Lawrence is a rich kid with a bad accent and a large debt. After his father refuses to help him out, Lawrence escapes his angry debtors by jumping on a Peace Corp flight to Southeast Asia, ...
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Title: Volunteers (1985)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Tom Hanks | ... | ||
| John Candy | ... | ||
| Rita Wilson | ... | ||
| Tim Thomerson | ... | ||
| Gedde Watanabe | ... |
At Toon
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| George Plimpton | ... |
Lawrence Bourne Jr.
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Ernest Harada | ... |
Chung Mee
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| Allan Arbus | ... |
Albert Bardenaro
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| Xander Berkeley | ... |
Kent Sutcliffe
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| Ji-Tu Cumbuka | ... |
Cicero
(as Ji-Tu Cumbaka)
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Guillermo Río | ... |
Sumo Guard
(as Guillermo del Rio)
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Jacqueline Evans | ... |
Aunt Eunice
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Pamela Gual | ... |
Tammy the Stewardess
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Philip Guilmant | ... |
Yale President
(as Phillip Giulmant)
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Chick Hearn | ... |
Announcer
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Lawrence is a rich kid with a bad accent and a large debt. After his father refuses to help him out, Lawrence escapes his angry debtors by jumping on a Peace Corp flight to Southeast Asia, where is assigned to build a bridge for the local villagers with American-As-Apple-Pie WSU Grad Tom Tuttle and the beautiful and down-to earth Beth Wexler. What they don't realize is that the bridge is coveted by the U.S. Army, a local Communist force, and a powerful drug lord. Together with the help of At Toon, the only English speaking native, they must fight off the three opposing forces and find out what is right for the villagers, as well as themselves. Written by Michael Silva <silvamd@cleo.bc.edu>
Taglines:
The boys from "Splash" are back together! See more »Genres:
ComedyParents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
16 August 1985 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Alles hört auf mein Kommando See more »Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby SRColor:
Color (Metrocolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Written by Merle Kilgore (as M. Kilgore) and Claude King (as C. King)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Tom Hanks based his performance as and characterization of Lawrence Bourne the Third on the actor who played his character's father Lawrence Bourne, Jr, actor George Plimpton. Hanks payed much attention to Plimpton and listened to his diction very astutely. Hanks was able to mimic his vocalizations by mimicking certain words and putting stress on certain vowels. Hanks once said: "I tried to cull from him that air, not of superiority, but of a kind of confidence he exudes. He has one of the most distinctive voices ever. It was the most fun I've ever had as an actor. As soon as I put on that double- breasted white tuxedo, I was in character. It was a situation of the clothes making the man. Lawrence is a guy who refuses to take life on anything but his own terms. He is consistent to the end". See more »Goofs
On their flight to Lung Taho they are using a Bell 212 (a twin turbine version of the military Bell 202/Huey 1a). Bell did not start manufacturing the Bell 212 (known in military service as the Huey 1d) until 1967. The first models where not shipped till 1968. The movie is set in 1962. See more »Crazy Credits
Tom Hanks' character has firstname "Lawrence". Hanks saves the village. As film fades to black for credits, a large group of "volunteers" gather around Hanks. Just as black for start of credits shows, chants of "Lawrence, Lawrence, Lawrence..." are heard. Absolutely a tribute to scene of O'Toole as Lawrence of Arabia marching across traintop to chants of "Lawrence, Lawrence, Lawrence..." See more »Soundtracks
Wolverton MountainWritten by Merle Kilgore (as M. Kilgore) and Claude King (as C. King)
See more »
I don't see why this film has such a bad reputation, and is probably regarded as the worst in Tom Hanks' career. Sure, it's no "Forrest Gump," but as a broad comedy it works out well. Hanks is passionate about every role he plays, and this case was no different. He's very funny as his snooty rich character. Adding to the comic relief are Gedde Watanabe (of "Sixteen Candles") and the always-funny John Candy. The plot is predictable, but there are many amusing moments. Plus, it's refreshing to see a comedy that's Rated R!!! Sure, it's no hard R, but nowadays filmmakers are so afraid to release comedies with R-ratings that it's not even funny--no pun intended.
My score: 7 (out of 10)