Gilbert Grape lives in Endora, a place where nothing much happens. The only times the police got something to do is when Gilbert's autistic brother Arnie tries to climb up on the watertower nearby. Taking care of Arnie is mostly Gilbert's task which can be pretty demanding, at least while you are working at the local grocery store. Then one day Becky and her grandmother passes through Endora getting trouble with the car. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, but gets problems when he tries to find time for his own private life.

Darlene Cates was chosen for the part of Bonnie Grape after a casting director contacted the "Sally Jessy Raphael" (1985) show and was sent a tape of her appearance as a guest a few months earlier.

Momma:
You're my knight in shimmering armor. Did you know that?


Gilbert:
I think you mean shining.


Momma:
No shimmering. You shimmer, and you glow.

Revealing mistakes: When Gilbert finds Arnie in the bath and takes him out, you can see a towel around Arnie's waist.

by Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman
Performed by The Manor High School Marching Band