In a career that spanned several decades, Ed Wynn (above center) still managed to sneak in two memorable visits to Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Wynn was born on this day in 1886.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There she is. According to many, the stunning Hedy LaMarr was -- without a doubt -- the most beautiful woman ever to appear in a motion picture. (Now, remember, folks: beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Hollywood has always considered their opinions better than yours or mine.) Whatever the case may be, the closest she got to the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy was when she played no less than 'Joan of Arc' aboard the uneven cinematic feature The Story Of Mankind, a production that pitted God against the Devil in the estimation of whether our civilization was worth all the effort. Though she's no longer with us, LaMarr was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
... and, yet, her story doesn't stop with beauty alone because LaMarr was a certified genius. If anyone does a little reading, then they'll find out that it was none other than this woman who was essentially responsible for the invention of a frequency-hopping system for radio waves. While that may not sound like much to the casual observer -- nor was she seriously compensated for it in her lifetime -- the technology is used around the world today for WiFi, Bluetooth, and satellite communication. There's a fabulous biography on her life called Bombshell: The Hedy LaMarr Story that comes highly recommended from yours truly.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
... and, yet, her story doesn't stop with beauty alone because LaMarr was a certified genius. If anyone does a little reading, then they'll find out that it was none other than this woman who was essentially responsible for the invention of a frequency-hopping system for radio waves. While that may not sound like much to the casual observer -- nor was she seriously compensated for it in her lifetime -- the technology is used around the world today for WiFi, Bluetooth, and satellite communication. There's a fabulous biography on her life called Bombshell: The Hedy LaMarr Story that comes highly recommended from yours truly.
The venerable Alan Caillou put his considerable talent and noggin to good use aboard the SciFi/Sitcom Quark in the late 1970's. He also scored parts aboard such genre properties as Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959), The Questor Tapes (1974), The Six Million Dollar Man, Goliath Awaits (1981), The Sword And The Sorcerer (1982), and The Ice Pirates (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Caillou was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I caught a broadcast airing of The Ice Pirates (1984) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I caught a broadcast airing of The Ice Pirates (1984) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The man who taught us to think about not only our universe but also our place in it -- astronomer Carl Sagan -- also penned one of the more thought-provoking sci-fi films of the last few decades: Contact (1997) examined the grand 'what if' scenario involving "What if we were contacted by intelligent life from the stars?" Though he's no longer with us, Sagan was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran TV director Cliff Bole leaves behind a resume incredibly rich in genre potential, having directed adventures for such properties as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, Supertrain, V, Shadow Chasers, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Fox TV's M.A.N.T.I.S., Millennium, Star Trek: Voyager, The X-Files, Harsh Realm, and Supernatural. Though he's no longer with us, Bole was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mario Roccuzzo enjoyed a small role aboard "Home Soil," a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Roccuzzo was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To most folks, Robert David Hall will be forever remembered as one of the semi-regulars aboard CBS's long-running crime procedural, CSI: Crime Scene Investigations ... but to SciFi fans he'll always be the recruiting sergeant who brought Johnny Rico into the fold in Starship Troopers (1997). Hall was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kelly Harmon's character showed up with a relatively cryptic revelation for the crew of the original Battlestar Galactica in "Greetings From Earth." Harmon was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Some days, I honestly feel bad for you kids. See, when I was growing up, we didn't have to use CGI to make our superheroes. We didn't have to hire skinny little Mark Ruffalo and bulk him up in order to play The Incredible Hulk for God's sake! We went out and hired a real hulk, and his name was Lou Ferrigno. Eric Bana? Edward Norton? Pfft! Ferrigno is what a Hulk looks like! He was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Megna (above right) played a somewhat enchanting young boy in To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) only to show up as a much more menacing sort aboard Star Trek's classic episode, Miri. Though he's no longer with us, Megna was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, Karen Dotrice lit up the silver screen aboard the Walt Disney fantasy classic Mary Poppins (1964). A few years later, she followed up that work with the Mouse House in The Gnome-Mobile. Then -- a few years after that -- she turned up in such genre properties as Voyagers! and Young Blades. Dotrice was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Toni Hudson found herself in, arguably, one of the darkest franchise in Horror history when she secured a meaty role aboard Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) for Nicolas Entertainment. Hudson was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress, stuntwoman, and general badass Dana Hee might not be a household name, but odds are very good that genre fans have seen her work. For example, Memory Alpha reports that she was Jeri Ryan's stand-in/stunt-double very late in Star Trek: Voyager's run. Additionally, she did stunt work on such features as The Shadow (1994), Independence Day (1996), Barb Wire (1996), and The Avengers (2012). As an actress, she strutted her stuff in the role of 'Siann' for TV's Mortal Kombat: Conquest. Hee was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I could watch Teryl Rothery in just about anything. Thankfully, she's blessed SciFi with her presence on several notable occasions. She cut her teeth in the business doing voice acting, but it wasn't long before she was appearing in the flesh aboard such programs as M.A.N.T.I.S., The X-Files, The Outer Limits, First Wave, Jeremiah, Stargate: SG-1, Eureka, Caprica, and Kyle XY. Rothery was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
This is my total geek moment confession: my wife and I had the good fortune of attending one of the first conventions Robert Duncan McNeill of Star Trek: Voyager fame headlined many years back. When it came to the Q&A, I got to ask him the first question! (Yeah, what can I say? I was a fan!) I asked him about whether or not he would do as others in the Trek casts had done and would he take up the director's chair. As a matter of fact, he replied, he was on the verge of doing so. It was a great question, after all. Mr. McNeill was born on this day back in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Lori Lively has been to space. Well, fictional space, that is. She appeared in 1991's Dead Space as well as guest-starring aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Lively was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Ramona Milano pops up in SciFi every now and then. Fans might know her best from roles in Relic Hunter, Earth: Final Conflict, Deceived (1999), and Syfy's 12 Monkeys. Milano was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jason Antoon (above left) joined Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel, Minority Report, for the silver screen back in 2002. Antoon was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've missed TNT's The Last Ship, then you've missed some of the best flag-waving SciFi-lite programming on television. Eric Dane has totally taken charge as CO CDR Tom Chandler in the quality show (he's the best ship's captain since James T. Kirk), and I encourage readers to check it out. Dane was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Who doesn't love a sexy voice? Alyson Court delivers exceptional vocal performances whenever she's asked, and that includes work on such properties as Ewoks, X-Men, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures, the Resident Evil game franchise, and Skyland. Court was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Luscious Gabrielle Miller has tinkered in the realms of SciFi and Fantasy throughout her career, nabbing some scene-stealing roles in shows like M.A.N.T.I.S., Highlander, Sliders, The X-Files, Stargate: SG-1, Welcome To Paradox, First Wave, Jeremiah, The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, Alienated, Lost Girl, and Haven. Miller was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Ian Hallard has enjoyed exposure in such projects as The First Men In The Moon (2010), Doctor Who, and An Adventure In Time and Space (2013). Hallard was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To be fair, the lovely Ion Overmon doesn't have a great deal of genre work in her professional resume. But -- as I've often said -- we have to take the good with the bad, so let's celebrate her work aboard CBS's Ghost Whisperer as well we should. Overmon was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cory Hardrict helped stave off an alien invasion in the SciFi sleeper hit Battle Los Angeles released in 2011. No word on whether he'll suit up for the promised sequel that has yet to materialize. Hardrict was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Scottie Thompson shared the silver screen with no less than Haven's Eric Balfour in 2010's tepid SciFi flick Skyline. Trek fans may've noticed her from the Star Trek theatrical reboot in a brief role as Nero's wife. Thompson was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elysia Rotaru has enjoyed guest starring roles aboard such genre shows as Eureka, Smallville, Sanctuary, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, Fringe, Supernatural, iZombie, Reapers, Travelers, Arrow, and The 100. Wouldn't it be great if she landed a gig all of her own? Mankind could get used to staring at that each week. Might even make us a better species. Rotaru was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Indeed, fans of the wider DC Universe properties of shows and movies found it more than a bit odd that -- not long after wedding storyteller James Gunn -- actress Jennifer Holland was suddenly dubbed an 'up'n'coming' star in the wide, wide world of Hollyweird. Gunn -- once rather famously fired from Walt Disney over his series of Tweets expressing a sexual fondness for young boys (link) but eventually re-hired -- has immediatley put his bride front-and-center in the Peacemaker universe, a property for which the writer/director is allegedly crafting the entire DC Universe around. Prior to her nuptials, Holland was chiefly recognized for appearances aboard House Of The Dead 2 (2005) and Zombie Strippers (2008). What a difference a ring makes, am I right? Holland was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Analeigh Tipton's star continues to rise. She had a guest role in CBS's short-lived Limitless series as well as a leading spot in 2016's Viral. Tipton was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1931 (in Sweden), the visionary Just Imagine enjoyed a run in the theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Fantasy/Comedy:
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties of Celebrating SciFi if I failed to mention that Just Imagine was nominated for 'Best Art Direction' for the 1931 Academy Awards.
Editor's Note:
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties of Celebrating SciFi if I failed to mention that Just Imagine was nominated for 'Best Art Direction' for the 1931 Academy Awards.
Editor's Note:
- Whether this is true or not, IMDB.com lists Just Imagine as the very first Science Fiction film made as a 'talkie' for the modern era.
- I've also read it reported that the rocketship used for Just Imagine was rather famously repurposed for no less than that belonging to Dr. Zarkov aboard Flash Gordon (1936).
On this day in 1953 (in Sweden), George Pal's SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds opened theatrically. The feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in the United Kingdom), Curse Of The Demon sunk its teeth into the box office. The feature starred Dana Andrews and Peggy Cummins, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1958 (in the United Kingdom), Curse Of The Faceless Man showed its face theatrically. The feature starred Richard Anderson and Elaine Edwards, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"A stone-encrusted body is unearthed at Pompeii, and people left alone with it keep dying of crushed skulls..."
"A stone-encrusted body is unearthed at Pompeii, and people left alone with it keep dying of crushed skulls..."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Lycanthropus (aka Werewolf In A Girls' Dormitory) growled its way into the hearts and minds of viewers. Directed by Paolo Heusch from a story by Ernesto Gastaldi, the Horror/Fantasy starred Barbara Lass, Carl Schell, and Curt Lowens. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Julian Olcott, a science teacher with a mysterious past, arrives for his new job in an institutional boarding school for female troublemakers. That night, intern Mary Smith, who is blackmailing another teacher, Sir Alfred Whiteman, with some love letters, is slaughtered. The detective in charge of the investigation attributes the crime to a animal, while her mate Priscilla believes that Sir Alfred killed her. Over the next few days, other deaths happen at the school, reducing the list of suspects."
"Dr. Julian Olcott, a science teacher with a mysterious past, arrives for his new job in an institutional boarding school for female troublemakers. That night, intern Mary Smith, who is blackmailing another teacher, Sir Alfred Whiteman, with some love letters, is slaughtered. The detective in charge of the investigation attributes the crime to a animal, while her mate Priscilla believes that Sir Alfred killed her. Over the next few days, other deaths happen at the school, reducing the list of suspects."
A star is born! On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), The Brainiac (aka El barón del terror) tried to 'tongue' a lady without remorse! Directed by Chano Urueta, the Horror/Fantasy starred Abel Salazar, Ariadne Welter, and David Silva. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1661 Mexico, the Baron Vitelius of Astara is sentenced to be burned alive by the Holy Inquisition of Mexico for witchcraft, necromancy, and other crimes. As he dies, the Baron swears vengeance against the descendants of the Inquisitors. 300 years later, a comet which was passing overhead on the night of the Baron's execution returns to earth, bringing with it the Baron in the form of a horrible, brain-eating monster that terrorizes the Inquisitor's descendants."
"In 1661 Mexico, the Baron Vitelius of Astara is sentenced to be burned alive by the Holy Inquisition of Mexico for witchcraft, necromancy, and other crimes. As he dies, the Baron swears vengeance against the descendants of the Inquisitors. 300 years later, a comet which was passing overhead on the night of the Baron's execution returns to earth, bringing with it the Baron in the form of a horrible, brain-eating monster that terrorizes the Inquisitor's descendants."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in Brazil), At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul introduced audiences to one of the more unconventional Horror franchises in film history. Written (in part) and directed by José Mojica Marins, the Horror/Fantasy starred Maris alongside Magda Mei, Nivaldo Lima, and Valeria Vasquez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Driven by the overwhelming desire to have a son to continue his bloodline, blasphemous Zé do Caixão, the wicked undertaker of a tight-knit, God-fearing Brazilian village, sets his mind on finding the perfect woman to bear his child. And having grown tired of his infertile wife Lenita, the despicable mortician sets his sights on impregnating his best friend Antonio's girlfriend Terezinha, and no one can stand in his way. But as innocents die left and right, judgement comes upon Zé on the Day of the Dead in the shape of a local fortune-teller, and nothing can stop revenge--not even the cold, dark grave."
For the record:
In 2024, I was provided an all-new home video release for At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul (1964) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"Driven by the overwhelming desire to have a son to continue his bloodline, blasphemous Zé do Caixão, the wicked undertaker of a tight-knit, God-fearing Brazilian village, sets his mind on finding the perfect woman to bear his child. And having grown tired of his infertile wife Lenita, the despicable mortician sets his sights on impregnating his best friend Antonio's girlfriend Terezinha, and no one can stand in his way. But as innocents die left and right, judgement comes upon Zé on the Day of the Dead in the shape of a local fortune-teller, and nothing can stop revenge--not even the cold, dark grave."
For the record:
In 2024, I was provided an all-new home video release for At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul (1964) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1966, Dr. Goldfoot And The Girl Bombs served up a dish of Science Fiction by way of camdy Comedy. The feature starred Vincent Price and Fabian, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Goldfoot plots to use female robots to blow up high-ranking NATO generals, igniting a war between Russia and America. It's up to girl-crazed SIC agent Bill Dexter, aided by bumbling Italian doormen Franco and Ciccio, to stop him."
"Dr. Goldfoot plots to use female robots to blow up high-ranking NATO generals, igniting a war between Russia and America. It's up to girl-crazed SIC agent Bill Dexter, aided by bumbling Italian doormen Franco and Ciccio, to stop him."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in Japan), Konchû daisensô (aka Genocide) (aka War Of The Insects) bugged audiences big time. Directed by Kazui Nihonmatsu from a story by Kingen Amada and Susumu Takaku, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keisuke Sonoi, Yûsuke Kawazu, and Emi Shindô. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"All the insects on Earth become wild and attack humans, causing Armageddon."
"All the insects on Earth become wild and attack humans, causing Armageddon."
On this day in 1975 (in France), The Stranger delivered a helping of SciFi paranoia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a freak mishap, an astronaut finds himself on an almost precise copy of Earth (right down to the Plymouth cars). However, this planet has three moons, and is run by an Orwellian government called The Perfect Order, who seek out and crush all dissidents either by outright assassination or by having them treated at "Ward E." Hunted and alone, the story traces the astronaut's efforts to evade capture and return home."
"After a freak mishap, an astronaut finds himself on an almost precise copy of Earth (right down to the Plymouth cars). However, this planet has three moons, and is run by an Orwellian government called The Perfect Order, who seek out and crush all dissidents either by outright assassination or by having them treated at "Ward E." Hunted and alone, the story traces the astronaut's efforts to evade capture and return home."
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), A Nightmare On Elm Street enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by Wes Craven, the Horror/Fantasy starred Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, and Johnny Depp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Teenager Nancy Thompson must uncover the dark truth concealed by her parents after she and her friends become targets of the spirit of a serial killer with a bladed glove in their dreams, in which if they die, it kills them in real life."
"Teenager Nancy Thompson must uncover the dark truth concealed by her parents after she and her friends become targets of the spirit of a serial killer with a bladed glove in their dreams, in which if they die, it kills them in real life."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), the silly season got a little sillier -- and bloodier -- with the theatrical release of Silent Night, Deadly Night. Directed by Charles E. Sellier, Jr. from a story by Paul Caimi and Michael Hickey, the Horror/Fantasy starred Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, and Toni Nero. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Little Billy witnesses his parents getting killed by Santa after being warned by his senile grandpa that Santa punishes those who are naughty. Now Billy is 18 and out of the orphanage, and he has just become Santa himself."
"Little Billy witnesses his parents getting killed by Santa after being warned by his senile grandpa that Santa punishes those who are naughty. Now Billy is 18 and out of the orphanage, and he has just become Santa himself."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), the Fantasy-themed Sword of the Valiant opened theatrically. (It had opened in the United States a few months previous.) The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Sean Connery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in Canada and the U.S.), Child's Play brought a bit of delirious delight to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Tom Holland, the Horror/Fantasy starred Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, and Alex Vincent. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A dying serial killer transfers his consciousness into a popular kids doll using voodoo. A struggling single mother gifts her six-year-old son the much sought-after doll for his birthday, and the doll slowly begins to show its true colors."
For the record:
"A dying serial killer transfers his consciousness into a popular kids doll using voodoo. A struggling single mother gifts her six-year-old son the much sought-after doll for his birthday, and the doll slowly begins to show its true colors."
For the record:
- At the 1990 Saturn Awards, Child's Play earned nominations in four categories, including 'Best Writing,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Horror Film.' Alas, the only one who went home with the big trophy for work in the film that launched a franchise was actress Catherine Hicks.
- At the 2014 Saturn Awards, the home video release that was Chuck: The Complete Collection was awarded the big win in the category of Best DVD/Blu-ray Release.
On this day in 1989, Future Force took the fight to audience with its home video release. Written (in part) and directed by David A. Prior, the SciFi/Thriller starred David Carradine, Robert Tessier, and Anna Rapagna. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"John Tucker is the notoriously feared leader of the Civilian Operated Police Systems, a ruthless band of bounty hunters formed to restore order in a city overrun with crime. In the name of the law, and armed with an arsenal of weapons, he will stop at nothing to capture each bounty. But when corruption is exposed within the C.O.P.S. organization--instead of upholding the law--John Tucker will be forced to fight it."
"John Tucker is the notoriously feared leader of the Civilian Operated Police Systems, a ruthless band of bounty hunters formed to restore order in a city overrun with crime. In the name of the law, and armed with an arsenal of weapons, he will stop at nothing to capture each bounty. But when corruption is exposed within the C.O.P.S. organization--instead of upholding the law--John Tucker will be forced to fight it."
A star is born ... or is that reborn? On this day in 1990 (in Canada, Spain, Turkey, and the U.S.), mirth and madness combined again with the theatrical release of Child's Play 2. Directed by John Lafia from a story by Don Mancini, the Horror/Fantasy starred Alex Vincent, Jenny Agutter, and Gerrit Graham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While Andy's mother is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, the young boy is placed in foster care, and Chucky, determined to claim Andy's soul, is not far behind."
"While Andy's mother is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, the young boy is placed in foster care, and Chucky, determined to claim Andy's soul, is not far behind."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Japan), justice took on a more feminine shape with the home video release of Lady Battle Cop. Directed by Akihisa Okamoto, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Azusa Nakamura, Kisuke Yamashita, and Yuki Kitazume. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Champion tennis player Kaoru Okoshiba, mortally wounded by terrorists from the mysterious Cartel organization, is revived as the cyborg Battlecop, who seeks revenge against her assailants and their superiors."
"Champion tennis player Kaoru Okoshiba, mortally wounded by terrorists from the mysterious Cartel organization, is revived as the cyborg Battlecop, who seeks revenge against her assailants and their superiors."
On this day in 1994, the SciFi/Drama Replikator copied up what results it could with its premiere in the U.S. home video marketplace. The film starred Brigitte Bako and Ned Beatty, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two companies are competing to develop equipment that can replicate any kind of material, including human tissue. However, one of the companies has more plans for this machine, and more resources to block the other company from succeeding."
"Two companies are competing to develop equipment that can replicate any kind of material, including human tissue. However, one of the companies has more plans for this machine, and more resources to block the other company from succeeding."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Trancers 5: Sudden Deth brought the saga full circle with its home video release. Directed by David Nutter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tim Thomerson, Stacie Randall, and Ty Miller. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Future lawman Jack Deth must find his way home from the other-dimensional world of Orpheus, where magic works and trancers are the ruling class."
"Future lawman Jack Deth must find his way home from the other-dimensional world of Orpheus, where magic works and trancers are the ruling class."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Hong Kong), Black Mask to the silver screen in pursuit of justice! Directed by Daniel Lee, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Jet Li, Ching Wan Lau, and Karen Mok. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Micheal, a former test subject of a project to create supersoldiers, is forced to escape with his comrades after the project was cancelled. Months later, he is trying to have a quiet life as a librarian with a tough cop as his best friend. However, a string of vicious gangland murders begins that has all the markings of his former compatriots who seem to have turned to violent crime. Realizing that the police are helpless to fight these soldiers, Micheal decides to take them on himself. Donning a mask to protect his identity, Micheal must fight these powerful villians as the mysterious superhero known only as Black Mask."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional new release of Black Mask (1996) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Micheal, a former test subject of a project to create supersoldiers, is forced to escape with his comrades after the project was cancelled. Months later, he is trying to have a quiet life as a librarian with a tough cop as his best friend. However, a string of vicious gangland murders begins that has all the markings of his former compatriots who seem to have turned to violent crime. Realizing that the police are helpless to fight these soldiers, Micheal decides to take them on himself. Donning a mask to protect his identity, Micheal must fight these powerful villians as the mysterious superhero known only as Black Mask."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional new release of Black Mask (1996) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1996 (in Japan), the 1932-produced White Zombie enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Victor Halperin, the Fantasy feature starred Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, and Joseph Cawthorn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of watching this old film one night on cable, and I penned my thoughts on it right here.
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of watching this old film one night on cable, and I penned my thoughts on it right here.
On this day in 1998 (in France), the 1929-produced High Treason played for audiences in attendance of the Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish and British Film. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
A star is born ... and this one looked galactic, indeed! On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Planet Patrol showed up for the ultimate battle of good versus evil with its home video release. Directed by Russ Mazzolla from a story by Neal Marshall Stevens, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Alison Lohman, Peter Barent Lewis, and Colin Campbell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four teen members of the galactic patrol face the battle of a lifetime as they confront an evil man and his nasty minions."
"Four teen members of the galactic patrol face the battle of a lifetime as they confront an evil man and his nasty minions."
On this day in 2001 (in Iceland), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey played for audiences in attendance of the Reykjavik Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
On this day in 2006 (in Hong Kong), the SciFi/Thriller Pulse was released to audiences. The feature starred Kristen Bell and Christina Milian, and here's the premise listed on IMDB.com:
"When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world."
"When their computer hacker friend accidentally channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking over the world."
A star is born ... and this one has bite! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), A Feast Of Flesh delivered a feast of blood to interested audiences. Written and directed by Mike Watt, the Horror/Fantasy starred Amy Lynn Best, Stacey Bartlebaugh-Gmys, and Sofiya Smirnova. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman accidentally upsets the delicate truce between a group of vampires and a team of mercenaries."
"A young woman accidentally upsets the delicate truce between a group of vampires and a team of mercenaries."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Sweden), Sektor 236 enjoyed its only theatrical exhibition of record (if IMDB.com is to be trusted). Directed by Björne Hellquist and Robert Pukitis, the SciFi/Horror starred A.R. Hellquist, Fredrik Dolk, and Daniel Janzen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Squad of elite commandos is lost in the Swedish wilderness during a secret mission. A tactical unit is sent out to investigate. I the meanwhile a group of hikers enter the area. Their phones suddenly loses reception and the compasses stops working. One after the other they start to disappear."
"A Squad of elite commandos is lost in the Swedish wilderness during a secret mission. A tactical unit is sent out to investigate. I the meanwhile a group of hikers enter the area. Their phones suddenly loses reception and the compasses stops working. One after the other they start to disappear."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), The Last Vampire On Earth showed up for his home video release. Directed by Vitaly Versace from a story by Mandie Abraham, the Horror/Fantasy starred McKenzie Grimmett, Michael Bole, and Danny Rios. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Chloe is a college student studying Anthropology. Aurelius is studying Hematology. They seemingly have nothing in common, except both have a secret. When brought together in a Literature Class, Chloe and Aurelius seem like the most unlikely of friends. Chloe is a pastor's daughter. Aurelius is a pale loner. When Chloe reaches out to try and befriend him surprising things happen."
"Chloe is a college student studying Anthropology. Aurelius is studying Hematology. They seemingly have nothing in common, except both have a secret. When brought together in a Literature Class, Chloe and Aurelius seem like the most unlikely of friends. Chloe is a pastor's daughter. Aurelius is a pale loner. When Chloe reaches out to try and befriend him surprising things happen."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Spain and the U.S.), Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome expanded the mythology of the 2nd incarnation of the beloved franchise with a video release via the World Wide Web. Directed by Jonas Pate, the SciFi/Thriller starred Luke Pasqualino, Ben Cotton, and Lili Bordan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first Cylon war has been raging for 10 years and a young Ensign William Adama joins the fleet. He's disappointed not to be assigned to a fighter but to a freighter. His co-pilot, Lt. Coker Fasjovic, isn't too keen on having a rookie flying his aircraft as he has only a short time before he again becomes a civilian. Their cargo is a civilian scientist, Dr. Becca Kelly, but they no sooner leave than she has new orders for them and a new destination. She is less than forthcoming about just what her secret mission is but Adama is keen, particularly as it involves going into Cylon controlled space. Nothing is as it seems however."
For the record:
At the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards, Blood & Chrome earned three nominations in the categories of 'Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects,' and 'Outstanding Sound Editing For A Movie, Miniseries, Or A Special.'
"The first Cylon war has been raging for 10 years and a young Ensign William Adama joins the fleet. He's disappointed not to be assigned to a fighter but to a freighter. His co-pilot, Lt. Coker Fasjovic, isn't too keen on having a rookie flying his aircraft as he has only a short time before he again becomes a civilian. Their cargo is a civilian scientist, Dr. Becca Kelly, but they no sooner leave than she has new orders for them and a new destination. She is less than forthcoming about just what her secret mission is but Adama is keen, particularly as it involves going into Cylon controlled space. Nothing is as it seems however."
For the record:
At the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards, Blood & Chrome earned three nominations in the categories of 'Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or Movie,' 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects,' and 'Outstanding Sound Editing For A Movie, Miniseries, Or A Special.'
On this day in 2016, Here Alone played for audiences in attendance of the U.S.'s Ithaca Fantastik Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman struggles to survive on her own in the wake of a mysterious epidemic that has killed much of society, and forced her deep into the unforgiving wilderness."
"A young woman struggles to survive on her own in the wake of a mysterious epidemic that has killed much of society, and forced her deep into the unforgiving wilderness."
On this day in 2017 (in Italy), Addio Fottuti Musi Verdi crashed down to Earth's theatres. The SciFi feature starred Ciro Capriello and Fabio Balsamo, and here's the plot summary that cited on IMDB.com:
"Ciro is a skilled advertising graphic. After various attempts to look for work in Italy, he decides to take part in a contest and send his CV to aliens."
"Ciro is a skilled advertising graphic. After various attempts to look for work in Italy, he decides to take part in a contest and send his CV to aliens."
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Search For The Flying Saucer." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An airman travels to a small town looking for clues about flying saucers and only meets denial."
"An airman travels to a small town looking for clues about flying saucers and only meets denial."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Three Minute Mile." This served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Since becoming Dr. Kendall assistant, college student Britt has gained incredible strength, and can run a mile in about three minutes. A nosy reporter, along with Britt's fiance, begin snooping to find out what kind of "Frankenstein"-type experiments the doctor is conducting."
"Since becoming Dr. Kendall assistant, college student Britt has gained incredible strength, and can run a mile in about three minutes. A nosy reporter, along with Britt's fiance, begin snooping to find out what kind of "Frankenstein"-type experiments the doctor is conducting."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Time Of The Ice Box: Part 1." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An increasingly duplicitous Traynor convinces Simon to return through the time barrier against the wishes of Liz's parents."
"An increasingly duplicitous Traynor convinces Simon to return through the time barrier against the wishes of Liz's parents."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "The Pink Letter." This served as the tenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"Laurie's new boyfriend cancels their date, giving her cause to write him an angry letter. He later calls with a good excuse, but only after Danny has mailed the furious letter. Danny and Keith recapture the letter, only to find Laurie's fury substantiated. To make matters worse, they then receive a summons from the postal inspector for illegal tampering with the mail."
"Laurie's new boyfriend cancels their date, giving her cause to write him an angry letter. He later calls with a good excuse, but only after Danny has mailed the furious letter. Danny and Keith recapture the letter, only to find Laurie's fury substantiated. To make matters worse, they then receive a summons from the postal inspector for illegal tampering with the mail."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Assassin." This served as the seventh episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Commissioner Sleer hires a mysterious assassin to pick off the crew of the Scorpio, one by one."
"Commissioner Sleer hires a mysterious assassin to pick off the crew of the Scorpio, one by one."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "The Cognosc Departs." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Avoiding capture by the Black Guard, Will and Fritz make their way to the river under the city to escape back to The White Mountains."
"Avoiding capture by the Black Guard, Will and Fritz make their way to the river under the city to escape back to The White Mountains."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), the television show V was scheduled to air the episode titled "Breakout," but network executives were uncomfortable with the level of violence. (The hour did eventually air after cancellation, but it creates all kinds of continuity errors as two key characters met in the next hour under much different circumstances.) In its place, NBC aired "The Deception," and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"While the Resistance seeks to help Elizabeth escape from Los Angeles, Diana captures Mike Donovan in an elaborate scheme to learn Elizabeth's whereabouts."
"While the Resistance seeks to help Elizabeth escape from Los Angeles, Diana captures Mike Donovan in an elaborate scheme to learn Elizabeth's whereabouts."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "The Happiness Patrol: Part 2." This served as the sixth episode in the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Earl manage to escape from the Kandy Man and join up with the planet's natives, the Pipe People, enlisting their help to rescue Ace."
"The Doctor and Earl manage to escape from the Kandy Man and join up with the planet's natives, the Pipe People, enlisting their help to rescue Ace."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation concluded "Unification" with the airing of its second part. This served as the eighth episode to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Spock is promoting the idea of reunification of Romulus and Vulcan, but Picard is sceptical with good cause - Romulan Proconsul Neral is plotting with Sela to invade Vulcan with stolen Vulcan ships in the guise of a peace envoy."
"Spock is promoting the idea of reunification of Romulus and Vulcan, but Picard is sceptical with good cause - Romulan Proconsul Neral is plotting with Sela to invade Vulcan with stolen Vulcan ships in the guise of a peace envoy."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired the second episode of its second season. The hour was curiously called "Revelations," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"G'Kar brings news of an old enemies return. Dr. Franklin tries to bring Garibaldi out from his coma. Delenn returns, quite changed."
"G'Kar brings news of an old enemies return. Dr. Franklin tries to bring Garibaldi out from his coma. Delenn returns, quite changed."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Dark Skies aired "Inhuman Nature." This served as the sixth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John and Kim uncover a Hive plot that uses livestock to breed new members."
"John and Kim uncover a Hive plot that uses livestock to breed new members."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Redux: Part 2." This served as the second episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scully is hospitalized after collapsing, while Mulder receives help from a most unlikely source as he continues to search for a cure for Scully's illness."
"Scully is hospitalized after collapsing, while Mulder receives help from a most unlikely source as he continues to search for a cure for Scully's illness."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict aired "The Sleepers." This served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A Jaridian probe lands on Earth and begins sucking energy from the Comonality. The Taelons use humans in a near-death state to keep their connection while Lili and Sandoval try to find out what is draining the energy."
"A Jaridian probe lands on Earth and begins sucking energy from the Comonality. The Taelons use humans in a near-death state to keep their connection while Lili and Sandoval try to find out what is draining the energy."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Dark Angel aired "Two." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"A canine-like creature has been attacking and killing police. All evidence points to Joshua. Max refuses to believe that someone as gentle as her friend can kill. It turns out that Joshua has a younger brother called Isaac. The police tracks Joshua down and arrests him. Max breaks her friend out of jail. To protect Max, Joshua kills his brother. Meanwhile Alec is selling drugs, using his position as a Jam Pony messenger as cover. The local gang comes to threaten Alec into stopping to sell drugs in their territory."
"A canine-like creature has been attacking and killing police. All evidence points to Joshua. Max refuses to believe that someone as gentle as her friend can kill. It turns out that Joshua has a younger brother called Isaac. The police tracks Joshua down and arrests him. Max breaks her friend out of jail. To protect Max, Joshua kills his brother. Meanwhile Alec is selling drugs, using his position as a Jam Pony messenger as cover. The local gang comes to threaten Alec into stopping to sell drugs in their territory."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Vanishing Gundam." This served as the sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "No Man Left Behind." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military plane is shot down behind enemy lines, prompting the team to make a desperate bid to recover the secret government weapon that is hidden on board, before innocent lives are threatened."
"A military plane is shot down behind enemy lines, prompting the team to make a desperate bid to recover the secret government weapon that is hidden on board, before innocent lives are threatened."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Fringe aired the sixth episode of its fifth (and final) season. The hour went by the name "Through the Looking Glass and What Walter Found There," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Walter retrieves another video tape from the amber and it leads the team into a pocket universe."
"Walter retrieves another video tape from the amber and it leads the team into a pocket universe."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Supergirl vowed to put up or shut up with the airing of "Fight Or Flight." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Supergirl's powers are put to the test when one of Superman's most formidable enemies, Reactron, shows up in National City to take her down. In the meantime, Cat makes plans to run an expose on Supergirl."
"Supergirl's powers are put to the test when one of Superman's most formidable enemies, Reactron, shows up in National City to take her down. In the meantime, Cat makes plans to run an expose on Supergirl."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "M-Corp." This served as the fifth episode of the program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"After installing the latest software update the Dwarfers discover that the owners of Red Dwarf, Jupiter Mining Corporation, have been bought out by a corporation and only products made by them are visible to their employees."
"After installing the latest software update the Dwarfers discover that the owners of Red Dwarf, Jupiter Mining Corporation, have been bought out by a corporation and only products made by them are visible to their employees."
