Due to my age I had not seen “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” until far after it’s original run and into my late teens. Despite that I’ve been a fast fan of Mr. Herman’s since I was 6, thanks to his “Big Adventure”.
I know you are, but what am I?
Pee-wee Herman is the collective inner child of every decent, well-meaning person on the planet compressed into human form and raised for 35 years on smiley-faced pancakes and cheesy movies. He’s a honest and compassionate guy who has devoted himself to many things, but none more than his friends and his trusty bike.
When his bike gets stolen gets stolen and relocated by his rival, Francis, Pee-wee is sent on a quest the likes of which has not been seen since Homer’s “Odyssey”. Along the way to reclaim his most prized possession from the basement of the Alamo (There is no basement at the Alamo.) he crosses the lives of many and lends his unique expertise where it is needed, including assisting a fugitive on the run from the police, and helping a waitress realize her dream of moving to France.
After the all trials and tribulations that come with attempting to claim a bike from a non-existent historical basement, our hero, Pee-wee powers through and makes it to the end of the film with his bike, his girl, and a movie deal to show for his troubles.
I don’t make monkeys, I just train ‘em!
It’s fairly difficult to watch anything a guy like Pee-wee does and not smile. Every little movement or giggle smacks of someone who enjoys life and all the minutiae involved with it. Even in the toughest and most stressful of times he can’t help but say or do something silly. His “charisma” even melts the heart of the roughest biker.
The film is also unique in that it’s the feature debut of director Tim Burton, the first film ever scored by super-composer Danny Elfman, and one of the few films to get a zero rating from the famous journalist Gene Siskel.
Is this something you can share with the rest of us, Amazing Larry?
Want more Pee-wee Herman? “Big Top Pee-wee” was released three years after to significantly less fanfare, but is still regarded as cult favorite. All five seasons from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”, and the compilation of his early 80’s live stage performances “The Pee-Wee Herman Show” are available on DVD.
On Twitter? Follow him at @peeweeherman!
Au revoir, Simone.
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First, thanks for scaring the bejeezus out of me when I opened your article. Large Marge still scares the shit out of me at the age of 27; I am sleeping with a light on.
Second, I am sorry you didn’t have Pee-Wee growing up. I credit him as an influence in my sense of humor.
Third, the co-worker who came with me to see Pee-Wee live in January used to do Miss Yvonne’s hair. Not the big bouffant, but her normal hair.
Fourth and finally, having real Texans sing “Deep In the Heart of Texas” when I prompt them in their native state is on my to-do list before I die.
Thank you for sharing!
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