Honestly, I'd only caught a few episodes of the U.K.'s SciFi series Primeval during its run on BBC America. It isn't correct to say that I wasn't impressed; it just didn't do anything for me, so I did as I do and tuned it out. However, I did catch a few episodes of the resulting spin-off incarnation Primeval: New World when it aired in the U.S. markets on what was then the SciFi Channel (now Syfy). Likewise, the program didn't do much for me, but I would say that its effects and general production values were pretty solid, and the cast was very good. According to what I've read over on IMDB.com, the program originally launched on this day in Canada back in 2012, so I'm giving its proper due here in our Blastoff Section.
Though her professional career lists only a scant eleven different projects, Margaret Sheridan will likely always be remembered for her role in the ensemble trapped in the Arctic cold while facing down The Thing From Another World (1951). A few years later -- in 1954 -- she dipped back into genre work with a role aboard The Diamond Wizard for Gibraltar Films, Ltd. Though she's no longer with us, Sheridan was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though this doesn't pertain to Science Fiction, I'm be remiss if I failed to point out that Sheridan also dabbled in another of my personal favorites, bringing to life the secretary 'Velma' opposite Biff Elliott's 'Mike Hammer' in the 1953 production of I, The Jury. I just love the Mike Hammer novels. So there.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though this doesn't pertain to Science Fiction, I'm be remiss if I failed to point out that Sheridan also dabbled in another of my personal favorites, bringing to life the secretary 'Velma' opposite Biff Elliott's 'Mike Hammer' in the 1953 production of I, The Jury. I just love the Mike Hammer novels. So there.
The late Ben Chapman towered a bit over his professional competition, measuring up at a lean six feet five inches. With that kind of height, it's easy to see why he was cast as just one of the several actors under the suit better known as the Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954). (Truth be told, he played the Creature whenever it was shown on land, not under the water.) He also appeared in the 1955 Fantasy film Jungle Moon Men for Sam Katzman Productions. Though he's no longer with us, Chapman was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
There's a fabulous website -- maintained by the Chapman family -- documenting the wide, wide world of The Gillman (aka the Creature), and interested fans can check it out right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
There's a fabulous website -- maintained by the Chapman family -- documenting the wide, wide world of The Gillman (aka the Creature), and interested fans can check it out right here.
You played an alien? You deserve our attention! Jack Donner played one of the Romulans in Star Trek's third season episode -- "The Enterprise Incident." With a career that spanned six decades, the actor certainly made more appearances in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Some of his other work can be viewed from contributions to My Favorite Martian, Get Smart, I Dream Of Jeannie, Johnny Mysto: Boy Wizard (1997), Conan The Adventurer, Power Rangers In Space, Charmed, Stigmata (1999), Retro Puppet Master (1999), Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Soulkeeper (2001), Roswell, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Though he's no longer with us, Donner was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Doris Lethbridge-Stewart,' Angela Douglas enjoyed a pair of appearances in the classic realm of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Douglas was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Little known fact: the delicious Margaret Nolan actually gussied herself up in gold to play the signature 'Golden Girl' from the opening credits of Goldfinger (1964). She enjoyed a small role in the film, and quite naturally a pictorial spread in Playboy followed shortly thereafter. As for SciFi credentials, she enjoyed a small role with Olivia Newton-John in the SciFi/Musical Toomorrow (1970). Though she's no longer with us, Nolan was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Dreyfuss played Roy Neary, the 'everyman' at the heart of a national mystery that took shape in the form of Steven Spielberg's 1977 blockbuster Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. Dreyfuss was born on this day back in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Kate Jackson provided the voice to the villain 'Bombshell' aboard both Batman Beyond and The Zeta Project. Jackson was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Joely Fisher soared (or maybe not so much) alongside Matthew Broderick in the big screen adaptation of the kid-friendly SciFi-lite Inspector Gadget (1999). She's also garnered screen time aboard Something Is Out There, The Mask (1994), The Outer Limits, and Wizards Of Waverly Place. Fisher was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ever experience one of those movies wherein you're totally confused? Not only that but -- after you've seen it -- you still don't understand what everyone else apparently saw in it that you missed? For me, that movie will always be Dark City. Believe it or not, I've actually seen this one three times (once being the exclusive director's cut on DVD), and -- even though it has all of the elements I usually love in flicks -- I just couldn't get into this one. However, what I can appreciate is the work of the film's star, Rufus Sewell. The man has a terrific resume; though he usually plays characters that are chiefly 'dark' in nature, he always turns in some great work. Sewell was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even when the script is as awful of Alien: Resurrection, you just don't turn down the chance to work with Sigourney Weaver when she's fighting aliens! Winona Ryder knew that, and, despite the film's lackluster reception, history was still made in that franchise's universe. Plus, Winona got the chance to play in the Star Trek universe when she appeared in JJ Abrams' 2009 reboot of our beloved franchise. She played Amanda, mother to Spock. Ms. Ryder was born on this day back in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
More than just a pretty face, Gabrielle Union played a role in ABC TV's short-lived FlashForward program back in 2009. Union was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Again, folks, I apologize for not being as big a fan of the wider Stargate franchise as are so many. I have watched a few seasons, and it remains a program I really need to get back to when time permits. I have kept up with some of its talent, nonetheless, and Obi Ndefo was one who joined the project and hung around for extra episodes. The actor also found employment in such universes as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Angel, Star Trek: Voyager, and Vampires In Venice (2013). Though he's no longer with us, Ndefo was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Multi-talented writer/director/actor Aksel Hennie joined Hollywood political blowhard Matt Damon in his most recent trip to the Red Planet in Ridley Scott's The Martian. Hennie was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though you may have missed it, Brendan Fehr (pictured above from 2013's Stranded) remains one of the hardest working souls in genre entertainment today. Since launching on his career, he's booked roles aboard NightMan, Millennium, Final Destination, The Forsaken, Roswell, Ice Quake, X-Men: First Class, 13 Eerie, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Fehr was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Lee Potts played a role in the BBC's SciFi dinosaur franchise, Primeval, as well as its spin-off, Primeval: New World. Potts was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not only has she been a member of Team Unicorn (if you don't know it, go ahead and Google it), the ever-lovely Michele Boyd has a respectable resume in genre projects. She's been in 2011's direct-to-video Battle of Los Angeles as well as 2014's Altergeist. She's even paid a visit to the world of The Orville when it was on Fox Television. Boyd was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He's arguably one of the most talented actors of his generation, and I certainly hope to see him fill up his resume with one SciFi property after another. I loved Ben Foster in the 3:10 To Yuma remake; and I even enjoyed him in the much quieter Here. As for SciFi, he's turned in great performances in the under-cooked Pandorum and the somewhat maligned X-Men: The Last Stand. Foster was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chelan Simmons played a role in the SciFi-lite Kyle XY throughout much of its run. She's also had roles in It, Special Unit #2, Monster Island (2004), Smallville, Chupacabra Terror (2005), Supernatural, Stargate: Atlantis, and much, much more. Simmons was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Johnny Lewis only ventured briefly into Science Fiction in his life on the big and small screen. He appeared on Smallville, and he had a respectable role in the underwhelming Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007). Though he's no longer with us, Lewis was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Dillon Casey has enjoyed exposure by participating in such projects as Warehouse 13, Torchwood: Miracle Day, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Casey was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
God bless us that the Zombie Apocalypse that is Syfy's Z Nation not only gave us a face as lovely as Jessica Erin Martin's but also armed her for our mutual defense. Martin was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days when The CW's Supergirl was less about politics and more about quality storytelling, the comely Italia Ricci suited up as the villainous 'Silver Banshee.' Ricci was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her most recent gig (Fox TV's The Last Man On Earth) puts her in a comedic world of the Apocalypse, Cleopatra Coleman began her acting career already exploring outer space as Zandie Brokow aboard Silversun. Coleman was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2014, young Chelsea Ricketts experienced more than her share of Lost Time linked with alien abduction. Ricketts was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Carlson Young turned heads with her guest-starring appearance aboard NBC's long-running Grimm. She's also enjoyed work aboard Heroes, HBO's True Blood, and Last Teenagers Of The Apocalypse. Young was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovable urchin India Eisley played not so lovable nor urchin-y with her work in the realm of Fantasy aboard Underworld Awakening (2012). Eisley was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1934 (in Turkey), The Invisible Man turned visible in shades of black and white in theaters. Adapted from a novel by H.G. Wells, the feature film that launched a franchise was directed by James Whale and starred Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, and William Harrigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
For the record:
In 2008, The Invisible Man was inducted into the U.S.' National Film Registry. For those unaware, the National Film Registry seeks to preserve motion pictures that have demonstrated their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contribution.
"A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane."
For the record:
In 2008, The Invisible Man was inducted into the U.S.' National Film Registry. For those unaware, the National Film Registry seeks to preserve motion pictures that have demonstrated their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contribution.
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Time Travelers went into their time traveling business with their first theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Ib Melchior, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Preston Foster, Philip Carey, and Merry Anders. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1964, a group of scientists create a portal that takes them to a barren, mutant inhabited, Earth in the year 2071."
"In 1964, a group of scientists create a portal that takes them to a barren, mutant inhabited, Earth in the year 2071."
On this day in 1982 (in Portugal), Galaxina crashed down to Earth's theaters. Written and directed by William Sachs, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dorothy Stratten, Stephen Macht, and Avery Schreiber. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi/Fantasy feature:
"The crew of the police cruiser Infinity is finally heading home after a long stay in deep space. Just when they think they are about to get some much needed rest and relaxation, the crew is given a new mission - journey to the alien world Altar One to find the Blue Star, a mystical gem that holds unlimited power. Their journey to find the Blue Star leads them to an outer space brothel full of alien women and a gang that worships Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Can Galaxina and the crew find the Blue Star and save the world and will the ship's pilot succumb to the beauty of the ship's sexy robot Galaxina."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Galaxina earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I posted an older review of mine for Galaxina (1980) to SciFiHistory.Net for posterity's sake. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"The crew of the police cruiser Infinity is finally heading home after a long stay in deep space. Just when they think they are about to get some much needed rest and relaxation, the crew is given a new mission - journey to the alien world Altar One to find the Blue Star, a mystical gem that holds unlimited power. Their journey to find the Blue Star leads them to an outer space brothel full of alien women and a gang that worships Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Can Galaxina and the crew find the Blue Star and save the world and will the ship's pilot succumb to the beauty of the ship's sexy robot Galaxina."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Galaxina earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I posted an older review of mine for Galaxina (1980) to SciFiHistory.Net for posterity's sake. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1982 (in Belgium, Finland, and Portugal), Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan enjoyed its release in theatres. Directed by Nicholas Meyer from a story by Gene Roddenberry, Jack B. Sowards, and Harve Bennett, the film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
- At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actor William Shatner took home the Saturn Award trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' Walter Koenig enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor.' Lastly, the film also enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 1983 Hugo Awards, the film received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1986 (in Spain), the Colonial Marines went into active combat for the big screen release of Aliens. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn, the SciFi/Adventure took Ripley into her very own 'heart of darkness,' and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
A star is born ... and this one had beauty, brains, and brawn! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Amazons finally took their fight to the silver screen. Directed by Alejandro Sessa from a story by Charles Saunders, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Mindi Miller, Penelope Reed-Woods, and Joseph Whipp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil king made a deal with the devil and received a deadly power that will defeat anyone standing in his way. It's up to a fearless warrior to find a magical sword, which's the only weapon that could stop him."
"An evil king made a deal with the devil and received a deadly power that will defeat anyone standing in his way. It's up to a fearless warrior to find a magical sword, which's the only weapon that could stop him."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Italy), The Pink Chiquitas enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in attendance of the MIFED Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Tony Currie, the SciFi/Comedy starred Frank Stallone, Bruce Pirrie, and Elizabeth Edwards. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pink meteor controlled by aliens lands near a small town and turns the local women into nymphos. A deputy sheriff and a local private eye investigate."
For the record:
At the 1987 Genie Awards, The Pink Chiquitas earned two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Overall Sound.'
"A pink meteor controlled by aliens lands near a small town and turns the local women into nymphos. A deputy sheriff and a local private eye investigate."
For the record:
At the 1987 Genie Awards, The Pink Chiquitas earned two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Overall Sound.'
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in Italy), audiences of the MIFED Film Festival were treated to the premiere engagement of Dark Tower. Directed by Freddie Francis and Ken Wiederhorn, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jenny Agutter, Michael Moriarty, and Anne Lockhart. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a window-washer falls to his death from the side of a Barcelona high-rise office building (also killing an unsuspecting pedestrian), security consultant Dennis Randall is called in to investigate. Although he first believes the deaths to be accidental, he soon comes to realize that some strange force is at work inside the building. What could be causing these accidents? More importantly, is there any way it can be stopped?"
"When a window-washer falls to his death from the side of a Barcelona high-rise office building (also killing an unsuspecting pedestrian), security consultant Dennis Randall is called in to investigate. Although he first believes the deaths to be accidental, he soon comes to realize that some strange force is at work inside the building. What could be causing these accidents? More importantly, is there any way it can be stopped?"
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), Spaceballs turned up the laughs at Star Wars' expense. Written (in part) and directed by Mel Brooks, the SciFi/Parody starred Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Daphne Zuniga. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A star-pilot for hire and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia from the clutches of the evil Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
"A star-pilot for hire and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia from the clutches of the evil Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
On this day in 1998 (in Japan), the 1988-produced Critters 2: The Main Course looked a bit more appetizing with a new release in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Mick Garris, the Fantasy/Horror starred Scott Grimes, Liane Curtis, and Terrence Mann. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Eggs of the small but voracious alien creatures called Crites are left behind on earth and, after hatching, set their appetites on the small farm town of Grover's Bend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Critters 2 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit. In 1990, the film enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
"Eggs of the small but voracious alien creatures called Crites are left behind on earth and, after hatching, set their appetites on the small farm town of Grover's Bend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Critters 2 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit. In 1990, the film enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Avalon: Beyond The Abyss submerged from the deep with its broadcast television premiere. Directed by Phillip Sgriccia from a story by Chris Ruppenthal, the SciFi/Mystery starred Parker Stevenson, Mehgan Heaney-Grier, and Krista Allen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An island blows up, and from its remains a black poison fills the ocean. A team of underwater specialists with high-tech gear have to stop the poison before it contaminates the earth, but things get increasingly bizarre the more they investigate."
"An island blows up, and from its remains a black poison fills the ocean. A team of underwater specialists with high-tech gear have to stop the poison before it contaminates the earth, but things get increasingly bizarre the more they investigate."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S. and Norway), a special director's cut of Alien scared audiences about the future. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
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.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
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.
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), The Zombie Diaries turned the page on the dead when it premiered for the good people of Letchworth Garden City. Written and directed by Michael G. Bartlett and Kevin Gates, the Horror/Fantasy starred Scott Ainslie, Toby Bowman, and Victoria Summer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An unknown virus begins spreading and within weeks it engulfs the entire planet. Upon the death of its host, the virus would reanimate the corpse until it was no longer able to support itself. Soon, the planet was infested with the undead."
"An unknown virus begins spreading and within weeks it engulfs the entire planet. Upon the death of its host, the virus would reanimate the corpse until it was no longer able to support itself. Soon, the planet was infested with the undead."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the good people attending the Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival found themselves in a position to Beg ... well, theatrically, that is. Written and directed by Kevin MacDonald, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tony Moran, P.J. Soles, and Tony Todd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jack Fox, a burnt out detective, is being forced into early retirement, as the worst serial killer since the Boston Strangler begins a killing spree through the streets of Salem. When detective Steve Ryan moves to town with his family, Jack is torn between a life of retirement and sanity or helping rookie detective Ryan in his quest to solve these killings that are haunting the people of Salem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beg earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Jack Fox, a burnt out detective, is being forced into early retirement, as the worst serial killer since the Boston Strangler begins a killing spree through the streets of Salem. When detective Steve Ryan moves to town with his family, Jack is torn between a life of retirement and sanity or helping rookie detective Ryan in his quest to solve these killings that are haunting the people of Salem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beg earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! It's the end of the world and they knew it! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm Zombie Apocalypse gave us yet one more look at our collective doom. Directed by Nick Lyon from a story by Craig Engler and Brooks Peck, the feature starred Ving Rhames, Taryn Manning, and Gary Weeks. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Months after a zombie plague has wiped out 90 percent of the American population, a small group of survivors fight their way cross-country to a rumored refuge on the island of Catalina."
"Months after a zombie plague has wiped out 90 percent of the American population, a small group of survivors fight their way cross-country to a rumored refuge on the island of Catalina."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Australia), the effects of Plague were first felt -- cinematically, that is -- for audiences of its premiere event held in Melbourne. Directed by the team of Nick Kozakis and Kosta Ouzas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Don Bridges, Cris Cochrane, and Tegan Crowley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small group of survivors in post-apocalyptic Australia seek shelter from an infection that has spread like a plague among the human populace. Evie (Tegan Crowley) and her fellow survivors become separated from her husband John (Scott Marcus). Evie refuses to leave John behind against the wishes of the group. The survivors revolt and abandon Evie to an uncertain fate. With the unexpected arrival of Charlie (Steven Kennedy) what appears to be an opportunity at a new beginning quickly turns to horror as menacing as the infected that pursue them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Plague earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A small group of survivors in post-apocalyptic Australia seek shelter from an infection that has spread like a plague among the human populace. Evie (Tegan Crowley) and her fellow survivors become separated from her husband John (Scott Marcus). Evie refuses to leave John behind against the wishes of the group. The survivors revolt and abandon Evie to an uncertain fate. With the unexpected arrival of Charlie (Steven Kennedy) what appears to be an opportunity at a new beginning quickly turns to horror as menacing as the infected that pursue them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Plague earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Australia), 400 Days enjoyed its launch on home video. Written and directed by Matt Osterman, the SciFi/Thriller starred Brandon Routh, Dane Cook, and Caity Lotz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
""400 Days" centers on four astronauts sent on a simulated mission to a distant planet to test the psychological effects of deep space travel. Locked away for 400 days, the crew's mental state begins to deteriorate when they lose all communication with the outside world. Forced to exit the ship, they discover that this mission may not have been a simulation after all."
""400 Days" centers on four astronauts sent on a simulated mission to a distant planet to test the psychological effects of deep space travel. Locked away for 400 days, the crew's mental state begins to deteriorate when they lose all communication with the outside world. Forced to exit the ship, they discover that this mission may not have been a simulation after all."
On this day in 2016 (in Sweden), the SciFi/ShortFilm The Garden enjoyed its release for audiences of the Lund Fantastisk Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Natalia Iyudin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ginger Eckert, Shruti Ganguly, and Heather Hollingsworth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the Garden, humans get converted into A.I. constructs to survive. But Luc - a rebellious ballerina - would rather die than conform."
"In the Garden, humans get converted into A.I. constructs to survive. But Luc - a rebellious ballerina - would rather die than conform."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Water Maker." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the strange death of Dr Dunlap, Dr Brookes arrives to see if he can complete the research Dunlap was doing into creating water in the desert. Elements of Dunlap's death don't add up and Brookes wonders if he was a lot closer to success than anyone thought."
"After the strange death of Dr Dunlap, Dr Brookes arrives to see if he can complete the research Dunlap was doing into creating water in the desert. Elements of Dunlap's death don't add up and Brookes wonders if he was a lot closer to success than anyone thought."
On this day in 1967, The Prisoner aired "The Schizoid Man." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Number Six wakes up with a new identity. Now he's Number Twelve. Worse, Number Two asks him to impersonate someone--Number Six. But the new Number Six is more like him than he is."
"Number Six wakes up with a new identity. Now he's Number Twelve. Worse, Number Two asks him to impersonate someone--Number Six. But the new Number Six is more like him than he is."
On this day in 1977, The Bionic Woman aired "African Connection." This served as the sixth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Jaime Sommers is on a mission in Africa to stop dictator Azzar from rigging the elections. She hires Harry Walker and his WWII tank 'The Princess' to transport her through the jungle."
"Jaime Sommers is on a mission in Africa to stop dictator Azzar from rigging the elections. She hires Harry Walker and his WWII tank 'The Princess' to transport her through the jungle."
On this day in 1978, the crew of the original Battlestar Galactica took the fight to "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part 2." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the hour's plot summary:
"As Apollo and the team of convicted specialists brave the snowy mountain to blow up the Ravashol Pulsar, the criminals plan their escape. Starbuck is still determined to make a detour and rescue cadet Cree, but the Theta clones object to the destruction of their creator's weapon."
"As Apollo and the team of convicted specialists brave the snowy mountain to blow up the Ravashol Pulsar, the criminals plan their escape. Starbuck is still determined to make a detour and rescue cadet Cree, but the Theta clones object to the destruction of their creator's weapon."
On this day in 1982, The Greatest American Hero aired "Divorce, Venusian Style." This served as the season premiere to the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After a loud argument with Bill, Ralph quits the hero business and turns in his super-suit. Unknown to both men, a gang of neo-Nazis plans to murder them."
"After a loud argument with Bill, Ralph quits the hero business and turns in his super-suit. Unknown to both men, a gang of neo-Nazis plans to murder them."
On this day in 1982, The Powers of Matthew Star aired "The Italian Caper." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"After terrorists attack a military convoy in Italy, General Tucker needs Matthew and Walt to recover a secret Anti-Gravity Device."
"After terrorists attack a military convoy in Italy, General Tucker needs Matthew and Walt to recover a secret Anti-Gravity Device."
On this day in 1983, Terrahawks aired "Happy Madeday." This served as the fourth episode of the puppety program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Sergeant Major celebrates the day of his creation, whilst the master of infinite disguise, Moid, travels to Earth and takes the place of Hiro, who is being held captive in Antartica after being shot down by Zelda."
"Sergeant Major celebrates the day of his creation, whilst the master of infinite disguise, Moid, travels to Earth and takes the place of Hiro, who is being held captive in Antartica after being shot down by Zelda."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "New Frontier." This served as the second episode of the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Bureau of Extra Terrestrial Affairs (BETA) orders the new formed Series Five Galaxy Rangers to contact Captain Kidd. He claims to have information on the humans who have been captured by the Queen of the Crown. The team learns how the Queen plans to use her human captives."
"The Bureau of Extra Terrestrial Affairs (BETA) orders the new formed Series Five Galaxy Rangers to contact Captain Kidd. He claims to have information on the humans who have been captured by the Queen of the Crown. The team learns how the Queen plans to use her human captives."
On this day in 1988, Superboy aired "The Russian Exchange Student." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a scientist's formula to improve the efficiency of gasoline is nearly destroyed, a Russian exchange student named Natasha is accused of sabotaging the computer that the formula was stored on."
"When a scientist's formula to improve the efficiency of gasoline is nearly destroyed, a Russian exchange student named Natasha is accused of sabotaging the computer that the formula was stored on."
On this day in 1992, The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "Great Wide World Over There." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cora Gibbs is an illiterate woman living on an isolated farm with her much older husband. When her educated nephew Benjy visits for the summer, she sees her opportunity to connect with the "great wide world over there" by sending and receiving mail. "
"Cora Gibbs is an illiterate woman living on an isolated farm with her much older husband. When her educated nephew Benjy visits for the summer, she sees her opportunity to connect with the "great wide world over there" by sending and receiving mail. "
On this day in 1993, The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. aired "Showdown." This served as the tenth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Brisco returns to his hometown after he receives a letter from a childhood sweetheart asking him to help her alcoholic father, who is also the town sheriff, bring in a young man wanted for murder."
"Brisco returns to his hometown after he receives a letter from a childhood sweetheart asking him to help her alcoholic father, who is also the town sheriff, bring in a young man wanted for murder."
On this day in 1993, our intrepid FBI Agents Mulder and Scully found themselves going up against the "Ghost in the Machine." This was the seventh episode of The X-Files' first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"On Halloween, Mulder and Scully investigate the death of a corporate executive who may have been murdered by a thinking computer."
"On Halloween, Mulder and Scully investigate the death of a corporate executive who may have been murdered by a thinking computer."
On this day in 1996, The Burning Zone aired "Touch of the Dead." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"Cassian faces death as the Dawn infect him with the Mayan virus. Marcase and Shiroma race to find a cure while Hailey tries to track down Cassian's ex-lover who was believed to have died of the Mayan. The agenda of the Dawn becomes clear."
"Cassian faces death as the Dawn infect him with the Mayan virus. Marcase and Shiroma race to find a cure while Hailey tries to track down Cassian's ex-lover who was believed to have died of the Mayan. The agenda of the Dawn becomes clear."
On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Devil You Know." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Apophis tortures the SG-1 team giving the powerful serum "Blood of Sokar" to get information and Martouf reveals the location of the Tok'ra base on planet Etnac to save Sam and Jolinar. Apophis wants the information to get close to Sokar to kill him and recover the leadership of the Goa'uld. However Martouf has lured Apophis since Etnac is a primitive planet only. Meanwhile Daniel retrieves the communicator and contacts Teal'c telling that Sokar is in the orbit of Netu. Teal'c heads to meet the Tok'ra to inform them and Aldwin decides to blow-up Netu to kill Sokar. But Teal'c reacts and decides to rescue the SG-1. Will he succeeds? And Apophis will be capable to lure and kill Sokar?"
"Apophis tortures the SG-1 team giving the powerful serum "Blood of Sokar" to get information and Martouf reveals the location of the Tok'ra base on planet Etnac to save Sam and Jolinar. Apophis wants the information to get close to Sokar to kill him and recover the leadership of the Goa'uld. However Martouf has lured Apophis since Etnac is a primitive planet only. Meanwhile Daniel retrieves the communicator and contacts Teal'c telling that Sokar is in the orbit of Netu. Teal'c heads to meet the Tok'ra to inform them and Aldwin decides to blow-up Netu to kill Sokar. But Teal'c reacts and decides to rescue the SG-1. Will he succeeds? And Apophis will be capable to lure and kill Sokar?"
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Underground." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens meet up with a scientist who thinks he has discovered a way of defeating Banning. As they are talking to him Banning's men, led by a man called Kard, turn up. To escape the four of them enter some unused underground tunnels that were once going to be part of the subway system of the city. Kard follows them and kills the scientist, causing an explosion that brings down the ceiling on Ethaniel. With Ethaniel badly injured and unable to move Laura and Tawrens talk to him how they met each other and about the trials and tribulations they have been through together, trying to keep his mind off the situation they are in while they try to find a way out. Meanwhile Kard and his men are trying to find a way through the rubble to make sure that no one survived."
"Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens meet up with a scientist who thinks he has discovered a way of defeating Banning. As they are talking to him Banning's men, led by a man called Kard, turn up. To escape the four of them enter some unused underground tunnels that were once going to be part of the subway system of the city. Kard follows them and kills the scientist, causing an explosion that brings down the ceiling on Ethaniel. With Ethaniel badly injured and unable to move Laura and Tawrens talk to him how they met each other and about the trials and tribulations they have been through together, trying to keep his mind off the situation they are in while they try to find a way out. Meanwhile Kard and his men are trying to find a way through the rubble to make sure that no one survived."
On this day in 2001, Andromeda aired "Last Call At The Broken Hammer." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew searches for people to organize the new Commonwealth. They search for Ortiz, who was able to organize a few systems then had to go into hiding. The crew must find/protect Ortiz."
"The crew searches for people to organize the new Commonwealth. They search for Ortiz, who was able to organize a few systems then had to go into hiding. The crew must find/protect Ortiz."
On this day in 2001, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Boone's Awakening." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Howlyn is completely obsessed with Renee. He and Sandoval bring Boone back to life to try to get to Renee. Howlyn transforms Boone's sister into a hybrid."
"Howlyn is completely obsessed with Renee. He and Sandoval bring Boone back to life to try to get to Renee. Howlyn transforms Boone's sister into a hybrid."
On this day in 2001, Mutant X aired "Kilohertz." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A New Mutant is kidnapped from his family and Mutant X set out to recover him and find out what Eckhart's interest in him is."
"A New Mutant is kidnapped from his family and Mutant X set out to recover him and find out what Eckhart's interest in him is."
On this day in 2002, the WB's Smallville aired "Redux." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Because the farm is in financial trouble, Martha asks her estranged father, William Clark, for help."
"Because the farm is in financial trouble, Martha asks her estranged father, William Clark, for help."
On this day in 2004, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "When Goes Around ..." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A new woman arrives in town seeking Dylan's aid. She reveals that she was a Commonwealth scientist before it fell and that she is trapped in a time loop. Dylan attempts to save her from her fate and decipher the code that will restore Seefra to its proper alignment."
"A new woman arrives in town seeking Dylan's aid. She reveals that she was a Commonwealth scientist before it fell and that she is trapped in a time loop. Dylan attempts to save her from her fate and decipher the code that will restore Seefra to its proper alignment."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Borderland," the fourth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a Klingon ship is attacked, it's discovered the imprisoned Dr. Soongs genetically enhanced humans are responsible. Archer takes him to prevent a war."
"After a Klingon ship is attacked, it's discovered the imprisoned Dr. Soongs genetically enhanced humans are responsible. Archer takes him to prevent a war."
On this day in 2006, Torchwood aired "Ghost Machine." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Gwen Cooper recovers an alien device from Sean Harris, the device seemingly takes her back in time to the 1940s where she sees a young boy, alone on a railway platform. Soon after, Owen has a similar experience only this time he is under a bridge in the early 1960s where a young woman is raped and murdered. They trace both the boy and the murderer and learn that the boy was well taken care of. As for the murderer, the case remains unsolved, something that outrages Owen."
"After Gwen Cooper recovers an alien device from Sean Harris, the device seemingly takes her back in time to the 1940s where she sees a young boy, alone on a railway platform. Soon after, Owen has a similar experience only this time he is under a bridge in the early 1960s where a young woman is raped and murdered. They trace both the boy and the murderer and learn that the boy was well taken care of. As for the murderer, the case remains unsolved, something that outrages Owen."
On this day in 2007, The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Whatever Happened To Sarah Jane - Part 1." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Visiting Sarah Jane Maria is shocked to find her place taken by Andrea, a woman of the same age group who has apparently lived in the house for years. A newspaper from over forty years earlier reveals that Sarah Jane, then 13, fell to her death from a pier where she and Andrea were playing. When Maria confronts her with this Andrea goes to her attic and conjures up a cloaked figure, the Trickster, who sends a dwarf called the Graske to transport Maria back to 1964, where she meets schoolgirls Andrea and Sarah Jane."
"Visiting Sarah Jane Maria is shocked to find her place taken by Andrea, a woman of the same age group who has apparently lived in the house for years. A newspaper from over forty years earlier reveals that Sarah Jane, then 13, fell to her death from a pier where she and Andrea were playing. When Maria confronts her with this Andrea goes to her attic and conjures up a cloaked figure, the Trickster, who sends a dwarf called the Graske to transport Maria back to 1964, where she meets schoolgirls Andrea and Sarah Jane."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Sarah Jane is to marry the charming Peter Dalton and is unsure how to break the news of her life-style to him. She is annoyed when Rani and the boys discuss their suspicions of Peter because they have been to his house and found it empty. An engagement ring that he has given her also has a tendency to glow and Mr. Smith tells her that it detects the presence of an anomaly."
"Sarah Jane is to marry the charming Peter Dalton and is unsure how to break the news of her life-style to him. She is annoyed when Rani and the boys discuss their suspicions of Peter because they have been to his house and found it empty. An engagement ring that he has given her also has a tendency to glow and Mr. Smith tells her that it detects the presence of an anomaly."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Bank Job." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a deadly Abnormal hatches prematurely inside a bank vault and escapes, Kate, Will, and Helen must stage a hold-up to buy themselves time to search for the Abnormal before somebody dies."
"When a deadly Abnormal hatches prematurely inside a bank vault and escapes, Kate, Will, and Helen must stage a hold-up to buy themselves time to search for the Abnormal before somebody dies."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Harvest." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark examines a rural hamlet where blue kryptonite in the water has no known negative effects. However when a bell rings, tho local deputy regretfully knocks out the nosy reporter 'at the wrong time and place'. Lois has a car crash nearby and is nursed by an Amish family. Yet when she wants to leave, she discovers their chilling true intention, as the extremely aberrant sect does with one female every year. In the Luthor mansion, Alexander insists to be called Lex and his aging condition requires 'regular' birthday parties. Mercer's plan to give him a cure if the original lex's research allows so is reconsidered as she realizes this clone may be too perfect."
"Clark examines a rural hamlet where blue kryptonite in the water has no known negative effects. However when a bell rings, tho local deputy regretfully knocks out the nosy reporter 'at the wrong time and place'. Lois has a car crash nearby and is nursed by an Amish family. Yet when she wants to leave, she discovers their chilling true intention, as the extremely aberrant sect does with one female every year. In the Luthor mansion, Alexander insists to be called Lex and his aging condition requires 'regular' birthday parties. Mercer's plan to give him a cure if the original lex's research allows so is reconsidered as she realizes this clone may be too perfect."
On this day in 2012 (in Canada), Syfy tried to re-envision the U.K. series Primeval by serving up Primeval: New World to its audiences. The first episode was aptly titled "The New World," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Evan Cross, a business mogul, uses his company's resources to research random anomalies. When bodies and missing people start increasing a single-manned government agency code named Project MAGNET and a member of Predator Control join the group. Connor Temple tries to warn Evan Cross about the dangers of the anomalies, but Cross has his own reasons for searching."
"Evan Cross, a business mogul, uses his company's resources to research random anomalies. When bodies and missing people start increasing a single-manned government agency code named Project MAGNET and a member of Predator Control join the group. Connor Temple tries to warn Evan Cross about the dangers of the anomalies, but Cross has his own reasons for searching."
I understand perfectly why so many SciFi fans really don't much care for the CW's The 100, but -- if I'm being honest -- a lot of those reasons are why I'm totally digging this Young-Adult version of ABC TV's Lost, albeit set in the future. On this day in 2014, The 100 aired "Inclement Weather." This served as the second episode of the show's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by the reliable IMDB.com:
"Clarke demands answers from President Wallace, Abby performs emergency surgery on Raven, and Octavia resorts to violence to find Lincoln."
"Clarke demands answers from President Wallace, Abby performs emergency surgery on Raven, and Octavia resorts to violence to find Lincoln."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Electric Dreams aired "Human Is." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the series only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman suffering in a loveless marriage, finds that upon his return from battle, her emotionally abusive husband suddenly appears to be a different man - in more ways than one."
For the record:
"A woman suffering in a loveless marriage, finds that upon his return from battle, her emotionally abusive husband suddenly appears to be a different man - in more ways than one."
For the record:
- In 2018, actor Bryan Cranston received a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' for his work aboard the episode "Human Is."
- In 2018, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Electric Dreams for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best New Media Television Series.'
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Discovery aired "Magic To Make The Sanest Man Go Mad." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the U.S.S. Discovery crew attempts to let loose at a party, an unwelcome visitor comes aboard bringing about a problematic and twisted sequence of events."
"As the U.S.S. Discovery crew attempts to let loose at a party, an unwelcome visitor comes aboard bringing about a problematic and twisted sequence of events."
