Fine Tuning (10 Nov. 1985)

Three junior-high pals build an antenna that pulls in outer-space versions of 1950s TV shows, and receive something threatening as well: a newscast revealing alien plans to land in ... See full summary »

Director:

Bob Balaban

Writers:

Steven Spielberg (developer), Joshua Brand (developer),

Stars:

Matthew Labyorteaux, Gary Riley, Jim Gatherum

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Labyorteaux	...	Andy
Gary Riley	...	Jimmy
Jim Gatherum	...	George (as Jimmy Gatherum)
Milton Berle	...	Himself
Debbie Lee Carrington	...	Alien (as Debbie Carrington)
Daniel Frishman	...	Alien
Patty Maloney	...	Alien
Kevin Thompson	...	Alien
Vance Colvig Jr.	...	Vaudevillian #1 (as Vance Colvig)
Paul 'Mousie' Garner	...	Vaudevillian #2 (as Mousie Gardner)
Don Davis	...	Vaudevillian #3
Happy Hall	...	Vaudevillian #4
Jack Spoons	...	Vaudevillian #5
Whitey Roberts	...	Vaudevillian #6
Angelo Rossitto	...	Vaudevillian #7 (as Angelo Rossito)

Storyline

Three junior-high pals build an antenna that pulls in outer-space versions of 1950s TV shows, and receive something threatening as well: a newscast revealing alien plans to land in Hollywood.

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Genres:

Adventure | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Release Date:

10 November 1985 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amblin Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

25 min

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

References The Honeymooners (1955)

User Reviews

Hilarious & Best Episode I've Seen On This TV Show

"Amazing" is a good adjective for this episode, which is hilarious.....one of the funniest half- hour shows I've ever seen on ANY television program. Of all the episodes in the first season I've seen - about 20 so far - this is my favorite.

There are so many gags, both verbal and sight, that I lost count. People who know all the television references in here, from "I Love Lucy," "The Three Stooges," "Burns and Allen" to "Ponderosa" and at least a half dozen more, will get a lot more laughs than young people who are unfamiliar with shows. The same holds true for Milton Berle, who makes a guest appearance in here, with some funny lines.

For a story synopsis, you can read the review from "sonnyschlaegel" here. The boy who played Andrew is someone I have seen or heard before and I can't place where.

When the three kids go out to the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, one says, "Hey, guys, look for someone that looks like they are from another planet."

"Everyone here looks like they're from another planet."

That about sizes it up. The writers of this show poke fun at everybody, from celebrities to Hollywood citizens, tour guides, vacationers, on and on. This episode is just jammed with one-liners. The different outfits the aliens use are also hilarious.

Not only was this fantastically funny, but the ending was touching....a really nice finish that made you feel good.