Premiering on this day back in 2008 in both Australia and the U.S., The Elephant Princess delivered a bit of Family-friend Comedy, Romance, and Fantasy to homegrown audiences. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Alexandra Wilson is a suburban girl who suddenly discovers she is a princess of a mystical kingdom. Her exotic visitor Kuru and a magical elephant Anala help her master her new magical powers. Amanda, JB and Marcus are her band mates and friends. Her family consists of parents Anita and Jim and her younger sister Zoe."
"Alexandra Wilson is a suburban girl who suddenly discovers she is a princess of a mystical kingdom. Her exotic visitor Kuru and a magical elephant Anala help her master her new magical powers. Amanda, JB and Marcus are her band mates and friends. Her family consists of parents Anita and Jim and her younger sister Zoe."
As can happen from time-to-time, gentle readers, I really can't tell you all that much about Space Janitors (2012-2024) ... well, except for the obligatory premiere info on this day back in 2012 behind the Maple Curtain of Canada. It looks like this was one of those Internet-style comedies that actually went on to some solid acclaim over the course of its run. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A Sci Fi comedy set on Space Station which follows a pair of incompetent janitors."
"A Sci Fi comedy set on Space Station which follows a pair of incompetent janitors."
The venerable Philip Francis Nowlan may not exactly be a household name, but perhaps he should be for creating Buck Rogers, the space hero who launched his own generation of fans via print, TV, and movies! Though he's no longer with us, Nowlan was born on this day in 1888.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Oscar-nominated actress Hermione Baddeley was no slouch when it came to appearing in the realms of the Fantastic: when duty called, she stepped up to the plate. Genre fans might know her from work aboard such properties as A Christmas Carol (1951), Danger Man, Mary Poppins (1964), Bewitched, Batman, Journey To The Unknown, Night Gallery, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979), Fantasy Island, The Secret Of NIMH (1982), and Shadow Chasers. Though she's no longer with us, Baddeley was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of C.H.O.M.P.S. latest release on home video, a Family-friendly Fantasy in which Baddeley enjoyed a small role. Folks interested in knowing what I thought of the film -- which I did see in its original theatrical run back in 1979, as well -- can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of C.H.O.M.P.S. latest release on home video, a Family-friendly Fantasy in which Baddeley enjoyed a small role. Folks interested in knowing what I thought of the film -- which I did see in its original theatrical run back in 1979, as well -- can find my review right here.
When the original King Kong proved itself to be a cinematic phenomenon, producers decided to dip back into the realm of Fantasy with a sequel: The Son Of Kong returned the crew to Skull Island, and what did they find? Kong's offspring was a bit easier to deal with, and maybe that was owed to the beauty of the film's love interest: 'Hilda' was played by the fetching Helen Mack (above right). Though she's no longer with us, Mack was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before Irwin Allens' Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was a big budget television show it was a big budget movie (1961), and Robert Sterling played 'Captain Lee Crane' aboard the famous submarine. Though he's no longer with us, Sterling was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think there's some unspoken rule that all great Science Fiction novels be adapted for film, and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 certainly didn't miss the chance. François Truffaut wrote and directed the 1966 version, and he tasked Oskar Werner with bringing to life the singular 'Guy Montag' for audiences. Though he's no longer with us, Werner was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
So far as Science Fiction goes, Ed Bakey's resume is relatively light but still pretty solid. He appeared aboard Star Trek, the popular Voyagers!, and The Philadelpha Experiment (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Bakey was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Don Gordon's career stretches over an incredible four decades and well over one hundred different projects. Genre fans probably know him best from roles aboard such properties as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Wild Wild West, The Invaders, The Bionic Woman, Lucan, The Powers of Matthew Star, Automan, and Airwolf. Though he's no longer with us, Gordon was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard an episode of the classic Star Trek, actor Hal Lynch played an unsuspecting Air Police Sergeant who found himself unwittingly transported to the future even only if for a few moments. The actor also visited the worlds of The Wild Wild West and CBS's Shazam. Though he's no longer with us, Lynch was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As Mena, the great Adrienne Corri made an appearance in Doctor Who's "The Leisure Hive" (circa 1980). She also booked an appearance in 1970 on the TV cult series UFO and a role in the theatrical release Moon Zero Two (1969). Though she's no longer with us, Corri was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
German actress Katrin Schaake enjoyed a small role aboard the fondly-remembered SciFi-miniseries from 1973 on German television, World On A Wire. Schaake was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Certainly, Richard Mulligan doesn't leave behind a track record which screams genre work, but he did have a few of note. He had a guest spot in an episode of the 1980's run of The Twilight Zone. In 1986, he enjoyed a prominent role in the Fantasy/Telefilm Babes In Toyland. And in 1993 he provided voicework for the popular Star Trek: Judgment Rites video game. Though he's no longer with us, Mulligan was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
James Daris's character in Star Trek's oft-maligned episode "Spock's Brain" was never quite explained, so maybe it's best that he slept through much of it. He also boasted roles aboard Land of the Giants and Larva (aka MorphMan) (2005). Daris was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There was a time when Garry Marshall had a firm command over some of the better programming in the realm of television. I was never much a fan of the SciFi/Sitcom Mork & Mindy -- he created and wrote for it throughout its run -- but kudos to the man for dabbling in SciFi. Though he's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Tom Atkins played Rehme, the captain of the U.S. Police Force stationed with maintaining the largest federal penitentiary ever in 1981's SciFi gem Escape From New York. Atkins was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the last screen credits to Dack Rambo's name included the Apocalypse drama Ultra Warrior (1990) for Concorde-New Horizons. He also had a terrific guest spot aboard CBS's Wonder Woman during that program's run. Though he's no longer with us, Rambo was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only 23 screen credits to her professional resume, it's sad to suggest that the star that was Mikki Jamison likely didn't quite drop onto fandom's radar. Still, kudos to the lady for making an appearance in the world of TV's Wonder Woman during its run on the American network. Though she's no longer with us, Jamison was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress, director, and costume designer Adelle Lutz was just one in the ensemble who enjoyed the madcap antics at the heart of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988) when it arrived on screens. Lutz was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those who know me well can attest to my affinity for All Thing Superman, so a major shout-out today to the lovely Frances Conroy! She brought Ma Kent to life in All-Star Superman (2011) and Superman Unbound (2013). Conroy was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tracy Scoggins played Capt. Elizabeth Lochley on both Babylon 5 and its follow-up series, the short-lived Crusade. For those in the know, she also enjoyed a rather terrific little cameo-style role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as one of the 'foxiest' Cardassians imaginable. Scoggins was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the powers that be decided to bring the seminal Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (2010) to life on home video, who better to give voice to ultimate evil Lex Luthor than political activist Chris Noth? (Talk about your typecasting!) Noth was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Ouch. It could be that Noth isn't only evil on screen as allegations surfaced that he engaged in some fairly inappropriate sexual behavior. Naturally, the actor has denied it (link), but -- in the world of Hollywood -- it is what it is.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Ouch. It could be that Noth isn't only evil on screen as allegations surfaced that he engaged in some fairly inappropriate sexual behavior. Naturally, the actor has denied it (link), but -- in the world of Hollywood -- it is what it is.
No disrespect intended to anyone but I never quite understood the appeal of the 'Guinan' character as played by alleged Holocaust denier Whoopi Goldberg (link) on Star Trek: The Next Generation. I mean, here was this program grounded in science of its day, and Guinan always seemed like a throwback to the mysticism of the original Trek. Maybe that's all that was intended? Who knows Goldberg was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Rex Linn braved the nibbling terror at the heart of the SciFi/Horror hybrid Zombeavers (2014). He's also booked time aboard 3rd Rock From The Sun, The Postman (1997), Ghosts of Mars (2001), Abominable (2006), and The Lottery. Linn was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Few SciFi scribes working today reach the heights achieved by the venerable Stephen Baxter. Building a solid resume penning both Science Fiction as well as science fact, the author has won multiple Philip K. Dick awards and multiple BFSA Awards across several categories. He's also served as the Vice-President of the H.G. Wells Society. Baxter was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
The lovely Caroline Goodall doesn't traffic in Science Fiction as much as I wish she did. She did appear on Quantum Leap and The Outer Limits, though, and I'm thankful for that. Goodall was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Neil Flynn took time off from his usual antics to play 'Pete Dinsmore' in a few episodes of the WB's long-running Smallville. Flynn was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Steve Zahn dipped deep into the realm of Science Fiction taking on the role of a central motion-capped lead -- 'Bad Ape' -- aboard War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). Zahn was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his career, hunky Gerard Butler did make an appearance in Science Fiction: he played Andre Marek in 2003's relatively forgettable Timeline. Butler was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Little Noah Hathaway never got enough to do in his brief appearances aboard Battlestar Galactica, but that didn't keep the li'l sprite named Boxey from becoming one of the shows most endeared characters. Kids of the 80's will also recognize that the young man went on to great fame in 1984's The Neverending Story. Hathaway was born on this day back in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction fandom has always held the late 1970's anime property Star Blazers in high regard, so high that it made sense for a live action adaptation to be done in 2010, and it was called Space Battleship Yamato. (I saw it: I found it visually exciting, but I didn't much care for it otherwise.) Takuya Kimura brought the lead 'Susumu Kodai' to life in the project, and Kimura was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard NBC's short-lived and somewhat confusing Bionic Woman reboot, an affable Jordan Bridges played the affable Tom Hastings. Bridges also had a small role in one of my personal favorites, Frequency, back in 2000. Bridges was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you like your actresses a bit on the Goth side (according to IMDB.com), then you'd do well to investigate the life and works of one Kim Director. To date, she's enjoyed some screen time aboard such projects as Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000), Gotham, Split (2016), NOS4A2, and Death Rider In The House Of Vampires (2021). Director was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Long before braving whatever was up with CBS's adaptation of Stephen King's Under The Dome, Aisha Hinds enjoyed a small role (at the helm, no less) in JJ Abrams' God-awful travesty, Star Trek Into Darkness. (Trek fandom is still waiting for an apology for that film.) Hinds was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
English actress Camilla Power shone in an episode of Black Mirror back in 2016. As for other entries into the worlds of the Fantastic? She's been a part of The Calling (2000), Torchwood, Doctor Who: The Foe From The Future, and Doctor Who: Dark Eyes. Power was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Time to celebrate the career of Michael Copon! He got his start in genre entertainment in the guise of the Blue Time Force Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force, and he insists on hanging around, securing roles in such properties as The Scorpion King: Rise Of A Warrior (2008), Dark House (2009), and Dystopia. Copon was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lara Amersey sacrificed just a bit of her beauty to appear as one of the gobbling zombies aboard 2005's Land Of The Dead for Universal Pictures. Amersey was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whoa. Talk about a character who started light but went dark! Devon Bostick heated up the small screen in the role of 'Jasper Jordan,' braving the Apocalypse at the heart of The 100, but man oh man his big finish got a bit dark for my tastes. Bostick was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Truth be told, Nikki Hahn's star is only just beginning to rise, but she's already making waves whenever the entertainment business calls. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard American Horror Story, The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex (2013), The Remains (2016), and Hysteria! Hahn was born on this day in 2002.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1930 (in the U.S.), The Bat Whispers delivered a bit of murdery goodness to audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Roland West, the Horror/Fantasy starred Chester Morris, Una Merkel, and William Bakewell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Despite advance warning to the police, who seal off the area, The Bat, a master criminal, steals a necklace from the safe in the house of a rich socialite. He leaves a note saying he is going to the country to give the police a rest. Pausing only to rob a bank at Oakdale, he proceeds to terrorise the occupants of a lonely country mansion, in a mixture of thrills, chills and laughs. At the end, an actor steps forward through a proscenium arch and asks the viewers not to reveal the Bat's identity to their friends. A film noir shot in black and white, mainly at night in dimly lit scenes."
"Despite advance warning to the police, who seal off the area, The Bat, a master criminal, steals a necklace from the safe in the house of a rich socialite. He leaves a note saying he is going to the country to give the police a rest. Pausing only to rob a bank at Oakdale, he proceeds to terrorise the occupants of a lonely country mansion, in a mixture of thrills, chills and laughs. At the end, an actor steps forward through a proscenium arch and asks the viewers not to reveal the Bat's identity to their friends. A film noir shot in black and white, mainly at night in dimly lit scenes."
On this day in 1931 (in Spain), Island Of Lost Souls proved that man was certainly not ready to be considered 'the maker' of anything. Waldemar Young and Philip Wylie adapted the H.G. Wells novel ('The Island Of Dr. Moreau), and Erle C. Kenton directed. The Horror/Fantasy starred Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, and Richard Arlen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his ship goes down, Edward Parker is rescued at sea. Parker gets into a fight with Captain Davies of the Apia and the Captain tosses him overboard while making a delivery to the tiny tropical island of Dr. Moreau. Parker discovers that Moreau has good reason to be so secretive on his lonely island. The doctor is a whip-cracking task master to a growing population of his own gruesome human/animal experiments. He does have one prize result, Lota the beautiful panther woman. Parker's fortunes for escape look up after his fiancée Ruth finds him with the help of fearless Captain Donohue. However, when Moreau's tribe of near-humans rises up to rebel, no one is safe..."
"After his ship goes down, Edward Parker is rescued at sea. Parker gets into a fight with Captain Davies of the Apia and the Captain tosses him overboard while making a delivery to the tiny tropical island of Dr. Moreau. Parker discovers that Moreau has good reason to be so secretive on his lonely island. The doctor is a whip-cracking task master to a growing population of his own gruesome human/animal experiments. He does have one prize result, Lota the beautiful panther woman. Parker's fortunes for escape look up after his fiancée Ruth finds him with the help of fearless Captain Donohue. However, when Moreau's tribe of near-humans rises up to rebel, no one is safe..."
1933's The Invisible Man is one of those sublimely perfect gems, a cautionary tale about a scientist who's slowly driven insane by his own designs to become invisible. It opened on this day back then, and it remains a sample of cinema perfection even today. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Working in Dr. Cranley's laboratory, scientist Jack Griffin was always given the latitude to conduct some of his own experiments. His sudden departure, however, has Cranley's daughter Flora worried about him. Griffin has taken a room at the nearby Lion's Head Inn, hoping to reverse an experiment he conducted on himself that made him invisible. Unfortunately, the drug he used has also warped his mind, making him aggressive and dangerous. He's prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his appearance, and several will die in the process."
"Working in Dr. Cranley's laboratory, scientist Jack Griffin was always given the latitude to conduct some of his own experiments. His sudden departure, however, has Cranley's daughter Flora worried about him. Griffin has taken a room at the nearby Lion's Head Inn, hoping to reverse an experiment he conducted on himself that made him invisible. Unfortunately, the drug he used has also warped his mind, making him aggressive and dangerous. He's prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his appearance, and several will die in the process."
On this day in 1961 (in Madrid, Spain), The Absent Minded Professor flubbered his way onto the silver screen. The SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), the good people of San Francisco, California were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Madmen Of Mandoras. Directed by David Bradley from a story by Peter Miles and Steve Bennett, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Audrey Caire, Walter Stocker, and Carlos Rivas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hitler's Brain is saved by Nazi madmen, and is giving orders on a small tropical island!"
"Hitler's Brain is saved by Nazi madmen, and is giving orders on a small tropical island!"
On this day in 1967 (in Sweden), storytellers went back to the Frankenstein well for a new iteration: Frankenstein Created Woman! Directed by Terence Fisher from a story by Anthony Hinds, the picture starred Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, and Thorley Walters. Here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Baron Frankenstein has acquired the dead body of a young maiden, Christina, and all it lacks is the spark of life. He captures the soul of a recently executed young man and installs it in the young woman. With the memories from the young man still intact, she starts to kill the people whose false accusations led to the young man's execution."
Editor's Note:
Frankenstein Created Woman comes from Hammer Films, and -- according to IMDB.com -- it's apparently a longtime favorite of critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.
"Baron Frankenstein has acquired the dead body of a young maiden, Christina, and all it lacks is the spark of life. He captures the soul of a recently executed young man and installs it in the young woman. With the memories from the young man still intact, she starts to kill the people whose false accusations led to the young man's execution."
Editor's Note:
Frankenstein Created Woman comes from Hammer Films, and -- according to IMDB.com -- it's apparently a longtime favorite of critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in the U.S.), the good people of the Chicago International Film Festival were treated to the big screen launch of The Tin Girl (aka La ragazza di latta). Written (in part) and directed by Marcello Aliprandi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Roberto Antonelli, Sydne Rome, and Elena Persiani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mr. Rossi lives in a small town. He works in a large financial company and is considered to be rather original and eccentric by his colleagues because he doesn't own a car and insist on rollerskating to and from work. One afternoon, from his office windows, he catches sight of an intriguing girl and decides to follow her..."
"Mr. Rossi lives in a small town. He works in a large financial company and is considered to be rather original and eccentric by his colleagues because he doesn't own a car and insist on rollerskating to and from work. One afternoon, from his office windows, he catches sight of an intriguing girl and decides to follow her..."
On this day in 1975 (in Uruguay), Rollerball threw an elbow at audiences. Directed by Norman Jewison, the SciFi/Drama starred James Caan and John Houseman, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
On this day in 1979 (in Norway), Alien showed audiences the future of SciFi-based Horror. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon, the feature film was directed by Ridley Scott and starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
Folks, have I ever told you of my unabashed love for the campy, corny, cultish Roger Corman flick, Battle Beyond the Stars? It was one of those Star Wars' knock-offs that populated movie theatres toward the end of the 70's and early 80's. The film starred Richard Thomas in the lead role as Shad, a pacifist from a race of pacifists who gets sent out into space to find a band of warriors to come back and fight their battle against a space warlord for them. Yes, that's right ... it's Seventh Samurai in Space! As you might guess, it's a bit cheesy, but it's all in good fun. It premiered theatrically on this day back in 1980 (in West Germany).
On this day in 1982 (in Japan), A Fire In The Sky was broadcast on television. The SciFi/Drama starred Richard Crenna and Elizabeth Ashley, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Astronomers discover a comet that they believe will crash into Phoenix, Arizona. They attempt to warn officials, but no one believes them."
"Astronomers discover a comet that they believe will crash into Phoenix, Arizona. They attempt to warn officials, but no one believes them."
On this day in 1987, The American Way (aka Riders Of The Storm) flew into theatres. The SciFi/Comedy starred Dennis Hopper and Michael J. Pollard, and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"SM is a pirate TV station, which is broadcast from a B-29 plane by a group of Vietnam war veterans. After many years, the crew considers shutting down the show to go back to a more normal life. However, as the US presidential campaign is starting, the captain of the plane decides SM has a last job to do: to prevent the pro-war conservative candidate from winning the election."
"SM is a pirate TV station, which is broadcast from a B-29 plane by a group of Vietnam war veterans. After many years, the crew considers shutting down the show to go back to a more normal life. However, as the US presidential campaign is starting, the captain of the plane decides SM has a last job to do: to prevent the pro-war conservative candidate from winning the election."
Ok, kids: I know Arnold Schwarzenegger has done an awful lot of good for SciFi, but The Running Man (it premiered on this day back in 1987) isn't really one of them. Granted, it has a solid SciFi premise -- the best men are running for their lives -- but that's about all it really has going for it. No? Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1992 (in Canada and the U.S.), Bram Stoker's Dracula tried to sink its teeth into the box office's throbing veins. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the Horror/Fantasy starred Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker's fiancée Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land."
"The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker's fiancée Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land."
On this day in 1996 (in Belgium and France), Escape From L.A. sent Snake Plissken on another mission of good, despite his best interests. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the film starred Kurt Russell who this time was joined by Steve Buscemi, A.J. Langer, and Cliff Robertson. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Snake Plissken is once again called in by the United States government to recover a potential doomsday device from Los Angeles, now an autonomous island where undesirables are deported."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Escape From L.A. escaped the ceremony with nominations only (no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also -- at the 1996 Stinkers Awards -- the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Sequel.' Ouch.
"Snake Plissken is once again called in by the United States government to recover a potential doomsday device from Los Angeles, now an autonomous island where undesirables are deported."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Escape From L.A. escaped the ceremony with nominations only (no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also -- at the 1996 Stinkers Awards -- the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Sequel.' Ouch.
On this day in 1997 (in New Zealand), audiences were taken on a wild and bloody ride into the Final Frontier under the name of Event Horizon. Scripted by Philip Eisner and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi feature starred Sam Neill, Laurence Fishburne, and Kathleen Quinlan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2047 a group of astronauts are sent to investigate and salvage the long lost starship "Event Horizon". The ship disappeared mysteriously 7 years before on its maiden voyage and with its return comes even more mystery as the crew of the "Lewis and Clark" discover the real truth behind its disappearance and something even more terrifying."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Event Horizon enjoyed a modest bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
"In the year 2047 a group of astronauts are sent to investigate and salvage the long lost starship "Event Horizon". The ship disappeared mysteriously 7 years before on its maiden voyage and with its return comes even more mystery as the crew of the "Lewis and Clark" discover the real truth behind its disappearance and something even more terrifying."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Event Horizon enjoyed a modest bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Singapore), Star Kid blasted off for the stars ... in Earth's theaters, that is. Written and directed by Manny Coto, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Joseph Mazzello, Joey Simmrin, and Alex Daniels. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Spencer Griffith's life changes when a meteor falls into a local junkyard, and he finds a Cybersuit, an exoskeleton with AI from another galaxy. When Spencer puts on the Cybersuit he becomes a different kind of person."
"Spencer Griffith's life changes when a meteor falls into a local junkyard, and he finds a Cybersuit, an exoskeleton with AI from another galaxy. When Spencer puts on the Cybersuit he becomes a different kind of person."
On this day in 2003 (in Australia and Sweden), the director's cut of the 1979-produced Alien enjoyed a new run through theaters. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon and directed by Ridley Scott, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in Cuba), Red Cockroaches enjoyed its theatrical debut for audiences of the Festival Almacen de la Imagen. Written and directed by Miguel Coyula, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Adam Plotch, Talia Rubel, and Diane Spodarek. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"First of a Trilogy: In a New York ravaged with acid rains, a man in his twenties meets a mysterious, yet familiar young woman who disrupts the banality of his day-to-day existence. Together, they will embark on a surreal journey with a devastating climax."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Red Cockroaches earned a good deal of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"First of a Trilogy: In a New York ravaged with acid rains, a man in his twenties meets a mysterious, yet familiar young woman who disrupts the banality of his day-to-day existence. Together, they will embark on a surreal journey with a devastating climax."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Red Cockroaches earned a good deal of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2009 (in Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, and a whole host of other countries around the globe), it was the end of the world as we know it with the theatrical release of 2012. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Cusack, Thandiwe Newton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Adrian Helmsley, part of a worldwide geophysical team investigating the effect on the earth of radiation from unprecedented solar storms, learns that the earth's core is heating up. He warns U.S. President Thomas Wilson that the crust of the earth is becoming unstable and that without proper preparations for saving a fraction of the world's population, the entire race is doomed. Meanwhile, writer Jackson Curtis stumbles on the same information. While the world's leaders race to build "arks" to escape the impending cataclysm, Curtis struggles to find a way to save his family. Meanwhile, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes of unprecedented strength wreak havoc around the world."
For the record:
At the 2010 Saturn Awards, 2009 earned to big nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film.'
"Dr. Adrian Helmsley, part of a worldwide geophysical team investigating the effect on the earth of radiation from unprecedented solar storms, learns that the earth's core is heating up. He warns U.S. President Thomas Wilson that the crust of the earth is becoming unstable and that without proper preparations for saving a fraction of the world's population, the entire race is doomed. Meanwhile, writer Jackson Curtis stumbles on the same information. While the world's leaders race to build "arks" to escape the impending cataclysm, Curtis struggles to find a way to save his family. Meanwhile, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes of unprecedented strength wreak havoc around the world."
For the record:
At the 2010 Saturn Awards, 2009 earned to big nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film.'
On this day in 2009, Brainjacked took a swing for our collective cerebellum when it enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever playing for audiences in attendance of the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival! Written and directed by Andrew Allan, the SciFi/Horror starred Andrew Allan Jr. and Stephen Biro, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A teen runaway discovers a sinister mind control plot."
"A teen runaway discovers a sinister mind control plot."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the TV movie going by the name The Lost Future made its small screen debut. Directed by Mikael Salomon, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sean Bean, Corey Sevier, and Annabelle Wallis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of post-apocalyptic survivors struggle to survive in a world where jungles, forests, primeval wetlands and deserts have obliterated civilization. They staunchly face genetically mutated beasts and mysterious diseases in an attempt to re-establish the human race as masters of Earth."
"A group of post-apocalyptic survivors struggle to survive in a world where jungles, forests, primeval wetlands and deserts have obliterated civilization. They staunchly face genetically mutated beasts and mysterious diseases in an attempt to re-establish the human race as masters of Earth."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), the 1977-produced Close Encounters Of The Third Kind enjoyed a special screening for audiences of the Leeds International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and François Truffaut; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2012 (in Canada), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure enjoyed an all-new home video release. Directed by Stephen Herek, the feature gave Keanu Reeves one of the earliest hits, pairing him up with a goofy Alex Winter in the winning premise of two dudes just trying to get through high school and maybe even save the world. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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.'
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Italy), the good people attending the Rome Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Hard To Be A God (aka Trudno byt bogom). Written (in part) and directed by Aleksey German, the SciFi/Drama starred Leonid Yarmolnik, Aleksandr Chutko, and Yuriy Tsurilo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, a space traveler from Earth breaks a special law and interferes with the history of another, Medieval-like, planet."
"In the distant future, a space traveler from Earth breaks a special law and interferes with the history of another, Medieval-like, planet."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the theatrical launch of Squid Man. Written and directed by Charlie Cline, the Superhero/Comedy starred Andrew Roth, Laurel Schroeder, and Eric Bryant. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"'I can shoot ink out of my fingers. That's about it really. Sometimes, in pressure situations, I can shoot it out of my toes.' When Squid Man gets downsized out of the Superhero Society, he's forced to crash on the couch of his former sidekick (and only friend) Warren. Now he spends his time boozing in a dead end bar, reminiscing about the days when the hero groupies were plentiful and even a second-rater like him could sometimes save the universe. But when a reporter wants to include him in an upcoming book about superheroes, Squid Man is forced to face the dark mysteries of his past... and the even more unsettling idea that he might actually have a future."
"'I can shoot ink out of my fingers. That's about it really. Sometimes, in pressure situations, I can shoot it out of my toes.' When Squid Man gets downsized out of the Superhero Society, he's forced to crash on the couch of his former sidekick (and only friend) Warren. Now he spends his time boozing in a dead end bar, reminiscing about the days when the hero groupies were plentiful and even a second-rater like him could sometimes save the universe. But when a reporter wants to include him in an upcoming book about superheroes, Squid Man is forced to face the dark mysteries of his past... and the even more unsettling idea that he might actually have a future."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Lazer Team 2 took the fight to the small screen with its release on YouTube.com. Directed by the team of Daniel Fabelo and Matt Hullum, the SciFi/Comedy starred Burnie Burns, Gavin Free, and Michael Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After one of their own is lost in another dimension, the Lazer Team groups together once again to fight against a new threat."
"After one of their own is lost in another dimension, the Lazer Team groups together once again to fight against a new threat."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Spain), the good people of Barcelona enjoyed an exclusive theatrical premiere of Mirage (aka Durante la tormenta). Written (in part) and directed by Oriol Paulo, the Fantasy/Drama starred Adriana Ugarte, Chino Darin, and Javier Gutierrez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two storms separated by 25 years. A woman murdered. A daughter missed. Only 72 hours to discover the truth."
"Two storms separated by 25 years. A woman murdered. A daughter missed. Only 72 hours to discover the truth."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), those gosh darn Nazis were up to their dark deeds once again with the release of Nazi Overlord. Directed by Rob Pallatina from a story by Scotty Mullen, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tom Sizemore, Dominique Swain, and Andrew Liberty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A D-Day rescue mission turns ugly when a band of Allied soldiers battle with horrific experiments created by the Germans."
"A D-Day rescue mission turns ugly when a band of Allied soldiers battle with horrific experiments created by the Germans."
On this day in 2018, Time Trap enjoyed its U.S. digital and V.O.D. release. Written and directed by Mark Dennis, the feature starred Andrew Wilson and Cassidy Gifford, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in Estonia), Kratt enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Black Nights Film Festival. Written and directed by Rasmus Merivoo, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Mari Lill, Nora Merivoo, and Harri Merivoo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Children are left at grandma's house without their smartphones. Real life seems boring until they find instructions for kratt - a magical creature who will do whatever its master says. All they need now is to buy a soul from the devil."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Kratt enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of viewing Kratt via stream on behalf of a distributor relationship I maintain. Interested in knowing what I thought? You can check out my review right here.
"Children are left at grandma's house without their smartphones. Real life seems boring until they find instructions for kratt - a magical creature who will do whatever its master says. All they need now is to buy a soul from the devil."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Kratt enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of viewing Kratt via stream on behalf of a distributor relationship I maintain. Interested in knowing what I thought? You can check out my review right here.
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Captain Midnight aired "Sabotage Under The Sea." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by Plex.TV:
"Captain Midnight goes to the bottom of the ocean to search for an experimental missle that has disappeared. An enemy submarine is detected hiding underwater."
"Captain Midnight goes to the bottom of the ocean to search for an experimental missle that has disappeared. An enemy submarine is detected hiding underwater."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Exploding Stars." Officially, this served as the thirty-eighth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Van Meter becomes alarmed when he discovers a succession of stars exploding and the path of destruction leads directly to Sun. Corry, Happy and Robbie are attempting to determine the cause of the novas when their spaceship is battered by yet another exploding star."
"Professor Van Meter becomes alarmed when he discovers a succession of stars exploding and the path of destruction leads directly to Sun. Corry, Happy and Robbie are attempting to determine the cause of the novas when their spaceship is battered by yet another exploding star."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Jonny Quest aired "Double Danger." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Dr. Quest scouts Thailand for hallucinogenic plants, Race is secretly replaced by a lookalike enemy agent seeking Benton's formula."
"While Dr. Quest scouts Thailand for hallucinogenic plants, Race is secretly replaced by a lookalike enemy agent seeking Benton's formula."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Nightmare Begins." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor runs afoul of the Daleks and Special Security Agent Bret Vyon on the planet Kembel."
"The Doctor runs afoul of the Daleks and Special Security Agent Bret Vyon on the planet Kembel."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), "Guardian of Piri" aired as part of Space: 1999's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Contact is made with the planet Piri, where the main computer created an idyllic life that led to extinction of its population through apathy. Now John Koenig must fight to save Alpha as his people fall under the same fate."
"Contact is made with the planet Piri, where the main computer created an idyllic life that led to extinction of its population through apathy. Now John Koenig must fight to save Alpha as his people fall under the same fate."
On this day in 1976, Ark II aired "The Drought." This served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a devastating drought, Fagon and his Flies return and hijack the ARK in an attempt to secure a time capsule containing a cloud-seeding device. A primitive tribe that worships the time capsule has captured Ruth, Samuel and Adam."
"During a devastating drought, Fagon and his Flies return and hijack the ARK in an attempt to secure a time capsule containing a cloud-seeding device. A primitive tribe that worships the time capsule has captured Ruth, Samuel and Adam."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Deadly Assassin: Part 3." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourteenth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor battles the assassin inside the matrix dreamscape, while the Master tries to bring about his death in the real world."
"The Doctor battles the assassin inside the matrix dreamscape, while the Master tries to bring about his death in the real world."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Dr. Shrinker aired "The Shrinkie Sale." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After leaning Dr. Shinker intends on selling his shinker ray to a master illusionist, the shrinkies set out to convince the man he has been conned and that the ray does not work."
"After leaning Dr. Shinker intends on selling his shinker ray to a master illusionist, the shrinkies set out to convince the man he has been conned and that the ray does not work."
On this day in 1978, Battle Of The Planets aired "Jupiter Moon Menace." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Commander Typhon from planet Scorpius is an exile who wants Zoltar's help in defeating his rival opponants on his planet In exchange Typhon gives Zoltar a new weapon, the Scorpion, that creates meteor showers. In hopes of averting the destruction of Capital City, G-Force heads for the Jupiter moon of Callisto. The Scorpion then heads for Earth, before the team can destroy it. Finding a submarine at the bottom of the ocean that is controlling the Scorpion and asteroid showers. Typhon escapes the submarine, trapping G-Force inside."
"Commander Typhon from planet Scorpius is an exile who wants Zoltar's help in defeating his rival opponants on his planet In exchange Typhon gives Zoltar a new weapon, the Scorpion, that creates meteor showers. In hopes of averting the destruction of Capital City, G-Force heads for the Jupiter moon of Callisto. The Scorpion then heads for Earth, before the team can destroy it. Finding a submarine at the bottom of the ocean that is controlling the Scorpion and asteroid showers. Typhon escapes the submarine, trapping G-Force inside."
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Hulk aired "Triangle." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David 'Beller' is working as a lumberjack in Jordantown and has begun to fall in love with Gale Weber. Unfortunately, rich tycoon Ellis Jordan has got his mind set on her as well, and his goons try to force David to leave town."
"David 'Beller' is working as a lumberjack in Jordantown and has begun to fall in love with Gale Weber. Unfortunately, rich tycoon Ellis Jordan has got his mind set on her as well, and his goons try to force David to leave town."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Defenders Of The Earth aired "The Prince's Royal Hunt." Officially, this served as the forty-ninth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence (which was actually spread out over a few years). Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Teleported to different areas of Mongo, the Defenders must re-unite and defeat Kro-Tan."
"Teleported to different areas of Mongo, the Defenders must re-unite and defeat Kro-Tan."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Supertroopers." Officially, this (technically) served as the program's forty-seventh episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Some supertroopers force Senator Weiner to steal batch 22. Commander Walsh, Gooseman, and Nagata go to the Supertroopers old base to get the Senator back. The origin of the Supertroopers is revealed."
"Some supertroopers force Senator Weiner to steal batch 22. Commander Walsh, Gooseman, and Nagata go to the Supertroopers old base to get the Senator back. The origin of the Supertroopers is revealed."
On this day in 1989, Alien Nation aired "Three To Tango." This served as the eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A series of murders of Binnaum, a rare kind of Tenctonese needed for catalyzing reproduction, raises fears that Purists are trying to stop the Tenctonese from breeding. Francisco asks Albert to be the Binnaum for his and Susan's next child."
"A series of murders of Binnaum, a rare kind of Tenctonese needed for catalyzing reproduction, raises fears that Purists are trying to stop the Tenctonese from breeding. Francisco asks Albert to be the Binnaum for his and Susan's next child."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Loving the Alien." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young Morthren rebels against his people so runs away to live amongst humans and ends up becoming friends with Debi."
"A young Morthren rebels against his people so runs away to live amongst humans and ends up becoming friends with Debi."
On this day in 1990 (in the United Kingdom), She-Wolf Of London aired "Little Bookshop Of Horrors." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Randi and Ian investigate when they learn that two prominent publishers were murdered by normal people dressed as characters in the classic novels recently delivered by an antiquarian bookshop. The bookstore owner acknowledges that he cast a spell on the books to punish the men and women he considers responsible for driving him nearly to bankruptcy and confides to Ian that he has sent a truckload of the cursed books to members of Parliament since they passed the laws enabling chain stores to gobble up independent bookshops."
"Randi and Ian investigate when they learn that two prominent publishers were murdered by normal people dressed as characters in the classic novels recently delivered by an antiquarian bookshop. The bookstore owner acknowledges that he cast a spell on the books to punish the men and women he considers responsible for driving him nearly to bankruptcy and confides to Ian that he has sent a truckload of the cursed books to members of Parliament since they passed the laws enabling chain stores to gobble up independent bookshops."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Dreams." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a detective that is working on a gruesome murder and must deal with flashbacks from the mind of his leapee."
"Sam leaps into a detective that is working on a gruesome murder and must deal with flashbacks from the mind of his leapee."
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Sins Of The Father." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Klingon commander comes aboard the Enterprise in an officer exchange program initiated by Starfleet, much to the chagrin of the crew."
"A Klingon commander comes aboard the Enterprise in an officer exchange program initiated by Starfleet, much to the chagrin of the crew."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Force Of Nature." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While searching for a missing Federation medical transport, the Enterprise is accosted by two scientists from a nearby planet who claim that cumulative exposure to warp energy is weakening the fabric of space."
"While searching for a missing Federation medical transport, the Enterprise is accosted by two scientists from a nearby planet who claim that cumulative exposure to warp energy is weakening the fabric of space."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "That Old Gang Of Mine." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist who thinks he can alter human behavior using DNA creates clones of Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, and Al Capone. When Clyde shoots Clark, Clark must play dead in order to hide his dual identity."
"A scientist who thinks he can alter human behavior using DNA creates clones of Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, and Al Capone. When Clyde shoots Clark, Clark must play dead in order to hide his dual identity."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), SeaQuest aired "The Sincerest Form Of Flattery." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A malfunctioning A.I. sub begins firing on civilian targets. Seaquest is sent to track it down and destroy it. During the fight it is determined that the sub is using Captain Bridger's mental profile for its A.I. logic."
"A malfunctioning A.I. sub begins firing on civilian targets. Seaquest is sent to track it down and destroy it. During the fight it is determined that the sub is using Captain Bridger's mental profile for its A.I. logic."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), "Convictions" aired as the second episode of Babylon 5's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad bomber is loose on Babylon 5. When they find him, he threatens to detonate the station, if his demands are not met. Meanwhile G'Kar and Londo are trapped in an elevator. Londo wants to work together so they can escape, but G'Kar refuses to aide his nemesis."
"A mad bomber is loose on Babylon 5. When they find him, he threatens to detonate the station, if his demands are not met. Meanwhile G'Kar and Londo are trapped in an elevator. Londo wants to work together so they can escape, but G'Kar refuses to aide his nemesis."
On this day in 1995, history and conspiracy collided in "Little Green Men," the eighth episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Quark and Rom take Nog to Earth and Starfleet Academy, but a malfunction with the ship takes the crew back in time, to Roswell, New Mexico in 1947."
"Quark and Rom take Nog to Earth and Starfleet Academy, but a malfunction with the ship takes the crew back in time, to Roswell, New Mexico in 1947."
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Cold Fire." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ten months after The Caretaker stranded Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, the ship encounters the alien's mate and a station full of Ocampa with heightened psychic powers. Kes, swept up by the possibility of expanding her own abilities, learns just how turbulent and potent they can be. The female Caretaker seeks revenge on Voyager, blaming Janeway for the death of her mate."
"Ten months after The Caretaker stranded Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, the ship encounters the alien's mate and a station full of Ocampa with heightened psychic powers. Kes, swept up by the possibility of expanding her own abilities, learns just how turbulent and potent they can be. The female Caretaker seeks revenge on Voyager, blaming Janeway for the death of her mate."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Future's End, Part 2." This served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Henry Starling, who made a fortune from his looting of 29th century technology from the crashed timeship, is planning a foray into the future to feed his greed. The Voyager crew must find a way to stop Starling before his attempted use of the timeship destroys Earth's Solar System. Meanwhile, while trying to rescue Paris and Tuvok, Torres and Chakotay are captured by an anti-government white supremacist militia who believe that they are feds."
"Henry Starling, who made a fortune from his looting of 29th century technology from the crashed timeship, is planning a foray into the future to feed his greed. The Voyager crew must find a way to stop Starling before his attempted use of the timeship destroys Earth's Solar System. Meanwhile, while trying to rescue Paris and Tuvok, Torres and Chakotay are captured by an anti-government white supremacist militia who believe that they are feds."
On this day in 1997, Team Knight Rider aired "Choctaw L-9." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Team Knight Rider must recover the stolen Choctaw L-9, the government's latest war bird. In the process, Kyle is suspended as the team leader and the rest of the team must work to clear his name while outsmarting their new leader, FBI agent Kobak."
"Team Knight Rider must recover the stolen Choctaw L-9, the government's latest war bird. In the process, Kyle is suspended as the team leader and the rest of the team must work to clear his name while outsmarting their new leader, FBI agent Kobak."
On this day in 1998, Brimstone aired "Repentance." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Preying upon the homeless, a Nazi escapee is stealing eyes but insists he is repenting, being an 'Angel of Mercy'."
"Preying upon the homeless, a Nazi escapee is stealing eyes but insists he is repenting, being an 'Angel of Mercy'."
On this day in 1999, Batman Beyond aired "Hooked Up." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Batman investigates a ring of troubled kids who are so addicted to powerful virtual reality fantasies that they will do anything to continue them."
"Batman investigates a ring of troubled kids who are so addicted to powerful virtual reality fantasies that they will do anything to continue them."
On this day in 1999, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Paradise Found" as the ninth episode of the program's first season. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Veronica's parents guide makes a sudden appearance and dies in Challenger and Veronica's arms leading the explorers to seek out a hidden paradise, where Veronica suspects her parents might be. Once there, they discover the sinister cause for everyone's youthfulness."
"Veronica's parents guide makes a sudden appearance and dies in Challenger and Veronica's arms leading the explorers to seek out a hidden paradise, where Veronica suspects her parents might be. Once there, they discover the sinister cause for everyone's youthfulness."
On this day in 2000, Andromeda aired "The Ties That Bind." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Answering a distress call from a Wayist vessel, Beka is surprised to find her brother aboard. Most of the crew seem suspicious of the pair of newcomers, most of all Rafe Valentine, given his sleazy history. When he steals the Maru to visit a monastery, Beka's warnings seem to be true. However, when she finds him at a Wayist monastery, she believes that he really has turned a new leaf."
"Answering a distress call from a Wayist vessel, Beka is surprised to find her brother aboard. Most of the crew seem suspicious of the pair of newcomers, most of all Rafe Valentine, given his sleazy history. When he steals the Maru to visit a monastery, Beka's warnings seem to be true. However, when she finds him at a Wayist monastery, she believes that he really has turned a new leaf."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Cool." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Obnoxious athlete Sean Kelvin drowns in an icy, Meteor Rock-infested lake, and is resurrected with an intense need for body heat. He freezes his old girlfriend to death and sets his sights on Chloe."
"Obnoxious athlete Sean Kelvin drowns in an icy, Meteor Rock-infested lake, and is resurrected with an intense need for body heat. He freezes his old girlfriend to death and sets his sights on Chloe."
On this day in 2002, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "The Communicator." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Upon returning from covertly observing a pre-warp culture, Lieutenant Reed realizes he lost his communicator somewhere on the planet. Archer and Reed return to recover the lost technology, only to find the natives found it first. Captured and interrogated, the crewmen find themselves doing even more damage to the culture, who have scanned the prisoners and know them to be of another race. Meanwhile, Tucker and Mayweather try to figure out how to active the cloak on the Suliban cell ship so they can mount a discreet rescue."
"Upon returning from covertly observing a pre-warp culture, Lieutenant Reed realizes he lost his communicator somewhere on the planet. Archer and Reed return to recover the lost technology, only to find the natives found it first. Captured and interrogated, the crewmen find themselves doing even more damage to the culture, who have scanned the prisoners and know them to be of another race. Meanwhile, Tucker and Mayweather try to figure out how to active the cloak on the Suliban cell ship so they can mount a discreet rescue."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Abyss." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's eighth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Chloe begins having memory loss when the essence of Brainiac begins replacing her memories with Kryptonian codes, Clark decides to use the Crystal of Knowledge to reconstruct the Fortress of Solitude and ask the spirit of Jor-El for help. Meanwhile, Jimmy begins to worry about Chloe's well-being, while Davis, disturbed by the knowledge that he may have alien origins, begins to become drawn to Chloe."
"When Chloe begins having memory loss when the essence of Brainiac begins replacing her memories with Kryptonian codes, Clark decides to use the Crystal of Knowledge to reconstruct the Fortress of Solitude and ask the spirit of Jor-El for help. Meanwhile, Jimmy begins to worry about Chloe's well-being, while Davis, disturbed by the knowledge that he may have alien origins, begins to become drawn to Chloe."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2008 (in Australia), The Elephant Princess aired "Coming Of Age." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At Alex's birthday party an exotic boy, Kuru, and elephant, Anala, appear in her backyard. They tell her she is the Princess of Manjipoor, that she is magic, and they have come to take her home."
On this day in 2008 (in Australia), The Elephant Princess aired "Coming Of Age." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At Alex's birthday party an exotic boy, Kuru, and elephant, Anala, appear in her backyard. They tell her she is the Princess of Manjipoor, that she is magic, and they have come to take her home."
On this day in 2009, Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Fragments." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A research scientist working for the Sanctuary Network is brutally attacked by an abnormal. While Helen Magnus tries to save the life of the scientist, the team investigates the origin of the attacker's uncharacteristically brutal behavior."
"A research scientist working for the Sanctuary Network is brutally attacked by an abnormal. While Helen Magnus tries to save the life of the scientist, the team investigates the origin of the attacker's uncharacteristically brutal behavior."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Idol." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's ninth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superhero twins Zan and Jayna (aka: the Wonder Twins) show up in Metropolis to help 'The Blur' fight crime with their combined shape-changing abilities. But the clumsy and naive teenagers end up botching several rescues, landing Clark in hot water with the District Attorney's office. Clark decides to come forward as The Blur to clear his name despite Chloe's protests. Meanwhile, Lois begins seeing a therapist to deal with her growing romantic feelings for Clark, and gets dangerously close to discovering his secret identity."
"Superhero twins Zan and Jayna (aka: the Wonder Twins) show up in Metropolis to help 'The Blur' fight crime with their combined shape-changing abilities. But the clumsy and naive teenagers end up botching several rescues, landing Clark in hot water with the District Attorney's office. Clark decides to come forward as The Blur to clear his name despite Chloe's protests. Meanwhile, Lois begins seeing a therapist to deal with her growing romantic feelings for Clark, and gets dangerously close to discovering his secret identity."
On this day in 2009, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Weapons Factory." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Luminara and Anakin act as decoys to divert new enemy super-tanks, while Padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka attempt to destroy a Separatist droid factory."
"Luminara and Anakin act as decoys to divert new enemy super-tanks, while Padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka attempt to destroy a Separatist droid factory."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2012 (in Canada), Space Janitors enjoyed cleaning things up ... in space! The first episode was titled "Space Janitors Have Dreams Too," and here's the plot summary as provided by YouTube.com:
"Mike Chet and Darby Richards ponder their lives as janitors aboard an evil space station."
On this day in 2012 (in Canada), Space Janitors enjoyed cleaning things up ... in space! The first episode was titled "Space Janitors Have Dreams Too," and here's the plot summary as provided by YouTube.com:
"Mike Chet and Darby Richards ponder their lives as janitors aboard an evil space station."
On this day in 2017, Supergirl aired "Midvale." This served as the sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Kara and Alex head home to Midvale for a little R&R. While there, Kara recalls a painful memory of a childhood friend's death and how that traumatic experience brought the Danver sisters closer together."
"Kara and Alex head home to Midvale for a little R&R. While there, Kara recalls a painful memory of a childhood friend's death and how that traumatic experience brought the Danver sisters closer together."
