TV's Irwin Allen brought a great amount of Science Fiction and Fantasy to the small screen, but perhaps his most beloved remains the three seasons of the original Lost In Space, which premiered on this day back in 1965. While today's audiences likely find it more than a bit 'dated' for the times, the strength of the show's best stories were always built around the family unit, for which the Robinsons always had one another's back. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space colony family struggles to survive when a spy/accidental stowaway throws their ship hopelessly off course."
For the record:
During its time on the Boob Tube, Lost In Space did enjoy a nomination (in 1966) for the Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Individual Achievements in Cinematography - Special.'
"A space colony family struggles to survive when a spy/accidental stowaway throws their ship hopelessly off course."
For the record:
During its time on the Boob Tube, Lost In Space did enjoy a nomination (in 1966) for the Primetime Emmy Awards in the category of 'Individual Achievements in Cinematography - Special.'
Adapting a series of popular children's Science Fiction novels, the BBC brought The Tripods to life for television in the mid-1980's, the first installment airing on this day in 1984. Set in the distant future of 2089, the series focused on young heroes braving the elements of an Earth occupation from an alien force. I've read that showrunners intended for it to run for three seasons, but alas as tends to happen in the realm of genre entertainment it was cancelled after only two. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth has been conquered by an alien race known as the Masters using their giant Tripods. When humans reach the age of sixteen, they must undergo a process known as capping which places their mind under the control of the conquerors. In 2089, having learned the truth, cousins Will and Henry Parker embark on a journey to the White Mountains in search of a group of free men."
"Earth has been conquered by an alien race known as the Masters using their giant Tripods. When humans reach the age of sixteen, they must undergo a process known as capping which places their mind under the control of the conquerors. In 2089, having learned the truth, cousins Will and Henry Parker embark on a journey to the White Mountains in search of a group of free men."
Why, only a face as lovely as that of Fay Wray could've moved King Kong to do what he did in the classic monster movie for the 1933 film season. Though that flick wasn't her only brush with genre projects, it was no doubt the biggest. The talented lady went on to complete a career of well over one hundred different screen credits. Though she's no longer with us, Wray was born on this day in 1907.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I caught a broadcast airing of Doctor X (1932) in which Fay had a central role. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I caught a broadcast airing of Doctor X (1932) in which Fay had a central role. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The Jetsons is one of those fondly remembered animated shows of my youth. Though I wasn't there to see it in first run, it was the kind of thing that kept popping up all over the TV dial, and I soaked it all in. The lovely Penny Singleton voiced the matriarch of the Jetson family -- Jane -- and did so wonderfully, if I do say so myself. Otherwise, the talented actress had already made a name for herself appearing in several 'Blondie Bumstead' movies throughout the 1940's. She also -- as did many in her era -- paid a visit to the world of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Singleton was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to his biography on IMDB.com, Albert Whitlock was a matte painter whose work can be seen and appreciated by audiences in well over 500 different films and television shows ... and, yes, that is quite some record! As one can imagine, a great many of these projects fell smack dab in the middle of the worlds of Fantastic that we follow on SciFiHistory.Net; and his contributions live on in such entities as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954), Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964), the original Star Trek, The Andromeda Strain (1971), Slaughterhouse-Five (1974), Dracula (1979), The Thing (1982), Dune (1984), and Millennium (1989). Though he's no longer with us, Whitlock was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized Whitlock's efforts with nominations in the category of 'Best Special Effects' not once but twice: Exorcist II: The Heretic (1978) and The Wiz (1979).
- In 2017, the Visual Effects Society Awards inducted the craftsman posthumously into its Hall Of Fame.
That, my friends, is one of the most iconic scenes right out of the original Star Wars Trilogy, but did you know that it wasn't always David Prowse under that Darth Vader armor? On many occasions, Vader's shoes were filled by stuntman Bob Anderson, who stood toe-to-toe with young Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker in the pivotal scenes. According to IMDB.com, it was long alleged in the entertainment industry that Anderson was the most effective and most sought after fight choreography. His efforts are a bit of a legend amongst those who knew him, as he's cited to have trained even the actors from The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acting great Jackie Cooper lit up the silver screen in the Superman cinematic franchise taking on the role of newspaper editor Perry White. Though he's no longer with us, Cooper was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It probably isn't a face or a name most of us would recognize, but Carlos Rambaldi -- as a special effects artist on such features as King Kong (1976) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) -- did one thing all of us should be familiar with: he designed and built E.T. - The Extraterrestrial for Steven Spielberg's film of the same name. Regarding that little gardener from another planet, Mr. Rambaldi said, "The success of "E.T." means that it no longer is important to have Marlon Brando or John Travolta. If the special effect is created very well, most people don't think whether it's mechanical or not -- they're thinking about the story. When I finally saw the finished movie even I cried a little." Also worthy of mention, the special effects guru built the head of the original Xenomorph (based entirely on HR Giger's design) for Ridley Scott's Alien. Though he's no longer with us, he was born on this day back in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You know, they just don't make Hollywood screen heavies the way they used to. Of course, that's easy to say when you're speaking about Henry Silva, the man who was born to play 'the heavy.' Today, no one captures that same physically brooding presence. So far as SciFi-related work goes, he's made a handful of great appearance in such shows as The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Quark, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Plus, he's put his vocal talents to work on three different programs in bringing to life the supervillain Bane: Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and The New Batman Adventures. Silva was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At present, I'm seeing conflicting information regarding Silva's birth. IMDB.com denotes 1928 in one area but shows 1926 in another. I'll correct this citation once I establish which is correct.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At present, I'm seeing conflicting information regarding Silva's birth. IMDB.com denotes 1928 in one area but shows 1926 in another. I'll correct this citation once I establish which is correct.
Andree Melly proved she was capable of having the silver screen's most delicious overbite with her work as 'Gina' aboard the Hammer Films' production of The Brides Of Dracula (1960). Though she's no longer with us, Melly was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Henry Darrow (above center) joined Star Trek: Voyager to fill in the shoes of Kolopak, the fatherly inspiration for Chakotay, for two episodes. The man also enjoyed roles in such projects as The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Invisible Man, Gemini Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Beyond the Universe, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Time Trax, and Babylon 5. Though he's no longer with us, Darrow was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Tommy Lee Jones has done his part to keep the planet Earth free from alien scum in the wildly successful Men In Black I, II, and III. In between, he even joined Clint Eastwood to prove how much of Space Cowboys they were. Jones was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before he turned all controversial with his filmmaking, a young Oliver Stone adapted Conan The Barbarian rather epicly for the silver screen. Stone was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Barry Shabaka Henley enjoys a career in the entertainment industry that approaches three decades of work, but genre fans will probably remember him best from appearances aboard Heroes and FlashForward. Henley was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the Back to the Future trilogy of films, Wendie Jo Sperber played Marty Mcfly's sister, Linda, with her usual nasal aplomb. Though she's no longer with us, Sperber was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Ed Solomon has contributed to a small handful of sci-fi film properties. He's responsible for Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure as well as the screen adaptation for Men In Black. His most recent project -- while not sci-fi -- was the magician's caper-flick, Now You See Me. Solomon was born on this day back in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Author Jane Lindskold dabbles in the realms of Young Adult (YA) Science Fiction and Fantasy, pioneering such ongoing series as Artemis, Athanor, Breaking the Wall, and The Firekeeper Saga. Lindskold was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Josh Charles (pictured above left) helped propel Miss Piggy toward the Final Frontier with a role aboard Muppets In Space (1999). Charles was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm a huge fan of Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. I've seen a handful of cinema and television interpretations of the works, but I've kinda/sorta been told to avoid the 2013 TV series Odysseus unless I'm wishing to be disappointed. I've only seen a few professional reviews, and they weren't glowing, I'd say ... at least, not as glowing as it looks Caterina Murino was in the role of Penelope. I may have to check it out after all. The talented lady has also enjoyed screen time aboard Casino Royale (2006). Murino was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Marisa Ramirez played a key role aboard ABC's short-lived Miracles, a Fantasy-themed procedural that could've been the next best thing to The X-Files back in 2003. Ramirez was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical favorite Tom Hardy helped fuel 2015's summer box office to stratospheric heights with a reboot of the Mad Max franchise. Mad Max: Fury Road did gangbuster business with audiences worldwide, and it pretty much established Hardy as a go-to commodity for genre entertainment. Hardy was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, I don't watch many sitcoms, mostly because I don't find them all that funny, but Ben Schwartz doing his thing on NBC's incredible Parks & Recreation always made me laugh. Thankfully he's dabbled elsewhere -- like in genre projects like Space Force -- so that I can feature him in this space. Schwartz was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she certainly is pretty, Heidi Montag continues to prove she's more than just a pretty face. While her work tends to gravitate toward much more mainstream style fare, she has given cinematic Fantasy a bit of a whirl with roles in the Biblically-themed Assassin 33 A.D. (2020) and Black Easter (2021). Montag was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty Ingrid Bisu has built a career stealing scenes in a great handful of genre projects. Fans might recognize her from such contributions as BloodRayne (2005), The Zero Theorem (2013), Dracula: The Dark Prince (2013), The Nun (2018), The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), and Malignant (2021). Bisu was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Kate Mansi enjoyed a trip over to the dark side with a role aboard Muse (2017) for Desert Wind Films. Mansi was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2008, young Christian Cooke had a terrific two guest star appearances aboard the BBC's Doctor Who (pictured). Cooke was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Proving she's far more than a pretty face (but she definitely has that, too!), Chloe Dykstra is a phenom to be reckoned with. Not only can she turn heads with some of fandom's best cosplay efforts, but she's also actively involved in entertainment as an actress, producer, and writer. Genre fans would do well to seek out her work aboard Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Wizards Of Waverly Place, Drag Me To Hell (2009), House Of Demons (2018), Diminuendo (2018), and Free LSD (2023). Dykstra was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, the fetching Chelsea Kane played a role aboard the Walt Disney SciFi project Minutemen (2008). Kane was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Winter may've already come and gone, but John Bradley not only braved the cold but also lived to talk about it ... and that's certainly not a fate that befell all that many of Game Of Thrones' main characters. In fact, kudos to the talent for playing perhaps the only universally likeable bloke in all of the Seven Kingdoms! Bradley was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1960 (in the United Kingdom), Dinosaurus! roared on the silver screen. Directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. from a script by the team of Jack H. Harris, Dan E. Weisburd, and Jean Yeaworth, the Fantasy film starred such luminaries as Ward Ramsey, Kristina Hanson, and Paul Lukather. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After undersea explosions near a Caribbean island, prehistoric creatures are unleashed on the unsuspecting population. Freed from his watery tomb, as well, is a very friendly Neanderthal man who proceeds to befriend a local orphan boy. The boy, Neanderthal and irritated dinosaur make for an interesting dramatic climax."
"After undersea explosions near a Caribbean island, prehistoric creatures are unleashed on the unsuspecting population. Freed from his watery tomb, as well, is a very friendly Neanderthal man who proceeds to befriend a local orphan boy. The boy, Neanderthal and irritated dinosaur make for an interesting dramatic climax."
On this day in 1961 (in West Germany), The Mighty Ursus opened some mighty doors at the mighty box office. Directed by Carlo Campogalliani, the Fantasy feature starred Ed Fury, Cristina Gaioni, and Moira Orfei. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea."
"Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Italy), space explorers were aghast to find themselves trapped on the Planet Of The Vampires! Directed by the famed Italian director Mario Bava, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Barry Sullivan, Norma Bengell, and Ángel Aranda. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After landing on a mysterious planet, a team of astronauts begin to turn on each other, swayed by the uncertain influence of the planet and its strange inhabitants."
"After landing on a mysterious planet, a team of astronauts begin to turn on each other, swayed by the uncertain influence of the planet and its strange inhabitants."
On this day in 1965 (in South Africa), the good people of Johannesburg were treated to the premiere of The Curse Of The Fly! Directed by Don Sharp, the SciFi/Horror starred Brian Donlevy, George Baker, and Carole Gray. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Motorist Martin Delambre attempts to keep evidence of his family's bizarre experiments in teleportation hidden from his wife, who is hiding secrets of her own."
"Motorist Martin Delambre attempts to keep evidence of his family's bizarre experiments in teleportation hidden from his wife, who is hiding secrets of her own."
A star is born ... or is that 'animated'? On this day in 1970 (in Japan), Cleopatra (aka Kureopatora) enjoyed its first screening for the masses-at-large. Directed by the team of Osamu Tezuka and Eiichi Yamamoto, this animated Fantasy starred the voices of Chinatsu Nakayama, Kotoe Hatsui, and Tsubame Yanagiya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In order to foil the enemy aliens' 'Cleopatra Plan, three people from the future are spiritually sent back to Cleopatra's time to understand the enemy intentions."
"In order to foil the enemy aliens' 'Cleopatra Plan, three people from the future are spiritually sent back to Cleopatra's time to understand the enemy intentions."
A star is born! Or is that ... mutated? On this day in 1972 (in France), Blood Freak opened up its ... erm ... beak ... for its first theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of the L'Étrange Festival. Written and directed by the team of Brad F. Grinter and Steve Hawkes, the monster movie starred Dana Cullivan, Randy Grinter, and Heather Hughes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A biker gets a job at a turkey farm and agrees to act as guinea pig for some chemicals that need tested, failing to anticipate the murderous side effects."
"A biker gets a job at a turkey farm and agrees to act as guinea pig for some chemicals that need tested, failing to anticipate the murderous side effects."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), The Chosen (aka Holocaust 2000) was chosen for its full theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Alberto De Martino, the Horror feature starred Kirk Douglas, Simon Ward, and Agostina Belli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Robert's in charge of constructing a nuclear power plant in the Middle East. Will it be instrumental in prophecies of antichrist's apocalypse?"
"Robert's in charge of constructing a nuclear power plant in the Middle East. Will it be instrumental in prophecies of antichrist's apocalypse?"
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the Soviet Union), Dead Man's Letters enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Konstantin Lopushanskiy, the SciFi/Drama starred Rolan Bykov, Iosif Ryklin, and Viktor Mikhaylov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the aftermath of nuclear holocaust, a group of intellectuals crave to find hope in the pale and colorless new world. Among them, a history teacher tries to contact via letters his missing son."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dead Man's Letters enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"In the aftermath of nuclear holocaust, a group of intellectuals crave to find hope in the pale and colorless new world. Among them, a history teacher tries to contact via letters his missing son."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dead Man's Letters enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1995 (in Japan), he was the law ... and the law was with Judge Dredd. Directed by Danny Cannon, the film starred Sylvester Stallone, Diane Lane, and Max Von Sydow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 2139, the Earth has changed into a virtually uninhabitable place called the Cursed Earth. All of the Earth's population have crowded into the cities across the planet, now known as Mega-Cities. The crimes in these Mega-Cities became so violent and so powerful, that the regular justice system was powerless to contain, then it collapsed completely. However, a new justice system came from the ashes, there were three justice systems in one (police, jury and executioner), they were called Judges. In Mega-City One (formerly, New York City), there was a Judge, named Joseph Dredd, who was the toughest and most stringent Judge in history. One day, he was charged with murder, and was tried and sentenced to life in prison because of it."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
"In the year 2139, the Earth has changed into a virtually uninhabitable place called the Cursed Earth. All of the Earth's population have crowded into the cities across the planet, now known as Mega-Cities. The crimes in these Mega-Cities became so violent and so powerful, that the regular justice system was powerless to contain, then it collapsed completely. However, a new justice system came from the ashes, there were three justice systems in one (police, jury and executioner), they were called Judges. In Mega-City One (formerly, New York City), there was a Judge, named Joseph Dredd, who was the toughest and most stringent Judge in history. One day, he was charged with murder, and was tried and sentenced to life in prison because of it."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
On this day in 1998, Spoiler cooked up a SciFi potboiler with a healthy side of action. The feature starred Gary Daniels and Meg Foster, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roger Mason is a prisoner locked away in a futuristic fortress of a jail. Desperate to escape and see his daughter, he keeps making attempt after attempt to break free, but each one is foiled just as he's about to gain his freedom. As his punishments include being frozen in suspended animation for years at a time, he stays the same age while his daughter grows older. As more time keeps being added to his sentence, he despairs of ever getting out."
"Roger Mason is a prisoner locked away in a futuristic fortress of a jail. Desperate to escape and see his daughter, he keeps making attempt after attempt to break free, but each one is foiled just as he's about to gain his freedom. As his punishments include being frozen in suspended animation for years at a time, he stays the same age while his daughter grows older. As more time keeps being added to his sentence, he despairs of ever getting out."
On this day in 1998 (in Iceland), the 1998-produced The Creature Wasn't Nice enjoyed a release on home video. Written and directed by Bruce Kimmel (who also starred), the flick brought together Leslie Nielsen, Cindy Williams, and Gerrit Graham for good measure. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the spaceship Vertigo stops to explore a previously unknown planet, the crew finds an unrecognized dollop of protoplasm and takes it aboard ship to return it to earth for analysis. On board, lifeform expands into an oozing person-eating monster which communicates primarily by means of a Vegas lounge act. The crew is gobbled up one after another until the two surviving crewmembers come up with a plan."
"When the spaceship Vertigo stops to explore a previously unknown planet, the crew finds an unrecognized dollop of protoplasm and takes it aboard ship to return it to earth for analysis. On board, lifeform expands into an oozing person-eating monster which communicates primarily by means of a Vegas lounge act. The crew is gobbled up one after another until the two surviving crewmembers come up with a plan."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Russia), Cyber Wars (aka Avatar) were waged on the Boob Tube. Directed by Jian Hong Kuo with a script from Christopher Hatton, the SciFi/Drama starred Genevieve O'Reilly, Luoyong Wang, and Kay Siu Lim. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future Singapore, CyberLink is used for communication (sometimes virtual reality), monetary transaction and records of all citizens. Headhunter Dash is commissioned to find Edward Chan. Why are so many interested in him?"
"In a future Singapore, CyberLink is used for communication (sometimes virtual reality), monetary transaction and records of all citizens. Headhunter Dash is commissioned to find Edward Chan. Why are so many interested in him?"
On this day in 2005 (in Slovakia), the 1927-produced SciFi/Classic Metropolis enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the Silent feature film starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Revamped took a bite out of the competition when it screened for audiences at the Valley Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Rector, the Horror/Comedy starred Christa Campbell, Martin Kove, and Fred Williamson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Successful businessman Richard Clarke is bitten by a vampire and is plunged into the dark world of the supernatural."
"Successful businessman Richard Clarke is bitten by a vampire and is plunged into the dark world of the supernatural."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), The Breastford Wives poked fun at one of SciFi's lesser properties with a randy Adult twist. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Young married couple Rob and Laura move to the peaceful, friendly town of Breastford and right away are made to feel at home by the welcoming members of the Breastford Womens Association. Rob almost immediately has sex with these three lovelies (as does Laura), but they soon realize that something is amiss, and they discover the reason: Doc Brady, the town's mayor, has invented a device that, at the push of a button, turns women into insatiable, sex-crazed robots."
"Young married couple Rob and Laura move to the peaceful, friendly town of Breastford and right away are made to feel at home by the welcoming members of the Breastford Womens Association. Rob almost immediately has sex with these three lovelies (as does Laura), but they soon realize that something is amiss, and they discover the reason: Doc Brady, the town's mayor, has invented a device that, at the push of a button, turns women into insatiable, sex-crazed robots."
On this day in 2008 (in Venezuela), the Force was with us theatrically once again with the silver screen release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Marshaled to the screen by Dave Filoni, the motion picture featured the voices of Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, and James Arnold Taylor. It delivered audiences with an early look at the forthcoming television series; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano find themselves on a mission with far-reaching consequences, one that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt. But Count Dooku and his sinister agents, including the nefarious Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side ..."
For the record:
Always keep in mind, my young padawans, that we must accept the Dark with the Light. Though the film opened to somewhat middling reviews, I fell in love with that galaxy far, far away when I enjoyed it on the silver screen. But about that Dark and Light? It received a nomination for 'Best Animated Film' for the 2009 Saturn Awards as well as a nod as the 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel' from the 2009 Razzie Awards. (Ahem: it lost both ... so there's that.)
"As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano find themselves on a mission with far-reaching consequences, one that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt. But Count Dooku and his sinister agents, including the nefarious Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side ..."
For the record:
Always keep in mind, my young padawans, that we must accept the Dark with the Light. Though the film opened to somewhat middling reviews, I fell in love with that galaxy far, far away when I enjoyed it on the silver screen. But about that Dark and Light? It received a nomination for 'Best Animated Film' for the 2009 Saturn Awards as well as a nod as the 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel' from the 2009 Razzie Awards. (Ahem: it lost both ... so there's that.)
A star is born ... but that's no Lion King! On this day in 2012, the Fantasy/Telefilm (with just a wee bit of Science Fiction) Pegasus Vs. Chimera roared as best as CGI let it. The feature starred genre-favorite Sebastian Roché and Rae Dawn Chong, and here's the plot summary as its written up on IMDB.com:
"A father hunts with his son, slays a monstrous dragon and is confronted by a corrupt tyrant who forces them into battle."
"A father hunts with his son, slays a monstrous dragon and is confronted by a corrupt tyrant who forces them into battle."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), The Zombinator enjoyed what IMDB.com describes as a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by Sergio Myers, the Horror feature starred Patrick Kilpatrick, Joseph Aviel, and Lucia Brizzi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A fashion blogger documentary turns into a Zombie horror nightmare when college students come face to face with the undead in Youngstown Ohio. Their only hope of survival is a former soldier turned zombie killer."
"A fashion blogger documentary turns into a Zombie horror nightmare when college students come face to face with the undead in Youngstown Ohio. Their only hope of survival is a former soldier turned zombie killer."
A star is born! On this day in 2014, the SciFi/Telefilm High Moon launched into orbit. The feature starred Constance Wu and Jonathan Tucker, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in the future where the countries of Earth have established colonies to mine the Moon's resources. When a new life form is discovered, chaos erupts as various factions race to uncover and exploit its powerful secrets."
"Set in the future where the countries of Earth have established colonies to mine the Moon's resources. When a new life form is discovered, chaos erupts as various factions race to uncover and exploit its powerful secrets."
On this day in 2015, the 1994-produced Czech-language SciFi film Accumulator 1 played for a special engagement in Washington, D.C. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for this SciFi/Fantasy release:
"In this movie, TV sets are full of life. If a person is in TV (e.g. because it was filmed on the street) it has a double that's right in the TV set. This double needs energy from the true character to survive. Each time, the real human watches TV, his Double will pull life energy from him. So there's a mysterious Death-serial. Many persons die in front of their TV set and nobody knows why. Olda, the main character, is one of the persons, that get more and more weak. He is near death, till Fisarek, the natural healer appears.He teaches Olda how he can resist this magic force and how he can fight it."
"In this movie, TV sets are full of life. If a person is in TV (e.g. because it was filmed on the street) it has a double that's right in the TV set. This double needs energy from the true character to survive. Each time, the real human watches TV, his Double will pull life energy from him. So there's a mysterious Death-serial. Many persons die in front of their TV set and nobody knows why. Olda, the main character, is one of the persons, that get more and more weak. He is near death, till Fisarek, the natural healer appears.He teaches Olda how he can resist this magic force and how he can fight it."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Canada), Lace Crater played for audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Harrison Atkins, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lindsay Burdge, Peter Vack, and Jennifer Kim. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman encounters a strange presence in a guest house."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lace Crater enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A woman encounters a strange presence in a guest house."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lace Crater enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2017, Infinity Chamber enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by Travis Milloy, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christopher Soren Kelly and Cassandra Clark, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man trapped in an automated prison must outsmart a computer in order to escape."
"A man trapped in an automated prison must outsmart a computer in order to escape."
A star is born ... and that's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2017 (in Germany), It Came From The Desert and landed on the silver screen for audiences in attendance of the Fantasy Filmfest. Written (in part) and directed by Marko Mäkilaakso, the Horror/Comedy starred Harry Lister Smith, Alex Mills, and Vanessa Grasse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pulpy monster movie inspired by the cult classic 1980s video game "It Came from the Desert," featuring rival motocross heroes and heroines, kegger parties in the desert, secret underground military bases...and of course giant ants!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, It Came From The Desert garnered a bit of attention while playing on the film festival circuit.
"A pulpy monster movie inspired by the cult classic 1980s video game "It Came from the Desert," featuring rival motocross heroes and heroines, kegger parties in the desert, secret underground military bases...and of course giant ants!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, It Came From The Desert garnered a bit of attention while playing on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017, Puppet Master: Axis Termination turned up the heat by way of some puppety madness. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"In PUPPET MASTER XI - AXIS TERMINATION, the final chapter of the AXIS Saga, we find our heroic band of lethal puppets-BLADE, PINHEAD, TUNNELER, JESTER, SIX SHOOTER, and LEECH WOMAN, joining forces with a secret team of Allied Operatives, all masters of psychic powers, as they face off together against a new bunch of evil Nazi adversaries and their collection of vicious Axis Puppets in a showdown that will decide the future of the free world."
"In PUPPET MASTER XI - AXIS TERMINATION, the final chapter of the AXIS Saga, we find our heroic band of lethal puppets-BLADE, PINHEAD, TUNNELER, JESTER, SIX SHOOTER, and LEECH WOMAN, joining forces with a secret team of Allied Operatives, all masters of psychic powers, as they face off together against a new bunch of evil Nazi adversaries and their collection of vicious Axis Puppets in a showdown that will decide the future of the free world."
On this day in 2017 (in Norway), Thelma stirred up some interest in the paranormal. The Fantasy feature starred Eili Harboe and Kaya Wilkins, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A confused religious girl tries to deny her feelings for a female friend who's in love with her. This causes her suppressed subconsciously-controlled psychokinetic powers to reemerge with devastating results."
"A confused religious girl tries to deny her feelings for a female friend who's in love with her. This causes her suppressed subconsciously-controlled psychokinetic powers to reemerge with devastating results."
On this day in 2021 (in the Netherlands), the 1968-produced SciFi/Thriller Satanik played for audiences in attendance of the Film By The Sea Film Festival. Directed by Piero Vivarelli and based on a popular comic strip, the feature film starred Magda Konopka, Julio Peña, and Umberto Raho. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A withered old hag turns into a beautiful young woman after drinking a youth formula."
"A withered old hag turns into a beautiful young woman after drinking a youth formula."
It all began right here: on this day in 1965, CBS was suddenly Lost In Space! Officially, "The Reluctant Stowaway" was the first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Date: October 16, 1997. The Jupiter 2 is to launch, but a saboteur wants to destroy it. Unfortunately he is part of the Jupiter 2 crew now Lost In Space."
"Date: October 16, 1997. The Jupiter 2 is to launch, but a saboteur wants to destroy it. Unfortunately he is part of the Jupiter 2 crew now Lost In Space."
One year after Lost In Space hit the airwaves, NBC joined the space race with Gene Roddenberry's unforgettable Star Trek. On this day in 1966, "Charlie X" premiered to our franchise's growing fanbase, pitting Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise against a young man only coming into his own with some special powers.
When "Amok Time" opens, things are starting to look pretty grim for Star Trek's beloved Mr. Spock. He's even taken to throwing bowls of soup at crewmembers! But when he requests a leave on his home planet of Vulcan, details start to come clean. He's all hot-and-bothered ... and only some Vulcan lovin' can put him back together again. The episode -- often thought to be one of Trek's best -- originally aired on this day back in 1967.
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "Nightmare Gas: Part 3." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The theft of a deadly hallucinatory gas, H23, by the deadly Thalia and her brother Dalbiac, plunges Tarot and his friends into a nightmare adventure. Contact with the gas induces deep sleep and nightmares so real that the victim dies from shock after 23 minutes: captured and exposed to the gas, Tarot has only minutes to live."
"The theft of a deadly hallucinatory gas, H23, by the deadly Thalia and her brother Dalbiac, plunges Tarot and his friends into a nightmare adventure. Contact with the gas induces deep sleep and nightmares so real that the victim dies from shock after 23 minutes: captured and exposed to the gas, Tarot has only minutes to live."
On this day in 1972 (in the U.S.), Circle Of Fear (aka Ghost Story) aired "The Dead We Leave Behind." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Ranger Elliott Brent's pretty young wife Joanna complains of boredom, he buys her a television set. Unfortunately, she starts spending all of her time watching television, to the neglect of her household chores. One day, during an argument, Elliott accidentally kills Joanna. He buries her body in a shed behind his cabin. After that, he starts seeing images of Joanna being unfaithful on the television. One stormy night, a man shows up at the cabin seeking shelter, and Elliott recognizes him as the man Joanna was having an affair with. Elliott kills him, too. But will the dead stay quietly buried?"
"When Ranger Elliott Brent's pretty young wife Joanna complains of boredom, he buys her a television set. Unfortunately, she starts spending all of her time watching television, to the neglect of her household chores. One day, during an argument, Elliott accidentally kills Joanna. He buries her body in a shed behind his cabin. After that, he starts seeing images of Joanna being unfaithful on the television. One stormy night, a man shows up at the cabin seeking shelter, and Elliott recognizes him as the man Joanna was having an affair with. Elliott kills him, too. But will the dead stay quietly buried?"
On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), The Invisible Man aired "The Fine Art Of Diplomacy." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When forgeries of great masters are discovered in the Capitol building, the Klae Resource is called in to break up a ring of art thieves. Kate must vamp a foreign ambassador to gain Dan access to a secret vault before the valuable paintings can be shipped out of the country."
"When forgeries of great masters are discovered in the Capitol building, the Klae Resource is called in to break up a ring of art thieves. Kate must vamp a foreign ambassador to gain Dan access to a secret vault before the valuable paintings can be shipped out of the country."
On this day in 1976, Star Maidens aired its third episode -- "Nightmare Cannon" -- in its first and only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Adam and Shem shut themselves inside an ancient defensive manor and take the curator hostage. Octavia activates the nightmare cannon, bringing their fears to life to drive them into the open, where they are taken into custody by the police."
"Adam and Shem shut themselves inside an ancient defensive manor and take the curator hostage. Octavia activates the nightmare cannon, bringing their fears to life to drive them into the open, where they are taken into custody by the police."
On this day in 1979, Jason Of Star Command soared into its second (and final) season with the airing of "Mission To The Stars." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jason is in trouble with the new Commander but discovers Samantha, a mysterious woman preserved in suspended animation aboard a space wreck."
"Jason is in trouble with the new Commander but discovers Samantha, a mysterious woman preserved in suspended animation aboard a space wreck."
It all began right here: on this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired its first episode, "A Village in England: July, 2089 AD." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Will meets a strange vagrant that tells him the truth about capping, and a place in The White Mountains for free men. Will and Henry decide to leave their village to find it."
"Will meets a strange vagrant that tells him the truth about capping, and a place in The White Mountains for free men. Will and Henry decide to leave their village to find it."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Defenders Of The Earth aired "The Creation Of Monitor." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A huge cavern located in a dormant volcano is chosen as the new home for the Defenders of the Earth and their super computer - Dynak X."
"A huge cavern located in a dormant volcano is chosen as the new home for the Defenders of the Earth and their super computer - Dynak X."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Tortuna." This was (technically) the third episode of its only season (these episodes were aired somewhat out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rangers travel to Tortuna to retrieve a Memory Bird. The bird was owned by the Queen, and may hold many of her secrets."
"The Rangers travel to Tortuna to retrieve a Memory Bird. The bird was owned by the Queen, and may hold many of her secrets."
On this day in 1989, The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Haunting Of The New." This served as the eighth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wealthy socialite Nora is notorious for her decadent parties and wild escapades; when her stately mansion burns to the ground, she has it rebuilt--but it will not let her back in."
"Wealthy socialite Nora is notorious for her decadent parties and wild escapades; when her stately mansion burns to the ground, she has it rebuilt--but it will not let her back in."
On this day in 1990 (in Finland), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
On this day in 1997, Deepwater Black aired the eighth episode of its single season. The adventure was called "Hunt," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The crew comes upon a satellite communication announcing the prosperity of humanity and the eradication of the Pandora Virus. But when Reb and Yuna go to investigate, they learn that it may just be a trap for Deepwater and its crew."
"The crew comes upon a satellite communication announcing the prosperity of humanity and the eradication of the Pandora Virus. But when Reb and Yuna go to investigate, they learn that it may just be a trap for Deepwater and its crew."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Superman: The Animated Series aired "Identity Crisis." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark encounters a clone of himself who decays into a flawed version dubbed Bizarro."
"Clark encounters a clone of himself who decays into a flawed version dubbed Bizarro."
On this day in 2000, Farscape aired "A Clockwork Nebari." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two Nebari capture Moya to take Chiana back. She reveals the reason she is being chased: she knows of her people's plot to infect the galaxy with a deadly contagion. Crichton, Pilot and Rygel being the only ones not affected by temporary mind-cleansing, must work together to rid Moya of the Nebari intruder."
"Two Nebari capture Moya to take Chiana back. She reveals the reason she is being chased: she knows of her people's plot to infect the galaxy with a deadly contagion. Crichton, Pilot and Rygel being the only ones not affected by temporary mind-cleansing, must work together to rid Moya of the Nebari intruder."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Lexx aired "Boomtown." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kai escapes with Bunny to Boomtown -- a place where everyone has uncomplicated sex all day long. Stanley finds everything he's always wanted but the utopia of Boomtown is destroyed as the city is attacked."
"Kai escapes with Bunny to Boomtown -- a place where everyone has uncomplicated sex all day long. Stanley finds everything he's always wanted but the utopia of Boomtown is destroyed as the city is attacked."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Tangent." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While testing a new spacefighter made from Goa'uld parts, Col. O'Neill and Teal'c are trapped when a hidden automatic recall function takes over and sends it into space."
"While testing a new spacefighter made from Goa'uld parts, Col. O'Neill and Teal'c are trapped when a hidden automatic recall function takes over and sends it into space."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), The Outer Limits aired "The Tipping Point." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A computer hacker fights the development of a universal computer language when the computers seem to becoming sentient and a threat to humanity."
"A computer hacker fights the development of a universal computer language when the computers seem to becoming sentient and a threat to humanity."
On this day in 2005 (in Germany) Starhunter (aka Starhunter 2300) aired "A Twist In Time." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Tulip is diverted to search for survivors after an accident at a secret research station on Triton. When the Tulip gets disabled by the station's graviton experiment, Dante stumbles on a time loop that gives him multiple chances to prevent Percy's death from oxygen deprivation."
"The Tulip is diverted to search for survivors after an accident at a secret research station on Triton. When the Tulip gets disabled by the station's graviton experiment, Dante stumbles on a time loop that gives him multiple chances to prevent Percy's death from oxygen deprivation."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Company of Thieves." This served as the ninth episode to the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Cameron Mitchell must go undercover inside the Lucian Alliance to find the location of the hijacked Odyssey."
"Cameron Mitchell must go undercover inside the Lucian Alliance to find the location of the hijacked Odyssey."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Gemini Division aired "Insertion Point." Officially, this served as the thirteen episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Anna's first days as an official Gemini Division agent send her undercover across the globe."
"Anna's first days as an official Gemini Division agent send her undercover across the globe."
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "A Town Called Mercy." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's seventh season (of the Modern Era), and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor gets a Stetson (and a gun), and finds himself the reluctant Sheriff of a Western town under siege by a relentless cyborg who goes by the name of The Gunslinger. But who is he and what does he want?"
"The Doctor gets a Stetson (and a gun), and finds himself the reluctant Sheriff of a Western town under siege by a relentless cyborg who goes by the name of The Gunslinger. But who is he and what does he want?"
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), Wolfblood aired "Ulterior Motives." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two months have passed and at a school careers fair Rhydian meets Dacia, who works for the Segolia Corporation. She, like many of its employees, is a wolfblood and tells Rhydian that the company arranged a safe passage to Canada for the Smiths. She would like him to work with her. At the opening of the three Ks 'Kafe' Dr Whitewood turns up, still looking for wolfbloods. Though nobody can help her she manages to drug Rhydian and lock him in her car. By the time Tom and Shannon arrive Dr Whitewood tells them that Dacia has freed Rhydian but the proviso is that the doctor can also work for Segolia."
"Two months have passed and at a school careers fair Rhydian meets Dacia, who works for the Segolia Corporation. She, like many of its employees, is a wolfblood and tells Rhydian that the company arranged a safe passage to Canada for the Smiths. She would like him to work with her. At the opening of the three Ks 'Kafe' Dr Whitewood turns up, still looking for wolfbloods. Though nobody can help her she manages to drug Rhydian and lock him in her car. By the time Tom and Shannon arrive Dr Whitewood tells them that Dacia has freed Rhydian but the proviso is that the doctor can also work for Segolia."
On this day in 2015, Zoo aired "The Great Big Hill of Hope." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson and the team make a final attempt to find a cure to the worldwide animal pandemic, but hit an obstacle that may be impenetrable."
"Jackson and the team make a final attempt to find a cure to the worldwide animal pandemic, but hit an obstacle that may be impenetrable."
