Howard the Duck (1986)

A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop an alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a struggling female rock singer.

Director:

Willard Huyck

Writers:

Steve Gerber (based on the character created by), Willard Huyck

Stars:

Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins

5 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lea Thompson	...	Beverly Switzler
Jeffrey Jones	...	Dr. Walter Jenning
Tim Robbins	...	Phil Blumburtt
Ed Gale	...	Howard T. Duck
Chip Zien	...	Howard T. Duck (voice)
Tim Rose	...	Howard T. Duck
Steve Sleap	...	Howard T. Duck
Peter Baird	...	Howard T. Duck
Mary Wells	...	Howard T. Duck
Lisa Sturz	...	Howard T. Duck
Jordan Prentice	...	Howard T. Duck
Paul Guilfoyle	...	Lieutenant Welker
Liz Sagal	...	Ronette, Cherry Bomb
Dominique Davalos	...	Cal, Cherry Bomb
Holly Robinson Peete	...	K.C., Cherry Bomb (as Holly Robinson)

Storyline

A scientific experiment unknowingly brings extraterrestrial life forms to the Earth through a laser beam. First is the cigar smoking drake Howard from the duck's planet. A few kids try to keep him from the greedy scientists and help him back to his planet. But then a much less friendly being arrives through the beam...

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Plot Keywords:

red panties | microskirt | sexy legs | interrupted sex | panties | 

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Taglines:

A new breed of hero.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rob Paulsen and Townsend Coleman auditioned for the voice of Howard.

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Goofs

The Ultralight that Howard and Phil are flying in, near the end of the movie, is shot up by the police, a hole is clearly seen having been shot out by a shotgun blast from one of the police cars chasing them. In a following shot, as they are heading towards a bridge, you can see the entire Ultralight from about, and there are no holes in either of the wings, appears to have no damage at all.

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Quotes

Waitress: [after the waitress brings the "Specials", Howard lets out a cry and is horrified] You ordered your specials, what's wrong?
Dr. Jenning: [Dr. Jenning posessed by a dark overlord] This will mean the extinction of all existing lifeforms.
Waitress: You haven't even tasted it yet
Howard T. Duck: What do you think, I'm into cannibalism or something?
Waitress: Hey, are we like all in the same discussion here?
Howard T. Duck: I'll give you a hint, doll: what's white, ovoid, and always reminds me of my birthday?
Waitress: I don't know.
Howard T. Duck: The eggs, get em outta here.

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Alternate Versions

West German theatrical version was cut to secure a "Not under 12" rating.

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Worst Practical Special Effects in Movies (2015)

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Soundtracks

Don't Turn Away
Version #1 Performed by Thomas Dolby
Version #2 Performed by Lea Thompson, Dominique Davalos, Liz Sagal, Holly Robinson Peete (as Holly Robinson)
Produced by Thomas Dolby
Written by Thomas Dolby and Allee Willis

User Reviews

The Babes Are Super Slim And Have Feminine Hair

They are cute! A beautifully designed film with an amazing reluctant hero and a particular group of attractive women, already have earned a place of esteem among the most original and charming characters of cinema. Short skirt and heels = love

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 August 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Howard

Filming Locations:

California Academy of Sciences, Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$37,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,070,136, 3 August 1986

Gross USA:

$16,295,774

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$37,962,774

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Lucasfilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1