Pee-Wee's Big 35th Anniversary

View Rare Photos From This Comedy Classic
"Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" turns 35 years old on August 9!
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
When Pee-wee Herman's (Paul Reubens) idyllic world is destroyed by the theft of his fire-engine red bicycle, the pre-pubescent adult sets out on a manic cross-country odyssey to recover his most valued possession. Director Tim Burton makes his feature-film debut with this comic masterpiece.


A surprise hit in the second half of Summer 1985, it delighted audiences young and old with its childlike innocence and quirky humor, and continues to do so three and a half decades later. Not only did it introduce Paul Reubens' creation, Pee-Wee Herman, to the masses; it also marked the feature directorial debut of Tim Burton, who would go on become one of the most celebrated filmmakers of his generation. Here's a look back at some one-of-a-kind images from the Warner Bros. archives:

Pee-Wee Herman makes breakfast in the house we all wish we grew up in!
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee and director Tim Burton on the set of "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman and director Tim Burton on the set of "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Pee Wee (Paul Reubens) in front of his magnificent home.
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman in front of his magnificent home in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Tim Burton and crew setting up a shot with Paul Reubens as many neighbors look on.
Tim Burton and crew setting up a shot with Paul Reubens as many neighbors look on during the filming of "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Alice Nunn as Large Marge in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
The unforgettable Alice Nunn as Large Marge in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure", during what is probably the scariest scene ever to appear in a comedy!
Paul Reubens, Tim Burton, E.G. Daily on set in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Tim Burton (center) has some fun with Paul Reubens and E.G. Daily (who plays Dottie) on location in Santa Monica, California.
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee and bear friend in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman and a bear friend.
Pee-Wee (Paul Reubens) and Simone (Diane Salinger) standing under the giant T. Rex statue filmed on location in Cabazon, California.
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman and Diane Salinger as Simone standing under the giant T. Rex statue filmed on location in Cabazon, California in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman and Diane Salinger as Simone filming inside the T. Rex's mouth, which is actually on a soundstage, in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
The view of the T-rex's mouth from Pee-Wee and Simone's perspective in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
"I know you are, but what am I?"
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Own "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" today.