E.T. [1982] U

“You could be happy here, I could take care of you. I wouldn’t let anybody hurt you. We could grow up together, E.T.”

E.T. touches down in beautiful Bushy Park, as we screen what is probably Steven Spielberg’s best-loved movie. Famously based on an imaginary friend Spielberg invented during his parents’ messy divorce, the film, featuring child star Drew Barrymore in her breakthrough role as Gertie, was initially knocked back by Columbia Pictures, who described it as “a wimpy Disney movie”, only to be picked up by MCA – whoops!

There are so many great scenes, sequences, ideas and visual effects, such inspirational music from John Williams and so much heart, it’s easy to forget that E.T. is also quite a dark look at childhood, families and the suburban ideal. Come relive it for yourself, or introduce a new generation to some Spielberg sci-fi at its most magical.

Please resist phoning home during the screening, but you can point your finger as much as you like.