Paul Reubens said that he, Phil Hartman, and Michael Varhol had never written a screenplay prior to this film. They purchased a book by Syd Field on how to write screenplays and did exactly what the book said. As a result, this movie is sometimes used in screenwriting classes because it fits the screenwriting paradigm perfectly - the film is 90 minutes long and the script is 90 pages long. The first act ends at Page 30 / 30-minute mark, the second act ends at Page 60 / 60-minute mark, etc.
[41:44]During the entire time Large Marge tells her story, she never blinks.
Approximately 10 to 12 bicycles were built for the movie by the Pedal Pusher Bike Shop in Newport Beach CA; a shop that specialized in vintage and classic bicycles and parts. They were offered $10,000 and no screen credit or screen credit only. The shop chose the money. The bike shop had an autographed 8x10 glossy of Paul Reubens that said "To Mike at Pedal Pusher: 'Arrrrgggg!' From Pee-wee Herman."
Tim Burton and Paul Reubens asked Danny Elfman as composer because Reubens was a big fan of Oingo Boingo, of which Elfman was lead singer and songwriter, and Burton agreed after attending some concerts. Elfman was originally apprehensive, having no formal music training, and declined the offer, but his manager told him to tell Burton that himself. Elfman gave Burton a ring, but at the last moment, he changed his mind and decided to accept the job. He was assisted by Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek as orchestrator. Elfman later said that hearing his music performed by an orchestra for the first time was one of the most thrilling experiences of his life. Burton and Elfman worked together again frequently for the next few decades.
Paul Reubens: [song] The infamous dance number at the biker bar was "Tequila" by The Champs. Reubens was extremely fond of this song, and often included it in his stage acts, TV shows, and films.
John Paragon: man dressed in red armor with a high voice, was "Jambi" and "Pterri" in Pee-Wee's stage and TV shows.
Cassandra Peterson: as Biker Mama of Satan's Helpers. A portrait of Peterson as her most famous persona, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, is on the wall of Mario's magic shop.
Lynne Marie Stewart: impatient "mother superior" in Kevin Morton's movie is "Miss Yvonne" from Pee-wee's TV shows.
Phil Hartman: "Captain Carl" from Pee-wee's TV shows appears a reporter interviewing Francis at the drive-in, and also provided the voice of the rodeo announcer in San Antonio.