MovieChat Forums > Back to the Future (1985) Discussion > DeLorean - First Breakdown in 1955

DeLorean - First Breakdown in 1955

posted 8 years ago by The_Proprietor
3 replies | jump to latest

When Marty is unable to start up the DeLorean again at Lyons Estate in 1955, we see the plutonium gage light flashing red which suggests the car won't run without plutonium. However, in Part III Doc Brown says to Marty the car's always run on gasoline for its combustion engine. Where as the plutonium/Mr Fusion reactor powers the time circuits/Flux Capacitor.

Is this a retcon or continuity error? As later in Part I when Marty travels back he's obviously driving the car without having put plutonium in it. Yet the car's battery has died even though the car only needs gasoline to run.

If impersonating a Police Officer is an offence, shouldn't actors be imprisoned?

[–] buddyboy28 8 years ago

The Delorean itself runs on gasoline.

In 1985 Doc says "How did I ever expect to get back, one pellet, one trip", then in 1955 Marty later says to Doc "there's something wrong with the starter, so I hid it", which clears things up.

The shot of the plutonium gage is just there to remind the audience that even if he got the car going, he wouldn't be able to get home anyway because Doc failed to put extra plutonium in the car before the Libyans arrived but the way it's shot does make it seem a little confusing at first.

[–] The_Proprietor 8 years ago

That makes perfect sense buddyboy28, thanks very much .

If impersonating a Police Officer is an offence, shouldn't actors be imprisoned?

[–] avortac4 (3770) 3 years ago

You can think of it this way:

- Car engine runs on gas
- Flux Capacitor runs on plutonium / Mr. Fusion