Purple People Eater (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Purple People Eater |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Linda Shayne |
| Produced by | Brad Krevoy Steven Stabler |
| Written by | Linda Shayne |
| Starring | Neil Patrick Harris Ned Beatty Shelley Winters Thora Birch Dustin Diamond Peggy Lipton |
| Music by | Dennis Dreith |
| Cinematography | Peter Deming |
| Editing by | Cari Coughlin |
| Distributed by | Motion Picture Corporation of America |
| Release date(s) | December 16, 1988 |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Purple People Eater is a fun 1988 American science fiction comedy film. It is based on a famous 1958 song called "Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley. The movie was written and directed by Linda Shayne. It stars well-known actors like Neil Patrick Harris, Ned Beatty, and Shelley Winters. You might also spot music legends Chubby Checker and Little Richard in the film! The movie first came out on December 16, 1988.
Contents
About the Story: What Happens?
Billy Meets a Purple Alien
The movie's story begins with a young boy named Billy Johnson, played by Neil Patrick Harris. Billy is listening to the classic "Purple People Eater" song. Suddenly, something amazing happens! A real one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple alien appears right in front of him. This creature is from outer space!
Helping Friends and Making Music
The friendly purple alien quickly becomes Billy's new friend. Together, they decide to help an older couple, Sam and Rita, played by Ned Beatty and Shelley Winters. Sam and Rita are facing a tough time because their greedy landlord, Harry Skinner (played by Sheb Wooley), wants to evict them from their home. While trying to save the day, Billy and the alien also find time to play in a cool rock and roll band! It is a story about friendship, helping others, and a little bit of musical fun.
Meet the Cast: Who's Who?
- Neil Patrick Harris as William "Billy" Johnson: The young boy who meets the purple alien.
- Ned Beatty as Sam: One half of the elderly couple needing help.
- Shelley Winters as Rita: The other half of the elderly couple.
- Thora Birch as Molly Johnson: Billy's sister, in her first movie role.
- Dustin Diamond as Big Z: One of Billy's friends.
- Peggy Lipton as Mom: Billy's mother.
- James Houghton as Dad: Billy's father.
- Molly Cheek as Mrs. Orfus: A character in the neighborhood.
- Kimberly McCullough as Donna Orfus: Mrs. Orfus's daughter.
- Lindsay Price as Kory Kamimoto: Another one of Billy's friends.
- Little Richard as Mayor: The town's mayor, played by the famous musician.
- Chubby Checker as Himself: The legendary singer appears as himself.
- Sheb Wooley as Harry Skinner: The not-so-nice landlord.
- Linda Shayne as Nurse: The movie's director also has a small role.
