Short Circuit (1986)

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: Stephanie Speck's House

Address: 197 Hume Avenue, Astoria, OR

Location: Ben & Newton Eat

Address: 40700 Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR

Location: The Gas Station

Address: Near 710 W Marine Drive, Astoria, OR

Location: The Bridge

Address: Astoria-Megler Bridge, US 101, Astoria, OR

Location: Number 5 Is Captured

Address: 299 SW Portrage Road, Cascade Locks, OR

Location: Nova Ambush

Address: 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA

Vasquez Rocks

Locations Visited: May 2025, November 2025

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