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Films Featured in "Electric Dreams"

Films either featured in or referenced to in the movie "Electric Dreams".


Sometimes filmmakers pay homage to classic cinema. So it should be no surprise that you'll find some in Steve Barron's movie "Electric Dreams". They're either featured in a scene or cleverly stitched together within a scene, helping with the storyline or for comedic effect.

In order of appearance, you will find some examples below.

There's a slight reference to the movie Alien (1979) in the scene when Miles was locked inside his apartment. The previous night, he installed a home security system on his apartment door that was monitored and controlled via his computer. By morning, he had forgotten all about it. And, being late for work, he had to recall the password.

The scene in Alien that was referenced was after the character Dallas was killed. Ripley was then able to break through a “Science Officer Eyes Only” computer lockout, and communicate directly with Mother.




Madeline and Miles go to the drive-in to watch Casablanca (1942). Also, later in another scene, when Miles returned from another date with Madeline, he told Edgar—doing an impression of Humphrey Bogart's character Rick Blaine—"If you can play it for her, you can play it for me... Play it, Sam.", when he asked to hear Edgar's first attempt at composing a love song.




Pinocchio (1940) was referenced, in regards to the lie that Miles was living with; that he wrote a song for Madeline. ("... but none that ever wrote music for me.") Although the movie wasn't mentioned by name, it was insinuated with this scene. "




When Miles wished Edgar, "Sweet dreams", Edgar queried, "What's a dream?" — to which Miles sleepily replied, "A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep... Walt Disney, Sleeping Beauty, 1950." Edgar replied, after a quick search, "No, it was Cinderella, 1949."




Edgar, flipping through the channels, came upon the movie Forbidden Planet (1956).


Robby the Robot: "I will run the dress up for you in time for breakfast."
Edgar: "Oh, brother."



Edgar found Madam Satan (1930) interesting and decided to have a party of his own—"And Moles, you're not invited."
Lillian Roth as Trixie: "I'll show ya some real brimstone!"



Edgar, revoicing Kay Johnson, as Angela Brooks: "It's a nice party, isn't it?"
Edgar, revoicing Reginald Denny, as Bob Brooks: "Yeah."



After a very unsuccessful date, Miles drove Madeline back to their apartment building. This cinema marquee, as seen on their return, features the movies Satyricon (1969) and Il Decameron (1971)




When Edgar was trying to figure out the sound that it picked up in the apartment, Edgar tried to identify it by comparing it to other sound effects. Among them were la Carcagne, from the movie The Giant Claw (1957).  




However, Edgar finally—albeit, incorrectly—identified the sound as The Love Bug (1968). The scene used was where Herbie runs past Thorndyke's Roll Royce.




Have I missed any? If so, please let me know!

Stay electric!

~C.A. Chicoine


(This article does not include TV shows or commercials -- that's for another post.)


Special thanks to the website Films in Films for the inspiration.

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