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
Voyo Goric	...	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:

russkies | russian | boy | russian sailor | cold war | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Corrida Contra o Tempo

Filming Locations:

Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,030,101, 8 November 1987, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$2,189,047

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Century Entertainment Corporation, Vista Organization, Russkies

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Liberty Phoenix was originally considered for the role of Candi before her sister Summer was cast.

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Goofs

The boys' T-shirts get changed several times within one day of story. Most notably, Danny's American-flag T-shirt is changed and then comes back later.

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Quotes

Danny: Say if, I mean, what if a Russian washed up on the beach here. What would you do?
Sergeant Kovac: Kill him.

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Connections

Version of The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! (1966)

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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

Very cute little movie.

I remember seeing this movie when it first came out in the theaters--the L.A. Times gave it a favorable review and it sounded kind of fun. It was.

It's dated now ('80s clothes, '80s politics), but it's an amusing, somewhat corny little movie that will entertain and amuse. I thought that the interaction between the three boys and "their" Russian sailor seemed genuine, and I liked the premise. The scenes where the boys have a "day out" with their new (Russian) buddy are especially fun to watch.

Whip Hubley is cute and likable as the stranded Russian (but, oh, that big '80s hair cut he's got!). Leaf Phoenix (now known as Joaquin) is excellent as one of the boys. (I recall how the L.A. Times review took special note of Phoenix's performance, and predicted that he had a great future ahead of him. Boy, were they right!) Also take note of Benjamin Hendrickson (playing Phoenix's Hungarian father who has no love for Russians). Hendrickson is mostly known for soap opera work, but he has an effective supporting role in this film.

This is a little movie with some laughs and a good heart. It's not a *great* film, but still enjoyable. James Newton Howard (still early in his career when this movie was made) does a good job with the score. I even bought the soundtrack (on LP at the time) and it is enjoyable to listen to on its own!