Robert Webber was a brilliant character actor who could generate the needed gravitas to fulfill the requirements of almost any role. Still, he didn't do much Science Fiction and Fantasy; he did enjoy roles aboard Out There, Tales Of Tomorrow, One Step Beyond, The Outer Limits, and Something Is Out There. Though he's no longer with us, Webber was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I realize not a lot of James Bond fans have fond memories for some of the campier elements of the Roger Moore films, but I tend to look at the Bond franchise with each flick having some strong and some weak points. Whatever the case, Moore was the MI6 agent who finally took Bond off the ground -- literally -- by launching him into space in the singular Moonraker. He played the British superspy across seven different films, including one of my personal favorites, For Your Eyes Only (1981). Though he's no longer with us, Moore was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
The great nation state of Germany gives out the Jupiter Awards honoring achievement in film and television; and back in 1979, Moore received a nomination for 'Best International Actor' for his work aboard Moonraker (1979).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
The great nation state of Germany gives out the Jupiter Awards honoring achievement in film and television; and back in 1979, Moore received a nomination for 'Best International Actor' for his work aboard Moonraker (1979).
Buxom B-Movie actress Dyanne Thorne tuned up as little more than 'gun moll eye candy' aboard "A Piece Of The Action," a favorite episode of the beloved Star Trek. A few years after Trek, Thorne found (ahem) broader acclaim by exploring the dark side of human sexuality in the guise of 'Ilsa,' a sexual dominatrix, across four different films; and it's work that's still revered by a cult audience even decades later. Though she's no longer with us, Thorne was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Her IMDB.com biography denotes a clever little life story she relates when asked about her voluptuousness. Apparently, a fraternity for doctor out of a Boston, Massachusetts medical college voted her as the body upon which they'd most like to operate. (Snicker snicker)
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Her IMDB.com biography denotes a clever little life story she relates when asked about her voluptuousness. Apparently, a fraternity for doctor out of a Boston, Massachusetts medical college voted her as the body upon which they'd most like to operate. (Snicker snicker)
Think what you may, but few actors truly manage to play total evil the way the legendary Udo Kier does. He chewed scenery suitably in 2012's cult Iron Sky (audiences loved it, but I thought it was a bit uneven), the farcical story about Space Nazis returning from the moon to take over the planet! Kier was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That luscious li'l minx mugging alongside Doctor Who's John Pertwee is none other than Katy Manning. She played the companion 'Jo Grant' throughout the programs run from 1971 until 1973. To her credit, the lady returned to the role for a series of Doctor Who short features as well as an appearance in a Doctor Who video game. Her resume also includes work aboard The Sarah Jane Adventures and some voicework to the animated Prisoner Zero. Manning was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though this isn't a SciFi citation per se, Manning did win a 'Best Supporting Actress' trophy for her work in the drama When Darkness Falls (2006) from the Melbourne Underground Film Festival.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though this isn't a SciFi citation per se, Manning did win a 'Best Supporting Actress' trophy for her work in the drama When Darkness Falls (2006) from the Melbourne Underground Film Festival.
During his time in the business, funnyman Harry Anderson enjoyed a guest star aboard an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in my college days, I actually met Rick Aviles. At that time, he was a stand-up comedian touring the university and college circuit, and he made a stop for a show at my alma mater. Little did I know that just over a decade later I'd see him up on the silver screen roughing up no less than Kevin Costner in 1995's Waterworld. Though he's no longer with us, Aviles was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anyone who knows William Shatner knows William Shatner likes to keep an awful lot of irons in the fire. (In 2021, he even earned the title of the oldest person to travel into outer space!) One of his many irons was a little SciFi property called TekWar. The series of novels inspired a television show starred Greg Evigan (shown above alongside Bill) as 'Jack Cardigan,' a cop in 2045 jailed on bogus charges, who wages a personal war to have the drug 'Tek' removed from the streets. Initially, it was a series of telefilms that spawned a series, and TekWar showed a very different version of the future -- considerably darker -- than Star Trek. With over one hundred different screen credits, TekWar isn't the actor's only appearance in Science Fiction and Fantasy. He's also scored screen time aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, Northstar (1986), DeepStar Six (1989), The Outer Limits, Cerberus, Journey To The Center Of The Earth, Phantom Racer (2009), Megaconda (2010), Metal Tornado (2011), and Invasion Roswell (2013). Evigan -- a veritable steward of genre entertainment -- was born on this day back in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Think what you will but for my money the very best interpretation of Batman's 'Harley Quinn' character remains the voice who was there at the beginning, that belonging to Arleen Sorkin. To her credit, she's played that character (to perfection, I might add) across several different animated programs, including Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Gotham Girls, and Justice League. Though she's no longer with us, Sorkin was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Trevor Goddard was willing to 'mix it up' against the best in the universe for his work aboard the SciFi/Fantasy Mortal Kombat (1995). In his time in the business, he also booked appearances aboard Babylon 5, Legion (1998), and The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Goddard was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1995, Lori Petty played Tank Girl in a movie of the same name. For those who aren't aware of the property, Tank Girl is a pretty whacked out movie based on an equally whacked out comic book; and it details the adventures and misadventures of a girl and her tank as they wage a war in the era of tomorrow against a mega-company that controls the world's remaining water supply. On top of live acting, the actress also has turned in solid voice performances in animation. Other credits to her name include The Twilight Zone, Freddy's Nightmares, Alien Nation, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Star Trek: Voyager, Brimstone, The Hunger, Cryptid (2006), and Gotham. Petty was born on this day back in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I tried to enjoy NBC's SciFi program SeaQuest, but it just wasn't for me. Still, I can appreciate the contributions of its talented cast, among which Edward Kerr is fondly remembered. Thankfully, the actor continued working after SeaQuest's cancellation, and fans might recall him from appearances aboard Touched By An Angel, The Astronaut's Wife (1999), Ghosted, and Lucifer. Kerr was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert C. Cooper was born to play in the Stargate Universe. He came into our plane of existence back in 1968, and his greatest claim to fame is writing and producing so very much of the Stargate television properties. It's an amazing record, being one of the creative forces behind an entire franchise property. He also contributed to the success of such genre entries as Syfy's Dark Matter and the BBC's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Happy birthday, Mr. Cooper!
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Just as he's been good for the wider Stargate franchise, it would seem that Stargate has been very good for Cooper. In 2000, he shared a nomination for the Gemini Award (which recognizes excellence in Canadian television production) with several others for 'Best Dramatic Series' for Stargate: SG-1. And it was a nominee he'd share again (with others) in 2010 for the Gemini Award for 'Best Dramatic Series' for SGU Stargate Universe. In 2005 and again in 2007, Stargate: SG-1 received nominations for the Hugo Awards for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.' When it comes to the Leo Awards (recognition given by the British Columbian film and television industry), Cooper has been awarded (or shared awards) in 2009 when Stargate: Atlantis took home the trophy for 'Best Dramatic Series' and again in 2010 when SGU Stargate Universe took home the same trophy.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Just as he's been good for the wider Stargate franchise, it would seem that Stargate has been very good for Cooper. In 2000, he shared a nomination for the Gemini Award (which recognizes excellence in Canadian television production) with several others for 'Best Dramatic Series' for Stargate: SG-1. And it was a nominee he'd share again (with others) in 2010 for the Gemini Award for 'Best Dramatic Series' for SGU Stargate Universe. In 2005 and again in 2007, Stargate: SG-1 received nominations for the Hugo Awards for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.' When it comes to the Leo Awards (recognition given by the British Columbian film and television industry), Cooper has been awarded (or shared awards) in 2009 when Stargate: Atlantis took home the trophy for 'Best Dramatic Series' and again in 2010 when SGU Stargate Universe took home the same trophy.
Earlier in his professional career, Jon Seda enjoyed a small role aboard Terry Gilliam's adaptation of Twelve Monkeys (1995). More recently, he returned to the world of genre entertainment with a role aboard NBC Television's La Brea series. Seda was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult Film vixen Jessica Drake has shown up for work aboard Axel Braun's latest Supergirl and Justice League parodies in the guise of 'Cat Grant.' Drake was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though the bulk of her work doesn't fall within the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, we do believe it's worth mentioned that Drake is a highly-decorated member of the adult film industry. Her work as an actress has garnered many nominations and even a few coveted wins, even garnering a deserved spot in the Adult Video News Awards Hall Of Fame in 2010. Job well done, milady!
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though the bulk of her work doesn't fall within the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, we do believe it's worth mentioned that Drake is a highly-decorated member of the adult film industry. Her work as an actress has garnered many nominations and even a few coveted wins, even garnering a deserved spot in the Adult Video News Awards Hall Of Fame in 2010. Job well done, milady!
The venerable Cokey Falkow is one of those actors who manages to squeak out some great work in even the smallest roles. Fans might recognize him from Doomsday (2008), Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008), Penny Dreadful, and The Outpost. Falkow was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the day when his life wasn't all about his music, Usher Raymond (aka Usher) tried to save his school from alien influence aboard The Faculty (1998). Raymond was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ben Whishaw is a dynamo to watch in whatever he's appearing. I've seen him in period dramas, in action films, and the like. Still, I haven't seen him in the Wachowskis' Cloud Atlas (2012) only because I haven't gotten around to sitting through it yet. (I've been warned that it's relatively boring.) Whishaw was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Mackenzie Mauzy found herself in the arms of a man who may've been immortal for her work aboard TV's short-lived Forever. Mauzy was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A few years before he moved on to the greener pastures of TV's Bates Motel, a kinder, gentler Max Thieriot leapt around time and space in 2008's nifty SciFi flick, Jumper. Thieriot was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Amber Viera -- formerly known as Amber Coney -- has certainly established herself as a talent deserving your undivided attention. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard such properties as Prosthetic Memories, Dead Of Summer, Dark/Web. Viera was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've never seen a single frame of anything in the Spy Kids universe, but I have nothing but respect for films that serve as inspiration to even the youngest fans. More recently, she's turned up in a role aboard TNT's television adaptation of Snowpiercer. Rowan Blanchard played a role in the franchise, and the young lady was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1914 (in the U.S.), The New Wizard Of Oz (aka His Majesty, The Scarecrow Of Oz) enjoyed its first screening ever. Directed by J. Farrell MacDonald and adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum, the silent-era motion picture starred Violet MacMillan, Frank Moore, and Pierre Couderc. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wicked king has taken over the Emerald City, and wants his daughter, Princess Gloria, to marry the horrid courtier Googly-Goo, though she loves Pon, the Gardener's Boy. The camera now follows two farmers placing a Scarecrow upon a pole in a cornfield. Meanwhile, Pon rescues a Kansas girl named Dorothy from the evil witch Mombi, to whom Princess Gloria has been taken by King Krewl to freeze her heart so she will no longer love Pon. An Indian princess conducts a ceremony to bring the Scarecrow to life. Pon rescues the cold-hearted princess and they flee in search of help, discovering the Scarecrow (who promptly falls in love with the princess) and Button-Bright, a lost boy from America. They come to the castle of the Tin Emperor, Nick Chopper, and after oiling him, he falls in love with Gloria. After a bit of a chase aided by the Sawhorse and the Wizard, Mombi turns Pon into a Kangaroo, and a slew of Fred Woodward's animals battle it out."
"A wicked king has taken over the Emerald City, and wants his daughter, Princess Gloria, to marry the horrid courtier Googly-Goo, though she loves Pon, the Gardener's Boy. The camera now follows two farmers placing a Scarecrow upon a pole in a cornfield. Meanwhile, Pon rescues a Kansas girl named Dorothy from the evil witch Mombi, to whom Princess Gloria has been taken by King Krewl to freeze her heart so she will no longer love Pon. An Indian princess conducts a ceremony to bring the Scarecrow to life. Pon rescues the cold-hearted princess and they flee in search of help, discovering the Scarecrow (who promptly falls in love with the princess) and Button-Bright, a lost boy from America. They come to the castle of the Tin Emperor, Nick Chopper, and after oiling him, he falls in love with Gloria. After a bit of a chase aided by the Sawhorse and the Wizard, Mombi turns Pon into a Kangaroo, and a slew of Fred Woodward's animals battle it out."
On this day in 1952 (in the Philippines), the SciFi/Classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature starred Michael Rennie, Hugh Marlowe, and Patricia Neal; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1960 (in West Germany), The Lost World brought dinosaurs to life for a certain generation of viewers. Written (in part) and directed by Irwin Allen, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael Rennie, Jill St. John, and David Hedison. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
On this day in 1972 (in Iceland), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by Stanely Kubrick, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. 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."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"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."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1973 (in Portugal), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey played for audiences in attendance of the Cineclube do Porto. Written (in part) and directed by Stanely Kubrick, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. 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."
A star is born! Starship Invasions -- which premiered on this day back in 1977 -- is one of those otherwise largely forgettable flicks that a lot of people saw when it played theatrically. Why? Well, it kinda/sorta benefited from being a SciFi-themed motion picture on the tail end of the first Star Wars playing in the cinemas. People had the 'space bug,' so they were taking in anything. I saw it, but all I distinctly recall were a bunch of women in fairly skimpy costumes. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth!"
"An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth!"
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), Hell Of The Living Dead (aka Virus) enjoyed a full U.S. theatrical release (after some limited screening engagements). Directed by Bruno Mattei and Claudio Fragasso (who also contributed to the screenplay), the Horror/Fantasy starred Margie Newton, Franco Garofalo, and Selen Karay. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an experiment gone wrong, a virus that turns people into zombies spreads throughout New Guinea, whilst a female reporter and her cameraman and a team of four commandos sent to investigate try to survive the onslaught."
"After an experiment gone wrong, a virus that turns people into zombies spreads throughout New Guinea, whilst a female reporter and her cameraman and a team of four commandos sent to investigate try to survive the onslaught."
On this day in 1987 (in France), Spaceballs dished up SciFi-flavored laughs. Directed by Mel Brooks, the feature starred John Candy and Rick Moranis, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A star pilot and his sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
"A star pilot and his sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
On this day in 1988 (in Denmark), Cherry 2000 brought Science Fiction and the traditional Rom/Com together in an unsatisfying mix. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
On this day in 1989 (in Taiwan), Evil Spawn drummed up evil at the box office. The SciFi/Horror feature starred Bobbie Bresee and Dawn Wildsmith, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Microbes are brought back to earth via a space probe from Venus. A scientist is using them in experiments on aging, but dies before the work is finished. His assistant approaches an aging actress who is being passed by for the lead roles, and she injects the serum hoping to become young again. When the actress is still passed up for the plum roles, the alien bacterium transforms her into a hideous bug-like alien resulting in a predictable attrition problem amongst her detractors."
"Microbes are brought back to earth via a space probe from Venus. A scientist is using them in experiments on aging, but dies before the work is finished. His assistant approaches an aging actress who is being passed by for the lead roles, and she injects the serum hoping to become young again. When the actress is still passed up for the plum roles, the alien bacterium transforms her into a hideous bug-like alien resulting in a predictable attrition problem amongst her detractors."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Trancers III enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by C. Courtney Joyner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, and Melanie Smith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A time cop is sent back to the 23rd Century to finish his battle against zombie-like beings called Trancers, with the help of his wife and an ex-con."
"A time cop is sent back to the 23rd Century to finish his battle against zombie-like beings called Trancers, with the help of his wife and an ex-con."
On this day in 2003, a little SciFi stinker known as Alien Tracker came to visual life for those who caught it. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a galaxy far away, alien criminals organize a spectacular prison break. Pursued by their home planet's authorities, their leader Zin decides there's one place to go: through a wormhole that allows instantaneous travel to Earth. Cole is the Alien tracker who's in hot pursuit of the escaped convicts. when a government group investigating extraterrestrials captures one, Cole must break into the facility and free him before they gather the hard evidence they need to prove that Alien life exists on earth."
"In a galaxy far away, alien criminals organize a spectacular prison break. Pursued by their home planet's authorities, their leader Zin decides there's one place to go: through a wormhole that allows instantaneous travel to Earth. Cole is the Alien tracker who's in hot pursuit of the escaped convicts. when a government group investigating extraterrestrials captures one, Cole must break into the facility and free him before they gather the hard evidence they need to prove that Alien life exists on earth."
On this day in 2003, Dimension Films delved back into the Mimic franchise with a direct-to-DVD release, Mimic: Sentinel, which starred the reliable Lance Henriksen. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man enclosed in a plastic bubble, his sister, and their best friend must defend an apartment complex from the mutant Judas Breed insects."
"A man enclosed in a plastic bubble, his sister, and their best friend must defend an apartment complex from the mutant Judas Breed insects."
On this day in 2008 (in Russia), Journey To The Center Of The Earth enjoyed its theatrical run. The SciFi feature starred Greg Evigan and Dedee Pfeiffer, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"A California research institute is performing a teleportation experiment to send their military research team to Stuttgart, Germany. But something goes wrong, and the team ends up at the center of the earth, where they just manage to send off a distress signal before being hunted by a dinosaur. Joseph Harnet, head scientist in CA, contacts Emily Radford, sister of the missing unit's leader and head of a deep bore drill experiment, for help in rescuing the stranded team. The two mount a rescue operation, drilling down to the earth's core to save the girls before it's too late. In the mean time the stranded group are doing their best to survive in the deadly environment."
"A California research institute is performing a teleportation experiment to send their military research team to Stuttgart, Germany. But something goes wrong, and the team ends up at the center of the earth, where they just manage to send off a distress signal before being hunted by a dinosaur. Joseph Harnet, head scientist in CA, contacts Emily Radford, sister of the missing unit's leader and head of a deep bore drill experiment, for help in rescuing the stranded team. The two mount a rescue operation, drilling down to the earth's core to save the girls before it's too late. In the mean time the stranded group are doing their best to survive in the deadly environment."
On this day in 2011, audiences were taken back into a world created by legendary director John Carpenter decades ago when The Thing returned to theatres in the form of a prequel. Unfortunately, waiting so long for a prequel/sequel no one had really asked for, probably wasn't the smartest move as the movie struggled to make back its investment.
On this day in 2012 (in Belgium), True Bloodthirst (aka Vampire Nation) enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Todor Chapkanov, the Horror/Fantasy starred Andrew Lee Potts, Heida Reed, and Claudia Bassols. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in a not-too-distant future in which a synthetic blood substitute, dispensed by the Romanian government, allows humans and vampires to potentially co-exist."
"Set in a not-too-distant future in which a synthetic blood substitute, dispensed by the Romanian government, allows humans and vampires to potentially co-exist."
On this day in 2014, the SciFi/Thriller Forever's End enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Charity Farrell and Lili Reinhart, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"Six years after an apocalyptic event killed her family and seemingly everyone else on earth, a lone girl on the verge of insanity is forced to question everything she has ever known when a strange man suddenly appears at her door. The last girl on earth... is not alone."
"Six years after an apocalyptic event killed her family and seemingly everyone else on earth, a lone girl on the verge of insanity is forced to question everything she has ever known when a strange man suddenly appears at her door. The last girl on earth... is not alone."
A star is born! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in for a squeeze ... On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Killer Rack enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Spooky Movie Film Festival! Directed by Gregory Lamberson from a script by Paul McGinnis, the Horror/Comedy/Musical starred Jessica Zwolak, Debbie Rochon, and Michael Thurber. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Comedy about a woman suffering from low self esteem who gets breast enhancement surgery, unaware that her surgeon worships H.P. Lovecraft's elder gods, and the surgery is part of a diabolical plot to rule the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Killer Rack racked up a little bit of acclaim from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Comedy about a woman suffering from low self esteem who gets breast enhancement surgery, unaware that her surgeon worships H.P. Lovecraft's elder gods, and the surgery is part of a diabolical plot to rule the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Killer Rack racked up a little bit of acclaim from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/ShortFilm Spaceman enjoyed its release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With life on Earth ending in a matter of minutes, Myles believes he has found a way to save his family."
"With life on Earth ending in a matter of minutes, Myles believes he has found a way to save his family."
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "The Space Car." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A trip to the local car dealership to buy a new car goes south when George and Jane get mixed up in a crime like never before and are mistaken for an escaped convict and his shapely partner."
"A trip to the local car dealership to buy a new car goes south when George and Jane get mixed up in a crime like never before and are mistaken for an escaped convict and his shapely partner."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "The Perils Of Penelope." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Borender is kidnapped and his assistant, Sir Jeremy Hodge goes to Lady Penelope help find the missing scientist. While on the trail, they are captured on a monorail train by the villainous, Dr. Godber. Along with his henchman, Roache, Godber has Lady Penelope tied to the monorail track and threatens her life when the next train comes through unless the two scientists reveal the details of a conversion formula that Godber demands."
"Professor Borender is kidnapped and his assistant, Sir Jeremy Hodge goes to Lady Penelope help find the missing scientist. While on the trail, they are captured on a monorail train by the villainous, Dr. Godber. Along with his henchman, Roache, Godber has Lady Penelope tied to the monorail track and threatens her life when the next train comes through unless the two scientists reveal the details of a conversion formula that Godber demands."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), the third part of Doctor Who's "The Abominable Snowmen" aired on television. This served as the seventh episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While the Doctor and Jamie return to the TARDIS for equipment, the control sphere Jamie brought to the monastery is reactivated."
"While the Doctor and Jamie return to the TARDIS for equipment, the control sphere Jamie brought to the monastery is reactivated."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Smile: Part 3." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Tarot and Lulli try to help Sam regain his memory, and Digger the cabbie who tracks down the elusive Mrs Kite. Tarot suspects that Tun-Ju has his sights on the Mona Lisa."
"Tarot and Lulli try to help Sam regain his memory, and Digger the cabbie who tracks down the elusive Mrs Kite. Tarot suspects that Tun-Ju has his sights on the Mona Lisa."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired "A Question Of Priorities." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Straker's son John lives with Straker's ex-wife Mary, who has re-married. Straker is having a day out with the boy, John, but it ends in an argument with Mary and John is run over and seriously hurt. Drugs can be obtained to save him in America and a SHADO craft is sent to fetch them. However, Straker gets an alert call to say that an alien defector which could do untold damage to Earth is in the range of the SHADO craft. SHADO can destroy the alien but it means diverting the means to save John."
"Straker's son John lives with Straker's ex-wife Mary, who has re-married. Straker is having a day out with the boy, John, but it ends in an argument with Mary and John is run over and seriously hurt. Drugs can be obtained to save him in America and a SHADO craft is sent to fetch them. However, Straker gets an alert call to say that an alien defector which could do untold damage to Earth is in the range of the SHADO craft. SHADO can destroy the alien but it means diverting the means to save John."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC's Moonbase 3 bowed out of its televised existence with the airing of "View of a Dead Planet." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Controversy surrounds the Arctic Sun Project, a plan to detonate a hydrogen bomb above the Arctic Circle to melt the icecaps and open up new land for development. When the project is initiated, all contact with Earth is lost as it becomes enveloped in a strange mist. The inhabitants of the Moon colonies struggle to come to terms with the possibility that Earth has been destroyed and they are all that's left of humanity."
"Controversy surrounds the Arctic Sun Project, a plan to detonate a hydrogen bomb above the Arctic Circle to melt the icecaps and open up new land for development. When the project is initiated, all contact with Earth is lost as it becomes enveloped in a strange mist. The inhabitants of the Moon colonies struggle to come to terms with the possibility that Earth has been destroyed and they are all that's left of humanity."
On this day in 1973 (in Germany), the first installment of the SciFi/Miniseries titled World On A Wire aired on German television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what the miniseries was all about:
"Somewhere in the future there is a computer project called Simulacron one of which is able to simulate a full featured reality, when suddenly project leader Henry Vollmer dies. His successor Dr. Fred Stiller experiences odd phenomena. A good friend, Guenther Lause, disappears in the middle of a conversation and a week later nobody has ever heard of him. And those fits of dizzyness - Stiller cannot believe himself to be fool. There has to be an explanation for all this. Could Simulacron have something to do with it?"
"Somewhere in the future there is a computer project called Simulacron one of which is able to simulate a full featured reality, when suddenly project leader Henry Vollmer dies. His successor Dr. Fred Stiller experiences odd phenomena. A good friend, Guenther Lause, disappears in the middle of a conversation and a week later nobody has ever heard of him. And those fits of dizzyness - Stiller cannot believe himself to be fool. There has to be an explanation for all this. Could Simulacron have something to do with it?"
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "Knockout." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Several I.A.D.C. agents are being targeted for abduction by a terrorist organization. Diana Prince manages to escape as Wonder Woman, but Stever Trevor is not so lucky. Trying to safeguard a Trade Conference in L.A. and at the same time find Trevor and free him, Diana finds an ally in a Vietnam vet turned cab driver called Pete."
"Several I.A.D.C. agents are being targeted for abduction by a terrorist organization. Diana Prince manages to escape as Wonder Woman, but Stever Trevor is not so lucky. Trying to safeguard a Trade Conference in L.A. and at the same time find Trevor and free him, Diana finds an ally in a Vietnam vet turned cab driver called Pete."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC aired the third part of Doctor Who's "The Pirate Planet" storyline for audiences. This served as the seventh episode of the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Mentiads take the Doctor, Romana and Kimus to a reunion with K9 and Mula, where they set about trying to defeat the Captain's plans."
"The Mentiads take the Doctor, Romana and Kimus to a reunion with K9 and Mula, where they set about trying to defeat the Captain's plans."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Jason Of Star Command aired "Planet Of The Lost." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While trapped on an asteroid, Nicole and Jason drive off an alien creature that attacked Princess Allegra. Dr. Parsafoot and Wiki manage to sneak a Starfire spaceship out of the Space Academy and rescue the three heroes, but Dragos and his minions manage to track their craft. Jason orders Allegra to take use the mini-Cat module to report their position to Commander Canarvin. Just after she escapes Dragos forces Jason's ship onto the surface of "The Planet of the Lost"."
"While trapped on an asteroid, Nicole and Jason drive off an alien creature that attacked Princess Allegra. Dr. Parsafoot and Wiki manage to sneak a Starfire spaceship out of the Space Academy and rescue the three heroes, but Dragos and his minions manage to track their craft. Jason orders Allegra to take use the mini-Cat module to report their position to Commander Canarvin. Just after she escapes Dragos forces Jason's ship onto the surface of "The Planet of the Lost"."
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), Manimal aired "Illusion." This served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jonathan is helping the police apprehend the man behind a smuggling ring. But they discover that the man is a diplomat with diplomatic immunity. Jonathan follow him and sees him talking to a magician. Later the magician appears to have been killed by the leopard he uses is in his act. His partner says that his partner always went near the leopard and nothing happened. Rivera says that the leopard by law has to be put down. Jonathan doesn't think the leopard killed the magician. They try to find out what the connection between the diplomat and the magician is."
"Jonathan is helping the police apprehend the man behind a smuggling ring. But they discover that the man is a diplomat with diplomatic immunity. Jonathan follow him and sees him talking to a magician. Later the magician appears to have been killed by the leopard he uses is in his act. His partner says that his partner always went near the leopard and nothing happened. Rivera says that the leopard by law has to be put down. Jonathan doesn't think the leopard killed the magician. They try to find out what the connection between the diplomat and the magician is."
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Knight Rider aired "Knights Of The Fast Lane." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A cheerleader named Stacy Courtney gets severely injured during an illegal drag race called Banzai-running. As she happens to be the daughter of Michael former partner on the L.A. police force, he decides to investigate. It soon leads him and K.I.T.T. to the owner of Michael's favorite football team, the Cougars."
"A cheerleader named Stacy Courtney gets severely injured during an illegal drag race called Banzai-running. As she happens to be the daughter of Michael former partner on the L.A. police force, he decides to investigate. It soon leads him and K.I.T.T. to the owner of Michael's favorite football team, the Cougars."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), the original Star Trek pilot -- "The Cage" -- was released finally on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Showtime." This (technically) served as the program's twenty-second episode (they were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Waldo, Zozo and their families stop by a space circus. The Ringmaster captures them and forces them to be part of his circus. Andorians don't react well to captivity, the Kiwi's must call for help before it's too late."
"Waldo, Zozo and their families stop by a space circus. The Ringmaster captures them and forces them to be part of his circus. Andorians don't react well to captivity, the Kiwi's must call for help before it's too late."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Who Watches the Watchers?" This served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"A hidden outpost on Mintaka III is revealed after an essential holographic generator malfunctions, polluting the primitives' religious and ethical beliefs and causing one of them to identify Picard with God."
"A hidden outpost on Mintaka III is revealed after an essential holographic generator malfunctions, polluting the primitives' religious and ethical beliefs and causing one of them to identify Picard with God."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Superboy aired "Lex Luthor: Sentenced To Death." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superboy is aided by Professor Peterson and the two believe that he will one day be able to use his legs and powers again. Lex Luthor taunts the superhero with his new bride, Lana."
"Superboy is aided by Professor Peterson and the two believe that he will one day be able to use his legs and powers again. Lex Luthor taunts the superhero with his new bride, Lana."
On this day in 1993 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Legion." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Starbug is taken over by a tractor beam which takes them to a deep space space station, where the crew discover Legion, a life form conceived from a experiment by famous scientists. Only to learn Legion is composed from the minds of each member of the crew and he won't allow to leave and continue the search for Red Dwarf."
"Starbug is taken over by a tractor beam which takes them to a deep space space station, where the crew discover Legion, a life form conceived from a experiment by famous scientists. Only to learn Legion is composed from the minds of each member of the crew and he won't allow to leave and continue the search for Red Dwarf."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), M.A.N.T.I.S. aired "To Prey In Darkness." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"MANTIS becomes the prime target of a sophisticated group of criminals."
"MANTIS becomes the prime target of a sophisticated group of criminals."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Duane Barry." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A former FBI agent who claims he was abducted by aliens takes several people hostage."
"A former FBI agent who claims he was abducted by aliens takes several people hostage."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "Split Image." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien falls for a woman who may be a thief for Sahmbi."
"Darien falls for a woman who may be a thief for Sahmbi."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired the twentieth episode of its third season, an hour curiously titled, "And The Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Religious leaders gather on Babylon 5 bringing news of events on Earth. Sheridan and Delenn figure out where the Shadows will strike next. G'Kar is captured by Refa, this will lead to a final confrontation with Londo."
"Religious leaders gather on Babylon 5 bringing news of events on Earth. Sheridan and Delenn figure out where the Shadows will strike next. G'Kar is captured by Refa, this will lead to a final confrontation with Londo."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "The Gettysburg Virus." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Recalled from a survival exercise, Parker has to go back to prevent the release of a virus that will devastate the world's population."
"Recalled from a survival exercise, Parker has to go back to prevent the release of a virus that will devastate the world's population."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the third episode of their seventh (and final) season. The title was "Afterimage," and according to our friends at IMDB.com here's the hour's plot summary:
"Sisko tries to convince Ezri to stay in Starfleet and serve aboard DS9, as Ezri tries to get to know Jadzia's friends aboard the station, especially Worf. Meanwhile, Garak tries to deal with a severe bout of claustrophobia."
"Sisko tries to convince Ezri to stay in Starfleet and serve aboard DS9, as Ezri tries to get to know Jadzia's friends aboard the station, especially Worf. Meanwhile, Garak tries to deal with a severe bout of claustrophobia."
Also appearing on this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager premiered its fifth season with an hour simply titled "Night." According to IMDB.com, here's that hour's plot summary:
"Crew morale hits an all-time low when Voyager must spend two years crossing an expanse devoid of any star systems or signs of life. As Captain Janeway is forced to reflect on the choice she made stranding her crew in the Delta Quadrant, little does she know, she will face a similar decision when Voyager ends up in the middle of a serious conflict."
"Crew morale hits an all-time low when Voyager must spend two years crossing an expanse devoid of any star systems or signs of life. As Captain Janeway is forced to reflect on the choice she made stranding her crew in the Delta Quadrant, little does she know, she will face a similar decision when Voyager ends up in the middle of a serious conflict."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), the animated Max Steel closed out its first season with the airing of "Shattered." According to our friends at DailyMotion.com, here's the plot summary:
"The identity of the traitor at N-Tek is unmasked when Max infiltrate John Dread’s home base. Elsewhere, Vitriol runs amok in the United Nation in New York."
"The identity of the traitor at N-Tek is unmasked when Max infiltrate John Dread’s home base. Elsewhere, Vitriol runs amok in the United Nation in New York."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "Mad To Be Saved." This served as the third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Andromeda receives a distress call from a freighter, and manages to get it into the docking bay, but it is venting oxygen and the bay doors are jammed open. Dylan and Tyr manage to save most of its crew from suffocation, but they all exhibit signs of brain damage. Their leader informs Dylan that they have escaped from a hellish slave world that no one has ever escaped from before."
"Andromeda receives a distress call from a freighter, and manages to get it into the docking bay, but it is venting oxygen and the bay doors are jammed open. Dylan and Tyr manage to save most of its crew from suffocation, but they all exhibit signs of brain damage. Their leader informs Dylan that they have escaped from a hellish slave world that no one has ever escaped from before."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S. and Canada), Fringe aired "Subject 9." This served as the fourth episode of the popular program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Olivia uncovers a dangerous force that may be connected to Walter's past experiments with the drug Cortexiphan. Their investigation forces Walter to leave the lab for the first time in years as he and Olivia head to Massive Dynamic in New York to examine old case files. Walter struggles with life outside the lab as he comes face-to-face with the demons of his past."
"Olivia uncovers a dangerous force that may be connected to Walter's past experiments with the drug Cortexiphan. Their investigation forces Walter to leave the lab for the first time in years as he and Olivia head to Massive Dynamic in New York to examine old case files. Walter struggles with life outside the lab as he comes face-to-face with the demons of his past."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sanctuary aired "Uprising." This served as the second episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"With Magnus gone, Will is appointed the head of the Sanctuary Network. The abnormal uprising continues to get worse. Biggie and Kate are kidnapped. As expected the surface governments respond to the uprising with deadly force."
"With Magnus gone, Will is appointed the head of the Sanctuary Network. The abnormal uprising continues to get worse. Biggie and Kate are kidnapped. As expected the surface governments respond to the uprising with deadly force."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Nomad Droids." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"3PO and R2 escape Master Galia's Jedi Cruiser in a Y-Wing fighter and find themselves in one bizarre situation after the other."
"3PO and R2 escape Master Galia's Jedi Cruiser in a Y-Wing fighter and find themselves in one bizarre situation after the other."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Face My Enemy." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When May gets kidnapped, Hydra sends out an impersonator to lure Coulson into a trap. Fitz tries to find the confidence to join the rest of the team in their social activities."
"When May gets kidnapped, Hydra sends out an impersonator to lure Coulson into a trap. Fitz tries to find the confidence to join the rest of the team in their social activities."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Trinity Seven aired "Prison Lock And Grimoire Security." This served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"Arin decides to test Arata's powers by creating an energy barrier around his room, but after he escapes she tests him again, thus releasing his full potential by removing the limits the Grimoire had on him."
"Arin decides to test Arata's powers by creating an energy barrier around his room, but after he escapes she tests him again, thus releasing his full potential by removing the limits the Grimoire had on him."
