E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world.

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writer:

Melissa Mathison

Stars:

Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote

Won 4 Oscars. Another 47 wins & 36 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dee Wallace	...	Mary
Henry Thomas	...	Elliott
Peter Coyote	...	Keys
Robert MacNaughton	...	Michael (as Robert Macnaughton)
Drew Barrymore	...	Gertie
K.C. Martel	...	Greg
Sean Frye	...	Steve
C. Thomas Howell	...	Tyler (as Tom Howell)
Erika Eleniak	...	Pretty Girl
David M. O'Dell	...	Schoolboy (as David O'Dell)
Richard Swingler	...	Science Teacher
Frank Toth	...	Policeman
Robert Barton	...	Ultra Sound Man
Michael Darrell	...	Van Man
David Berkson	...	Medical Unit (as David Berkson M.D.)

Storyline

After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.

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Plot Keywords:

friendly alien | empathy | extraterrestrial | bicycle | alien | 

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Taglines:

He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3 million light years from home.

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Genres:

Family | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

AL

Did You Know?

Trivia

Initially developed at Columbia, who ultimately decided to pass on the film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) was ultimately made at Universal. Nevertheless (and very ironically, because Columbia had a 5% stake in the film) , it was their biggest hit of 1982.

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Goofs

When the plastic hallway with the scientists in it detaches from the speeding van, the ramp that was seen in the shots before is gone.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Steve: [reading dice] Five.
Michael: Oh, great.
Steve: So you got an arrow right in your chest.

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Crazy Credits

In the 2002 special edition release, the movie opens with a sillouette of E.T. in basket with Elliot on bike flying in front of the Universal logo.

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Alternate Versions

In an early cut, Elliot and his mom go to the principal after the frog incident. The principal was played by Harrison Ford, the screenwriter's husband. The scene was cut in post-production and can only be found on the American laserdisc, released in 1996.

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Connections

Referenced in Mike and Mike in the Morning: Episode dated 24 December 2014 (2014)

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Soundtracks

Accidents Will Happen
Composed by Elvis Costello
Sung A Cappella by Robert MacNaughton (uncredited)
Courtesy of Plangent Visions Music Inc., © 1978

User Reviews

One of my best childhood memories ever!!

There's honestly nothing bad I can say about this movie. I loved ET when I was a little child and now at 39 I still love the movie!! Everytime I watch this MOVIE it makes me feel like a little kid again. It's very entertaining sweet and cool. Still there is one thing I have to mention. Steven Spielberg brought out a special DVD version of this movie. Which is called ET the special edition. It's still the same fabulous movie we all know. They just improved on 12% of the special effects and also included a never-before-seen fun and interesting scene where you learn ET can breathe underwater. It is an absolute must buy if you are a big fan of this movie. I will love this movie till the day I die. I always wished Spielberg had made a very emotional and cool sequel.

Details

Official Sites:

-Henry Thomas audition for E.T. -Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 1982 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

E.T.

Filming Locations:

Capistrano Lane and Vista Grand Way, Porter Ranch, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,835,389, 13 June 1982

Gross USA:

$435,110,554

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$792,910,554

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min 120 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints) DTS (DTS: X)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1