National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Universal Pictures released E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in June 1982, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film became the highest-grossing release of its time and remains a defining work of the New Hollywood era, blending science fiction with intimate family drama. Its emotional restraint and practical effects set a standard that influenced blockbuster filmmaking for decades, and its cultural footprint has only deepened in the years since.

This cell captures Gertie in what appears to be a domestic interior, holding a piece of paper and smiling directly into the frame. The three consecutive frames preserve a single sustained moment, offering a rare look at the rhythm of a filmed performance between cuts. For collectors, the title confirmation and the clarity of Gertie's expression make this a quietly personal piece from one of cinema's most beloved productions.