The year was 1982. "E.T." lit up the silver screen, a detective named Magnum ruled the airwaves and a New Yorker named Ruth Bendik had her wallet stolen in Central Park. Now, after 27 years, the wallet is back.

While tearing down a dying cherry tree in the park last week, tree-care supervisor Josh Galiley discovered a blue leather wallet inside the hollowed-out trunk. IDs inside pegged the owner as Bendik, now 69, who recalled having her wallet swiped as she watched the 1982 New York City Marathon.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," she said. "I was in the park, walking over to greet the runners after they finished, and I was in a crush of people. And all of a sudden, I realized my purse felt very light." Bendkik was happy to be reunited with the wallet, which contained her old IDs and a 1982 penny. The thief apparently made off with the $20 she had at the time of the robbery.

No word if there's also hope for the exciting return of "Magnum P.I."