| | | | Short Circuit
(1986) |
hen it came to movies in the 1980s, robots were normally typecast as mechanical failures gone wrong.
Whether it was the killer T-800 of The Terminator or the dead cop-turned-cyborg of Robocop, robots were considered violent on the big screen.
For Number 5, however, killing was not his motive. His motive: "Imput" [sic].
Short Circuit is an 80s classic si-fi comedy from the director of "Blue Thunder" and "WarGames", the writers of Tremors, and infamous Brat Packer, Ally Sheedy -alongside the overshadowed Steven Guttenberg.
The story involves Number 5 (Or Johnny 5 as hardcore fans call him), one of a group of experimental military robots created by the military tech organization known as NOVA.
During a public demostration at the NOVA headquarters, Number 5 is struck by lightning. Because of this, Number 5 develops self-awareness, consciousness, and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory.
Discovering his escape, NOVA sends their security reinforcements led by the egotistical leader, Skroeder (Bailey), to stop Number 5 because of his powerful lazer beam that can wipe out even an entire tank. Skroeder doesen't just want Number 5 reprogramed but dead.
During a miraculous chase on a bridge, Number 5 falls onto the truck of Stephanie Speck (Sheedy), a single woman facing the difficulty of her ex-boyfriend and her home full of pets. Although she fears him at first, the two share a bond with each other through dancing to the music of Saturday Night Fever and Number 5 demolishing her ex-boyfriend's car. She also begins to realize that the more "imput" that Number 5 gains through ads, books, TV, etc that he becomes more alive.
As the NOVA team, the remaining robots, and even the harmless Indian scientist, Ben Jabituya, close in on Number 5, Stephanie must convince his creator, Newton Crosby (Guttenberg), that Number 5 is truly alive...
 Don't forget that Short Circuit is now available to order on Widescreen DVD using our special 80s Retro Assistant...
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As a kid, I previewed it millions of times just like "Gremlins" and "The Golden Child".
Short Circuit has become a milestone in my life and still holds true to my heart to this day because of its wonderful performances and an unforgettable robot.
Although they'll never make a third movie, I still await the day for a real Number 5 action figure. I hope McFarlane Toys is listening..!
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Tim Blaney went on to reprise the voice of Number 5 in Short Circuit 2 and is also best known for his voice as Frank The Pug in the Men in Black films. 
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At the beginning of the movie, you see a close-up of flowers on a green field and then the tanks roll over them. This resembles James Cameron's style (see also "The Terminator" (1984).
The actor Fisher Stevens was actually born Steven Fisher. -Thanks to Kara Petty
Stephanie and Number 5 dance to a scene from Saturday Night Fever (1977) which was also directed by John Badham.
The actress that plays Stepanie is none other than Ally Sheedy, who played in a few more 80's greats such as 'The Breakfast Club' and 'St. Elmo's Fire'.
This is one in a series of films with G.W. Bailey typecast as a egotistical cop/security guard/military officer ("Police Academy 1, 4,5,6,7, Mannequin, etc.)
Stephanie's boyfriend, actor Brian McNamara appeared in several commercials in 2004/2005 for Dell Computers as an IT Guru.
When number 5 steals Stephanie's truck, some of the route he follows is part of the some route taken by The Goonies on their BMX's when they try to start following the treasure map. -Thanks to Ray Daley
The same robot used in Short Circuit was later used in the movie 'Deadly Friend' starring Kristy Swanson. -Thanks to Mike
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Rediscover your favorites! If you like
Short Circuit or 80's Sci-Fi / Fantasy classics, then be sure to
check out this list: ..... Empire Strikes Back ..... Night of the Comet ..... Aliens ..... Back To The Future ..... Last Starfighter ..... Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ..... Circuitry Man ..... Brazil ..... Blade Runner ..... Thing ..... Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan ..... Return to Oz ..... Starman ..... Somewhere In Time ..... Strange Invaders .....[More]
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This film was originally conceived as a dark high-tech thriller. Number 5 was originally intended to be the villain of the picture: a heavily-armed military robot that had escaped from the lab that had developed him. After several script revisions, the darker elements were toned down and the film became a high-tech comedy.
The robots are very similar to the large fighting machines in the future battle scenes in "The Terminator", which is maybe not suprising as Number 5 was designed by acclaimed futurist/concept artist Syd Mead, who also worked on "Alien" and "Blade Runner".
It took 5 weeks to make each robot used; 20 robots were used in all.
Fisher Stevens adopted a dark tan and an accent to play his character who was of Middle Easten descent!! -Thanks to Michael J.Walters
Previous drafts had Stephanie Speck as an enviromentalist type and was an even bigger animal lover compared to the final cut.
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|  |  |  | | Short Circuit
Locations |
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White house on the corner of Lincoln and Duane in Astoria for Stephanie's house.
Astoria High School can be seen on the left when the J5 is directly in front of the vehicle from NOVA.
Johnny 5 falls from the Megler bridge connecting Washington and Oregon and lands on the snack shack as it ascends Alameda Ave. from West Marine Drive. [Thanks to Will Chapman]
Featured Link: Quest to find locations & props
Can you help? Do you know any of the Astoria, Oregon filming locations used for Short Circuit, particularly Stephanie's house? [Please send them in]
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Typical 80s electronic score by David Shire (Saturday Night Fever, 2010).
Nice homage for Fever with the use of "More Than a Woman" by the Bee Gees. "Who's Johnny" by El DeBarge hit #3 on the charts that year as well as "Come And Follow Me" performed by Max Carl and Marcy Levy (aka Marcella Detroit).
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Soundtrack Available:
Used Vinyl LP / Tape
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