Short Circuit (1986)

Number 5 of a group of experimental robots in a lab is electrocuted, suddenly becomes intelligent, and escapes.

Director:

John Badham

Writers:

S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock

Stars:

Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ally Sheedy	...	Stephanie Speck
Steve Guttenberg	...	Newton Crosby
Fisher Stevens	...	Ben Jabituya
Austin Pendleton	...	Howard Marner
G.W. Bailey	...	Skroeder
Brian McNamara	...	Frank
Tim Blaney	...	Number 5 (voice)
Marvin J. McIntyre	...	Duke
John Garber	...	Otis
Penny Santon	...	Mrs. Cepeda
Vernon Weddle	...	General Washburne
Barbara Tarbuck	...	Senator Mills
Tom Lawrence	...	Howard Marner's Aide
Fred Slyter	...	Norman
Billy Ray Sharkey	...	Zack

Storyline

Number 5, one of a group of experimental military robots, undergoes a sudden transformation after being struck by lightning. He develops self-awareness, consciousness, and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory. With the help of a young woman, Number 5 tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he has truly become alive.

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Plot Keywords:

mistaken for alien | animal lover | artificial intelligence | robot | struck by lightning | 

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Taglines:

Life is not a malfunction.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 May 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cortocircuito

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$40,697,761

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures,Producers Sales Organization (PSO),Turman-Foster Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Puppeteer Tim Blaney was selected to voice and operate Number 5 on set, after John Badham heard Blaney's robot voice and liked it. Blaney was originally intended to supply only a placeholder voice for Number 5 during filming, which was to be dubbed over later by another voice actor. After three months of filming, the crew got so used to hearing Blaney's voice as Number 5 that they could not imagine anyone else in the role, and so Blaney was officially cast.

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Goofs

When No.5 is being shot at and he leaps from the rear of the NOVA van, on impact his left track breaks and peels off.

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Quotes

Stephanie Speck: Yes, I'd like to speak to one of your head warmongers, please.
Duke: Dr. Warmonger - I mean, Dr. Marner!

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Crazy Credits

The credits are played out over a montage of scenes from the movie, including a pair of scenes that failed to make the final cut. One involves an encounter between Number 5 and a toy robot, the other involves a scene in a scrap yard where a scrapped car that Number 5 is currently sitting in is crushed.

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Connections

Referenced in Wayne's World (1992)

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Soundtracks

Who's Johnny
("Short Circuit" Theme)
Written by Péter Wolf (as Peter Wolf) and Ina Wolf
Performed by El DeBarge
Courtesy of Motown Records

User Reviews

A very fun movie!

I remember watching this when I was 8 years old. It was all that and then some. When you are a kid, anything amazes you though, I guess.

However, I recently had the chance to watch this flick again. I must say, that it still has it's redeeming value to it.

If you ask me, Number 5, is STILL alive! I recommend this movie to anyone. 7 out of 10.