In the guise of the crusading 'Van Helsing,' Edward Van Sloan squared off against one of Universal Studios greatest and most enduring Fantasy villains, the great Dracula (1931) himself! That same year, the actor also enjoyed a role in Universal's equally monumental Frankenstein (1931). Though he's no longer with us, Van Sloan was born on this day in 1882.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased the latest Blu-ray collection of the Universal Monsters' Dracula movies for my own collection. Interested in my thoughts on the original bloodsucker from 1931? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased the latest Blu-ray collection of the Universal Monsters' Dracula movies for my own collection. Interested in my thoughts on the original bloodsucker from 1931? Readers can find them right here.
I've no doubt that Betsy Palmer will be forever linked with the cinema's Friday The 13th saga as she played Big Mama to no less than Jason Voorhees himself, but the actress dabbled in SciFi with guest spots aboard Out Of This World and the SciFi/Telefilm Still Not Quite Human (1992). Though she's no longer with us, Palmer was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thankfully, actor Philip Bond managed to squeeze himself into the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who serial so that we can mention him here. He also made stops to such institutions as The Champions, The Avengers, and Doomwatch. Though he's no longer with us, Bond was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So far as I'm concerned, the 1980's was when the 'hot mom' era really became a thing of beauty on the silver screen. First, you have Dee Stone in E.T. - The Extraterrestrial (1982), and then you had the lovely and mature Barbara Bosson in 1984's underrated The Last Starfighter. (Has there been a better one-two punch?) So far as SciFi goes, she also served up nice work in Capricorn One (1977) and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though she's no longer with us, Bosson was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only twenty-seven credits to her name, kudos to the lovely Jo Morrow for making time in her schedule for an appearance in the Fantasy-themed The 3 Worlds Of Gulliver (1960). Morrow was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To suggest that veteran character actor Robert Foxworth has only done conventional television and movies is to deny the facts of the matter. He began his acting career in the early 70's, and IMDB.com cites his participation in many SciFi properties, including The Questor Tapes, The Astral Factor, Prophecy, Beyond the Stars, SeaQuest 2032, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, Jeremiah, and Star Trek: Enterprise. You want icing with that cake? He's also served as the voice for Ratchet in the uber-popular Transformers movie franchise. Foxworth was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The funny and talented Marcia Wallace leaves behind a resume stretched over an incredible five decades in the entertainment industry. Genre fans might know her best -- either in the flesh or just her voice -- from work aboard The Invaders, Bewitched, Fantasy Island, ALF, Small Wonder, My Mom's A Werewolf (1989), Ghoulies Go To College (1990), The Munsters Today, Batman: The Animated Series, Captain Planet And The Planeteers, Teen Angel, and Vampire Mob. Though she's no longer with us, Wallace was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Surprise, surprise! I wasn't aware of how much I totally dug the late Michael Fleisher's work until just a few moments ago when I read that he enjoyed a epic run on the DC Comics' character Jonah Hex for almost ten years; while I was never much a fan of the gunslinger's time in the Old West, Fleisher crafted a much entertaining variation, one that put the scarred nomad in an Apocalyptic future, simply titled Hex. (Think of it like a 'Mad Max' clone.) I found it downright inspired, though clearly a bit derivative of so many cinematic forays of the schlock cinema. He also crafted stories for the Spectre and Star Trek. Heck, Wikipedia.org even reports that the storyteller sparred with no less than SciFi/Fantasy author Harlan Ellison in court over libel claims, but that's probably a story for another time. Though he's no longer with us, Fleisher was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
There are no small actors; there are only small roles ... and Michael Zaslow played a small role (that of a 'Red Shirt' -- i.e. victim -- despite wearing the Sciences blue) aboard Star Trek's "I, Mudd" and "The Man Trap." Though he's no longer with us, Zaslow was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Dennis Muren is a special effects wizards who has showcased his wares aboard such films as Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), Battlestar Galactica (1978), Dragonslayer (1982), and Jurassic Park (1993). Muren was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Karen Hensel enjoyed a guest spot as a Starfleet admiral aboard "Unification," an important two-part episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation's run. Hensel was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So far as Fantasies go, you don't much more magical than the original Willly Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971), for which the young, wide-eyed Peter Ostrum as 'Charlie' saw his dreams come true via a golden ticket. Ostrum was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Happy birthday wishes go out today to the lovely Ms. Rachel Ticotin, born back in 1958. She appeared alongside no less than screen legend Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1990's Total Recall, and she carried herself quite nicely, if I do say so myself!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Italian actress Valeria Cavalli has a few genre credentials to her record. In 1983, she appeared aboard A Blade In The Dark, a Horror film from National Cinematografica. Then, in 1984, she stepped into a dark, dark future with a role in The New Gladiators for Regency Productions. Cavalli was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Helene Udy has certainly taken part in some interesting projects throughout her professional career. Fans might recognize her from appearances aboard The Dead Zone (1983), The Twilight Zone, Nightflyers (1987), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Witches of the Caribbean (2005), and 1313: Frankenqueen (2012). Udy was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aside from some impressive live acting work, the great Daran Norris has done voice acting for such properties as The Spectacular Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Transformers Prime. Norris was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ukrainian-born Alla Korot continues to impress audiences, though her genre credentials are reasonably light. She's enjoyed guest spots aboard Charmed and Grimm for good measure. Korot was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Perhaps while no one was keeping record, actress Toni Collette emerged on the scene as the go-to actress in the world of thought-provoking Horror and Fantasy. While she arguably is known for more conventional fare, she's continued to turn up in one fascinated project after another, and that's always a cause for celebration. Fans likely know her best from work aboard The Sixth Sense (1999), The Night Listener (2006), Fright Night (2011), Krampus (2015), Hereditary (2018), Stowaway (2021), and The Power. Collette was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The voluptuous Jenny McCarthy lent her ... erm ... voluptuousness to the role of Special Agent Tanya Adams in the SciFi/Gaming release, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 (2008). McCarthy was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Media pundits have long christened Aishwarya Rai Bachchan "one of the most beautiful women alive," but all I really care about is her roles in SciFi, of which Enthiran (2010) qualifies. Bachchan was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Russian actress Mariya Poroshina has built a solid track record in the world of genre projects. Her IMDB.com profile indicates that she's been given good screen time aboard Night Watch (2004), Day Watch (2006), and the Russian version of the American serial Medium. Poroshina was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chad Lindberg continues to build a quality resume filled with great genre appearances including a guest starring spot aboard ABC TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Lindberg was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Superficially, the best that can be said about 2012's Prometheus is that it was directed by genre legend Ridley Scott; the worst is that it was scripted by the lunatic Damon Lindelof. It isn't awful, but it's really only a slightly above average film. The cast included relative newcomer Logan Marshall-Green who was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Mary Kate Schellhardt squeezed herself into a few scenes aboard the SciFi/Drama Infection: The Invasion Begins (2010). Schellhardt was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Never one to shy away from double duty, Stephen Dunlevy turned in both stunt work as well as playing a minor character aboard George Miller's epic Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Dunlevy was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Matt Jones provided some voicework for the under-appreciated TRON: Uprising animated spinoff. Jones was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The exotic Natalia Tena has definitely left an impression in the world of genre entertainment, appearing in such properties as the Harry Potter films as well as HBO's Game Of Thrones. Tena was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Penn Badgley tried on a meatier SciFi role by boarding 2014's Parts Per Billion from Benaroya Pictures. He also guested aboard The Twilight Zone for good measure. Badgley was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Centerfold-and-actress Ashley Doris enjoyed a bit of exposure in the realm of Fantasy with a small role aboard Sinbad And The War Of The Furies (2016). Doris was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model, actress, and all-around temptress Lola Foxx braved the end of life as we know with her work aboard Apocalypse X (2014) for Digital Playground. Foxx was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Anthony Ramos broke into the Final Frontier territory with a big role aboard 2024's Distant for Amblin Entertainment. Ramos was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Beautiful newcomer Julia Batelaan continues to make a name for herself in genre projects with starring roles aboard Magistratus: Overtura (2012) and the Apocalypse/Thriller Molly. Batelaan was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Daniela Melchior found screen life as part of James Gunn's reboot of the DC Comics property The Suicide Squad (2021). Melchior was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Max Burkholder found himself in not so "fresh" a situation with a starring role aboard The Purge (2013). Burkholder was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Holy mother of dragons! Alex Wolff -- it would seem -- can do it all. His IMDB.com profile not only lists his acting credits, but the guy also has citations for composing, screenwriting, and directing to his resume. That's impressive. Genre fans might recognize his contributions to such projects as My Friend Dahmer (2017), Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017), Hereditary (2018), Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), Old (2021), and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). Wolff was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born ... or was it built?
On this day in 1921 (in Italy), The Mechanical Man dazzled audiences with its mechanical wizardry. Written and directed by Andre Deed, the Silent Era short film starred Deed alongside Giulia Costa, Valentina Frascaroli, and Gabriel Moreau. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"The story begins with a scientist creating a device shaped like a man that can be remote-controlled by a machine."
Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for The Mechanical Man is presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that it premiered in Italy during November, 1921, so I am using this date as a placeholder until I can find more specific data.
"The story begins with a scientist creating a device shaped like a man that can be remote-controlled by a machine."
Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for The Mechanical Man is presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that it premiered in Italy during November, 1921, so I am using this date as a placeholder until I can find more specific data.
On this day in 1932 (in Portugal), audiences were treated to a bit of evil duality with the theatrical release of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, the SciFi/Horror starred Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins, and Rose Hobart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
For the record:
At the 1931 Faro Island Film Festival, actor Fredric March took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' At the 1932 Venice Film Festival, March was again recognized by securing the award for 'Most Favorite Actor' and director Mamoulian won the coveted 'Most Original Story (Fantasy)' title. At the 1932 Academy Awards, March earned the 'Best Actor In A Leading Role' Oscar while the film missed out in two other categories: 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Writing, Adaptation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught an airing of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde on Turner Classic Movies, and it's quickly become one of my favorite classic films. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde."
For the record:
At the 1931 Faro Island Film Festival, actor Fredric March took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' At the 1932 Venice Film Festival, March was again recognized by securing the award for 'Most Favorite Actor' and director Mamoulian won the coveted 'Most Original Story (Fantasy)' title. At the 1932 Academy Awards, March earned the 'Best Actor In A Leading Role' Oscar while the film missed out in two other categories: 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Writing, Adaptation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught an airing of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde on Turner Classic Movies, and it's quickly become one of my favorite classic films. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
No, that's not Harvey Weinstein on a date; rather, it's a scene from The Snow Creature, the 1954 SciFi/Monster release from Planet Filmplays. Written for the screen by Myles Wilder and directed by W. Lee Wilder, the flick enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release some time in the month of November, 1954, but it would appear that the precise date has been lost to history. In any event, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American botanical expedition in the Himalayas stumbles across a Yeti den, capture one and transport it back to Los Angeles, where it escapes while customs officials are debating whether it is animal or human."
"American botanical expedition in the Himalayas stumbles across a Yeti den, capture one and transport it back to Los Angeles, where it escapes while customs officials are debating whether it is animal or human."
A star is born!
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Wacky World Of Dr. Morgus delivered the wacky world of Dr. Morgus to audiences! Written (in part) and directed by Roul Haig, the SciFi/Comedy starred Sidney Noel Rideau, Dan Barton, and Jeanne Teslof. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Wacky World of Dr. Morgus was a 1962 horror/comedy movie that tells the tale of a psychopathic scientist, Doctor Morgus, assisted by his silent assistant Chopsley, who invents a machine that breaks down human molecular structures in a sand like substances, and is then able to reassemble them. Things get crazy when foreign enemy agents steal the Doctor's machine."
Editor's Note:
From what little I've been able to discern from a modest bit of research on the flick, The Wacky World Of Dr. Morgus was a project meant to be just a regional release as the titular character of Dr. Morgus was a New Orleans, Louisiana TV Horror host.
"The Wacky World of Dr. Morgus was a 1962 horror/comedy movie that tells the tale of a psychopathic scientist, Doctor Morgus, assisted by his silent assistant Chopsley, who invents a machine that breaks down human molecular structures in a sand like substances, and is then able to reassemble them. Things get crazy when foreign enemy agents steal the Doctor's machine."
Editor's Note:
From what little I've been able to discern from a modest bit of research on the flick, The Wacky World Of Dr. Morgus was a project meant to be just a regional release as the titular character of Dr. Morgus was a New Orleans, Louisiana TV Horror host.
A star is born!
On this day in 1971 (in Sweden), I, Monster enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever ... ugly teeth and all. Directed by Stephen Weeks, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Mike Raven. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"19th-century London psychologist Charles Marlowe experiments with a mind-altering drug. He develops a malevolent alter ego, Edward Blake, whom his friend Utterson suspects of blackmailing Marlowe."
"19th-century London psychologist Charles Marlowe experiments with a mind-altering drug. He develops a malevolent alter ego, Edward Blake, whom his friend Utterson suspects of blackmailing Marlowe."
A star is born!
On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the glorious debut of Daughters Of Satan. Directed by Hollingsworth Morse from a story by John C. Higgins and John A. Bushelman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tom Selleck, Barra Grant, and Tani Guthrie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An antique dealer living in the Philippines buys an ancient painting of witches burning because one witch looks identical to his Wife."
"An antique dealer living in the Philippines buys an ancient painting of witches burning because one witch looks identical to his Wife."
A star is born!
On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were thrilled and chilled beyond all belief with the theatrical premiere of Superbeast. Written and directed by George Schenck, the Horror/SciFi starred Antoinette Bower, Craig Littler, and Harry Lauter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A doctor finds a jungle laboratory, complete with mad scientist and genetic engineering experiments. Dr. Bill Fleming ([Craig Littler]) is experimenting on convicts and once they are driven mad with the experiments, they are sent into the jungle where they are hunted down by the projects' financier Stuart Victor (Harry Lauter). Pathologist Dr. Alix Pardee (Antoinette Bower) finds out about the project, is captured and held captive. But she manages to turn the tables on Dr.Fleming and Victor."
"A doctor finds a jungle laboratory, complete with mad scientist and genetic engineering experiments. Dr. Bill Fleming ([Craig Littler]) is experimenting on convicts and once they are driven mad with the experiments, they are sent into the jungle where they are hunted down by the projects' financier Stuart Victor (Harry Lauter). Pathologist Dr. Alix Pardee (Antoinette Bower) finds out about the project, is captured and held captive. But she manages to turn the tables on Dr.Fleming and Victor."
On this day in 1973 (in the former Soviet Union), Three Wishes For Cinderella brought a little magic to a romantic Fantasy. Written (in part) and directed by Václav Vorlícek, the film starred Libuse Safránková, Pavel Trávníček, and Carola Braunbock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Life changes dramatically for a Czech housemaid when the family coachman gives her three magical hazelnuts."
"Life changes dramatically for a Czech housemaid when the family coachman gives her three magical hazelnuts."
A star is born!
On this day in 1974, the Drama/Fantasy Phantom Of The Paradise tuned up viewers at the box office. Springing from the fertile mind of writer/director Brian De Palma, the feature starred Paul Williams and William Finley, and here's the film's plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise."
"A disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise."
A star is born!
On this day in 1977 (in Czechoslovakia), Long Live Ghosts! (aka At zijí duchové!) enjoyed its release in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Oldrich Lipský, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Dana Vávrová, Jirí Procházka, and Jirí Sovák. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trespassing gang of boys encounter a ghost in the ruins of a castle. When they rescue the ghost who is caught in a trapset, they become allies in a fight to prevent ruins from being turned into mushroom farm by the city authorities."
"Trespassing gang of boys encounter a ghost in the ruins of a castle. When they rescue the ghost who is caught in a trapset, they become allies in a fight to prevent ruins from being turned into mushroom farm by the city authorities."
A star is born! *
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), The Day It Came To Earth checked itself into Earth theatres. Directed by Harry Thomason from a story by Paul Fisk, the SciFi feature starred Wink Roberts, Roger Manning, and Rita Wilson. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A glowing meteor falls into a secluded pond into which Mafia hitmen have dumped the body of one of their victims. Students from the local college use the pond for a swimming hole. Then the fun begins."
* Editor's Note:
Alas, I'm entirely uncertain if November 1st is the feature's original release date: I've only been able to locate the month of November, so I'm using this until research produces more definitive results.
"A glowing meteor falls into a secluded pond into which Mafia hitmen have dumped the body of one of their victims. Students from the local college use the pond for a swimming hole. Then the fun begins."
* Editor's Note:
Alas, I'm entirely uncertain if November 1st is the feature's original release date: I've only been able to locate the month of November, so I'm using this until research produces more definitive results.
A star is born! *
On this day in 1979 (in France), audiences in attendance of the Paris Festival Of Fantastic Films were treated to the big screen debut of The Day Time Ended. Directed by John 'Bud' Cardos, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jim Davis, Christopher Mitchum, and Dorothy Malone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens visit the solar-powered house of a middle-class family, and the house is suddenly sucked into a time warp that takes it back to prehistoric times."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for The Day Time Ended is presently lost to history. What I can tell you is that it premiered in the month of November, 1979 at the festival listed above; but I've not been able to ascertain the actual date in which the festival took place and what day the project actually premiered. In lieu of greater specificity, I'm using this date for now.
"Aliens visit the solar-powered house of a middle-class family, and the house is suddenly sucked into a time warp that takes it back to prehistoric times."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for The Day Time Ended is presently lost to history. What I can tell you is that it premiered in the month of November, 1979 at the festival listed above; but I've not been able to ascertain the actual date in which the festival took place and what day the project actually premiered. In lieu of greater specificity, I'm using this date for now.
A star is born! *
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), Nightbeast first tried to take control of its theatrical situation. Written and directed (in part) by Don Dohler, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tom Griffith, Jamie Zemarel, and Karin Kardian. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Baltimore filmaker Don Dohler does an update on his 1979 film 'The Alien Factor' this time only a single alien (reptilian looking) crash landing near a small town and going on a rampage."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for Nightbeast is presently lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it originally premiered in the month of November, 1982, but that's all confirmation I have. In the meantime, I'm using this date so that I can feature the movie within the Daily Citation Pages.
"Baltimore filmaker Don Dohler does an update on his 1979 film 'The Alien Factor' this time only a single alien (reptilian looking) crash landing near a small town and going on a rampage."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for Nightbeast is presently lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it originally premiered in the month of November, 1982, but that's all confirmation I have. In the meantime, I'm using this date so that I can feature the movie within the Daily Citation Pages.
A star is born! *
On this day in 1982 (in West Germany), The Black Room first opened up its door for home video business. Directed by Elly Kenner and Norman Thaddeus Vane, the Horror/Fantasy starred Stephen Knight, Cassandra Gava, and Jimmy Stathis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A serially unfaithful businessman rents a spare room from two siblings to use for his sexual conquests, unaware that they're serial killers who murder every woman he brings there."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, The Black Room's original release date is presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that it was first released on home video in West Germany in the month of November, 1982, so I am using this date until I can obtain greater specificity.
"A serially unfaithful businessman rents a spare room from two siblings to use for his sexual conquests, unaware that they're serial killers who murder every woman he brings there."
* Editor's Note:
Technically, The Black Room's original release date is presently lost to history. IMDB.com indicates that it was first released on home video in West Germany in the month of November, 1982, so I am using this date until I can obtain greater specificity.
On this day in 1982 (in Portugal), Ultra Flesh delivered some carnal desires to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Written (in part) and directed by Svetlana Mischoff, the Adult/Fantasy starred Seka, Jamie Gillis, and John Leslie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien comes to Earth to save the planet by curing its men of impotence."
"An alien comes to Earth to save the planet by curing its men of impotence."
On this day in 1985 (in Finland), Darkness itself was given a cinematic makeover with the theatrical release of Legend. Directed by Ridley Scott, the Fantasy feature starred Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
A star is born ... and this one looks pretty haunted!
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), The Midnight Hour enjoyed its broadcast television premiere. Directed by Jack Bender from a story by William Bleich, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jonelle Allen, Shari Belafonte, and Peter DeLuise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again....or will it?"
"Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again....or will it?"
On this day in 1986 (in Portugal), Dead Man's Letters delivered SciFi/Drama to the crowd in attendance of the Troia Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Konstantin Lopushanskiy, the SciFi/Drama starred Rolan Bykov, Iosif Ryklin, and Viktor Mikhaylov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the aftermath of nuclear holocaust, a group of intellectuals crave to find hope in the pale and colorless new world. Among them, a history teacher tries to contact via letters his missing son."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dead Man's Letters enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"In the aftermath of nuclear holocaust, a group of intellectuals crave to find hope in the pale and colorless new world. Among them, a history teacher tries to contact via letters his missing son."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dead Man's Letters enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 1986 (in Japan), the SciFi/Anime They Were Eleven turned it up to eleven at the box office. Directed by Satoshi Dezaki and Tsuneo Tominaga, the animated SciFi/Fantasy featured the voices of Akira Kamiya, Michiko Kawai, and Hideyuki Tanaka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cosmo Academy has set a test for ten of its applicants to survive on a spaceship for 2 months. But there is an eleventh member aboard."
"Cosmo Academy has set a test for ten of its applicants to survive on a spaceship for 2 months. But there is an eleventh member aboard."
A star is born!
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Mindkiller killed the minds that turned up for its home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Krueger, the SciFi/Horror starred Joe McDonald, Wade Kelley, and Shirley Ross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A lonely library clerk stumbles across a manuscript that he uses to develop psychic powers, which make him irresistible to women. Soon, his powers get out of control, just as they start showing up in his friends."
"A lonely library clerk stumbles across a manuscript that he uses to develop psychic powers, which make him irresistible to women. Soon, his powers get out of control, just as they start showing up in his friends."
A star is born!
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Accidents turned up with its release on home video. Directed by Gideon Amir from a story by John Eubank, the SciFi/Thriller starred Edward Albert, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Candice Hillebrand. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A research scientist discovers that his project is being secretly adapted for use by the military. When he objects, his co-workers start to die in mysterious accidents."
Editor's Note:
Technically, Accidents' actual home video release date is a subject of conjecture. Presently, I've only been able to determine via IMDB.com that it was originally released in November, 1989, so I am using this date as a placeholder until more specific information comes to life.
"A research scientist discovers that his project is being secretly adapted for use by the military. When he objects, his co-workers start to die in mysterious accidents."
Editor's Note:
Technically, Accidents' actual home video release date is a subject of conjecture. Presently, I've only been able to determine via IMDB.com that it was originally released in November, 1989, so I am using this date as a placeholder until more specific information comes to life.
A star is born!
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Alien Seed tried to spur a little growth with its original release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Bob James, the SciFi/Horror starred Erik Estrada, Heidi Paine, and Steven Blade. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien impregnates an Earth woman so she can deliver an alien "messiah" to rule the world. A newspaperman finds out and tries to stop it."
"An alien impregnates an Earth woman so she can deliver an alien "messiah" to rule the world. A newspaperman finds out and tries to stop it."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Demonwarp delivered its demonic warpness to home video. This Horror/SciFi feature was directed by Emmett Alston from a script by the team of John Carl Bueschler (story), Jim Bertges, and Bruce Akiyama. It starred George Kennedy, Pamela Gilbert, and David Michael O'Neill; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man and his daughter are attacked in the woods by what they believe is a Bigfoot-type creature. However, they soon begin to suspect that they may have stumbled onto a nest of aliens in a hidden spacecraft."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this home video release date is a bit obscured in history. IMDB.com reports that it was released on home video in West Germany back in 1989, but there's no specific date. Until I can locate something more specific, I'm using this date as a placeholder.
"A man and his daughter are attacked in the woods by what they believe is a Bigfoot-type creature. However, they soon begin to suspect that they may have stumbled onto a nest of aliens in a hidden spacecraft."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this home video release date is a bit obscured in history. IMDB.com reports that it was released on home video in West Germany back in 1989, but there's no specific date. Until I can locate something more specific, I'm using this date as a placeholder.
On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), Interzone was released for general consumption to the home video market. Written (in part) and directed by Deran Sarafian, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Bruce Abbott, Beatrice Ring, and Teagan Clive. According to IMDB.com, here's what buyers were looking forward to:
"Humans fight mutants in a post-holocaust world."
"Humans fight mutants in a post-holocaust world."
A star is born!
On this day in 1990 (in Uruguay), Roger Corman's Frankenstein Unbound took the classic myth in a slightly different direction. Director Roger Corman also worked on the adaptation of the Brian Aldiss novel, and the project starred Raul Julia, John Hurt, and Bridget Fonda. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The ultimate weapon, which was meant to be safe for humanity, produces global side-effects, including time-slides and disappearances. The scientist behind the project and his car are transported from the year 2031 to 1817's Switzerland, where he finds Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his contemporaries."
For the record:
At the 1992 Saturn Awards, Frankenstein Unbound earned nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The ultimate weapon, which was meant to be safe for humanity, produces global side-effects, including time-slides and disappearances. The scientist behind the project and his car are transported from the year 2031 to 1817's Switzerland, where he finds Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his contemporaries."
For the record:
At the 1992 Saturn Awards, Frankenstein Unbound earned nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1990 (in Australia, Colombia, and Portugal), the reliable RoboCop returned to active duty aboard RoboCop 2. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, and Belinda Bauer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
A star is born! *
On this day in 1993 (in the United Kingdom), audiences of the BFI London Film Festival were treated to the first screening of Necronomicon: Book Of The Dead. An anthology film, the project involved multiple directors, multiple screenwriters, and multiple casts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lovecraft visualizes 3 stories in Necronomicon: The Drowned, The Cold and Whispers, about bringing a dead wife and child back to life, extending life and aliens."
For the record:
As well as creating a bit of buzz on the film festival circuit, Necronomicon earned a 1997 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for Necronomicon is presently lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was screened for the BFI London Film Festival in November, 1993, so I am using this date in lieu of greater specificity.
"Lovecraft visualizes 3 stories in Necronomicon: The Drowned, The Cold and Whispers, about bringing a dead wife and child back to life, extending life and aliens."
For the record:
As well as creating a bit of buzz on the film festival circuit, Necronomicon earned a 1997 Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
* Editor's Note:
Technically, the original premiere date for Necronomicon is presently lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was screened for the BFI London Film Festival in November, 1993, so I am using this date in lieu of greater specificity.
A star is born ... and this one's got teeth!
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Bad Moon tried to take a bite out of the audience. Written (in part) and directed by Eric Red, the Horror/Fantasy starred Mariel Hemingway, Michael Pare, and Mason Gamble. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One man's struggle to contain the curse he hides within... and his last-ditch attempt to free himself with the love of family. But when it looks as if he is losing his battle, and endangering all he holds most dear, the family dog, Thor, is the last hope for his family's survival... and the end to his Werewolf curse."
"One man's struggle to contain the curse he hides within... and his last-ditch attempt to free himself with the love of family. But when it looks as if he is losing his battle, and endangering all he holds most dear, the family dog, Thor, is the last hope for his family's survival... and the end to his Werewolf curse."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom and Ireland), it was the end of the world as we know it (yet again) with the theatrical release of 28 Days Later. Directed by Danny Boyle from a script by Alex Garland, the Horror/Fantasy starred Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Christopher Eccleston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of animal rights activists break into a lab and release monkeys from their cages to rescue them, despite warnings from a scientist that the monkeys are contagious. As a result of the animal rights activists' actions, a virus that the monkeys contained rapidly across Great Britain and infects numerous people. Jim, who fell into a coma following a bicycle accident shortly before the virus was released, emerges from his coma and finds that London is deserted. He realizes that he is not alone, as within the city there are those that have been infected and those that have not. Jim manages to find more survivors and they head out to Manchester, where a group of British military personnel offer protection of any survivors from the infected. However, Jim and his colleagues have no idea what they're in for."
For the record:
"A group of animal rights activists break into a lab and release monkeys from their cages to rescue them, despite warnings from a scientist that the monkeys are contagious. As a result of the animal rights activists' actions, a virus that the monkeys contained rapidly across Great Britain and infects numerous people. Jim, who fell into a coma following a bicycle accident shortly before the virus was released, emerges from his coma and finds that London is deserted. He realizes that he is not alone, as within the city there are those that have been infected and those that have not. Jim manages to find more survivors and they head out to Manchester, where a group of British military personnel offer protection of any survivors from the infected. However, Jim and his colleagues have no idea what they're in for."
For the record:
- At the 2004 Saturn Awards, 28 Days Later took home top honors in the category of 'Best Horror Film.' The film missed out on wins in the categories of 'Best Writing' and 'Best Director.'
- At the 2004 Hugo Awards, the film earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Samurai Priest Vampire Hunter was first released to audiences via a video-on-demand platform. Directed by Jay Woelfel and Mark Terry, the Fantasy/Horror starred Tim Thomerson, Mark Hengst, and Åsa Wallander. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The comic book has come to life. Tim Thomerson is "Samurai Priest Vampire Hunter" and he is on an epic chase to track down a clique of vampires."
"The comic book has come to life. Tim Thomerson is "Samurai Priest Vampire Hunter" and he is on an epic chase to track down a clique of vampires."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Silent Night Zombie Night enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever for audiences of the Gorezone's Weekend Of Horrors. Written and directed by Sean Cain, the Horror/Fantasy starred Vernon Wells, Jack Forcinito, and Felissa Rose. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A week before Christmas, a viral outbreak turns the citizens of Los Angeles into the walking dead. With characters named Santa Zombie, Raccoon, Fingers and Little Daddy, who can resist this horrific holiday gift."
"A week before Christmas, a viral outbreak turns the citizens of Los Angeles into the walking dead. With characters named Santa Zombie, Raccoon, Fingers and Little Daddy, who can resist this horrific holiday gift."
A star is born!
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Darkening Sky shone a little light on a popular conspiracy. Written and directed by Victor Bornia, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rider Strong, Danielle Keaton, and Ezra Buzzington. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an alien abduction nightmare is revealed to have been much more than a dream, a skeptical grad student studying the "modern mythology" of UFOs and ETs finds himself confronting an impossible reality involving shape-shifting extraterrestrials, implanted objects, organ harvesting and humans possessed by a malevolent alien presence unlike anything he has ever heard about. All while dealing with a growing suspicion that he is somehow the center of the aliens' plan."
"When an alien abduction nightmare is revealed to have been much more than a dream, a skeptical grad student studying the "modern mythology" of UFOs and ETs finds himself confronting an impossible reality involving shape-shifting extraterrestrials, implanted objects, organ harvesting and humans possessed by a malevolent alien presence unlike anything he has ever heard about. All while dealing with a growing suspicion that he is somehow the center of the aliens' plan."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in Taiwan), Paradox Alice enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Erika Dapkewicz, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeneta St. Clair, Amy Lindsay, and Stewart W. Calhoun. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"There's limited potable water on self-destructive Earth. A spaceship sent to a Jupiter moon is now returning fully loaded with water and a crew of 4. Surprises await them."
"There's limited potable water on self-destructive Earth. A spaceship sent to a Jupiter moon is now returning fully loaded with water and a crew of 4. Surprises await them."
On this day in 2013 (in India), the SciFi/Superhero flick Krrish 3 soared into theatres. The feature starred Priyanka Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Krrish and his scientist father have to save the world and their own family from an evil man named Kaal and his gang of mutants, led by the ruthless Kaya."
"Krrish and his scientist father have to save the world and their own family from an evil man named Kaal and his gang of mutants, led by the ruthless Kaya."
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the delightfully zany Revenge Of The Bimbot Zombie Killers. Written (in part) and directed by Joe Camareno, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dan Billet, Stephanie Wiand, and Luchy Garcia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When evil Dr. Agatha Von Krahpenpantz attempts to create a zombie army to take over the world, it is up to down-on-his-luck Dr. Warren Oedi, of secret agency Department Gamma, to intervene. Being mankind's last hope by default, Dr. Oedi continues his father's lifework and perfects the Bimbot-making process, giving him the ultimate weapon in his battle against the undead."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Revenge Of The Bimbot Zombie Killers earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"When evil Dr. Agatha Von Krahpenpantz attempts to create a zombie army to take over the world, it is up to down-on-his-luck Dr. Warren Oedi, of secret agency Department Gamma, to intervene. Being mankind's last hope by default, Dr. Oedi continues his father's lifework and perfects the Bimbot-making process, giving him the ultimate weapon in his battle against the undead."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Revenge Of The Bimbot Zombie Killers earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in Chicago), A City To Make Me gave audiences a little something to think about regarding our collective future. Written and directed by Ryan Miller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jason Chapman, Lance Lee Davis, and Noelle Lynn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The City is the world, a world filled with NOISE--a virtual ocean, a digital jungle, and war has been declared against North America's business elite by a group of former political dissidents turned assassins. In response, authorities are pushing their latest security solution: an implantable I.D. system courtesy of VERI-SYNC. Set in and around a dystopian fictionalized City in the year 2035, unemployment, class warfare, and hyper-commerce provide the social backdrop in which a job-hungry data-miner, David Phoenix, attempts to survive."
"The City is the world, a world filled with NOISE--a virtual ocean, a digital jungle, and war has been declared against North America's business elite by a group of former political dissidents turned assassins. In response, authorities are pushing their latest security solution: an implantable I.D. system courtesy of VERI-SYNC. Set in and around a dystopian fictionalized City in the year 2035, unemployment, class warfare, and hyper-commerce provide the social backdrop in which a job-hungry data-miner, David Phoenix, attempts to survive."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Australia), After Armageddon delivered audiences with a tension-filled look at life after the end of things. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Joseph, the film starred James Morcan, Berynn Schwerdt, and Gil Ben-Moshe. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two men, who are polar opposites, must come to terms with being the last two humans on Earth in a post-Apocalyptic world."
"Two men, who are polar opposites, must come to terms with being the last two humans on Earth in a post-Apocalyptic world."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the holidays were never quite the same after Christmas With Cookie was released. Written by, directed by (in part), and starring Alan Maxson, the SciFi/Comedy also featured Dana Austen, Justin Armao, and Breeanna Judy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 3978 global warming has made a desert of the North Pole. Santa & Mrs. Claus battle angry skeletons who didn't get what they wanted for Christmas. Evil aliens try to take over the world and a giant abominable snow man wants Santa for his next meal! This sci-fi Christmas comedy is narrated by an over the top, funny and rude elf named Cookie!"
"In the year 3978 global warming has made a desert of the North Pole. Santa & Mrs. Claus battle angry skeletons who didn't get what they wanted for Christmas. Evil aliens try to take over the world and a giant abominable snow man wants Santa for his next meal! This sci-fi Christmas comedy is narrated by an over the top, funny and rude elf named Cookie!"
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S. and Canada), The Night Visitor 2: Heather's Story conjured up another one of those 'found footage' films. The SciFi feature starred Michael Biehn and Caitlin Carmichael, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Night Visitor 2:HEATHER'S STORY runs parallel to the original Night Visitor, telling the story of Heather, a special young girl, who must protect her family and the planet from the same other-earthly being. The sequel delves deeper into the mysteries that plagued the Stevens family and their son Ricky with the help of psychic and medium Daniel."
"The Night Visitor 2:HEATHER'S STORY runs parallel to the original Night Visitor, telling the story of Heather, a special young girl, who must protect her family and the planet from the same other-earthly being. The sequel delves deeper into the mysteries that plagued the Stevens family and their son Ricky with the help of psychic and medium Daniel."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in Italy), Addio fottuti musi verdi enjoyed its big screen premiere when it was first screened for audiences of the Rome Film Fest. Written (in part) and directed by Francesco Capaldo, the SciFi/Comedy starred Ciro Priello, Fabio Balsamo, and Beatrice Arnera. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ciro is a skilled advertising graphic. After various attempts to look for work in Italy, he decides to take part in a contest and inadvertently sends his CV to aliens."
"Ciro is a skilled advertising graphic. After various attempts to look for work in Italy, he decides to take part in a contest and inadvertently sends his CV to aliens."
On this day in 2018 (in Poland), the 1987-produced Critters enjoyed a special broadcast on television. Directed by Stephen Herek, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, and Billy Green Bush. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in Malaysia), Iceman: The Time Traveller enjoyed its cinematic thawing. Directed by Wai-Man Yip from a story by Fung Lam and Mark Wu, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Donnie Yen, Baoqiang Wang, and Shengyi Huang. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The imperial guard and his three traitorous childhood friends ordered to hunt him down get accidentally buried and kept frozen in time. 400 years later pass and they are defrosted continuing the battle they left behind."
"The imperial guard and his three traitorous childhood friends ordered to hunt him down get accidentally buried and kept frozen in time. 400 years later pass and they are defrosted continuing the battle they left behind."
A star is born!
On this day in 2022 (in the United Kingdom), the great conspiracy returned to cinematic storytelling with the World Wide Web release of The Area 51 Incident. Written (in part) and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the SciFi/Horror starred Scott Chambers, Toby Wynn-Davies, and Megan Purvis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An outbreak occurs in the infamous Area 51 leading a group of survivors to an underground bunker.. only to learn.. they are not alone."
"An outbreak occurs in the infamous Area 51 leading a group of survivors to an underground bunker.. only to learn.. they are not alone."
A star is born!
On this day in 2022 (in the United Kingdom), The Killing Tree (aka Demonic Christmas Tree) enjoyed its first release ever via the World Wide Web. Written (in part) and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the Horror/Comedy starred Sarah Alexandra Marks, Marcus Massey, and Kelly Rian Sanson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On Christmas Eve, a widow casts a spell to resurrect her executed husband. However, when the spell goes wrong, the husband is brought back as an Evil Christmas Tree and is hell-bent on getting revenge on the one who caused his execution."
"On Christmas Eve, a widow casts a spell to resurrect her executed husband. However, when the spell goes wrong, the husband is brought back as an Evil Christmas Tree and is hell-bent on getting revenge on the one who caused his execution."
The Klingons are up to their old tricks again in "Day of the Dove." This Star Trek episode premiered on this day back in 1968, and here's the skinny from IMDB.com:
"Both humans and Klingons have been lured to a planet by a formless entity that feeds on hatred and has set about to fashion them into a permanent food supply for itself."
"Both humans and Klingons have been lured to a planet by a formless entity that feeds on hatred and has set about to fashion them into a permanent food supply for itself."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "Sisters Deadly: Part 3." This served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Chas returns from a photograph assignment with no memory of the event or what happened after it - or the fact that he robbed the village post office shortly afterwards - Tarot uncovers the bizarre events behind a plot to kidnap a NATO Commander-in-Chief."
"When Chas returns from a photograph assignment with no memory of the event or what happened after it - or the fact that he robbed the village post office shortly afterwards - Tarot uncovers the bizarre events behind a plot to kidnap a NATO Commander-in-Chief."
It was a big bionic-mano-a-bionic-mano on this day back in 1974 when The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The Seven Million Dollar Man." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the skinny from IMDB.com:
"Steve Austin is surprised to learn that Oscar and Rudy have made a second cyborg out former racing driver Barney Miller, who has had all four of his limbs replaced with bionics. When asked to accompany Barney on his first O.S.I. mission, Austin realizes Miller has a tendency to misuse his new found powers. On top of that, Barney is having considerable trouble adjusting to being part machine."
"Steve Austin is surprised to learn that Oscar and Rudy have made a second cyborg out former racing driver Barney Miller, who has had all four of his limbs replaced with bionics. When asked to accompany Barney on his first O.S.I. mission, Austin realizes Miller has a tendency to misuse his new found powers. On top of that, Barney is having considerable trouble adjusting to being part machine."
On this day in 1975, Doctor Who aired the tenth episode as part of its thirteenth season, part two of the fan-favorite story titled "Pyramids of Mars." Here's the episode summary as detailed over at IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Sarah and Laurence try to find a way to sever Sutekh's link to the mummies while poacher Ernie Clements finds the priory surrounded by a forcefield."
"The Doctor, Sarah and Laurence try to find a way to sever Sutekh's link to the mummies while poacher Ernie Clements finds the priory surrounded by a forcefield."
November 1, 1979's episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century saw Buck impersonating a convict in order to help Jen Burton (played by scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis) break out of space prison.
On this day in 1985, Misfits of Science aired "Lost Link." This served as the fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man, who has never left his homeland, miraculously travels from one side of the ocean to the next on a wooden raft to reach the Space Shuttle in time. The Misfits desperately try to help, but he keeps wondering off from them."
"A man, who has never left his homeland, miraculously travels from one side of the ocean to the next on a wooden raft to reach the Space Shuttle in time. The Misfits desperately try to help, but he keeps wondering off from them."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1986, the United Kingdom was treated to the final episode (ever) in the Chocky saga, the third season of which was called Chocky's Challenge. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Gibson steals a vital part of equipment which he puts into a crate in which Chocky and Paul are also trapped. The crate is moved to a military base. The children discover that Chocky has vanished and so they make contact telepathically with Matthew who returns to help them. Together they project their collective mind to Chocky's home planet across the universe. Another of Chocky's kind helps the children in their search for Paul and he visits Earth. Together they find Chocky and Paul trapped inside the crate at the military base. Gibson is arrested and Chocky returns to her home world. The team are left to continue their work to help the rest of the telepathically sensitive children around the world."
"Gibson steals a vital part of equipment which he puts into a crate in which Chocky and Paul are also trapped. The crate is moved to a military base. The children discover that Chocky has vanished and so they make contact telepathically with Matthew who returns to help them. Together they project their collective mind to Chocky's home planet across the universe. Another of Chocky's kind helps the children in their search for Paul and he visits Earth. Together they find Chocky and Paul trapped inside the crate at the military base. Gibson is arrested and Chocky returns to her home world. The team are left to continue their work to help the rest of the telepathically sensitive children around the world."
On this day in 1987, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "The Ferryman." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"During a raid on Epsilon station, Power and his soldiers uncover information on the four phases of Project New Order. But Dread orders it's container to self destruct, taking out Mentor along the way. Meanwhile, Dread and Overmind accelerate the phase Charon: the creation of an army of new Bio-Dreads."
"During a raid on Epsilon station, Power and his soldiers uncover information on the four phases of Project New Order. But Dread orders it's container to self destruct, taking out Mentor along the way. Meanwhile, Dread and Overmind accelerate the phase Charon: the creation of an army of new Bio-Dreads."
On this day in 1989, Doctor Who aired "The Curse Of Fenric: Part 2." This served as the ninth episode of the program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Ace manage to convince Sorin to release them while Millington and Judson attempt to translate the Viking runes."
"The Doctor and Ace manage to convince Sorin to release them while Millington and Judson attempt to translate the Viking runes."
On this day in 1989, NBC's popular Quantum Leap aired "Blind Faith." This served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the premise that's provided via IMDB.com:
"As a blind concert pianist, Sam must save his girlfriend from a serial killer despite the interference of her overbearing mother."
"As a blind concert pianist, Sam must save his girlfriend from a serial killer despite the interference of her overbearing mother."
On this day in 1993, "Framed" aired as the seventeenth episode of Time Trax's (split) first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien is framed for murder and hunted down by agents from the International Security Agency, who happen to be fugitives from the future."
"Darien is framed for murder and hunted down by agents from the International Security Agency, who happen to be fugitives from the future."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "The Fall of Night," the twenty-second episode of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summation:
"While the Centauri/Narn war escalates the Earth government enters into a non-aggression treaty with the Centauri. While Keffer is in Hyperspace, he discovers a dangerous secret."
"While the Centauri/Narn war escalates the Earth government enters into a non-aggression treaty with the Centauri. While Keffer is in Hyperspace, he discovers a dangerous secret."
On this day in 1995, Seaquest aired "Chains Of Command." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rogue admiral launches an unprovoked attacked on a Macronesia colony. Seaquest is dispatched to the site of the launch which is commanded by the captains former commanding officer."
"A rogue admiral launches an unprovoked attacked on a Macronesia colony. Seaquest is dispatched to the site of the launch which is commanded by the captains former commanding officer."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "Desert Storm." This served as the sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"On a desert world, the sliders get involved in a struggle for control over Devin, a young woman who can locate underground stores of water."
"On a desert world, the sliders get involved in a struggle for control over Devin, a young woman who can locate underground stores of water."
Sorry, folks, but I never caught anything of Earth: Final Conflict. I've heard from a few online pals that it was mostly benign. It just never appeared anywhere on my radar, much less my TV screens. On this day in 1999, it aired the fifth episode of its third season, and it was titled, "The Once and Future World." Here's the skinny from TV.com:
"Liam and Renee investigate Taelon artifacts, one of which leads to the discovery of Ma'el's ship."
"Liam and Renee investigate Taelon artifacts, one of which leads to the discovery of Ma'el's ship."
On this day in 2000, "Critical Care" aired as part of Star Trek: Voyager's seventh season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is stolen from Voyager by an alien who sells him and his mobile emitter to a hospital on a densely-populated planet. He is activated in a cramped room filled with sick people and is made to treat them using only very basic equipment. When the administrators of the facility realise how skilled the Doctor is, they move him to another area of the hospital to treat more deserving patients. The Doctor is appalled to learn that the medical care that people are given is linked to their status in society and hatches a plan to make things a little less discriminatory."
"The Doctor is stolen from Voyager by an alien who sells him and his mobile emitter to a hospital on a densely-populated planet. He is activated in a cramped room filled with sick people and is made to treat them using only very basic equipment. When the administrators of the facility realise how skilled the Doctor is, they move him to another area of the hospital to treat more deserving patients. The Doctor is appalled to learn that the medical care that people are given is linked to their status in society and hatches a plan to make things a little less discriminatory."
On this day in the year 2000, the Canadian-produced SciFi series Starhunter premiered with its very first episode, a little something called "The Divinity Cluster." Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at Wikipedia:
"Dante reunites with an old bounty hunter friend named MacDuff who is dying from a brain tumor but still offers to assist Dante on a final mission. Meanwhile, Dante's partner Lucretia is tasked by her mysterious father Darius to capture a renegade geneticist named Eccleston who may hold the key to the so-called "Divinity Cluster" — a sequence of human genes believed implanted by aliens, and that when activated, unlock incredible superhuman abilities."
"Dante reunites with an old bounty hunter friend named MacDuff who is dying from a brain tumor but still offers to assist Dante on a final mission. Meanwhile, Dante's partner Lucretia is tasked by her mysterious father Darius to capture a renegade geneticist named Eccleston who may hold the key to the so-called "Divinity Cluster" — a sequence of human genes believed implanted by aliens, and that when activated, unlock incredible superhuman abilities."
On this day in 2003, Starhunter 2300 -- with its retooled crew and premise (from the aforementioned Starhunter) -- aired the twelfth episode of its second season. The hour was titled "Pandora's Box," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"The hunters are hired by the Keres Group, a genetic research firm, to bring back a former employee named Quennell who they claim stole a deadly strain of the Tethys Virus that he plans to sell to the Raiders. Rudolpho and Travis capture Quennell at Clarke Station, but he manages to pass a box containing the virus to a nerdy technician named Kingman who doesn't know what he's carrying. Later, Kingman is brought aboard the Tulip after his shuttle is damaged by Raiders who are pursuing him. Once with the box, the hunters learn it is a recording device that captured the destruction of a planet in another star system - one destroyed by a weapon being secretly, and illegally, developed by the Keres Group. Travis has to decide which is worth more - handing Qunnell over or warning the system feds of the weapon."
"The hunters are hired by the Keres Group, a genetic research firm, to bring back a former employee named Quennell who they claim stole a deadly strain of the Tethys Virus that he plans to sell to the Raiders. Rudolpho and Travis capture Quennell at Clarke Station, but he manages to pass a box containing the virus to a nerdy technician named Kingman who doesn't know what he's carrying. Later, Kingman is brought aboard the Tulip after his shuttle is damaged by Raiders who are pursuing him. Once with the box, the hunters learn it is a recording device that captured the destruction of a planet in another star system - one destroyed by a weapon being secretly, and illegally, developed by the Keres Group. Travis has to decide which is worth more - handing Qunnell over or warning the system feds of the weapon."
On this day in 2014, Doctor Who aired "Dark Water." This served as the eleventh episode of the eighth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"In the mysterious world of the Nethersphere, plans have been drawn. Old friends and old enemies manoeuvre around The Doctor, and an impossible choice is looming over him."
"In the mysterious world of the Nethersphere, plans have been drawn. Old friends and old enemies manoeuvre around The Doctor, and an impossible choice is looming over him."
