PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE
Paul Reubens made the leap from cabaret theater to major studio movie with his iconic Pee-wee Herman character in this inventive 1985 comedy, along with Pee-wee's toys, gadgets, colorful friends and, of course, his beloved bike. Its theft sets Pee-wee on a cross-country quest, ending on the Warner Bros. studio lot. Co-scripted by Reubens, his fellow Groundlings alum Phil Hartman and Michael Varhol, the zany adventure was the feature directorial debut of Tim Burton, then just 26 years old, marking the beginning of his improbably weird mainstream career. Reubens' performance, blending child-like antics, slapstick comedy and knowing sarcasm, drew comparisons to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton in reviews. DIR Tim Burton; SCR Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, Michael Varhol; PROD Richard Gilbert Abramson, Robert Shapiro. U.S., 1985, color, 90 min. RATED PG
In Memoriam: Paul Reubens (1952–2023)
AFI Member passes accepted.
Run Time: 90 Minutes
Opening Date: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Genre: Adventure comedy