The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)

The true story of a disillusioned military contractor employee and his drug pusher childhood friend who became walk-in spies for the Soviet Union.

Director:

John Schlesinger

Writers:

Robert Lindsey (book), Steven Zaillian

Stars:

Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, Pat Hingle

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Timothy Hutton	...	Christopher Boyce
Sean Penn	...	Daulton Lee
Pat Hingle	...	Mr. Charlie Boyce
Joyce Van Patten	...	Mrs. Boyce
Rob Reed	...	Boyce Child
Rob Newell	...	Boyce Child
Karen West	...	Boyce Child
Art Camacho	...	Boyce Child (as Arturo Comacho)
Annie Kozuch	...	Boyce Child
Richard Dysart	...	Dr. Lee
Priscilla Pointer	...	Mrs. Lee
Chris Makepeace	...	David Lee
Dorian Harewood	...	Gene
Mady Kaplan	...	Laurie
Macon McCalman	...	Larry Rogers

Storyline

The true story of Christopher Boyce, a young All-American man whose job as a guard for sensitive documents shatters his faith in his country and leads him to a sometimes comic, sometimes chilling sideline as a spy for the Soviets, aided by his scruffy buddy, Daulton; it can't last, though, and the consequences are tremendous for Boyce and his family.

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Plot Keywords:

political superpower | naivety | drugs | soviet union | spy | 

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Taglines:

The Falcon & The Snowman. A True Story.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Christopher Boyce was once in seminary but dropped out and later turned to a life of crime. In the TV show "Leverage," Timothy Hutton also played a man who drops out of seminary and later becomes the mastermind of a team of con artists and grifters who work outside the law as a group of latter-day Robin Hoods.

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Goofs

In the beginning of Falcon and The Snowman, Dalton (Sean Penn) is talking to his attorney in a conference room. During the conference, Dalton's attorney refers to him as "Sean" during a heated discussion. The attorney says, "Sean" in a stern, attention getting voice.

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Quotes

[explaining why he didn't express his unhappiness with the CIA in a more acceptable manner]
Christopher Boyce: It wouldn't have made a difference. I freely chose my response to this absurd world. If given the opportunity, I would have been more vigorous.

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Alternate Versions

Due to music licensing issues, most modern home video and streaming releases of the film remove almost all of the pop songs. Only the David Bowie song over the end credits and "All Right Now" by Free remain in this version of the film.

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Connections

Referenced in Big Time Rush: Big Time Bad Boy (2010)

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Soundtracks

Pick Up the Pieces
Written by Roger Ball, Malcolm Duncan, Alan Gorrie, Onnie McIntyre, Hamish Stuart and Robbie McIntosh (collectively as Average White Band)
Performed by Average White Band
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Gripping, realistic account

This movie does an excellent job of taking us all the way through the dark tunnel of espionage, from the inception through the ultimate reckoning. The movie's impact is made even deeper with the realization that it is based on a true story. Timothy Hutton provides us with a quality, understated performance and Sean Penn demonstrates why he is one of America's finest living actors. As with "Midnight Express," this movie should make us all think twice about doing something we shouldn't be doing in a foreign country.

Details

Country:

UK USA Mexico

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 February 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Falcon & the Snowman

Filming Locations:

Via Segovia, Palos Verdes Estates, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,358,846, 27 January 1985

Gross USA:

$17,130,087

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,130,087

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale, Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

131 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1