Heroes (1977)

A Vietnam veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder breaks out of a VA hospital and goes on a road trip with a sympathetic traveler to start a worm farm in California with his fellow veterans.

Director:

Jeremy Kagan (as Jeremy Paul Kagan)

Writer:

James Carabatsos

Stars:

Henry Winkler, Sally Field, Harrison Ford

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Henry Winkler	...	Jack Dunne
Sally Field	...	Carol Bell
Harrison Ford	...	Ken Boyd
Val Avery	...	Bus Driver
Olivia Cole	...	Jane Adcox
Hector Elias	...	Dr. Elias
Dennis Burkley	...	Gus
Tony Burton	...	Chef
Michael Cavanaugh	...	Peanuts
Helen Craig	...	Bus Depot Manager
John Finnegan	...	Mr. Munro
Betty McGuire	...	Mrs. Munro
John O'Leary	...	Ticket Clerk
Tom Rosqui	...	Patrolman #2
Fred Stuthman	...	Nathan

Storyline

It's 4 years since Jack is back from Vietnam, but he still has nightmares. In a bus on his way to California he meets Carol, who just left her fiancée - only 4 days before their wedding, allegedly just for a few days of vacation. Jack happily tells her about his plans to set up a worm farm for fishing baits together with four of his Vietnam ex-comrades. Although he gets on her nerves at the beginning, she starts to care. When one after the other of his friends steps out and Jack looses his optimism, Carol remains as the last support that keeps him from despair.

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Plot Keywords:

beer | diner | pool table | poker game | vietnam war veteran | 

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Taglines:

Finding the one you love... is finding yourself.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 November 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bohaterowie

Filming Locations:

Petaluma, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,200,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$33,500,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$33,500,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

David Foster Productions, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to TV Guide, the movie was "one of the first Hollywood films to deal with the plight of Vietnam veterans".

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Goofs

When the car driven by Harrison Ford is first shown, it has no front license plate. During the trip to the farm, a front license plate suddenly appears.

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Quotes

Carol Bell: I was against the war. I protested it!
Jack Dunne: And I fought it.

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Alternate Versions

MCA/Universal Home Video version does not contain Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son" in the end credits.

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Connections

References Odyssey: The Ultimate Trip (1977)

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Soundtracks

CARRY ON WAYWARD SON
Written by Kerry Livgren
Performed by Kansas
Courtesy of Kirshner Records/CBS

User Reviews

Snuck in to see The Fonz

I remember seeing this movie when I was 10 with my younger brother-without my parents permission. We would wait until the movie started, go to the back door of the theater and knock until someone answered. If it was the usher we would run, but usually it was somebody near the front who got sick of hearing us knock. Anyhow, we thought any movie with the Fonz had to be cool. I remember being disappointed, but slightly interested in the story. I saw it again years later, and felt that it did capture the angst and disillusionment many Vets felt. I grew up on or near Navy bases and saw many of the Marines who had served in Vietnam at the gym on passes from the military psychiatric hospital. It was sad to see these young guys so confused and messed up. I heard about many more strange plans than starting a worm farm. Good flick though.