After a NOVA Laboratory robot is struck by lightning, it starts to experience human emotions and intelligence. Number 5 escapes to Astoria, Oregon and meets Stephanie Speck, who takes her discovery home to care for. NOVA eventually tracks Number 5, but unsuccessfully capture him. Stephanie and Number 5 go on the run in search of Newton Crosby, one of the creators of the rogue robot. It appears Number 5 is destroyed after a military attack, but it turns out a decoy was assembled. Crosby decides to take Number 5 to a ranch in Montana for some peace and quiet Stephanie joins them.
Short Circuit is a fun, goofy 80s comedy. It was a box office success met with mixed reviews from critics. Several versions of Number 5 were made for the film, eating up a good portion of the budget. The film was criticized for having a Jewish actor portray an Indian character in brownface. El DeBarge scored a hit with "Who's Johnny?" which plays at the end of the final scene.
Location: Number 5 Is Captured
