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Running on Empty (1988)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Naomi Foner (written by)
Release Date:
9 September 1988 (USA)
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Tagline:
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.
Plot:
The eldest son of a fugitive family comes of age and wants to live a life of his own. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another 3 wins
&
6 nominations
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User Comments:
A great movie
more (63 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Christine Lahti | ... | Annie Pope / Cynthia Manfield | |
| River Phoenix | ... | Danny Pope / Michael Manfield | |
| Judd Hirsch | ... | Arthur Pope / Paul Manfield | |
| Jonas Abry | ... | Harry Pope / Stephen Manfield | |
| Martha Plimpton | ... | Lorna Phillips | |
| Ed Crowley | ... | Mr. Phillips | |
| L.M. Kit Carson | ... | Gus Winant | |
| Steven Hill | ... | Donald Patterson | |
| Augusta Dabney | ... | Abigail Patterson | |
| David Margulies | ... | Dr. Jonah Reiff | |
| Lynne Thigpen | ... | Contact at Eldridge St. | |
| Marcia Jean Kurtz | ... | School Clerk | |
| Sloane Shelton | ... | Mrs. Phillips | |
| Justine Johnston | ... | Librarian | |
| Herb Lovelle | ... | Hospital Clerk |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
116 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Argentina:16 |
Iceland:L |
South Korea:15 |
Australia:M |
France:-12 |
Finland:S |
USA:PG-13 |
West Germany:12 |
UK:15 |
Singapore:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Director Sidney Lumet writes in his book "Making Movies" about an argument between River Phoenix and writer Naomi Foner. A scene in the movie concerns the character played by Phoenix being interrupted while practicing a classical piano solo. In the script, when he is caught, he breaks into a jazz riff to cover his "embarrassment" at being caught doing something serious. Phoenix fought hard against this, feeling that his character would never be embarrassed about working at the piano. Lumet was so impressed by the point Phoenix made, he shot the scene the way Phoenix wanted it.
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Goofs:
Continuity: When Arthur returns home drunk one night, he stumbles backwards, falls and shatters the living room table. A short while later he is shown sitting next to the intact table when Danny comes home from being with Lorna.
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Movie Connections:
Featured in The 77th Annual Academy Awards (2005) (TV)
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Soundtrack:
Fire And Rain
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (63 total)
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The main reason i actually rented this movie for the first time was because i am a huge fan of the late River Phoenix. And after seeing Running on Empty, i'm an even bigger fan!
In my opinion, River does the best job in this movie. But the other actors, Christine and Judd, are wonderful too. This movie moved me so much! River's performance will really make you think.
See this movie! Do whatever you have to do! Even if you are not a River Phoenix fan, see this movie!
10/10