Savannah Smiles (1982)

Savannah is the only child of a wealthy politician, Richard Driscoll, who is more concerned with his image and career than with his family.

Director:

Pierre De Moro

Writers:

Mark Miller (screenplay), Mark Miller (story)

Stars:

Mark Miller, Donovan Scott, Bridgette Andersen

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mark Miller	...	Alvie
Donovan Scott	...	Boots
Bridgette Andersen	...	Savannah
Chris Robinson	...	Richard Driscoll
Michael Parks	...	Lt. Savage
Peter Graves	...	Harland Dobbs
Barbara Stanger	...	Joan Driscoll
Pat Morita	...	Father Ohara
Philip Abbott	...	Chief Pruitt
Fran Ryan	...	Farmer Wilma
Ray Anzalone	...	Pharmacist
John Fiedler	...	Grocery Clerk
Carol Wayne	...	Doreen
Don Steffey	...	Farmer
Oscar Rowland	...	Doctor

Storyline

The young daughter of a politician runs away due to lack of attention. She hides in the car of two not-so-bright crooks who are slowly converted into parent figures to her. A surprising bond of love and redirection forms among the trio as the police close down on the supposed kidnappers.

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Plot Keywords:

politician | on the run | runaway child | escaped convict | runaway | 

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Taglines:

... and love will never be the same.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the end of the scene where Alvie and Boots steal groceries from a grocery store, you see them run out of the store and into a car, dropping some of their groceries as they run. You can see a cantaloupe roll down the driveway and get scooped up into the side of the front bumper. Just a case of perfect timing.

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Quotes

[After hearing an obvious impression of James Cagney.]
Harland Dobbs: One thing bothers me - that voice. I've heard that voice before!

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Alien from L.A. (1993)

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Soundtracks

The Breakout
(Instrumental)

User Reviews

A wonderful film!

I just bought Savannah Smiles on DVD and got to watch it again for the first time in years. It was still as wonderful as when I was six years old, if not better. This is one of those movies that was made in the 1980s, but doesn't fall in the "80s movies" genre. It seems that not a lot of people have heard of it or seen it. I can't help but wonder why because this is a great movie! Perhaps if it would have had a big name star, it would have fared better over the years. I actually thought it was Drew Barrymore who played Savannah until not too long ago. Despite few big name stars, everybody does an outstanding job in their roles. Like a previous reviewer, I too wonder why Mark Miller didn't make many more films, he is a terrific actor! Although none of the music made the top ten, the film has a great soundtrack. The film will make you laugh, get angry, and cry. I shed a tear at the end and I am usually not one to get emotional over movies. Look high and low to find it, because when you do, you will not regret seeing it.

John 3:16 <><

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 December 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Savannah Smiles

Filming Locations:

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon, Utah, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$10,413,170

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,413,170

Company Credits

Production Co:

Savannah Smiles Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1