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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is a beloved sci-fi masterpiece that follows Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth. After discovering the creature in his backyard, Elliott brings him into his suburban home, keeping him a secret from the adults while introducing him to his siblings.

Their bond grows into a unique psychic connection as Elliott and his friends work together to protect "E.T." from government agents who are desperate to capture the visitor for study. The story culminates in a high-stakes race to help the alien contact his home planet and return to the stars, exploring themes of friendship, childhood wonder, and the pain of saying goodbye.

Location(s)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was filmed primarily in California, utilizing suburban neighborhoods and lush forests to create its magical atmosphere. While much of the indoor action took place on soundstages, the outdoor locations became iconic landmarks of 1980s cinema.

The Elliott House in Tujunga

The private residence used for the exterior of Elliott’s home is located in the hills of Tujunga, California. The surrounding neighborhood provided the perfect backdrop for the famous bicycle chase scenes. Map Location

Redwood National and State Parks

The opening and closing scenes of the film, where E.T.’s spaceship lands and eventually departs, were filmed among the ancient trees of Northern California. The dense forest provided the necessary otherworldly and mysterious feeling for the spacecraft's arrival. Map Location

Porter Ranch in Los Angeles

The suburban development scenes, including the sprawling hills where the kids ride their bikes, were filmed in the Porter Ranch area of the San Fernando Valley. This location represented the quintessential American "Everytown" of the era. Map Location

Director

Steven Spielberg

Cast

Henry Thomas

Drew Barrymore

Dee Wallace

Full Cast

IMDB

View the official IMDB page

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