Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Theatrical Release Poster
Directed by	Stephen Chiodo
Produced by	Charles Chiodo Edward Chiodo Stephen Chiodo
Written by	Charles Chiodo Stephen Chiodo
Starring	Grant Cramer Suzanne Snyder John Allen Nelson Royal Dano Michael Siegel Peter Licassi John Vernon
Music by	John Massari
Cinematography	Alfred Taylor
Edited by	Christopher Roth
Production company	Sarlui / Diamant Chiodo Brothers Productions
Distributed by	Trans World Entertainment
Release date	May 27, 1988 (1988-05-27) (U.S.)
Running time	88 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$1.8 million

Killer Klowns from Outer Space is a 1988 American science fiction horror comedy film directed by The Chiodo Brothers and starring Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder. It is the only Chiodo Brothers' directed and written film—they have worked in many other projects in other roles, such as producing and visual effects. The filming took place in the city of Watsonville and at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The film is about a bizarre clan of evil aliens from an unknown region, but who all resemble goofy circus clowns. They arrive on Earth in a small town with the sole intention to capture, kill and then harvest the human inhabitants to use as sustenance. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 71% approval rating, and it has since become a cult film. Several officially licensed toys have been released. A sequel entitled Return of the Killer Klowns from Outer Space in 3D is planned.

In the town of Crescent Cove, California, Farmer Gene Green spies an object falling to Earth. Believing it to be Halley's Comet, he goes to find it, coming across a large circus tent-like structure. He is at first amused by the sight, but he and his dog are quickly captured by mysterious clown-like aliens. Meanwhile, Mike Tobacco and his girlfriend Debbie Stone also investigate. Coming across the same structure, they discover a complex interior that looks nothing like a circus tent. They discover the old man in a cotton candy-shaped cocoon and are nearly captured by the alien clowns, who coat them with popcorn from a gun as they escape. A balloon animal dog that comes to life gives chase.