Land Of The Lost -- which premiered on this day in the U.S. back in 1974 -- was definitely one of the 'must watch' Saturday morning programs of my youth. The tale of these travellers lost in a land within our world offered up a great sense of adventure -- along with some winning family-friendly stories -- all of it brought together through the broadcast magic of remembered works of Sid and Marty Krofft. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A family finds themselves fighting to survive in a land populated by dinosaurs and otherworldly beings."
"A family finds themselves fighting to survive in a land populated by dinosaurs and otherworldly beings."
Alas, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. may've slipped completely past me as a young viewer back in the day. I have a vague recollection of tuning in to it at some point, but I can't say honestly if that was back then or more recently researching the show on YouTube. Whatever the case may be, this animated incarnation appears to have brought back some of the cast of the live action show for some toonish adventures, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The adventures of a futuristic version of the Partridge Family."
"The adventures of a futuristic version of the Partridge Family."
Any serious Star Wars fan worth his or her weight in Republic credits will tell you that if there's adventure to be had, then the droids are not far behind ... and I guess that's what TV audiences -- the young ones, anyway -- were looking for with the small screen launch of Droids on this day back in 1985. Paired up as a companion piece to Ewoks (featured below), this one gave the great Artoo-Detoo and C-3PO a chance to shine in animated form; and here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO years before serving the Rebel Alliance. The series features several story arcs and one hour-long special."
"The adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO years before serving the Rebel Alliance. The series features several story arcs and one hour-long special."
Honestly, I never cared for the Ewoks. Not in movie form. Not in animated form. I think it was that I was probably a bit too long in the teeth at their inception into Star Wars canon that they didn't resonate with my jaundiced teenage years, but that's always the risk in discovering a franchise in one's youth and -- ahem -- growing a bit older with it. This animated program premiered in the U.S. on this day back in 1985, a few years after their introduction in Return Of The Jedi (1983), and I suspect the youngest among us probably had a good time with it. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stand-alone collection of stories, Star Wars Ewoks focuses on the fur-balls from Return of the Jedi and their many misadventures into the unknown, the magical and downright absurd. So is the life of an Ewok."
"A stand-alone collection of stories, Star Wars Ewoks focuses on the fur-balls from Return of the Jedi and their many misadventures into the unknown, the magical and downright absurd. So is the life of an Ewok."
You know what they say: you just can't keep a good cop dead! And that would definitely be the case with RoboCop! The cybernetic crimefighter came back to life this time in an animated incarnation from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Animation. Alas, this tour of duty lasted only a single season, but SciFi fans have long learned to life with what we get. Whatever the case, here's the series' plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being offline for five years, RoboCop is reactivated in 2030 to help a federal agency called Alpha Division fight a high tech terrorist organization known as DARC, short for Directorate for Anarchy, Revenge, and Chaos."
"After being offline for five years, RoboCop is reactivated in 2030 to help a federal agency called Alpha Division fight a high tech terrorist organization known as DARC, short for Directorate for Anarchy, Revenge, and Chaos."
Australian-born Pamela Ann Davy made her way to the United Kingdom just in time to enjoy a handful of appearances to the early days of the BBC's Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Davy was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With well over 150 different roles to his name, Bruce Gray has been around the block ... and then some! The respected actor has been a part of The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider, Airwolf, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roswell (1994), Robocop, Babylon 5, Starship Troopers (1997), Earth: Final Conflict, The Outer Limits, Cube 2: Hypercube (2002), Star Trek: Enterprise, Stargate: SG-1, and Falling Skies. That, my friends, is some resume! Though he's no longer with us, Gray was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With his chest hairless and a pair of angel wings pasted to his back, John Phillip Law joined Jane 'thoughts of murder' Fonda in Cult movie history as 'Pygar' in Barbarella (1968). Hopefully she didn't trouble him with speeches of her politics. Though he's no longer with us, Law was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a complimentary new release of Barbarella (1968) -- in which Law played a big role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a complimentary new release of Barbarella (1968) -- in which Law played a big role -- in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Though she got her degree in Nursing, Thordis Brandt somehow managed (for a time) to both pursue acting gigs as well as administer aid to those in need. Genre fans might recognize her from such projects as The Green Hornet, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Brandt was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The works of the great Dario Argento certainly might be an acquired taste for some viewers, but it goes without saying that his wider catalogue is worthy of some attention and study. I've had the good fortune of watching a solid handful of re-releases of many of his earlier efforts, and I've been impressed with his ability to weave some compelling visuals alongside a tight narrative. Genre fans might be familiar with his name associated to such films as The Bird With The Crystal Plumage (1970), Suspiria (1977), Tenebrae (1982), Phenomena (1985), and many, many more. Argento was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a re-release of Deep Red (1975) via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
- Also in 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a re-release of Demons (1985) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on this project? Readers can find my review right here.
- Also in 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a re-release of Demons 2 (1986) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on this project? Readers can find my review right here.
- In 2022, I was offered a re-release of The Phantom Of The Opera (1998) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
- Also in 2022, I was invited to stream Argento's Dark Glasses (2022) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on this project? Readers can find my review right here.
- In 2023, I was provided a re-release of Tenebrae (1982) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
- Also in 2023, I was provided a re-release of Dracula 3D (2012) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Actor and stuntman Andy Bradford has a resume with well over an incredible two hundred and fifty different screen credits, but genre fans might recognize him best from his fleeting appearance aboard the groundbreaking Star Wars (1977). Bradford was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer, director, and actor Luigi Cozzi continues to build a resume that delights fans of genre properties around the world. His name has been associated with such projects as Godzilla (1977), Starcrash (1978), Contamination (1980), Escape From Galaxy 3 (1981), Hercules (1983), The Adventures Of Hercules (1985), and much, much more. Cozzi was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Contamination (1980) in exchange for a review on IMDB.com. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Contamination (1980) in exchange for a review on IMDB.com. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
I've mentioned before that I never much cared for Star Trek: Enterprise, but I honestly thought one of its first season's hours, "Breaking the Ice," was one of the better hours of all Trek, mostly because it 'felt' so very much like it could've been an episode of the classic series. In it, William Utay played the Vulcan captain Vanik, and Utay was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Michael Emerson quickly became the man Lost fans loved to hate as he brought the devilishly devious Ben Linus to life on the popular ABC TV program. Emerson was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That gentleman in the background is none other than character actor Corbin Bernsen, playing one of Star Trek: The Next Generation's omnipotent Q. With over four decades of credits to his name, the man remains one of the busiest men in the industry. Bernsen was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's no mistaking that pretty face! Originally hailing from Yugoslavia -- where she was a star of stage and screen, often referred to as their answer for Meryl Streep -- actress Mira Furlan first came to the attention of SciFiDom playing 'Ambassador Delenn' aboard Babylon 5's ambitious run. For her performance there, she won 'Best Supporting Actress' two years in a row (1996 & 97) from the Sci-Fi Universe Readers' Choice Awards. Still, she gained even more fame when she boarded ABC TV's Lost as the emotionally scarred castaway Rousseau. She's also ranked #1 in Croatian Internet T portal Magazine's "Top 15 Most Beautiful Croatian Female Actresses of All time" list (March, 2011), and that's nothing to laugh at.
About Babylon 5, she said, "Babylon 5 is definitely not a fantasy. It is a show that constantly refers to sociological, political, and psychological facts of our present life, and it is that which makes it so valuable, I think."
Though she's no longer with us, Furlan was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
About Babylon 5, she said, "Babylon 5 is definitely not a fantasy. It is a show that constantly refers to sociological, political, and psychological facts of our present life, and it is that which makes it so valuable, I think."
Though she's no longer with us, Furlan was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Christopher Villiers joined Peter Capaldi for "Mummy on the Orient Express," a 2014 episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who featuring ... well ... a mummy on a train! Villiers was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chris Owens (above right) is a fabulous actor who has built an incredible career, but I'm always going to remember him as Mulder's other adversary in the guise of FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Spender on The X-Files. Owens was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cliff Simon is best known to fans of Stargate: SG-1 as 'Ba'al,' a role he brought to life on the television series and the show's subsequent direct-to-DVD offering, Stargate: Continuum. Though he's no longer with us, Simon was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Toby Jones found himself on the wrong side of history serving the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). He's also appeared in The Mist (2007), City of Ember (2008), Doctor Who, The Hunger Games (2012), and several other related projects. Jones was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Occasionally loud and obnoxious comedienne Leslie Jones (above left) played an occasionally loud and obnoxious Ghostbuster in 2016's box office flop, Ghostbusters. Deservedly, the film tanked at the box office, and never a word was heard about a sequel again. Thank goodness! Jones was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Angie Everhart had a small role in the Fantasy-themed Last Action Hero (1993), but then she sunk her teeth into some B-grade Science Fiction aboard Bugs (2003). Everhart was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I will happily put in a plug for the lovely Diane Farr any chance I get ... even though she rarely does SciFi. However, she did a telefilm in 2011 -- Collision Earth -- as well as appearing semi-regularly in a role for TV's Roswell. Farr was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Monique Gabriela Curnen shines in genre work whenever given the opportunity. Fans may recognize her from appearances aboard Day Break, Journeyman, The Dark Knight (2008), Touch, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Curnen was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rumor has it, he doesn't much care for die-hard Star Trek fans, but -- based solely on what he's done to our beloved franchise -- I can certainly understand why some die-hard Star Trek fans don't care much for him and vice versa. Whatever the case, Alex Kurtzman still has an impressive writing & producing resume (check it out if you're interested over at IMDB.com here). Granted, some of it is kinda/sorta schlocky and he's pretty much single-handedly destroyed that beloved franchise, but it's impressive nonetheless. Kurtzman was born on this day back in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noah Huntley has used his talents to impressive returns in such genre properties as Event Horizon (1997); The Cyberstalking (1999); The Mists of Avalon (TV miniseries); Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001); 28 Days Later (2002); The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005); Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (video game); Snow White and the Huntsman (2012); and Battlefleet Gothic: Armada (video game). Huntley was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oliver Hudson braved the end of life as we know it for his role aboard the TV miniseries 10.5: Apocalypse. Hudson was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Athena Karkanis (whose name I just love, by the way) has definitely established herself as a 'go-to- talent so far as genre projects are concerned. Fans have enjoyed watching her bring the A-game -- both on-screen or vocally -- to such entities as the Saw franchise, Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), Survival Of The Dead (2009), Star Wars: The Old Republic, Lost Girl, Supernatural, The Lottery, The Expanse, Zoo, Manifest, and Dino Ranch. Karkanis was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Benjamin Hollingsworth keeps popping up the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, even when it's for a small(ish) appearance of good intent. He's been a part of Once Upon A Time, The Tomorrow People, and The Lottery. Hollingsworth was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alyssa Diaz helped save life as we know it as part of Ben 10: Alien Swarm (2009). She also had a small role in the early seasons of TNT's The Last Ship. Diaz was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ach! 2018's Nightflyers was a program that I really tried hard to like. It had all of the right elements -- an interesting premise, a great cast, excellent effects work ... but, sadly, it just never quite developed any real steam. Kudos to its gifted cast, though, of which the great Jodie Turner-Smith certainly made a strong impression. Alas, this poor unfortunate soul was part of the ensemble that tried to redefine the entire Star Wars Universe with the horribly conceived The Acolyte streaming series, so maybe SciFi and Fantasy isn't quite her thing. Turner-Smith was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HBO's "re-imagining" of Michael Crichton's Westworld was one of the hottest properties in the entertainment industry for a time, and I'm thrilled to know that the lovely Evan Rachel Wood is a part of it. Wood was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Holy mother of dragons! Hannah John-Kamen? You're quickly becoming a modern age queen of genre projects! The talented lady has been all over the place: even while serving as one of the headliners for Syfy's Killjoys, she managed to squeeze in work in a healthy smattering of program and properties near and dear to Science Fiction and Fantasy fans worldwide. Just where have you seen her before? Try this list on for size ... Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Game Of Thrones, Black Mirror, Tomb Raider (2018), Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018), Ready Player One (2018), The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance, Brave New World, and Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City (2021). Good grief! When has this lady slept?! John-Kamen was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jonathan Majors found a degree of breakout success with some work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- as well as the Loki streaming series on Disney+ -- only to find it all snatched away from him when some rather ugly off-screen antics showed him to have what some suggest might be anger issues. Majors was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and voice actress Jennifer Veal has a solid resume in projects near and dear to fandom. Fans are encouraged to check out her profile on IMDB.com, Veal was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As much as I do so love All Things Star Wars, I just haven't been able to "get into" the latest TV incarnation, Star Wars: Rebels. The writing is a bit too predictable for my likes, but I do like most of the cast, including young Taylor Gray, who brings to life the budding Jedi apprentice Ezra Bridger so very well. Gray was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and voiceover artist Michelle Creber continues to rack up one impressive project after another. Genre fans are encouraged to check out her full profile over on IMDB.com. Creber was born on this day in 1999.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), the Queen Of Outer Space enjoyed her royal U.S. theatrical premiere, no doubt reigning supreme at the box office. Directed by Edward Bernds -- with Charles Beaumont (of The Twilight Zone fame) scripting the work based on a story from Ben Hecht -- the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eric Fleming, Dave Willock, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"American astronauts are drawn by a mysterious force to the planet Venus, which they find to be inhabited only by beautiful women and their despotic queen."
"American astronauts are drawn by a mysterious force to the planet Venus, which they find to be inhabited only by beautiful women and their despotic queen."
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in the Philippines), Anak ng bulkan soared onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Emmanuel I. Rojas, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Fernando Poe Jr., Edna Luna, and Ronald Remy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A monstrous giant bird soars high across Manila and suburbs. Anak ng Bulkan was set in a remote volcanic island, tells of the friendship between a little boy named Bentoy (Ace York) and a giant bird named Goliat."
"A monstrous giant bird soars high across Manila and suburbs. Anak ng Bulkan was set in a remote volcanic island, tells of the friendship between a little boy named Bentoy (Ace York) and a giant bird named Goliat."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Italy), Fahrenheit 451 premiered for audiences in attendance of the Venice Film Festival. Adapted from the Science Fiction classic written by Ray Bradbury, the film was directed by François Truffaut and starred Oskar Werner, Julie Christie, and Cyril Cusack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In an oppressive future, a fireman whose duty is to destroy all books begins to question his task."
For the record:
At the 1967 Hugo Awards, Fahrenheit 451 enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"In an oppressive future, a fireman whose duty is to destroy all books begins to question his task."
For the record:
At the 1967 Hugo Awards, Fahrenheit 451 enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1968 (in Uruguay), the mask came off with the cinematic release of Frankenstein Created Woman. Directed by Terence Fisher, the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, and Thorley Walters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After being reanimated, Baron Frankenstein transfers the soul of an executed young man into the body of his lover, prompting her to kill the men who wronged them."
"After being reanimated, Baron Frankenstein transfers the soul of an executed young man into the body of his lover, prompting her to kill the men who wronged them."
On this day in 1984 (in Italy), Devil Fish submerged from the murky depths to terrorize audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Lamberto Bava, the Fantasy/Horror starred Michael Sopkiw, Valentine Monnier, and Gianni Garko. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A marine biologist, a dolphin trainer, a research scientist, and a local sheriff try to hunt down a large sea monster, a shark/octopus hybrid, that is devouring swimmers and fishermen off a south Florida coast."
"A marine biologist, a dolphin trainer, a research scientist, and a local sheriff try to hunt down a large sea monster, a shark/octopus hybrid, that is devouring swimmers and fishermen off a south Florida coast."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in the Netherlands), The Aftermath played for audiences in attendance of the Breda B-movies, Underground & Trash Film Festival. Written and directed by Rob Van Eyck, the Apocalypse/Drama starred Luc Allaerts, Guido De Belder, and Danielle Detremmerie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year 2011. The world is torn apart by war, violence and other misery. The Nuke has been dropped and the world is a desolate place where chaos and anarchy rules. A grown man with the mind of a child lived all those years locked securely in a bunker and when an automatic time slot suddenly opens he is coming into a world where he knows nothing about. "The Afterman" is soon confronted with violent and perverse survivors. He is, together with an anxious wife, locked up at a local slave driver. However, they can both escape, and slowly but surely, something beautiful blossoms between the two. But is there room for love and happiness (read: sex) in this savage new world? This film is a cult-movie with no dialogue."
"The year 2011. The world is torn apart by war, violence and other misery. The Nuke has been dropped and the world is a desolate place where chaos and anarchy rules. A grown man with the mind of a child lived all those years locked securely in a bunker and when an automatic time slot suddenly opens he is coming into a world where he knows nothing about. "The Afterman" is soon confronted with violent and perverse survivors. He is, together with an anxious wife, locked up at a local slave driver. However, they can both escape, and slowly but surely, something beautiful blossoms between the two. But is there room for love and happiness (read: sex) in this savage new world? This film is a cult-movie with no dialogue."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Denmark), The Man Who Wanted To Be Guilty premiered. Ole Roos adapted the Henrk Stangerup novel and directed it for the screen, and the film starred Jesper Klein, Anna Karina, and Claes Rose Mikkelsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Author Adam lives in a future society where adventure is forbidden. But he defies the ban and the authorities abduct his wife and child to reach Adam's fairy-tale publisher."
"Author Adam lives in a future society where adventure is forbidden. But he defies the ban and the authorities abduct his wife and child to reach Adam's fairy-tale publisher."
On this day in 1990 (in Greece and Sweden), Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall stirred up what memories it could. Based on a story from Philip K. Dick, the film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, and Ronny Cox. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
"When a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Cast A Deadly Spell enjoyed its debut on television. Directed by Martin Campbell from a story by Joseph Dougherty, the Fantasy/Horror starred Fred Ward, David Warner, and Julianne Moore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a fantastical 40's where magic is used by everyone, a hard-boiled detective investigates the theft of a mystical tome."
For the record:
"In a fantastical 40's where magic is used by everyone, a hard-boiled detective investigates the theft of a mystical tome."
For the record:
- At the 1992 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Cast A Deadly Spell enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre Television Series.'
- At the 1992 Primetime Emmy Awards, the feature took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics.' It also had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special.'
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Canada), audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival enjoyed the cinematic premiere of Killer Tongue. Written and directed by Alberto Sciamma, the Fantasy film starred Melinda Clarke, Jason Durr, and Mapi Galán. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This horror story involves a woman hiding out with four pastel colored poodles in a desert gas station with the loot from a heist while her boy friend does prison time. A meteorite crashes near the station transforming the woman into an alien being with a gigantic voracious tongue and her poodles are transformed into four drag queens. The whole thing grows even weirder as her boy friend escapes from prison and also encounters the meteorite, as does a mute Nun who is converted into a sexy drum majorette. Pursued by the prison officials who are after him, the whole group eventually come into conflict."
For the record:
Killer Tongue earned a modest bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
"This horror story involves a woman hiding out with four pastel colored poodles in a desert gas station with the loot from a heist while her boy friend does prison time. A meteorite crashes near the station transforming the woman into an alien being with a gigantic voracious tongue and her poodles are transformed into four drag queens. The whole thing grows even weirder as her boy friend escapes from prison and also encounters the meteorite, as does a mute Nun who is converted into a sexy drum majorette. Pursued by the prison officials who are after him, the whole group eventually come into conflict."
For the record:
Killer Tongue earned a modest bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Canada), Gattaca enjoyed its very first theatrical exhibition for audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Andrew Niccol, the SciFi/Drama starred Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, and Uma Thurman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel."
For the record:
At the 1998 Academy Awards, Gattaca was nominated in the category of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' but failed to take home the gold. At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Music.' At the 1998 Hugo Awards, the feature was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel."
For the record:
At the 1998 Academy Awards, Gattaca was nominated in the category of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' but failed to take home the gold. At the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Music.' At the 1998 Hugo Awards, the feature was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), it was the end of the world as we know it once again with the release of Megiddo: The Omega Code. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael York, Michael Biehn, and Joseph Makkar. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Megiddo is a supernatural ride into a world teetering on the edge of the Apocalypse. It follows the rise of a Machiavellian leader bent on amassing the armies of the world for the battle of Armageddon while calamities of Biblical proportions pummel the Earth. Though both prequel and sequel to The Omega Code, Megiddo works also as a stand alone story for anyone who missed its predecessor, for, at its emotional core, Megiddo is the Caine and Abel story of the two men enamored with the same woman, raised as brothers, who grew up to find themselves pitted against each other over the fate and souls of the entire world."
"Megiddo is a supernatural ride into a world teetering on the edge of the Apocalypse. It follows the rise of a Machiavellian leader bent on amassing the armies of the world for the battle of Armageddon while calamities of Biblical proportions pummel the Earth. Though both prequel and sequel to The Omega Code, Megiddo works also as a stand alone story for anyone who missed its predecessor, for, at its emotional core, Megiddo is the Caine and Abel story of the two men enamored with the same woman, raised as brothers, who grew up to find themselves pitted against each other over the fate and souls of the entire world."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Germany), A.I. Assault (aka Shockwave) enjoyed its initial release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joe Lando, Lisa LoCicero, and Josh Coxx. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a plane carrying a pair of top secret military robots crashes on a deserted Pacific island, a team of Navy seals must find them and turn them off as soon as possible for the longer they are activated, the smarter they become."
"When a plane carrying a pair of top secret military robots crashes on a deserted Pacific island, a team of Navy seals must find them and turn them off as soon as possible for the longer they are activated, the smarter they become."
A star is born ... or was it manufactured? On this day in 2006 (in Germany), Automatons enjoyed its glorious debut for audiences of the Oldenburg Film Festival. Written and directed by James Felix McKenney, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Christine Spencer, Angus Scrimm, and Brenda Cooney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A low-tech FX film about the horrors of war and robots."
"A low-tech FX film about the horrors of war and robots."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London were treated to the big screen premiere of Dorian Gray. Directed by Oliver Parker from a story by Toby Finlay and Oscar Wilde, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, and Rebecca Hall. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dorian Gray earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Dorian Gray earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2010, the SciFi thriller/chiller Growth was released on DVD in the United States. Written (in part) and directed by Gabriel Cowan, the SciFi/Horror starred Mircea Monroe, Christopher Shand, and Nora Kirkpatrick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the feature's plot summary:
"In 1989, a breakthrough in advanced parasitic research on Cuttyhunk Island, gave scientists a jump in human evolution. Initial tests proved promising as subjects were experiencing heightened physical and mental strength and awareness. But, something in the experiment went horribly wrong and the island mysteriously lost three quarters of its population. Jamie Akerman fled the outbreak, which took her mothers life, twenty years ago. She now returns with her boyfriend and step brother, to sell the family property. There, they uncover the key to Jamie's disturbing past, and the horrifying secrets long suppressed by the town leader, Larkin. Now, a new strain of parasite has emerged, and threatens the island once again. Jamie struggles to survive and escape the obsessive pursuit of the local islanders who know that she has inherited more than she could ever have imagined."
"In 1989, a breakthrough in advanced parasitic research on Cuttyhunk Island, gave scientists a jump in human evolution. Initial tests proved promising as subjects were experiencing heightened physical and mental strength and awareness. But, something in the experiment went horribly wrong and the island mysteriously lost three quarters of its population. Jamie Akerman fled the outbreak, which took her mothers life, twenty years ago. She now returns with her boyfriend and step brother, to sell the family property. There, they uncover the key to Jamie's disturbing past, and the horrifying secrets long suppressed by the town leader, Larkin. Now, a new strain of parasite has emerged, and threatens the island once again. Jamie struggles to survive and escape the obsessive pursuit of the local islanders who know that she has inherited more than she could ever have imagined."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Italy), audiences of the Venice Film Festival were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of 4:44 Last Day On Earth. Written and directed by Abel Ferrera, the SciFi/Drama starred Willem Dafoe, Shanyn Leigh, and Natasha Lyonne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A look at how a painter and a successful actor spend their last day together before the world comes to an end."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 4:44 Last Day On Earth earned a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A look at how a painter and a successful actor spend their last day together before the world comes to an end."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 4:44 Last Day On Earth earned a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Russia and the U.S.), the SciFi/Fantasy flick Branded morphed into existence, giving us yet one more look at our grim future. Written and directed by the team of Jamie Bradshaw and Alexsandr Dulerayn, the feature starred Jamie Bradshaw, Jeffrey Tambor, and Leelee Sobieski. Here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"In future Moscow, where corporate brands have created a disillusioned population, one man's effort to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with hidden forces that control the world."
"In future Moscow, where corporate brands have created a disillusioned population, one man's effort to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with hidden forces that control the world."
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/Musical Love made music with audiences. Written and directed by William Eubank, the feature starred Gunner Wright, Bradley Horne, and Corey Richardson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After losing contact with Earth, Astronaut Lee Miller becomes stranded in orbit alone aboard the abandoned International Space Station. As the life support systems dwindle, Lee battles to maintain his sanity whilst he alternates between performing repairs and reading the 1864 journal of an American Civil War soldier Captain Briggs. He faces a slow, claustrophobic and lonely death, until he discovers the mysterious object found by Briggs aboard the ship."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Love scored a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After losing contact with Earth, Astronaut Lee Miller becomes stranded in orbit alone aboard the abandoned International Space Station. As the life support systems dwindle, Lee battles to maintain his sanity whilst he alternates between performing repairs and reading the 1864 journal of an American Civil War soldier Captain Briggs. He faces a slow, claustrophobic and lonely death, until he discovers the mysterious object found by Briggs aboard the ship."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Love scored a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in France), audiences of the L'Etrange Festival were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of 009-1: The End Of The Beginning. Directed by Kôichi Sakamoto from a story by Shotaro Ishinomori and Keiichi Hasegawa, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Mayuko Iwasa, Minehiro Kinomoto, and Nao Nagasawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 20xx, the world is divided into two powers: the Western Block and the Eastern Block. Serving as a border zone between the two is "J-Country." As such, it is used as a battleground for the two sides in their never-ending conflict. Mylene, an undercover agent from the western block, has been hiding out in J-Country. While investigating human trafficking, she meets a young man named Chris. Mylene finds herself attracted to Chris and after completing her mission and returning to headquarters she is unable to keep him out of her mind. "Recover Dr. Klein and see to her protection!" is the newest mission assigned to Mylene from the 00 agency. Abducted by the Eastern Block, Dr. Klein was in charge of the Faust Project and the technology that made Mylene into a cyborg. During the briefing for the mission she puzzles over a name that sparks memories buried within her cyborg mind. "Recover Dr. Klein and see to her protection!" is the newest mission assigned to Mylene from the 00 agency.Abducted by the Eastern Block, Dr. Klein was in charge of the Faust Project and the technology that made Mylene into a cyborg. During the briefing for the mission she puzzles over a name that sparks memories buried within her cyborg mind. Breaking into the laboratory where the doctor is being held, Mylene is surprised to find Chris being used as an experimental guinea pig. Distracted, she is unable to complete her mission and agents of the east take Dr. Klein away. Failing in her mission, Mylene has her license revoked by the agency. Spurred by the increasing flashes of memories locked away within her, she sets out on a mission of her own: to take back her memories and learn who she really is."
"In 20xx, the world is divided into two powers: the Western Block and the Eastern Block. Serving as a border zone between the two is "J-Country." As such, it is used as a battleground for the two sides in their never-ending conflict. Mylene, an undercover agent from the western block, has been hiding out in J-Country. While investigating human trafficking, she meets a young man named Chris. Mylene finds herself attracted to Chris and after completing her mission and returning to headquarters she is unable to keep him out of her mind. "Recover Dr. Klein and see to her protection!" is the newest mission assigned to Mylene from the 00 agency. Abducted by the Eastern Block, Dr. Klein was in charge of the Faust Project and the technology that made Mylene into a cyborg. During the briefing for the mission she puzzles over a name that sparks memories buried within her cyborg mind. "Recover Dr. Klein and see to her protection!" is the newest mission assigned to Mylene from the 00 agency.Abducted by the Eastern Block, Dr. Klein was in charge of the Faust Project and the technology that made Mylene into a cyborg. During the briefing for the mission she puzzles over a name that sparks memories buried within her cyborg mind. Breaking into the laboratory where the doctor is being held, Mylene is surprised to find Chris being used as an experimental guinea pig. Distracted, she is unable to complete her mission and agents of the east take Dr. Klein away. Failing in her mission, Mylene has her license revoked by the agency. Spurred by the increasing flashes of memories locked away within her, she sets out on a mission of her own: to take back her memories and learn who she really is."
A star is born ... and you'll believe a boy can crawl! On this day in 2013 (in Canada), audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of ... Antboy! Directed by Ask Hasselbalch, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Oscar Dietz, Amalie Kruse Jensen, and Samuel Ting Graf. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"12-year-old Pelle is bitten by an ant and develops superpowers. Aided by comic book nerd Wilhelm, Pelle creates a secret identity as superhero Antboy. When a super villain The Flea enters the scene, Antboy must step up to the challenge."
For the record:
At the 2014 Danish Film Awards, Antboy enjoyed a good amount of attention. The film won top honors in two categories: 'Best Visual Effects' and 'Best Children/Youth Film.' It had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Comedy,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Original Score.'
"12-year-old Pelle is bitten by an ant and develops superpowers. Aided by comic book nerd Wilhelm, Pelle creates a secret identity as superhero Antboy. When a super villain The Flea enters the scene, Antboy must step up to the challenge."
For the record:
At the 2014 Danish Film Awards, Antboy enjoyed a good amount of attention. The film won top honors in two categories: 'Best Visual Effects' and 'Best Children/Youth Film.' It had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Comedy,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Original Score.'
On this day in 2017, Cold Skin enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Xavier Gens, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Ray Stevenson, Aura Garrido, and David Oakes; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1914, a young man arrives at a remote island near the Antarctic Circle to take the post of weather observer only to find himself trapped in a watchtower besieged by deadly creatures which live in hiding on the island."
For the record:
At the 2019 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Cold Skin enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Creature FX.'
"In 1914, a young man arrives at a remote island near the Antarctic Circle to take the post of weather observer only to find himself trapped in a watchtower besieged by deadly creatures which live in hiding on the island."
For the record:
At the 2019 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Cold Skin enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Creature FX.'
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Canada), Ravenous enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Robin Aubert, the Horror/Fantasy starred Marc-André Grondin, Monia Chokri, and Charlotte St-Martin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a small, remote village in northern Quebec, things have changed. Locals are not the same anymore - their bodies are breaking down and they have turned against their loved ones. A handful of survivors goes hiding in the woods, looking for others like them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ravenous enjoyed a wealth of praise on the film festival circuit.
"In a small, remote village in northern Quebec, things have changed. Locals are not the same anymore - their bodies are breaking down and they have turned against their loved ones. A handful of survivors goes hiding in the woods, looking for others like them."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ravenous enjoyed a wealth of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in Belgium), audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the theatrical launch of Mad Heidi. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Johannes Hartmann and Sandro Klopfstein, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Alice Lucy, Max Rudlinger, and Casper Van Dien. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Swiss mountain girl Heidi is abducted by brutal government troops and must defend herself and fight a war against a cheese-fueled machinery of hate."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mad Heidi created quite a buzz from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was offered the opportunity to stream Mad Heidi via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Swiss mountain girl Heidi is abducted by brutal government troops and must defend herself and fight a war against a cheese-fueled machinery of hate."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mad Heidi created quite a buzz from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was offered the opportunity to stream Mad Heidi via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1951, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Errand Boy." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I have been unable to find an effective plot summary on the world wide web.
On this day in 1956, Science Fiction Theatre aired "One Thousand Eyes." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A police researcher, using a newly developed camera, solves the murders of a renowned scientist and the prime suspect in the scientist's death."
"A police researcher, using a newly developed camera, solves the murders of a renowned scientist and the prime suspect in the scientist's death."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Mystery Satellite." This served as the thirty-seventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of MR37 encounter a strange object that they first believe is a meteor till it starts changing direction to match their ship. Whatever the object was it is confirmed it could not have come from Earth. When MR30 also encounters the object, a desperate chase begins to try and identify it."
"The crew of MR37 encounter a strange object that they first believe is a meteor till it starts changing direction to match their ship. Whatever the object was it is confirmed it could not have come from Earth. When MR30 also encounters the object, a desperate chase begins to try and identify it."
On this day in 1963, Japan's Astroboy enjoyed its U.S. television premiere. The first episode was titled "The Birth Of Astroboy," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
"A robot named Astro Boy is built. He replaces Dr. Boynton's dead son. Realizing he's not a real boy, Dr. Boynton sells him to the circus. After saving the circus owner's life, Astro Boy gets his freedom and Elefun as mentor."
It all began right here: on this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Sid & Marty Krofft made TV history with the small screen premiere of Land Of The Lost. The first episode was titled "Cha-Ka," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will and Holly save a Pakuni ape-boy named Cha-Ka from Grumpy the Tyrannosaurus Rex."
"Will and Holly save a Pakuni ape-boy named Cha-Ka from Grumpy the Tyrannosaurus Rex."
It all began right here: on this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Daddy The Invisible Man." This served as the first episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. episode guide:
"In order to impress a girl, Danny does some tricks with an invisibility gadget from Pluto. Unfortunately, the "side effects" start catching up with him back on earth. As pieces of Danny start to disappear at embarrasing times, Freddie the Magician realizes how his own act was inexplicably fouled up, and Danny promises to get rid of the gadget."
"In order to impress a girl, Danny does some tricks with an invisibility gadget from Pluto. Unfortunately, the "side effects" start catching up with him back on earth. As pieces of Danny start to disappear at embarrasing times, Freddie the Magician realizes how his own act was inexplicably fouled up, and Danny promises to get rid of the gadget."
It all began right here: on this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Droids gave young audiences another adventure in the wider Star Wars universe. The first episode was titled "The White Witch," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being jettisoned over Ingo by a former master, R2-D2 and C-3PO are discovered by landspeeder racers. They accidentally encounter the Fromm Gang and are helped by Kea Moll."
"After being jettisoned over Ingo by a former master, R2-D2 and C-3PO are discovered by landspeeder racers. They accidentally encounter the Fromm Gang and are helped by Kea Moll."
It all began right here: on this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), TV audiences were treated to the Saturday morning premiere of Ewoks. The first episode was titled "The Cries Of The Trees," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Morag the Tulga Witch schemes to burn down the forest and the only ones with clues to that are Wicket and his male friends who are being punished for lying."
"Morag the Tulga Witch schemes to burn down the forest and the only ones with clues to that are Wicket and his male friends who are being punished for lying."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "The White Mountains: 2090 AD." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will, Beanpole and a group of other Freemen are chosen to compete in "The Games" held by the Tripods. Winners are taken to The Golden City where, the Freemen hope to collect information on how to destroy the Tripods."
"Will, Beanpole and a group of other Freemen are chosen to compete in "The Games" held by the Tripods. Winners are taken to The Golden City where, the Freemen hope to collect information on how to destroy the Tripods."
On this day in 1987, Doctor Who blasted back onto the airwaves with the series premiere of the long-running program's twenty-fourth season. The episode was titled "Time and the Rani: Part 1," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rani, needing the Doctor's expertise, shoots down his TARDIS, crash-landing it on planet Lykertya where the Doctor dies and subsequently regenerates. She biochemically induces selective amnesia before disguising herself as Mel in order to angle him deceptively into repairing one of her broken machines. The real Mel? Left behind in the TARDIS, alive but unconscious, where she's found by a grim rebel Lakertyan who then makes off with her."
"The Rani, needing the Doctor's expertise, shoots down his TARDIS, crash-landing it on planet Lykertya where the Doctor dies and subsequently regenerates. She biochemically induces selective amnesia before disguising herself as Mel in order to angle him deceptively into repairing one of her broken machines. The real Mel? Left behind in the TARDIS, alive but unconscious, where she's found by a grim rebel Lakertyan who then makes off with her."
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
On this day in 1995 (in Canada), Mysterious Island aired "Make Yourselves A Home." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television. As I've been unable to locate any individual plot synopsis online, I'm putting in the series' summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1865, a group escapes from a Confederate prison in a balloon, only to be carried halfway around the world. They are shot down while approaching land (which they later discover is an "uninhabited" island. The shooter (Nemo) wishes to make use of them for some experiments he has planned. The volcano on the island has other ideas."
"In 1865, a group escapes from a Confederate prison in a balloon, only to be carried halfway around the world. They are shot down while approaching land (which they later discover is an "uninhabited" island. The shooter (Nemo) wishes to make use of them for some experiments he has planned. The volcano on the island has other ideas."
On this day in 1996, Superman: The Animated Series aired "Fun And Games." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Intergang boss Bruno Manheim finds himself targeted by the son of one of his pawns who has become Toyman."
"Intergang boss Bruno Manheim finds himself targeted by the son of one of his pawns who has become Toyman."
It all began right here: on this day in 1998, RoboCop reported for duty, this time in animated fashion, with the premiere of RoboCop: Alpha Commando. The first episode was titled "Justice Reborn: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Division Alpha agent Nancy Miner must prevent the assassination attempt on the Premiere of fictional Naugmenastan who's visiting New Detroit. Since the city is still as corrupt as ever in the 2020s, she is given a unique new partner."
"Division Alpha agent Nancy Miner must prevent the assassination attempt on the Premiere of fictional Naugmenastan who's visiting New Detroit. Since the city is still as corrupt as ever in the 2020s, she is given a unique new partner."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "A Place In The Sun." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season. To date, I've been unable to locate a summary for this particular episode so instead I am placing the series' summary from IMDB.com:
"The series is set aboard the corporate space station Unity and is a character driven drama about the station's crew."
"The series is set aboard the corporate space station Unity and is a character driven drama about the station's crew."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S. and Canada), Welcome To Paradox aired "News From D Street." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mr. K. is an old-school detective who has been tasked to find a mysterious man who has a list of names someone wants. Mr. K encounters sinister characters, an alluring artist and the real self he never knew existed along the way."
"Mr. K. is an old-school detective who has been tasked to find a mysterious man who has a list of names someone wants. Mr. K encounters sinister characters, an alluring artist and the real self he never knew existed along the way."
On this day in 1999 (in Canada), My Best Friend Is An Alien aired "Alien Time Warp Madness." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Youtube.com:
"When Pleskit and Tim accidentally transport themselves back a week in time, Tim tries to change the outcome of a schoolyard fight he had with Jordan."
"When Pleskit and Tim accidentally transport themselves back a week in time, Tim tries to change the outcome of a schoolyard fight he had with Jordan."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), So Weird aired "Talking Board." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Molly decides to sell the old house and move closer to town. Jack, Annie, Carey and a couple of friends spend a night with a Ouija board. When the Ouija board starts to predict the future Annie tries to prevent a disaster."
"Molly decides to sell the old house and move closer to town. Jack, Annie, Carey and a couple of friends spend a night with a Ouija board. When the Ouija board starts to predict the future Annie tries to prevent a disaster."
On this day in 2001, Lexx aired "Vlad." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stan invites the goth girls for a tour of the Lexx who hopes it will be less of a tour and more of an intimate rendezvous, but his fantasy is not made reality when the girls silence him and steal Kai's proto-blood."
"Stan invites the goth girls for a tour of the Lexx who hopes it will be less of a tour and more of an intimate rendezvous, but his fantasy is not made reality when the girls silence him and steal Kai's proto-blood."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), So Weird aired "Annie's Song." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The gang visits a Native American wooded area where a little girl turn up missing."
"The gang visits a Native American wooded area where a little girl turn up missing."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Desperate Measures." This served as the eleventh episode to the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Carter gets kidnapped and taken to an abandoned hospital where two doctors work to study the remains of Jolinar. She finds out that they have a Gou-ald, taken from the Russians, and are planning to put it inside a man named Adrian Conrad, to heal his sickness. They need Carter to tell them how to get the Goa'uld out after he's healed. O'Neill believes the government is involved with Carter's disappearance and contacts Maybourne. Together, with Daniel and Teal'c, they find Carter but also find out that the Goa'uld has escaped inside Conrad's body."
"Carter gets kidnapped and taken to an abandoned hospital where two doctors work to study the remains of Jolinar. She finds out that they have a Gou-ald, taken from the Russians, and are planning to put it inside a man named Adrian Conrad, to heal his sickness. They need Carter to tell them how to get the Goa'uld out after he's healed. O'Neill believes the government is involved with Carter's disappearance and contacts Maybourne. Together, with Daniel and Teal'c, they find Carter but also find out that the Goa'uld has escaped inside Conrad's body."
On this day in 2001, The Invisible Man aired "A Sense Of Community." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eberts search to find funding for their Agency leads him to an agency that has many dead people on payroll. Hobbes and Fawkes look up an actual "live" agency employee, and end up trapped in a "community" from which there is no escape."
"Eberts search to find funding for their Agency leads him to an agency that has many dead people on payroll. Hobbes and Fawkes look up an actual "live" agency employee, and end up trapped in a "community" from which there is no escape."
On this day in 2007, Flash Gordon aired "Assassin." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash is filled with shock and awe when his father reappears on Earth, but the real identity of the elusive Dr. Gordon comes into question when the bodies of his colleagues begin to pile up."
"Flash is filled with shock and awe when his father reappears on Earth, but the real identity of the elusive Dr. Gordon comes into question when the bodies of his colleagues begin to pile up."
On this day in 2007, Painkiller Jane aired "The Beast Of Bolnar." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Connor is in a Hungarian village called Bolnar, he's attacked by a creature and the team tries to find out if the beast is the effect of a Neuro's powers."
"When Connor is in a Hungarian village called Bolnar, he's attacked by a creature and the team tries to find out if the beast is the effect of a Neuro's powers."
On this day in 2008 (in Australia), Doctor Who aired "Midnight." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
On this day in 2014, The Lottery aired "St. Michael." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alison and James share with Vanessa their thoughts and theories about the source of the fertility problem. Plus, Vanessa finds out Darius is working with so-conspirators to take control over The Lottery. At about the same time Kyle is asked to take advantage of his current standings with Allison."
"Alison and James share with Vanessa their thoughts and theories about the source of the fertility problem. Plus, Vanessa finds out Darius is working with so-conspirators to take control over The Lottery. At about the same time Kyle is asked to take advantage of his current standings with Allison."
On this day in 2017, Zoo aired "Cradles And Graves." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the team is trapped inside the plane by toxic spores surrounding them, complications arise during the delivery of Clementine's baby."
"As the team is trapped inside the plane by toxic spores surrounding them, complications arise during the delivery of Clementine's baby."
On this day in 2018, Killjoys aired "It Takes A Pillage." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An awkward Jaqobis homecoming takes a deadly turn as Dutch and Zeph risk everything for science."
"An awkward Jaqobis homecoming takes a deadly turn as Dutch and Zeph risk everything for science."
For what it's worth, I did check out the first issue of Marvel's revamped Star Wars title when it streeted some time ago; while I'll admit I wasn't all that impressed (some of it felt sloppy as if events were moving far too quickly), I suppose this might be the better way to catch up with the ongoing title -- graphic novel collections. The first volume was released in hardcover on this day in 2016, and here's the scuttlebutt as provided by our friends at TFAW.com:
"The young Jedi's quest to learn more about the ancient order will lead to an uncanny encounter with Boba Fett and land him in the middle of the Arena of Death. Meanwhile, Han and Leia face a mysterious woman from the charming smuggler's past - one with a very personal grudge! Plus: Discover a secret chapter of Obi-Wan Kenobi's story!"
"The young Jedi's quest to learn more about the ancient order will lead to an uncanny encounter with Boba Fett and land him in the middle of the Arena of Death. Meanwhile, Han and Leia face a mysterious woman from the charming smuggler's past - one with a very personal grudge! Plus: Discover a secret chapter of Obi-Wan Kenobi's story!"
On this day in 2016, DC Comics continued with its massive Rebirth, finally bringing the other Kryptonian survivor -- Supergirl -- into the fold. According to our friends at TFAW.com, here's the plot summary:
"'REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMAN' part one! Supergirl is back and working for the DEO to defend National City! As Kara Danvers, average American teenager and high school student, Supergirl must balance her life as a superhero with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman!"
"'REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMAN' part one! Supergirl is back and working for the DEO to defend National City! As Kara Danvers, average American teenager and high school student, Supergirl must balance her life as a superhero with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman!"
