Adrian Paul is a talent who has been on the genre circuit for much of his career, and Tracker gave him one more vehicle in which to shine. (FYI: the series premiered on this day in 2001.) The actor starred as the guard of an alien prison that is somehow transported to Earth as energy; thus he creates a human body so that he can continue his task of 'tracking' down the dangerous fugitives and seeing them brought to justice. As happens with far too many SciFi-themed projects, it lasted only a single season.
Robert Allan Clothier's first foray into the realm of Science Fiction was as an illustrator in the 1950's when he created cover and interior artwork for magazines such as New Worlds and Nebula Science Fiction. However, he had also been bitten by the acting bug, and genre fans may remember him from roles late in his life on The Ray Bradbury Theater, The X-Files, The Outer Limits, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and Da Vinci's Inquest. Though he's no longer with us, Clothier was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Leonard Rossiter played a role in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); you can see him seated above with the drink before him. Though he's no longer with us, Rossiter was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It would seem that author Ursula K. Le Guin has been writing fantasy and science fiction for just about as long as she's been able to put words together. At present, she's been the recipient of five Locus Awards (for Best Novels), four Nebula Awards, two Hugo Awards, and one World Fantasy Award. She's also been listed as a 'Writers & Artists Living Legend' by the U.S. Library of Congress for her ongoing contributions to American culture. Le Guin was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Georgia Brown brought a welcome sense of maternal mirth to the role of 'Helena Rozhenko,' the Earth-adoptive mother of Star Trek: The Next Generation's Worf. Though she's no longer with us, Brown was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Albeit briefly, actor Jack Taylor shared the screen with genre juggernaut Arnold Schwarzenegger aboard Conan The Barbarian (1982). With over one hundred different screen credits to his name, Taylor has been seen in such properties as Neutrón el enmascarado negro (1960), The Curse Of Nostradamus (1961), Nostradamus y el destructor de monstruos (1962), Los autómatas de la muerte (1962), Genii of Darkness (1962), Neutrón contra el Dr. Caronte (1963), Agente Sigma 3 - Missione Goldwather (1967), S.O.S. invasión (1969), Count Dracula (1970), Dr. Jekyll Vs The Werewolf (1972), The Vengeance Of Dr. Mabuse (1972), Female Vampire (1973), The Night Of The Sorcerers (1974), and Where Time Began (1977). Taylor was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Julie Parrish leaves behind a resume just shy of fifty different screen credits. Genre fans might know her best from appearances aboard Star Trek, Captain Nice, and The Next Step Beyond. Though she's no longer with us, Parrish was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Everett McGill has a pretty diverse resume. I know him best -- as do most SciFi fans -- from such projects as Dune, Twin Peaks, and Quest for Fire. However, he's been very quiet as of late. With Twin Peaks coming back on Showtime, perhaps he's due for a comeback? McGill was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you missed NBC's Journeyman (and based upon its low ratings most of you did), then you missed one of the more compelling SciFi dramas of the 2000's forward. Tom Everett played a key role aboard the time travel yarn, but he's also had terrific roles in such properties as Max Headroom, Quantum Leap, Space: Above And Beyond, Tremors 3, FlashForward, and much, much more. Everett was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Now, there's what a real-life Disney princess should look like! Carrie Fisher blazed her way across the silver screen in the Original Star Wars Trilogy and, in doing so, earned a special place in every fanboy's heart. Though she's no longer with us, Fisher was born on this day back in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That's the face of a man who's seen Godzilla, clearly some of the best fun I've had in the multiplexes in 2014. Ken Watanabe has become a bit of a critical darling since he appeared alongside Scientology's Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai in 2003, and I, for one, thought he brought a level of gravitas required to 2014's best monster movie. Plus, he made a return and a grand departure from the monster franchise aboard Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019). Watanabe was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Melora Walters doesn't have much genre work in her resume, but she has found work in such properties as Twice Upon A Time (1998), The Butterfly Effect (2004), and Venom (2018). Walters was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Granted, the shapely Leslee Bremmer may not have a lot of SciFi or Fantasy credentials to ogle, but she's dreamy enough to deserve a mention for an uncredited small role in The Return Of The Living Dead (1985) from Orion Pictures. God bless her assets! Bremmer was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ahh, Tami-Adrian George! It broke our hearts that you couldn't rise up and take that fateful stand for Earth itself aboard Starship Troopers (1997), but thank goodness we didn't have to sit and watch you get eaten or torn to bits by those menacing space bugs. The actress has also been a part of Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. George was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nathan Anderson is another one of those character actors who has had the good fortune to book appearances in a handful of genre properties. His work has shown up in Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek: Enterprise, and the telefilm Alien Siege. Anderson was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sasha Roiz has appeared in several quality genre projects, including Mutant X, The Day After Tomorrow, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Caprica, Extracted, and Warehouse 13. Roiz was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical favorite Andrew Scott hasn't done a wealth of work in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, but he definitely has notched a few credits that has drawn some attention. Fans might know him from The Quatermass Experiment (2005), Victor Frankenstein (2015), Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016), and His Dark Materials. Scott was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Clayton Rogers had plenty to be angry about involving some rather personal developments with Artificial Intelligence at the core of Uncanny (2015). Rogers was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I've never seen a single episode of Kyle XY. I've been told it's some pretty interesting SciFi, though. Clone stuff, as I've been told. Whatever the case, its star -- the young Matt Dallas -- celebrates his birthday today. Dallas was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you like your Apocalypse films as much as I do, then you would do well to pick up The Colony (2013). No, it's no perfect -- rarely does that happen in SciFi -- but it's still a pretty compelling look at the end of times. It stars Laurence Fishburne, Bill Paxton, and this dreamy little blonde who goes by the name of Charlotte Sullivan. Sullivan was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aaron Tveit played a key role aboard CBS's short-lived political SciFi/Satire, BrainDead, for the 2016 TV season. Tveit was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and stuntwoman Alana Husband has definitely made some inroads in the realm of genre entertainment. I encourage readers to check out her profile on IMDB.com. Husband was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman was one of the soldiers who found himself transported to the far side of the galaxy aboard Syfy's SGU: Stargate Universe. The actor has also enjoyed screen time aboard Stargate: SG-1 and Warehouse 13. Bowyer-Chapman was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actor Glen Powell has lent his voice to the character of 'Dave' aboard the animated Dinosaur family-friendly excursion Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous for DreamWorks Animation. Powell was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young and vivacious Natalie Distler joined Dean Cain and Malcolm McDowell in witnessing the end of time and space as we know it in 2015's tepid The Black Hole (not to be confused with the Walt Disney flick of the same name). Distler was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1932 (in France), Chandu The Magician tried to work its magic with a theatrical release. Directed by William Cameron Menzies and Marcel Varnel, the Horror/Fantasy starred Edmund Lowe, Irene Ware, and Bela Lugosi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When delusional madman Roxor kidnaps a scientist in hopes of using his death ray to achieve world dominance, he is opposed by Chandu, a powerful hypnotist and yogi."
"When delusional madman Roxor kidnaps a scientist in hopes of using his death ray to achieve world dominance, he is opposed by Chandu, a powerful hypnotist and yogi."
On this day in 1934 (in the U.S.), the German-language SciFi/Drama Gold sought box office gold with its theatrical debut. Directed by Karl Hartl from a script by Rolf E. Vanloo, the feature starred Hans Albers, Friedrich Kayßler, and Brigitte Helm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his colleague and a mentor, Prof. Achenbach dies in a set-up accident, while trying to produce gold from the lead, Werner Holk seeks revenge. Meanwhile, a British millionaire suggests that Holk work on him on a similar project."
"After his colleague and a mentor, Prof. Achenbach dies in a set-up accident, while trying to produce gold from the lead, Werner Holk seeks revenge. Meanwhile, a British millionaire suggests that Holk work on him on a similar project."
On this day in 1960 (in Italy), the good people of Rome were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Mill Of The Stone Women. Written (in part) and directed by Giorgio Ferroni, the Fantasy/Horror starred Pierre Brice, Scilla Gabel, and Wolfgang Preiss; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 19th century Holland, a professor of fine arts and an unlicensed surgeon run a secret lab where the professor's ill daughter receives blood-transfusions from kidnapped female victims who posthumously become macabre art."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of an all-new restoration for Mill Of The Stone Women. Interested in knowing what I thought? My review of the film can be found right here.
"In 19th century Holland, a professor of fine arts and an unlicensed surgeon run a secret lab where the professor's ill daughter receives blood-transfusions from kidnapped female victims who posthumously become macabre art."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of an all-new restoration for Mill Of The Stone Women. Interested in knowing what I thought? My review of the film can be found right here.
On this day in 1970 (in the U.S.), Bigfoot left his size nineteen imprint on box office record. (FYI: it wasn't a hit, so I'm thinking the shoe size was bigger.) Written (in part) and directed by John F. Slatzer, the feature starred John Carradine, Judith Jordan, and Joi Lansing. Here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Bigfoot kidnaps some women and some bikers decide to go on a rescue mission to save them."
"Bigfoot kidnaps some women and some bikers decide to go on a rescue mission to save them."
Well, there you go, kids. The image may not mean much to you, so go and ask your parents because THAT's what SciFi looked like before Star Wars came along and changed the face of it. Damnation Alley was released on this day back in 1977 (in the U.S.), and it featured George Peppard (who'd later go on to The A-Team fame on TV) and Jan Michael Vincent (who'd later go on to Airwolf fame on TV) fighting giant scorpions after the nuclear apocalypse. Lucky for us, it ain't based on a true story. The wonderfully cheesy flick is available on video if you're interested. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
On this day in 1978 (in Japan), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Directed by Stankey -- who penned the story with SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke -- the feature film starred Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, and and Gary Lockwood. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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 1979 (in Portugal), Alien sunk its teeth into the box office. Directed by Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Horror Classic starred Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, and Tom Skerritt; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
On this day in 1980 (in Greece), Antropophagus: The Grim Reaper enjoyed taking a bit out of the box office receipts. Written (in part) and directed by Joe D'Amato, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tisa Farrow, Saverio Vallone, and Serena Grandi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of friends and a hitchhiker become stranded on a tourist island where they are stalked by a disfigured cannibalistic killer who is prowling the island after killing its residents."
"A group of friends and a hitchhiker become stranded on a tourist island where they are stalked by a disfigured cannibalistic killer who is prowling the island after killing its residents."
On this day in 1980 (in Norway), The Final Countdown began ticking away cinematically. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kirk Douglas, Katharine Ross, and Martin Sheen; and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1981 (in Italy), the Bermuda Triangle was up to its old tricks again with the release of Beyond The Bermuda Triangle. Directed by William A. Graham from a story by Charles McDaniel, the feature starred Fred MacMurray, Donna Mills, and Sam Groom. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A retired businessman notices that there has been a rash of ships and planes disappearing off the Florida coast, and he starts to investigate."
For the record:
I've not found much information about Beyond The Bermuda Triangle in my research. Charles McDaniel penned the script, and it looks to be his only serious genre attempt; otherwise, he crafted scripts for conventional dramas and police procedurals of the day. Director William A. Graham worked for just over four decades in the entertainment business, and he helped bring to life a handful of genre episodes with such franchises as Otherworld, Seven Days, and The X-Files.
"A retired businessman notices that there has been a rash of ships and planes disappearing off the Florida coast, and he starts to investigate."
For the record:
I've not found much information about Beyond The Bermuda Triangle in my research. Charles McDaniel penned the script, and it looks to be his only serious genre attempt; otherwise, he crafted scripts for conventional dramas and police procedurals of the day. Director William A. Graham worked for just over four decades in the entertainment business, and he helped bring to life a handful of genre episodes with such franchises as Otherworld, Seven Days, and The X-Files.
A star is born! Back in high school, I had a friend who'd read Stephen King's novel The Dead Zone, and he insisted that the film -- which was released on this day in 1983 (in Canada and the U.S.) -- wasn't very faithful to the book. Whether that may be the truth or not, I can't say ... but I can say that to date I think this is one of the best films emerging from the mind of King that I enjoy. Directed by David Cronenberg, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, and Tom Skerritt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man awakens from a coma to discover he has a psychic ability."
For the record:
As well as receiving some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, The Dead Zone took home top honors in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the 1984 Saturn Awards while missing out on wins in the categories of 'Best Writing,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Director.'
"A man awakens from a coma to discover he has a psychic ability."
For the record:
As well as receiving some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, The Dead Zone took home top honors in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the 1984 Saturn Awards while missing out on wins in the categories of 'Best Writing,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Director.'
A star is born! I gave up long ago trying to convince some folks that The Right Stuff -- which premiered (in Canada and the U.S.) on this day in 1983 -- isn't Science Fiction. "But they go to space! They go to space!" Sigh. Adapted for the silver screen and directed by Philip Kaufman, the Biographical/Drama starred Sam Shepard, Fred Ward, and Scott Glenn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred."
"The U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), the good people of Universal City, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Prince Of Darkness. Written and directed by John Carpenter, the Fantasy/Horror starred Donald Pleasence, Lisa Blount, and Jameson Parker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they open the container, they inadvertently unleash a strange liquid and an evil force on all humanity."
For the record:
Along with some positive buzz generated from film festival screenings, Prince Of Darkness enjoyed a 1988 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Music.'
"A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they open the container, they inadvertently unleash a strange liquid and an evil force on all humanity."
For the record:
Along with some positive buzz generated from film festival screenings, Prince Of Darkness enjoyed a 1988 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Music.'
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Aenigma enjoyed a limited run through the multiplexes and cineplexes. Written (in part) and directed by Lucio Fulci, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jared Martin, Lara Lamberti, and Ulli Reinthaler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The spirit of a comatose teenage girl possesses the body of a newcomer to her girls boarding school to enact bloody revenge against the elitist, lingerie-clad coeds responsible for her condition."
"The spirit of a comatose teenage girl possesses the body of a newcomer to her girls boarding school to enact bloody revenge against the elitist, lingerie-clad coeds responsible for her condition."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Japan), Garaga enjoyed its very first theatrical release. Written and directed by Hidemi Kubo, the animated SciFi/Fantasy featured the voices of Toshio Furukawa, Michie Tomizawa, and Ichirô Nagai. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With their spacecraft shipwrecked on the strange planet of Garaga, the crew of the XeBeC fight for their lives against blood-thirsty warrior apes. Political intrigue follows as the true nature of the crew's mission becomes apparent: were they meant to arrive on Garaga? And just who is this crew really taking orders from?"
"With their spacecraft shipwrecked on the strange planet of Garaga, the crew of the XeBeC fight for their lives against blood-thirsty warrior apes. Political intrigue follows as the true nature of the crew's mission becomes apparent: were they meant to arrive on Garaga? And just who is this crew really taking orders from?"
On this day in 1989 (in the Philippines), the Fantasy gods reared their heads, looked down upon mankind, and delivered unto them ... Gor II! Directed by John 'Bud' Carlos, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Urbano Barberini, screen legend Jack Palance, and June 1986 Playboy Playmate Rebecca Ferratti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Earthman returns to the planet Gor, and fights against tyranny."
"An Earthman returns to the planet Gor, and fights against tyranny."
On this day in 1992 (in Mexico), Seedpeople sought to blossom cinematically. Directed by Peter Manoogian, the SciFi/Horror starred Sam Hennings, Andrea Roth, and Dane Witherspoon. Here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"The citizens of Comet Valley are being taken over by seeds from an alien plant that has taken root there. A sheriff investigates the strange goings-on."
"The citizens of Comet Valley are being taken over by seeds from an alien plant that has taken root there. A sheriff investigates the strange goings-on."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Puppet Masters revealed their master plan for world domination. Stuart Orme directed this adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel, and it starred Donald Sutherland, Eric Thal, and Julie Warner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Earth is invaded by stingray-shaped alien "slugs" that ride on people's backs and control their minds."
For the record:
In 1995, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Puppet Masters with a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The Earth is invaded by stingray-shaped alien "slugs" that ride on people's backs and control their minds."
For the record:
In 1995, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Puppet Masters with a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
Curiously enough, it was on this day in 1995 that the 1955-produced Bride Of The Monster -- from the mind of Ed Wood, Jr. -- enjoyed a theatrical run in the nation of Japan. The film starred Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, and Loretta King. According to our friends on IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
"A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen."
On this day in 1995 (in South Korea), Star Trek: Generations took the crew of the Enterprise-D from the small screen to the big one. Written by Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, and Ronald D. Moore, the first cinema adventure for the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D was directed by David Carson. It starred Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, and Malcolm McDowell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
For the record:
Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety. In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards. In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
On this day in 1996 (in Germany, on home video), Omega Doom dished out yet one more look at the Apocalypse, this one starring genre favorite Rutger Hauer! Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi feature also starred Shannon Whirry, Norbert Weisser, and Anna Katarina; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the Earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
For the record:
For all intents and purposes, this appears to be one of the film's earliest release dates; IMDB.com suggests there was a home video release in Greece prior to this one, but I can't find any confirmation elsewhere on the web. I've seen this. Ahem. It ain't great. But it's passable largely for Hauer's contribution here. It's largely another SciFi-themed remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo with androids and little else.
"After Earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the Earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
For the record:
For all intents and purposes, this appears to be one of the film's earliest release dates; IMDB.com suggests there was a home video release in Greece prior to this one, but I can't find any confirmation elsewhere on the web. I've seen this. Ahem. It ain't great. But it's passable largely for Hauer's contribution here. It's largely another SciFi-themed remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo with androids and little else.
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Breeders (aka Deadly Instincts) sought to impregnate the home video marketplace with a blockbuster child. Written and directed by Paul Matthews, the SciFi/Horror starred Todd Jensen, Oliver Tobias, and Samantha Womack. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien travels to Earth on a meteorite and mates with humans to preserve its species and destroy humanity."
"An alien travels to Earth on a meteorite and mates with humans to preserve its species and destroy humanity."
On this day in 2000 (in South Korea), Deep Core went drilling for what box office oil it could find. Directed by Rodney Mcdonald, the SciFi/Thriller starred Craig Sheffer, Bruce McGill, and Terry Farrell; and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The future of Earth is in question when a strange reaction deep beneath its surface causes a massive rupture in the planet's inner structure."
"The future of Earth is in question when a strange reaction deep beneath its surface causes a massive rupture in the planet's inner structure."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Hysteria enjoyed a special screening for audiences in attendance of the Fort Worth Film Festival. Written and directed by Rene Daalder, the SciFi/Horror starred Patrick McGoohan, Amanda Plummer, and Michael Maloney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The inmates of an insane asylum are subjected to experiments using collective consciousness and surgically implanted chips in an attempt to create perfect citizens."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hysteria enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The inmates of an insane asylum are subjected to experiments using collective consciousness and surgically implanted chips in an attempt to create perfect citizens."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hysteria enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2004 (in Russia and the Ukraine), AVP: Alien Vs Predator enjoyed its theatrical presentation. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, and Raoul Bova; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stomp! Shout! Scream! played for audiences in attendance of the Austin Film Festival. Written and directed by Jay Wade Edwards, the Comedy/Horror/Musical starred Claire Bronson, Mary Kraft, and Cynthia Evans. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Stomp! Shout! Scream!, a beach party rock and roll monster movie, is set in 1966 and features an all-girl garage rock band and the legend of the Skunk Ape (the Florida Everglades version of Bigfoot)."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Stomp! Shout! Scream! enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Stomp! Shout! Scream!, a beach party rock and roll monster movie, is set in 1966 and features an all-girl garage rock band and the legend of the Skunk Ape (the Florida Everglades version of Bigfoot)."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Stomp! Shout! Scream! enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Nature Of The Beast enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Rodman Flender, the Horror/Comedy starred Eddie Kaye Thomas, Autumn Reeser, and Eric Mabius. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rich and Julia, are a perfect young couple, preparing for their upcoming wedding. But then Julia discovers that Rich is hiding one huge hairy secret: when the moon is full, Rich transforms into a ferocious werewolf."
"Rich and Julia, are a perfect young couple, preparing for their upcoming wedding. But then Julia discovers that Rich is hiding one huge hairy secret: when the moon is full, Rich transforms into a ferocious werewolf."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Canada), Midori-ko enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences of the Ottawa International Animation Festival. Written and directed by Keita Kurosaka, the animated Fantasy featured the voices of Sayaka Suzuki, Rina Yuki, and Chicapan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman strives to engineer a dream-food that can put a stop to the famine that has lain waste to a dystopian, near future Tokyo."
"A woman strives to engineer a dream-food that can put a stop to the famine that has lain waste to a dystopian, near future Tokyo."
On this day in 2014 (in Thailand), the 1927-produced Metropolis enjoyed a special screening as part of the visual festivities held at the Bangkok International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the Silent Era SciFi/Drama starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), The Taking Of Deborah Logan first tried to wrap its big jaws around the domestic box office. Written (in part) and directed by Adam Robitel, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jill Larson, Anne Ramsay, and Michelle Ang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An elderly woman battling Alzheimer's disease agrees to let a film crew document her condition, but what they discover is something far more sinister going on."
For the record:
At the 2015 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, actress Anne Ramsay earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of The Taking Of Deborah Logan (2014) via my very own subscription to Amazon Prime Video. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"An elderly woman battling Alzheimer's disease agrees to let a film crew document her condition, but what they discover is something far more sinister going on."
For the record:
At the 2015 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, actress Anne Ramsay earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of The Taking Of Deborah Logan (2014) via my very own subscription to Amazon Prime Video. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2015 (in Chile, Spain, Latvia, Mexico, and Sweden), the 1985-produced Back To The Future enjoyed a special re-release to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the SciFi/Comedy starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine" invented by a slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love - so he can get back to the future."
For the record:
Since its theatrical debut, Back To The Future has established itself as one of Science Fiction's best comedies ... and it continues to earn praise decades after. At the 1986 Academy Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing' while missing out on the gold in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Music - Original Song,' and 'Best Writing - Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen.' The 1986 Saturn Awards christened the flick with an incredible nine nominations, but the movers and shakers only went home with trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it won the 1986 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine" invented by a slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love - so he can get back to the future."
For the record:
Since its theatrical debut, Back To The Future has established itself as one of Science Fiction's best comedies ... and it continues to earn praise decades after. At the 1986 Academy Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing' while missing out on the gold in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Music - Original Song,' and 'Best Writing - Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen.' The 1986 Saturn Awards christened the flick with an incredible nine nominations, but the movers and shakers only went home with trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, it won the 1986 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2015 (in Chile Spain, Latvia, Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), Back To The Future II returned to theaters to celebrate its anniversary. Written (in part) and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the SciFi/Comedy starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip."
For the record:
"After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip."
For the record:
- At the 1990 Academy Awards, Back To The Future II enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.'
- At the 1991 Saturn Awards, Back To The Future II took home one big win in the category of 'Best Special Effects.' The film had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Selene Hollow enjoyed its first theatrical presentation when it played for audiences in attendance of the Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival. Directed by Mathew Provost, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Laurence Fitzgerald, David Davino, and Alexander Platt. Here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Selene Hollow follows recently unemployed journalist Byron, as he struggles to reinvent himself while penning his first novel. Lost in the middle of nowhere, Byron's new home of Selene Hollow, soon reveals itself to be much more than a quite place for him to escape. This small quaint town holds a dark and deadly secret."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Selene Hollow enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Selene Hollow follows recently unemployed journalist Byron, as he struggles to reinvent himself while penning his first novel. Lost in the middle of nowhere, Byron's new home of Selene Hollow, soon reveals itself to be much more than a quite place for him to escape. This small quaint town holds a dark and deadly secret."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Selene Hollow enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2016 (in Japan), Star Trek Beyond soared onto the silver screen, delivering audiences with one more adventure before sending that cinematic franchise into hiatus. Justin Lin directed from a script by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung; and the usual faces -- Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Karl Urban -- returned to their Starfleet duty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crew of the USS Enterprise explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test."
For the record:
It took removing JJ Abrams and his usual writing team from the project (though Abrams stayed aboard as producer) to get something that finally resembled what so many had come to know as a Star Trek story. Pegg's script wasn't perfect, but it was a good step in the right direction, though director Lin's 'The Fast And The Furious' sensibilities killed any reasonable attempt at narrative nuance. Still, the film didn't go unnoticed (though its box office numbers might suggest otherwise). The 2017 Academy Awards recognized it with a nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Makeup And Hairstyling.' (Ouch!) In fact, it did take home the 2017 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Makeup,' but it missed out on the meatier opportunities like 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The crew of the USS Enterprise explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test."
For the record:
It took removing JJ Abrams and his usual writing team from the project (though Abrams stayed aboard as producer) to get something that finally resembled what so many had come to know as a Star Trek story. Pegg's script wasn't perfect, but it was a good step in the right direction, though director Lin's 'The Fast And The Furious' sensibilities killed any reasonable attempt at narrative nuance. Still, the film didn't go unnoticed (though its box office numbers might suggest otherwise). The 2017 Academy Awards recognized it with a nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Makeup And Hairstyling.' (Ouch!) In fact, it did take home the 2017 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Makeup,' but it missed out on the meatier opportunities like 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Sweden), the family friendly Up In The Sky (aka Upp i det blå) was first unveiled theatrically. Written (in part) and directed by Petter Lennstrand, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mira Forsell, Adam Lundgren, and Gustav Funck. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Pottan is going to a riding camp, but ends up at a recycling center where she is taken care of by the strange staff. One day Pottan finds out that the staff are building a space rocket."
"Pottan is going to a riding camp, but ends up at a recycling center where she is taken care of by the strange staff. One day Pottan finds out that the staff are building a space rocket."
On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), Men Into Space aired "Building A Space Station." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McCauley supervises a team assembling a space station in orbit when tragedy strikes."
"McCauley supervises a team assembling a space station in orbit when tragedy strikes."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "Terror In New York City." Officially, this served as the fourth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After Thunderbird 2 is heavily damaged in a mistaken attack, it leaves the team seemingly without a swift means to transport TB4 to New York City when a news crew is trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building."
"After Thunderbird 2 is heavily damaged in a mistaken attack, it leaves the team seemingly without a swift means to transport TB4 to New York City when a news crew is trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), TV's animated version of The Fantastic Four aired "The Red Ghost." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Reed is competing with Dr. Kragoff in race to the moon for astronomical research. During the launch, Dr. Kragoff and his primate crew have developed some reverse energy powers. Dr. Kragoff is now transparent. Dr. Kragoff kidnaps Susan after counter attacking. She escapes and thwarts Dr. Kragoff's attempt to eliminate her companions. Using a special device, Reed turns Dr. Kragoff into a plastic statue."
"Reed is competing with Dr. Kragoff in race to the moon for astronomical research. During the launch, Dr. Kragoff and his primate crew have developed some reverse energy powers. Dr. Kragoff is now transparent. Dr. Kragoff kidnaps Susan after counter attacking. She escapes and thwarts Dr. Kragoff's attempt to eliminate her companions. Using a special device, Reed turns Dr. Kragoff into a plastic statue."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Smile: Part 4." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tarot, Sam and Lulli out-smart Tun-Ju, but with time running out can they stop him from stealing the Mona Lisa?"
"Tarot, Sam and Lulli out-smart Tun-Ju, but with time running out can they stop him from stealing the Mona Lisa?"
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's U.F.O. aired "E.S.P." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"John Croxley is a man with Extra Sensory Perception, which enables him to read the minds of other people, although he regards it as a curse and has sought medical aid. One day, following a dog-fight with a UFO craft, The UFO crashes into and destroys Croxley's house, at the same time causing the death of Croxley's wife. Holding Foster responsible for his bereavement, Croxley uses his powers to read Foster's mind and find out all about SHADO, which he intends to destroy."
"John Croxley is a man with Extra Sensory Perception, which enables him to read the minds of other people, although he regards it as a curse and has sought medical aid. One day, following a dog-fight with a UFO craft, The UFO crashes into and destroys Croxley's house, at the same time causing the death of Croxley's wife. Holding Foster responsible for his bereavement, Croxley uses his powers to read Foster's mind and find out all about SHADO, which he intends to destroy."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Jason of Star Command aired "Marooned In Time." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the (edited) plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jason, Nicole and Dr. Parsafoot are captured by Captain Kidd, who explains that they have landed on a planet trapped in time by Dragos. Jason tricks the Captain into taking his pocket robot, Wiki, then manages to pick the lock securing the stocks imprisoning his friends with a splinter. Jason needs the gold and silver in the Captain's chest to repair the engines on his spacecraft and follows Wiki's homing beacon to the cave where treasure is hidden."
"Jason, Nicole and Dr. Parsafoot are captured by Captain Kidd, who explains that they have landed on a planet trapped in time by Dragos. Jason tricks the Captain into taking his pocket robot, Wiki, then manages to pick the lock securing the stocks imprisoning his friends with a splinter. Jason needs the gold and silver in the Captain's chest to repair the engines on his spacecraft and follows Wiki's homing beacon to the cave where treasure is hidden."
On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), Manimal aired "Night of the Scorpion." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man is found dead on a ship with a venomous spider next to him. Jonathan is brought in and he doesn't think the spider is the cause of death. An autopsy is done and it's discovered that he had some kind of drug in his system. A drug that is kind of truth serum and he had a bad reaction to it. They meet his daughter who says he does work in the Bahamas. So Jonathan decides to go there and she joins him. They go to the bank and they find a note with a $100 bill that says a million more. So she wonders if there is a million how did he get it. They run into his boss."
"A man is found dead on a ship with a venomous spider next to him. Jonathan is brought in and he doesn't think the spider is the cause of death. An autopsy is done and it's discovered that he had some kind of drug in his system. A drug that is kind of truth serum and he had a bad reaction to it. They meet his daughter who says he does work in the Bahamas. So Jonathan decides to go there and she joins him. They go to the bank and they find a note with a $100 bill that says a million more. So she wonders if there is a million how did he get it. They run into his boss."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Terrahawks aired "The Ultimate Menace." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Why should the Terrahawks team be sent to Mars - the base for Zelda's operations? Tiger is baffled by his assignment. Until Zelda plays her trump card - and the Terrahawks are once again pitted in battle against her cube robots."
"Why should the Terrahawks team be sent to Mars - the base for Zelda's operations? Tiger is baffled by his assignment. Until Zelda plays her trump card - and the Terrahawks are once again pitted in battle against her cube robots."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "The Magnificent Kiwi." Officially, this served as the program's twenty-sixth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Alliance finds a planet where the Gerkins can settle down. The Kiwi's develop a force field for their new Home world. But the Queen of the Crown finds them, and sends Killbane and her agents to recapture her former slaves. The Rangers arrive to fight off the invasion."
"The Alliance finds a planet where the Gerkins can settle down. The Kiwi's develop a force field for their new Home world. But the Queen of the Crown finds them, and sends Killbane and her agents to recapture her former slaves. The Rangers arrive to fight off the invasion."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Bonding." Officially, this served as the fifth episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Worf's conscience struggles with a fatality under his command. Meanwhile, the deceased crew member's son must confront an alien life form that attempts to take on the physical form of his mother."
"Worf's conscience struggles with a fatality under his command. Meanwhile, the deceased crew member's son must confront an alien life form that attempts to take on the physical form of his mother."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Superboy aired "Metallo." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A heart attack patient, who is also an escaped convict, transforms into a cyborg with a heart powered by kryptonite."
"A heart attack patient, who is also an escaped convict, transforms into a cyborg with a heart powered by kryptonite."
On this day in 1993 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Gunmen Of The Apocalypse." Officially, this served as the third episode to the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Starbug stumbles upon a battleship carrying on-board murderous cyborgs called "Simulants". When the "Simulants" infect Starbug with a virus and Starbug heads on a collision course with a volcanic planet. Lister, Cat and Rimmer connect Kryten to a Artifical Reality game set and Lister, Cat and Rimmer enter Kryten's dream of the wild-west, as they set out to help Kryten to fight the virus."
"Starbug stumbles upon a battleship carrying on-board murderous cyborgs called "Simulants". When the "Simulants" infect Starbug with a virus and Starbug heads on a collision course with a volcanic planet. Lister, Cat and Rimmer connect Kryten to a Artifical Reality game set and Lister, Cat and Rimmer enter Kryten's dream of the wild-west, as they set out to help Kryten to fight the virus."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Ascension." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mulder attempts to rescue Scully after she is abducted by a strange man who believes in UFOs."
"Mulder attempts to rescue Scully after she is abducted by a strange man who believes in UFOs."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Trax aired "Cool Hand Darien." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien gets a call from the widow of a fugitive who said if anything ever happened to him, to call Lambert. Investigating Luther's supposed death, Darien is kidnapped and held captive in a prison camp without his PPT or Selma."
"Darien gets a call from the widow of a fugitive who said if anything ever happened to him, to call Lambert. Investigating Luther's supposed death, Darien is kidnapped and held captive in a prison camp without his PPT or Selma."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the fourth episode of its fifth season. The hour was titled "Nor the Battle to the Strong," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jake, reporting from the front lines, sees what war truly is."
"Jake, reporting from the front lines, sees what war truly is."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Shadow Dancing." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Delenn asks the League for ships for a mission, she won't tell them where or when the mission will take place. The League hesitates, but they agree to support her. The fleet manages to prevent an attack by a Shadow Fleet. Franklin finally finds himself, and confronts his inner demons. An unexpected visitor from Sheridan's past arrives."
"Delenn asks the League for ships for a mission, she won't tell them where or when the mission will take place. The League hesitates, but they agree to support her. The fleet manages to prevent an attack by a Shadow Fleet. Franklin finally finds himself, and confronts his inner demons. An unexpected visitor from Sheridan's past arrives."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), First Wave aired "Lungfish." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the First Wave Wiki:
"In this episode, Cade Foster discovers an experimental race of sea life that demonstrates uncharacteristic amphibian properties. A breed of fish that can breathe on land appears as a result of alien experimentation."
"In this episode, Cade Foster discovers an experimental race of sea life that demonstrates uncharacteristic amphibian properties. A breed of fish that can breathe on land appears as a result of alien experimentation."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), UPN'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.), showrunners for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine opted to lighten the mood considerably aboard the station by having the station's crew challenge the Romulans to a game of old Earth baseball in the episode "Take Me Out to the Holosuite."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired the second episode of their fifth season. The hour was titled "Drone," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at Trekcore.com:
"Seven of Nine's Borg nanoprobes and the Doctor's portable emitter interface in a transporter accident to create a highly advanced Borg drone who summons the attentions of the Collective."
"Seven of Nine's Borg nanoprobes and the Doctor's portable emitter interface in a transporter accident to create a highly advanced Borg drone who summons the attentions of the Collective."
It all began right here:
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), Tracker emerged to track down a SciFi audience. The series gave Adrian Paul another vehicle to headline, and here's the premise behind the first installment as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zin leads an escape, he and 218 other aliens land as energy. They take over the bodies of humans on a train. The guard's prison comes to Earth. He creates a body out of a billboard. He's dazed and disoriented, he encounters Mel who offers him a ride. The guard must now track down all the alien prisoners."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), Tracker emerged to track down a SciFi audience. The series gave Adrian Paul another vehicle to headline, and here's the premise behind the first installment as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zin leads an escape, he and 218 other aliens land as energy. They take over the bodies of humans on a train. The guard's prison comes to Earth. He creates a body out of a billboard. He's dazed and disoriented, he encounters Mel who offers him a ride. The guard must now track down all the alien prisoners."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Cui Bono." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dylan and the Andromeda are ordered by the reformed High Guard to transport and protect a candidate for election to Second Triumvir in the New Commonwealth. To the crew's surprise the candidate is none other than Beka's "Uncle" Sid, a sneaky and sleazy "businessman" who used to work with her father. Both Beka and Dylan are concerned that Sid may become part of the ruling body of the New Commonwealth, but when they find Sid unconscious and bleeding in his office they are forced to protect him from his assailants."
"Dylan and the Andromeda are ordered by the reformed High Guard to transport and protect a candidate for election to Second Triumvir in the New Commonwealth. To the crew's surprise the candidate is none other than Beka's "Uncle" Sid, a sneaky and sleazy "businessman" who used to work with her father. Both Beka and Dylan are concerned that Sid may become part of the ruling body of the New Commonwealth, but when they find Sid unconscious and bleeding in his office they are forced to protect him from his assailants."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Gemini Division aired "Operation Heirloom." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's only season, and -- although I've been able to find a specific plot summary -- here's the premise behind the entire show as listed on the reliable Wikipedia.Org:
"Gemini Division is about an NYC detective investigating the murder of her fiance that suddenly appears to be not as it seems. During the ensuing investigation she uncovers a global conspiracy involving the creation of simulated life forms known as "SiMS" that have assimilated themselves within the unsuspecting public and a mysterious clandestine organization called Gemini Division that is created to take them down."
"Gemini Division is about an NYC detective investigating the murder of her fiance that suddenly appears to be not as it seems. During the ensuing investigation she uncovers a global conspiracy involving the creation of simulated life forms known as "SiMS" that have assimilated themselves within the unsuspecting public and a mysterious clandestine organization called Gemini Division that is created to take them down."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Sanctuary aired "Untouchable." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The UN Security Council sends a task force headed by a weasel of a man, Greg Addison, to investigate the Sanctuary. His disdain for abnormals is matched by the disdain that Magnus and team have for him."
"The UN Security Council sends a task force headed by a weasel of a man, Greg Addison, to investigate the Sanctuary. His disdain for abnormals is matched by the disdain that Magnus and team have for him."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "A Hen In The Wolf House." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Raina threatens to expose Simmons to Hydra unless Coulson hands Skye over to her father."
"Raina threatens to expose Simmons to Hydra unless Coulson hands Skye over to her father."
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Rosa." Officially, this served as the third episode in the Modern Era of Doctor Who; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Montgomery, Alabama, 1955. The Doctor and her friends find themselves in the Deep South of America. As they encounter a seamstress by the name of Rosa Parks, they begin to wonder whether someone is attempting to change history."
"Montgomery, Alabama, 1955. The Doctor and her friends find themselves in the Deep South of America. As they encounter a seamstress by the name of Rosa Parks, they begin to wonder whether someone is attempting to change history."
