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Running on Empty (1988)

PG_13 116 min  -  Crime | Drama | Music  -   9 September 1988 (USA)
7.5
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Ratings: 7.5/10 from 6,371 users  
Reviews: 75 user | 35 critic

The eldest son of a fugitive family comes of age and wants to live a life of his own.

Director:

Sidney Lumet

Writer:

Naomi Foner
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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christine Lahti ...
Annie Pope / Cynthia Manfield
River Phoenix ...
Judd Hirsch ...
Arthur Pope / Paul Manfield
Jonas Abry Jonas Abry ...
Harry Pope / Stephen Manfield
Martha Plimpton ...
Ed Crowley Ed Crowley ...
Mr. Phillips
L.M. Kit Carson L.M. Kit Carson ...
Gus Winant
Steven Hill Steven Hill ...
Donald Patterson
Augusta Dabney Augusta Dabney ...
Abigail Patterson
David Margulies ...
Dr. Jonah Reiff
Lynne Thigpen ...
Contact at Eldridge St.
Marcia Jean Kurtz ...
School Clerk
Sloane Shelton Sloane Shelton ...
Mrs. Phillips
Justine Johnston Justine Johnston ...
Librarian
Herb Lovelle ...
Hospital Clerk
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Storyline

The Popes are a family who haven't been able to use their real identity for years. In the late sixties, the parents set a weapons lab afire in an effort to hinder the government's Vietnam war campaign. Ever since then, the Popes have been on the run with the authorities never far behind. Today, their eldest son wants a life of his own although he is aware that would mean that his parents would either get caught or he will never see them again. Written by Kenneth Chisholm <kchishol@execulink.com>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Fugitive | Vietnam War | On The Run | Government | Teenage Girl  | See more »

Taglines:

In 1971, Arthur and Annie Pope blew up a napalm lab to protest the war... Ever since then they have been on the run from the FBI. They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Music

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

À bout de course See more »

Box Office

Gross:

$2,835,116 (USA)
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Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although River Phoenix learned all the hand motions to the piano pieces his character performs in the movie, the audio was dubbed by a professional pianist. See more »

Goofs

Errors in geography: As they stop at a gas station on the run from authorities, one of the characters is shown removing a Delaware license plate from the front of the gray van. Delaware has never issued nor required front-mounted plates. See more »

Quotes

Lorna: You're strange. I cut. I didn't feel like having my picture taken with those sub-humans.
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Connections

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert: The Best Films of 1988" (1988) See more »

Soundtracks

"Lucky Star"
Written by Madonna
Performed by Madonna See more »