Great little book about the production of one of the most technologically advanced and expensive movies of all time ($20million). Most of the actors were paid little but took the job to be in a Spielberg movie. This film was made right after Jaws and simultaneously with Lucas' Star Wars. Lucas came to the set for a few days of shooting. Apparently the ending was to have "When You Wish Upon a Star" played but Spielberg dropped it after bad audience testing results. He did keep a closeup of a Jiminy Cricket figurine in Dreyfuss' home. The lost Bermuda Triangle WWII Avenger Squadron was filmed in the Mojave rather than the original Brazilian jungle (freshly returned from abduction by the Mothership). A special ET mechanical face was constructed for close ups in post production. Spielberg screened a movie everynight at his rented home for his inner circle even if they slept through it partly. Spielberg spent $10,000 of his own money (after studio refusal) for the sugar glass effects explosion from the vibrating sound tones of the Mothership. Money well spent since the movie grossed $100 million over the budget. The scene filmed in India with the extras pointing to sky had many Muslims who left the shooting location for a nearby mosque for prayers and often returned late. All the ETs were six year old girls. Spielberg was married to Amy Irving at the time. Dreyfuss was in American Graffiti, Jaws and now Close Encounters. Spielberg is from Phoenix and was an Eagle Scout. Filming ended on May 25th 1976. Gillette, Wy. the nearest location to Devil's Tower was the butt of many jokes. ( )

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