The original The Day The Earth Stood Still -- released on this day back in 1951 -- is an undisputed classic of science fiction. I can remember seeing it as a youngster, and I can recall just being fascinated with it. Of course, some of that was its all-powerful robot, Gort, but so much of the film -- the alien's humanism, the way Earth reacted to learning it wasn't alone in the cosmos -- just really struck a chord with me. It fueled me to explore more science fiction, and that's what truly great sci-fi films do. If you haven't seen it ... then what are you still doing here reading about it?!?!
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.
On this day in 1984, Impulse premiered theatrically. The feature starred Tim Matheson and Meg Tilly, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a small earthquake in a small and quiet town, local citizens start to have a bizarre, violent and self-destructive behaviour..."
"After a small earthquake in a small and quiet town, local citizens start to have a bizarre, violent and self-destructive behaviour..."
Premiering on this day theatrically 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..."
On this day in 1997, the SciFi/Telefilm Cloned made you look twice. The feature starred the lovely Elizabeth Perkins and Bradley Whitford, and 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."
On this day in 2007, Project Grey took another look at the realm of UFO conspiracies. The feature starred Christian Blaze and Justin Stillwell, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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!"
"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!"
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."
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 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 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 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 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 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 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."
