Russkies (1987)

A group of American boys and a shipwrecked Russian sailor become friends in the midst of the Cold War.

Director:

Rick Rosenthal

Writers:

Sheldon Lettich (story), Alan Jay Glueckman (story)

Stars:

Whip Hubley, Joaquin Phoenix, Peter Billingsley

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whip Hubley	...	Mischa
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Danny (as Leaf Phoenix)
Peter Billingsley	...	Adam
Stefan DeSalle	...	Jason
Susan Walters	...	Diane
Patrick Kilpatrick	...	Raimy
Vic Polizos	...	Sulock
Charles Frank	...	Mr. V.
Susan Blanchard	...	Mrs. V.
Benjamin Hendrickson	...	Sgt. Kovac
Carole King	...	Mrs. Kovac
Vojislav Govedarica	...	Boris (as Vojo Goric)
Al White	...	Captain Foley
Patrick Mickler	...	Neidermeyer
Summer Phoenix	...	Candi

Storyline

It is during the Cold War and all Americans have a view of Russians as one thing: bad people. A group of American boys discovers a Russian sailor washed up on the coast of Florida and decide to befriend him, assuming that he is friendly and will bring them no danger and thus go against the ideas of their parents, as well as the government.

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Plot Keywords:

cold war | friendship | russian | russian sailor | boy | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

In this film, the boys have a small boat they use to get around in. On the boats hull you can see it has the mark "PT 109" painted on. In World War II, then future President of the United States Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG) John F. Kennedy was the pilot of Navy motor torpedo boat PT 109. (LTJG) John F. Kennedy would later be recognized as a war hero for actions performed while on board the (MTB) PT 109.

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Goofs

In the rescue scene in Act III, the huddled family on the boat (specifically Candi) changes position between shots.

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Quotes

Mischa: I see. Vodka not for boys.
Danny: That's not it. It's just...
Mischa: Just?
Adam: Just gimme that bottle.
[Takes a drink and spits it out]
Mischa: [laughs] Vodka not for boys.

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Connections

References Commando (1985)

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Soundtracks

We Can Have It All
By Bruce Sudano & Michael Omartian
Performed by Joe Bruce & 2nd Avenue
Courtesy of EMI - America Records

User Reviews

A nice little gem

With the Cold War raging on, this film really was a change of pace, bringing out a more poignant look between two warring nations. While the reality of the story felt contrived, it proved to be one of those films which brought a warm feeling in the bottom of the soul. Despite the cheesy 80s music and styles, this is still a movie one has to see with a group of friends.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Russkies

Filming Locations:

Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,030,101, 8 November 1987

Gross USA:

$2,189,047

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,189,047

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Century Entertainment Corporation, Vista Organization, Russkies

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1