Oh, Gerry Anderson and your blessed Supermarionation! The puppets meant serious business with the small screen premiere of Stingray, one of Mr. Anderson's earliest works. Lasting an incredible 39 episodes, the crew faced threats a'plenty in their quest to police the seas; and according to all accounts this was the very first British television show to be produced in color! Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASPs) explored the oceans and kept the world safe from a variety of perils. The WASPs' main weapon was Stingray, a super-sub under the command of Troy Tempest. Troy's copilot was Phones, and they were often joined on missions by Marina, a princess of the undersea kingdom of Pacifica. Marina could breathe under water, but was unable to speak. In charge of the WASPs was gruff Commander Shore, whose daughter Atlanta was both a member of his staff and Marina's rival for Troy's affection."
"The World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASPs) explored the oceans and kept the world safe from a variety of perils. The WASPs' main weapon was Stingray, a super-sub under the command of Troy Tempest. Troy's copilot was Phones, and they were often joined on missions by Marina, a princess of the undersea kingdom of Pacifica. Marina could breathe under water, but was unable to speak. In charge of the WASPs was gruff Commander Shore, whose daughter Atlanta was both a member of his staff and Marina's rival for Troy's affection."
Put together science and young people ... what could go wrong? Well, "absolutely nothing" would insist Misfits Of Science creator James D. Parriott, as these budding adults would use their superhero-smarts to fight crime. It helps to think of them as not so much a 'Fantastic Four' as maybe an 'Affordable Four,' given what the cost of special effects could do on a TV budget. It premiered on this day back in 1985 and starred the lovely Courteney Cox in one of her earliest roles. And that tall guy in the back with the gigantic arms? His name is Kevin Peter Hall, and he played one of cinema's most enduring alien hunters in Predators I and II. Go figure.
On this day back in 1988, Star Trek fans were given a greater glimpse back into what might've been when Paramount went back to the original shooting negatives of Gene Roddenberry's original television pilot -- titled "The Cage" -- and released it for general comsumption. Naturally, fans went gaga over a vision they had only seen part of (via Star Trek's "The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2"), but thankfully Captain Pike and his crew's adventure still inspired NBC suits to believe in the Final Frontier. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Bare-chested and with enough sweaty machismo to restart evolution, screen legend Charlton Heston made a huge splash in SciFi when he took the lead in the original epic Planet of the Apes film. He played Taylor, an astronaut stranded on a world run by apes as man has been reduced to slaves, and -- in the big finish -- he's shocked to learn that it indeed is what remains of Earth in the world of tomorrow. A few years later, Heston turned again to Science Fiction, taking the lead in another benchmark film commenting on one possible future for our planet in Soylent Green (1973). In between, he squeezed in a little something something called The Omega Man, an adaptation of Richard Matheson's landmark "I Am Legend" novel. So -- one could say -- the actor was at the forefront of bringing both big ideas and big studio recognition to Science Fiction. Although he's no longer with us, Mr. Heston was born on this day back in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Curiously, the actor's work in Science Fiction and Fantasy kinda/sorta went ignored (to a degree) by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but in 1975 the organization did finally acknowledge all he had done for genre entertainment -- which was quite a bit, thank you very much -- by giving him a Special Award trophy.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Curiously, the actor's work in Science Fiction and Fantasy kinda/sorta went ignored (to a degree) by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but in 1975 the organization did finally acknowledge all he had done for genre entertainment -- which was quite a bit, thank you very much -- by giving him a Special Award trophy.
The late Scotty Beckett joined Rocky Jones, Space Ranger as the affably-named 'Winky.' Though he's no longer with us, Beckett was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1964, Edward Judd headlined director Nathan Juran's First Men In The Moon, an adaptation of the novel of the same name from H.G. Wells. Though he's no longer with us, Judd was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, the very last professional gig listed for the lovely Lori Saunders (of TV's Petticoat Junction) is a somewhat forgettable SciFi flick called Captive. Saunders was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Christopher Stone was one of those reliable character actors I can remember turning up all over the place in the programs of my younger days. Fans might recall him from such appearances in Logan's Run, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, Galactica 1980, The Howling (1981), Manimal, and Airwolf. Though he's no longer with us, Stone was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of The Howling (1981) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Big Hollywood star and political activist Susan Sarandon made a rare entry into Science Fiction in 2003 when she appeared as Princess Wensicia Corrino in the TV miniseries Children of Dune. Sarandon was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Armand Assante got to chew scenery alongside no less than Sylvester Stallone in the stylistic Judge Dredd (1995). Dare I say, his Rico character was actually more interesting than the Judge's, and the film suffered from some curious and unnecessary humor compliments of Rob Schneider. Assante was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A tantalizing Kerry Sherman certainly was willing to take one for the team, it would seem ... so long as that team was coached by the Lord of Darkness! Satan's Cheerleaders cast her as one of the main beauties in service of some Satanists. The actress also paid visits to the world of The Six Million Dollar Man and Eyes Of Fire (1983). Sherman was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Christopher Fairbank may not exactly have a household name, but the actor has a fairly impressive resume so far as Science Fiction is concerned. He's played recognizable character roles in such properties as Sapphire & Steel, Batman (1989), Alien 3, Space Precinct, The Fifth Element, Invasion: Earth, MindFlesh, and -- most recently -- a little something called Guardians of the Galaxy. None too shabby, indeed. Fairbank was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International star Tchéky Karyo hasn't done much Science Fiction, but he did have a significant role aboard Wing Commander (1999) when it appeared in theatres. Karyo was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. I was dumbfounded that audiences stayed away from the terrific Fantasy film The Legend of Tarzan (2016); I thought it was downright fantastic, including a wonderful villainous performance from Christoph Waltz. He also played no less than 'Blofeld' in 2015's Spectre for the James Bond franchise. Waltz was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran voice actor Bill Fagerbakke took to the skies (figuratively) in his quest to defeat the 'bugs' at the heart of the animated Starship Troopers. Fagerbakke was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1985, Annabelle Lanyon slapped on wings, sparkles, and a few other accessories to appear as the pixie-ish 'Oona' aboard Ridley Scott's Legend. She also appeared in the late 1970's BBC incarnation of Quatermass. Lanyon was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chalk this one up as a SciFi near miss: Mary Ellen Stuart was cast to carry on the name of The Greatest American Hero in the guise of The Greatest American Heroine, a proposed spin-off that unfortunately was never picked up. (I'm told the pilot is out there on the World Wide Web for those interested.) Stuart was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The versatile Sarah Lancashire brought a singular female presence to life in an episode of Doctor Who during the program's fourth rebooted season. Lancashire was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Liev Schreiber went to Mars, but the audience wasn't all that impressed. 2013's The Last Days On Mars was dubbed by regular folks to be little more than an Alien-ripoff. (So far as I care, if you're going to rip a film off, then why not rip off one of the best?) Still, Schreiber garnered modest praise for his portrayal of astronaut Vincent Campbell. Schreiber was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For Star Trek: The Next Generation's sixth season, Jennifer Gatti ventured into the Final Frontier for an appearance opposite Michael Dorn in "Birthright." The actress also made appearances aboard Star Trek: Voyager, Viper, and Millennium Man (1999), Surface, Outcast, and Swamp Thing. Gatti was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Popular character actor Abraham Benrubi took time out of his busy schedule in dramas to appear aboard Fox TV's signature series, The X-Files, during its run. Benrubi was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to dramatic actor Al Coronel for squeezing in an appearance aboard ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. so that we can feature him here. Coronel was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Alicia Silverstone stepped into the Bat-boots and strapped on her (ahem) Bat-nipples for the role of 'Batgirl' herself aboard the just downright awful Batman & Robin (1997). (No offense intended with the Bat-nipples crack, folks, but I'm being honest about them! Google it, if you don't believe me!) Silverstone was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Life can be a series of double-edged swords, if you ask me. For her work in the horrific Batman & Robin, Silverstone both won the 1998 Blimp Award (from the Kids' Choice Awards) for 'Favorite Movie Actress' as well as the title of 'Worst Supporting Actress' from the 1998 Razzie Awards. See what I mean? Same job? Best and worst? That's the double-edged sword!
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Life can be a series of double-edged swords, if you ask me. For her work in the horrific Batman & Robin, Silverstone both won the 1998 Blimp Award (from the Kids' Choice Awards) for 'Favorite Movie Actress' as well as the title of 'Worst Supporting Actress' from the 1998 Razzie Awards. See what I mean? Same job? Best and worst? That's the double-edged sword!
Dana Davis has certainly dabbled in the world of genre projects, her career having appearances aboard Point Pleasant, Heroes, Pushing Daisies, and High Moon (2014). Davis was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Caitriona Balfe has won over critics with her work on the Starz Network's SciFi/fantasy series adaptation of Outlander. She's also dabbled in SciFi on the web series H+ as well as doing time in the JJ Abrams' cinema universe with a role in his rather tepid and predictable Super 8. Balfe was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Outside of being 'pretty as a picture,' Rachael Leigh Cook has been in the acting business since 1995. While much of that early work was spent in largely family-friendly territory, she's branched out into voice acting and brought her game to such properties as Batman Beyond, Robot Chicken, Titan Maximum, as well as the Star Wars gaming business. Cook was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's certainly recognized more for work in conventional fare, Brandon Barash did enjoy a guest appearance aboard NBC's Timeless. Barash was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nick Mohammed played one of the brains-behind-the-scenes working to get Matt Damon home from Mars aboard Ridley Scott's adaptation of The Martian (2015). Personally, I think we should've left Matt there. Mohammed was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To be perfectly honest, the writing on Supergirl was really only average. Some of the characters? Meh. They're forgettable, maybe even a bit too predictable. (That happens a lot in serialized TV.) But so long as Melissa Benoist remains the key figure and so long as she's willing to suit up to play Big Blue's Kryptonian cousin, then I'm hooked. (Alas, I did turn the show out once its writing staff decided to go 'all politics all the time,' always a big mistake in genre programming, so far as I'm concerned.) Benoist was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I certainly hope the actress enjoyed playing the role as it's very likely she's going to carry that Super-legacy with her for quite some time. To recognize the level of excellence she brought to the show, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated her in the category of 'Best Actress In A Television Series' not once ... not twice ... not three times ... but an incredible four times. (She took home the trophy once, but still ... kudos!)
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I certainly hope the actress enjoyed playing the role as it's very likely she's going to carry that Super-legacy with her for quite some time. To recognize the level of excellence she brought to the show, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated her in the category of 'Best Actress In A Television Series' not once ... not twice ... not three times ... but an incredible four times. (She took home the trophy once, but still ... kudos!)
Young Ryan Lee was only one of the urchin ensemble at the heart of JJ Abrams' homage-to-80's-filmmaking, Super 8, the story of a band of youngsters trying to uncover the secret behind a mysterious train wreck. Lee was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1945 (in Portugal), Captain America started swinging on the silver screen. Directed by Elmer Clifton and John English, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Dick Purcell, Lorna Gray, and Lionel Atwill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
A star is born!
On this day in 1957, The Amazing Colossal Man went big with its first theatrical presentation ever for the people of Las Vegas, Nevada. Directed by Bert I. Gordon, the Fantasy feature starred Glenn Langan, Cathy Downs, and William Hudson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lt. Col. Glenn Manning is inadvertently exposed to a plutonium bomb blast at Camp Desert Rock. Though burned over 90% of his body, he survives, and begins to grow in size. As he grows, his heart and circulatory system fail to keep pace with his growth, and he is gradually losing his mind as a result of reduced blood supply to his brain. He reaches 50 feet tall before his growth is stopped. By this time he has become insane. He escapes and wreaks havoc upon Las Vegas before he is finally stopped."
On this day in 1957, The Amazing Colossal Man went big with its first theatrical presentation ever for the people of Las Vegas, Nevada. Directed by Bert I. Gordon, the Fantasy feature starred Glenn Langan, Cathy Downs, and William Hudson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lt. Col. Glenn Manning is inadvertently exposed to a plutonium bomb blast at Camp Desert Rock. Though burned over 90% of his body, he survives, and begins to grow in size. As he grows, his heart and circulatory system fail to keep pace with his growth, and he is gradually losing his mind as a result of reduced blood supply to his brain. He reaches 50 feet tall before his growth is stopped. By this time he has become insane. He escapes and wreaks havoc upon Las Vegas before he is finally stopped."
On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), Attack of the Puppet People grew into existence. Written (in part) and directed by Bert I. Gordon, the feature starred John Agar, John Hoyt, and June Kenney. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lonely, deranged puppet-master designs a machine that shrinks people."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that Attack Of The Puppet People enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut sometime during April of 1958, but I've not been able to locate the specific date. If anyone out there has a source, feel free to contact me through the site so that I can log the proper premiere.
"Lonely, deranged puppet-master designs a machine that shrinks people."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that Attack Of The Puppet People enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut sometime during April of 1958, but I've not been able to locate the specific date. If anyone out there has a source, feel free to contact me through the site so that I can log the proper premiere.
A star is born!
On this day in 1972 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the Sitges Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Dracula, Prisoner Of Frankenstein. Written (in part) and directed by Jesús Franco, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dennis Price, Howard Vernon, and Paca Gabaldón. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dracula kills another innocent victim and Dr. Seward decides it's time to wipe him off the face of the earth. Armed with a hammer and a wooden stake, he arrives at Castle Dracula and duly dispatches the vampire Count. Next day, however, Dr. Frankenstein arrives with his assistant, Morpho, and a large crate containing the monster. Using the blood of a pub singer who has been abducted by his creation, the doctor brings Dracula back to life and uses him for his own ends. The Count and a female vampire continue to terrorise the town, so Dr Seward once again sets out for Castle Dracula. Unfortunately, he is attacked by the Frankenstein monster and left for dead. Amira, a gypsy, rescues him and summons up a werewolf to do battle with the forces of evil..."
On this day in 1972 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the Sitges Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Dracula, Prisoner Of Frankenstein. Written (in part) and directed by Jesús Franco, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dennis Price, Howard Vernon, and Paca Gabaldón. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dracula kills another innocent victim and Dr. Seward decides it's time to wipe him off the face of the earth. Armed with a hammer and a wooden stake, he arrives at Castle Dracula and duly dispatches the vampire Count. Next day, however, Dr. Frankenstein arrives with his assistant, Morpho, and a large crate containing the monster. Using the blood of a pub singer who has been abducted by his creation, the doctor brings Dracula back to life and uses him for his own ends. The Count and a female vampire continue to terrorise the town, so Dr Seward once again sets out for Castle Dracula. Unfortunately, he is attacked by the Frankenstein monster and left for dead. Amira, a gypsy, rescues him and summons up a werewolf to do battle with the forces of evil..."
On this day in 1972, the SciFi/Horror flick Night of the Lepus premiered. Directed by William F. Claxton, the feature starred Stuart Whitman, Janet Leigh, and Rory Calhoun; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Giant mutant rabbits terrorize the southwest!"
For the record:
Night Of The Lepus was an adaptation of Russell Bradon's novel, "The Year Of The Angry Rabbit."
"Giant mutant rabbits terrorize the southwest!"
For the record:
Night Of The Lepus was an adaptation of Russell Bradon's novel, "The Year Of The Angry Rabbit."
A star is born!
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), The Final Programme took a look into the controversial subject of engineering humans. Director Robert Fuest also adapted the Michael Moorcock novel (of the same name); and he cast such names as Jon Finch, Jenny Runacre, and Sterling Hayden in key roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of his Nobel Prize-winning father, billionaire physicist Jerry Cornelius becomes embroiled in the search for the mysterious "Final Programme", developed by his father. The programme, a design for a perfect, self-replicating human being, is contained on microfilm. A group of scientists, led by the formidable Miss Brunner (who consumes her lovers), has sought Cornelius's help in obtaining it. After a chase across a war-torn Europe on the verge of anarchy, Brunner and Cornelius obtain the microfilm from Jerry's loathsome brother Frank. They proceed to an abandoned underground Nazi fortress in the Arctic to run the programme, with Jerry and Miss Brunner as the subjects."
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), The Final Programme took a look into the controversial subject of engineering humans. Director Robert Fuest also adapted the Michael Moorcock novel (of the same name); and he cast such names as Jon Finch, Jenny Runacre, and Sterling Hayden in key roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of his Nobel Prize-winning father, billionaire physicist Jerry Cornelius becomes embroiled in the search for the mysterious "Final Programme", developed by his father. The programme, a design for a perfect, self-replicating human being, is contained on microfilm. A group of scientists, led by the formidable Miss Brunner (who consumes her lovers), has sought Cornelius's help in obtaining it. After a chase across a war-torn Europe on the verge of anarchy, Brunner and Cornelius obtain the microfilm from Jerry's loathsome brother Frank. They proceed to an abandoned underground Nazi fortress in the Arctic to run the programme, with Jerry and Miss Brunner as the subjects."
A star is born!
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), audiences weren't even remotely prepared to suffer the incredible, the horrible, the unconscionable Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes! Written (in part) and directed by John De Bello, the SciFi/Comedy starred David Miller, George Wilson, and Sharon Taylor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of scientists band together to save the world from mutated killer tomatoes."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), audiences weren't even remotely prepared to suffer the incredible, the horrible, the unconscionable Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes! Written (in part) and directed by John De Bello, the SciFi/Comedy starred David Miller, George Wilson, and Sharon Taylor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of scientists band together to save the world from mutated killer tomatoes."
On this day in 1979 (in Italy), Encounters Of The Deep enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Tonino Ricci from a story by Jaime Comas Gil, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Andres Garcia, Gianni Garko, and Gabriele Ferzetti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
On this day in 1984 (in Japan), The Final Executioner aired on television. Directed by Romolo Guerrieri, the SciFi/Actioner starred William Mang, Marina Costa, and Woody Strode; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
A star is born!
On this day in 1985 (in Italy), Demons marched out of the darkness on to their place on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Lamberto Bava, the Horror/Fantasy starred Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey, and Karl Zinny. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demons enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Demons in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the production? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1985 (in Italy), Demons marched out of the darkness on to their place on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Lamberto Bava, the Horror/Fantasy starred Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey, and Karl Zinny. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demons enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Demons in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the production? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1985 (in Sweden), Legend made the stuff of legends at the box office. Directed by Ridley Scott, the Fantasy featured starred Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
On this day in 1985 (in Portugal), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Thriller starred Mel Gibson as Max himself, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
On this day in 1985, the Fantasy-themed The Adventures of Hercules gave muscleman Lou Ferrigno a chance at cinema gold. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
A star is born!
On this day in 1990 (in the Netherlands), Kamillions delivered a vision of oddities to the cinema. Written (in part) and directed by Mike B. Anderson, the Horror/Comedy starred Christopher Gasti, Dru-Anne Perry, and Kate Alexander. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Nathaniel Pickman Wingate has opened a gateway to another dimension using equations and equipment in his basement laboratory. His wife, Nancy, wants him to get ready for his own birthday party. He wants his son Sam to help him. Sam is up in his room looking at pictures of Jasmine on his computer, and a poster of her arrives which he puts in his closet. Although it is Nathan's birthday, the family is enthralled by a visit from Cousin Desmon, who is now a count in Liechtenstein. While Sam is away getting equipment for his father with his friend Alex, his father gets sucked into the other dimension, and a creature from the parallel universe escapes, pursued by another. The first temporarily traps the second with its spit, attacks Desmon, and becomes a duplicate, absorbing his thoughts from the unconscious body. The other manages to get free, and unable to find a human to mimic, finds the poster of Jasmine, and becomes her. Sam soon finds her, and becomes his new girlfriend, but she has to find the false Desmon and take him back to their dimension to keep him from harming himself or Sam's family. Sam's sister Linda ("Lindy") is obsessed with talking on the phone, and can neither spell "Desmon" (she spells it "Dezmon") or Chameleon (she spells it "Kamillion", hence the title), what Nathan called the creatures on his tape recorder. The false Desmon drives away Emma the French maid, and plays childish, seemingly deadly pranks on the rest of the family: Angelica, a slut who owns half the house, Larry, a minister, supposedly born again, but badly sinning, and Floyd, a mechanic. Both chameleons try to figure out the ways of the new dimension, while Desmon finds new ways to make mischief, but I can't give away why. Meanwhile, everyone is operating on Nathan's belief that after the four hours of coolant runs out, half the planet will be blown away."
On this day in 1990 (in the Netherlands), Kamillions delivered a vision of oddities to the cinema. Written (in part) and directed by Mike B. Anderson, the Horror/Comedy starred Christopher Gasti, Dru-Anne Perry, and Kate Alexander. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Nathaniel Pickman Wingate has opened a gateway to another dimension using equations and equipment in his basement laboratory. His wife, Nancy, wants him to get ready for his own birthday party. He wants his son Sam to help him. Sam is up in his room looking at pictures of Jasmine on his computer, and a poster of her arrives which he puts in his closet. Although it is Nathan's birthday, the family is enthralled by a visit from Cousin Desmon, who is now a count in Liechtenstein. While Sam is away getting equipment for his father with his friend Alex, his father gets sucked into the other dimension, and a creature from the parallel universe escapes, pursued by another. The first temporarily traps the second with its spit, attacks Desmon, and becomes a duplicate, absorbing his thoughts from the unconscious body. The other manages to get free, and unable to find a human to mimic, finds the poster of Jasmine, and becomes her. Sam soon finds her, and becomes his new girlfriend, but she has to find the false Desmon and take him back to their dimension to keep him from harming himself or Sam's family. Sam's sister Linda ("Lindy") is obsessed with talking on the phone, and can neither spell "Desmon" (she spells it "Dezmon") or Chameleon (she spells it "Kamillion", hence the title), what Nathan called the creatures on his tape recorder. The false Desmon drives away Emma the French maid, and plays childish, seemingly deadly pranks on the rest of the family: Angelica, a slut who owns half the house, Larry, a minister, supposedly born again, but badly sinning, and Floyd, a mechanic. Both chameleons try to figure out the ways of the new dimension, while Desmon finds new ways to make mischief, but I can't give away why. Meanwhile, everyone is operating on Nathan's belief that after the four hours of coolant runs out, half the planet will be blown away."
A star is born!
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Red Blooded American Girl enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by David Blyth from a script by Allan Moyle, the SciFi/Horror starred Andrew Stevens, Heather Thomas, and Christopher Plummer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman is transformed into a vampire by a virus. The vampire doctor who's treating her hires a young scientist to find a cure. He and the girl fall for each other hard, but she, mad from hunger, escapes to wreak havoc on the city."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Red Blooded American Girl enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by David Blyth from a script by Allan Moyle, the SciFi/Horror starred Andrew Stevens, Heather Thomas, and Christopher Plummer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman is transformed into a vampire by a virus. The vampire doctor who's treating her hires a young scientist to find a cure. He and the girl fall for each other hard, but she, mad from hunger, escapes to wreak havoc on the city."
On this day in 1991, Christopher Lloyd paired up with budding Thespian Hulk Hogan to deliver the SciFi/Comedy Suburban Commando to audiences. According to IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"An interstellar hero from a distant world visits Earth, and tries to fit in with a mundane, yet kind, suburban family."
"An interstellar hero from a distant world visits Earth, and tries to fit in with a mundane, yet kind, suburban family."
A star is born!
On this day in 1996 (in Normay), Jakten på nyresteinen (aka Body Troopers) brought out the kids to the theaters. Written and directed by Vibeke Idsøe, the family-friendly SciFi/Adventure starred Torbjörn T. Jensen, Jenny Skavlan, and Benjamin Helstad. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A little kid shrinks himself so that he can travel into the body of his grandfather. Here he has to kill the kidney-stone his grandfather is suffering from."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jakten på nyresteinen enjoyed a good amount of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1996 (in Normay), Jakten på nyresteinen (aka Body Troopers) brought out the kids to the theaters. Written and directed by Vibeke Idsøe, the family-friendly SciFi/Adventure starred Torbjörn T. Jensen, Jenny Skavlan, and Benjamin Helstad. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A little kid shrinks himself so that he can travel into the body of his grandfather. Here he has to kill the kidney-stone his grandfather is suffering from."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Jakten på nyresteinen enjoyed a good amount of praise from the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), She Creature (aka Mermaid Chronicles Part 1) enjoyed its very first broadcast on U.S. television. Written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, the Fantasy feature starred Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino, and Jim Piddock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Ireland, two carnies abduct a mermaid and decide to take her to America. In their sea route, the seductive and mysterious creature reveals an uncontrollable darker side."
For the record:
To the film's credit, She Creature scored a 2002 Saturn Awards nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.' In 2003, the film also scored two nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX' (for Stan Winston Studios) and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-to-Video Film.'
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), She Creature (aka Mermaid Chronicles Part 1) enjoyed its very first broadcast on U.S. television. Written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, the Fantasy feature starred Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino, and Jim Piddock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In Ireland, two carnies abduct a mermaid and decide to take her to America. In their sea route, the seductive and mysterious creature reveals an uncontrollable darker side."
For the record:
To the film's credit, She Creature scored a 2002 Saturn Awards nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Single Television Presentation.' In 2003, the film also scored two nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Creature FX' (for Stan Winston Studios) and 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-to-Video Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Megalodon enjoyed its birth on home video. Directed by Pat Corbitt from a story by Gary J. Tunnicliffe and Stanley Isaacs, the Horror/Fantasy starred Leighannen Littrell, Robin Sachs, and Al Sapienza. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deep-sea drilling operation goes horribly wrong, releasing the deadliest ocean predator that has ever roamed the seas since prehistoric times-Carcharodon Megalodon...sixty feet of prehistoric terror."
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Megalodon enjoyed its birth on home video. Directed by Pat Corbitt from a story by Gary J. Tunnicliffe and Stanley Isaacs, the Horror/Fantasy starred Leighannen Littrell, Robin Sachs, and Al Sapienza. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deep-sea drilling operation goes horribly wrong, releasing the deadliest ocean predator that has ever roamed the seas since prehistoric times-Carcharodon Megalodon...sixty feet of prehistoric terror."
A star is born!
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Frankenstein Vs. The Creature From Blood Cove submerged from the depths for a release on home video. Written and directed by William Winckler, the Horror/Fantasy starred G. Larry Butler, Dezzi Rae Marshall, and Corey Marshall. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mad scientists have resurrected Frankenstein's monster and also created a half-man, half-fish creature."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Frankenstein Vs. The Creature From Blood Cove submerged from the depths for a release on home video. Written and directed by William Winckler, the Horror/Fantasy starred G. Larry Butler, Dezzi Rae Marshall, and Corey Marshall. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mad scientists have resurrected Frankenstein's monster and also created a half-man, half-fish creature."
On this day in 2005, the SciFi/Comedy Rock'N'Roll Space Patrol Action Is Go delivered entertainment exactly the way one expects from Troma. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The Planetary Outposts in Space Sector 219A have one by one fallen prey to a baffling infection. Inhabitants have given up their scientific and knowledge gathering initiatives and have instead resorted to mindless rampant consumerism & corporatised servitude culminating in the terrible and mega-ultra-destructive "Mighters March". Super Silver Base Alpha has sent their top space agent, Bronco Cedar, to investigate the latest outbreak on Outpost 11. Now he's gone missing, so as a last resort they've sent Buck Fiesta, their B-list agent with an itchy trigger finger and a chronic case of sarcasim, to sort things out. Along the way he'll enlist help from Zen master teleporter, The Red Arrow, obtain vital information from Agent Unknown, and confront an army of Temporal Ninjas led by the sassy evil mastermind of icebox fusion, Dr. Spider Jones."
"The Planetary Outposts in Space Sector 219A have one by one fallen prey to a baffling infection. Inhabitants have given up their scientific and knowledge gathering initiatives and have instead resorted to mindless rampant consumerism & corporatised servitude culminating in the terrible and mega-ultra-destructive "Mighters March". Super Silver Base Alpha has sent their top space agent, Bronco Cedar, to investigate the latest outbreak on Outpost 11. Now he's gone missing, so as a last resort they've sent Buck Fiesta, their B-list agent with an itchy trigger finger and a chronic case of sarcasim, to sort things out. Along the way he'll enlist help from Zen master teleporter, The Red Arrow, obtain vital information from Agent Unknown, and confront an army of Temporal Ninjas led by the sassy evil mastermind of icebox fusion, Dr. Spider Jones."
On this day in 2005, Paramount Pictures' Star Trek: Nemesis went in for a huge double-dip with the release of the film on a "Special Edition" DVD. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"The Enterprise is diverted to the Romulan homeworld Romulus, supposedly because they want to negotiate a peace treaty. Captain Picard and his crew discover a serious threat to the Federation once Praetor Shinzon plans to attack Earth."
"The Enterprise is diverted to the Romulan homeworld Romulus, supposedly because they want to negotiate a peace treaty. Captain Picard and his crew discover a serious threat to the Federation once Praetor Shinzon plans to attack Earth."
A star is born!
On this day in 2007 (in Australia), The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Directed by David L. Cunningham, the Fantasy feature starred Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, and Christopher Eccleston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the dark."
On this day in 2007 (in Australia), The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Directed by David L. Cunningham, the Fantasy feature starred Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, and Christopher Eccleston. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the dark."
A star is born!
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Mindgamers played for audiences in attendance of the Grimmfest International Festival of Fantastic Film. Directed by Andrew Goth, the feature starred Sam Neill, Tom Payne, and Melia Kreiling; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of brilliant young students discover the greatest scientific breakthrough of all time: a wireless neural network, connected via a quantum computer, capable of linking the minds of each and every one of us. They realise that quantum theory can be used to transfer motor-skills from one brain to another, a first shareware for human motor-skills. They freely spread this technology, believing it to be a first step towards a new equality and intellectual freedom. But they soon discover that they themselves are part of a much greater and more sinister experiment as dark forces emerge that threaten to subvert this technology into a means of mass-control."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Mindgamers played for audiences in attendance of the Grimmfest International Festival of Fantastic Film. Directed by Andrew Goth, the feature starred Sam Neill, Tom Payne, and Melia Kreiling; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of brilliant young students discover the greatest scientific breakthrough of all time: a wireless neural network, connected via a quantum computer, capable of linking the minds of each and every one of us. They realise that quantum theory can be used to transfer motor-skills from one brain to another, a first shareware for human motor-skills. They freely spread this technology, believing it to be a first step towards a new equality and intellectual freedom. But they soon discover that they themselves are part of a much greater and more sinister experiment as dark forces emerge that threaten to subvert this technology into a means of mass-control."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of Columbia Heights, Minnesota were treated to the big screen premiere of Demon With The Atomic Brain. Written and directed by Christopher R. Mihm, the SciFi feature starred Amanda Tietz, Jeremy Frandrup, and Tyler Haines. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An attempt to weaponize a machine capable of opening portals to other worlds fails, and instead creates an exponentially expanding "bubble" of fractured space-time. A team of specialists must enter the disturbance and make their way down a rabbit hole of increasingly more dangerous alternate realities in the hopes of finding and shutting down the machine which created it. However, someone-or SOMETHING-seems determined to stop them before the "bubble" engulfs the entire universe itself."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demon With The Atomic Brain enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of Columbia Heights, Minnesota were treated to the big screen premiere of Demon With The Atomic Brain. Written and directed by Christopher R. Mihm, the SciFi feature starred Amanda Tietz, Jeremy Frandrup, and Tyler Haines. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An attempt to weaponize a machine capable of opening portals to other worlds fails, and instead creates an exponentially expanding "bubble" of fractured space-time. A team of specialists must enter the disturbance and make their way down a rabbit hole of increasingly more dangerous alternate realities in the hopes of finding and shutting down the machine which created it. However, someone-or SOMETHING-seems determined to stop them before the "bubble" engulfs the entire universe itself."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demon With The Atomic Brain enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in Denmark), Man Divided (aka Qeda) played for audiences in attendance of the CPH:PIX. Written (in part) and directed by Max Kestner, the SciFi/Drama starred Carsten Bjørnlund, Dragomir Mrsic, and Sofia Helin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Denmark 2095: The ocean level's risen - thus no natural freshwater. After Fang's split into 2 persons, one travels back in time to 2017 to save a lost ecological research and maybe save the world."
For the record:
On top of some modest attention from the film festival circuit, Man Divided enjoyed a lot of praise from the 2018 Danish Film Awards, including the big win in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
On this day in 2017 (in Denmark), Man Divided (aka Qeda) played for audiences in attendance of the CPH:PIX. Written (in part) and directed by Max Kestner, the SciFi/Drama starred Carsten Bjørnlund, Dragomir Mrsic, and Sofia Helin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Denmark 2095: The ocean level's risen - thus no natural freshwater. After Fang's split into 2 persons, one travels back in time to 2017 to save a lost ecological research and maybe save the world."
For the record:
On top of some modest attention from the film festival circuit, Man Divided enjoyed a lot of praise from the 2018 Danish Film Awards, including the big win in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Somnus blasted off into our collective consciousness. Written (in part) and directed by Chris Reading, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rohit Gokani, Victoria Oliver, and Robert Myler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When malfunctions aboard a commercial vessel force a change of course to the remote asteroid colony Somnus, the crew soon discover the inhabitants of Somnus have a dark past and troubling plans for the future of mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Somnus enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Somnus blasted off into our collective consciousness. Written (in part) and directed by Chris Reading, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rohit Gokani, Victoria Oliver, and Robert Myler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When malfunctions aboard a commercial vessel force a change of course to the remote asteroid colony Somnus, the crew soon discover the inhabitants of Somnus have a dark past and troubling plans for the future of mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Somnus enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in Sweden), Black Circle enjoyed its first screening of note when it was part of the lineup for Monsters Of Film. Written and directed by Adrian Garcia Bogliano, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christina Lindberg, Felice Jankell, and Erica Midfjäll. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The lives of two sisters change dramatically, since they were hypnotized by a mystical vinyl record from the 1970s."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Circle enjoyed a bit of extra praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Black Circle from a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2018 (in Sweden), Black Circle enjoyed its first screening of note when it was part of the lineup for Monsters Of Film. Written and directed by Adrian Garcia Bogliano, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christina Lindberg, Felice Jankell, and Erica Midfjäll. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The lives of two sisters change dramatically, since they were hypnotized by a mystical vinyl record from the 1970s."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Circle enjoyed a bit of extra praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of Black Circle from a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Stingray took to the airwaves with its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A submarine of the World Security Patrol is destroyed. WASP is called in to investigate and its Stingray submarine, capable of speeds of up to 600 knots, is sent to investigate. Captain Troy Tempest and his sidekick Phones are eventually captured by Titan, ruler of an underseas empire determined to take over the surface world. Troy is aided by Marina, a member of another underwater civilization. But time is running out. WASP is preparing to launch nuclear missiles to the area where Stingray disappeared."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Gerry Anderson's Stingray took to the airwaves with its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A submarine of the World Security Patrol is destroyed. WASP is called in to investigate and its Stingray submarine, capable of speeds of up to 600 knots, is sent to investigate. Captain Troy Tempest and his sidekick Phones are eventually captured by Titan, ruler of an underseas empire determined to take over the surface world. Troy is aided by Marina, a member of another underwater civilization. But time is running out. WASP is preparing to launch nuclear missiles to the area where Stingray disappeared."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Space Primevals." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"On a planet where a primitive people are ruled by a computer, Doctor Smith goes against character and saves Major West's life."
"On a planet where a primitive people are ruled by a computer, Doctor Smith goes against character and saves Major West's life."
The Star Trek episode "The Paradise Syndrome" -- which premiered on this day back in 1968 (in the U.S.) -- gets a lot of flack from fans despite being a fairly respectable story about Kirk losing his memory on a planet populated by tribes resembling American Indians. For all its shortcomings, I actually enjoyed it, and Shatner brings a bit of depth to the role that largely explores a unique 'What If?' scenario for the captain.
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "The Man Trap." Officially, this served as the first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "Mama Doc: Part 2." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"When one of Mr Sweet's university colleagues, Professor Dorian, disappears, Tarot and his companions follow a trail which leads to a bizarre doll's hospital run by the eccentric Mama Doc. With her accomplice Bobby, the woman turns real people into dolls."
"When one of Mr Sweet's university colleagues, Professor Dorian, disappears, Tarot and his companions follow a trail which leads to a bizarre doll's hospital run by the eccentric Mama Doc. With her accomplice Bobby, the woman turns real people into dolls."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), TV's The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The Pal-Mir Escort." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Prime-Minister Salka Pal-Mir of the Republic of Eretz desperately needs a heart transplant in order to continue with the peace talks she has been planning for years. Because of her specialized case, Dr. Rudy Wells offers to giver her the world's first bionic heart transplant. When she refused to travel to the research center in Mountain Springs by airplane, Steve Austin, posing as her bodyguard transports Pal-Mir and her doctor by the OSI's mobile field unit."
"Prime-Minister Salka Pal-Mir of the Republic of Eretz desperately needs a heart transplant in order to continue with the peace talks she has been planning for years. Because of her specialized case, Dr. Rudy Wells offers to giver her the world's first bionic heart transplant. When she refused to travel to the research center in Mountain Springs by airplane, Steve Austin, posing as her bodyguard transports Pal-Mir and her doctor by the OSI's mobile field unit."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet Of Evil: Part 2." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor realizes that Zeta Minor lies on the boundary between the universes of matter and anti-matter and something on the planet won't let the Morestrans leave."
"The Doctor realizes that Zeta Minor lies on the boundary between the universes of matter and anti-matter and something on the planet won't let the Morestrans leave."
Capt. Buck Rogers went where many folks have gone before: he went gambling! In space! "Vegas In Space" aired on this day back in 1979 (in the U.S.), and the action on Buck Rogers In The 25th Century centered on Buck and Wilma rescuing a woman abducted by some very seedy characters.
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Meglos: Part 2." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the long-running program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"With the TARDIS occupants trapped in a chronic histeratic loop (forever reliving the same moment in time), the devious Meglos - disguised as the Doctor - gains the trust of the Tigellans along with full and private access to their power chamber."
"With the TARDIS occupants trapped in a chronic histeratic loop (forever reliving the same moment in time), the devious Meglos - disguised as the Doctor - gains the trust of the Tigellans along with full and private access to their power chamber."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Comedy program Misfits of Science enjoyed its television premiere. The first adventure was titled "Deep Freeze," and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Drs. Hayes and Lincoln are researchers in biological oddities for the Humanidyne company. When they find a man still alive after being frozen for 50 years, their greedy boss fires them and takes the Iceman to use for military experiments. Left without jobs, Hayes and Lincoln decide to get a group of "freaks" (including a telekinetic 17-year-old and a rock guitarist who shoots lightning from his hands) together to rescue the Iceman and stop their boss' reckless experiments."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Comedy program Misfits of Science enjoyed its television premiere. The first adventure was titled "Deep Freeze," and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Drs. Hayes and Lincoln are researchers in biological oddities for the Humanidyne company. When they find a man still alive after being frozen for 50 years, their greedy boss fires them and takes the Iceman to use for military experiments. Left without jobs, Hayes and Lincoln decide to get a group of "freaks" (including a telekinetic 17-year-old and a rock guitarist who shoots lightning from his hands) together to rescue the Iceman and stop their boss' reckless experiments."
On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Trial Of A Time Lord: Part 5." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's twenty-third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The court looks into the Doctor's investigation of Thoros Beta, home planet of the Mentors whom the Doctor suspects of selling advanced weaponry to primitive cultures."
"The court looks into the Doctor's investigation of Thoros Beta, home planet of the Mentors whom the Doctor suspects of selling advanced weaponry to primitive cultures."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Final Stand." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Power team find a marauder holding civilians hostage. Tank recognizes the man, Kasko, who came from the same genetically engineered place he did: Babylon 5."
"The Power team find a marauder holding civilians hostage. Tank recognizes the man, Kasko, who came from the same genetically engineered place he did: Babylon 5."
On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Ghost Light: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor take Ace to an old 'haunted' house called Gabriel Chase in the year 1883. 100 years before events that took place within that very house in her personal past."
"The Doctor take Ace to an old 'haunted' house called Gabriel Chase in the year 1883. 100 years before events that took place within that very house in her personal past."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), The X-Files returned to the airwaves for its fourth season. The season premiere was titled "Herrenvolk," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With his mother on deathbed and the alien bounty hunter in pursuit, Mulder decides to put the alien healer in mortal danger for a chance to finally uncover the whole truth behind the alien conspiracy. Meanwhile, Mr. X's cover is blown."
"With his mother on deathbed and the alien bounty hunter in pursuit, Mulder decides to put the alien healer in mortal danger for a chance to finally uncover the whole truth behind the alien conspiracy. Meanwhile, Mr. X's cover is blown."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Crackdown." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An unknown woman saves Augur and Liam from the raids on the Resistance. Lili sabotages the mother ship, but Zo'or stops its total destruction. Lili is reportedly dead. The investigation on the President's shooter continues."
"An unknown woman saves Augur and Liam from the raids on the Resistance. Lili sabotages the mother ship, but Zo'or stops its total destruction. Lili is reportedly dead. The investigation on the President's shooter continues."
I was never the biggest fan of what Star Trek: Voyager did with its Borg-centric stories. For the record, I loved the character Seven of Nine about half of the time that she was used -- introducing her as a member of the crew was a stroke of genius as well as an honest nod to traditional 'cheese' that accompanies vintage sci-fi (meaning "chicks, babes, and hotties"), and the fact that she was a fully-developed female trying to find her humanity once more was perfectly in keeping with one of Trek's central themes since it began in the late 1960's.
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Voyager began its seventh and final season when "Unimatrix Zero: Part 2" premiered on the still-fledgling UPN.
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Voyager began its seventh and final season when "Unimatrix Zero: Part 2" premiered on the still-fledgling UPN.
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Firefly aired "Our Mrs. Reynolds." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal and his crew goes to a planet and they party with the locals. When the Serenity leaves the planet, Mal finds a beautiful woman named Saffron sneaking in the ship and who tells him that she is his wife. Shepherd recalls the party and concludes that Mal has married Saffron in accordance with the customs of the planet. While the crew is entertained by the situation, Mal plans to leave Saffron on the next planet. But out of the blue, he is attacked by Saffron who also attacks Washburne. Who might be the mysterious Mrs. Reynolds?"
"Mal and his crew goes to a planet and they party with the locals. When the Serenity leaves the planet, Mal finds a beautiful woman named Saffron sneaking in the ship and who tells him that she is his wife. Shepherd recalls the party and concludes that Mal has married Saffron in accordance with the customs of the planet. While the crew is entertained by the situation, Mal plans to leave Saffron on the next planet. But out of the blue, he is attacked by Saffron who also attacks Washburne. Who might be the mysterious Mrs. Reynolds?"
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Starhunter 2300 continued its march through its second season, airing an hour curiously entitled "Painless." According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the plot summary:
"Travis is contacted by Garick, an old family friend from Titan City, whose son Sasha died after taking a powerful narcotic painkiller called Anista. Garick introduces the hunters to Saturn Police investigator Dalyat, who informs them of a mysterious drug lord known as Bliss who has been pushing the drug. Travis decides to infiltrate the local underworld and meet Bliss face-to-face, but his cover is nearly blown when Garick confronts him on the street about his Raider past and involvements with real drug trafficking. Back on the Tulip, Marcus deals with a maniacal Percy who decided to test the Anista drug on herself."
"Travis is contacted by Garick, an old family friend from Titan City, whose son Sasha died after taking a powerful narcotic painkiller called Anista. Garick introduces the hunters to Saturn Police investigator Dalyat, who informs them of a mysterious drug lord known as Bliss who has been pushing the drug. Travis decides to infiltrate the local underworld and meet Bliss face-to-face, but his cover is nearly blown when Garick confronts him on the street about his Raider past and involvements with real drug trafficking. Back on the Tulip, Marcus deals with a maniacal Percy who decided to test the Anista drug on herself."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Jericho aired "Four Horsemen." Officially, this served as the third episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The mystery surrounding Mr. Hawkins deepens, as the community copes with the aftermath of the rain, and Jake presses for people to search outside the town for answers."
"The mystery surrounding Mr. Hawkins deepens, as the community copes with the aftermath of the rain, and Jake presses for people to search outside the town for answers."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Sky: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah Jane discovers that Sky is actually a bomb disguised as a child. She has been manufactured by Miss Myers whose planet is in a long-standing war with a rival planet occupied by robots and is the ultimate weapon of destruction. At the power station Sarah Jane keeps Miss Myers talking long enough for Rani and Clyde to close down the plant and defuse Sky,who is prepared to sacrifice herself to save the world. Will they succeed?"
"Sarah Jane discovers that Sky is actually a bomb disguised as a child. She has been manufactured by Miss Myers whose planet is in a long-standing war with a rival planet occupied by robots and is the ultimate weapon of destruction. At the power station Sarah Jane keeps Miss Myers talking long enough for Rani and Clyde to close down the plant and defuse Sky,who is prepared to sacrifice herself to save the world. Will they succeed?"
On this day in 2013 (in Japan), Alphas enjoyed its home video release, making this installment available for consumer consumption for the first time. Officially, "Life After Death" served as the tenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"How does one grieve and move on from a terrible loss? Everyone's process is different. Dani's shocking death at the hands of Parish leaves Rosen and the team grasping for lifelines."
"How does one grieve and move on from a terrible loss? Everyone's process is different. Dani's shocking death at the hands of Parish leaves Rosen and the team grasping for lifelines."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired the deadly-sounding "Kill The Moon." Officially, this served as the seventh episode to the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the near future, the Doctor and Clara find themselves on a space shuttle making a suicide mission to the Moon. Crash-landing on the lunar surface they find the most terrible things."
"In the near future, the Doctor and Clara find themselves on a space shuttle making a suicide mission to the Moon. Crash-landing on the lunar surface they find the most terrible things."
On this day in 2014 (in Japan), Terra Formars aired "Departure: For The Front." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"With the Annex 1 cruising toward Mars, an eerie mood pervades the crew as they are debriefed on their role in combating the lethal A.E. Virus. Moments before arrival, a deadly presence onboard thrusts the crew into a collision course with the unknown."
"With the Annex 1 cruising toward Mars, an eerie mood pervades the crew as they are debriefed on their role in combating the lethal A.E. Virus. Moments before arrival, a deadly presence onboard thrusts the crew into a collision course with the unknown."