On this day back in 1962, television history was made when The Jetsons premiered its very first episode, a little bit of lunacy entitled "Rosey the Robot." The show would last three seasons, and it won over its viewers detailing the adventures and misadventures of the space age family.
Ah, there was a time when Science Fiction relied heavily on its gadgets and overall gadgetry, and such was the case with TV's Gemini Man. Premiering on this day in 1976 and lasting for all of eleven episode, Gemini Man starred Ben Murphy in the guise of 'Sam Casey,' a secret agent who found himself permanently invisible due to exposure of a special form of radiation; his agency found a means to render him visible again by use of a 'DNA stabilizer' built handily into a common wristwatch. The trick? He could still vanish for the purposes of his secret agent role but for no longer than 15 minutes in any twenty-four hour period, otherwise risking death due to the strain on his system. It was clever but not clever enough to get out of a single season on television.
Legendary character talent and Academy-Award nomination actor Walter Pidgeon -- who played 'Dr. Morbius' in 1956's iconic Forbidden Planet -- was definitely a force to be reckoned with, and we were fortunate to get him to come over and play on SciFi's side of the fence. Genre fans might also remember him from The Gorilla (1930), Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1961), Cinderella (1965), The Screaming Woman (1972), The Neptune Factor (1973), and Live Again Die Again (1974). Though he's no longer with us, Pidgeon was born on this day in 1897.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actress Louise Latham leaves behind a resume rich in over 100 different screen credits. Though not a great deal of them are serious genre projects, the lady still managed to squeeze herself into such properties as The Invaders, The Sixth Sense, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Philadelphia Experiment (1984), Highway To Heaven, The Haunted (1991), Earth 2, and The X-Files. Though she's no longer with us, Latham was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Stuntman and actor Robert Herron amassed an incredible, incredible resume ... one totalling nearly three hundred and fifty different screen credits. It might be hard to catch a glimpse of his face in between the dodging and the falling that goes along with stunt work, but -- for good measure -- he played no less than 'Kahless' himself in an episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Herron was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often said, one of the appealing traits that Science Fiction possesses is its ability to blend with practically any other genre of record. For example, 1980's Death Watch -- which starred the lovely Romy Schneider -- is as much a drama as it is SciFi in that its story uses futuristic technology to track a woman suffering a terminal illness through her decline, all for the purpose of television ratings. Though she's no longer with us, Schneider was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Much of what Anne Randall did as an actress was in far more conventional fare, but a single appearance aboard the seminal Westworld (1973) is certainly enough to draw mention from these pages. (And speaking of pages? Why, she appeared in the pages of Playboy, for good measure.) A quick glance at her professional profile shows she also turned up in Rod Serling's Night Gallery, The Night Strangler (1973), and The Day The Earth Got Stoned (1979). Randall was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, those Cardassian ladies are as duplicitous as they are divine! Caroline Lagerfelt played 'Makbar' in a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She's also garnered screen visits to The Twilight Zone, The X-Files, The Lake (1998), Minority Report (2002), Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Fox TV's Gotham. Lagerfelt was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Enjoying a birthday on this date is the luscious Maren Jensen best known for her portrayal of Athena in the original TV version of Battlestar Galactica. Her character openly pined for Starbuck throughout the entire first (and only) season, and there's a part of me that hopes they still somehow ended up together! Jensen was born in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've read a little bit of author Peter David's catalogue, mostly his Star Trek stuff, I believe. In fact, I've often suggested that his novel "Imzadi" remains the greatest Star Trek novel they never filmed, meaning that they definitely should have. It's about as good a franchise read as has ever been done, and this guy contributed quite a bit to many of Science Fiction and Fantasy's biggest properties. Though he's no longer with us, David was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rosalind Allen hasn't been seen all that much of late, but Science Fiction fans might recognize her from her work aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation and SeaQuest 2032. Allen was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rosalind Chao started out on Star Trek: The Next Generation and continued on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine when her character's husband -- Chief Myles O'Brien -- took a post there. After Trek, she's gone on to a series of roles in movies and television including Imposter (2001), The O.C., and The Event. Chao was born on this day back in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elizabeth Peña built a career around solid performances involving smart and tough women dealing with the circumstances of whatever world her characters were deposited within. Truth be told, she didn't appear in very much genre-specific work, but she did enjoy exposure in Batteries Not Included, The Invaders, It Came From Outer Space II, and The Outer Limits. Though she's no longer with us, Peña was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's no doubt in my mind that actor Jason Alexander will always be fondly remember as the helplessly pathetic 'George Constanza' on NBC's long-running Seinfeld sitcom, but allegedly the man is a confessed Trek fan as well. To satiate his appetite, he took a guest role aboard Star Trek: Voyager's "Think Tank," a fifth season adventure that saw Capt. Janeway aligning with a group of problem solvers on her quest to get the crew home. Alexander was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jason Carter was just one of the many faces who had a chance to shine as part of the growing ensemble-effort that became Babylon 5. As for other genre work? The actor found employment aboard Tales Of The Unexpected, She-Wolf Of London, Viper, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, The Sentinel, Roar, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Good Vs Evil, The Mesmerist (2002), Angel, Demon Under Glass (2002), Dead End Road (2004), The Daughters Of Darkness (2007), The Final Curtain (2007), Revamped (2007), Blood Ties (2009), Vampire (2010), and The Dead Matter (2010). Carter was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, well, well ... somebody's got a little something in the oven, am I right? That someone would be none other than actress Janelle Brady, and she found herself in some -- ahem -- growing jeopardy for her work aboard Class Of Nuke 'Em High (1986). She also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Teen Wolf Too (1987). Brady was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Chi McBride joined Will Smith in the big screen adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic, I, Robot (2004), for 20th Century Fox Films. A fan favorite of many genres, McBride was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Alex Proyas has a long career affiliated with some quality genre projects, including marshaling such projects to the screen as The Crow, Dark City, I Robot, and Knowing. Proyas was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sylvia Seidel leaves behind a resume of over two dozen different screen credits, some of which fall squarely into the realms of the Fantastic. Fans might know her name from The NeverEnding Story (1984), Halfway Across The Galaxy And Turn Left, and a handful of convention dramas. Though she's no longer with us, Seidel was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Sylvia struggled with depression and took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Sylvia struggled with depression and took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
The delicious Jaime Bergman appeared in the direct-to-DVD monster movie Boa Vs. Python (2004). Bergman was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
New Zealand actress Katrina Browne found a bit of screen success in small roles across a variety of projects. Genre fans might know her best from such enterprises as The Ugly (1997), Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, The Legend Of William Tell, Young Hercules, The Dark Knight, Power Rangers Ninja Storm, Power Rangers DinoThunder, The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (2005), and Perfect Creature (2006). Browne was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ouch! Depending upon whose version of events you choose to believe, producing partners Phil Lord and Christopher Miller "chose" to walk away from Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), a film which performed so poorly it caused the Mouse House to rethink its entire production plan for the galaxy far, far away. Rumors persisted about the duos unprofessional approach on the set, and Ron Howard was brought in to finish the film. (For all its blemishes, Solo still works for me, though I'll agree with those who insist its story and pacing leaves a lot to be desired.) Of the two, Miller was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kip Pardue can be seen (and heard) on screens big and small, having both appeared in the flesh as well as provided voiceovers for some gaming properties. Genre fans might know his name from The Wizard Of Gore (2007), Princess (2008), Hostel: Part III (2011), Once Upon A Time, and Runaways. Pardue was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Some are born to be the superhero, and some are born to help them out: such is the case of Warren Kole, who can be seen as one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s many bridge technicians aboard Marvel's The Avengers. Kole was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Keri Lynn Pratt joined Tom Welling and the crew for several episodes of the WB's Smallville, filling in the shoes of ace reporter Cat Grant (pictured above). Pratt was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anthony Mackie soared to success in the role of Sam Wilson -- aka Falcon (pictured) -- in the Marvel Universe's Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Mackie was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Laura Dickinson -- now apparently going under the name of LC Powell -- did a bit of uncredited screen work aboard an episode of The Orville. Dickinson was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I first discovered Alyssa Sutherland as playing the dangerously disturbed 'Queen Aslaug' aboard History Channel's epic Vikings series, and thankfully she dipped her toes into genre projects in the guise of no less than Hollywood siren 'Hedy Lamarr' in NBC's SciFi series Timeless. Sutherland was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mexican actress Marycarmen Lopez has tantalized fans with her work aboard such projects as From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series and Tragedy Girls (2017). Lopez was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Quickest way to a man's heart? His stomach. Next quickest way to his heart? Cosplay. Or so I'm told! In any event, the lovely Adult film actress (or should I say temptress?) Dani Daniels certainly knows a thing or two about dressing up for show. She's also been involved in the Adult-themed flicks The XXX Adventures of Hawkman & Hawkgirl: An Extreme Comixxx Parody (2013), Spider-Man XXX 2: An Axel Braun Parody (2014), and Beauty and the Beast XXX: An Erotic Tale (2016). Plus she can throw on a 'Slave Leia' costume just for giggles. Daniels was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1920 (in the U.S.), the ongoing SciFi/Serial The Invisible Ray released its thirteenth chapter to theaters. Written for the screen by Guy McConnell and directed by Harry A. Pollard, the feature starred Ruth Clifford, Jack Sherrill, Sidney Bracey, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
On this day in 1934 (in Finland), all the audiences could see was Gold in their eyes. Directed by Karl Hartl from a script by Rolf E. Vanloo, the SciFi/Mystery starred Hans Albers, Friedrich Kayßler, and Brigitte Helm. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After his colleague and a mentor, Prof. Achenbach dies in a set-up accident, while trying to produce gold from the lead, Werner Holk seeks revenge. Meanwhile, a British millionaire suggests that Holk work on him on a similar project."
"After his colleague and a mentor, Prof. Achenbach dies in a set-up accident, while trying to produce gold from the lead, Werner Holk seeks revenge. Meanwhile, a British millionaire suggests that Holk work on him on a similar project."
On this day in 1949 (in France), Siren Of Atlantis surfaced long enough for its theatrical launch. Directed by Gregg G. Tallas, John Brahm, and Arthur Ripley, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Maria Montez, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Dennis O'Keefe, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
A star is born!
Being perfectly honest, I've never seen Charly (1968), the SciFi/Drama starring Cliff Robertson that was released on this day in 1968 (in the U.S.); but I have read the story -- "Flowers for Algernon" -- upon which it is based. Directed by Ralph Nelson from a story by Daniel Keyes and Stirling Silliphant, the film starred Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom, Lilia Skala, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An intellectually disabled man undergoes an experiment that gives him the intelligence of a genius."
For the record:
"An intellectually disabled man undergoes an experiment that gives him the intelligence of a genius."
For the record:
- At the 1969 Academy Awards, actor Cliff Robertson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actor In A Leading Role.'
- At the 1969 Hugo Awards, Charly earned a nomination in the category 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1974 (in the Soviet Union), Moscow: Cassiopea ( aka Moskva-Kassiopeya) launched the youngest among us into the Final Frontier ... making them no longer among us. Directed by Richard Viktorov from a script by Isai Kuznetsov and Avenir Zak, the film starred Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, Misha Yershov, Aleksandr Grigoryev, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Several children go to a lifelong space mission to Cassiopeia because they don't want to go to school."
"Several children go to a lifelong space mission to Cassiopeia because they don't want to go to school."
On this day in 1974 (in Denmark), Zardoz confused audiences who showed up looking for a space adventure instead treated to a bizarre social commentary about tomorrow. Written and directed by John Boorman, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sean Connery, Charlotte Rampling, Sara Kestelman, and others. Here's the feature's plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
For the record:
Ay carumba! It's hard to make something of the curious oddity that is so much of Zardoz. Boorman's script kinda/sorta rambles through this bizarre Dystopian setting, and the film's visuals never quite suggested anything that would smooth the narrative out for viewers. Perhaps it's best to just point out that the film -- despite its flaws -- was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1975 Hugo Awards.
A star is born!
On this day in 1977 (in Italy), War Of The Planets was finally waged ... on the silver screen! Written (in part) and directed by Alfonso Brescia, the SciFi/Fantasy starred John Richardson, Yanti Somer, West Buchanan, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A strange signal arrives on the Earth disturbing all communications, while a UFO appears above the Antarctic sea. Captain Alex Hamilton is sent with his spaceship and crew to the space outside the Solar System to find the origin of that signal. They reach an unknown planet where a giant robot enslaved a whole population of humanoids by taking their psychic energies. The robot's got his eyes on the Earth, too."
"A strange signal arrives on the Earth disturbing all communications, while a UFO appears above the Antarctic sea. Captain Alex Hamilton is sent with his spaceship and crew to the space outside the Solar System to find the origin of that signal. They reach an unknown planet where a giant robot enslaved a whole population of humanoids by taking their psychic energies. The robot's got his eyes on the Earth, too."
On this day in 1983 (in Sweden), the 1975-produced Shivers enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by David Cronenberg, this Horror/SciFi starred Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Shivers enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Shivers enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1983 (in West Germany), Survival Zone roared its cinematic engine on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Percival Rubens, the film starred Gary Lockwood, Camilla Sparv, Morgan Stevens, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, roving bands of motorcycle gangs attack ranchers to try to take over their land."
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, roving bands of motorcycle gangs attack ranchers to try to take over their land."
On this day in 1983 (in Mexico), Swamp Thing emerged from the slime and the muck to make his silver screen debut. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the DC Comics adaptation starred Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Dick Durock, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
On this day in 1983 (in Ireland), audiences were treated to a theatrical incarnation of the fondly remembered TV show -- The Twilight Zone -- when Twilight Zone: The Movie took to the silver screen. An anthology feature, the flick had a small assortment of directors and screenwriters, as well as a bevy of actors and actresses. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prologue: a driver has a big surprise with his passenger. Segment 1 ("Time Out"): a bigot hates Jews, Black and Asians. One day he will live in World War II, be hunted down by the KKK and get attacked in the Vietnam War and feel the effects of his hatred. Segment 2 ("Kick the Can"): In a nursing home, the elder inhabitants learn that their minds can keep them young. Segment 3 ("It's a Good Life"): a traveler hits a boy in a bicycle with her car and takes the boy home. Soon she learns that the powerful boy brought her home indeed. Segment 4 ("Nightmare at 20,000 feet"): a writer is scared to fly and soon he sees a monstrous creature destroying the airplane engines during a stormy night."
For the record:
It's hard to say why the Twilight Zone movie isn't remembered by a wider audience years later, but I suspect that the negative press surrounding the death of actor Vic Morrow and two children (from the Segment 1 story) certainly had an impact on Hollywood and beyond. It did score some impressive nominations (1984 Saturn Award nominee for 'Best Horror Film;' 1984 Fantasporto nominee for 'Best Film;' etc.), but its only win of record (that I'm award of) is John Lithgow securing the 1984 Saturn Award for 'Best Supporting Actor' in what was the film's biggest performance.
"Prologue: a driver has a big surprise with his passenger. Segment 1 ("Time Out"): a bigot hates Jews, Black and Asians. One day he will live in World War II, be hunted down by the KKK and get attacked in the Vietnam War and feel the effects of his hatred. Segment 2 ("Kick the Can"): In a nursing home, the elder inhabitants learn that their minds can keep them young. Segment 3 ("It's a Good Life"): a traveler hits a boy in a bicycle with her car and takes the boy home. Soon she learns that the powerful boy brought her home indeed. Segment 4 ("Nightmare at 20,000 feet"): a writer is scared to fly and soon he sees a monstrous creature destroying the airplane engines during a stormy night."
For the record:
It's hard to say why the Twilight Zone movie isn't remembered by a wider audience years later, but I suspect that the negative press surrounding the death of actor Vic Morrow and two children (from the Segment 1 story) certainly had an impact on Hollywood and beyond. It did score some impressive nominations (1984 Saturn Award nominee for 'Best Horror Film;' 1984 Fantasporto nominee for 'Best Film;' etc.), but its only win of record (that I'm award of) is John Lithgow securing the 1984 Saturn Award for 'Best Supporting Actor' in what was the film's biggest performance.
A star is born!
On this day in 1986 (in Japan), Entrails Of A Beautiful Woman presented audiences with a bit of Body Horror by way of a criminal thriller. Written and directed by Kazuo 'Gaira' Komizu, the film starred Megumi Ozawa, Ayako Ishii, Seira Kitagawa, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tortured and raped young girl mutates into a penis-headed demon and mutilates her captors."
"A tortured and raped young girl mutates into a penis-headed demon and mutilates her captors."
A star is born!
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Future Hunters finally made their stand with its release on home video. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago from a story by Anthony Maharaj and J. Lee Thompson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert Patrick, Linda Carol, Ed Crick, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to prevent the coming nuclear holocaust and enlists the help of a young couple."
"A man from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to prevent the coming nuclear holocaust and enlists the help of a young couple."
On this day in 1988 (in Ireland and the United Kingdom), The Running Man took off running ... well, theatrically, that is. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser from a story by Stephen King and Stephen E. de Souza, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedoms' Schwarzenegger, Richard Dawson, Maria Conchita Alonso, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I enjoyed viewing an all-new 4K restoration of The Running Man on Amazon Prime Video. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1989, the SciFi/Telefilm Not Quite Human II took another stab at portraying what everyday Artificial Intelligence could look like. Written (in part) and directed by Eric Luke, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jay Underwood, Robyn Lively, Alan Thicke, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Chip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?"
"Chip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?"
A star is born ... and it's been fully animated! On this day in 1995 (in Japan), the good people of Tokyo were treated to the silver screen launch of Ghost In The Shell. Based on the manga by Shirow Masamune, the SciFi/Anime was directed by Mamoru Oshii and starred the voices of Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ôtsuka, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cyborg policewoman and her partner hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master."
For the record:
At the 1996 Annie Awards (which recognizes excellence in the field of animated filmmaking), Ghost In The Shell enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) in such categories as 'Best Individual Achievement: Producing,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Writing,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Production Design,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Direction,' and 'Best Animated Feature.' The film also enjoyed a bit of praise with screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A cyborg policewoman and her partner hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master."
For the record:
At the 1996 Annie Awards (which recognizes excellence in the field of animated filmmaking), Ghost In The Shell enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) in such categories as 'Best Individual Achievement: Producing,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Writing,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Production Design,' 'Best Individual Achievement: Direction,' and 'Best Animated Feature.' The film also enjoyed a bit of praise with screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1998 (in Finland), audiences of the Helsinki International Film Festival were treated to an exclusive screening of Cube. Written (in part) and directed by Vincenzo Natali, the feature starred Nicole de Boer, Nicky Guadagni, David Hewlett, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), the 1977-produced SciFi/Drama Close Encounters Of The Third Kind enjoyed a special theatrical screening for audiences of the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, François Truffaut, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2003 (in Singapore), the 1988-produced They Live enjoyed an all-new release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the film starred Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth."
For the record:
Along with garnering a bit of praise on the film festival circuit, They Live enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2004 (in Bolivia), it was the throwdown to end all throwdown when AVP: Alien Vs Predator delivered their match-up to the silver screen. Written (In part) and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
A star is born!
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Hide And Creep was first unveiled for audiences of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. Written and directed (in part) by Chance Shirley, the film starred Chuck Hartsell, Michael Shelton, Kyle Holman, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Residents of a small Southern town contend with bloodthirsty zombies, a mysterious flying saucer, and bad television reception."
"Residents of a small Southern town contend with bloodthirsty zombies, a mysterious flying saucer, and bad television reception."
A star is born!
Mark my words: it's never safe to go back in the water! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Telefilm Kraken: Tentacles Of The Deep aired on television. Directed by Tibor Takacs and John Blush from a story by Abram Cox, Sean Keller, Nicholas Garland, and Brian D. Young, the film starred Charlie O'Connell, Victoria Pratt, Kristi Angus, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thirty years ago, Ray Reiter witnessed the brutal death of his parents at sea by a strange, octopus-like creature. Now determined to exact revenge, he joins archaeologist Nicole on a perilous high-seas expedition to find a legendary Greek Opal - said to be guarded by the very beast that murdered his family. As they come face to face with the killer Kraken, they must also battle a ruthless crime lord, who will stop at nothing to seize the coveted treasure for himself."
"Thirty years ago, Ray Reiter witnessed the brutal death of his parents at sea by a strange, octopus-like creature. Now determined to exact revenge, he joins archaeologist Nicole on a perilous high-seas expedition to find a legendary Greek Opal - said to be guarded by the very beast that murdered his family. As they come face to face with the killer Kraken, they must also battle a ruthless crime lord, who will stop at nothing to seize the coveted treasure for himself."
A star is born!
On this day in 2008 (in America), Death Racers enjoyed its release in the U.S. home video marketplace. Written (in part) and directed by Roy Knyrim, the film starred Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Scott Levy, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian future, contestants compete in a cross-country road race in which killing is part of the game."
"In a dystopian future, contestants compete in a cross-country road race in which killing is part of the game."
On this day in 2008 (in Singapore), the 1989-produced Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat enjoyed a special DVD release. Written (in part) and directed by Anthony Hickox, the Horror/Comedy starred David Carradine, Bruce Campbell, and Morgan Brittany. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Reclusive vampires lounge in a lonely American town. They wear sun cream to protect themselves. A descendant of Van Helsing arrives with hilarious consequences."
"Reclusive vampires lounge in a lonely American town. They wear sun cream to protect themselves. A descendant of Van Helsing arrives with hilarious consequences."
A star is born!
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), audiences of the Austin Fantastic Fest were terrified beyond belief -- or so I'm told -- with the big screen debut of Mother's Day. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman from a story by Scott Milam, Charles Kaufman, and Warren Leight, the film starred Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Warren Kole, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The sadistic members of a villainous family return to their childhood home to terrorize the new home owners and their guests."
"The sadistic members of a villainous family return to their childhood home to terrorize the new home owners and their guests."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), audiences of the Austin Fantastic Fest were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Transfer. Written (in part) and directed by Damir Lukacevic, the film starred B.J. Britt, Regine Nehy, Ingrid Andree, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic society where the wealthy get to live forever by swapping bodies with refugees, an elderly couple explores this opportunity with harsh consequences."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Transfer earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"In a futuristic society where the wealthy get to live forever by swapping bodies with refugees, an elderly couple explores this opportunity with harsh consequences."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Transfer earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Disaster L.A. enjoyed its first release ever with a launch on home video. Written and directed by Turner Clay, the film starred Justin Ray, Jerod Meagher, Stefanie Estes, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a meteor shower strikes Los Angeles, toxic smoke is released across the city causing people to physically change and become violent. A small group of survivors plans to vacate the city by heading to the coast."
"After a meteor shower strikes Los Angeles, toxic smoke is released across the city causing people to physically change and become violent. A small group of survivors plans to vacate the city by heading to the coast."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Anti Matter enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Raindance Film Festival. Written and directed by Keir Burrows, the SciFi/Drama starred Yaiza Figueroa, Philippa Carson, Tom Barber-Duffy, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist faces the question of what makes us whole and if there is a part of us that is not part of this physical world when she discovers how to travel through a worm hole."
For the record:
In the United Kingom, the National Film Academy celebrates the pictures conceived and produced by both established as well as independent visionaries (and their crews). At their 2018 ceremony, they nominated Anti Matter in the category of Best Action Feature.
"A scientist faces the question of what makes us whole and if there is a part of us that is not part of this physical world when she discovers how to travel through a worm hole."
For the record:
In the United Kingom, the National Film Academy celebrates the pictures conceived and produced by both established as well as independent visionaries (and their crews). At their 2018 ceremony, they nominated Anti Matter in the category of Best Action Feature.
On this day in 2016, the 2014-produced Beauty And The Beast enjoyed its U.S. release. The Fantasy starred Vincent Cassel and Léa Seydoux, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted."
"An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted."
On this day in 2016 (in the Netherlands), society-at-large was treated to yet another view of the Apocalypse with Daylight's End. It starred Johnny Strong and Lance Henriksen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Years after a mysterious plague has devastated the planet and turned most of humanity into blood-hungry creatures, a rogue drifter on a vengeful hunt stumbles across a band of survivors in an abandoned police station and reluctantly agrees to try to help them defend themselves and escape to the sanctuary they so desperately need."
"Years after a mysterious plague has devastated the planet and turned most of humanity into blood-hungry creatures, a rogue drifter on a vengeful hunt stumbles across a band of survivors in an abandoned police station and reluctantly agrees to try to help them defend themselves and escape to the sanctuary they so desperately need."
On this day in 2016 (in Thailand), the 1954-produced Godzilla enjoyed an exclusive theatrical presentation hosted by the Bangkok Screening Room. Written (in part) and directed by Ishiro Honda, the SciFi/Horror starred Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, and Akira Takarada. Naturally, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When seventeen vessels blow-up and sink nearby Odo Island, Professor Kyohei Yamane, his daughter Emiko Yamane and the marine Hideto Ogata head to the island to investigate. Soon they witness a giant monster called Gojira by the locals destroying the spot. Meanwhile Emiko meets her boyfriend, the secluded scientist Serizawa, and he makes she promise to keep a secret about his research with oxygen. She agrees and he discloses the lethal weapon Oxygen Destroyer that he had developed. When Gojira threatens Tokyo and other Japanese cities and the army and the navy are incapable to stop the monster, Emiko discloses Serizawa's secret to her lover Ogata. Now they want to convince Serizawa to use the Oxygen Destroyer to stop Gojira."
For the record:
Well, well, well ... it certainly goes without saying that Godzilla should be honored for established one of the silver screen's biggest monster franchises. It has lasted decades, and the singular lumbering creature has destroyed cities in countless sequels, spin-offs, and reboots. The truth is that Godzilla will probably outlive us all, even with his continuing exposure to lethal radiation.
"When seventeen vessels blow-up and sink nearby Odo Island, Professor Kyohei Yamane, his daughter Emiko Yamane and the marine Hideto Ogata head to the island to investigate. Soon they witness a giant monster called Gojira by the locals destroying the spot. Meanwhile Emiko meets her boyfriend, the secluded scientist Serizawa, and he makes she promise to keep a secret about his research with oxygen. She agrees and he discloses the lethal weapon Oxygen Destroyer that he had developed. When Gojira threatens Tokyo and other Japanese cities and the army and the navy are incapable to stop the monster, Emiko discloses Serizawa's secret to her lover Ogata. Now they want to convince Serizawa to use the Oxygen Destroyer to stop Gojira."
For the record:
Well, well, well ... it certainly goes without saying that Godzilla should be honored for established one of the silver screen's biggest monster franchises. It has lasted decades, and the singular lumbering creature has destroyed cities in countless sequels, spin-offs, and reboots. The truth is that Godzilla will probably outlive us all, even with his continuing exposure to lethal radiation.
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Switzerland), Hidden Reserves (aka Stille Reserven) enjoyed its big screen premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Valentin Hitz, the SciFi/Drama starred Clemens Schick, Lena Lauzemis, Marion Mitterhammer, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Vincent an insurance salesman of a corrupt corporation that bleeds every last dime from deceased debtors begins to rethink his stance on humanity after he meets someone who goes against the very system he has lived by for many years."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hidden Reserves garnered an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Vincent an insurance salesman of a corrupt corporation that bleeds every last dime from deceased debtors begins to rethink his stance on humanity after he meets someone who goes against the very system he has lived by for many years."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hidden Reserves garnered an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Trinidad & Tobago), Tomb enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival. Written and directed by Nick Attin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Anokha Baptiste, Alister Edwards, Rebecca M. Foster, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Astronaut responding to a distress beacon in deep space slips into a wormhole and finds himself in the afterlife."
"An Astronaut responding to a distress beacon in deep space slips into a wormhole and finds himself in the afterlife."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), audiences of Fantastic Fest were treated to an exclusive theatrical screening of 1922. Written (in part) and directed by Zak Hilditch (and based on a story by Stephen King), the film starred Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 1922, a rancher conspires to murder his wife for financial gain and convinces his teenage son to participate."
"In the year 1922, a rancher conspires to murder his wife for financial gain and convinces his teenage son to participate."
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Urbanworld Film Festival were treated to the big screen launch of Brown Girl Begins. Written and directed by Sharon Lewis, the film starred Mouna Traoré, Nigel Shawn Williams, Alli Chung, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's 2049 on a forsaken island off the coast of Toronto where the survival of the islanders depends on young Ti-Jeanne to risk death by a spirit so she can take her place as a caribbean priestess and save her people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Girl Begins earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"It's 2049 on a forsaken island off the coast of Toronto where the survival of the islanders depends on young Ti-Jeanne to risk death by a spirit so she can take her place as a caribbean priestess and save her people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Girl Begins earned a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Fantastic Fest were treated to the theatrical premiere of All The Gods In The Sky (aka Tous les dieux du ciel). Written and directed by Quarxx, the SciFi/Drama starred Jean-Luc Couchard, Melanie Gaydos, Zelie Rixhon, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"30-year-old factory worker Simon lives a solitary existence on a decrepit farm in the remote French countryside. Devoting his time to caring for his sister Estelle, who was left severely disabled when a childhood game went horribly wrong, Simon is plagued by guilt and depression. But he sees a way out, looking to otherworldly forces as a means of liberating both himself and his sister from the corporeal prisons in which they are confined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, All The Gods In The Sky earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"30-year-old factory worker Simon lives a solitary existence on a decrepit farm in the remote French countryside. Devoting his time to caring for his sister Estelle, who was left severely disabled when a childhood game went horribly wrong, Simon is plagued by guilt and depression. But he sees a way out, looking to otherworldly forces as a means of liberating both himself and his sister from the corporeal prisons in which they are confined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, All The Gods In The Sky earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2021 (in Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, Mexico, and Uruguay), The Night House delivered a bit of Horror and Fantasy to audiences. Directed by David Bruckner from a story by Ben Collins and Luke Piatrowski, the film starred Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg, Stacy Martin, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A widow begins to uncover her recently deceased husband's disturbing secrets."
"A widow begins to uncover her recently deceased husband's disturbing secrets."
A star is born!
On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), audiences of the Fantastic Fest were treated to the theatrical premiere of The Timekeepers Of Eternity. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Aristotelis Maragkos and Tom Holland, the film starred Bronson Pinchot, Kate Maberly, Dean Stockwell, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mr Toomey obsessively tears paper to control his childhood monsters, but when he wakes mid-flight to Boston to find most of the other passengers disappeared, he must confront the paper nightmare which threaten to rip everything apart."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Timekeepers Of Eternity earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Mr Toomey obsessively tears paper to control his childhood monsters, but when he wakes mid-flight to Boston to find most of the other passengers disappeared, he must confront the paper nightmare which threaten to rip everything apart."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Timekeepers Of Eternity earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2023 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Bainbridge Island Film Festival were treated to the first screening of Ingress. Written by, directed by and starring Rachel Noll James, the film also starred Johnny Ferro, Barbara Deering, Christina Ulloa, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman who can move between parallel realities loses her husband tragically and must overcome past trauma to travel the multiverse once again and find her way into a reality where he is still alive."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ingress earned some extra attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A woman who can move between parallel realities loses her husband tragically and must overcome past trauma to travel the multiverse once again and find her way into a reality where he is still alive."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ingress earned some extra attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Rosey The Robot." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Jetsons hire a robot maid."
On this day in 1962 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Rosey The Robot." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Jetsons hire a robot maid."
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits was only first finding itself. Its second episode, "The Hundred Days Of The Dragon," premiered on this day back then, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The election draws near and William Lyons Selby seems destined to win. Elsewhere, the communist nation of dictator Li Kwan has achieved a remarkable breakthrough: a serum that renders human flesh plastic. A simple injection and a process of molding allows an agent to quietly murder Selby and take his place! America has elected a spy to the highest office in that nation. Selby's daughter and his aide suspect all is not right, but have no idea what the real problem is. One thing seems certain: if they can't find out soon, the problem of "who's who" is sure to widen, and America will fall to an insidious enemy without firing a shot..."
"The election draws near and William Lyons Selby seems destined to win. Elsewhere, the communist nation of dictator Li Kwan has achieved a remarkable breakthrough: a serum that renders human flesh plastic. A simple injection and a process of molding allows an agent to quietly murder Selby and take his place! America has elected a spy to the highest office in that nation. Selby's daughter and his aide suspect all is not right, but have no idea what the real problem is. One thing seems certain: if they can't find out soon, the problem of "who's who" is sure to widen, and America will fall to an insidious enemy without firing a shot..."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Tomb Of The Cybermen: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Klieg attempts to do a deal with the Cybercontroller while the Doctor tries to find a way to refreeze the Cybermen permanently."
"Klieg attempts to do a deal with the Cybercontroller while the Doctor tries to find a way to refreeze the Cybermen permanently."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands aired "Now You See It, Now You Don't: Part 2." This served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Falk has imprisoned Lulli and Sam in his houseboat. Tarot must prevent him from putting his diabolical plan into effect."
"Falk has imprisoned Lulli and Sam in his houseboat. Tarot must prevent him from putting his diabolical plan into effect."
On this day in 1973, Moonbase 3 aired "Achilles Heel." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Caulder is pressurised to deliver results from Moonbase 3's research programme under threat of budget cuts, the CORA radio astronomy project is thrown into disarray by a series of accidents. As the situation develops it becomes apparent that one of the three CORA scientists - Adam Blaney, Bill Knight and Kate Weyman - is suffering from a mental breakdown and is sabotaging the project."
"While Caulder is pressurised to deliver results from Moonbase 3's research programme under threat of budget cuts, the CORA radio astronomy project is thrown into disarray by a series of accidents. As the situation develops it becomes apparent that one of the three CORA scientists - Adam Blaney, Bill Knight and Kate Weyman - is suffering from a mental breakdown and is sabotaging the project."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1976, Gemini Man launched its first (and only) season after hitting the airwaves the previous spring with a popular telefilm. The first episode was titled "Smithereens," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Sam is assigned to drive a truck transporting a secret fuel booster that can triple fuel economy in cars, along with the man who developed it. Not only is the additive dangerously unstable and explosive, the scientist has sold out to the oil industry and is now trying to eliminate Sam and all evidence of the chemical."
On this day in 1976, Gemini Man launched its first (and only) season after hitting the airwaves the previous spring with a popular telefilm. The first episode was titled "Smithereens," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Sam is assigned to drive a truck transporting a secret fuel booster that can triple fuel economy in cars, along with the man who developed it. Not only is the additive dangerously unstable and explosive, the scientist has sold out to the oil industry and is now trying to eliminate Sam and all evidence of the chemical."
On this day back in 1977, the TV show Logan's Run premiered "The Collectors," an episode wherein Logan and Jessica believes they've finally reached Sanctuary. Could it be true? (Hint: probably not!)
On this day in 1978, Doctor Who aired "The Ribos Operation: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor returns to the city to keep an eye on the Graff, leaving Romana, K9 and Garron to search for Unstoffe and the first segment.However, Garron double crosses them and steals the tracer."
"The Doctor returns to the city to keep an eye on the Graff, leaving Romana, K9 and Garron to search for Unstoffe and the first segment.However, Garron double crosses them and steals the tracer."
Does anyone remember Jason of Star Command? I sure do. I can remember having a lot of fun with the program was in the late '70's. On this day back in 1978, the episode "Escape from Dragos" premiered, and the story saw Jason and Commander Canarvin escaping from some galactic prison.
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Terrahawks aired "Operation S.A.S." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Yung Star seizes his chance to fly to Earth, Zelda makes him take Yuri the Space Bear along with him. Later, Kate is captured and Ninestein decides that it will take an SAS-type operation to rescue her."
"When Yung Star seizes his chance to fly to Earth, Zelda makes him take Yuri the Space Bear along with him. Later, Kate is captured and Ninestein decides that it will take an SAS-type operation to rescue her."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Wildfire." This (technically) served as the program's seventh episode (the episodes were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While transporting some highly volatile isotopes, the Rangers encounter Wildfire. A rogue whose wanted in by several governments and criminals. With their engines damaged, the Rangers have to find a way who will stop at nothing to get Wildfire."
"While transporting some highly volatile isotopes, the Rangers encounter Wildfire. A rogue whose wanted in by several governments and criminals. With their engines damaged, the Rangers have to find a way who will stop at nothing to get Wildfire."
Meanwhile -- in TV syndication back in 1989 -- Star Trek: The Next Generation's third season premiered with an episode titled "Evolution." Here's the (edited) plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is carrying an eminent scientist, Dr. Paul Stubbs, to the site of a binary star where they are expecting a massive stellar explosion to occur in a few hours. He has been waiting many years for this to occur and has devoted his entire life to its study. The Enterprise however begins to suffer from a series of malfunctions, some minor but others far more serious."
"The Enterprise is carrying an eminent scientist, Dr. Paul Stubbs, to the site of a binary star where they are expecting a massive stellar explosion to occur in a few hours. He has been waiting many years for this to occur and has devoted his entire life to its study. The Enterprise however begins to suffer from a series of malfunctions, some minor but others far more serious."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files aired "The Host." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mulder pursues a humanoid, parasitic organism that uses sewage systems as its home."
"Mulder pursues a humanoid, parasitic organism that uses sewage systems as its home."
On this day in 2000, Batman Beyond aired "Untouchable." This served as the second episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Batman hunts for a mysterious criminal with a personal repulsion field and one of the occupants of a medical research lab may be that person."
"Batman hunts for a mysterious criminal with a personal repulsion field and one of the occupants of a medical research lab may be that person."
On this day in 2000, the animated Max Steel aired "Spear-Carriers." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by DailyMotion.Com:
"Max Steel and his team are introduced to their new mobile base called ‘The Behemoth’ to investigate several aircrafts being hijack at midair."
"Max Steel and his team are introduced to their new mobile base called ‘The Behemoth’ to investigate several aircrafts being hijack at midair."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), Farscape premiered "Crichton Kicks." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
On this day in 2008, Syfy's Eureka aired "From Fear To Eternity." This served as the eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"All of Eva Thorne's secrets are revealed when she pushes for early destruction of the bunker. Zoe begins to experience the effect of the substance in which she slipped, leaving Carter to risk his life and job in order to save her."
"All of Eva Thorne's secrets are revealed when she pushes for early destruction of the bunker. Zoe begins to experience the effect of the substance in which she slipped, leaving Carter to risk his life and job in order to save her."
On this day in 2008, the Fringe Division was just getting started, and the show aired the third episode of its first season. The hour was titled "The Ghost Network," and here's the (edited) plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"The team investigates a young man, Roy McComb, who seems to have the ability to predict major incidents before they happen. When they search his apartment, they find drawings and models of a variety of attacks, including the flight from Germany. In the most recent incident, a bus load of people are gassed and a bag stolen from an undercover narcotics agent."
"The team investigates a young man, Roy McComb, who seems to have the ability to predict major incidents before they happen. When they search his apartment, they find drawings and models of a variety of attacks, including the flight from Germany. In the most recent incident, a bus load of people are gassed and a bag stolen from an undercover narcotics agent."
On this day in 2010 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the re-launched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2011, Fox TV's Fringe came back from its third season finale with the premiere of its fourth, an hour titled "Neither Here Nor There." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Just one week after Peter Bishop saved the day and was then wiped from existence, the truce between the two worlds remains intact and the two sides are forced to work together. Lincoln Lee joins the Fringe team as they investigate a shapeshifter case that is very personal to him."
"Just one week after Peter Bishop saved the day and was then wiped from existence, the truce between the two worlds remains intact and the two sides are forced to work together. Lincoln Lee joins the Fringe team as they investigate a shapeshifter case that is very personal to him."
On this day in 2011, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Prisoners." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Only Prince Lee-Char and Padawan Ahsoka Tano have escaped capture and must find a way to free their comrades as well as the entire planet from the impending rule of Riff Tamson."
"Only Prince Lee-Char and Padawan Ahsoka Tano have escaped capture and must find a way to free their comrades as well as the entire planet from the impending rule of Riff Tamson."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Ms. Vampy's Bites aired "Texting Etiquette." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Back by popular demand, Ms. Vampy launches her new interactive advice show MS. VAMPY'S BITES. Many of you have asked where she has been lately. Well, she went back to school and is now a Life Coach. These days, Ms. Vampy lives in her Hollywood Villa and is a Life Coach to the rich and famous. She is often seen on night shoots, shopping in Beverly Hills for Dior or hanging out at Lakers' games. She loves 80s rock and disco, her favorite band is Vampire Weekend and she never misses American Idol, The Voice or Millionaire Matchmaker on TV. Her secret dream is to join the cast of HBO's True Blood (of course, she thinks it's a "reality" show)! She enjoys Godiva Chocolates and Bloody Marys and she loves to play Xbox when she's feeling feisty. While she has yet to marry or have children, she freely admits to being boy crazy and hopes to someday make-out with Robert Pattinson. Ms. Vampy is forever sexy, funny, young, and obnoxious, but her heart is as big as her mouth. If she ever bites you, it'll be with love!"
"Back by popular demand, Ms. Vampy launches her new interactive advice show MS. VAMPY'S BITES. Many of you have asked where she has been lately. Well, she went back to school and is now a Life Coach. These days, Ms. Vampy lives in her Hollywood Villa and is a Life Coach to the rich and famous. She is often seen on night shoots, shopping in Beverly Hills for Dior or hanging out at Lakers' games. She loves 80s rock and disco, her favorite band is Vampire Weekend and she never misses American Idol, The Voice or Millionaire Matchmaker on TV. Her secret dream is to join the cast of HBO's True Blood (of course, she thinks it's a "reality" show)! She enjoys Godiva Chocolates and Bloody Marys and she loves to play Xbox when she's feeling feisty. While she has yet to marry or have children, she freely admits to being boy crazy and hopes to someday make-out with Robert Pattinson. Ms. Vampy is forever sexy, funny, young, and obnoxious, but her heart is as big as her mouth. If she ever bites you, it'll be with love!"
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Shadows." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carl Creel is sent after an item that was stolen from Hydra during WWII. Fitz tries to cope with his mental issues."
"Carl Creel is sent after an item that was stolen from Hydra during WWII. Fitz tries to cope with his mental issues."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S. and in a whole host of countries around the world), The Exorcist aired "Chapter One: And Let My Cry Come Unto Thee." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Angela Rance suspects a demonic presence has entered her home, and enlists the help of Father Tomas Ortega, who calls on experienced exorcist Father Marcus Keane."
"Angela Rance suspects a demonic presence has entered her home, and enlists the help of Father Tomas Ortega, who calls on experienced exorcist Father Marcus Keane."
On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), The 100 aired "The Dying Of The Light." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clarke and Octavia mount a desperate rescue mission as the Disciples close in on what they want."
"Clarke and Octavia mount a desperate rescue mission as the Disciples close in on what they want."
