Do you like robots? Also, have you ever wondered what a movie starring Andy Kaufman would be like? Then look no further than “Heartbeeps,” a futuristic science fiction romantic comedy about two robots in love. Played by Andy Kaufman and Bernadette Peters, these robots have wandered away from home, and they fall in love while taking in their new surroundings. There is also a stand-up comedian robot and a “baby” robot, the latter of which is voiced by Jerry Garcia. Randy Quaid appears as a man trying to bring the robots home. With remarkable, Oscar nominated makeup effects by Stan Winston and a terrific electronic score by John Williams, this 1981 sleeper you’ve never heard of is a precursor to “E.T.” Derided as a flop (by Andy Kaufman himself!) but available on widescreen DVD, this film by Alan Arkush (“Rock and Roll High School”) is far better than “Short Circuit” and way ahead of its time. Prepare to laugh and be amazed by this crazy cult flick!
