TV's incarnation of Marvel Comics' property The Incredible Hulk was classic television bred and built on the episodic formula format. Each week, the renegade Dr. Bruce Banner -- under the guise of some other person -- would show up in a new town, a new place, and he'd offer help to someone suffering whatever cruel fate the screenwriters had in store for them. Inevitably, something or someone would make Bruce angry, and that'd bring out the Hulk in him to right whatever wrongs had been perpetrated on the society at large. Though it began on this day in 1977, it lasted for five season -- along with a telefilm here and there for good measure -- and remains a fond memory for those who enjoyed its run.
Holy moly! Hard-working character actor Ian Wolfe leaves behind a resume of over three hundred different screen credits! Genre fans might know him best from work aboard The Twilight Zone, The Invaders, Star Trek, THX 1138 (1971), The Terminal Man (1974), Wizards And Warriors, and Creator (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Wolfe was born on this day in 1896.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alas, the venerable Gig Young didn't traffic in the realm of genre projects, but he did manage to squeeze in a spot aboard TV's classic serial The Twilight Zone. Late in his career, he also found work aboard a Horror/Telefilm called Spectre (1977) for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
"Why, grandmother, what creepy eyes you have!" Sacrificing her looks for her art, Virginia Field played fright up to the hilt for her work aboard the SciFi/Horror release The Earth Dies Screaming (1964) for Lippert Films. Though she's no longer with us, Field was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leonardo Cimino dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction with roles aboard David Lynch's adaptation of Dune (1984) and a terrific role aboard TV's original V miniseries. Though he's no longer with us, Cimino was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When George Lucas agreed to bring that galaxy far, far away to television for what would be known as the Star Wars Holiday Special, he cast comedy legend Art Carney in a supporting role. Though he's no longer with us, Carney was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably not remembered for his contributions to Science Fiction, Cameron Mitchell certainly never avoided our beloved realm. He booked appearances on Night Gallery, Death In Space (1974), Project U.F.O., Supersonic Man (1979), The Incredible Hulk, Frankenstein Island (1981), Knight Rider, Mutant War (1988), and Space Mutiny (1988). Though he's no longer with us, Mitchell was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2021, I received a promotional new release of Flight To Mars (1951) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2022, I received a all-new home video release of Wihtout Warning (1980) from a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
- In 2022, I received a complimentary release of The Toolbox Murders (1978) -- in which Mitchell played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Before The Six Million Dollar Man became a weekly TV series, Martin Balsam played the key character of 'Dr. Rudy Wells' in a SciFi/Telefilm of the same name. Though he's no longer with us, Balsam was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Helene Stanton is another one of those actresses who enjoyed only a brief flirtation with a Hollywood career, much of it relegated to genre pictures and small appearances. As far as Science Fiction goes, she scored points for her lusciousness in the passable The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues (1955) from Milner Brothers Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Stanton was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kate Reid played one of the scientists racing against time to save mankind from possible extinction by way of The Andromeda Strain (1971). Though she's no longer with us, Reid was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The utterly delicious Irene Tsu boasts a fantastic resume in the world of movies and television. Though she's probably remembered more for her work from the 70's and 80's, she's given fandom something to crow about with appearances on the original Wonder Woman, My Favorite Martian, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Women of the Prehistoric Planet, and Future Cop. Plus -- on Star Trek: Voyager -- she made two appearances as Harry Kim's mother. Tsu was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from all places as Springfield, Illinois, Mickey Cottrell went in search of his dreams on and around the silver screen, landing a career both as an actor and as a member of the production crew of many, many different projects. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, Terrified (1995), Terror T.R.A.X.: Track Of The Vampire (video game), Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996), Volcano (1997), Star Trek: Voyager, Conan The Adventurer, and Home The Horror Story (2000). Though he's no longer with us, Cottrell was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ursaline Bryant enjoyed a supporting role aboard "Conspiracy," a memorable first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Bryant was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Linda Haynes left an indelible mark in filmdom. Though only known for a dozen-plus professional credits, genre fans might know her best in the guise of 'Dr. Anne Barton' in Science Fiction's Latitude Zero (1969) from Ambassador Productions. Haynes was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Admiral Kirk returned to the command of the Starship Enterprise aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Momo Yashima was just one of the many faces who greeted him. The actress has also put in work aboard Voyagers!, V, Babylon 5, Ravager (1997), and Good Vs. Evil. Yashima was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Markie Post is extremely well known for her mainstream dramas and comedies, but she has dabbled in Science Fiction. For example, in 1979 she joined Buck Rogers In The 25th Century for the early two-parter called 'The Plot to Kill A City.' Plus -- in the 90's -- she made an appearance on Fox TV's virtual reality drama, VR5. Though she's no longer with us, Post was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Vickery is a fabulous character actor who has made his presence known with work aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Crusade, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Vickery was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lani John Tupu was born on this day back in 1955, but, for all practical purposes, he really came to life when he took on the role of Peacekeeper 'Captain Bialar Crais' in Syfy's wonderful Farscape program. The actor has also enjoyed work aboard such properties as The Punisher (1989), Time Trax, The Lost World, Robotropolis (2011), and Preacher. Tupu was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's sinced moved into the realms of writing and producing, the lovely Deborah Rennard faced the Apocalypse for her work aboard Land Of Doom (1986). She also enjoyed a guest spot aboard William Shatner's TekWar in the 1990's. Rennard was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days before Kathy Griffin decided to anchor her "message" in the realm of angry politics, the comedienne enjoyed a promising guest role aboard Fox TV's popular The X-Files. Griffin was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ralph Macchio dabbled in that feverish realm between sight and sound that's better known as The Outer Limits. Macchio was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! SciFi loves its gingers! The lovely Monique Parent faced down a dangerous threat in the form of Jurassic City (2015), one of those inevitable knock-offs that tried to capitalize on the Jurassic World release. (And there's nothing wrong with that!) Parent was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Kiersten Warren had a small but crucial role in the development of what was really at stake in 1996's Independence Day. So far as SciFi goes, she also appeared in Bicentennial Man and had a guest-starring role in Fox TV's Fringe. Warren was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh from the pages of Playboy itself, the perfectly fetching Petra Verkaik enjoyed a small role aboard the SciFi/Shlock release Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000) from Troma Entertainment. Verkaik was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Krista Bridges (above right) was part of the ensemble that NBC taxed to bring alive the Heroes universe when the show was rebooted in the form of Heroes Reborn. Bridges was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Samantha Smith -- shown above from her small role in Transformers (2007) -- gravitates toward more mainstream fare but has put in time aboard Avalon: Beyond The Abyss (1999), What Planet Are You From? (2000), Dark Angel, and The CW's Supernatural. Smith was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Matthew McConaughey -- an actor rarely caught with his shirt on -- did manage to clean up nicely long enough to appear onscreen alongside Jodie Foster in Carl Sagan's Contact. Recently, he headlined Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. McConaughey was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You fight the aliens, you deserve a mention ... and Anthony Ruivivar joined Johnny Rico and the rest of the fleet in trying to propel the Bugs from existence in Starship Troopers (1997). He's also had roles in The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Revolution, and The CW's Frequency. Ruivivar was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Soap opera actress Heather Tom took time out of her busy schedule for a pair of appearances aboard TV's Fantasy-themed Lucifer. Tom was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Justine Waddell starred in Target (2011), a SciFi/Drama examining the dangers of halting the aging process. Waddell was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Alphas resident tough guys, Warren Christie turns another year older and another year wiser today. He's also been found in The Twilight Zone, Jake 2.0, The Thing Below (2004), Andromeda, Battlestar Galactica (Syfy), Apollo 18 (2011), and Arrow. Christie was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Goran D. Kleut suited up admirably to bring to life the dreaded Xenomorph aboard Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant (2017). Kleut was born on this day in 1975.
[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.
Adult film temptress Audrey Hollander -- shown above from one of her tamer moments -- took a stab (snicker snicker) kinda/sorta at another type of Fantasy with her work aboard This Isn't 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse': The XXX Parody for Devil's Films. Bless her heart. Hollander was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ach! That's gonna leave a mark! So many good and talented people have come and go from AMC's entertaining Apocalyptic juggernaut that is The Walking Dead I'm afraid we've lost count, but kudos to the lovely Amber Chaney for -- ahem -- taking one for the team. She also enjoyed a brief bit of screen time aboard the The Hunger Games (2012) for good measure ... and, hopefully, less make-up. In any event, Chaney was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've got a love/hate relationship with the SciFi/Fantasy franchise Tremors. I absolutely love the original motion picture, but the sequels? Meh. They're mostly flat. Occasionally interesting. But still flat. The 2003 television series had a few moments, but it essentially went nowhere. I was excited to learn when Kevin Bacon announced he was returning to the property with an all-new television reboot back in 2018, but ... did it ever air? Maybe it did. I thought I'd seen it advertised, but I'm at a loss to know if it was ever broadcast. I definitely would've enjoyed seeing the lovely Erin O'Brien in it. She looks absolutely dreamy! O'Brien was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Soap opera star Emme Rylan took a bit of time off from the daytime drama to star aboard Impulse Black (2011) from Blu Lantern Productions, a SciFi/Short that questioned what we've been taught about history was true or something else. Rylan was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
No longer shackled with playing the bully in SciFi schlock like Transformers (2007), Travis Van Winkle has come into his own as one of the resident Alpha males aboard TNT's SciFi-themed The Last Ship. Van Winkle was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While she can be found casting spells aboard Syfy's flagship series The Magicians, Olivia Taylor Dudley has also been seen on Chernobyl Diaries (2012) and Transcendence (2014). Dudley was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Nicole Dambro dabbled in the realm of cinematic Fantasy with a top role aboard The Axiom (2018) for the Axiom Movie Production Company. Dambro was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Multi-talented Alexz Johnson took time out from her singing career to put in performances aboard such properties as So Weird, Smallville, and Haven. Johnson was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Jean-Luc Bilodeau played second fiddle aboard the SciFi-lite Kyle XY for much of its run. He's since graduated to much more mainstream drama and comedy. Bilodeau was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Adriana Chechik proved The Force was strong with her by appearing as 'Rey' aboard Star Wars: The Last Temptation (2017), a decidedly Adult-themed parody of our beloved franchise. Chechik was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Fivel Stewart used her skills in the dark arts for her work aboard Hansel & Gretel: Warriors Of Witchcraft (2013) for for Rapid Heart Productions. She also enjoyed a guest appearance to the TV world of Lab Rats: Elite Force in 2016. Stewart was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Chelsea Zhang stepped deep into the realm of Fantasy in the guise of 'Rose Wilson' aka 'Ravager' aboard the DC Comics streaming property Titans. Zhang was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Darcy Rose Byrnes used her wonderful pipes to bring 'Ikki' to life aboard the popular Fantasy/Animated project The Legend Of Korra. Byrnes was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1922 (in Hungary), Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde opened up a medical practice cinematically. Directed by John S. Robertson, the SciFi/Horror starred John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, and Brandon Hurst. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
On this day in 1932 (in Denmark), Doctor X cured what ailed audiences in theatres. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the SciFi/Horror starred Lionel Atwill, Lee Tracy, and Fay Wray; and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"A wisecracking New York reporter intrudes on a research scientist's quest to unmask The Moon Killer."
ExtraExtraAlert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Doctor X right here!
"A wisecracking New York reporter intrudes on a research scientist's quest to unmask The Moon Killer."
ExtraExtraAlert:
Want to know more? Then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Doctor X right here!
On this day in 1934 (in Finland), Deluge poured its deadly waters all over the silver screen. Directed by Felix E. Feist, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peggy Shannon, Lois Wilson, and Sidney Blackmer. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A massive earthquake strikes the United States, which destroys the West Coast and unleashes a massive flood that threatens to destroy the East Coast as well."
For the record:
In 2018, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized that year's DVD release of Deluge with a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-Ray Classic Film Release.'
"A massive earthquake strikes the United States, which destroys the West Coast and unleashes a massive flood that threatens to destroy the East Coast as well."
For the record:
In 2018, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized that year's DVD release of Deluge with a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-Ray Classic Film Release.'
A star is born! If you're going to go through life known as 'the giant spider of giant spider movies,' then give Tarantula its due from Universal International Pictures. Released on this day in 1955 in its big screen premiere for the people of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the monster movie was directed by Jack Arnold, who also did some work on its screenplay. The film starred John Agar, Mara Corday, and Leo G. Carroll. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), the good people of Monticello, New York were treated to the first theatrical engagement ever of the Adult-themed SciFi/Comedy Invasion Of The Love Drones. Written (in part) and directed by Jerome Hamlin, the film starred Eric Edwards, Joann Sterling, and Arlana Blue. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Horny aliens invade Earth."
"Horny aliens invade Earth."
A star is born! Science Fiction has always been business in the field of the end of life as we know it, and on this day in 1983 the SciFi/Drama Testament enjoyed two big city theatrical premieres when it opened on screens in Los Angeles, California and New York City, New York. Directed by Lynne Littman, the film starred Jane Alexander, William Devane, and Roxana Zal. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The life of a suburban American family is scarred after a nuclear attack."
For the record:
From what I've read, Testament had a bit of a tumultuous relationship in history. It was originally shot as a television film but secured some theatrical distribution because of its quality and message; eventually, producers had to settle with their actors out-of-court when they insisted they had been bilked out of 'theatrical salaries' versus their contractual TV pay grade. Also, Hollywood heavyhitter Kevin Costner played a small role in the film, but he's apparently on record as saying the feature left a huge impact on him, encouraging him to explore more work in somewhat similar fare down the road in films like Waterworld (1995) and The Postman (1997). Lastly, the flick did create a bit of buzz during the awards season, and its lead Jane Alexander enjoyed a 1984 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Leading Role.'
"The life of a suburban American family is scarred after a nuclear attack."
For the record:
From what I've read, Testament had a bit of a tumultuous relationship in history. It was originally shot as a television film but secured some theatrical distribution because of its quality and message; eventually, producers had to settle with their actors out-of-court when they insisted they had been bilked out of 'theatrical salaries' versus their contractual TV pay grade. Also, Hollywood heavyhitter Kevin Costner played a small role in the film, but he's apparently on record as saying the feature left a huge impact on him, encouraging him to explore more work in somewhat similar fare down the road in films like Waterworld (1995) and The Postman (1997). Lastly, the flick did create a bit of buzz during the awards season, and its lead Jane Alexander enjoyed a 1984 Academy Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Leading Role.'
A star is born ... and that is one big brain! And when the motion picture is named after you, then I'm guessing it's going to get a lot bigger! On this day in 1988 (in Canada), The Brain moved cerebrally into theatres. Directed by Ed Hunt from a script by Barry Pearson, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Cynthia Preston, George Buza, and David Gale. Here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"With the help of an alien organism, a man brainwashes audiences through television; a troubled high school student is determined to stop them."
"With the help of an alien organism, a man brainwashes audiences through television; a troubled high school student is determined to stop them."
John Carpenter's They Live -- which premiered on this day in 1988 -- is a SciFi flick that gets an awful lot across film fandom. I always thought it was alright, but I really didn't find it anything special. It did give 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper his first foray into science fiction, so that's a plus. Here's the film's plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1994 (in Germany), a bunch of lovely ladies showed up for Dinosaur Island's premiere on television. Directed by Fred Olen Ray and Jim Wynorski, the film starred Ross Hagen, Richard Gabai, and Antonia Dorian. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An army captain is flying three misfit deserters home for a court martial when the plane has engine trouble and they must land on an uncharted island. There they find a primitive society of cave women who routinely sacrifice virgins to appease The Great One, the top dog dinosaur on the the island. Mistaken for gods, the men must destroy The Great One or face death, but meanwhile they fall in love."
"An army captain is flying three misfit deserters home for a court martial when the plane has engine trouble and they must land on an uncharted island. There they find a primitive society of cave women who routinely sacrifice virgins to appease The Great One, the top dog dinosaur on the the island. Mistaken for gods, the men must destroy The Great One or face death, but meanwhile they fall in love."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Double Dragon started swinging for box office gold. Directed by James Yukich, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Robert Patrick, Mark Dacascos, and Scott Wolf. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two brothers have half of a powerful ancient Chinese talisman. An evil gang leader has the other half, and determines to get the brothers' half and have a complete medallion so he can gain absolute power."
"Two brothers have half of a powerful ancient Chinese talisman. An evil gang leader has the other half, and determines to get the brothers' half and have a complete medallion so he can gain absolute power."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the good people of Westwood, California were treated to the silver screen theatrical debut of Starship Troopers. Paul Verhoeven directed this adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel, and it starred Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
For the record:
Though the film wasn't quite a hit with fans of director Verhoeven or author Heinlein's, Starship Troopers still garnered a reasonable amount of acclaim from the usual suspects. The feature enjoyed a single Academy Awards nomination in 1998 for the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it received a 1998 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Germany), one more dark look at our doomed tomorrow was delivered with the theatrical release of The Coming Days (aka Die kommenden Tage). Written and directed by Lars Kraume, the SciFi/Drama starred Bernadette Heerwagen, August Diehl, and Susanne Lothar. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, the dreams of three adult siblings living in Germany are fractured by difficult romantic relationships and their unwitting involvement with an underground organization through a growing worldwide panic over the few remaining oil fields in Asia."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Coming Days earned a wee bit of praise from film organizations within its native country.
"In the near future, the dreams of three adult siblings living in Germany are fractured by difficult romantic relationships and their unwitting involvement with an underground organization through a growing worldwide panic over the few remaining oil fields in Asia."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Coming Days earned a wee bit of praise from film organizations within its native country.
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), the original SciFi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still played as part of the cinematic line-up for the Leeds International Film Festival. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature starred Michael Rennie, Hugh Marlowe, and Patricia Neal. Here's the plot summary as provided by the always reliable IMDB.com:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Canada), S.I.N. Theory enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Moving Image Film Festival. Written and directed by Richie Mitchell, the film starred Jeremy Larter, Allison Dawn Doiron, and Farid Yazdani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mathematics professor ridiculed and fired from his university, uses illegal information in order to complete his groundbreaking work, an algorithm capable of predicting an individual's future."
"A mathematics professor ridiculed and fired from his university, uses illegal information in order to complete his groundbreaking work, an algorithm capable of predicting an individual's future."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Paradox enjoyed a theatrical release. Written and directed by the team of Stevo Chang and Fran Ervin, the SciFi/Drama starred Thomas Blankenship, Michael Toshiyuki Uno, and Holly Rone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the release:
"After his wife is killed in a hit-and-run accident by a mysterious Hooded Man, DYLAN BRANDT, a Theoretical Physicist, builds a Quantum Suicide Machine to jump through parallel universes to find another version of his wife. Based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where a man storms of the Gates of Hades to return his wife to the land of the living, Dylan transverses infinite worlds of the Multi-verse to find his wife. But with every jump, Dylan is thwarted by the efforts of the mysterious Hooded Man. Ignoring the warnings of his mentor, DR. YAMAMOTO, Dylan recklessly jumps into ever more flawed universes, until the rules of physics completely break down, threatening to destroy the universe and everything in it."
"After his wife is killed in a hit-and-run accident by a mysterious Hooded Man, DYLAN BRANDT, a Theoretical Physicist, builds a Quantum Suicide Machine to jump through parallel universes to find another version of his wife. Based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where a man storms of the Gates of Hades to return his wife to the land of the living, Dylan transverses infinite worlds of the Multi-verse to find his wife. But with every jump, Dylan is thwarted by the efforts of the mysterious Hooded Man. Ignoring the warnings of his mentor, DR. YAMAMOTO, Dylan recklessly jumps into ever more flawed universes, until the rules of physics completely break down, threatening to destroy the universe and everything in it."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), BraveStorm rumbled gigantically onto the big screen for audiences of the Ithaca Fantastik. Written (in part) and directed by Junya Okabe, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Shunsuke Daitô, Shu Watanabe, and Mitsu Dan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This remake of the 1970s TV series "Silver Mask" and "Super Robot Red Baron" pits two families (one with an armored bionic superhero, and the other a red giant robot) against evil aliens to save Earth and prevent the extinction of mankind."
"This remake of the 1970s TV series "Silver Mask" and "Super Robot Red Baron" pits two families (one with an armored bionic superhero, and the other a red giant robot) against evil aliens to save Earth and prevent the extinction of mankind."
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), Bridge Of The Doomed enjoyed its original release on home video. Directed by Michael Su from a story by Adrian Milnes, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kate Watson, Robert LaSardo, and Michael Pare. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of soldiers are ordered to hold a bridge during a zombie outbreak, but what lives underneath the bridge, proves to be even more deadly."
"A group of soldiers are ordered to hold a bridge during a zombie outbreak, but what lives underneath the bridge, proves to be even more deadly."
On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "Lost Missile." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an experimental nuclear-powered missile goes out of control, its creator insists on accompanying McCauley into space to try and disarm it before it can strike the moon and wipe out a twelve-man expedition."
"When an experimental nuclear-powered missile goes out of control, its creator insists on accompanying McCauley into space to try and disarm it before it can strike the moon and wipe out a twelve-man expedition."
On this day in 1962 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "The Doomed Planet." Officially, this served as the second episode to the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"While dodging a runaway planet out of its orbit, the crew of Fireball XL5 discovers it is on a crash course to the planet Membrono. Assuming the planet is deserted before the crash, Steve discovers after seeing a flying saucer that this planet needs help to avoid the fatal impact."
"While dodging a runaway planet out of its orbit, the crew of Fireball XL5 discovers it is on a crash course to the planet Membrono. Assuming the planet is deserted before the crash, Steve discovers after seeing a flying saucer that this planet needs help to avoid the fatal impact."
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "The Flying Suit." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cogswell has invented a piece of clothing that allows people to fly, while Elroy thinks he's made a flying pill; George wears the wrong suit and is air born."
"Cogswell has invented a piece of clothing that allows people to fly, while Elroy thinks he's made a flying pill; George wears the wrong suit and is air born."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds aired "Day Of Disaster." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Brains and Lady Penelope find themselves involved in a rescue mission when the Arlington Bridge collapses, trapping the Mars Probe rocket in the river bed."
"Brains and Lady Penelope find themselves involved in a rescue mission when the Arlington Bridge collapses, trapping the Mars Probe rocket in the river bed."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired "Kill Straker!" Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Paul Foster and his co-pilot Frank Craig are attacked by a UFO which infiltrates their minds and hypnotises them into wanting to kill Straker. Straker actually saves their lives when their craft is about to be destroyed, but, on their return to SHADO, Craig makes an attempt on Straker's life whilst Foster seeks to discredit him."
"Paul Foster and his co-pilot Frank Craig are attacked by a UFO which infiltrates their minds and hypnotises them into wanting to kill Straker. Straker actually saves their lives when their craft is about to be destroyed, but, on their return to SHADO, Craig makes an attempt on Straker's life whilst Foster seeks to discredit him."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "One Law: Which Prohibits Them Equally From Stealing Bread." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John, Liz and Stephen are able to secure Mike's release but are unable to prosecute Dunning without revealing the Tomorrow People's existence. Mike then goes to Dunning and offers him a partnership."
"John, Liz and Stephen are able to secure Mike's release but are unable to prosecute Dunning without revealing the Tomorrow People's existence. Mike then goes to Dunning and offers him a partnership."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), a TV sensation was born when The Incredible Hulk premiered on CBS. The series starred TV veteran Bill Bixby as scientist David Banner, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A troubled scientist's accidental overexposure to gamma radiation curses him with the tendency to change into a bestial green brute under extreme emotional stress."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), a TV sensation was born when The Incredible Hulk premiered on CBS. The series starred TV veteran Bill Bixby as scientist David Banner, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A troubled scientist's accidental overexposure to gamma radiation curses him with the tendency to change into a bestial green brute under extreme emotional stress."
- If you want to know a bit more about it, then I recommend surfing the link right here to check out SciFi critic John Kenneth Muir's review of the episode.
On this day back in 1979 (in the U.S.), TV's Salvage 1 program launched its short-lived second season with an hour titled "Hard Water: Part 1." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rival salvagers attempts to tow an iceberg results in disaster."
"A rival salvagers attempts to tow an iceberg results in disaster."
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), The Greatest American Hero soared back onto the airwaves with the premiere of the program's second season. The episode was titled "The Two-Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Fast Ball," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Crooks needing cash to swing an arms deal bet heavily on a baseball game and beat up the star of the team they bet against. Ralph joins the underdogs to make sure they win and the gamblers lose their money."
"Crooks needing cash to swing an arms deal bet heavily on a baseball game and beat up the star of the team they bet against. Ralph joins the underdogs to make sure they win and the gamblers lose their money."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Jetsons' Millions." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mr. Spacely offers George a raffle book for the Venutian Sweepstakes. Mrs. Spacely is offended when George actually wins the grand prize of 10,000,000 Venuties."
"Mr. Spacely offers George a raffle book for the Venutian Sweepstakes. Mrs. Spacely is offended when George actually wins the grand prize of 10,000,000 Venuties."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures Of The Galaxy Rangers aired "Invasion." This (technically) served as the program's forty-first episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A space station is invaded by miniature robots."
"A space station is invaded by miniature robots."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Wedding Bells For Rosie." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Under a strange new law, Mac has to marry another robot or face deactivation. Rosey reluctantly steps up to the task."
"Under a strange new law, Mac has to marry another robot or face deactivation. Rosey reluctantly steps up to the task."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Enemy." This served as the seventh episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Trapped without the aid of his VISOR, Geordi is aided and abetted in his attempts to send a distress signal to the Enterprise by a shipwrecked Romulan."
"Trapped without the aid of his VISOR, Geordi is aided and abetted in his attempts to send a distress signal to the Enterprise by a shipwrecked Romulan."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files aired "3." This served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While Agent Scully is still missing, Agent Mulder embarks upon an investigation involving vampires in Los Angeles, subsequently becoming involved with a sultry female vampire who yearns to escape her lifestyle."
"While Agent Scully is still missing, Agent Mulder embarks upon an investigation involving vampires in Los Angeles, subsequently becoming involved with a sultry female vampire who yearns to escape her lifestyle."
On this day in 1996, Paramount Pictures did the unthinkable: they actually allowed a current television show to utilize modern day special effects and insert the crew of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine into an episode of the original Star Trek. The result? "Trials and Tribble-ations" was a delight from start-to-finish, giving Capt. Sisko and his comrades the chance to -- however briefly -- brush shoulders with Capt. James T. Kirk.
Also on this day in 1996, Babylon 5 premiered its fourth season with an hour titled "The Hour of the Wolf." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the destruction of Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan: presumed dead, Garibaldi: missing and the fragile alliance against the Shadows is crumbling. Mollari faces the new Emperor, and B5 is in a holding pattern, waiting for the next shoe to drop."
"After the destruction of Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan: presumed dead, Garibaldi: missing and the fragile alliance against the Shadows is crumbling. Mollari faces the new Emperor, and B5 is in a holding pattern, waiting for the next shoe to drop."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 was winding down with the final few episodes of its fifth and final season. "The Wheel of Fire" was the nineteenth episode of that said season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"G'Kar returns to the station to find he has become a religious icon. Sheridan confronts Garibaldi about his drinking problems. Lyta is taken into custody for planning attacks on Psi Corps. Delenn collapses, and they find out she's pregnant."
"G'Kar returns to the station to find he has become a religious icon. Sheridan confronts Garibaldi about his drinking problems. Lyta is taken into custody for planning attacks on Psi Corps. Delenn collapses, and they find out she's pregnant."
While it lasted, the UPN Network did a respectable job experimenting with some good quality SciFi programs, and one of their strongest remains the time-travel adventure Seven Days. On this day back in 1998, "Doppleganger, Part 1" aired, and the hour pitted Frank Parker jumping back in time to come face-to-face with an evil version of himself.
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Treachery, Faith And The Great River." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Vorta offers Odo valuable information on the Dominion in exchange for asylum. Meanwhile, Nog tries his Ferengi knowledge as he wheels and deals for a valuable piece of equipment for Chief O'Brien."
"A Vorta offers Odo valuable information on the Dominion in exchange for asylum. Meanwhile, Nog tries his Ferengi knowledge as he wheels and deals for a valuable piece of equipment for Chief O'Brien."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "In The Flesh." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of Voyager discover a simulation of Starfleet Headquarters being run by Species 8472. With the aid of regular doses of drugs, Species 8472 are able to shape-shift into human form. It is up to Janeway to try to convince the aliens that Starfleet is not a threat to them."
"The crew of Voyager discover a simulation of Starfleet Headquarters being run by Species 8472. With the aid of regular doses of drugs, Species 8472 are able to shape-shift into human form. It is up to Janeway to try to convince the aliens that Starfleet is not a threat to them."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), War Planets (aka Shadow Raiders) aired "Blood Is Thicker." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the evil Beast general Blokk has Cryos' daughter kidnapped, the Ice King must choose between his family and his people."
"When the evil Beast general Blokk has Cryos' daughter kidnapped, the Ice King must choose between his family and his people."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Batman Beyond aired "Speak No Evil." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's third (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A genetically enhanced gorilla enlists Batman's help to hunt his kidnappers."
"A genetically enhanced gorilla enlists Batman's help to hunt his kidnappers."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Slipfighter The Dogs Of War." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Trance mourns the loss of her relative, Mesmer, but in the middle of the ceremony the Andromeda is hit by many massive shockwaves, sending the ship reeling. They discover that the shockwaves emanated from a star going supernova, and signs point towards the use of a weapon similar to a nova bomb. The crew comes to the conclusion that Marduk, a rogue planet, is the source of the weapon, but the Andromeda needs help to achieve its goals."
"Trance mourns the loss of her relative, Mesmer, but in the middle of the ceremony the Andromeda is hit by many massive shockwaves, sending the ship reeling. They discover that the shockwaves emanated from a star going supernova, and signs point towards the use of a weapon similar to a nova bomb. The crew comes to the conclusion that Marduk, a rogue planet, is the source of the weapon, but the Andromeda needs help to achieve its goals."
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "A Day In The Life." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sasha and Russ accidentally swap bodies after messing around with one Toby's inventions.They learn to appreciate each other's good qualities."
"Sasha and Russ accidentally swap bodies after messing around with one Toby's inventions.They learn to appreciate each other's good qualities."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Landing At Point Rain." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jedi Generals Ki-Adi-Mundi, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker return to Geonosis, the very battleground where the Clone Wars first erupted. Their mission is to destroy Poggle the Lesser's ray shielded droid factories in an attempt to give the outnumbered Clone army a fighting chance."
"Jedi Generals Ki-Adi-Mundi, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker return to Geonosis, the very battleground where the Clone Wars first erupted. Their mission is to destroy Poggle the Lesser's ray shielded droid factories in an attempt to give the outnumbered Clone army a fighting chance."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Fringe aired "Novation." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the aftermath of recent shocking events, things really escalate when the translucent shapeshifters return. As the threat and circumstances intensify, former Massive Dynamic scientist Malcolm Truss enters the fold. Meanwhile, Nina Sharp pays Walter a visit in the lab."
"In the aftermath of recent shocking events, things really escalate when the translucent shapeshifters return. As the threat and circumstances intensify, former Massive Dynamic scientist Malcolm Truss enters the fold. Meanwhile, Nina Sharp pays Walter a visit in the lab."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "The General." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Krell sends Captain Rex and his troopers on an impossible mission: to conquer a heavily fortified Umbaran airbase."
"Krell sends Captain Rex and his troopers on an impossible mission: to conquer a heavily fortified Umbaran airbase."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Z Nation aired "Election Day." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doc and Addy run into Sketch & Skezzy when the Murphymobile isn't working. Sketch is running for President of the Apocalypse."
"Doc and Addy run into Sketch & Skezzy when the Murphymobile isn't working. Sketch is running for President of the Apocalypse."
