E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL (U) - GATTON PARK - REIGATE

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For one night only, E.T. touches stars in the beautiful surroundings of Gatton Park, 260 acres of lovingly restored gardens and parkland near Reigate in Surrey, designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. As the great, smooth and oddly oblong-faced Roger Ebert puts it: ”E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a reminder of what movies are for. Most movies are not for any one thing, of course. Some are to make us think, some to make us feel, some to take us away from our problems, some to help us examine them. What is enchanting about “E.T.” is that, in some measure, it does all of those things.

Famously based on an imaginary friend Spielberg invented during his parents’ messy divorce, the film was knocked back initially by Columbia Pictures, who described it as “a wimpy Disney movie”, only to be picked up by MCA – d’oh! There are so many great scenes and sequences, such inspirational music and effects, so many great ideas (leading to soooo many merchandising opportunities), so much heart, charm and love in the film, it’s easy to forget that this “wimpy Disney movie” is also quite a dark look at childhood, families and “the suburban ideal”. Come relive it yourself, or introduce a new generation to E.T.

As with all our outdoor screenings, bring a blanket or low chair to sit on, and something warm to wear for after sunset. And bear in mind, places are limited, so please do book in advance to avoid disappointment!

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