E.T. child star’s heartbreaking first audition

A series of behind-the-scenes videos from 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial' have emerged that shed fresh light on Steven Spielberg's heart-warming 1982 classic.

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First up is Henry Thomas' original audition for Elliot — the young hero of the film. In a genuinely a fantastic audition, a 10-year-old Thomas improvises a scene where a NASA employee comes to take E.T. away and even manages to cry on cue. No wonder he got the role.

Footage showing legendary composer ('Star Wars', 'Jaws') John Williams playing an early draft of the 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial' theme on a piano to Steven Spielberg is also doing the rounds. The pair try and fit the music with video Spielberg's plays on a projector.

The footage has been revealed to promote the Blu-ray release of 'E.T.' which is in shops now.