If I'm being 100% truthful, the Kolchak franchise -- brief though it's been -- actually began earlier when the character was first introduced in a pair of made-for-television movies that established its unique universe; but it was on this day in 1974 that producers delivered it as a weekly serial for regular viewers, dubbing it Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Though it lasted only a single season, it definitely paved the way for like-minded programs -- including Chris Carter's stellar The X-Files -- and it deserves to be remembered as such. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carl Kolchak was a reporter for Chicago's Independent News Service, and a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. Kolchak turned his investigative skills to vampires, werewolves, zombies and all manner of legendary creatures, but in the end he always failed to convince his skeptical editor, Tony Vincenzo, that the stories weren't products of Kolchak's own overworked imagination."
"Carl Kolchak was a reporter for Chicago's Independent News Service, and a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. Kolchak turned his investigative skills to vampires, werewolves, zombies and all manner of legendary creatures, but in the end he always failed to convince his skeptical editor, Tony Vincenzo, that the stories weren't products of Kolchak's own overworked imagination."
As a young'un, I can remember watching the Planet Of The Apes series as it aired. (It premiered on this day in 1974.) For better or for worse, I thought -- even back then -- that its storytelling format was extremely close to that of Gene Roddenberry's original Star Trek: the weekly morality tale. Each week, the astronauts of their chimpanzee comrade Galen would be confronted with a singular cultural problem, and they'd have to solve it in under fifty minutes in order to make what was left of the world a better place. It was quite an interesting program, but, alas, it lasted only half of a single broadcast season. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Television series about a group of astronauts who travel in time and become marooned on a planet. Unbeknownst to them, they are actually on future Earth. The astronauts encounter an advanced civilization run by apes, but supported by enslaved human workers."
"Television series about a group of astronauts who travel in time and become marooned on a planet. Unbeknownst to them, they are actually on future Earth. The astronauts encounter an advanced civilization run by apes, but supported by enslaved human workers."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), it looks like the youngest among us in the future got into the business of the final frontier with the television debut of the animated Galaxy High School. Created by storyteller Chris Columbus, the program lasted only a single season on the Boob Tube, delivering laughs and lessons at the expense of humans and aliens alike. Here's the series' premise as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"A short-lived cartoon dealing with Doyle and Aimee, two Earthling students, who are chosen to attend a high school in outer space (Aimee for being the #1 student, Doyle for being a failure). Their lives change around as Doyle hardly makes any friends, and Aimee becomes popular. The two students befriend alien classmates and learn to get along with them, despite their differences."
"A short-lived cartoon dealing with Doyle and Aimee, two Earthling students, who are chosen to attend a high school in outer space (Aimee for being the #1 student, Doyle for being a failure). Their lives change around as Doyle hardly makes any friends, and Aimee becomes popular. The two students befriend alien classmates and learn to get along with them, despite their differences."
Sorry, folks, but I rarely anime ... not even the U.S. interpretations, so I really can't tell you much about Eagle Riders, which premiered on this day in 1996. I do believe this may actually have been an Americanized repackaging of an earlier property, but I could be wrong. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Eagle Riders are an elite group of 5 young pilots, who are kept busy thwarting the evil Cybercon's plans. They fight in spaceships that can attach to each other, forming a powerful, phoenix-like super-ship."
"The Eagle Riders are an elite group of 5 young pilots, who are kept busy thwarting the evil Cybercon's plans. They fight in spaceships that can attach to each other, forming a powerful, phoenix-like super-ship."
I remember watching Supernatural's pilot episode when it first aired on this day back in 2005, and I distinctly remember being fairly underwhelmed with it. I believe I may've even thought to myself, "Wow, I'll be surprised how long this one lasts." Wow. Could I have been any more wrong, eh? Though I tuned it out in its original airing, the wifey and I did explore the entire series on DVD; and I think we enjoyed it much better as a binging property. Such can be one's tastes these days, thanks to having the luxury of exploring entertainment on-demand. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"John Winchester raised his two sons Sam and Dean to hunt and kill all things that go "bump in the night" after his wife Mary was murdered by an evil supernatural being when the boys were little. 22 years later the brothers set out on a journey, fighting evil along the way, to find their recently-missing father; when they finally do he reveals he knows what demon killed their mother and has found a way to track and kill it. Meanwhile, Sam develops frightening abilities such as seeing visions of people dying before it actually happens. These visions are somehow connected to the demon that murdered his mother and its mysterious plans that seem to be all about Sam. When their father dies striking a deal with that very same demon, the brothers determine to finish his crusade. But disturbing revelations about Sam's part in the demon's apocalyptic plan are presented when John's dying last words to Dean are revealed."
"John Winchester raised his two sons Sam and Dean to hunt and kill all things that go "bump in the night" after his wife Mary was murdered by an evil supernatural being when the boys were little. 22 years later the brothers set out on a journey, fighting evil along the way, to find their recently-missing father; when they finally do he reveals he knows what demon killed their mother and has found a way to track and kill it. Meanwhile, Sam develops frightening abilities such as seeing visions of people dying before it actually happens. These visions are somehow connected to the demon that murdered his mother and its mysterious plans that seem to be all about Sam. When their father dies striking a deal with that very same demon, the brothers determine to finish his crusade. But disturbing revelations about Sam's part in the demon's apocalyptic plan are presented when John's dying last words to Dean are revealed."
Fictional SciFi History records that it was on this day in the year 1999 in which the crew of Moonbase Alpha experienced a dangerous, catastrophic failure to their nuclear waste storage facilities. The resulting explosion hurled the Earth's only satellite on a journey out of our solar systen and deep into the cosmos, putting man as the invading alien force at the core of the cult classic better known as Space:1999. If you haven't seen it, then sit down and watch the pilot episode "Breakaway" today. You might be impressed!
The venerable John Crawford enjoyed some excellent screen time aboard The Twilight Zone, My Favorite Martian, Star Trek, The Time Tunnel, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, Land of the Giants, The Invisible Man, The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Salvage 1, The Powers of Matthew Star, and Knight Rider. Though he's no longer with us, Crawford was born on this day in 1920.
Though he'll probably always be remembered as the 'soda jerk' who waited on Marty McFly in Back to the Future, the great Norman Alden filled out nearly 250 different roles. Though he's no longer with us, Alden was born on this day in 1924.
Oh, my! You really gotta love a SciFi gal who knows how to strike a SciFi pose! That's Barbara Bain, and she enjoyed a terrific run in the mid-70's series, Space: 1999, as Dr. Helena Russell. Since then, she's enjoyed a fairly impressive run in guest starring roles, but she'll always be remembered for Space: 1999 so far as this geek is concerned. Ms. Bain was born on this day back in 1931.
Animator-turned-director Don Bluth did what he could to bring to the screen an animated Matt Damon in Titan A.E. (2000), a film inevitably so poorly received it destroyed an entire studio. Oh, Matt Damon! Will we never learn? Bluth was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you're going to play the adversary, then is there really any better gig than playing the adversary to James Bond? That's Richard Kiel's story, and he's sticking to it! Kiel played the baddie known as Jaws in two of the theatrical Bond films -- The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker -- and did so to fandom's delight. Though he's no longer with us, Kiel was born on this day in 1939.
Hollywood heavyweight producer Frank Marshall knows a thing or two about delivering films to the box office that audiences want to see. For example, he's helped deliver such projects as Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981), Back To The Future (1985), Signs (2002), and Jurassic World (2015), just to name a few. Marshall was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
In over forty years as an actor, Clyde Kusatsu built a resume of work that approached three hundred different projects. Fans might remember him best from Meteor (1979), The Powers of Matthew Star, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998), and Batman Beyond. Kusatsu was born on this day in 1948.
Kathleen Lloyd suited up for a guest role as Elizabeth Metarie for a popular episode of Babylon 5, "The Deconstruction of Falling Stars," in 1997. Lloyd was born on this day in 1948.
Award-winning actress Jean Smart knows a good thing when she sees it, and she leapt aboard the Superhero craze with a top role in FX's Legion. Smart was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Christine Eastabrook joined Spider-Man 2 (2004) in a small role. She also put in a guest appearance aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Estabrook was born on this day in 1952.
The lovely Ann Dusenberry found herself relying on the good graces of none other than Capt. Buck Rogers to help return men to her world in the adventure "Planet of the Amazon Women" for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's first season. Dusenberry was born on this day in 1953.
Hers may be a small resume, but it's definitely worth a mention here! The lovely Taryn Power first mankind's eye in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) and then reminded us of her beauty in The Sea Serpent (1984). Power was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Stephen King's The Mist travelled from the big screen to the small (in the form of a weekly series), producers cast Isiah Whitlock, Jr. as one of its key players. As genre projects go, he's also been involved with Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Europa Report (2013), Limitless, Lucifer, and Pete's Dragon (2016). Whitlock, Jr. was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Laura Interval welcomed fandom's welcome embrace by appearing in plum guest roles aboard both Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise. Interval was born on this day in 1966.
Ace Bhatti had a recurring spot aboard the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, from 2008 - 2011. Bhatti was born on this day in 1969.
A dreamy Louise Lombard continues to build an amazing resume in genre entertainment, including roles aboard Stargate Universe, the CW's short-lived Star-Crossed, and NBC's Grimm. Lombard was born on this day in 1970.
Swedish-born Puma Swede put her assets to work with work aboard the SciFi/Comedy Sex Galaxy (2008) for Stag Films in what's been described as a 'rompy send-up of classic Science Fiction movies.' Swede was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Based on his performance in writing and directing the blockbuster Jurassic World (2015), Colin Trevorrow was blessed with writing and directing Star Wars: Episode IX - The Name Forthcoming; however, based on his performance behind-the-scenes with Star Wars: Episode IX, he was summarily dismissed from the job. Trevorrow was born on this day in 1976.
Erin Way has built herself a nice little career in genre entertainment thus far. I recently saw her in the nifty 'found footage' DVD release, Absence, while others have enjoyed her work in such programs as Alphas, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Grimm, Supernatural, Colony, Warehouse 13, and A Handmaid's Tale. Way was born on this day in 1987.
Comely Nikki Leigh found herself facing down some subterranean menace from beneath The Sand (2015), a SciFi/Horror hybrid from Allegra Pictures. Leigh was born on this day in 1988.
Ahh, it just melts your heart the way some girls smile, and that smiler is none other than Taylor Black. She's been a part of such genre properties as Lucifer and Midnight, Texas. Black was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
No, this isn't a still from the latest episode of Celebrity Dine'n'Dash; rather, it's a production still featured the young Robbie Kay on-the-run in NBC's Heroes Reborn. Kay was born on this day in 1995.
Well, the sad truth is that the Apocalypse isn't for everyone, but Lili Reinhart seems to have braved it just fine for her work aboard Forever's End (2013). Reinhart was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), the silver screen serial adaptation of Jules Verne's Mysterious Island aired the first chapter of its 15-chapter existence, and it was all brought into being by the folks at Sam Katzman Productions. Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet, the feature starred Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, and Karen Randle; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Union prisoners use a balloon to escape a Southern prison camp near the end of the Civil War and end up marooned on a mysterious volcanic island with very unusual inhabitants."
"Union prisoners use a balloon to escape a Southern prison camp near the end of the Civil War and end up marooned on a mysterious volcanic island with very unusual inhabitants."
On this day in 1957 (in France), The Mole People dug themselves up from out of the Earth and threw themselves onto the silver screen. Directed by Virgil W. Vogel from a script by László Görög, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, and Hugh Beaumont. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On an archaeological dig in Asia, Dr. Roger Bentley finds a cuneiform tablet referring to an ancient society, the Shadow Dynasty, that was destroyed. An earthquake soon after reveals an ancient artifact and the scientists discover the ruins of an ancient temple world on a remote mountain site. It leads them to an underground world, lost in time, where people have adapted to low light. The High Priest Elinu doesn't welcome the presence of the new arrivals and wants them eliminated."
"On an archaeological dig in Asia, Dr. Roger Bentley finds a cuneiform tablet referring to an ancient society, the Shadow Dynasty, that was destroyed. An earthquake soon after reveals an ancient artifact and the scientists discover the ruins of an ancient temple world on a remote mountain site. It leads them to an underground world, lost in time, where people have adapted to low light. The High Priest Elinu doesn't welcome the presence of the new arrivals and wants them eliminated."
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster reared its head (erm ... heads!) cinematically for the first time. Directed by the legendary Ishirô Honda, the film starred Yôsuke Natsuki, Yuriko Hoshi, and Hiroshi Koizumi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the monster movie:
"After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat."
"After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), the good people of Boston, Massachusetts enjoyed the theatrical debut of Garden Of The Dead. Directed by John Hayes, the SciFi/Horror starred Philip Kenneally, Duncan McLeod, and John Dullaghan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Convicts on a chain gang sniff experimental formaldehyde fumes to get high. They attempt a prison break, are shot down by the guards and buried in the prison garden. Soon, they rise from the dead, using shovels and hoes to kill all who get in their way on their quest to get high once more."
"Convicts on a chain gang sniff experimental formaldehyde fumes to get high. They attempt a prison break, are shot down by the guards and buried in the prison garden. Soon, they rise from the dead, using shovels and hoes to kill all who get in their way on their quest to get high once more."
On this day in 1979 (in Belgium -- where they make the chocolates -- and Colombia -- where they make the cocaine), Ridley Scott's Alien introduced audiences to the original Xenomorph. The film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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.
On this day in 1979 (in Argentina), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Daniel Haller, the feature starred Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, and Pamela Hensley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1987, Captain William "Buck" Rogers pilots his space shuttle Ranger 3 on a mission but a meteor storm freezes him into an orbit that returns him to Earth - 500 years later. In 2491, his shuttle is found and captured by the Draconian flagship, under the command of Princess Ardala and her second-in-command Kane. Reviving him, they return him to Earth after secretly planting a homing beacon aboard his shuttle to track a path through Earth's defense barrier. Buck is under arrest and learns that Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries in his absence following a nuclear holocaust. Buck Rogers must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Terrans that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
"In 1987, Captain William "Buck" Rogers pilots his space shuttle Ranger 3 on a mission but a meteor storm freezes him into an orbit that returns him to Earth - 500 years later. In 2491, his shuttle is found and captured by the Draconian flagship, under the command of Princess Ardala and her second-in-command Kane. Reviving him, they return him to Earth after secretly planting a homing beacon aboard his shuttle to track a path through Earth's defense barrier. Buck is under arrest and learns that Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries in his absence following a nuclear holocaust. Buck Rogers must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Terrans that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
A star is born ... but its fires are forged by combat! On this day in 1989 (in South Korea), The Blood Of Heroes was first spilled. (Well, cinematically, that is.) Written and directed by David Webb Peoples, the film starred Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, and Delroy Lindo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where most of mankind and technology is wiped out, six people travel from place to place playing a brutal form of football with a dog skull. They hope one day to play in the league in a city."
"In a future where most of mankind and technology is wiped out, six people travel from place to place playing a brutal form of football with a dog skull. They hope one day to play in the league in a city."
On this day in 1990 (in Hungary and West Germany), RoboCop returned to police the streets of Detroit in RoboCop 2. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, and Belinda Bauer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
On this day in 1990 (in the Philippines), Tremors were felt from its screening on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Ron Underwood, the SciFi/Comedy starred Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Michael Gross. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the coveted statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020.
ExtraExtra Alert:
Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
On this day in 1996 (in Lebanon), Indepedence Day was celebrated ... theatrically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Mary McDonnell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2000 (in Switzerland), Pitch Black enjoyed a bit of brightness in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Horror starred Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, and Cole Hauser. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
On this day in 2003 (in France), the director's cut edition of Ridley Scott's 1979-produced SciFi/Classic Alien played for audiences in attendance of the Deauville Film Festival. The film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Canada), The Bay enjoyed its first screening for audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Barry Levinson, the SciFi/Horror starred Will Rogers, Kristen Connolly, and Kether Donohue. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Chaos breaks out in a small Maryland town after an ecological disaster occurs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Bay enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"Chaos breaks out in a small Maryland town after an ecological disaster occurs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Bay enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Brazil), it looks like somebody found themselves in a little bit of excrement with the silver screen release of Batguano! (Holy feces, Batman!) Written and directed by Tavinho Teixeira, this Fantasy/Romance starred Everaldo Pontes, Cícero Ferreira, and Nildo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Batman and Robin struggling to survive in a apocalyptic third world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Batguano enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"Batman and Robin struggling to survive in a apocalyptic third world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Batguano enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and it's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 2016, the SciFi/Comedy Asockalypse! enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Carrie Schoenfeld, the film starred Ratnesh Dubey, Aizzah Fatima, and Eyas Younis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of stoners save the world from sock stealing aliens."
"A group of stoners save the world from sock stealing aliens."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S. and Canada), Freaks enjoyed a limitied theatrical release. Written and directed by the team of Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the Fantasy feature starred Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, and Grace Park. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A seven-year-old girl, Chloe, who lives with her father, was told that the outside world was dangerous and was spending lonely days in her house. One day, she left the house while her father was asleep, and she was approached by an old man in an ice cream truck standing in front of her house. The old man, who is Chloe's grandfather, tells him about the fact that Chloe's mother is alive and the mysterious power he has. Chloe, who was scolded by her father for going out, awakened her special ability by raising her emotions. The ability was a very dangerous thing to manipulate a person's mind. Chloe works with a grandfather and a father with different abilities to rescue a detained mother."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Freaks enjoyed a wealth of praise while screening on the film festival circuit. At the 2019 Leo Awards (the ceremony recognizing excellence in Canadian film production), Freaks received five nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Direction In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Screenwriting In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Picture Editing In A Motion Picture,' and 'Best Motion Picture.' At the 2021 Saturn Awards, young Lexy Kolker enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and the film itself was nominated in the category of 'Best Independent Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in SciFiHistory.Net's take on the feature, then you can check out my review right here.
"A seven-year-old girl, Chloe, who lives with her father, was told that the outside world was dangerous and was spending lonely days in her house. One day, she left the house while her father was asleep, and she was approached by an old man in an ice cream truck standing in front of her house. The old man, who is Chloe's grandfather, tells him about the fact that Chloe's mother is alive and the mysterious power he has. Chloe, who was scolded by her father for going out, awakened her special ability by raising her emotions. The ability was a very dangerous thing to manipulate a person's mind. Chloe works with a grandfather and a father with different abilities to rescue a detained mother."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Freaks enjoyed a wealth of praise while screening on the film festival circuit. At the 2019 Leo Awards (the ceremony recognizing excellence in Canadian film production), Freaks received five nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Direction In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Screenwriting In A Motion Picture,' 'Best Picture Editing In A Motion Picture,' and 'Best Motion Picture.' At the 2021 Saturn Awards, young Lexy Kolker enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and the film itself was nominated in the category of 'Best Independent Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in SciFiHistory.Net's take on the feature, then you can check out my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Interpreters (aka Interpreters: A C & Earth Chronicle - Quantum 1) played for audiences in attendance of the KaPow Intergalactic Film Festival held in North Hollywood, California. Written and directed by Michael Ryan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ace Marrero, Manny Martinez Hernandez, and Sophia Medley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An unusual perpetrator using advanced technology murders the inhabitants of Sullen Community while a former black operator and CID Agent investigates with the local police force uncovering a darker scheme and more dangerous threat than anticipated."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Interpreters enjoyed a bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"An unusual perpetrator using advanced technology murders the inhabitants of Sullen Community while a former black operator and CID Agent investigates with the local police force uncovering a darker scheme and more dangerous threat than anticipated."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Interpreters enjoyed a bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1967, Lost In Space aired "Visit To A Hostile Planet." Officially, this served as the second episode to the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Passing through a time warp, the Robinsons do return to Earth in the year 1947. They are mistaken as invaders and start the UFO scare of the 1940's."
"Passing through a time warp, the Robinsons do return to Earth in the year 1947. They are mistaken as invaders and start the UFO scare of the 1940's."
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "Charlie X." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
It all began right here: on this day in 1974, Kolchak: The Night Stalker opened its doors for weekly business exploring things that go bump in the night. The first episode was titled "The Ripper," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carl may be up against the original Jack the Ripper, a black-caped, bullet-resistant, super-human killer of women."
"Carl may be up against the original Jack the Ripper, a black-caped, bullet-resistant, super-human killer of women."
For those of us old enough to remember it, the Planet of the Apes was given a weekly television treatment in 1974, and on this day back then it premiered with the episode "Escape from Tomorrow." The program was much in the vein of our beloved Star Trek franchise, taking a page from the popular 'weekly morality tale' format, and it featured two astronauts -- Pete Burke and Alan Virdon -- along with their chimp-companion, Galen. They were always on the run from Dr. Zaius and Gen. Urko, somehow managing to escape in the nick of time before the credits rolled. It's available on DVD, and this sci-fi fan gives it an enthusiast thumbs up.
On this day in 1974, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Nuclear Alert." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Oscar learns that a tactical atomic bomb has been sold on the black market for $60 million. Suspecting that the seller has not yet gotten all the required parts together, Steve Austin volunteers to protect the suspected last missing part fresh from the factory, a reflector fuse."
"Oscar learns that a tactical atomic bomb has been sold on the black market for $60 million. Suspecting that the seller has not yet gotten all the required parts together, Steve Austin volunteers to protect the suspected last missing part fresh from the factory, a reflector fuse."
On this day in 1975, Land of the Lost aired "The Zarn." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While investigating the Mist Marsh, the guys stumble onto a mysterious woman who has a bit too much in common with Rick."
"While investigating the Mist Marsh, the guys stumble onto a mysterious woman who has a bit too much in common with Rick."
On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Trial Of A Timelord: Part 2." This served as the second episode to the program's twenty-third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor finds that the subterranean UK Habitat is run by a cloistered robot named Drathro, whom the inhabitants call "The Immortal." Their black light energy converters are destabilizing, unaware that it's the result of two space pirates mucking about on the surface with designs on looting their dwelling."
"The Doctor finds that the subterranean UK Habitat is run by a cloistered robot named Drathro, whom the inhabitants call "The Immortal." Their black light energy converters are destabilizing, unaware that it's the result of two space pirates mucking about on the surface with designs on looting their dwelling."
It all began right here: on this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Galaxy High School aired "Welcome To Galaxy High." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doyle Cleverlobe and Aimee Brightower arrive at Galaxy High and are greeted by class president Milo De Venus. Because of her exceptional grades, Aimee is rewarded a scholarship and a Zeron X-5000 Turbo Space Coup De Ville, while Doyle has to take an extra job at Luigi's pizza parlor and gets used 37 year old Benson Hofflinger model one 7000 skateboard. Needless to say, Aimee is having the time of her life while Doyle is longing for life back on Earth."
"Doyle Cleverlobe and Aimee Brightower arrive at Galaxy High and are greeted by class president Milo De Venus. Because of her exceptional grades, Aimee is rewarded a scholarship and a Zeron X-5000 Turbo Space Coup De Ville, while Doyle has to take an extra job at Luigi's pizza parlor and gets used 37 year old Benson Hofflinger model one 7000 skateboard. Needless to say, Aimee is having the time of her life while Doyle is longing for life back on Earth."
On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Battlefield: Part 2." This served as the second episode to the program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Ace discover a stone spaceship underneath Warmsley's archaeological dig while Mordred summons Morgaine to Earth's dimension."
"The Doctor and Ace discover a stone spaceship underneath Warmsley's archaeological dig while Mordred summons Morgaine to Earth's dimension."
It all began right here: on this day in 1996, Eagle Riders aired "For The Global Good." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and as I've been able to locate a specific plot summary for the adventure I'm placing the series' premise from IMDB.com:
"The Eagle Riders are an elite group of 5 young pilots, who are kept busy thwarting the evil Cybercon's plans. They fight in spaceships that can attach to each other, forming a powerful, phoenix-like super-ship."
"The Eagle Riders are an elite group of 5 young pilots, who are kept busy thwarting the evil Cybercon's plans. They fight in spaceships that can attach to each other, forming a powerful, phoenix-like super-ship."
On this day in 2002, Justice League aired "Injustice For All, Part 2." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"His illness treated by Ultra-Humanite, Luthor pressures his cadre of super-villains to combat the League. While captured, Batman exploits the greed of the group to his advantage."
"His illness treated by Ultra-Humanite, Luthor pressures his cadre of super-villains to combat the League. While captured, Batman exploits the greed of the group to his advantage."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Day of Wrath." This served as the forty-eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2003, Starhunter aired "Becoming Shiva." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A Terran terrorist group protesting the ecological disasters that have plagued Earth are suddenly put on the map when their methods of only targeting buildings and space structures accidentally takes lives."
"A Terran terrorist group protesting the ecological disasters that have plagued Earth are suddenly put on the map when their methods of only targeting buildings and space structures accidentally takes lives."
It all began right here: on this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), The CW got into the spooky business with the premiere of their long-running Supernatural. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the series' pilot episode:
"Sam and Dean Winchester were trained by their father to hunt the creatures of the supernatural. Now, their father has mysteriously disappeared while hunting the demon that killed their mother, 22 years ago."
"Sam and Dean Winchester were trained by their father to hunt the creatures of the supernatural. Now, their father has mysteriously disappeared while hunting the demon that killed their mother, 22 years ago."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Defying Gravity aired "Love, Honor, Obey." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Now only a week away from arriving at Venus, the crew are still puzzled by the hallucinations they've had. When Zoe hears the crying child, she and Donner follow it to Pod 4 but find they have no access. Donner challenges Ted to explain what is going on but are interrupted when they must all seek shelter due to an impending radiation burst from a solar flare. With the crisis averted, Goss orders Ted not to reveal Beta's presence in Pod 4 but he must decide what is in the best interest of his crew. In a flashback to training, Ted tells Connor what Eve told them about their Mars mission. The recruits also undergo painful obedience training."
"Now only a week away from arriving at Venus, the crew are still puzzled by the hallucinations they've had. When Zoe hears the crying child, she and Donner follow it to Pod 4 but find they have no access. Donner challenges Ted to explain what is going on but are interrupted when they must all seek shelter due to an impending radiation burst from a solar flare. With the crisis averted, Goss orders Ted not to reveal Beta's presence in Pod 4 but he must decide what is in the best interest of his crew. In a flashback to training, Ted tells Connor what Eve told them about their Mars mission. The recruits also undergo painful obedience training."
On this day in 2014, Doctor Who aired "Listen." This served as the fourth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When ghosts of past and future crowd into their lives, The Doctor and Clara are thrown into an adventure that takes them to the very end of the universe."
"When ghosts of past and future crowd into their lives, The Doctor and Clara are thrown into an adventure that takes them to the very end of the universe."
On this day in 2017, Salvation aired "The Wormwood Prophecy." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Darius, Grace and Harris join forces to prove the president was murdered. Also, Grace tells Zoe the truth."
"Darius, Grace and Harris join forces to prove the president was murdered. Also, Grace tells Zoe the truth."
