It was the wholesome yet traumatising science fiction film which is celebrating its 40th anniversary – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial's concept was based on an imaginary friend that Spielberg created after his parents’ divorce. After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliot (Henry Thomas). Bringing the extra-terrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliot introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton), and his sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore). The children decide to keep its existence a secret, including from their mother Mary (Dee Wallace). Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliot and the alien.