Written by Suzann Boatwright
Modified & Updated: 30 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
If you grew up in the 80s, chances are you’ve come across the iconic movie, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. Released in 1985, this comedy film captured the hearts of audiences with its quirky characters and hilarious escapades. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Paul Reubens as the eccentric Pee-Wee Herman, this movie became a cult classic and solidified its place in pop culture history.
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and uncover 39 facts that you may not know about this beloved film. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the characters and production, get ready to embark on a journey filled with nostalgia and fun. So buckle up, hop on your bike, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Pee-Wee Herman and his big adventure!
Key Takeaways:
- Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, released in 1985, became a cult classic with a low budget of $6 million. It’s a quirky, fun movie that celebrates embracing individuality and imagination.
- The film features iconic scenes like the “Tequila” dance and a cameo by James Brolin. It’s a timeless favorite, inspiring a Broadway show and a sequel, and still beloved by fans today.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was released in 1985
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure hit the theaters in 1985, marking the directorial debut of Tim Burton. This quirky comedy quickly became a cult classic.
Tim Burton was inspired by a Japanese cartoon character
Tim Burton got the idea for the movie from a Japanese cartoon character named “Pee-wee Herman,” who was popular in the 1970s. The character was brought to life by Paul Reubens.
Pee-Wee’s bike was the central focus of the movie
In the film, Pee-Wee’s beloved red bicycle gets stolen, and he embarks on a cross-country adventure to retrieve it. The bike became an iconic symbol of the movie.
The budget for the movie was only $6 million
Despite its low budget, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure managed to captivate audiences with its charming and whimsical storyline.
The movie was a critical and commercial success
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure received positive reviews from critics and grossed over $40 million worldwide. It firmly established Tim Burton’s unique visual style.
The iconic “Tequila” dance scene
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Pee-Wee dances to the song “Tequila” at a biker bar. This scene has since become iconic and is often parodied.
The film features a cameo by James Brolin
James Brolin, the husband of Barbra Streisand, made a cameo appearance in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure as a highway patrolman.
Danny Elfman composed the film’s score
The musical score for the movie was composed by Danny Elfman, who has collaborated with Tim Burton on many of his films.
The basement scene was shot in a real basement
The memorable basement scene, where Pee-Wee encounters terrifying creatures, was filmed in an actual basement in Hollywood.
“Large Marge” terrified audiences
The character Large Marge, a ghostly truck driver, gave audiences quite a scare. Her eerie appearance and unexpected transformation left a lasting impression.
The film features Pee-Wee’s famous catchphrase
Pee-Wee’s famous catchphrase, “I know you are, but what am I?” became widely recognized and associated with the character.
The movie inspired a television show
The success of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure led to the creation of the popular children’s television show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
It was Tim Burton’s first feature-length film
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure marked Tim Burton’s directorial debut for a full-length motion picture.
The bike sold for $36,600 at an auction
The iconic red bicycle used in the movie was sold at an auction in 2014 for a whopping $36,600.
The film’s soundtrack became a hit
The soundtrack, featuring songs from artists like Danny Elfman and The Champs, became popular among fans of the movie.
The dinosaur scene was shot at the Cabazon Dinosaurs
The scene where Pee-Wee encounters a giant dinosaur was filmed at the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California.
The film was shot in various locations
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was filmed in locations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Texas, adding to the film’s adventurous nature.
The character of Dottie was played by Elizabeth Daily
Elizabeth Daily, known for her voice-over work in Rugrats and The Powerpuff Girls, portrayed the character of Dottie in the movie.
The film’s running time is 90 minutes
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, providing plenty of fun and entertainment for audiences.
The movie was a collaboration between Paul Reubens and Tim Burton
The film was a collaboration between Paul Reubens, the creator of the Pee-wee Herman character, and Tim Burton, who brought the vision to life.
The movie inspired a Broadway adaptation
In 2010, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was adapted into a successful Broadway show, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
The film explores themes of innocence and eccentricity
At its core, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a story about embracing one’s uniqueness and staying true to oneself.
The movie has become a cult classic
Over the years, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure has gained a dedicated fan base and is celebrated as a beloved cult classic.
The “Biker Bar” scene was shot at The Alamo
The iconic biker bar scene, where Pee-Wee dances on the bar, was filmed at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.
The movie features imaginative dream sequences
Pee-Wee’s dreams are portrayed through imaginative and surreal sequences that showcase Tim Burton’s unique visual style.
The movie pays homage to other films
Throughout the film, there are nods and references to classic movies, including nods to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.
Pee-Wee’s suit was designed specifically for the movie
Paul Reubens worked closely with costume designer Aggie Guerard Rodgers to create Pee-Wee’s signature gray suit, bowtie, and red bowtie shoes.
The film features memorable supporting characters
From the eccentric and hilarious Large Marge to the enigmatic fortune teller Madam Ruby, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is filled with memorable supporting characters.
The movie showcases slapstick humor
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is filled with physical comedy and slapstick humor, making it a joyous and lighthearted viewing experience.
The film’s script was co-written by Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman
Paul Reubens collaborated with Phil Hartman, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, to write the screenplay for the movie.
The film’s opening scene was shot at The Groundlings Theater
The movie opens with a comedic performance by Pee-Wee at The Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles.
The movie’s success led to a sequel
The popularity of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure led to the creation of a sequel called Big Top Pee-Wee in 1988.
The film’s production design is visually striking
The movie’s production design, overseen by the late David L. Snyder, is visually stunning and captures the whimsical nature of the story.
The film celebrates the power of imagination
Through Pee-Wee’s extraordinary journey, the movie encourages viewers to embrace their imagination and see the world with childlike wonder.
The movie features a memorable chase sequence
Pee-Wee’s high-speed pursuit of his stolen bike is filled with thrilling and hilarious moments, creating suspense and excitement.
The film’s humor appeals to both children and adults
While Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is often seen as a children’s movie, it contains humor and references that adults can appreciate as well.
The movie’s message is about embracing individuality
A recurring theme in the film is the importance of embracing one’s individuality and staying true to oneself, no matter how eccentric.
The film sparked a resurgence of interest in Pee-Wee Herman
Following the success of the movie, Pee-Wee Herman became a pop culture phenomenon, with his own television show and numerous appearances.
The film is still beloved by fans today
Even years after its release, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure continues to be cherished by fans, who appreciate its timeless humor and whimsical storytelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a beloved and iconic film that has captivated audiences for decades. With its quirky characters, memorable quotes, and hilarious situations, it continues to entertain both children and adults alike. The movie serves as a testament to Tim Burton’s unique imagination and storytelling abilities, as well as Paul Reubens’ comedic genius in bringing the character of Pee-Wee Herman to life.From the breathtaking bike chase scene to the unforgettable encounter with Large Marge, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a true testament to the power of imagination and the pursuit of one’s dreams. It’s a film that reminds us to never lose sight of our childlike wonder and to always embrace our individuality.So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time viewer, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun-filled and nostalgic cinematic experience.
FAQs
Q: When was Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure released?
A: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was released on August 9, 1985.
Q: Who directed Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure?
A: The movie was directed by Tim Burton.
Q: Is Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure a family-friendly movie?
A: Yes, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is generally considered a family-friendly film, suitable for viewers of all ages.
Q: Who plays the main character, Pee-Wee Herman?
A: The role of Pee-Wee Herman is portrayed by Paul Reubens.
Q: Is Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure based on a true story?
A: No, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a fictional story created by Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman.
Q: Are there any other movies featuring Pee-Wee Herman?
A: Yes, after the success of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, there was a sequel released in 1988 titled “Big Top Pee-Wee.
Q: What is the running time of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure?
A: The movie has a running time of approximately 91 minutes.
Q: Did Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure receive any awards or nominations?
A: While the film didn’t receive any major awards, it is considered a cult classic and has gained a significant following over the years.
Q: Can I watch Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure online?
A: Yes, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is available for streaming on various platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Q: Is Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure considered a comedy?
A: Yes, the film is classified as a comedy and is known for its humorous and eccentric characters.
If you enjoyed learning about Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, why not explore more fascinating facts about other beloved films and characters? Discover the whimsical world of Terry Gilliam's "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen," an adventure comedy that will transport you to a realm of imagination. Delve deeper into the life of Paul Reubens, the man behind the iconic Pee-Wee Herman persona. Lastly, embark on a virtual road trip with our collection of entertaining and informative facts about hitting the open road.
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