Earthbound (1981 film)

Earthbound is a 1981 American science fiction comedy film directed by James L. Conway. It received limited theatrical release after being rejected as a television pilot.

Plot summary
When a family of benevolent humanoid aliens is stranded in the Midwestern United States after their spaceship crashes, a kind innkeeper (Burl Ives) and his grandson (Todd Porter) take them in. Once word gets out that aliens have landed, Sheriff De Rita (John Schuck) and Deputy Sweeney (Stuart Pankin) prove unable to handle the crowds. A government agent (Joseph Campanella) arrives, who wants to assure that the aliens cannot intermingle with humankind.

Production
Parts of the film were shot in Park City, Utah. The movie was developed as a TV pilot, and released theatrically when the networks showed no interest. John Schuck stated that while the area where the movie was shot was beautiful, the two-week production of the film was rushed and the script was lacking. He also felt the 16-mm filming did not lend itself to a theatrical release.

Reception
In Creature Feature, the movie received 2 out of 5 stars, finding the direction lacking. The show was cited as one that had potential, but was not picked up as a series in Starlog.