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Star Trek: The Original Series premiered in 1966 and ran for three seasons. The series is widely known for its boundary-pushing storytelling with several aspects considered ahead of its time, including a diverse main cast, led by William Shatner.

For most fans, it is also considered one of the earliest instances of an on-screen kiss between two actors from different ethnic backgrounds, with William Shatner’s Captain Kirk sharing a kiss with Nichelle Nichols’ Uhura.

William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols in Star Trek (Credit: NBC).

Despite the common belief, Star Trek wasn’t the first TV series to showcase a kissing scene between actors from different races, especially during the 1960s when kissing on TV itself was considered taboo. Here is everything you need to know about the actual first interracial kiss on TV.

Star Trek most likely did not have the first interracial kiss on American TV

The Star Trek episode,...

Often under the guise of procedural television that encapsulates suspense, horror, and science fiction, anthologies are a format of cinematic storytelling that often gets tossed under the rug of narrative mediums. However, whenever one does surface, it's often a great labor of love with clever stories, chilling revelations, and spicy plots.

With Prime's Secret Level animated anthology covering stories throughout the gaming universe of both the virtual and tabletop fandoms, it's a great time to revisit or discover some other great televised anthologies that scratch that same itch that present such a variety of style and narrative flare. These anthologies are placed based on their relatability to Secret Level's tone, style, and originality, and how close the listed show relates to that feeling. So what's the next short-story extravaganza to binge to get that fix?

The Outer Limits Zeroed-In On Sci-Fi's Burning Questions

Year

1963-65, 1995-2002

Where Can I Watch?...

Television has been full of memorable moments over the years, some more so than others.

Yet, there's a difference between just memorable and monumental.

The nine television episodes below made history in various ways and, in some cases, permanently changed the TV landscape.

All in the Family Season 2 Episode 21: Sammy's Visit

The late writer and producer Norman Lear, who passed away in 2023, created several beloved classic sitcoms that pushed the boundaries of American television at the time.

None more so than All in the Family (1971-1979), a show about a bigoted working-class man and his struggles with family and society during the changing 1970s.

Related: Classic TV is the Perfect Binge Watch For So Many Reasons

The show covered many exciting and often controversial topics over its nine seasons.

From draft dodging to sexual assault, the show never avoided complex subjects of the time.

One of the most difficult...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that it is inviting 397 artists and executives to join the Oscar organizer’s membership ranks. The prospective 2022 class includes 71 Oscar nominees and 15 winners, with 44 of the invitees women, and 37 of the group belongs to underrepresented communities.

See the full list below.

Among this year’s Oscar winners on the list are Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur, and Kotsur’s Coda writer-director Siân Heder, who has been invited into both the Directors and Writers branches. Among those invited into multiple branches, the new member must pick one. There are a total of 17 AMPAS branches, along with 25 who today received members-at-large invitations.

Others on the list include this year’s Oscar Original Song winners Billie Eilish and brother Finneas O’Connell; actors Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Jesse Buckley, Michael Greyeyes, Olga Merediz, Jesse Plemons, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anya Taylor-Joy; writers Zach Baylin,...

Anya Taylor-Joy, Billie Eilish, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan and Disney exec Dana Walden are among the 397 artists and executives invited to join the membership of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. If all of this year’s invitees accept membership, it will bring the total number of Academy members to 10,665, with 9,665 eligible to vote for the 95th Oscars set to take place on March 12, 2023.

The 2022 class is 44 women, 37 belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50 are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States. There are 71 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners, among the invitees. Some of the big names invited are recent winners Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) and Troy Kotsur (“Coda”), and nominees Jessie Buckley (“The Lost Daughter”), Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”). Also invited are a slew of global artists and artisans such as actors Robin de Jesús, Olga Merediz...

Oscar winners Ariana DeBose, Troy Kotsur and Billie Eilish and nominees Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons are among the 397 film professionals invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Monday.

Invitations were also extended to actors Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Renate Rensve and Anya Taylor-Joy, directors Reinaldo Marcus Green, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sian Heder and Jonas Poher Rasmussen, writers Zach Baylin, Takamasa Oe and Alex Ross Perry and film critic Leonard Maltin, who was invited to join as a member at large.

Four people were invited by two different branches, and must choose which branch they wish to join. Hamaguchi, Heder and Pawo Choyning Dorji were invited by both the Directors and Writers Branches, while Rasmussen was invited by the Directors Branch and the Documentary Branch.

Also Read:

Marlee Matlin, Jason Reitman and Jason Blum Elected to Oscars Academy...

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 397 members of the global film community to join the organization, it was announced Tuesday.

Among those who will henceforth be able to vote for the Oscar nominations and winners if they accept, as the vast majority of people who have received invites historically have: newly-minted Oscar winners Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell (music branch) and Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur (actors); Paramount chief Brian Robbins and Disney general entertainment chief Dana Walden (executives); and film critic Leonard Maltin (members-at-large).

According to an Academy-provided breakdown of the new invitees, 44 percent are women, 37 percent are non-white and 50 percent are non-Americans (54 different countries are represented). If they all accept, the Academy’s overall membership will be 34 percent female, 19 percent non-white and 23 percent non-American.

Seven branches invited more women than men (actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary,...

Cinema Retro has received the following press release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics:

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New York, NY -- December 8, 2020 -- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, the '80s sci-fi classic TV series and 1979 theatrical feature starring Gil Gerard, is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. Buck Rogers: The Complete Collection, available on Blu-ray includes both seasons of the TV series plus the 1979 Theatrical Feature. The Theatrical Feature is also available individually on Blu-ray.

The Complete Collection comes packed with bonus features including the Pilot Episode (Awakening), 32 Episodes and Theatrical Version (First Time in HD), New Audio Commentaries for 11 Selected Episodes by Film/TV Historian Patrick Jankiewicz, Author of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: A TV Companion, New Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson (Theatrical Feature), New Interview with Co-Star Erin Gray, New Interview with...

This is one for the C-movie connoisseurs among you.

For those of you who don’t know (you won’t), there’s a new sci-fi spoof on the way called Unbelievable!!!!! It stars Snoop Dogg, 42 former Star Trek actors, Michael Madsen, and a ficus on a skateboard. That ought to answer all of your questions.

In the can for what appears to have been an eternity (some of the footage dates back as far as 2013), the film does at last have a release date. I say at last, but I’m not sure it was at the top of anyone’s list of movie treasure troves. Anyway, if you’re feeling particularly trashy (there’s no shame in that), sit down for Unbelievable!!!!! in an online premiere this August 1st. The premiere will also come with a virtual convention.

Two more items on the agenda to go through. One is the trailer,...

Indie Rights has acquired domestic distribution rights to Unbelievable!!!!!, the Steven L. Fawcette-helmed sci-fi film that stars Snoop Dogg and over forty former Star Trek cast members from the movies and TV series. The company will also launch foreign sales at the Virtual Cannes Film Market on June 24.

The pic stars Kirk Stillwood, a puppet created by the Chiodo Brothers. It follows the crazy exploits of four off-beat astronauts (one is a marionette) who travel to the Moon on a rescue mission to determine the fate of two Space Agency comrades who have not been heard from in several days. The individuals they find at the Lunar Base are not who they appear to be and, through acts of trickery and deception, nearly succeed in killing them. Soon the astronauts find themselves trying to save the Earth from Plant Aliens!

Additional co-stars include Michael Madsen, and Gilbert Gottfried, with cameos from Robert Davi,...

1968: Dark Shadows' Joe & Guthrie tried to break into Laura's tomb.

1984: Guiding Light's Mindy considered an abortion.

1990: General Hospital's Julian pulled a gun on Paget ("Duke").

1992: Days of our Lives' Vivian arrived in Salem."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: Radio serial Whispering Sheets premiered. The show was a "serial with a twist." Each new episode presented the story from one character's perspective, and the character that was being focused on changed each day. The fictional narrator--and principal expositor--for the program was "Hope Winslow,...

It’s a Trekkie delight. No idea why so many Star Trek actors thought this was a great idea, but they did. Snoop Dogg seems to be the furthest thing away from sci-fi as you can get, but he’s one of the stars Unbelievable, a parody film that uses a puppet for James T. Kirk. Watch the trailer for below.

The original score was written/composed by Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated Gerald Fried — the last living composer from the original Star Trek series.

Snoop Dogg executive produced the film from writer-director Steven Fawcette that also stars Nichelle Nichols (who also co-produced), Angelique Fawcette (also a producer), Michael Madsen and Robert Davi. Also in the film are Casper Smart, Sam Asghari, Gilbert Gottfried and newcomer Katarina Van Derham.

Here are some of the 40-plus Star Trek actors who also appear: Garrett Wang, Chase Masterson Tim Russ, Armin Shimerman, Vaughn Armstrong, Gary Graham,...

1968: Dark Shadows' Joe & Guthrie tried to break into Laura's tomb.

1984: Guiding Light's Mindy considered an abortion.

1990: General Hospital's Julian pulled a gun on Paget ("Duke").

1992: Days of our Lives' Vivian arrived in Salem."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: Radio serial Whispering Sheets premiered. The show was a "serial with a twist.

Shirley Jones Movies: Innocent virgins and sex workers galore (photo: Shirley Jones and Burt Lancaster in ‘Elmer Gantry’) (See previous post: “Shirley Jones: From Book to Movies.”) I haven’t watched The Cheyenne Social Club (1970), a comedy Western directed by Gene Kelly, and starring 62-year-old James Stewart as a cowpoke who inherits an establishment that turns out to be a popular house of prostitution. Henry Fonda plays Stewart’s partner. And I’m sure Shirley Jones, as one of the sex workers, looks lovely in the film. Hopefully, director Kelly gave this likable, talented actress the chance to do more than just stand around looking pretty. But then again … For all purposes, The Cheyenne Social Club ended Shirley Jones’ film stardom; that same year she turned to TV and The Partridge Family. Jones would return to films only nine years later, as one of several stars (among them Michael Caine,...

Chicago – One of the most unique happenings in Chicago every year is “The Hollywood Show.” This annual event presents celebrities from TV and film, both from the nostalgic past and the current scene. In September of 2012, the show included Loni Anderson (“Wkrp in Cincinnati”), Oscar Winner Martin Landau and the reunited cast of “Lost in Space,” all meeting fans and signing autographs.

HollywoodChicago.com covered the event, and photographer Joe Arce put the show’s participants in front of the lens. “The Hollywood Show” will be back in Chicago in September, 2013. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

HOLSHOW1: Loni Anderson of ‘Wkrp in Cincinnati.’ HOLSHOW2: Another view of Loni Anderson. HOLSHOW3: Oscar winner Martin Landau of ‘Ed Wood’ and ‘The Majestic.’ HOLSHOW4:...

Update, 12:45 Pm: The Screen Actors Guild issued a response saying, in part: “We believe that this suit is completely without merit and we will vigorously defend all claims in court. We are confident that our actions are appropriate and consistent with the law and our own rules of procedure.” Full statement posted below. Breaking… Exclusive 11 Am: (Click here for .pdf of lawsuit) A number of Screen Actors Guild members filed a lawsuit today asking the court for a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop SAG from calling for a vote on the proposed SAG-aftra merger. The suit claims that the SAG Board has breached its fiduciary duties to conduct an actuarial impact study detailing the effects of the proposed merger on SAG membership pension and health benefits. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California. The members filing suit are: Martin Sheen, Edward Asner,...

Update, 12:45 Pm: The Screen Actors Guild issued a response saying, in part: “We believe that this suit is completely without merit and we will vigorously defend all claims in court. We are confident that our actions are appropriate and consistent with the law and our own rules of procedure.” Full statement posted below. Breaking… Exclusive 11 Am: (Click here for .pdf of lawsuit) A number of Screen Actors Guild members filed a lawsuit today asking the court for a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop SAG from calling for a vote on the proposed SAG-aftra merger. The suit claims that the SAG Board has breached its fiduciary duties to conduct an actuarial impact study detailing the effects of the proposed merger on SAG membership pension and health benefits. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California. The members filing suit are: Martin Sheen, Edward Asner,...

Chicago – The legend of the 1961 film version of the Broadway sensation “West Side Story” grows as the years go by. Who better to remember that legend 50 years later than three of the stars of that Academy Award winning Best Picture – Rita Moreno (Anita), George Chakiris (Bernardo) and Russ Tamblyn (Riff).

The film version of “West Side Story” had it all. There was controversy – star Natalie Wood (Maria) was neither Puerto Rican nor sang her own songs. There was art – the classic, unforgettable songs of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, plus the athletic and graceful choreography of Jerome Robbins. And finally, there were the awards. Ten Oscars including Best Supporting nods for both Moreno and Chakiris, in addition to the first shared Best Director award for Robbins and co-director Robert Wise.

’West Side Story’ 50th Anniversary Reunion with George Chakiris, Rita Moreno and Russ Tamblyn, April 9th, 2010

Photo Credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

 

This year's Memphis Film Festival will include a tribute to Roy Rogers, seen here with Dale Evans.

Many stars from classic Western TV series of the 1960s will be appearing at this year's Memphis Film Festival, which ironically is not held in Memphis. The event takes place in nearby Olive Branch, Ms. Guest include James Stacy, James Drury, Peter Brown, Randy Boone, Barbara Luna and James Hampton. There will also be a celebration of Roy Rogers' 100th birthday. For info click here...

Chicago – This 14-image slideshow contains our exclusive portraits from the Oct. 2009 Hollywood Collectors Show in Chicago.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are credited to Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto and HollywoodChicago.com. All rights reserved.

We also have the following celebrity portraits on file from their appearances at the Oct. 2009 Hollywood Collectors Show in Chicago: Ernest Borgnine, Charles Martin Smith, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Tippi Hedren, Sally Kellerman, Candy Clark, Eddie Mekka, Barbara Luna, Bo Hopkins, Joan Severance, Elliott Gould and Sally Kellerman.

hollywoodcollectors1: Tia Carrere of “True Lies”

hollywoodcollectors2: Tia Carrere

hollywoodcollectors3: Tia Carrere (left) and HollywoodChicago.com’s Patrick McDonald

hollywoodcollectors4: Julie McCullough of “Breast Men”

hollywoodcollectors5: Julie McCullough

hollywoodcollectors6: Genie Francis of TV’s “General Hospital”

hollywoodcollectors7: Gregory Harrison of “Razorback”

hollywoodcollectors8: HollywoodChicago.