone) certainly gravitates toward roles where characters matter most. She turned in memorable performances as part of The X-Files, the Ginger Snaps franchise, Supernatural, and 2014's Extraterrestrial. Perkins was born on this day in 1977.
Lauren Montgomery has dabbled her artistic wares in such projects as Justice League Unlimited, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes to name but a few. Montgomery was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jeepers. One can only hope Jesse Moss has seen better days than the above production still from 2014's Extraterrestrial. The actor has also enjoyed work aboard Poltergeist: The Legacy, Stargate: SG-1, The Outer Limits, Dark Angel, Jeremiah, The Twilight Zone, Tru Calling, The Dead Zone, The Andromeda Strain, and Continuum. Moss was born on this day in 1983.
Science Fiction and Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, and that's precisely why we can give the talented Courtney Jines a birthday shout for her work aboard Spy-Kids 3D: Game Over (2003). Jines was born on this day in 1992.
Young Grace Phipps (now known as Gracie Gillam) starred in a SciFi short film by the name of The Signal, a tale about wireless power gone awry. The actress has also enjoyed a guest starring role on the CW's long-running Supernatural. Phipps was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
In one of her earlier screen roles, young and lovely Ashley Rickards played 2Katchapredator in the cyber thriller, Gamer (2009), with Gerard Butler. Rickards was born on this day in 1992.
Miles Robbins plunged himself into the dark corridors of The X-Files' greater mythology by appearing as the young adult-aged son of Dana Scully in Season 11. Robbins was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Brianna Joy Chomer has flired with Science Fiction with roles in such projects as Zoombies (2016) and the Escape From The Zoombies video game. Chomer was born on this day in 1994.
Newcomer Alexander Gould provided vocals for 'Jimmy Olsen' aboard the 2013 DC Comics animated project, Superman: Unbound. Gould was born on this day in 1994.
On this day in 1931 (in Brazil), Just Imagine gave audiences a healthy dose of 'what if?' Directed by David Butler, the SciFi/Fantasy starred El Brendel, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Marjorie White; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
For the record:
At the 1931 Academy Awards, Just Imagine enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Art Direction.'
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
For the record:
At the 1931 Academy Awards, Just Imagine enjoyed a nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Art Direction.'
On this day in 1934 (in the U.S.), Alraune served up a commentary on youth and beauty with a decidedly SciFi angle. Directed by Richard Oswald, the feature film starred Brigitte Helm, Albert Bassermann, and Richard Weisbach; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist, Professor Jakob ten Brinken, interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts. The girl, Alraune, suffers from obsessive sexuality and perverse relationships throughout her life. She learns of her unnatural origins and she avenges herself against the professor."
"A scientist, Professor Jakob ten Brinken, interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts. The girl, Alraune, suffers from obsessive sexuality and perverse relationships throughout her life. She learns of her unnatural origins and she avenges herself against the professor."
The Fantasy/Telefilm The Unknown enjoyed a curious life. It appeared both as a standalone flick which aired on this day in 1964 as well as appearing as an installment of The Outer Limits (albeit under a slightly modified name). According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Near Aix-les-Bains (South-East of France), two women, Kassia and Leonora, are driven by a fanatical blackmailer, named André, in a white Rolls Royce at full speed. Suddenly, they stop near a lake, in the middle of the woods, where the man decides to have a swim. He asks the two women for a drink. The women plan to assassinate him by introducing a deadly leaf from a Thanatos tree in the cocktail. The man dies by poisoning and drowning and the women stare at him without moving. They put the dead body in the trunk of the fancy car. Later, they've lost their way in the countryside and, finally, find a mansion where an old blind man, Colas, opens the door. Upstairs, a strange inventor, Tone Hobart, built a time machine which could resurrect the dead. Unfortunately, André is now alive and ready for a revenge."
"Near Aix-les-Bains (South-East of France), two women, Kassia and Leonora, are driven by a fanatical blackmailer, named André, in a white Rolls Royce at full speed. Suddenly, they stop near a lake, in the middle of the woods, where the man decides to have a swim. He asks the two women for a drink. The women plan to assassinate him by introducing a deadly leaf from a Thanatos tree in the cocktail. The man dies by poisoning and drowning and the women stare at him without moving. They put the dead body in the trunk of the fancy car. Later, they've lost their way in the countryside and, finally, find a mansion where an old blind man, Colas, opens the door. Upstairs, a strange inventor, Tone Hobart, built a time machine which could resurrect the dead. Unfortunately, André is now alive and ready for a revenge."
On this day in 1965 (in Portugal), the 1920-produced version of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed a rare and limited theatrical re-release. Directed by John S. Robertson, this adaptation starred John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, and Brandon Hurst; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
On this day in 1970, Colossus: The Forbin Project enjoyed a very special screening for audiences in New York City, New York. Adapted from the D.F. Jones' novel by screenwriter James Bridges, the SciFi/Drama was directed by Joseph Sargent. The film starred Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, and Gordon Pinsent; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
For the 1971 Hugo Awards, Colossus was colossal as it scored an award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
For the 1971 Hugo Awards, Colossus was colossal as it scored an award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in Italy), the Giallo Horror/Thriller Smile Before Death enjoyed its only theatrical release of record (as per IMDB.com). Written (in part) and directed by Silvio Amadio, the film starred Jenny Tamburi, Silvano Tranquilli, and Rosalba Neri. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of her mother, which was ruled as suicide, a teenage girl comes back home to find her mother's husband, and a female photographer, occupying the house. But nothing is as it seems."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Smile Before Death via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my take right here.
"After the death of her mother, which was ruled as suicide, a teenage girl comes back home to find her mother's husband, and a female photographer, occupying the house. But nothing is as it seems."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Smile Before Death via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my take right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's The Day After Tomorrow (aka Into Infinity) enjoyed its original television broadcast. Written by Johnny Byrne and directed by Charles Crichton, the telefilm was originally conceived as the pilot for a new series, but -- alas -- it wasn't meant to be. It featured a fabulous cast including Brian Blessed, Nick Tate, and Joanna Dunham, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The plot of The Day After Tomorrow concerns the interstellar mission of Altares, a science vessel of the future that can travel at the speed of light. From its initial destination of Alpha Centauri, the ship pushes deeper into space; there, her crew of three adults and two children encounter such phenomena as a meteor shower, a red giant and, finally, a black hole, which pulls the ship into another universe."
"The plot of The Day After Tomorrow concerns the interstellar mission of Altares, a science vessel of the future that can travel at the speed of light. From its initial destination of Alpha Centauri, the ship pushes deeper into space; there, her crew of three adults and two children encounter such phenomena as a meteor shower, a red giant and, finally, a black hole, which pulls the ship into another universe."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in France and Canada), The Shape Of Things To Come took audiences on a trip into the world of tomorrow. Directed by George McCowan from a script by Martin Lager who adapted the H.G. Wells' novel (of the same name), the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jack Palance, Anne-Marie Martin, and Barry Morse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Some time in the future, man has set up colonies on the Moon, when Earth becomes uninhabitable. A madman decides to destroy the Moon colonies with his robots and automated ships, and only three people and their robot can stop him."
"Some time in the future, man has set up colonies on the Moon, when Earth becomes uninhabitable. A madman decides to destroy the Moon colonies with his robots and automated ships, and only three people and their robot can stop him."
On this day in 1984 (in Ireland), the tanks were rolling across the silver screen in the Apocalyptic thriller Stryker. Written (in part) and directed by Cirio H. Santiago, the feature film starred Steve Sandor, Andria Savio, and William Ostrander; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
On this day in 1985 (in Gambia, Japan, and Mauritius), The Terminator blasted its way into the hearts of millions. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, and Linda Hamilton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
On this day in 1989 (in Brazil), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure took audiences on their excellent trip through time. Directed by Stephen Herek from a script by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, the film starred Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, and George Carlin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today. Lastly, it did enjoy a 1991 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), John Carpenter's They Live challenged audiences perceptions of the world they live in. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They live."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They live."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Mars enjoyed its premiere on U.S. television. Directed by Jon Hess, the SciFi/Thriller starred Olivier Gruner, Shari Belafonte, and Gabriel Dell Jr.; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the future, Mars has been colonized. A martial artist arrives to investigate what happened to his brother. A powerful mining company is the prime suspect."
"In the future, Mars has been colonized. A martial artist arrives to investigate what happened to his brother. A powerful mining company is the prime suspect."
On this day in 2000 (in Switzerland, Czechia, South Korea, and Malaysia), Mission To Mars took audiences on a trip to the Red Planet. Directed by Brian De Palma, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle, and Tim Robbins; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, legendary director Brian De Palma was nominated in 2001 by the Razzie Awards in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work on the film.
On this day in 2000 (in Israel), Pitch Black gave Vin Diesel a SciFi franchise all of his own. Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Fantasy also starred Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, and Keith David; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
On this day in 2008 (in Canada), Swamp Devil enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by David Winning, the Fantasy/Horror starred Bruce Dern, Cindy Sampson, and Nicolas Wright; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl finds out some disturbing supernatural truths about her father, who has been a suspect to multiple murder cases."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Devil enjoyed a good amount of praise earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A young girl finds out some disturbing supernatural truths about her father, who has been a suspect to multiple murder cases."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Devil enjoyed a good amount of praise earned from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2010, those lovely Space Girls In Beverly Hills landed down on Earth compliments of the home video market. Directed by Tim Colceri from a script by Donna Spangler (who also starred), the flick featured the talents of Allie Moss, Brittan Taylor, and Sabrina Parisi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three vibrantly retro space girls from the planet Vanisia must try to fit in as normal Beverly Hills women when they suddenly make a crash landing in the backyard of wealthy infamous playboy Baron Von Benson. Baron and his women chasing buddy Steve, soon realize that it takes something out of this galaxy to tame their cheap bad boy ways."
For the record:
At the 2009 New York International Film & Video Festival, writer and actress Donna Spangler took home the Genre Award win in the category of 'Best International Feature Film - Sci-Fi.'
"Three vibrantly retro space girls from the planet Vanisia must try to fit in as normal Beverly Hills women when they suddenly make a crash landing in the backyard of wealthy infamous playboy Baron Von Benson. Baron and his women chasing buddy Steve, soon realize that it takes something out of this galaxy to tame their cheap bad boy ways."
For the record:
At the 2009 New York International Film & Video Festival, writer and actress Donna Spangler took home the Genre Award win in the category of 'Best International Feature Film - Sci-Fi.'
A star is born! Never forget: Science Fiction comes in all shapes and sizes ... so on this day in 2012 the SciFi/Adult feature Dirty Blondes From Beyond enjoyed its cinematic life. Directed by Fred Olen Ray from a script by Dean McKendrick, the feature starred Brandin Rackley, Jazy Berlin, and Erika Jordan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the Galaxy under attack, Princess Farra and her beautiful bodyguard flee to a strange alien planet - Earth. They are pursued by the evil Empress and her henchwoman."
"With the Galaxy under attack, Princess Farra and her beautiful bodyguard flee to a strange alien planet - Earth. They are pursued by the evil Empress and her henchwoman."
On this day in 2013 (in the United Kingdom), 1965's Dr. Who And The Daleks enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Gordon Flemyng from a script by Terry Nation, Milton Subotsky, and Sydney Newman, the feature starred Peter Cushing as the signature Timelord, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
On this day in 2016 (in Italy), the 1958-produced I Married A Monster From Outer Space played for audiences in attendance of the Future Film Festival. Directed by Gene Fowler Jr., the SciFi/Thriller starred Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott, and Peter Baldwin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens arrive on Earth to possess the bodies of humans. One of their first victims is a young man, whose new wife soon realizes something is wrong with him."
"Aliens arrive on Earth to possess the bodies of humans. One of their first victims is a young man, whose new wife soon realizes something is wrong with him."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Alien: Covenant enjoyed its silver screen theatrical debut for the folks in London, England. Directed by Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Crudup; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape."
For the record:
Criticisms aside, I think every film in the entire Alien saga definitely brings something solid to the franchise, be their visuals or interesting performances. Alien: Covenant may not have added much to the franchise's mythology as fans wanted, but it did garner a Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Science Fiction Film' in 2017.
More for the record:
If you're interested in knowing my two cents on the film, then head on over to check out my review right here.
"The crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape."
For the record:
Criticisms aside, I think every film in the entire Alien saga definitely brings something solid to the franchise, be their visuals or interesting performances. Alien: Covenant may not have added much to the franchise's mythology as fans wanted, but it did garner a Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Science Fiction Film' in 2017.
More for the record:
If you're interested in knowing my two cents on the film, then head on over to check out my review right here.
On this day in 2017 (in Kuwait), Spark: A Space Tail enjoyed a run through theaters. The animated SciFi/Fantasy starred the voices of Jace Norman, Jessica Biel, and Patrick Stewart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Spark, a teenage monkey and his friends, Chunk and Vix, are on a mission to regain Planet Bana, a kingdom overtaken by the evil overlord Zhong."
"Spark, a teenage monkey and his friends, Chunk and Vix, are on a mission to regain Planet Bana, a kingdom overtaken by the evil overlord Zhong."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the theatrical release of the SciFi/Comedy Andover. Written and directed by Scott Perlman, the film starred Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, and Richard Kind; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genetics professor clones his dead wife, over and over, in a desperate attempt to get her back exactly as she was."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Andover earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A genetics professor clones his dead wife, over and over, in a desperate attempt to get her back exactly as she was."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Andover earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and it's about to kick some ass! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Incoming enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Eric Zaragoza from a script by Rick Benattar, Jorge Saralegui, and Nigel Thomas, the film starred Scott Adkins, Aaron McCusker, and Michelle Lehane. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The International Space Station is now a prison - the ultimate black site. No one's getting out. And no one knows it's there. But when the imprisoned terrorists take over the Station and turn it into a missile aimed at Moscow, only a shuttle pilot and a rookie doctor can stop them. Their task is complicated by a rogue CIA agent (Scott Adkins) who has his own plans for the station and the terrorists within."
"The International Space Station is now a prison - the ultimate black site. No one's getting out. And no one knows it's there. But when the imprisoned terrorists take over the Station and turn it into a missile aimed at Moscow, only a shuttle pilot and a rookie doctor can stop them. Their task is complicated by a rogue CIA agent (Scott Adkins) who has his own plans for the station and the terrorists within."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The Marvelous Spider-Man 3: Empire Of Blood spawned itself via a release on the internet. Written by, directed by, and starring Michael Innamorato, the Fantasy flick also cast Michael Lamberti, Noah Young, and Jeff Dunn in supporting roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Peter Parker is now a sophomore in college and a reserve member of The Avengers. He's at a point where he needs to figure out who he is and what he wants to do with the rest of his life. A new enemy (Michael Lamberti) and a new friend (Noah Young) will appear as he realizes his past will haunt him until he faces his demons."
"Peter Parker is now a sophomore in college and a reserve member of The Avengers. He's at a point where he needs to figure out who he is and what he wants to do with the rest of his life. A new enemy (Michael Lamberti) and a new friend (Noah Young) will appear as he realizes his past will haunt him until he faces his demons."
On this day in 2018 (in Taiwan), The Titan starred longingly through a clear pane of glass at audiences. Directed by Lennart Ruff, the SciFi/Mystery starred Sam Worthington, Taylor Schilling, and Tom Wilkinson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), the down-to-Earth tale of Zoe And The Astronaut enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written and directed by Eke Chukwu, the SciFi/Drama starred Ian Reddington, Lisa Moorish, and Kirsten Foster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zoe has suffered with Leukemia her whole life. When her condition worsens, she's given months to live. One day, a Young Astronaut crash lands near her home. Zoe spends her last days showing the Astronaut the wonders of Planet Earth."
"Zoe has suffered with Leukemia her whole life. When her condition worsens, she's given months to live. One day, a Young Astronaut crash lands near her home. Zoe spends her last days showing the Astronaut the wonders of Planet Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in Germany), Caraba enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Katharina Mihm from a script by Andreas Laudert, the SciFi/Drama starred Marc Adams, Sefa Konuk Agnew, and Mazen Alnounou, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world without schools, CaRabA shows how life itself can become an everlasting educational experience when the forces of destiny and one's own curiosity become the defining moment."
"In a world without schools, CaRabA shows how life itself can become an everlasting educational experience when the forces of destiny and one's own curiosity become the defining moment."
On this day in 1956, Science Fiction Theatre aired "When A Camera Fails." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A geophysics professor uses his revolutionary new microscope to make a startling discovery: certain crystals act as photographic film. Examining prehistoric rocks, he's able to see images of dinosaurs; glass formed by an atomic test show him the mushroom cloud."
"A geophysics professor uses his revolutionary new microscope to make a startling discovery: certain crystals act as photographic film. Examining prehistoric rocks, he's able to see images of dinosaurs; glass formed by an atomic test show him the mushroom cloud."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Emergency Mission." This served as the thirtieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A miss-fire of the MR28 sees the craft miss the Moon and head for deep space. The only chance of rescue is a new MX experimental rocket. In theory, the new ship should have the range. In practice, no one really knows."
"A miss-fire of the MR28 sees the craft miss the Moon and head for deep space. The only chance of rescue is a new MX experimental rocket. In theory, the new ship should have the range. In practice, no one really knows."
On this day in 1962, The Twilight Zone aired "The Dummy." This served as the thirty-third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Ventriloquist Jerry Etherson is convinced that his dummy, Willie, is alive and evil. He locks Willie in a trunk and makes plans for a new act with a new dummy. Too bad he didn't clear those plans with Willie first."
"Ventriloquist Jerry Etherson is convinced that his dummy, Willie, is alive and evil. He locks Willie in a trunk and makes plans for a new act with a new dummy. Too bad he didn't clear those plans with Willie first."
On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits aired "The Forms of Things Unknown." This served as the season finale to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Two female friends poison a sadistic blackmailer, then while fleeing happen upon an isolated house containing a time machine. Kasha his lover, & Leonora the daughter of the blackmail target, fight to bury him before the idealistic inventor Tone is able to re-animate the murdered man, by tilting him back into the past."
"Two female friends poison a sadistic blackmailer, then while fleeing happen upon an isolated house containing a time machine. Kasha his lover, & Leonora the daughter of the blackmail target, fight to bury him before the idealistic inventor Tone is able to re-animate the murdered man, by tilting him back into the past."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Wheel In Space, Part 2." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jamie are brought aboard the Wheel where Jamie is horrified to learn the crew plan to destroy the Silver Carrier with the TARDIS on board."
"The Doctor and Jamie are brought aboard the Wheel where Jamie is horrified to learn the crew plan to destroy the Silver Carrier with the TARDIS on board."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Hear No Evil." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an effort to prevent unofficial strikes by its workforce, a company in the North of England decides to use the latest scientific discovery, and attempts to manipulate both the working and the private lives of its employees by bugging them with listening devices. However, when Quist hears of this underhanded practice he is furious and decides that the only way to stop the unethical management is to turn their own method against them."
"In an effort to prevent unofficial strikes by its workforce, a company in the North of England decides to use the latest scientific discovery, and attempts to manipulate both the working and the private lives of its employees by bugging them with listening devices. However, when Quist hears of this underhanded practice he is furious and decides that the only way to stop the unethical management is to turn their own method against them."
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet of the Spiders, Part 1." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While the Doctor carries out an investigation into ESP, Mike Yates asks Sarah to look into some strange goings on at a meditation centre he's attending."
"While the Doctor carries out an investigation into ESP, Mike Yates asks Sarah to look into some strange goings on at a meditation centre he's attending."
On this day in 1977, The Bionic Woman aired "Once A Thief." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After small time burglar Inky is thwarted by Jaime, he decides to prove he did not imagine her bionic powers by filming her doing super human feats. This in turn gives him the idea to blackmail her into helping him pull one big score: a bank robbery."
"After small time burglar Inky is thwarted by Jaime, he decides to prove he did not imagine her bionic powers by filming her doing super human feats. This in turn gives him the idea to blackmail her into helping him pull one big score: a bank robbery."
On this day in 1980, "The Return of Starbuck" aired as the series finale to the gloriously tepid Galactica 1980. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Seraph youth Doctor Zee sees Commander Adama to explain that he is experiencing dreams. Adama shows no particular concern, but when Doctor Zee explains that his dream involves a mysterious Colonial warrior named Starbuck, Adama realizes there is something very real in Zee's dream."
"The Seraph youth Doctor Zee sees Commander Adama to explain that he is experiencing dreams. Adama shows no particular concern, but when Doctor Zee explains that his dream involves a mysterious Colonial warrior named Starbuck, Adama realizes there is something very real in Zee's dream."
On this day in 1986, Amazing Stories aired "The Doll." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The lonely, loveless life of a shy bachelor takes an astounding turn when he buys a special doll, exquisitely hand-crafted by a mysterious German toymaker. He tries to track down the woman who modeled for it."
"The lonely, loveless life of a shy bachelor takes an astounding turn when he buys a special doll, exquisitely hand-crafted by a mysterious German toymaker. He tries to track down the woman who modeled for it."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Half A Life." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Counselor Troi's mother visits the Enterprise and becomes infatuated with a man whose culture forces him into a suicidal ritual called 'The Resolution.'"
"Counselor Troi's mother visits the Enterprise and becomes infatuated with a man whose culture forces him into a suicidal ritual called 'The Resolution.'"
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "Survivors." This served as the eleventh episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Garibaldi is blamed for an accident aboard B5, leading to his return to the bottle."
"Garibaldi is blamed for an accident aboard B5, leading to his return to the bottle."
On this day in 1997, Tarzan: The Epic Adventures aired "Tarzan And The Beast Of Dunali." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ape-like creatures kill women of a small village. The citizens revenge by killing apes and Tarzan acts to prevent them."
"Ape-like creatures kill women of a small village. The citizens revenge by killing apes and Tarzan acts to prevent them."
On this day in 1997, The X-Files aired "Elegy." This served as the twenty-second episode to the long-running program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully investigate a series of deaths after reports that people are seeing the victims' ghosts just before they die. All of the victims were young women and in the most recent case, a bowling alley owner saw the victims spirit floating above the pin sorting machine at the end of one of the alleys. When they examine the bowling alley, they find the message 'she is me' on the floor. Harold Spuller works at the bowling alley and is slightly autistic. He lives in an institutional setting and to the local police, he is the prime suspect. Mulder begins to believe there is a psychic connection between the current and the next victim. It bodes ill for Scully who is still having nose bleeds and then sees a victim's spirit with the 'she is me' message in a bathroom mirror."
"Mulder and Scully investigate a series of deaths after reports that people are seeing the victims' ghosts just before they die. All of the victims were young women and in the most recent case, a bowling alley owner saw the victims spirit floating above the pin sorting machine at the end of one of the alleys. When they examine the bowling alley, they find the message 'she is me' on the floor. Harold Spuller works at the bowling alley and is slightly autistic. He lives in an institutional setting and to the local police, he is the prime suspect. Mulder begins to believe there is a psychic connection between the current and the next victim. It bodes ill for Scully who is still having nose bleeds and then sees a victim's spirit with the 'she is me' message in a bathroom mirror."
On this day in 2002, Mutant X aired "Nothing To Fear." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mutant with telepathic abilities who can make people experience mentally anything he wants manages to get into the minds of Mutant X. Now he is making them experience their worse fears. He is working for Eckhart cause he blames them for his wife's death because that's what Eckhart told him. It isn't long before he also gets Eckhart in his mind web cause he blames him too. But Adam thinks he's, found a way to appease the man."
"A mutant with telepathic abilities who can make people experience mentally anything he wants manages to get into the minds of Mutant X. Now he is making them experience their worse fears. He is working for Eckhart cause he blames them for his wife's death because that's what Eckhart told him. It isn't long before he also gets Eckhart in his mind web cause he blames him too. But Adam thinks he's, found a way to appease the man."
On this day in 2004 (in Canada), Alienated aired "Human Gas." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah goes back to work but experiences a case of overwhelming gas. Meanwhile, Roger is annoyed by George's neediness, plus he misreads the situation and pushes Cameron back into Rebecca's arms."
"Sarah goes back to work but experiences a case of overwhelming gas. Meanwhile, Roger is annoyed by George's neediness, plus he misreads the situation and pushes Cameron back into Rebecca's arms."
On this day in 2005, Lost aired "The Greater Good." This served as the twenty-first episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After burying one of their own, tempers flare as the castaways' suspicions of each other grow -- and an unlikely survivor vows revenge. Meanwhile, Claire and Charlie struggle to calm her newborn."
"After burying one of their own, tempers flare as the castaways' suspicions of each other grow -- and an unlikely survivor vows revenge. Meanwhile, Claire and Charlie struggle to calm her newborn."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Shroud" as the fourteenth episode of the long-running program's tenth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"SG-1 travels to a planet where a Prior of the Ori has recently visited. Unlike others, this Prior hasn't been threatening in any way but has only tried to convince them that theirs is the right way. When the Prior finally appears, it's Daniel Jackson whom they beam aboard the Prometheus. Under restraints, Daniel tells them what he's been up to since they last saw him. Adria spent a good deal of time converting him to Origin and he agreed. Daniel assures them it's all part of his plan to destroy the Ori. He's nearly completed Merlin's weapon and his plan is to put it aboard an Ori ship and send it back to them through the super-gate. The question for General Landry is whether Daniel can be trusted - a decision that is taken out of his hands when Richard Woolsey arrives with the news that the IOA has decided Daniel should be eliminated. SG-1 thinks otherwise."
"SG-1 travels to a planet where a Prior of the Ori has recently visited. Unlike others, this Prior hasn't been threatening in any way but has only tried to convince them that theirs is the right way. When the Prior finally appears, it's Daniel Jackson whom they beam aboard the Prometheus. Under restraints, Daniel tells them what he's been up to since they last saw him. Adria spent a good deal of time converting him to Origin and he agreed. Daniel assures them it's all part of his plan to destroy the Ori. He's nearly completed Merlin's weapon and his plan is to put it aboard an Ori ship and send it back to them through the super-gate. The question for General Landry is whether Daniel can be trusted - a decision that is taken out of his hands when Richard Woolsey arrives with the news that the IOA has decided Daniel should be eliminated. SG-1 thinks otherwise."
On this day in 2013, Doctor Who aired the twelfth episode of its seventh season. It was called "The Crimson Horror," and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor and Clara arrive in 19th century Yorkshire where moral crusader Mrs Gillyflower is recruiting beautiful people for her idyllic garden city. At the same time rigid corpses dyed red are piling up and the brother of one of the victims seeks help from Madame Vastra. She and her party travel to Yorkshire where they rescue Doctor Who and Clara from the clutches of Mrs Gillyflower. They discover that the woman is a fanatical exponent of ethnic cleansing who plans to do away with those who do not meet her standards - even her daughter Ada. The Doctor and his allies set out to stop her and her reclusive partner in crime Mr Sweet."
"The Doctor and Clara arrive in 19th century Yorkshire where moral crusader Mrs Gillyflower is recruiting beautiful people for her idyllic garden city. At the same time rigid corpses dyed red are piling up and the brother of one of the victims seeks help from Madame Vastra. She and her party travel to Yorkshire where they rescue Doctor Who and Clara from the clutches of Mrs Gillyflower. They discover that the woman is a fanatical exponent of ethnic cleansing who plans to do away with those who do not meet her standards - even her daughter Ada. The Doctor and his allies set out to stop her and her reclusive partner in crime Mr Sweet."
Is your marital bliss not all it's cracked up to be? Then you might take a cue from the episode of the BBC's Orphan Black that aired on this day in 2013. It was called "Variations Under Domestication," and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sarah's hunt for answers is interrupted by a trip to the suburbs. Alison's paranoia has boiled over, putting all the Orphans at risk. But when Sarah, Alison and Beth's worlds dangerously collide, Sarah must decide who to trust with her secret."
"Sarah's hunt for answers is interrupted by a trip to the suburbs. Alison's paranoia has boiled over, putting all the Orphans at risk. But when Sarah, Alison and Beth's worlds dangerously collide, Sarah must decide who to trust with her secret."
On this day in 2020, Star Wars: The Clone Wars bowed out of its original broadcast existence with the airing of "Victory And Death." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ahsoka and Rex must use their wit and skills to survive the turbulent end of the Clone Wars."
"Ahsoka and Rex must use their wit and skills to survive the turbulent end of the Clone Wars."
On this day in 2010, Iron Man 2 (Video Game) was released to the consumer marketplace. As I'm no gamer, I couldn't say much about this particular title except that I suspect it was intended as a tie-in alongside the second Iron Man feature film. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's really all you need to know about it:
"Iron man shoots up the bad guys with his black friend. BAM!"
"Iron man shoots up the bad guys with his black friend. BAM!"
