I kid you not: one of my favorite all-time episodes of Science Fiction television includes the Star Trek second season adventure, "The Doomsday Machine." It's just perfect on so many levels, including the sometimes manic performance of the frustrated and broken Commodore Decker by the great William Windom. Though he's no longer with us, Windom was born on this day in 1923.
Only a handful of talent earned the chance to dabble in some of the more significant roles within the entire Star Wars universe, and the late Bernard Behrens was one of them. He was awarded the opportunity to play Ben 'Obi-Wan' Kenobi in the original radio drama. Though he's no longer with us, Behrens was born on this day in 1926.
The lovely Janet Munro lit up the silver screen (literally) with her work aboard the SciFi feature The Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961). Though she's no longer with us, Munro was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
That guy! That evil Nazi guy! Let me tell you: that guy got what was coming to him in the finale of Raiders of the Lost Ark, yes he did, and Ronald Lacey also showed up in the ensemble that was The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. And Red Sonja. Though he's no longer with us, Lacey was born on this day in 1935.
Veteran character actor Marshall Bell is the kind of guy who only seems to get smaller roles in genre work; but trust me when I say he definitely makes the most of them. He's been a part of so many sci-fi projects, including Cherry 2000, Total Recall (original), The X-Files, Starship Troopers, Good Vs. Evil, and Stargate: Atlantis to name a few. Bell was born on this day in 1942.
1979's Salvage 1 remains one of the better untapped SciFi properties of the late 1970's, and -- what with all of the privatization of space exploration -- maybe it's due for a reboot. Joel Higgins (above left) joined Andy Griffith in the series about a private citizen building a spaceship to use on various adventures. Higgins was born on this day in 1943.
The late actor J.T. Walsh left behind an incredible legacy of work, not the least of which was his stint as Capt. Frank Bach on the sci-fi cult hit, Dark Skies. Though he's no longer with us, Walsh was born on this day in 1943.
Sultry Fiona Lewis racked up some impressive screen credentials amongst some quality genre projects, including screen time aboard such hidden gems as Dracula (1974), The Fury (1978), Strange Invaders (1983), and Innerspace (1987). Lewis was born on this day in 1946.
I know, kids, I know: this post is likely to confuse you because you whipper-snappers grew up with Battlestar Galactica's Boomer being a girl, but, let me assure you, Boomer was a man! Herbert Jefferson Jr. played him in the original BSG, and that's all I'm going to say about that! Mr. Jefferson was born on this day back in 1946.
Veteran character actor Jeffrey Jones joined Teri Garr in the SciFi kid-friendly flick, Mom and Dave Save The World (1992). Jones was born on this day in 1946.
Michael Flynn has built a career out of playing men of authority in such genre projects as Werewolf, Asteroid (1997), Lightspeed (2006), The Cell 2 (2009), Mythica: A Quest For Heroes (2014), 626 Evolution (2017), and The Outpost. Flynn was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though director and screenwriter John Sayles is largely renowned for his work in the realm of drama, he has given Science Fiction fans a good run for their money with scripts for Battle Beyond The Stars (1980) and The Brother From Another Planet (1984). Sayles was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though you may never have known it, Kiran Shah has been a part of some of the finest Fantasy films of a generation. He's enjoyed work aboard The People That Time Forgot (1977), Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981), The Dark Crystal (1982), Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983), Legend (1985), Space Precinct, Doctor Who, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Shah was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Susan Walters brought her considerable gravitas to the role of Maia aboard the CW's single season outing Star-Crossed. Walters was born on this day in 1963.
Early in her career, Maria Canals-Barrera was relegated into some smaller roles aboard such properties as Super Force and Viper, but these days she's putting her pipes to great use by voicing characters aboard Justice League and DC's direct-to-DVD release Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Canals-Barrera was born on this day in 1966.
I do so love me some Mira Sorvino! She took a fairly commanding lead in Guillermo del Toro's Mimic (1997) but then stayed away from SciFi properties largely to focus on a mainstream career. Thank goodness she turned up again in 2014 as part of the ensemble for TNT's alien-invasion drama, Falling Skies. Sorvino was born on this day in 1967.
One of the better actresses of her generation, Naomi Watts recently found a home in the Divergent Series, appearing in Insurgent and signed to appear aboard Allegiant and Ascendant. Watts was born on this day in 1968.
The talented John Light went to Mars, and his character didn't take it very well, nearly destroying the Martian base in the process of coming apart psychologically. The actor has also appeared on TV's Atlantis. Light was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Karan Ashley suited up to fight the forces of evil as the 'Yellow Ranger' aboard the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Ashley was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Marzena Godecki made all of the boys swoon in her role as 'Neri,' the star of Australia's SciFi program Ocean Girl. Godecki was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fans known Lucas Bryant's face from the role of Nathan Wuornos (pictured above) on Syfy's long-running Haven. Bryant was born on this day in 1978.
Daniel Bonjour certainly has a face familiar to genre entertainment. Fans have enjoyed his craft as part of Project Shadowchaser II (1994), RCVR, The Walking Dead, Teen Wolf, and Frequency. Bonjour was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Brit Sheridan has earned herself a little notoriety for a recurring spot aboard The CW's long-running Supernatural. She's also served time aboard Stitchers. Sheridan was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Before securing big screen success as part of the teenage ensemble behind Twilight's success, lovely Kirsten Prout brought her acting chops to such properties as Stargate: SG-1 (pictured right) and Kyle XY. Prout was born on this day in 1990.
Young Keir Gilchrist played young Daniel Gerson (pictured above) in the SciFi miniseries, Delete, back in 2012, the tale of a young hacker who discovers a sentient form of artificial intelligence.. He's also enjoyed roles aboard ReGenesis and It Follows. Gilchrist was born on this day in 1992.
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to a special theatrical engagement of The Bed Sitting Room. Directed by Richard Lester, the SciFi/Comedy starred Rita Tushingham, Ralph Richardson, and Dudley Moore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in post-nuclear-holocaust England, where a handful of bizarre characters struggle on with their lives in the ruins, amongst endless heaps of ash, piles of broken crockery and brick, muddy plains, and heaps of dentures and old boots. Patriotically singing "God Save Mrs. Ethel Shroake, Long Live Mrs. Ethel Shroake", they wander through this surrealistic landscape, forever being warned by the police to "keep moving", and prone to the occasional mutation into a parrot, cupboard, or even, yes, a bed sitting room with "No Wogs" scrawled in the grime on its windows. In particular, this story revolves around the odd "love story" of a girl who lives with her parents in one compartment of a London Underground train, the commuter in the next compartment, and the doctor they meet after returning above ground in search of a nurse for the heavily pregnant girl."
For the record:
To be accurate, IMDB.com reports that The Bed Sitting Room actually premiered in 1969 at the Berlin International Film Festival some time during June of that year. However, at present that screening date is lost to history, so I am using this date as the film's debut.
More for the record:
As some folks do like to know these details, The Bed Sitting Room originally began its life in the theater as a play written by Spike Milligan, a writer and actor whose reputation suggests that his somewhat zany brand of humor predates even the pioneering knuckleheads of Monty Python. John Antrobus and Charles Wood adapted the play for the silver screen.
Even more for the record:
As well as garnering a bit of praise from the film festival circuit, The Bed Sitting Room received a 1970 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Set in post-nuclear-holocaust England, where a handful of bizarre characters struggle on with their lives in the ruins, amongst endless heaps of ash, piles of broken crockery and brick, muddy plains, and heaps of dentures and old boots. Patriotically singing "God Save Mrs. Ethel Shroake, Long Live Mrs. Ethel Shroake", they wander through this surrealistic landscape, forever being warned by the police to "keep moving", and prone to the occasional mutation into a parrot, cupboard, or even, yes, a bed sitting room with "No Wogs" scrawled in the grime on its windows. In particular, this story revolves around the odd "love story" of a girl who lives with her parents in one compartment of a London Underground train, the commuter in the next compartment, and the doctor they meet after returning above ground in search of a nurse for the heavily pregnant girl."
For the record:
To be accurate, IMDB.com reports that The Bed Sitting Room actually premiered in 1969 at the Berlin International Film Festival some time during June of that year. However, at present that screening date is lost to history, so I am using this date as the film's debut.
More for the record:
As some folks do like to know these details, The Bed Sitting Room originally began its life in the theater as a play written by Spike Milligan, a writer and actor whose reputation suggests that his somewhat zany brand of humor predates even the pioneering knuckleheads of Monty Python. John Antrobus and Charles Wood adapted the play for the silver screen.
Even more for the record:
As well as garnering a bit of praise from the film festival circuit, The Bed Sitting Room received a 1970 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1978 (in Mexico), Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century took his mountainy goodness to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Gianfranco Parolini, the monster movie starred Antonella Interlenghi, Mimmo Crao, and Jim Sullivan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Yeti via a distributor relationship. Those interested in knowing what I thought of the flick can find my review right here.
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Yeti via a distributor relationship. Those interested in knowing what I thought of the flick can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Australia), Thirst looked to take a bite out of the box office competition. Directed by Rod Hardy from a script by John Pinkney, the Horror/Fantasy starred Chantal Contouri, Shirley Cameron, and Max Phipps. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The descendant of Elizabeth Bathory is abducted by a cult of blood-drinking, self-proclaimed supermen who want her to join them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Thirst enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The descendant of Elizabeth Bathory is abducted by a cult of blood-drinking, self-proclaimed supermen who want her to join them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Thirst enjoyed a modest bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Impulse premiered theatrically, shaking the ground as it came and went. Directed by Graham Baker from a script by Nicholas Kazan and Don Carlos Dunaway, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Meg Tilly, Bill Paxton, and Tim Matheson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a small earthquake in a small and quiet town, local citizens start to have a bizarre, violent and self-destructive behaviour..."
Public Service Announcement:
Here's just a friendly reminder that actor Tim Matheson was eventually forced to apologize for making somewhat racist attacks via Twitter on a former First Lady of the United States. (link) Sadly, hate begets hate, as the story only proves. People of all persuasions deserve to be treated fairly and equally. Truer words have never been written. Don't try to be better, folks. BE BETTER than this.
"After a small earthquake in a small and quiet town, local citizens start to have a bizarre, violent and self-destructive behaviour..."
Public Service Announcement:
Here's just a friendly reminder that actor Tim Matheson was eventually forced to apologize for making somewhat racist attacks via Twitter on a former First Lady of the United States. (link) Sadly, hate begets hate, as the story only proves. People of all persuasions deserve to be treated fairly and equally. Truer words have never been written. Don't try to be better, folks. BE BETTER than this.
Premiering on this day theatrically (in the U.S.) back in 1990, the Dolph Lundgren headliner I Come In Peace (aka Dark Angel) came and went pretty quickly. As I recall, there was some last minute release controversy stemming from a conflict of the film's name with some other project, so it ended up being dumped unceremoniously into home video hell. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Jack Caine (Dolph Lundgren) is a Houston vice cop who's forgotten the rule book. His self-appointed mission is to stop the drugs trade and the number one supplier Victor Manning. Whilst involved in an undercover operation to entrap Victor Manning, his partner gets killed, and a sinister newcomer enters the scene ... Caine is used to fighting the toughest of criminals, but up to now they've all been human..."
"Jack Caine (Dolph Lundgren) is a Houston vice cop who's forgotten the rule book. His self-appointed mission is to stop the drugs trade and the number one supplier Victor Manning. Whilst involved in an undercover operation to entrap Victor Manning, his partner gets killed, and a sinister newcomer enters the scene ... Caine is used to fighting the toughest of criminals, but up to now they've all been human..."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), Mindwarp warped the first minds to see it, and that would've been audiences in attendance of the Black Sunday Film Festival. Directed by Steve Barnett from a script by John Brancato and Michael Ferris, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bruce Campbell, Angus Scrimm, and Marta Martin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In post-apocalyptic 2037, Judy rebels against the AI-ruled utopia where people live in a happy VR simulation. She's exiled to a post-nuclear wasteland where she meets drifter Stover. Mutated cannibals capture them for their leader Seer."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mindwarp enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film' from the 1993 Fantasporto Film Festival.
"In post-apocalyptic 2037, Judy rebels against the AI-ruled utopia where people live in a happy VR simulation. She's exiled to a post-nuclear wasteland where she meets drifter Stover. Mutated cannibals capture them for their leader Seer."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mindwarp enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film' from the 1993 Fantasporto Film Festival.
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Wedlock enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Lewis Teague, the SciFi/Drama starred Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, and Mimi Rogers; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Frank has been convicted of stealing millions of dollars in diamonds, which have not been recovered. In his unisex prison, each inmate has an unknown partner. When the two are separated by more than one hundred yards, an explosive collar kills both inmates. Frank and his female partner escape and head for the money, but they are hotly pursued by his double-crossing colleagues."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Wedlock enjoyed a 1992 Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special.'
"Frank has been convicted of stealing millions of dollars in diamonds, which have not been recovered. In his unisex prison, each inmate has an unknown partner. When the two are separated by more than one hundred yards, an explosive collar kills both inmates. Frank and his female partner escape and head for the money, but they are hotly pursued by his double-crossing colleagues."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Wedlock enjoyed a 1992 Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special.'
A star is born! You know what they say ... out with the old, in the with new ... and on this day in 1994 (in the U.S.) New Crime City enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Jonathan Winfrey, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rick Rossovich, Sherrie Rose, and Stacy Keach. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ricks is a criminal who is revived after execution to go into a futuristic prison to get a virus that the big prison gang has created. The prison is a squared off area of LA that the prisoners are put into and allowed to do as they please. Ricks soon meets up with Darla and they search the prison city for the psychotic Ironhead and his virus that he plans to unleash on the city of LA."
"Ricks is a criminal who is revived after execution to go into a futuristic prison to get a virus that the big prison gang has created. The prison is a squared off area of LA that the prisoners are put into and allowed to do as they please. Ricks soon meets up with Darla and they search the prison city for the psychotic Ironhead and his virus that he plans to unleash on the city of LA."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Vampirella sunk its teeth into the home television audience. Directed by genre legend Jim Wynorski, the Horror/Fantasy starred Talisa Soto, Roger Daltrey, and Richard Joseph Paul. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"30 centuries ago on the planet Drakulon, a cult led by Vlad kills the Council and escapes to earth to become the bloodsuckers known as vampires. Ella, daughter of the slain High Elder, pursues the cult with vengeance in her heart. Shipwrecked for centuries on Mars, she eventually gets to earth as stowaway on a manned expedition. On present-day Earth, Adam, a descendant of the Van Helsings, works for PURGE, a paramilitary group dedicated to hunting vampires. Ella is now known as Vampirella, and must form an uneasy alliance with Adam in order to locate and deal with their common enemy, Vlad."
"30 centuries ago on the planet Drakulon, a cult led by Vlad kills the Council and escapes to earth to become the bloodsuckers known as vampires. Ella, daughter of the slain High Elder, pursues the cult with vengeance in her heart. Shipwrecked for centuries on Mars, she eventually gets to earth as stowaway on a manned expedition. On present-day Earth, Adam, a descendant of the Van Helsings, works for PURGE, a paramilitary group dedicated to hunting vampires. Ella is now known as Vampirella, and must form an uneasy alliance with Adam in order to locate and deal with their common enemy, Vlad."
A star is born ... or has it been cloned? On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Cloned made you look twice. Directed by Douglas Barr, the SciFi/Drama starred the lovely Elizabeth Perkins, Scott Paulin, and Bradley Whitford. Here's the plot summary as highlighted on IMDB.com:
"In the year 2008, a married couple is distraught over losing their 8 year old son in a boating accident. However, when the mother suddenly sees another child who looks identical to her dead child, the Mother investigates the fertility clinic who aided her with her pregnancy and discovers that they cloned her child in an experiment dubbed "Baby 2000". She also discovers that they still have the genes to develop another child for them and faces the question of whether the couple wants another identical child."
"In the year 2008, a married couple is distraught over losing their 8 year old son in a boating accident. However, when the mother suddenly sees another child who looks identical to her dead child, the Mother investigates the fertility clinic who aided her with her pregnancy and discovers that they cloned her child in an experiment dubbed "Baby 2000". She also discovers that they still have the genes to develop another child for them and faces the question of whether the couple wants another identical child."
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Greece), Space Fury enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Directed by Eli Necakov from a script by Vincent Monton, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Pare, Lisa Bingley, and Tony Curtis Blondell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"4 astronauts are left stranded onboard a joint US-Russian satellite after a shuttle crash damages the station. What they don't know is, the crash was no accident and one of them is a depraved killer."
"4 astronauts are left stranded onboard a joint US-Russian satellite after a shuttle crash damages the station. What they don't know is, the crash was no accident and one of them is a depraved killer."
A star is born! Or is it ... conjured? On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), a spell was cast with the home video release of Teen Sorcery. Directed by Victoria Muspratt from a script by Alon Kaplan, the Fantasy/Comedy starred A.J. Cook, Craig Olejnik, and Lexa Doig. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenage girl moves into a small town and meets a powerful bully with a mysterious amulet. She makes friends and they band together to take her down with their own magic."
"A teenage girl moves into a small town and meets a powerful bully with a mysterious amulet. She makes friends and they band together to take her down with their own magic."
On this day in 2003 (in Australia), The Omega Man enjoyed a release on home video. The film starred the incomparable Charlton Heston, and it was very loosely based on the novel "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. (Yes, kids, this was remade with Will Smith not all that long ago.) It first premiered in theatres on this day in 1971 (in the U.S.). The film -- along with Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green -- are considered Heston's Sci-Fi-Trifecta. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in Japan), Project Grey took another look at the realm of UFO conspiracies. Written and directed by the team of Christian Blaze and Crystal-Dawn Rosales, the feature also starred Christian Blaze along with Justin Stillwell and Allison Warnyca. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's fear that they seek! Dr. Schroder listens to her criminally insane patient as he recounts the story of the murder of his four friends. A story of infidelity, jealousy and revenge takes a strange turn revealing an alien agenda. Chip implants, government mind control, Russian military, and alien visitors, form the puzzle pieces of this science fiction thriller. A search for the answers leads to the truth...It's our fear that they seek!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Project Grey enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"It's fear that they seek! Dr. Schroder listens to her criminally insane patient as he recounts the story of the murder of his four friends. A story of infidelity, jealousy and revenge takes a strange turn revealing an alien agenda. Chip implants, government mind control, Russian military, and alien visitors, form the puzzle pieces of this science fiction thriller. A search for the answers leads to the truth...It's our fear that they seek!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Project Grey enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2007 (in Poland), The Aerial enjoyed a run through theaters. Written and directed by Esteban Sapir, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Alejandro Urdapilleta, Valeria Bertuccelli, and Julieta Cardinali. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This near-silent black and white film from Argentina tells the story of a city that has lost its voice, stolen by Mr. TV, and the attempts of a small family to win the voice back. Similar in design to early German expressionist films."
"This near-silent black and white film from Argentina tells the story of a city that has lost its voice, stolen by Mr. TV, and the attempts of a small family to win the voice back. Similar in design to early German expressionist films."
Bruce Willis. Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Time Travel. Hitmen. That isn't enough for you? Throw in Emily Blunt for good measure, and you have 2012's Looper, which premiered on this day back then. 'Nuff said? Here's the straight skinny from IMDB.com:
"In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits - someone like Joe - who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by sending back Joe's future self for assassination."
"In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits - someone like Joe - who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by sending back Joe's future self for assassination."
Smile for the camera! On this day in 2013 (in the Netherlands), the 1988-produced Dracula's Widow came out of the darkness for a special screening at the Nederlands Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Coppola, the Horror/Fantasy starred Sylvia Kristel, Josef Sommer, and Lenny von Dohlen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The young owner of a waxworks in Hollywood receives five instead of six ordered chests with Romanian antiques. He does not know that Vanessa, widow of Count Dracula, sleeps in the sixth chest. She rises in the night and walks around craving for blood. A thief witnessing the murder of his accomplice sets the police on the trail of the waxworks. The grandson of Dr. Van Helsing is is hunting the vampire, too..."
"The young owner of a waxworks in Hollywood receives five instead of six ordered chests with Romanian antiques. He does not know that Vanessa, widow of Count Dracula, sleeps in the sixth chest. She rises in the night and walks around craving for blood. A thief witnessing the murder of his accomplice sets the police on the trail of the waxworks. The grandson of Dr. Van Helsing is is hunting the vampire, too..."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), The Hive enjoyed a theatrical release. Directed by David Yarovesky, the SciFi/Horror starred Gabriel Basso and Sean Gunn, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man suffering from amnesia must dig deep into the far reaches of his mind to remember who he is and save the love of his life before a virus that has infected him takes over."
"A young man suffering from amnesia must dig deep into the far reaches of his mind to remember who he is and save the love of his life before a virus that has infected him takes over."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Switzerland), Hidden Reserves enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it screened for audiences in attendance of the Zurich Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Valentin Hitz, the SciFi/Drama starred Clemens Schick, Lena Lauzemis, and Marion Mitterhammer. 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:
In addition to scoring a good amount of praise from the film festival circuit, Hidden Reserves enjoyed a great deal of attention from the 2017 Austrian Film Awards.
"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:
In addition to scoring a good amount of praise from the film festival circuit, Hidden Reserves enjoyed a great deal of attention from the 2017 Austrian Film Awards.
On this day in 2018, At First Light enjoyed both a limited U.S. theatrical release as well as a launch on the internet. Written and directed by Jason Stone, the SciFi feature starred Stefanie Scott and Théodore Pellerin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), the existential hellholes of New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California were treated to the cinematic debut of what a real existential hellhole should look like ... The Outer Wild! Written and directed by Philip Chidel, the Apocalypse/Chiller starred Lauren McKnight, Christian Oliver, and Jeffrey Vincent Parise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an unnatural event leaves mankind nearly extinct, a runaway girl and a rogue bounty hunter brave a dangerous wilderness to find a fabled sanctuary that can either save or destroy what's left of humanity."
"After an unnatural event leaves mankind nearly extinct, a runaway girl and a rogue bounty hunter brave a dangerous wilderness to find a fabled sanctuary that can either save or destroy what's left of humanity."
On this day in 1951, one of the earliest weekly Science Fiction programs to appear on television -- Tales of Tomorrow -- aired "The Dark Angel." This served as the eighth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man searches for the cause of his wife's unprecedented physical and mental transformation."
"A man searches for the cause of his wife's unprecedented physical and mental transformation."
On this day in 1956, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Sound That Kills." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A meeting of scientists is disrupted when it is discovered that someone is trying to kill them by using a a beam made up of ultrasonic sound."
"A meeting of scientists is disrupted when it is discovered that someone is trying to kill them by using a a beam made up of ultrasonic sound."
On this day in 1966, Lost In Space aired "The Ghost Planet." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Smith makes the Jupiter 2 land on a planet occupied by cyborgs."
"Smith makes the Jupiter 2 land on a planet occupied by cyborgs."
On this day in 1969, Land of the Giants aired "Six Hours To Live." This served as the second episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A giant has been framed for a murder he didn't commit and now awaits execution for the crime."
"A giant has been framed for a murder he didn't commit and now awaits execution for the crime."
On this day in 1974, Land of the Lost aired "Downstream." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Marshalls attempt to escape the Land of the Lost by river and wind up trapped in a cave with a daffy Confederate miner."
"The Marshalls attempt to escape the Land of the Lost by river and wind up trapped in a cave with a daffy Confederate miner."
On this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Cousin Sunspot." This served as the fourth episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"An electronic voice changer transforms Cousin Sunspot into a tolerable member of the Partridge Family act, until its side effects begin to appear: Cousin Sunspot becomes a giant chicken! The Partridge Family's concert is saved from disaster as the inventor arrives just in time to reverse the reaction. Cousin Sunspot decides that show business on earth is too hectic for him and returns to his home planet."
"An electronic voice changer transforms Cousin Sunspot into a tolerable member of the Partridge Family act, until its side effects begin to appear: Cousin Sunspot becomes a giant chicken! The Partridge Family's concert is saved from disaster as the inventor arrives just in time to reverse the reaction. Cousin Sunspot decides that show business on earth is too hectic for him and returns to his home planet."
On this day in 1974, Star Trek: The Animated Series aired "Albatross." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. McCoy is arrested and charged with causing an alien plague."
"Dr. McCoy is arrested and charged with causing an alien plague."
On this day in 1981, Blake's 7 launched into its fourth season with the airing of "Rescue." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summation:
"Marooned on the artificial planet Terminal, Avon, Vila, Dayna and Tarrant finds their only hope of rescue is the space freighter Scorpio commanded by Dorian and his associate, Soolin, a gunfighter from the lawless planet Gauda Prime."
"Marooned on the artificial planet Terminal, Avon, Vila, Dayna and Tarrant finds their only hope of rescue is the space freighter Scorpio commanded by Dorian and his associate, Soolin, a gunfighter from the lawless planet Gauda Prime."
On this day in 1985, Airwolf aired "The Horn of Plenty." This served as the first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Hawke is kidnapped and brainwashed by John Bradfrod Horn, an evil tycoon; and its up to Cait to rescue Hawke, Dom, and Airwolf from his clutches."
"Hawke is kidnapped and brainwashed by John Bradfrod Horn, an evil tycoon; and its up to Cait to rescue Hawke, Dom, and Airwolf from his clutches."
On this day in 1985, The Tripods aired "Help From Friends." This served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Just making it to The Games; Will and Beanpole meet up with Fritz, the remaining Freemen contestant. Through stiff competition all three struggle to win the right to be taken to The City Of Gold."
"Just making it to The Games; Will and Beanpole meet up with Fritz, the remaining Freemen contestant. Through stiff competition all three struggle to win the right to be taken to The City Of Gold."
On this day in 1987, Doctor Who aired "Time and the Rani: Part 4." This served as the fourth episode to the program's twenty-fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rani, at last, links the Doctor into her great brain machine, the crowning jewel in her component packet of geniuses brought together to turn Lakertya itself into one vast cerebral mass capable of redirecting time anywhere in the universe, giving her absolute power over all creation."
"The Rani, at last, links the Doctor into her great brain machine, the crowning jewel in her component packet of geniuses brought together to turn Lakertya itself into one vast cerebral mass capable of redirecting time anywhere in the universe, giving her absolute power over all creation."
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), Star Trek aired "The Man Trap." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
On this day in 1990, Quantum Leap aired "The Leap Home: Part 1." Officialy, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into himself as a 16-year-old boy to help his high school basketball team win the championship. He also tries to help the other members of his family including his father who died from smoking, his brother who was killed in Vietnam and his sister who married an abusive alcoholic."
"Sam leaps into himself as a 16-year-old boy to help his high school basketball team win the championship. He also tries to help the other members of his family including his father who died from smoking, his brother who was killed in Vietnam and his sister who married an abusive alcoholic."
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Code Of Honor." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the leader of an alien culture takes a romantic interest in Lt. Yar, he claims her for his own, to the dismay of his own wife, who, in turn, challenges Tasha in a fight to the death."
"When the leader of an alien culture takes a romantic interest in Lt. Yar, he claims her for his own, to the dismay of his own wife, who, in turn, challenges Tasha in a fight to the death."
On this day in 1991, "Darmok" -- the second episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation's fifth season -- aired in syndication. The story of two captains from wildly different cultures and little means to communicate with one another being stranded against a vicious enemy remains one of Trek's best hours; fans constantly vote it to the top in polls gauging the series' favorites.
On this day in 1996, Dark Skies aired "Moving Targets." This served as the second episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following the assassination of President Kennedy, John learns more about the alien invasion as he and Kim struggle to keep the Hive from killing the world leaders attending the state funeral."
"Following the assassination of President Kennedy, John learns more about the alien invasion as he and Kim struggle to keep the Hive from killing the world leaders attending the state funeral."
On this day in 1996, Flash Gordon aired "Jaws Of The Jungle." This served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash, Dale and Dr. Zarkov rescue the Lionid princess Thundar from Ming and the treacherous Vine People. This feat earns them the respect of Prince Talon and renews the rebellion against Ming."
"Flash, Dale and Dr. Zarkov rescue the Lionid princess Thundar from Ming and the treacherous Vine People. This feat earns them the respect of Prince Talon and renews the rebellion against Ming."
On this day in 1996, Superman: The Animated Series aired "The Way Of All Flesh." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John Corben returns as a kryptonite-powered cyborg eager to kill Superman."
"John Corben returns as a kryptonite-powered cyborg eager to kill Superman."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Not In My Backyard." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The world's last live specimen of the smallpox virus is being transferred to Unity for "safe" keeping. Lyle has an crisis of ethics on whether to let such a deadly thing survive. Meanwhile the crew begin to fall ill and it seems their worst fears have come to life."
"The world's last live specimen of the smallpox virus is being transferred to Unity for "safe" keeping. Lyle has an crisis of ethics on whether to let such a deadly thing survive. Meanwhile the crew begin to fall ill and it seems their worst fears have come to life."
On this day in 1998 (in Canada), Welcome To Paradox aired "Alien Jane." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an asylum sick, tormented Jane cuts herself and suffers the constant abuse of her cell mate. Only when Jane is taken away to be experimented on does the cell mate and a sympathetic doctor realize Jane's true worth."
"In an asylum sick, tormented Jane cuts herself and suffers the constant abuse of her cell mate. Only when Jane is taken away to be experimented on does the cell mate and a sympathetic doctor realize Jane's true worth."
On this day in 2001, Dark Angel aired "Designate This." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max regains her consciousness after her heart transplant, only to realize that she is back at Manticore and that Zack's heart is beating inside her. Madame X or Dr. Renfroe brings her to what is remain of Zack, his various organs taken to save other X5s. Now that the DNA lab has been torched, Manticore has decided to designate a 'breeding partner' to every X5's. Max's turns out to be Alec, a clone of Ben, who has no problem with her refusal to 'mate' with him. With the help of Joshua, a half dog- half man experiment, she escapes from Manticore for the second time. Outside in Seattle, Logan, after 3 months, still believes that Max is alive. He decides to reveal the existence of Manticore through Eyes Only. Dr. Renfro must destroy all evidence of the facility and burns the place, with people still trapped inside. Max cannot bear to see them die and releases everyone. Logan is reunited with her, only to find out that she is deadly to him if they touch because Manticore has given her a special virus targeted at him. Luckily, Max is able to retrieve the anti-body from Dr. Renfroe, who ends up taking a bullet for Max because, in her words, Max is special. Dying, she tells Max to find Sandeman."
"Max regains her consciousness after her heart transplant, only to realize that she is back at Manticore and that Zack's heart is beating inside her. Madame X or Dr. Renfroe brings her to what is remain of Zack, his various organs taken to save other X5s. Now that the DNA lab has been torched, Manticore has decided to designate a 'breeding partner' to every X5's. Max's turns out to be Alec, a clone of Ben, who has no problem with her refusal to 'mate' with him. With the help of Joshua, a half dog- half man experiment, she escapes from Manticore for the second time. Outside in Seattle, Logan, after 3 months, still believes that Max is alive. He decides to reveal the existence of Manticore through Eyes Only. Dr. Renfro must destroy all evidence of the facility and burns the place, with people still trapped inside. Max cannot bear to see them die and releases everyone. Logan is reunited with her, only to find out that she is deadly to him if they touch because Manticore has given her a special virus targeted at him. Luckily, Max is able to retrieve the anti-body from Dr. Renfroe, who ends up taking a bullet for Max because, in her words, Max is special. Dying, she tells Max to find Sandeman."
On this day in 2001, Lexx aired "Magic Baby." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew joins forces with an aging rock star Uther and their attempt to travel far from the Earth is thwarted since the Lexx no longer responds to Stan's commands. Kai and Stan destroy Vlad, only to discover Xev's body."
"The crew joins forces with an aging rock star Uther and their attempt to travel far from the Earth is thwarted since the Lexx no longer responds to Stan's commands. Kai and Stan destroy Vlad, only to discover Xev's body."
On this day in 2001, The Invisible Man aired "Exposed." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"By secretly accessing the SWRB's computers using Gaither's old password (that only he would know), Tommy Walker (AKA: Augustin Gaither), alerts the SWRB that Gaither is still alive. So the SWRB comes after Gaither in full force, while the "Official's" Agency has to try to protect and hide him and themselves."
"By secretly accessing the SWRB's computers using Gaither's old password (that only he would know), Tommy Walker (AKA: Augustin Gaither), alerts the SWRB that Gaither is still alive. So the SWRB comes after Gaither in full force, while the "Official's" Agency has to try to protect and hide him and themselves."
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2005, ABC TV's Invasion aired the second episode of its only season. The hour was called "Lights Out," and here's the (edited) plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ranger Russell Varon finds a strangely eaten corps nearby the wrecked Ranger station, practically a skeleton, and an unconscious airman in a wetsuit, Paxton, who has mysterious bite-marks in the neck."
"Ranger Russell Varon finds a strangely eaten corps nearby the wrecked Ranger station, practically a skeleton, and an unconscious airman in a wetsuit, Paxton, who has mysterious bite-marks in the neck."
On this day in 2005, Lost aired "Adrift." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael and Sawyer fight for their lives on the high seas and discover a new threat. Locke descends into the hatch to find a missing Kate."
"Michael and Sawyer fight for their lives on the high seas and discover a new threat. Locke descends into the hatch to find a missing Kate."
On this day in 2007, Flash Gordon aired "Alliances." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash and his friends find refuge with the Verden and try to fix their water machine, which Dr. Gordon built. Meanwhile, Baylin faces her greatest fear, a dreaded Night Hunter; and Dale has a heart-to-heart with Flash's mother."
"Flash and his friends find refuge with the Verden and try to fix their water machine, which Dr. Gordon built. Meanwhile, Baylin faces her greatest fear, a dreaded Night Hunter; and Dale has a heart-to-heart with Flash's mother."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: Atlantis returned to the airwaves with the premiere of its fourth season. The episode was titled "Adrift," and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"With a damaged ZPM, and diminished hopes of survival, the Atlantis team finds themselves stranded in the middle of empty space with hardly any time before they run out of power completely. Dr. McKay is challenged to the max as he tries to find a way to save Atlantis from its doom. Meanwhile, Dr. Keller races to treat Weir's increasing head injuries, but the only answer she can come up with could have grave results for everyone on board."
"With a damaged ZPM, and diminished hopes of survival, the Atlantis team finds themselves stranded in the middle of empty space with hardly any time before they run out of power completely. Dr. McKay is challenged to the max as he tries to find a way to save Atlantis from its doom. Meanwhile, Dr. Keller races to treat Weir's increasing head injuries, but the only answer she can come up with could have grave results for everyone on board."
On this day in 2009, Heroes aired "Chapter 2 - Ink." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Samuel continues searching for the whereabouts of the soul of his brother. He begins to focus on Peter by using his ink-transparency powers to investigate Peter. Meanwhile, Claire deals with her secret being outed when Gretchen pressures her to tell the truth. But Noah, comes for a visit and immediately suspects that Gretchen knows about Clair's power. In Los Angeles, Matt Parkman continues dealing with Sylar's ghost taunting him and it hinders his latest case of trying to nail a suspected drug supplier. Also, a new 'hero' with powers is introduced; a young deaf woman named Emma, a dispatcher who works with Peter at the New York hospital, whom discovers that she can 'see and hear' sound breaks."
"Samuel continues searching for the whereabouts of the soul of his brother. He begins to focus on Peter by using his ink-transparency powers to investigate Peter. Meanwhile, Claire deals with her secret being outed when Gretchen pressures her to tell the truth. But Noah, comes for a visit and immediately suspects that Gretchen knows about Clair's power. In Los Angeles, Matt Parkman continues dealing with Sylar's ghost taunting him and it hinders his latest case of trying to nail a suspected drug supplier. Also, a new 'hero' with powers is introduced; a young deaf woman named Emma, a dispatcher who works with Peter at the New York hospital, whom discovers that she can 'see and hear' sound breaks."
On this day in 2012, Fringe began its fifth and final season on Fox TV. The hour was titled "Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2036 the Observers have begun terraforming the earth. Walter has a plan to defeat them but his capture by the Observers may be problematic. Peter searches for Olivia who is encased in amber to reunite his family."
"In 2036 the Observers have begun terraforming the earth. Walter has a plan to defeat them but his capture by the Observers may be problematic. Peter searches for Olivia who is encased in amber to reunite his family."
On this day in 2012, Star Wars: The Clone Wars blasted back onto the airwaves with the premiere of its fifth season. The first episode out of the gate was called "Revival," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Maul takes Savage as his apprentice and together they set out to gather an army. Their attempt to recruit Hondo Ohnaka and his pirates is interrupted by Jedi Council members Obi-Wan Kenobi and Adi Gallia."
"Maul takes Savage as his apprentice and together they set out to gather an army. Their attempt to recruit Hondo Ohnaka and his pirates is interrupted by Jedi Council members Obi-Wan Kenobi and Adi Gallia."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2014, Lifetime concluded the run of its SciFi drama, The Lottery, with "In Extremis." This served as the tenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The President announces the winners; the mystery behind the infertility crisis comes to a head."
"The President announces the winners; the mystery behind the infertility crisis comes to a head."
On this day in 2015, Minority Report aired "Mr. Nice Guy." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the (edited) plot summary provided by YouTube.com:
"Dash and Vega team up again to find a killer who is currently down on love. Meanwhile, Dash continues to reach out to his siblings for help."
"Dash and Vega team up again to find a killer who is currently down on love. Meanwhile, Dash continues to reach out to his siblings for help."
On this day in 2017, The Orville aired "If The Stars Should Appear." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a giant artificial object is spotted, on course to fatally hit a star in mere months , the Orville can't believe it's a spaceship until it's in sight and scanned millennia old. Bortus is left in command and must soon respond to a distant rescue call. The captain's away party with Isaac, Finn, Alara and doc finds it contains a contained biosphere, where a primitive agricultural society lives, revering a creator Dorahl, whose high priest Hamelac imposes a theocratic reign of terror. They team up with the 'heretical' rebel movement of doubters and face the inquisitor, warning the ship must be repaired and redirected."
"When a giant artificial object is spotted, on course to fatally hit a star in mere months , the Orville can't believe it's a spaceship until it's in sight and scanned millennia old. Bortus is left in command and must soon respond to a distant rescue call. The captain's away party with Isaac, Finn, Alara and doc finds it contains a contained biosphere, where a primitive agricultural society lives, revering a creator Dorahl, whose high priest Hamelac imposes a theocratic reign of terror. They team up with the 'heretical' rebel movement of doubters and face the inquisitor, warning the ship must be repaired and redirected."
