When it comes to iconic bikes, it is hard to top the one made famous by the classic movie ET: The Extra-Terrestrial. The bike has become an enduring symbol of childhood innocence, but what bike did ET actually ride?
Background of the Movie ET
Released in 1982, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial was a groundbreaking movie, both in terms of its special effects and its story. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie starred Henry Thomas as Elliot, a young boy who befriends an alien (ET) who has been left behind on Earth. The two embark on an adventure to help ET return home, with the help of Elliot’s siblings Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and Michael (Robert MacNaughton).
The ET Bike
One of the most iconic images of the movie is the scene in which Elliot and ET take off on Elliot’s bicycle, with ET riding on the handlebars. The bike itself is a simple, single-speed model with coaster brakes and high-rise handlebars. It was a Schwinn Sting-Ray, a popular children’s bike of the time. The exact model used in the movie was a Schwinn Cruiser, which was available in a variety of colors and was known for its durability.
The Bicycle Scene
The iconic bicycle scene was shot in a single take in a California park. Spielberg had wanted to film the scene in front of the Hollywood sign, but the city of Los Angeles did not grant permission. The scene was filmed by a camera mounted on a crane and took several hours to complete. The scene is now one of the most well-known in cinema history.
The Legacy of the ET Bike
The popularity of the bike from ET: The Extra-Terrestrial has endured for almost four decades. The bike has become an iconic symbol of childhood innocence and adventure. It has also become a popular collectible, with replicas of the bike selling for hundreds of dollars. The bike has also been featured in various video games and TV shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What bike did ET ride?
ET rode a Schwinn Sting-Ray Cruiser, a popular children’s bike of the time.
What year did ET come out?
ET: The Extra-Terrestrial was released in 1982.
Who directed ET?
ET was directed by Steven Spielberg.
Where was the bike scene filmed?
The bike scene was filmed in a California park. Spielberg had wanted to film the scene in front of the Hollywood sign, but the city of Los Angeles did not grant permission.
Is the bike from ET still popular?
Yes, the popularity of the bike from ET: The Extra-Terrestrial has endured for almost four decades. The bike has become an iconic symbol of childhood innocence and adventure. It has also become a popular collectible, with replicas of the bike selling for hundreds of dollars.
What type of brakes did the bike have?
The bike had coaster brakes, which are operated by pushing backwards on the pedals.
How was the bike scene filmed?
The bike scene was filmed by a camera mounted on a crane and took several hours to complete.
What type of bike was used in the movie?
The bike used in the movie was a Schwinn Cruiser, which was available in a variety of colors and was known for its durability.
How long was the bike scene in ET?
The bike scene in ET was filmed in a single take and lasted several hours.
What other movies has the ET bike been featured in?
The bike from ET has been featured in various video games and TV shows.