Plot summary

While visiting Earth one night to collect plants, a group of alien botanists is discovered and disturbed by an approaching human task force. Because of the more than hasty take-off, one of them is left behind. He finds himself all alone on a very strange planet. Fortunately, he soon finds a friend and emotional companion in Elliot, a lonely 10-year-old boy whose parents have gotten divorced. While E.T. slowly gets acquainted with Elliot's brother, Michael, sister, Gertie, and the customs of Earth, members of the task force work day and night to track down his whereabouts from outer space. The wish to go home again is strong in him, and after being able to communicate with Elliot and the others, he starts building an improvised device to send a message home for his people to come and pick him up. But before long, he gets seriously sick, and because of his special connection to Elliott. he suffers, too. The situation gets critical when the task force finally intervenes. By then, all help may already be too late, and there's no spaceship in sight.—Julian Reischl