E. T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, a science-fiction fantasy directed by Steven Spielberg , is one of the most popular motion pictures ever made. It was released in 1982 and for a time had higher gross earnings than any other movie in history.
E. T. tells about an alien from another planet who is stranded in a suburb of Los Angeles after his spaceship flees to avoid discovery. The alien, called E. T., is befriended by a small boy, who hides him in his house. E. T. stands for extraterrestrial . An extraterrestrial is a creature from another planet. Science-fiction films typically portray an alien from outer space as a villain who wants to take control of the world. The alien in E. T. is sympathetic and harmless. The boy and the creature develop a strong bond of friendship. The menace comes from the adult world, in the form of American government agencies that want to capture E. T.
Spielberg’s film caught the imagination and the heart of moviegoers throughout the world with its combination of warmth, humor, and special effects. The cast featured Henry Thomas as the boy, along with Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and Dee Wallace. Debra Winger and Pat Welsh provided the voice of E. T. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture and best director. It won four Oscars, for music, sound, sound effects editing, and visual effects.
