Using a hang glider, a robot named Number 5 comes in for a landing. A visitor from space? No, a remote-controlled character from the movie “Short Circuit.” (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Pucker up, laser-lips. It’s time for some welcome back kisses to Oregon’s favorite wisecracking robot.
This weekend, the northwest corner of the state will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Short Circuit,” the family friendly, sci-fi film shot in Astoria.
The multi-day festival will feature cast reunions, movie screenings, panel discussions and a lineup of robot-inspired fun across multiple venues.
Short Circuit house A collection of movie memorabilia inside the “Short Circuit” house in Astoria, which can be rented overnight. It was a filming location for the 1986 movie and served as the home of Ally Sheedy’s character, Stephanie Speck. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian)
Released in 1986, “Short Circuit” follows Number Five, a military robot who gains self-awareness after a lightning strike. Deciding he’d rather explore the world than follow orders, the mechanical misfit flees the robot facility and befriends a photographer who agrees to both hide him and teach him about the world.
Short Circuit house Rich Bates, owner of the “Short Circuit” house in Astoria, has scrapbooks of the time the movie was filmed, including photos of the house and newspaper clippings. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian)
The film’s anniversary celebration is being coordinated by Richard Bates, proprietor of the landmark residence in Astoria that functioned as the outdoor shooting site for Number Five’s hideout. Bates, a longtime champion of film tourism, has restored the property and filled it with an extensive collection of pop-culture memorabilia. The house will be one of the festival’s featured gathering spots.
The festivities begin on Friday, June 5, with double-bill screenings of “Short Circuit” and “Short Circuit 2” at the Liberty Theatre.
A “Short Circuit” exhibition will launch Saturday, June 6, at the Heritage Museum, featuring artifacts including the gold Johnny 5 from the sequel.
Short Circuit house A collection of movie memorabilia inside the “Short Circuit” house in Astoria, which can be rented overnight. It was a filming location for the 1986 movie and served as the home of Ally Sheedy’s character, Stephanie Speck. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian)
Panel discussions scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Liberty Theatre include “The Making of Short Circuit” with crew members Eric Allard, Bob Wilcox, Mike Sorensen, Mark Noel, Joss Geiduschek, Phill Bartko and Gary Bierend.
Another panel, “Crosby & Speck,” will feature Steve Guttenberg, who starred as robotics expert Newton Crosby, and Ally Sheedy, who played photographer Stephanie Speck.
Short Circuit Steve Guttenberg and Ally Sheedy pose for the movie “Short Circuit,” circa 1986. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Other Hollywood insiders attending will be Tim Blaney, the voice and puppeteer behind the lovable mechanical hero, and screenwriter S.S. Wilson, who co-wrote both “Short Circuit” films with Brent Maddock.
Workshops will take place in the Macintosh Ballroom at the Liberty Theatre, offering attendees insights into filmmaking techniques and behind-the-scenes knowledge from industry professionals.
Saturday evening events include a house party at the Short Circuit house with guided tours by Bates, set recreations and an ’80s Redemption Prom featuring DJ Snake Eyes, a Johnny 5 dance-off, costume contest and prom king and queen crowning. The prom will be held at the Clatsop Community College gymnasium.
Sunday events include movie trivia night and free live music from Heart By Heart and Mike Skill from The Romantics at Fort George Brewery.
The 1986 comedy earned $41 million at the box office, which was a big haul for a movie in that era. The movie maintains an active fan base decades later.
Sci Fi Scarborough A man poses for a photograph next to Johnny 5 from the Short Circuit movie, during the Sci Fi Scarborough at The Spa Complex in Scarborough. (Danny Lawson – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
For tickets and more information visit shortcircuit40.com.