Adventure comes in many shapes and sizes, but for the 1952-1953 American television season it looked an awful lot like Terry And The Pirates, a serialized Fantasy program that explored intrigue in the distant East. It premiered on this day in 1952, and it starred John Baer, Jack Reitzen, Gloria Saunders, William Tracy, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"Colonel Terry Lee travels to the orient in search of a gold mine left to him by his grandfather. While searching, he is a pilot employed by a "no questions asked" airline run by Chopstick Joe. His friend and co-pilot is Hotshot Charlie. His love interest is a girl named Burma. He and his friends are constantly in hot water, thanks to the mysterious Dragon Lady, as they fly from one exotic location to the next."
"Colonel Terry Lee travels to the orient in search of a gold mine left to him by his grandfather. While searching, he is a pilot employed by a "no questions asked" airline run by Chopstick Joe. His friend and co-pilot is Hotshot Charlie. His love interest is a girl named Burma. He and his friends are constantly in hot water, thanks to the mysterious Dragon Lady, as they fly from one exotic location to the next."
It's often been jokingly observed that you know you've made it in the realm of Science Fiction when there's an action figure made and sold after a character played in a popular film, and -- if that is indeed the standard -- then let's all be thankful for the work of Shelagh Fraser: in the guise of 'Aunt Beru' (from the original Star Wars), she did what she could to bring up that young and rebellious Luke Skywalker without the influence of his father, though in the end the boy was eventually drawn to The Force. Though she's no longer with us, Fraser was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For a whole generation of Star Trek fans, the late great Ricardo Montalban never received enough credit for helping to resurrect our franchise from near-cinema obscurity as a borderline cult fascination and pushed it well into the light for all to see; this is because even today many revere Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan as being the series' highwater mark. In fact, one could make a strong case that the only reason JJ Abrams and his willing co-conspirators thought Khan was a character worth revisiting was precisely because of the strength of the character as portrayed by Montalban.
He first appeared as such in TOS's stellar Space Seed, introducing Khan Noonien Singh to audiences. It was clear that the script intended the character to be a villain, but, with Montalban's touches, the strongman bred to lead a world into the future had a charisma that, years later, director Nicholas Meyer resurrected so that the character could experience a fully realized story arc. That film -- and its performances -- have become legendary.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Montalban was born on this day back in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
He first appeared as such in TOS's stellar Space Seed, introducing Khan Noonien Singh to audiences. It was clear that the script intended the character to be a villain, but, with Montalban's touches, the strongman bred to lead a world into the future had a charisma that, years later, director Nicholas Meyer resurrected so that the character could experience a fully realized story arc. That film -- and its performances -- have become legendary.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Montalban was born on this day back in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For TV viewers of a certain generation, Noel Neill remains the definitive Lois Lane, playing the spirited reporter in Adventures of Superman from 1953 until 1958. She enjoyed a cameo appearance in both Superman - The Movie (1978) and Superman Returns (2006) and even continues to this day participating in celebrations honoring the Man of Steel. Though she's no longer with us, Neill was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Legendary sci-fi author Poul Anderson enjoyed an especially prolific writing career, garnering himself seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards in his lifetime. He was best known for crafting some larger-than-life characters and setting them against a backdrop of a real world with real world consequences for their actions. If you're interested in knowing more about the vast library of his work, including his fantasy and historical novels, I'd strongly encourage you to check out his bio here at Wikipedia as there's a great amount to investigate further. Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Jeffrey Hunter, Star Trek fans barely knew ye, but, boy oh boy, they sure embraced the legacy you helped spawn. Appearing in the original pilot to our beloved first series, Hunter was the first intended captain of the USS Enterprise 1701; he was the original Christopher Pike, and no one can take that away from him ... not even JJ Abrams. TOS viewers first saw you in the magnificent first season two-parter, "The Menagerie", where your flashbacks served as the emotional undercurrent for the episode. It wasn't until years later -- in 1986 -- that Paramount Pictures saw fit to recover, re-edit, and release "The Cage" to home video, finally giving fans a chance to see just what could've been had NBC not encouraged Gene Roddenberry to go another way with the franchise. Though he's no longer with us, Hunter was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Harry Landis enjoyed a small role aboard Doug Liman's stellar Edge Of Tomorrow (2014), one of the finer SciFi/Action films of the 2000's. He also enjoyed an uncredited role aboard the 1955 SciFi/Serial Quatermass II. Landis was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction and Fantasy could've used a bit more of Kathryn Grant than it received. She leaves us two solid performances in both genres: she lit up the screen aboard SciFi's The Night The World Exploded (1957) and followed that up not long thereafter as 'Princess Parisa' aboard Fantasy's The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad (1958). Though she's no longer with us, Grant was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Singer and actress Beverly Washburn is perhaps best known to TV audiences of SciFiHistory.Net as the petite short-haired crewman 'Arlene Galway' who joined the landing party for Star Trek's second season adventure, "The Deadly Years." What'd she get for all her troubles? An accelerated aging virus! Washburn was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All indications were that John Larroquette's character introduced in an episode of Fox TV's Almost Human was intended to be a recurring role; sadly, the program enjoyed only a single, shortened season on the network, and who knows what heights it could've reached. Larroquette was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Tracey Walter was given the opportunity to suit up as a Ferengi not once but twice during Star Trek: The Next Generation's stellar run. He was Kayron in "The Last Outpost" and then morphed in Berik (above center) for the fan favorite "Rascals." He's also made appearances aboard Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982), Conan The Destroyer (1984), Repo Man (1984), Airwolf, Amazing Stories, Timestalkers (1987), ALF, Not Of This World (1991), Cyborg 2: Glass Shadow (1993), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero, Independence Day, and Impostor (2001). How's THAT for a resume? Walter was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There may be small roles, but -- when it comes to Science Fiction -- SciFiHistory.Net believes there are no small performances: the lovely Joyce Cohen played an unnamed reported aboard Independence Day (1996), one of the finer alien invasion flicks of a generation. Cohen was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bombshell-turned-actress Monique St. Pierre was just one of the several delicious ladies who braved the Apocalypse at the heart of SciFi's Stryker (1983). St. Pierre was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Well, let it be known that the screenplays for Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007) may not rank among his best work, so let's be thankful that Mark Frost has made greater and more memorable contributions to the evolving world that is TV's Twin Peaks, eh? Frost was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Darlanne Fluegel played a small but pivotal role (the love interest!) in Roger Corman's deliciously campy Battle Beyond The Stars (1980). Though she's no longer with us, Fluegel was born on this day back in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kevin Chamberlin played a recurring role aboard NBC's Heroes early in its run, though he appears to be absent from the retooled Heroes Reborn (as are many from the original). Chamberlin was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dougray Scott turns in quality work in no matter the genre, but I'm thankful for his appearance alongside Matt Smith in the episode "Hide" from Doctor Who. Scott was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's the end of the world and he knew it! The venerable Billy Burke headed up TV's Apocalypse drama Revolution but it just wasn't meant to be. While the talented actor often times finds himself in roles of seedier characters, don't let that fool you: he's got the chops to head up a SciFi franchise, and I for one would love to see him land something grand. More recently, he took charge aboard CBS's SciFi summer series Zoo. Burke was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
RoboCop 3 gets maligned an awful lot for being the weakest of the original franchise films, and sure it's a bit schlocky ... but on the upside it all stars a yummy Jill Hennessy (above left) as the Robo-pal, Dr. Marie Lazarus. That's no small feat. Hennessy was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've always thought that Christina Applegate was arguably one of the more talented actress on the small screen who just never seemed to garner enough attention ... well, except when she played into a certain type, much like she did in Timothy Burton's SciFi comedy Mars Attacks! Most folks dismissed the film, but I loved it. Applegate was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Great genre projects benefit from the addition of actresses like Stefanie von Pfetten. Since beginning a career in entertainment, she's shown up in The Net, The Sentinel, First Wave, Y2K, Seven Days, Special Unit 2, The Twilight Zone (2002), Jeremiah, Decoys, Andromeda, Battlestar Galactica (Syfy), Termination Point, Eureka, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, and Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. She's also enjoyed screen time aboard the Fantasy feature Odysseus: Voyage To The Underworld (2008). Von Pfetten was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
CBS's Jericho was in many ways dismissed as doing little more than bringing TV audiences what the aftermath of a nuclear event might look like 'on a budget.' I stuck with it from start to finish, mostly cause I thought it had a pretty winning cast. Among the regulars was Kenneth Mitchell (shown above in the passenger seat), a talent who continues to seek out some of the best guest starring roles available today. Though he's no longer with us, Mitchell was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Marianthi Evans (shown above: impressed parties can thank me later) played 'Gail' in Syfy's signature SciFi series Defiance. Evans was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, it doesn't appear as if Jill Flint does much in the realm of genre entertainment, but she did enjoy a small role aboard The Amazing Spider-man (2012) so that I may feature her here. Flint was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In a move that had many sci-fi fans scratching their head and asking "Why, God, why?", someone got the bright idea that 1987's spectacular RoboCop needed an upgrade ... erm ... make that remake. Relative newcomer Joel Kinnaman took over the franchise as its lead. Kinnaman was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert
- In 2014, I caught a theatrical screening of RoboCop (2014) -- in which Kinnaman played a role -- when it made the round through theaters near me. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Suicide Squad (2016) -- in which Kinnaman played a role -- when it made the round through theaters. Interested readers can find my review right here.
2013's Upstream Color is fascinating Science Fiction that isn't exactly a crowd-pleaser. It's a thought-provoking story that honestly takes about the entire length of the 90-plus minutes to be thoroughly understood, and it does this with a story told in minimal exposition other than its visuals. Amy Seimetz gives a grounded performance as a woman trying to put her life back into some sense of normalcy in this less-than-normal set of circumstances. She also had an aggressive role aboard Ridley Scott's disappointing Alien: Covenant (2017). Seimetz was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
God bless us our girls who keep us safe at night! The lovely Natalia Cordova-Buckley kicked butt, took names, and broke hearts in the role of Elena 'YoYo' Rodriguez aboard ABC-TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Cordova-Buckley was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Haley Webb certainly left a welcome impression on fandom with her work aboard the TV/Fantasy series Teen Wolf (2013-2017). Webb was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Laurel Lance (aka Black Canary), Katie Cassidy has been kicking butts and taking names on the CW's Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. Always turning heads, Cassidy was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1933 (in the U.S.), The Ghoul scared up what theatrical interest it could. Directed by T. Hayes Hunter from a story by Frank King, Leonard Hines, Roland Pertwee, John Hastings Turner, and Rupert Downing, the film starred Boris Karloff, Cedric Hardwicke, Dorothy Hyson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Egyptologist returns from the dead to take revenge on those who have violated his tomb."
"An Egyptologist returns from the dead to take revenge on those who have violated his tomb."
A star is born!
On this day in 1948 (in the U.S.), the good people of Boston, Massachusetts were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event for The Boy With The Green Hair. Directed by Joseph Losey from a story by Ben Barzman, Alfred Lewis Levitt, and Betzi Beaton, the film starred Pat O'Brien, Robert Ryan, Barbara Hale, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This parable looks at public reaction when the hair of an American war orphan mysteriously turns green."
"This parable looks at public reaction when the hair of an American war orphan mysteriously turns green."
On this day in 1964, Voyage To The End Of The Universe arrived in U.S. theatres. Written (in part) and directed by Jindrich Polák, the SciFi/Drama starred Zdenek Stepánek, Frantisek Smolík, Dana Medricka, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the universe to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the universe to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
A star is born!
On this day in 1965 (in Italy), 002 Operazione Luna launched into theaters. Directed by Lucio Fulci from a story by José Luis Dibildos, Vittorio Metz, and Amedeo Sollazzo, the film starred Franco Franchi, Ciccio Ingrassia, Monica Randall, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a Russian spacecraft is lost in space with two cosmonauts on board, the KGB authorities abduct two petty criminals, Franco and Ciccio, to launch them into space and have them return to impersonate the lost cosmonauts, only to have the real cosmonauts, Paradowski and Borovin, return; misunderstandings with the two duos abound."
"When a Russian spacecraft is lost in space with two cosmonauts on board, the KGB authorities abduct two petty criminals, Franco and Ciccio, to launch them into space and have them return to impersonate the lost cosmonauts, only to have the real cosmonauts, Paradowski and Borovin, return; misunderstandings with the two duos abound."
On this day in 1970 (in France), Island Of The Doomed enjoyed its theatrical launch. Written (in part) and directed by Ernst Ritter von Theumer, the Horror/SciFi starred Cameron Mitchell, Elisa Montes, Jorge Martin, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Baron von Weser keeps a menagerie of carnivorous plants, but takes great care of one particular specimen."
"Baron von Weser keeps a menagerie of carnivorous plants, but takes great care of one particular specimen."
On this day in 1968 (in Sweden), The Blood Of Fu Manchu dripped its fevered madness onto unsuspecting audiences. Directed by Jess Franco from a story by Franco, Manchu's creator Sax Rohmer, Harry Alan Towers, and Manfred R. Köhler, the film starred Christopher Lee, Richard Greene, Maria Rohm, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fu Manchu poisons and hypnotizes ten women to bring down his enemies, including Nayland Smith, with kisses of death."
ExtraExtra Alert:
"Fu Manchu poisons and hypnotizes ten women to bring down his enemies, including Nayland Smith, with kisses of death."
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2025, I was provided the all-new home video release from Blue Underground and MVD Visual Entertainment Group of The Blood Of Fu Manchu in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- To access SciFiHistory.Net's exclusive page featuring our exclusive content regarding The Blood Of Fu Manchu -- including cast and crew information -- click here.
On this day in 1977 (in Canada), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind tried to answer the question about whether or not mankind was truly alone in the universe. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, François Truffaut, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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 1977 (in Spain), audiences were treated to one of the best Dystopian thrillers from the 1970's when Logan's Run enjoyed its debut. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Logan, a Sandman (police assassin), is forced to search for "Sanctuary" - a place to which people have apparently escaped from the sealed city of the future in which he lives. Jessica is caught up along the way and becomes his companion fugitive as they are both pursued by Francis, a fellow Sandman. Sanctuary is not what they expect."
For the record:
Logan's Run certainly 'ran away' from the competition so far as award recognition is concerned. At the 1977 Academy Awards, L.B. Abbott, Glen Robinson, and Matthew Yuricich shared a Special Achievement Oscar for the film's visual effects. (It was also nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Cinematography' but lost out.) In the same year, it was also nominated for the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' Lastly, the feature cleaned out the trophy closet at the 1977 Saturn Awards, taking home statues for 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Set Decoration,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Cinematography,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1977 (in Italy), The Chosen (aka Holocaust 2000) enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Albert De Martino, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kirk Douglas, Simon Ward, Agostina Belli, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Robert's in charge of constructing a nuclear power plant in the Middle East. Will it be instrumental in prophecies of antichrist's apocalypse?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Chosen earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Robert's in charge of constructing a nuclear power plant in the Middle East. Will it be instrumental in prophecies of antichrist's apocalypse?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Chosen earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1983 (in Portugal and Sweden), Megaforce served up a big bucket of SciFi cheesery. Directed by Hal Needham, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck, and Persis Khambatta; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1983 (in Italy), the SciFi/Drama Raiders Of Atlantis premiered in theatres. Directed by Ruggero Deodato from a story by Tito Carpi and Vincenzo Mannino, the feature starred Christopher Connolly, Tony King, Gioia Scola, and others. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A team of scientists working to raise a sunken Russian nuclear submarine on an ocean platform off the coast of Miami, Florida, unearth an ancient Atlantean relic from the sea floor and bring in an expert to make some sense of it. But while attempting to raise the sub, radioactive leakage from its missles triggers the re-emergence of Atlantis, and the resulting tidal wave destroys the platform and leaves only a small group of survivors. Rescued by two Vietnamvets-turned-heavies who are out relaxing after their latest job, their boat eventually runs aground on a Carribean island nearby where, upon going ashore, it is discovered that everything has been destroyed and everybody killed. The culprits, a vicious group of well-armed raiders, and their leader, Crystal Skull, are descendants of Atlantis' original race who set about reclaiming the world and adding the survivors to the list of victims as they struggle to stay alive and defeat the raiders and send Atlantis back to the ocean floor."
"A team of scientists working to raise a sunken Russian nuclear submarine on an ocean platform off the coast of Miami, Florida, unearth an ancient Atlantean relic from the sea floor and bring in an expert to make some sense of it. But while attempting to raise the sub, radioactive leakage from its missles triggers the re-emergence of Atlantis, and the resulting tidal wave destroys the platform and leaves only a small group of survivors. Rescued by two Vietnamvets-turned-heavies who are out relaxing after their latest job, their boat eventually runs aground on a Carribean island nearby where, upon going ashore, it is discovered that everything has been destroyed and everybody killed. The culprits, a vicious group of well-armed raiders, and their leader, Crystal Skull, are descendants of Atlantis' original race who set about reclaiming the world and adding the survivors to the list of victims as they struggle to stay alive and defeat the raiders and send Atlantis back to the ocean floor."
A star is born!
On this day in 1983 (in Spain), audiences were swept away on a magical journey when theaters first screened The Beast And The Magic Sword. Written by, directed by, and starring Paul Naschy, the Horror/Fantasy also starred Shigeru Amachi, Junko Asahina, Violeta Cela, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 16th century, lycanthrope Waldemar Daninsky travels from his native Europe to Japan, seeking a way to cure himself of being a werewolf. Only a Japanese sorcerer named Kian and a magic silver sword can save him."
"In the 16th century, lycanthrope Waldemar Daninsky travels from his native Europe to Japan, seeking a way to cure himself of being a werewolf. Only a Japanese sorcerer named Kian and a magic silver sword can save him."
A star is born!
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), The Ewok Adventure (aka Caravan Of Courage) enjoyed its first broadcast on television. Directed by John Korty from a story by George Lucas and Bob Carrau, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eric Walker, Warwick Davis, Fionnula Flanagan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Towani family civilian shuttlecraft crashes on the forest moon of Endor. The four Towani's are separated. Jermitt and Catarine, the mother and father are captured by the giant Gorax, and Mace and Cindel, the son and daughter, are missing when they are captured. The next day, the Ewok Deej is looking for his two sons when they find Cindel all alone in the shuttle (Mace and Cindel were looking for the transmitter to send a distress call), when Mace appears with his emergency blaster. Eventually, the four-year old Cindel is able to convince the teenage Mace that the Ewoks are nice. Then, the Ewoks and the Towani's go on an adventure to find the elder Towanis."
For the record:
At the 1985 Primetime Emmys, The Ewok Adventure took home a big win in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects' while it had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Outstanding Children's Program.'
"The Towani family civilian shuttlecraft crashes on the forest moon of Endor. The four Towani's are separated. Jermitt and Catarine, the mother and father are captured by the giant Gorax, and Mace and Cindel, the son and daughter, are missing when they are captured. The next day, the Ewok Deej is looking for his two sons when they find Cindel all alone in the shuttle (Mace and Cindel were looking for the transmitter to send a distress call), when Mace appears with his emergency blaster. Eventually, the four-year old Cindel is able to convince the teenage Mace that the Ewoks are nice. Then, the Ewoks and the Towani's go on an adventure to find the elder Towanis."
For the record:
At the 1985 Primetime Emmys, The Ewok Adventure took home a big win in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects' while it had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Outstanding Children's Program.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), the good people of Baltimore, Maryland were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Blood Circus. Directed by John Corso and Joseph Ryan Zwick, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Santo Victor Rigatuso, Gary Albright, Ox Baker, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens come to Earth to fight has-been professional wrestlers."
"Aliens come to Earth to fight has-been professional wrestlers."
On this day in 1988 (in Canada), Pin enjoyed an exclusive theatrical release for the good people of Montreal. Written (in part) and directed by Sandor Stern, the Horror/Thriller starred David Hewlett, Cynthia Preston, and Terry O'Quinn. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Isolated by his strange parents, Leon finds solace in an imaginary friend, which happens to be an anatomy doll from his father's doctor office. Unfortunately, the doll begins to take over Leon's life, and his sister's life as well."
"Isolated by his strange parents, Leon finds solace in an imaginary friend, which happens to be an anatomy doll from his father's doctor office. Unfortunately, the doll begins to take over Leon's life, and his sister's life as well."
On this day in 1989 (in Japan), filmmakers proved it ain't easy being green with the theatrical release of The Return Of Swamp Thing. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dick Durock, Heather Locklear, Louis Jourdan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
For the record:
At the 1990 Razzie Awards, actress Heather Locklear took home the big win in the category of 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive an all-new release of The Return Of Swamp Thing via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
For the record:
At the 1990 Razzie Awards, actress Heather Locklear took home the big win in the category of 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive an all-new release of The Return Of Swamp Thing via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Walt Disney's Aladdin enjoyed its full American theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Ron Clements and John Musker, the film featured the voice talents of Robin Williams, Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true."
For the record:
"A kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true."
For the record:
- At the 1993 Academy Awards, Aladdin took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music: Original Song' and 'Best Music: Original Score.'
- At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Aladdin took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
- At the 1993 Hugo Awards, Aladdin received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1994 (in Brazil and Denmark), the streets of time were once again safe as they were properly patrolled by no less than Jean Claude Van Damme as the legendary Timecop. Directed by Peter Hyams from a script by Mike Richardson and Mark Verheiden, the film starred Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
For the record:
Despite my finding Timecop lukewarm, I can appreciate that the flick earned a few honors. At the 1995 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Mia Sara took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.' The film, however, had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I wrote a little something something to celebrate the film's 28th anniversary. Interested readers can check it out right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1995 (in Malaysia), XX Ray II enjoyed its theatrical release. Written by, directed by, and starring Aziz M. Osman, the SciFi/Fantasy starred featured Lydiawati, Aleeza Kassim, Jalaluddin Hassan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Johan and Tina are cadet scientists at a science centre. Johan claims that he invented a laser disposal machine which actually is Tinas brainchild. Tina request Amir, an astronomer, to help her prevent Johan from using the machine. Amir and Tina sneaks into the centre to destroy the machine but are obstructed by Johan and Shima. The self-operating machine emits a laser beam onto them and they are transferred into a time warp to the Malacca Sultanate. They witness the conflict between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. Amir tries to alter history by preventing Hang Tuah from killing Hang Jebat, but he fails to do so."
"Johan and Tina are cadet scientists at a science centre. Johan claims that he invented a laser disposal machine which actually is Tinas brainchild. Tina request Amir, an astronomer, to help her prevent Johan from using the machine. Amir and Tina sneaks into the centre to destroy the machine but are obstructed by Johan and Shima. The self-operating machine emits a laser beam onto them and they are transferred into a time warp to the Malacca Sultanate. They witness the conflict between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. Amir tries to alter history by preventing Hang Tuah from killing Hang Jebat, but he fails to do so."
A star is born ... or is that porn?
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The Exotic House Of Wax delivered a bit of skin along with the Fantastical premise to home video buyers. Written (in part) and directed by Cybil Richards, the film starred Blake Pickett, Jacqueline Lovell, Everett Rodd, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The action heats up when history's most memorable icons come to life for an amorous meltdown in this interactive "please touch" museum."
"The action heats up when history's most memorable icons come to life for an amorous meltdown in this interactive "please touch" museum."
On this day in 1998 (in Canada and the U.S.), A Bug's Life took audiences on a funny thrill ride into a world we rarely see with our own eyes. Written (in part) and directed by John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton, the animated project featured the voice talents of Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Denis Leary, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe."
"A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe."
A star is born!
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Cheerleader Autopsy developed its spirit with a home video release. Written and directed by Stu Dodge, the film starred Brian Smith, Josh Latta, Misty Kapp, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a freak accident strikes down a bus load of nubile cheerleaders, all hopes seem lost for the Fighting Beavers of Stinkwater High, until a crazy mortician and his idiot nephew discover that one of the corpses isn't a corpse."
"When a freak accident strikes down a bus load of nubile cheerleaders, all hopes seem lost for the Fighting Beavers of Stinkwater High, until a crazy mortician and his idiot nephew discover that one of the corpses isn't a corpse."
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Basilisk: The Serpent King enjoyed its broadcast television debut. Directed by Stephen Furst from a story by Wil McCarthy and Chase Parker, the Fantasy film featured Jeremy London, Wendy Carter, and Yancy Butler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Archaeologist Harrison McColl digs up a stone basilisk during his expedition. After transporting it to a museum in Colorado, the basilisk comes to life during a solar eclipse."
"Archaeologist Harrison McColl digs up a stone basilisk during his expedition. After transporting it to a museum in Colorado, the basilisk comes to life during a solar eclipse."
A star is born!
On this day in 2007 (in Japan), audiences in attendance of the Tokyo International Cine City Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of The Water Horse. Directed by Jay Russell from a story by Robert Nelson Jacobs and Dick King-Smith, the Fantasy film starred Emily Watson, David Morrissey, and Alex Etel. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A lonely boy discovers a mysterious egg that hatches a sea creature of Scottish legend."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Alex Etel earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A lonely boy discovers a mysterious egg that hatches a sea creature of Scottish legend."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Alex Etel earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
On this day in 2008, the Fantasy-themed Merlin And The War Of The Dragons enjoyed its premiere on home video. Directed by Mark Atkins from a story by Jon Macy, the feature starred Simon Lloyd-Roberts, Jürgen Prochnow, and Dylan Jones. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 5th Century Britain, a young Merlin struggles for his place in his known land under the tutelage of The Mage, a local wizard whom sees the young man's potential for magic, as well as face off against his evil former friend, Vendiger, whom plots with a feudal warlord king to conquer all of Britian using an army of flying dragons, and only Merlin with the alliance of the local Prince Uther and Ingraine and a pair of mystical goddesses, can have the power to stop the evil from taking over the land."
"In 5th Century Britain, a young Merlin struggles for his place in his known land under the tutelage of The Mage, a local wizard whom sees the young man's potential for magic, as well as face off against his evil former friend, Vendiger, whom plots with a feudal warlord king to conquer all of Britian using an army of flying dragons, and only Merlin with the alliance of the local Prince Uther and Ingraine and a pair of mystical goddesses, can have the power to stop the evil from taking over the land."
A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Ben 10: Alien Swarm delivered a bit of Science Fiction and Fantasy for the young-at-heart. Directed by Alex Winter, the film starred Shaun Bowman, Ryan Kelley, and Alyssa Diaz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Against his grandfather's orders, Ben Tennyson teams up with the daughter of an old enemy in order to prevent an alien infestation of earth."
For the record:
At the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards, Ben 10: Alien Swarm was nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie, Or A Special.'
"Against his grandfather's orders, Ben Tennyson teams up with the daughter of an old enemy in order to prevent an alien infestation of earth."
For the record:
At the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards, Ben 10: Alien Swarm was nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie, Or A Special.'
On this day in 2011 (in Germany), 51 enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Jason Connery from a story by Kenny Yakkel, Lucy Mukerjee, and Joshua Grote, the film starred Tammi Arender, Bruce Boxleitner, Vanessa Branch, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When reporters are granted access to Area 51 Air Force base, a breach of security turns the protected government base into a horrifying destination of terror."
"When reporters are granted access to Area 51 Air Force base, a breach of security turns the protected government base into a horrifying destination of terror."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in Italy), it wasn't just jingle bells ringing when audiences in attendance of the Torino Film Festival were treated the theatrical unveiling of Christmas With The Dead. Directed by T.L. Lankford from a story by Joe R. Lansdale and Keith Lansdale, the film starred Damian Maffei, Brad Maule, Madeline Brassell, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In his quest to fulfill a promise made to his wife, Calvin sets out to right his wrongs and make it the best Christmas ever. If only it weren't June, and the majority of the population, including his wife and daughter, hadn't returned from the dead as flesh-eating snappers in search of hot human lunches, he'd be in pretty good shape. Driven by guilt in a race against the apocalyptic clock, Calvin teams up with G.M., a wily ex-garbage man turned undead slayer, as together they attempt to deck the halls during the most magical time of the year. It's Christmas in June. And snappers be damned... The lights and decorations are going up."
"In his quest to fulfill a promise made to his wife, Calvin sets out to right his wrongs and make it the best Christmas ever. If only it weren't June, and the majority of the population, including his wife and daughter, hadn't returned from the dead as flesh-eating snappers in search of hot human lunches, he'd be in pretty good shape. Driven by guilt in a race against the apocalyptic clock, Calvin teams up with G.M., a wily ex-garbage man turned undead slayer, as together they attempt to deck the halls during the most magical time of the year. It's Christmas in June. And snappers be damned... The lights and decorations are going up."
On this day in 2016 (in Australia), the 1986-produced Aliens enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Paul Reiser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Kill Command showed audiences what the potential threat to Artificial Intelligence might really look like. Written and directed by Steven Gomez, the SciFi/Thriller starred Thure Lindhardt, Vanessa Kirby, and David Ajala. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in a near future, technology-reliant society is creating killing machines. Against this backdrop an elite Marine unit is helicoptered in to a remote, off-the-grid island training facility, to test the capabilities of the latest prototypes. They set up positions and make short work of the AI targets in the killing field. However, overnight their sentry goes missing, and when they find the corpse the next day they find themselves in the killing field and the tables have turned. The Marines fight to survive on an island that is overrun by an enemy intelligence far beyond their predecessors, which learns from their every move."
"Set in a near future, technology-reliant society is creating killing machines. Against this backdrop an elite Marine unit is helicoptered in to a remote, off-the-grid island training facility, to test the capabilities of the latest prototypes. They set up positions and make short work of the AI targets in the killing field. However, overnight their sentry goes missing, and when they find the corpse the next day they find themselves in the killing field and the tables have turned. The Marines fight to survive on an island that is overrun by an enemy intelligence far beyond their predecessors, which learns from their every move."
A star is born!
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in China), Mad Shelia (aka Feng kuang xi li ya) was first unveiled to the masses with a broadcast airing. Written (in part) and directed by Lei Lu, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Quan Gu, Da Li, and Yan Li. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mad Shelia is about a female bounty hunter who wanders the desert disguised as a man then goes on a wild chase across a desert to save a group of virgins from being sold to leather-clad, goggle-wearing warlords."
"Mad Shelia is about a female bounty hunter who wanders the desert disguised as a man then goes on a wild chase across a desert to save a group of virgins from being sold to leather-clad, goggle-wearing warlords."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Colombia), Vida enjoyed its original theatrical release for audiences of the Zinema Zombie Fest. Written and directed for the screen by Carlos Santiago Amézquita Villamizar, the SciFi film starred Leonardo Martinez and Nataly Rojas. According to our friends at FilmFreeway.Com, here's the plot summary:
"August, a young scientist and his sister Andromache, travel through outer space searching for extraterrestrial life. When they find it in dying planet, they'll decide to start a new journey with the purpose of saving their own species."
"August, a young scientist and his sister Andromache, travel through outer space searching for extraterrestrial life. When they find it in dying planet, they'll decide to start a new journey with the purpose of saving their own species."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in Italy), Little Tito And The Aliens (aka Tito e gli alieni) enjoyed its first screening when it appeared before audiences of the Torino Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Paola Randi, the SciFi/Comedy starred Valerio Mastandrea, Clémence Poésy, and Luca Esposito. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his wife's death the Professor lives isolated from the world in the Nevada desert, near Area 51. He supposedly works on a top-secret project for the US government. He supposedly works on a top-secret project for the US government, but in actuality, he spends his days on the couch, listening to the sound of the Universe. His only contact with the outside world is Stella, who organizes alien-themed weddings for tourists on the prowl for extra-terrestrials. One day the Professor receives a message from Naples: his dying brother is entrusting him with his two children, so that they may live with him in America. Anita (16) and Tito (7) arrive expecting the legendary brightening lights of Las Vegas, but instead, they find themselves in the middle of nowhere, in the hands of their nutty uncle and in a weird, mysterious place where aliens are said to live."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Little Tito And The Aliens earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"After his wife's death the Professor lives isolated from the world in the Nevada desert, near Area 51. He supposedly works on a top-secret project for the US government. He supposedly works on a top-secret project for the US government, but in actuality, he spends his days on the couch, listening to the sound of the Universe. His only contact with the outside world is Stella, who organizes alien-themed weddings for tourists on the prowl for extra-terrestrials. One day the Professor receives a message from Naples: his dying brother is entrusting him with his two children, so that they may live with him in America. Anita (16) and Tito (7) arrive expecting the legendary brightening lights of Las Vegas, but instead, they find themselves in the middle of nowhere, in the hands of their nutty uncle and in a weird, mysterious place where aliens are said to live."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Little Tito And The Aliens earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in China), Future Chase (aka Huo xing zhui ji) showed that the chase was on ... in the future! Written by, directed by, and starring Nathaniel Boyd, here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the year 2324, a criminal of unknown origin is relentlessly pursued across the galaxy by an Interpol police officer who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice."
"In the year 2324, a criminal of unknown origin is relentlessly pursued across the galaxy by an Interpol police officer who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice."
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Indestructible: Afterlife enjoyed its unveiling to audiences via a home video release. Directed by Matt Spease from a story by John Vasiliou, the film starred Spease alongside Jessica Brasher, Jade Michael LaFont, and CJ Bernard. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After killing Alison Sumner and being seemingly killed by Robert Kersey, James Kirby is being transferred to the local morgue. But he isn't dead and kills the coroner and his assistant before escaping into the night. Now anyone who encounters this unstoppable creature is in danger of losing their lives. Who can finally stop this madness, once and for all."
"After killing Alison Sumner and being seemingly killed by Robert Kersey, James Kirby is being transferred to the local morgue. But he isn't dead and kills the coroner and his assistant before escaping into the night. Now anyone who encounters this unstoppable creature is in danger of losing their lives. Who can finally stop this madness, once and for all."
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), audiences were afraid to go back into the water with the release of Lake Of Shadows. Written (in part) and directed by Michael S. Rodriguez, the film starred Robert LaSardo, Dawna Lee Heising, and Sarah French. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two aspiring film makers venture to a mysterious lake to uncover a story on a local legend. As they get closer to the truth, the danger follows. Before they know it they are thrust into a fight for their lives and the truth about Avocado Lake."
"Two aspiring film makers venture to a mysterious lake to uncover a story on a local legend. As they get closer to the truth, the danger follows. Before they know it they are thrust into a fight for their lives and the truth about Avocado Lake."
A star is born!
On this day in 2021 (in the United Arab Emirates), Maanaadu enjoyed its first theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film starred Silambarasan TR, S.J. Suryah, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On the day of a public conference by the state's Chief Minister, his bodyguard and a police officer are stuck in a time loop."
"On the day of a public conference by the state's Chief Minister, his bodyguard and a police officer are stuck in a time loop."
A star is born!
On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), Night Of The Tommyknockers enjoyed a limited theatrical release alongside a home video launch simultaneously. Directed by Michael Su, the Horror/Fantasy starred Richard Grieco, Tom Sizemore, Robert LaSardo, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When miners blast for gold in the 1870's, they accidentally release ancient creatures known as Tommyknockers. The Town of Deer Creek, Nevada is soon under siege with only a handful of survivors held up in the local saloon."
"When miners blast for gold in the 1870's, they accidentally release ancient creatures known as Tommyknockers. The Town of Deer Creek, Nevada is soon under siege with only a handful of survivors held up in the local saloon."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Terry And The Pirates took to the broadcast airwaves with the release of "Macao Gold." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hotshot Charlie's plane, with its cargo of gold bullion, is hijacked by the Dragon Lady's operatives while en route to Japan. Terry Lee and Chopstick Joe deduce that the gold could only be disposed of it the Portugese colony of Macao and Terry flies there to attempt to recover the precious cargo."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Terry And The Pirates took to the broadcast airwaves with the release of "Macao Gold." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hotshot Charlie's plane, with its cargo of gold bullion, is hijacked by the Dragon Lady's operatives while en route to Japan. Terry Lee and Chopstick Joe deduce that the gold could only be disposed of it the Portugese colony of Macao and Terry flies there to attempt to recover the precious cargo."
On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "Asteroid." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An asteroid straying close to Earth becomes the subject of an experiment. It is decided to scout the asteroid with a view of turning it into a mobile space station. If not the rock must be destroyed."
"An asteroid straying close to Earth becomes the subject of an experiment. It is decided to scout the asteroid with a view of turning it into a mobile space station. If not the rock must be destroyed."
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Uniblab." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"George is confident he will get a promotion, but things do not go as planned at all."
"George is confident he will get a promotion, but things do not go as planned at all."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "End Of The Road." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A construction team finishes work on a new road in Asia, and Eddie Housman decides to take a holiday and visit an old girlfriend - Tin Tin. Arriving at the island, Eddie soon becomes emotionally attached to Tin Tin, much to the annoyance of Alan. A phone call summons Eddie back to the construction site and International Rescue is suddenly caught in one of the most dangerous rescues they've attempted, all while trying to hide their identities from Eddie."
"A construction team finishes work on a new road in Asia, and Eddie Housman decides to take a holiday and visit an old girlfriend - Tin Tin. Arriving at the island, Eddie soon becomes emotionally attached to Tin Tin, much to the annoyance of Alan. A phone call summons Eddie back to the construction site and International Rescue is suddenly caught in one of the most dangerous rescues they've attempted, all while trying to hide their identities from Eddie."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), The Time Tunnel aired "Secret Weapon." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The guys are transported to 1956 Russia and receive a message from the Time Tunnel: "Meet Alexis". They meet the agent who gets them to a Soviet Time Tunnel he is in charge of and insists they pilot the craft. They know its doomed future."
"The guys are transported to 1956 Russia and receive a message from the Time Tunnel: "Meet Alexis". They meet the agent who gets them to a Soviet Time Tunnel he is in charge of and insists they pilot the craft. They know its doomed future."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "Amok Time." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), The Greatest American Hero aired "Hog Wild." Officially, this served as the fourth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When a motorcycle gang learns about Ralph and the suit, they grab Bill and force Ralph to help them get back at the Sheriff who humiliated them."
"When a motorcycle gang learns about Ralph and the suit, they grab Bill and force Ralph to help them get back at the Sheriff who humiliated them."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Boy George." Officially, this served as the thirty-eighth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"George's temporary smallness lands him a large account."
"George's temporary smallness lands him a large account."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures Of The Galaxy Rangers aired "Changeling." Officially, this (technically) served as the program's fiftieth (they were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Deltoid Prison Rock is taken over by the General who plans on using it to start a new campaign. Gooseman is sent in undercover to the prison to deactivate the prison's self-destruct."
"Deltoid Prison Rock is taken over by the General who plans on using it to start a new campaign. Gooseman is sent in undercover to the prison to deactivate the prison's self-destruct."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "The Crash." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien, a fugitive, and a small plan full of people, crash land on an island and are hunted by the fugitive's employer, another fugitive from the future."
"Darien, a fugitive, and a small plan full of people, crash land on an island and are hunted by the fugitive's employer, another fugitive from the future."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired the fourth episode of the program's fourth season. Officially, the hour went under the title of "Falling Toward Apotheosis," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Refugees from worlds destroyed by the Vorlons descend on Babylon 5."
"Refugees from worlds destroyed by the Vorlons descend on Babylon 5."
It all came down to this ...
For better or for worse, the immortal journey that was all of Babylon 5 -- so far as the original series' run is concerned -- came to a close on this day in 1998 with the airing of "Sleeping In Light." As the twenty-second episode of the shows fifth season, here's what you need to know about it, compliments again of IMDB.com:
"20 years after he visited Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan knows his time is short and gathers his old comrades together. Afterwards he takes personalized White Star to Babylon 5 where it's going to be decommissioned shortly. The final leg of his journey takes him to Coriana 6 where they ended the Shadow War, and meets with one last person. The old command staff gather on Babylon 5 to watch its decommissioning."
For the record:
To the episode's credit, "Sleeping In Light" enjoyed a 1999 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
For better or for worse, the immortal journey that was all of Babylon 5 -- so far as the original series' run is concerned -- came to a close on this day in 1998 with the airing of "Sleeping In Light." As the twenty-second episode of the shows fifth season, here's what you need to know about it, compliments again of IMDB.com:
"20 years after he visited Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan knows his time is short and gathers his old comrades together. Afterwards he takes personalized White Star to Babylon 5 where it's going to be decommissioned shortly. The final leg of his journey takes him to Coriana 6 where they ended the Shadow War, and meets with one last person. The old command staff gather on Babylon 5 to watch its decommissioning."
For the record:
To the episode's credit, "Sleeping In Light" enjoyed a 1999 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), First Wave aired "Breeding Ground." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Cade poses as a track coach to investigate reports of superhuman abilities in some of the students at a private school in New England."
"Cade poses as a track coach to investigate reports of superhuman abilities in some of the students at a private school in New England."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "As Time Goes By." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Olga's husband Josef, a Russian chrononaut presumed dead after disappearing in a failed Russian time travel program, shows up after seven years of being missing. Claiming to be from over 30 years in the future, Josef says he has come back to bring Olga with him to the future, but Ramsey and Parker strongly suspect things aren't what they appear to be."
"Olga's husband Josef, a Russian chrononaut presumed dead after disappearing in a failed Russian time travel program, shows up after seven years of being missing. Claiming to be from over 30 years in the future, Josef says he has come back to bring Olga with him to the future, but Ramsey and Parker strongly suspect things aren't what they appear to be."
On this day in 2000 (in Australia), The Lost World aired "The Prisoner." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mystery woman tells Veronica that her parents are alive. Veronica then unwittingly releases a savage giant from captivity. Marguerite and the others must then subdue him again."
"A mystery woman tells Veronica that her parents are alive. Veronica then unwittingly releases a savage giant from captivity. Marguerite and the others must then subdue him again."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "And Your Heart Will Fly Away." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An unknown armored man appears on the command deck of the Andromeda and proceeds to engage Dylan in combat with a katana. After Dylan comes out on top, Tyr leaves in Harper's new and improved slipfighter without a word. The Andromeda encounters a kilometer-tall version of Dylan that opens fire on the ship, but when the Andromeda retaliates the giant replica vanishes. Dylan investigates who attacked him and whom Tyr left to find."
"An unknown armored man appears on the command deck of the Andromeda and proceeds to engage Dylan in combat with a katana. After Dylan comes out on top, Tyr leaves in Harper's new and improved slipfighter without a word. The Andromeda encounters a kilometer-tall version of Dylan that opens fire on the ship, but when the Andromeda retaliates the giant replica vanishes. Dylan investigates who attacked him and whom Tyr left to find."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Fringe aired "The Dreamscape." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An employee of Massive Dynamic covered in mysterious cuts jumps out a window believing himself to be attacked by a swarm of butterflies. Meanwhile, Olivia becomes fed up with her visions of John Scott and decides to go back into the sensory deprivation tank to get rid of them."
"An employee of Massive Dynamic covered in mysterious cuts jumps out a window believing himself to be attacked by a swarm of butterflies. Meanwhile, Olivia becomes fed up with her visions of John Scott and decides to go back into the sensory deprivation tank to get rid of them."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sanctuary aired "Fugue." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"FBI Agent Abby Corrigan's life is endangered after she is suddenly attacked by an unfamiliar abnormal during an investigation; Magnus and Will's heated debate over the best way to help Abby threatens to permanently alter their relationship."
"FBI Agent Abby Corrigan's life is endangered after she is suddenly attacked by an unfamiliar abnormal during an investigation; Magnus and Will's heated debate over the best way to help Abby threatens to permanently alter their relationship."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Almost Human aired the third episode of its only season. The hour was titled "Are You Receiving?" According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gang of criminals try to get their demands by taking some hostages. But as it turns out, this was just a diversion to take away police attention from the real crime scene - palladium robbery."
"A gang of criminals try to get their demands by taking some hostages. But as it turns out, this was just a diversion to take away police attention from the real crime scene - palladium robbery."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Ms. Vampy's Love Bites aired "Who Pays On The First Date?" Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided from the installment's posting on YouTube.com:
"These days, Ms. Vampy lives in her Hollywood Villa and is a Life Coach and Dating Expert to the rich and famous. She is often seen on night shoots, shopping in Beverly Hills for Dior or hanging out at Lakers' games. She loves 80s rock and disco, her favorite band is Vampire Weekend and she never misses American Idol, The Voice or Millionaire Matchmaker on TV. Her secret dream is to join the cast of HBO's True Blood (of course, she thinks it's a "reality" show)! She enjoys Godiva Chocolates and Bloody Marys and she loves to play Xbox when she's feeling feisty. While she has yet to marry or have children, she freely admits to being boy crazy and hopes to someday make-out with Robert Pattinson. Ms. Vampy is forever sexy, funny, young, and obnoxious, but her heart is as big as her mouth. If she ever bites you, it'll be with love." Now, who better to give the world LOVE & DATING advice than a 110 year old Vampire who has seen it all and has a HEART of gold?"
"These days, Ms. Vampy lives in her Hollywood Villa and is a Life Coach and Dating Expert to the rich and famous. She is often seen on night shoots, shopping in Beverly Hills for Dior or hanging out at Lakers' games. She loves 80s rock and disco, her favorite band is Vampire Weekend and she never misses American Idol, The Voice or Millionaire Matchmaker on TV. Her secret dream is to join the cast of HBO's True Blood (of course, she thinks it's a "reality" show)! She enjoys Godiva Chocolates and Bloody Marys and she loves to play Xbox when she's feeling feisty. While she has yet to marry or have children, she freely admits to being boy crazy and hopes to someday make-out with Robert Pattinson. Ms. Vampy is forever sexy, funny, young, and obnoxious, but her heart is as big as her mouth. If she ever bites you, it'll be with love." Now, who better to give the world LOVE & DATING advice than a 110 year old Vampire who has seen it all and has a HEART of gold?"
On this day in 2023 (in several countries around the world), the long-running Doctor Who took a stab at reinvention with the airing of "The Star Beast." Officially, The Star Beast exists as its own entity -- separate from any individual season numbering -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is caught in a fight to the death as a spaceship crash-lands in London. But as the battle wreaks havoc, destiny is converging on the Doctor's old friend, Donna."
"The Doctor is caught in a fight to the death as a spaceship crash-lands in London. But as the battle wreaks havoc, destiny is converging on the Doctor's old friend, Donna."
According to a Google.com search, the epic Science Fiction and Fantasy tale from Jules Verne -- Journey To The Center Of The Earth -- was first published on this day all the way back in 1864. Even to this day, it's a story that has undergone countless screen adaptations, and I've no doubt its influenced will continue well into the next age of entertainment. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this science fiction novel, a German professor believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the center of the Earth. He, his nephew Axel, and their guide, Hans, descend into the Icelandic volcano Snæfellsjökull, encountering prehistoric animals and natural hazards, before eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy, at the Stromboli volcano."
"In this science fiction novel, a German professor believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the center of the Earth. He, his nephew Axel, and their guide, Hans, descend into the Icelandic volcano Snæfellsjökull, encountering prehistoric animals and natural hazards, before eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy, at the Stromboli volcano."
