Purple People Eater 1988

In the town of Sunny Hills, 12-year-old Billy Johnson, Neil Patrick Harris, is left in the care of his grandfather Sam, Ned Beatty, and his little sister Molly, Thora Birch, while his parents are away on an extended business trip in Europe. That night, after Billy whistles a novelty tune, a one-eyed, one-horned flying purple alien lands on a nearby tree, then jumps down to greet him, and the two quickly form an unlikely friendship. The alien calls himself Purple, and Billy learns that Purple can only name old hits because radio waves take twenty-five years to reach his home planet.

The next day, Billy and Sam spot Purple at the mall, and Sam is thrilled by the idea that the two could form a rock-and-roll duo. Purple explains that he knows only classic songs, a quirk he blames on the distance and time between Earth and his world. Billy confides in Allison, Shonda Whipple, who promises to keep Purple’s secret, but their nosy neighborDonna, Kimberly McCullough, overhears and starts to gossip.

Meanwhile, Ken Noodle, the greedy landlord, John Brumfield who owns the elderly housing, pressures Sam and Rita, Shelley Winters, to cover the rent or face eviction. Rita has lived there for years and fears losing her home, and her worry deepens when a birthday gathering is interrupted by the eviction threat. Sam receives a call about a possible record deal for the band, but his excitement is tempered by the news of Rita’s illness; he and Billy go to Rita’s home and reaffirm their support, admitting Purple to their circle and growing closer to Rita and her family.

Labor Day becomes a beacon of hope as Billy and Sam organize a benefit concert to rally the town and save the homes of senior citizens. Noodle escalates his attempts to stop Purple, even trying to snatch the alien away before the show. A tense road chase ensues, but Purple ultimately escapes and makes it to the concert just in time. On stage, Purple breathes life into a rendition of “The Purple People Eater,” electrifying the crowd and signaling a brighter future for the community. As the song ends, Purple waves goodbye to Billy and returns to his planet, leaving the town inspired and more united than ever.