Trust me when I tell you this, kids: disaster movies never go out of style. Especially when they're SciFi-themed.
Exhibit A: Meteor, which premiered theatrically on this day in 1979. It starred Natalie Wood, Sean Connery, and Karl Malden, who all stood around watching our imminent demise on radar. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After a collision with a comet, a nearly 8km wide piece of the asteroid 'Orpheus' is heading towards Earth. If it will hit it will cause a incredible catastrophe which will probably extinguish mankind. To stop the meteor NASA wants to use the illegal nuclear weapon satellite "Hercules" but discovers soon that it doesn't have enough fire power. Their only chance to save the world is to join forces with the USSR who have also launched such an illegal satellite. But will both governments agree?"
Exhibit A: Meteor, which premiered theatrically on this day in 1979. It starred Natalie Wood, Sean Connery, and Karl Malden, who all stood around watching our imminent demise on radar. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After a collision with a comet, a nearly 8km wide piece of the asteroid 'Orpheus' is heading towards Earth. If it will hit it will cause a incredible catastrophe which will probably extinguish mankind. To stop the meteor NASA wants to use the illegal nuclear weapon satellite "Hercules" but discovers soon that it doesn't have enough fire power. Their only chance to save the world is to join forces with the USSR who have also launched such an illegal satellite. But will both governments agree?"
The (ahem) venerable Tor Johnson (above left) menaced fellow cast members through such veritable SciFi schlock as Bride of the Monster (1955), The Unearthly (1957), and Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959). And his side job when he wasn't acting? Why, he wrestled professionally. Though he's no longer with us, Johnson was born on this day in 1903.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, 'Dr. Ralph Halvorsen' was played by the late Robert Beatty. He's also enjoyed screen time aboard Doctor Who and NBC's miniseries adaptation of The Martian Chronicles in the 1980's as well as stepping into the world of DC Comics' on the silver screen with a role in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Beatty was born on this day back in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All shirtless and full of 50's era hunkyness, George Nader tried to save the woman he loves from the Robot Monster (1953), a film perhaps remembered more for its use of 3-D than its good storytelling. Though he's no longer with us, Nader was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2023, I received a promotional release of Robot Monster (1953) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2024, I received an all-new promotional Blu-ray of The Million Eyes Of Sumuru (1967) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Popular TV dad from The Brady Bunch Robert Reed had a key role in the launch of the Battlestar Galactica spin-off -- Galactica 1980 -- for ABC TV back in the early 80's. Otherwise, Reed didn't do much genre work, but he continued to enjoy guest-starring spots on a welcome of TV programs throughout the 1970's and 1980's. Though he's no longer with us, Reed was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
Much of Lloyd Haynes' professional career involved roles in conventional properties, but he did clock an appearance aboard the wide, wide world of Star Trek during his time in the business. Though he's no longer with us, Haynes was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Karin Kernke paired up opposite a not-so-lovely head in her theatrical debut, the Horror/SciFi flick The Head. Kernke was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Michael Gambon made the 2010 Doctor Who holiday special, "A Christmas Carol," as epic as it deserved to be. His Scrooge -- here named Kazran Sardick -- was the kind of yuletide villain audiences wanted to see suffer the happy comeuppance. Though he's no longer with us, Gambon was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you've played a Kryptonian in your acting career, then SciFiHistory.Net is going to find you: such is the case regarding Simon Ward (pictured above left) who was given the daunting task of playing Zor-El in 1984's lukewarm Supergirl. Though he's no longer with us, Ward was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
John Lithgow made a splash in SciFi comedy headlining NBC's popular Third Rock from the Sun, but I much prefer his more thoughtful work, such as his performance in 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Furthermore, the actor maintains some solid genre credentials from the 1980's when he appeared as 'Dr. Emilio Lizardo' in the Cult film Buckaroo Banzai And His Adventures Across The 8th Dimension (1984) as well as voicing no less than 'Yoda' himself in the 1983 radio drama adaptation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Lithgow was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kenneth Washington is one of those Hollywood bit players who shows up from time to time in franchises we love. He played roles aboard Star Trek, Westworld (1973), and Escape from DS-3 (1981). Washington was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
William O'Leary is one of those character actors who -- once you recognize his face -- pops up all over the spectrum. Though he'll always be Hot Shots! Pete 'Dead Meat' Thompson, I still appreciate his work from Project: ALF (1996), The X-Files, Miracles, Tremors (TV), and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003). O'Leary was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tracy Griffith might not maintain a resume as eclectic as half-sister Melanie, but she has given SciFi fans something to crow about with work aboard Skeeter (1994). Griffith was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amy Linker (above center, in blue) played a role aboard the 1985 SciFi sleeper, D.A.R.Y.L., for Paramount Pictures. Linker was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'm no big fan of Marvel Comics, but I have no problem admitting that director Jon Favreau really deserves a lot of the credit for getting its various film franchises off-the-ground and into the box office stratosphere. Favreau's take on Iron Man remains a highwater mark so far as many industry types are concerned. More recently, he's helped put the gloss back on Star Wars since the MouseHouse started messing with the galaxy far, far away with his writing, direction, and production of The Mandalorian for Disney's streaming platform. Kudos, my friend, on a job well done. Favreau was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
God bless the voice-acting hot chicks! Vanessa Marshall has more than earned her stripes in SciFi fandom, and I'm thrilled that she's aboard for the ride that became Star Wars: Rebels on DisneyXD. She's also lent her 'pipes' to Young Justice, Justice League, The Avengers, Green Lantern: The Animated Series (seriously, folks really should check that one out on home video, it's phenomenal!), and Ben 10, to name but a few. Marshall was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Anna Galvin has jumped in and out of guest roles in a variety of genre-related projects, but SciFi fans probably remember her best from her appearances aboard Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, and Stargate Universe. She continues to impress with guest visits to such genre properties as Supernatural, Almost Human, Once Upon A Time, iZombie, DC's Legends Of Tomorrow, Warcraft (2016), and Van Helsing. Galvin was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
What makes a SciFi warrior? Well, I loved Roger Cross as Curtis Manning, a kinda/sorta sidekick to Kiefer Sutherland on Fox TV's stellar 24; and I mourned his demise on that show. Kudos to the smilers at Continuum for giving Cross something to do in SciFi, casting him in the key role as Travis Verta. More recently, he turned up as one of the leads aboard Syfy's Dark Matter. He's also booked guest spots aboard M.A.N.T.I.S., Sliders, Strange Luck, Viper, The X-Files, and Stargate: SG-1, to name but a few more. Cross was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luscious Tava Smiley played a key role in 2003's Timecop: The Berlin Decision, a direct-to-video sequel loosely based on the original Timecop film. Smiley was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Desmond Harrington played a significant role in the TV miniseries Taken, a project from Steven Spielberg that explored the alien abduction phenomenon. Harrington was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
As one of the viewers who is desperately hoping that HBO's adaptation of Westworld actually starts to make sense at some point, let me confess that the only significant development in its second season was the casting coup which incorporated the delicious Katja Herbers as the estranged daughter of the fabled 'Man in Black.' So far as I'm concerned, she was the best thing about the continuing SciFi/Drama. Herbers was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
The same year she appeared in the cult TV comedy Community, a young Gillian Jacobs made waves as part of the SciFi/Mystery, The Box (2009). More recently, she lent her voice to the world of animation with a guest stint aboard Star Trek: Lower Decks for CBS's streaming platform. Jacobs was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Rebecca Ferguson braved the Final Frontier for her work aboard the poorly-received Life (2017). Ferguson was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Brandy Aniston suited up to do her part for the Empire for a role aboard a Star Wars porn parody. Aniston was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Samantha Munro plays Stacey aboard the SciFi-lite property, Between, the tale of young folks trying to survive after a virus wipes out much of the town's adult population. Munro was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fandom cheered the arrival of Hawkgirl as played by the lovely Ciana Renee across several of the CW's comic book properties including Arrow, The Flash, and -- ultimately -- the first season of DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Renee was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Samantha Robinson dipped her delicate toes into the realm of Dark Fantasy with a top role aboard The Love Witch (2016). She also appeared aboard the SciFi/Telefilm Pandora's Box (2017). Robinson was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Christopher Gerse played one of the behind-the-scenes technicians responsible for keeping the androids in HBO's Westworld up to snuff. (And "snuff" is probably the right word!) Gerse was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Life In Pieces star Hunter King got her professional start with a small role aboard Steven Spielberg's SciFi/Drama A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). King was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Art Parkinson -- seen above in a seen from The Anomaly (2014) -- continues to mature both on and off-screen, even turning in impressive work aboard HBO's Game of Thrones. Parkinson was born on this day in 2001. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1955 (in France), This Island Earth crashed down to Earth's theaters. Directed by Joseph F. Newman and Jack Arnold, the feature starred Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow, and Faith Domergue; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1977 (in France), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... or is that born again? On this day in 1990 (in the United States), the dead rose yet again with the cinematic release of Night Of The Living Dead. Tom Savini directed this remake of the George A. Romero Horror/Classic, and it starred Tony Todd, Patricia Tallman, and Tom Towles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the unburied dead return to life and seek human victims, seven refugees seek shelter in a house in the Pennsylvanian countryside, but the group is at odds as to how they should deal with the situation."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Living Dead enjoyed a pair of nominations at the 1992 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"When the unburied dead return to life and seek human victims, seven refugees seek shelter in a house in the Pennsylvanian countryside, but the group is at odds as to how they should deal with the situation."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Night Of The Living Dead enjoyed a pair of nominations at the 1992 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1990 (in Taiwan), Total Recall mustered up what memories it could at the box office. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on a story from Philip K. Dick, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, and Sharon Stone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
A star is born ... and that's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2000 (in Russia), Blood Surf (aka Krocodylus) tried to take a bite out of its competition. Directed by James D.R. Hickox, the Horror/Comedy starred Dax Miller, Tziporah Malkah, and Duncan Regehr; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Follow an MTV-style filmmaker as she and her crew shoot an expose of the latest, most dangerous craze in extreme sports: bloodsurfing. While shooting in Australia, the crew becomes prey of a vicious saltwater crocodile."
"Follow an MTV-style filmmaker as she and her crew shoot an expose of the latest, most dangerous craze in extreme sports: bloodsurfing. While shooting in Australia, the crew becomes prey of a vicious saltwater crocodile."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), the 1962-produced Russian-language SciFi release Amphibian Man enjoyed a rare theatrical screening in Hollywood, California. Directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadiy Kazanskiy, the SciFi feature starred Vladimir Korenev, Akiba Golburt, and Anastasiya Vertinskaya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Killer Tumbleweeds enjoyed its silver screen premiere when it was first screened for audiences of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma! Written (in part) and directed by Ben McCain, the SciFi/Comedy starred Butch McCain, Bella Shaw, and Mike Kimmel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The good people of Middle America are being attacked by tumbleweeds! The U.S. military is testing tumbleweeds as weapons to destroy terrorists. The tumbleweeds have escaped. Now hundreds of innocent people in Middle America have been killed. 10,000 head of livestock destroyed, not counting chickens and sheep and, more than 300,000 children are suffering Killer Tumbleweed Trauma. The military refuses to take responsibility. Our government will not comment. Only one news organization is bold enough to report on this tragedy. The whole world is watching it unfold."
"The good people of Middle America are being attacked by tumbleweeds! The U.S. military is testing tumbleweeds as weapons to destroy terrorists. The tumbleweeds have escaped. Now hundreds of innocent people in Middle America have been killed. 10,000 head of livestock destroyed, not counting chickens and sheep and, more than 300,000 children are suffering Killer Tumbleweed Trauma. The military refuses to take responsibility. Our government will not comment. Only one news organization is bold enough to report on this tragedy. The whole world is watching it unfold."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Japan), The Clone Returns Home enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever for audiences in attendance of the Tokyo International Film Festival. Written and directed by Kanji Nakajima, the SciFi/Drama starred Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Eri Ishida, and Hiromi Nagasaku. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Clone Returns Home is a compelling meditation on the paradox of life and death, and the meaning of love and family. Set in an imaginary - yet utterly imaginable - future, this quietly provocative film skillfully transposes complex emotional drama into the realm of science fiction by exploring the influence of technology on human memory and experience. Filled with stunning imagery and haunting stillness, The Clone Returns Home deftly combines subtly nuanced sci-fi with a uniquely Japanese perspective on the universal themes of family, life, love, and death."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Clone Returns Home enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"The Clone Returns Home is a compelling meditation on the paradox of life and death, and the meaning of love and family. Set in an imaginary - yet utterly imaginable - future, this quietly provocative film skillfully transposes complex emotional drama into the realm of science fiction by exploring the influence of technology on human memory and experience. Filled with stunning imagery and haunting stillness, The Clone Returns Home deftly combines subtly nuanced sci-fi with a uniquely Japanese perspective on the universal themes of family, life, love, and death."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Clone Returns Home enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC's SciFi/Telefilm adaptation of H.G. Wells' The First Men In The Moon saw its first broadcast. Directed by Damon Thomas, the remake starred Rory Kinnear, Mark Gatiss, and Alex Riddell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1969 the Apollo moon landing is to be televised internationally but at a country fair in England a small boy named Jim meets the 90-year-old Julius Bedford who tells him that,in 1909,as a struggling writer,he met eccentric Professor Cavor,inventor of Cavorite,a gravity-defying substance which they used to build a sphere,which took them to the Moon. Captured by ant-like Selenites,Bedford was anxious to make his escape but Cavor was happy to stay and communicate with the Moon-dwellers. Back on Earth Bedford hears via wireless that Cavor was forced to kill himself and the Moon-dwellers to prevent them from invading Earth. As Jim watches the Apollo landing with his parents back in the present he sees a Selenite,hiding behind a lunar rock,peering at the astronauts."
"In 1969 the Apollo moon landing is to be televised internationally but at a country fair in England a small boy named Jim meets the 90-year-old Julius Bedford who tells him that,in 1909,as a struggling writer,he met eccentric Professor Cavor,inventor of Cavorite,a gravity-defying substance which they used to build a sphere,which took them to the Moon. Captured by ant-like Selenites,Bedford was anxious to make his escape but Cavor was happy to stay and communicate with the Moon-dwellers. Back on Earth Bedford hears via wireless that Cavor was forced to kill himself and the Moon-dwellers to prevent them from invading Earth. As Jim watches the Apollo landing with his parents back in the present he sees a Selenite,hiding behind a lunar rock,peering at the astronauts."
On this day in 2012 (in Taiwain), 1981's To The Stars By Hard Ways played for hungry audiences at the Kaohsiung Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Viktorov, the feature starred Yelena Metyolkina, Vadim Ledogorov, and Nadezhda Sementsova; and here's its premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A female creature created in space tries to live on earth and has special (and sometimes dangerous) powers."
For the record:
To The Stars By Hard Ways was nominated for top honors at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in 1982.
"A female creature created in space tries to live on earth and has special (and sometimes dangerous) powers."
For the record:
To The Stars By Hard Ways was nominated for top honors at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in 1982.
On this day in 2017 (in South Korea), the SciFi/Drama Marjorie Prime first saw theatrical release. Adapted for the screen and directed by Michael Almereyda, the SciFi/Drama starred Jon Hamm, Tim Robbins, and Geena Davis; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A service that provides holographic recreations of deceased loved ones allows a man to come face-to-face with the younger version of his late father-in-law."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Marjorie Prime earned a wealth of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A service that provides holographic recreations of deceased loved ones allows a man to come face-to-face with the younger version of his late father-in-law."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Marjorie Prime earned a wealth of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), High Voltage turned it up to eleven cinematically. Written and directed by Alex Keledijian, the SciFi/Horror starred David Arquette, Allie Gonino, and Luke Wilson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An emerging rock band, managed by industry vet Jimmy Kleen, strike a deal with record executive Rick Roland. Things take a sinister turn when the band's lead singer, Rachel, and her mother, Barb are struck by lightning and killed. Rachel is brought back to life, but she is different than before. Lightning courses through her veins and she uses her new strange electrical powers to drain the life from men, turning it into electrifying stage performances, but just how far are the band willing to go to make it?"
"An emerging rock band, managed by industry vet Jimmy Kleen, strike a deal with record executive Rick Roland. Things take a sinister turn when the band's lead singer, Rachel, and her mother, Barb are struck by lightning and killed. Rachel is brought back to life, but she is different than before. Lightning courses through her veins and she uses her new strange electrical powers to drain the life from men, turning it into electrifying stage performances, but just how far are the band willing to go to make it?"
On this day in 1955 (as per IMDB.com), Captain Midnight aired "Doctors Of Doom." This served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Captain Midnight investigates the report of a giant roaming around a small Maryland town. The investigation leads to a sanitarium where the only residents are nuclear scientists who have been turned into scientific slaves for the benefit of a sinister foreign power."
"Captain Midnight investigates the report of a giant roaming around a small Maryland town. The investigation leads to a sanitarium where the only residents are nuclear scientists who have been turned into scientific slaves for the benefit of a sinister foreign power."
On this day in 1966, Lost In Space aired "The Prisoners Of Space." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Robinsons are tried for space crimes and the evidence shows that Smith is really responsible for the mishaps."
"The Robinsons are tried for space crimes and the evidence shows that Smith is really responsible for the mishaps."
On this day in 1970, Timeslip aired "The Wrong End Of Time: Part 4." This served as the fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When a young girl vanishes near a derelict naval station in St. Oswald, a fantastic series of events is set in motion which sends teenagers Simon Randall and Liz Skinner back in time to 1940 and the very night when the base was taken over by a group of German marines. It also re-awakens the nightmare faced by Liz's father who was stationed there at the time as his former commanding officer turns up in St. Oswald seeking answers to the situation and creating questions about his true motives."
"When a young girl vanishes near a derelict naval station in St. Oswald, a fantastic series of events is set in motion which sends teenagers Simon Randall and Liz Skinner back in time to 1940 and the very night when the base was taken over by a group of German marines. It also re-awakens the nightmare faced by Liz's father who was stationed there at the time as his former commanding officer turns up in St. Oswald seeking answers to the situation and creating questions about his true motives."
On this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Cupcake Caper." This served as the seventh episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"Crumbling every cake sold at a Charity Bazaar fails to turn up the ring Shirley lost while baking. Suspense mounts as her mother announces a visit to see Shirley wearing her latest gift. To everyone's surprise, the ring emerges miraculously in a cookie baked specially for Grandma's visit."
"Crumbling every cake sold at a Charity Bazaar fails to turn up the ring Shirley lost while baking. Suspense mounts as her mother announces a visit to see Shirley wearing her latest gift. To everyone's surprise, the ring emerges miraculously in a cookie baked specially for Grandma's visit."
On this day in 1978, Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4019: The Believe It Or Not Incident." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Ryan and S/Sgt. Fritz travel to Utah to investigate a UFO sighting that was reported by an engineering professor on behalf of one of his graduate students."
"Captain Ryan and S/Sgt. Fritz travel to Utah to investigate a UFO sighting that was reported by an engineering professor on behalf of one of his graduate students."
On this day in 1981, Blake's 7 aired "Stardrive." This served as the fourth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Scorpio is damaged in a collision course with an asteroid and the Scorpio crew require a stardrive from Federation scientist Dr. Plaxton so they can out-run all Federation pursuit ships. However, they find that Dr. Plaxton is working for space pirates called the Space Rats."
"Scorpio is damaged in a collision course with an asteroid and the Scorpio crew require a stardrive from Federation scientist Dr. Plaxton so they can out-run all Federation pursuit ships. However, they find that Dr. Plaxton is working for space pirates called the Space Rats."
On this day in 1985 (in the Netherlands), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Space Rockers." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "Hunt for Eloise." This served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After surviving a severe beating by the Black Guard, Fritz meets another uncapped person who shows him how the city gets its power. Will continues his education by the Masters, and learns of their plans for some of the human race."
"After surviving a severe beating by the Black Guard, Fritz meets another uncapped person who shows him how the city gets its power. Will continues his education by the Masters, and learns of their plans for some of the human race."
On this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Paradise Towers: Part 3." This served as the seventh episode of the program's twenty-fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor discovers that Paradise Towers' great architect, Kroagnon, was also responsible for Miracle City, an infamous killer habitat. Though chance circumstances permit Mel to avoid a dinner date with a couple of grandmotherly cannibals, the Doctor realizes everyone must band together or be destined for the menu of a greater infamy lurking in the basement."
"The Doctor discovers that Paradise Towers' great architect, Kroagnon, was also responsible for Miracle City, an infamous killer habitat. Though chance circumstances permit Mel to avoid a dinner date with a couple of grandmotherly cannibals, the Doctor realizes everyone must band together or be destined for the menu of a greater infamy lurking in the basement."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Remembrance Of The Daleks: Part 3." This served as the third episode of the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor plans to let one of the Dalek factions have the Hand of Omega (but not too easily, of course) while keeping Gilmore and his military men preoccupied in a safe territory, but that plan could be threatened by a mole in their midst and a miscalculation on the Doctor's part."
"The Doctor plans to let one of the Dalek factions have the Hand of Omega (but not too easily, of course) while keeping Gilmore and his military men preoccupied in a safe territory, but that plan could be threatened by a mole in their midst and a miscalculation on the Doctor's part."
On this day in 1990 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "And The Moon Be Still As Bright," another installment that gave the master himself a chance to visually retell some of his 'The Martian Chronicles' on television. This served as the seventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An archaeologist on Mars goes berserk and takes the side of the extinct Martian race."
"An archaeologist on Mars goes berserk and takes the side of the extinct Martian race."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Disaster." This served as the fifth episode to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed at TrekCore.com:
"When an undetectable object collides with the ship, emergency systems isolate all the crew where they are. Picard is injured and must rely on scared children; Worf must deliver Keiko's baby and Troi is trapped on the bridge with a minimal crew."
"When an undetectable object collides with the ship, emergency systems isolate all the crew where they are. Picard is injured and must rely on scared children; Worf must deliver Keiko's baby and Troi is trapped on the bridge with a minimal crew."
On this day in 1996, Dark Skies aired "Mercury Rising." This served as the third hour of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Compelled by a series of strange dreams, Kim locates an astronaut she saw aboard the alien spacecraft."
"Compelled by a series of strange dreams, Kim locates an astronaut she saw aboard the alien spacecraft."
On this day in 1996, the animated Flash Gordon aired "Fangs Of Fury." This served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thundar's mother falls fatally ill, and only Ming holds the antidote. His price for the cure'Flash Gordon. How will Thundar decide?"
"Thundar's mother falls fatally ill, and only Ming holds the antidote. His price for the cure'Flash Gordon. How will Thundar decide?"
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Anniversary." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by SIMKL.com:
"It is the Unity's fifteenth anniversary, and the crew are given a day off to celebrate."
"It is the Unity's fifteenth anniversary, and the crew are given a day off to celebrate."
On this day in 1998 (in Canada), Welcome To Paradox aired "Acute Triangle." Adapted by Michael Thoma from a story by Ron Chilson, the episode was officially the tenth in the program's only season on original broadcast television. It starred Star Trek's Alice Krige and Monika Schnarre, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ardley Mendoza believes he has created a solution to his loneliness, but there's one problem. He forgot about his wife."
"Ardley Mendoza believes he has created a solution to his loneliness, but there's one problem. He forgot about his wife."
On this day in 2002, Mobile Suit Gundam Suit aired "Collapsing Land." This served as the third episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Through courage, luck, and a power that even he does not yet quite understand, Kira manages to save his friends and himself from the advances of ZAFT's invading mobile suits by piloting the Strike Gundam. But as the Earth Alliance warship Archangel enters the Helipolis colony in a flash of flame and destruction, and the mysterious and dangerous commander of the ZAFT forces Rau Le Creuset makes a dramatic entrance while engaged in lightning quick battle with Alliance top gun Mu La Flaga, it is abundantly clear that no one is truly safe. When both the Archangle and Mu come to Kira's aid, the situation seems to take a turn for the better, but with a revelation that stuns his newfound comrades, even the Earth Alliance ranks may not be safe for him. Kira, a Coordinator? But the mistrust and weariness of those around him becomes the least important thing on his mind when Le Creuset sends in another team of ZAFT mobile suits, with Athrun among them. Called upon to pilot again, Kira must ..."
"Through courage, luck, and a power that even he does not yet quite understand, Kira manages to save his friends and himself from the advances of ZAFT's invading mobile suits by piloting the Strike Gundam. But as the Earth Alliance warship Archangel enters the Helipolis colony in a flash of flame and destruction, and the mysterious and dangerous commander of the ZAFT forces Rau Le Creuset makes a dramatic entrance while engaged in lightning quick battle with Alliance top gun Mu La Flaga, it is abundantly clear that no one is truly safe. When both the Archangle and Mu come to Kira's aid, the situation seems to take a turn for the better, but with a revelation that stuns his newfound comrades, even the Earth Alliance ranks may not be safe for him. Kira, a Coordinator? But the mistrust and weariness of those around him becomes the least important thing on his mind when Le Creuset sends in another team of ZAFT mobile suits, with Athrun among them. Called upon to pilot again, Kira must ..."
On this day in 2002, Mutant X aired "Time Squared." This served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ashlocke goes back in time to try and make himself invincible by giving something to his the younger self. Brennan and Shalimar follow him. Jesse takes the new mutant, who sent them back, to Adam to see what he can do. Eventually Ashlocke changes history forcing Adam and Emma to also go back."
"Ashlocke goes back in time to try and make himself invincible by giving something to his the younger self. Brennan and Shalimar follow him. Jesse takes the new mutant, who sent them back, to Adam to see what he can do. Eventually Ashlocke changes history forcing Adam and Emma to also go back."
On this day in 2006, Smallville aired "Arrow." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark and Lois are on the trail of a thief that Lois has named the Green Arrow Bandit. But this "bandit" may not be as big a villain as they believe."
"Clark and Lois are on the trail of a thief that Lois has named the Green Arrow Bandit. But this "bandit" may not be as big a villain as they believe."
On this day in 2007, Flash Gordon aired "Conspiracy Theory." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Rankol sends a beautiful bounty hunter to bring Zarkov back to Mongo, her arrival is caught on camera, so Dale tries to prevent a rival from running with the story - which catches the attention of an obsessive government agent."
"When Rankol sends a beautiful bounty hunter to bring Zarkov back to Mongo, her arrival is caught on camera, so Dale tries to prevent a rival from running with the story - which catches the attention of an obsessive government agent."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: Atlantis aired "Doppelganger." This served as the fourth episode to the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While exploring a new planet, Sheppard started to watch a strange crystal. He doesn't know why, but he had to touch it. Back on Atlantis, everybody but him started to have some bad nightmares."
"While exploring a new planet, Sheppard started to watch a strange crystal. He doesn't know why, but he had to touch it. Back on Atlantis, everybody but him started to have some bad nightmares."
On this day in 2010, The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Vault Of Secrets: Part 2." This served as the fourth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mr. Dread announces that if Androvax activates the vault and returns to his planet, Earth will be destroyed. the Veil switches bodies to Gita,making her drive him to the asylum,though Rani and Clyde trick him into leaving her. the androids arrive and,whilst two of them destroy each other,Mr. Dread uses his power source to allow Androvax to escape in search of a new planet whilst the Earth remains saved. Gita's memory has to be wiped of all she has seen however and Ocean,whose remaining half of the key must never be used,persuaded that there was no alien in Ealing."
"Mr. Dread announces that if Androvax activates the vault and returns to his planet, Earth will be destroyed. the Veil switches bodies to Gita,making her drive him to the asylum,though Rani and Clyde trick him into leaving her. the androids arrive and,whilst two of them destroy each other,Mr. Dread uses his power source to allow Androvax to escape in search of a new planet whilst the Earth remains saved. Gita's memory has to be wiped of all she has seen however and Ocean,whose remaining half of the key must never be used,persuaded that there was no alien in Ealing."
On this day in 2012, TRON: Uprising aired "The Reward." 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:
"Beck's night off is ruined when the Occupation arrests an innocent program."
"Beck's night off is ruined when the Occupation arrests an innocent program."
On this day in 2015, Fox TV's Minority Report aired "The Present." This served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Dash and Vega figure out Vega is the victim in Dash's vision, they join forces with someone who played a giant part in the death of Vega's father; Arthur delves into his and his siblings' memories."
"When Dash and Vega figure out Vega is the victim in Dash's vision, they join forces with someone who played a giant part in the death of Vega's father; Arthur delves into his and his siblings' memories."
On this day in 2018, Titans aired "Hawk And Dove." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A new threat is after Rachel as she and Dick arrive at the home of Hank Hall and Dawn Granger, where a complicated history resurfaces."
"A new threat is after Rachel as she and Dick arrive at the home of Hank Hall and Dawn Granger, where a complicated history resurfaces."
On this day in 1953, one of those books every one of us was supposed to read in high school literature class (deservedly so) but we probably either skimmed or watched the movie caught flame with the release of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known."
"Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known."
On this day in 2016, the trade paperback collection of Predator: Life And Death was released to the marketplace via Dark Horse Comics. The story was written by Dan Abnett, and here's the premise from TFAW.com:
"Colonial Marines on the planet Tartarus battle extraterrestrial hunters over the possession of a mysterious horseshoe-shaped spaceship of unknown origin. The Weyland-Yutani rep wants the ship, and the marine captain wants to protect her crew. But neither objective is likely when a band of Predators attacks! Collects issues #1-#4."
"Colonial Marines on the planet Tartarus battle extraterrestrial hunters over the possession of a mysterious horseshoe-shaped spaceship of unknown origin. The Weyland-Yutani rep wants the ship, and the marine captain wants to protect her crew. But neither objective is likely when a band of Predators attacks! Collects issues #1-#4."
