Max Ehrlich led a life of variety in the field of entertainment, but SciFi fans probably know him best for his work as a screenwriter, for which he contributed scripts to Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Star Trek ("The Apple"), Z.P.G. (1972), and The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975). Though he's no longer with us, Ehrlich was born on this day in 1909. [Source: IMDB.com]
Odds are, SciFi fans are unfamiliar with the face of Janos Prohaska: that's largely owed to the fact that he worked beneath the masks of these various creatures! He contributed performances to such properties as The Outer Limits, The Munsters, Lost In Space, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, Star Trek, and Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971). Though he's no longer with us, Prohaska was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
It's a rather unfortunate fact, but you can't talk about science fiction and not eventually mention the name of Edward Wood Jr. For those of you who never heard it, Mr. Wood gave us the classic SciFi stinker Plan 9 From Outer Space, a film reviled as one of the worst flicks ever made ... and, yes, it just had to be a SciFi film. Though he's no longer with us, Wood Jr. was born on this day back in 1924.
The great Richard Jaeckel remains one of cinema's best tough guys so far as this viewer is concerned. SciFi fans might remember him best from The Green Slime (1968), Gemini Man, The Fantastic Journey, Salvage 1, and Starman (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Jaeckel was born on this day in 1926.
Dana Elcar had a small role in 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984), one that set in motion the events involving a space expedition to uncover what went wrong in the original 2001: A Space Odyssey. Though he's no longer with us, Elcar was born on this day in 1927.
Peter White is one of those fabulous character actors who always turns up in a supporting role wherein directors need a person of some authority. He's garnered some screen time aboard such projects as The Greatest American Hero, Superboy, Monsters, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Armageddon (1998), and The X-Files. White was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Peter Coyote entered the field of Science Fiction when he appeared as the nameless government agent (in the novelization, he was called 'Keys,' referring to that big ring of keys he always had on his belt) trying to capture E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. He also had a recurring role on USA Network's The 4400. Coyote was born on this day back in 1941.
In Alien 3, Charles Dance plays "Clemens," a kinda/sorta penal colony physician who befriends Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) after she ends up on the prison planet. Dance has a distinguished career -- usually playing heavies or obsessive visionaries of a sort -- and he was born on this day back in 1946.
During Star Trek: The Next Generation's seventh season, showman Ben Vereen appeared in the role of a scientist and confidante for the Enterprise's engineer, Geordi LaForge. Vereen was born on this day in 1946.
In 2002's Minority Report, Jessica Harper (above right) played Anne Lively, one of the many folks wrapped up in the precognitions' accounts of impending crimes. Harper was born on this day in 1949.
With only a few dozens screen credits to her name, the lovely Karen Kopins only flirted with stardom. She did make some quality genre appearances, however, in such projects as Knight Rider, Creator (1985), and Amazing Stories. Kopins was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Bradley Whitford has certainly come a long way from his small role in Robocop 3, all the way to the point where he's one of the most recognizable and respected actors on television. Sadly, we don't see him in genre entertainment all that often, though he has gifted us with appearances in Tales from the Darkside, The X-Files, the telefilm Cloned, and Bicentennial Man. Whitford was born on this day in 1959.
With over one hundred screen credits to her name, the lovely Bonita Friedericy is an entertainment phenomenon. She's enjoyed exposure in such properties as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Angel, Star Trek: Enterprise, Alien Raiders (2008), and Chuck, to name but a few. Friedericy was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
The versatile Martin Kemp definitely steers more toward mainstream projects than he does Science Fiction and Fantasy. Still, his work in such programs as Waxwork II: Lost In Time (1992), Highlander (TV), The Outer Limits, Cyber Bandits (1995), and Embrace of the Vampire (1995) deserve our attention. Kemp was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Joe Dixon enjoyed a small role aboard the Doctor Who episode "The End of Time, Part 2" in 2010. He also enjoyed a recurring role aboard the BBC's Atlantis. Dixon was born on this day in 1965. [Source: Doctor Who Guide]
International sensation Bai Ling enjoyed playing a Republic Senator in an uncredited performance from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. She's also booked appearances in ABC TV's Lost and a host of other genre-related properties. Ling was born on this day in 1966.
The musical scores from the talented Michael Giacchino have graced such inspired genre projects as Star Trek (2009), ABC TV's Lost, Fox TV's Fringe, and Rogue One (2016). Giacchino was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
How has big screen stardom failed to find the incredible Manu Bennett? This guy rocks every role he assumes, from Starz Network's incredible Spartacus to MTV's lukewarm SciFi/Fantasy adaptation of The Shannara Chronicles. I, for one, love his work, and I encourage others to check it out whenever he appears. Bennett was born on this day in 1969.
The lovely Marjan Neshat wooed genre fans with her work aboard TV's Fringe, RoboCop (2014), and CBS's Person Of Interest. Neshat was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Marc Menchaca continues to seek out and explore roles to challenge and perfect his acting gifts. Genre fans have seen him aboard Flashforward, Person of Interest, and Sleepy Hollow. Menchaca was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've only really started to feature SciFi Gaming when I stumble across it, so kudos to the lovely Jodi Lyn O'Keefe for her appearance in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising (2009). O'Keefe was born on this day in 1978.
Entertainer extraordinaire Mya gave Science Fiction a whirl with a role aboard Bermuda Tentacles (2014). Mya was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com is the barometer, then Dan Stevens looks to be a very busy actor! Aside from an appearance in 2004's TV miniseries of Frankenstein, SciFi fans may remember his voice from its guest-starring spot on the CW's The Tomorrow People. More recently, he headlined FX Network's Legion in 2016. Stevens was born on this day in 1982.
The always-sexy Lucy Griffiths had a role in Uncanny (2015), a flick that explored the dangers of Artificial Intelligence on a more personal scale. Griffiths was born on this day in 1986.
The lovely Rose McIver's work on Power Rangers R.P.M. isn't exactly award-winning Science Fiction, but Fantasy is a close second place so I'll give her a shout. Also, she's making star turns as one of the undead aboard the CW's iZombie. McIver was born on this day in 1988.
Aimee Teegarden played 'Emery Whitehill' on the CW's SciFi-themed teen romance, Star-Crossed, which kindles the love affair between an Earth girl and alien boy who finds himself and his people on our planet. Teegarden was born on this day in 1989.
A star is born! On this day in 1936 (in the U.S.), Shadow Of Chinatown took to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Robert F. Hill, the Horror feature starred Bela Lugosi, Bruce Bennett, and Joan Barclay. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A madman sets out to destroy a group of Chinatown merchants."
For the record:
Just for the sake of clarity, Shadow Of Chinatown was originally a 15-part serial produced by Victory Pictures Corporation. As was a common tactic in the days of old, once the serial was completed studios would edit the chapters together -- obviously paring down the story considerably -- to also release a stand-alone theatrical feature for audiences as well. This was the first airing of that theatrical feature, as opposed to any of the serial chapters.
"A madman sets out to destroy a group of Chinatown merchants."
For the record:
Just for the sake of clarity, Shadow Of Chinatown was originally a 15-part serial produced by Victory Pictures Corporation. As was a common tactic in the days of old, once the serial was completed studios would edit the chapters together -- obviously paring down the story considerably -- to also release a stand-alone theatrical feature for audiences as well. This was the first airing of that theatrical feature, as opposed to any of the serial chapters.
A star is born! On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Captive Women enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Directed by Stuart Gilmore from a script by Jack Pollexfen and Aubrey Wisberg, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Clarke, Margaret Field, and Gloria Saunders. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, three tribes of mutants (the Norms, the Mutates and the Upriver people) battle each other to survive."
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, three tribes of mutants (the Norms, the Mutates and the Upriver people) battle each other to survive."
On this day in 1953 (in Portugal), The War Of The Worlds unfurled on the big screen. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry, Les Tremayne, and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Mole Men Against The Son Of Hercules (aka Maciste, l'uomo più forte del mondo) first dug itself out of the Earth for display on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Antonio Leonviola, the Fantay film starred Mark Forest, Moira Orfei, and Paul Wynter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Maciste arranges for himself and his new friend Bangor to be captured by a mysterious band of white-clad marauders and taken to an underground city. There the two are forced to turn an enormous wheel along with other captives as part of a gold-and-diamonds mining operation. The underground city's queen, Halis Mosab, takes note of the handsome, muscular Maciste and chooses him to be her consort if he can meet such challenges as saving the kidnapped Princess Saliura from a gigantic ape. Maciste kills the ape and carries Saliura back to the aboveground world. The white-clad marauders can't follow them if it means being caught in the sunlight which instantly dissolves them. Maciste then returns to the underground city to save the other captives. Meanwhile, high priest Kahab informs his son, Katar, that their queen is not one of them but, unbeknownst to her, was kidnapped as a small child from the "world above." If Katar can marry her, their children can be "normal" and can live in the world of sunlight. Katar sees Maciste as his enemy and is pleased when the re-captured Maciste is now subjected to a test of strength which will not only kill him but also Bango and another captive named Loth who is in love with the Princess Saliura."
"Maciste arranges for himself and his new friend Bangor to be captured by a mysterious band of white-clad marauders and taken to an underground city. There the two are forced to turn an enormous wheel along with other captives as part of a gold-and-diamonds mining operation. The underground city's queen, Halis Mosab, takes note of the handsome, muscular Maciste and chooses him to be her consort if he can meet such challenges as saving the kidnapped Princess Saliura from a gigantic ape. Maciste kills the ape and carries Saliura back to the aboveground world. The white-clad marauders can't follow them if it means being caught in the sunlight which instantly dissolves them. Maciste then returns to the underground city to save the other captives. Meanwhile, high priest Kahab informs his son, Katar, that their queen is not one of them but, unbeknownst to her, was kidnapped as a small child from the "world above." If Katar can marry her, their children can be "normal" and can live in the world of sunlight. Katar sees Maciste as his enemy and is pleased when the re-captured Maciste is now subjected to a test of strength which will not only kill him but also Bango and another captive named Loth who is in love with the Princess Saliura."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Barbarella delivered its cinematic camp for the very first time to the silver screen. Directed by Roger Vadim, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, and Anita Pallenberg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Barbarella, an astronaut from the 41st century, sets out to find and stop the evil scientist Durand Durand, whose Positronic Ray threatens to bring evil back into the galaxy."
"Barbarella, an astronaut from the 41st century, sets out to find and stop the evil scientist Durand Durand, whose Positronic Ray threatens to bring evil back into the galaxy."
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in East Germany), Flowers For The Man In The Moon (aka Blumen für den Mann im Mond) enjoyed its first release. Written (in part) and directed by Rolf Losansky, the family-friendly SciFi picture starred Jutta Wachowkiak, Stefan Lisewski, and Sven Grothe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Adam, Evchen, and Manni are looking at the moon through their home-made telescope. Evchen isn't interested, and dismisses the moon as a lump of cheese. Manni, who is a big fan of technology, sees satellites and a car driving over the moon's surface. But Adam hears the moon speak, and hears it ask for flowers to cover its surface. From then on, Adam is determined to breed a kind of flower that can grow on the moon. Although he is made fun of at school and is yelled at by his father, who develops extra-nutritious vegetables for Professor Vitamin, Adam keeps trying. Eventually things take a positive turn. Kondensmaxe, in his airplane, finds Professor Vitamin's old magic greenhouse. It turns out the Professor was herself concerned with developing such a flower, before the war, and is willing to assist Adam in his research. Manni and Evchen support him every step of the way, and so does Adam's grandfather. Eventually Adam's mother even convinces her husband to assist the children as well, although he believes that flowers are something "for poets and women." Even he is finally persuaded to abandon the purely useful for the extraordinarily beautiful. What is particularly charming about this movie is the magic found in the every-day. The clips of growing flowers seem just as magical as the idea of a flower on the moon. The university seen from the perspective of a child is just as impressive as the bewitched greenhouse in the middle of the woods. Suddenly anything is possible. The happy message of the film is to fight for what you believe in, as Adam does. That Adam convinces skeptics to help him is almost more important than the successful development of the moon flower."
"Adam, Evchen, and Manni are looking at the moon through their home-made telescope. Evchen isn't interested, and dismisses the moon as a lump of cheese. Manni, who is a big fan of technology, sees satellites and a car driving over the moon's surface. But Adam hears the moon speak, and hears it ask for flowers to cover its surface. From then on, Adam is determined to breed a kind of flower that can grow on the moon. Although he is made fun of at school and is yelled at by his father, who develops extra-nutritious vegetables for Professor Vitamin, Adam keeps trying. Eventually things take a positive turn. Kondensmaxe, in his airplane, finds Professor Vitamin's old magic greenhouse. It turns out the Professor was herself concerned with developing such a flower, before the war, and is willing to assist Adam in his research. Manni and Evchen support him every step of the way, and so does Adam's grandfather. Eventually Adam's mother even convinces her husband to assist the children as well, although he believes that flowers are something "for poets and women." Even he is finally persuaded to abandon the purely useful for the extraordinarily beautiful. What is particularly charming about this movie is the magic found in the every-day. The clips of growing flowers seem just as magical as the idea of a flower on the moon. The university seen from the perspective of a child is just as impressive as the bewitched greenhouse in the middle of the woods. Suddenly anything is possible. The happy message of the film is to fight for what you believe in, as Adam does. That Adam convinces skeptics to help him is almost more important than the successful development of the moon flower."
On this day in 1975 (in Denmark), the game was afoot -- in a violent variety -- with the cinematic release of Rollerball. Directed by Norman Jewison, the SciFi/Thriller starred James Caan, John Houseman, and Maud Adams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), 1984 showed audiences one dark interpretation of our possible future. Michael Radford adapted and directed the George Orwell novel for the silver screen. The film starred John Hurt, Richard Burton, and Suzanna Hamilton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a totalitarian future society, a man, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 1984 enjoyed a good amount of attention and praise from the film festival circuit.
"In a totalitarian future society, a man, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 1984 enjoyed a good amount of attention and praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1985 (in the Netherlands), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Thriller starred Mel Gibson as Max himself, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
On this day in 1986 (in Japan), Barbarian Queen fought her way through the competition on the home video market with her release. Directed by Héctor Olivera from a script by Howard R. Cohen (and being produced by genre legend Roger Corman), the Fantasy film starred Lana Clarkson, Katt Shea, and Frank Zagarino. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A sword-wielding warrior, Amethea, and a few companions embark on a life-or-death mission to liberate her people from the clutches of a brutal monarch who destroyed her village and enslaved her people."
"A sword-wielding warrior, Amethea, and a few companions embark on a life-or-death mission to liberate her people from the clutches of a brutal monarch who destroyed her village and enslaved her people."
A star is born! On this day in 1986, audiences made a Deadly Friend. Directed by Wes Craven from a script by Bruce Joel Robin (an adaptation of the Diana Henstell novel "Friend"), the film starred Matthew Labyorteaux, Kristy Swanson, and Michael Sharrett. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his friend is killed by her abusive father, the new kid in town attempts to save her by implanting a robotic microchip into her brain."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Deadly Friend earned a bit of praise from both the film festival circuit as well as the 1988 Young Artist Awards.
"After his friend is killed by her abusive father, the new kid in town attempts to save her by implanting a robotic microchip into her brain."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Deadly Friend earned a bit of praise from both the film festival circuit as well as the 1988 Young Artist Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Necropolis opened its doors for business in the home video market. Written and directed by Bruce Hickey, the Horror/Thriller starred LeeAnne Baker, Michael Conte, and Jacquie Fitz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Reincarnated "Satanic Witch" from New Amsterdam, circa 1600's comes back to revive her cult members by sucking the life force out of people."
"Reincarnated "Satanic Witch" from New Amsterdam, circa 1600's comes back to revive her cult members by sucking the life force out of people."
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Alien Nation: Body And Soul enjoyed its broadcast television premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sikes and Francisco are called in to a case when a mysterious young girl, who looks part Newcomer, part human, appears. Her huge, brutish counterpart tries to free her from the precinct, and their bizarre relationship turns out to be the result of a slaveship medical experiment. Meanwhile, Cathy and Matt are going to sex school, in preparation of becoming intimate, while Buck distresses his parents by his anti-human opinions."
"Sikes and Francisco are called in to a case when a mysterious young girl, who looks part Newcomer, part human, appears. Her huge, brutish counterpart tries to free her from the precinct, and their bizarre relationship turns out to be the result of a slaveship medical experiment. Meanwhile, Cathy and Matt are going to sex school, in preparation of becoming intimate, while Buck distresses his parents by his anti-human opinions."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the Final Frontier got a little funnier with the cinematic release of RocketMan. Directed by Stuart Gillard, the SciFi/Comedy starred Harland Williams, Jessica Lundy, and William Sadler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fred Z. Randall is a geeky spacecraft designer who gets the chance to make his dream come true and travel to Mars."
"Fred Z. Randall is a geeky spacecraft designer who gets the chance to make his dream come true and travel to Mars."
On this day in 2001 (in Brazil), those subterranean creatures were at it once again with the release of Tremors 3: Back To Perfection. Written (in part) and directed by Brent Maddock, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Gross, Shawn Christian, and Susan Chuang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The now famous Burt Gummer returns to his hometown of Perfection, Nevada for the first time in years, but the deadliest Graboid evolution yet forces him to save the town he swore to protect."
For the record:
For the 2001 DVD Exclusive Awards, Tremors 3 enjoyed a bit of attention. Michael Gross took home the 'Best Actor' Award, and the film also enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
"The now famous Burt Gummer returns to his hometown of Perfection, Nevada for the first time in years, but the deadliest Graboid evolution yet forces him to save the town he swore to protect."
For the record:
For the 2001 DVD Exclusive Awards, Tremors 3 enjoyed a bit of attention. Michael Gross took home the 'Best Actor' Award, and the film also enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
As I always warn, Science Fiction comes in all shapes and sizes ... and on this day in 2006 the SciFi/Adult feature Bikini Girls From The Lost Planet found its (ahem) star. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Blast off to the farthest reaches of deep space as two foxes from the all-lesbian planet of Aquaterra head for Earth in search of the finest male breeding stock. A fast-paced erotic spoof of sex and special effects in the tradition of Flesh Gordon, this is sin and satire on a galactic scale!"
"Blast off to the farthest reaches of deep space as two foxes from the all-lesbian planet of Aquaterra head for Earth in search of the finest male breeding stock. A fast-paced erotic spoof of sex and special effects in the tradition of Flesh Gordon, this is sin and satire on a galactic scale!"
On this day in 2008, the Fantasy-themed City of Ember enjoyed its theatrical release. The film starred Saoirse Ronan and Toby Jones, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing ... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker."
"For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing ... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker."
On this day in 2008, Mutant Chronicles opened theatrically in the United Kingdom. The flick starred fan-favorite Thomas Jane and Ron Perlman, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"28th century soldier Mitch Hunter leads a fight against an army of underworld Mutants."
"28th century soldier Mitch Hunter leads a fight against an army of underworld Mutants."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the 'found footage' SciFi-themed Quarantine first premiered theatrically. Written (in part) and directed by John Erick Dowdle, the SciFi/Horror starred Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, and Columbus Short. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A television reporter and her cameraman are trapped inside a building quarantined by the CDC after the outbreak of a mysterious virus which turns humans into bloodthirsty killers."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Quarantine racked up a small number of awards' citations, including a nomination in 2009 for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"A television reporter and her cameraman are trapped inside a building quarantined by the CDC after the outbreak of a mysterious virus which turns humans into bloodthirsty killers."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Quarantine racked up a small number of awards' citations, including a nomination in 2009 for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), MegaFault enjoyed its first airing on television. Directed by David Michael Latt, the SciFi/Thriller starred Brittany Murphy, Eriq La Salle, and Bruce Davison. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When miner Charley 'Boomer' Baxter sets off a series of massive mining detonations in West Virginia, a gigantic earthquake is soon rocking the North Atlantic, exposing a deep seismic fault that runs the length of the North American continent. Joining forces with government seismology expert Dr Amy Lane, Boomer must now race against time to stop the chasm that is threatening to tear America - and the entire world - in half."
"When miner Charley 'Boomer' Baxter sets off a series of massive mining detonations in West Virginia, a gigantic earthquake is soon rocking the North Atlantic, exposing a deep seismic fault that runs the length of the North American continent. Joining forces with government seismology expert Dr Amy Lane, Boomer must now race against time to stop the chasm that is threatening to tear America - and the entire world - in half."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the good people of Universal City, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Thing. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., the SciFi/Horror starred Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, and Ulrich Thomsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"At an Antarctica research site, the discovery of an alien craft leads to a confrontation between graduate student Kate Lloyd and scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of The Thing enjoyed two Saturn Award nominations in 2012: 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror/Thriller Film.'
"At an Antarctica research site, the discovery of an alien craft leads to a confrontation between graduate student Kate Lloyd and scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of The Thing enjoyed two Saturn Award nominations in 2012: 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror/Thriller Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the good people of Salt Lake City, Utah were treated to the silver screen spectacle premiere that is Dudes & Dragons. Written and directed by the team of Maclain Nelson and Stephen Shimek, the Fantasy/Comedy starred James Marsters, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Luke Perry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil wizard, Lord Tensley, seeks the hand and heart of the beautiful princess, Lady Ennogard. When she refuses, he locks her away and releases a deadly dragon, which he controls, to terrorize the land. He vows that, until she accepts his love, his dragon will destroy all who dare display any sign of love throughout the kingdom. Desperate to end the tyranny, she sends an enchanted dragonfly with a mission to find a true "Dragon Warrior" who is fit to release her from her captor and stop the destruction of the dragon. Meanwhile a young warrior, Camilan, braves the attacks of the Dragon and plans to marry his true love, the elf princess Larec. But his parents refuse to give their blessing, as marrying outside of their race would forfeit the family birthright. His only hope is to find a wife for his estranged older brother Ramicus, a rogue bounty hunter. But convincing the wild-hearted Ramicus to settle down and secure the family's inheritance seems a feat as impossible as any heroic quest. Camilan reunites with his brother with the hope that he will be able to soften his heart. His attempts are in vain until Lady Ennogard's dragonfly reaches their camp and relays her call of distress. Enamored by her beauty and lured by the promise of wealth, Ramicus agrees to take on the heroic task. So Ramicus and his Orc sidekick Shokdor, and Camilan and his loyal squire Samton, set off on a journey to rescue Lady Ennogard and put an end to the dragon and the evil reign of the powerful Lord Tensley."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dudes & Dragons enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"An evil wizard, Lord Tensley, seeks the hand and heart of the beautiful princess, Lady Ennogard. When she refuses, he locks her away and releases a deadly dragon, which he controls, to terrorize the land. He vows that, until she accepts his love, his dragon will destroy all who dare display any sign of love throughout the kingdom. Desperate to end the tyranny, she sends an enchanted dragonfly with a mission to find a true "Dragon Warrior" who is fit to release her from her captor and stop the destruction of the dragon. Meanwhile a young warrior, Camilan, braves the attacks of the Dragon and plans to marry his true love, the elf princess Larec. But his parents refuse to give their blessing, as marrying outside of their race would forfeit the family birthright. His only hope is to find a wife for his estranged older brother Ramicus, a rogue bounty hunter. But convincing the wild-hearted Ramicus to settle down and secure the family's inheritance seems a feat as impossible as any heroic quest. Camilan reunites with his brother with the hope that he will be able to soften his heart. His attempts are in vain until Lady Ennogard's dragonfly reaches their camp and relays her call of distress. Enamored by her beauty and lured by the promise of wealth, Ramicus agrees to take on the heroic task. So Ramicus and his Orc sidekick Shokdor, and Camilan and his loyal squire Samton, set off on a journey to rescue Lady Ennogard and put an end to the dragon and the evil reign of the powerful Lord Tensley."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dudes & Dragons enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California enjoyed the silver screen theatrical debut of Thor: Ragnarok. Directed by Taika Waititi, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, and Cate Blanchett. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Imprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela."
For the record:
Thor: Ragnarok proved to be another feather in the cap of Marvel's commercial and critical success. As for the significant mentions in this space? At the 2018 Saturn Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations: 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Comic-To-Film Motion Picture.' Also, the flick also enjoyed the 2018 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"Imprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela."
For the record:
Thor: Ragnarok proved to be another feather in the cap of Marvel's commercial and critical success. As for the significant mentions in this space? At the 2018 Saturn Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations: 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Comic-To-Film Motion Picture.' Also, the flick also enjoyed the 2018 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
On this day in 1952, Adventures of Superman aired "Mystery of the Broken Statues." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A notorious con artist and his thugs are going to all the antique shops in town, buying cheap figurines, and smashing them. Clark and Lois assume that they are looking for something hidden inside the figurines, so they investigate."
"A notorious con artist and his thugs are going to all the antique shops in town, buying cheap figurines, and smashing them. Clark and Lois assume that they are looking for something hidden inside the figurines, so they investigate."
On this day in 1953, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Target Danger." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's the space adventure's plot summary:
"War games are supposed to be bloodless, but when a feud causes the Commander's flagship to crash, torpedoes are launched at Tom's spaceship and Roger Manning and another cadet are at each other's throats, casualties appear to be inevitable."
"War games are supposed to be bloodless, but when a feud causes the Commander's flagship to crash, torpedoes are launched at Tom's spaceship and Roger Manning and another cadet are at each other's throats, casualties appear to be inevitable."
On this day in 1961, A For Andromeda aired "The Machine." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Fleming has decoded the message, which he thinks is a set of mathematical instructions for constructing a computer of complexity beyond anything in existence. The authorities give the go-ahead for the building of the computer at Thorness, in Scotland. The military, politicians and scientific community all prepare in their own way for what the construction of the computer will mean. Meanwhile, knowledge of the message becomes public and Britain is thrown into panic."
"Fleming has decoded the message, which he thinks is a set of mathematical instructions for constructing a computer of complexity beyond anything in existence. The authorities give the go-ahead for the building of the computer at Thorness, in Scotland. The military, politicians and scientific community all prepare in their own way for what the construction of the computer will mean. Meanwhile, knowledge of the message becomes public and Britain is thrown into panic."
On this day back in 1977, Logan's Run aired its fourth episode of its only season. "The Innocent" focuses on a young girl named Lisa who develops an attraction for Logan, so she secretly plots to have Jessica and Rem disappear in order to keep the former Sandman all to herself!
On this day in 1982, Voyagers! aired "Created Equal." This served as the second episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Arriving in ancient Rome, Phineas and Jeffery must save the slave Spartacusso that he can lead the revolt in Capra. They also meet a young Sam Clemens and help Harriet Tubman escape."
"Arriving in ancient Rome, Phineas and Jeffery must save the slave Spartacusso that he can lead the revolt in Capra. They also meet a young Sam Clemens and help Harriet Tubman escape."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Stargate." This (technically) served as the program's twenty-ninth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rangers hear the Queen is after the Stargate. A legendary gate to a parallel dimension, which could hold the key to endless power. The Rangers must get to the Stargate before the Queen's minions."
"The Rangers hear the Queen is after the Stargate. A legendary gate to a parallel dimension, which could hold the key to endless power. The Rangers must get to the Stargate before the Queen's minions."
File this under "Dubious Under-Achievements Of A Show's First Season":
Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Code of Honor" premiered on this day (in syndication) back in 1987, and, boy, did it stink even back then. The story has the apparent leader of an alien culture -- who happens to resemble one of Earth's African-American -- taking a lusty interest in Tasha Yar, so he just up and chooses her to be his new mate; this forces his current wife -- who also resembles one of Earth's African-Americans -- to challenge the Enterprise officer to a fight to the death. Ahem.
It's an odd sort of racially-charged fiasco, if you ask me. I'm sure the writers never intended for an episode to be so ... so ... so ... what's the word? Indelicate? Kudos for trying to (once again) recapture some of the sentiments that made the original STAR TREK so enlightening ... but take back those kudos any time this episode gets any airtime ever.
Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Code of Honor" premiered on this day (in syndication) back in 1987, and, boy, did it stink even back then. The story has the apparent leader of an alien culture -- who happens to resemble one of Earth's African-American -- taking a lusty interest in Tasha Yar, so he just up and chooses her to be his new mate; this forces his current wife -- who also resembles one of Earth's African-Americans -- to challenge the Enterprise officer to a fight to the death. Ahem.
It's an odd sort of racially-charged fiasco, if you ask me. I'm sure the writers never intended for an episode to be so ... so ... so ... what's the word? Indelicate? Kudos for trying to (once again) recapture some of the sentiments that made the original STAR TREK so enlightening ... but take back those kudos any time this episode gets any airtime ever.
On this day in 1988, War of the Worlds aired "The Walls of Jericho." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The aliens suffer from radiation poisoning and develop suits to protect themselves. Meanwhile, the government attempts to shut down Harrison and his team believing that the alien menace is no more."
"The aliens suffer from radiation poisoning and develop suits to protect themselves. Meanwhile, the government attempts to shut down Harrison and his team believing that the alien menace is no more."
"Relics" is a truly great example of how a classic character can be brought into the future as Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott proved he was too tough to let a ship mishap keep him down. He's paired up with Geordi LaForge, and, together, the two end up resolving their differences and saving the day! The episode aired as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation's sixth season in TV syndication on this date back in 1992.
On this day in 1993, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman aired "I'm Looking Through You." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superman is feeling profoundly uncomfortable becoming a celebrity, while there is a wave of crimes apparently committed by an invisible man."
"Superman is feeling profoundly uncomfortable becoming a celebrity, while there is a wave of crimes apparently committed by an invisible man."
On this day in 1993, the exciting three-part opening story for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine came to its big finish with the airing of "The Siege." This served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As a Circle-led Bajoran military attempts to occupy the station, a skeleton crew, led by Sisko fight to reveal the Circle's secret before they're forced to evacuate themselves. Meanwhile, Kira and Dax lead a mission to reveal the truth about the Circle, on Bajor."
"As a Circle-led Bajoran military attempts to occupy the station, a skeleton crew, led by Sisko fight to reveal the Circle's secret before they're forced to evacuate themselves. Meanwhile, Kira and Dax lead a mission to reveal the truth about the Circle, on Bajor."
On this day in 1994, one of the very finest hours of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (so far as this fan is concerned) aired with "The House of Quark." This served as the third hour of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Quark is forced to marry a Klingon widow after he takes credit for the accidental death of her husband, the head of a powerful Klingon House."
"Quark is forced to marry a Klingon widow after he takes credit for the accidental death of her husband, the head of a powerful Klingon House."
On this day in 1997, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Bloodlines." This served as the eleventh episode to the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"It is time for Teal'c's son Rya'c to have his primtal. Can Teal'c stop his son from being implanted with a goa'uld and becoming a slave to Apophis?"
"It is time for Teal'c's son Rya'c to have his primtal. Can Teal'c stop his son from being implanted with a goa'uld and becoming a slave to Apophis?"
On this day in 1998 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "The Way To Eden." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
On this day in 1999, GvsE (aka Good vs Evil) aired "Sunday Night Evil." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A wrestler, Testicules, appears out of nowhere and Henry and Chandler think that he has made a deal with a Morlock to become the WWF superstar. Under pressure from their bosses, Ford and Decker, to get more 'renouncings' they decide that they need to make sure of this one. Henry enlists the aid of his old friend, and the top WWF wrestler, Mankind and they set about trying to find out why the Morlocks are trying to infiltrate the WWF, as well as save the soul of Testicules."
"A wrestler, Testicules, appears out of nowhere and Henry and Chandler think that he has made a deal with a Morlock to become the WWF superstar. Under pressure from their bosses, Ford and Decker, to get more 'renouncings' they decide that they need to make sure of this one. Henry enlists the aid of his old friend, and the top WWF wrestler, Mankind and they set about trying to find out why the Morlocks are trying to infiltrate the WWF, as well as save the soul of Testicules."
On this day in 2001, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Strange New World." This served as the fourth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Crew members go on a survey mission to a seemingly uninhabited Earth-like planet where a mysterious alien presence sends them into a state of paranoid overdrive."
"Crew members go on a survey mission to a seemingly uninhabited Earth-like planet where a mysterious alien presence sends them into a state of paranoid overdrive."
On this day in 2008, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired the third episode of its inaugural season. The adventure was titled "Shadow of Malevolence," and here's the plot summary compliments of StarWars.com:
"With the help of his Padawan Ahsoka and Jedi Master Plo Koon, Anakin utilizes new long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous' warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive weapon."
"With the help of his Padawan Ahsoka and Jedi Master Plo Koon, Anakin utilizes new long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous' warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive weapon."
On this day in 2015, Doctor Who aired "Before The Flood." This served as the fourth episode of the long-running program's ninth (rebooted) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a town that never was, the Doctor and his friends are being stalked by a mysterious figure. With the past and future in the balance, can the Doctor stop the evil Fisher King? And more importantly, who composed Beethoven's 5th."
"In a town that never was, the Doctor and his friends are being stalked by a mysterious figure. With the past and future in the balance, can the Doctor stop the evil Fisher King? And more importantly, who composed Beethoven's 5th."
On this day in 2016, Supergirl launched its second season on an all-new TV network, moving from CBS to The CW, with the airing of "The Adventures of Supergirl." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the excitement was about:
"Supergirl and Superman team up to stop a new threat emerging in National City. A Kryptonian pod comes crashing down to Earth."
"Supergirl and Superman team up to stop a new threat emerging in National City. A Kryptonian pod comes crashing down to Earth."
On this day in 2016, Timeless aired "The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln." This served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team debates whether to prevent Abraham Lincoln's assassination when they learn that Flynn has ties to John Wilkes Booth."
"The team debates whether to prevent Abraham Lincoln's assassination when they learn that Flynn has ties to John Wilkes Booth."
On this day in 2007, Half-Life 2: Episode Two was released to the gaming marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what the premise behind the property was all about:
"Gordon Freeman, along with the help of human and non-human allies, continues his fight against the ruthless alien force known as the Combine."
"Gordon Freeman, along with the help of human and non-human allies, continues his fight against the ruthless alien force known as the Combine."
On this day in 1937, The Shadow radio serial aired "Danger In The Dark." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, the details surrounding this particular tale have been sadly lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
