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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

PG

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

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

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.

---

Goofs

At the beginning as the boys are riding their bikes, Joaquin Phoenix is seen wearing olive drab(green) jungle boots. When the scene cuts to the bridge where the PT-109 is stored, Phoenix jumps down and enters the water to board the boat wearing solid black boots.

---

Quotes

[After a Russian naval book washes ashore]
Adam: All I know is, whoever lost it's probably dead now.
Jason: How do you know that?
Adam: Because man, in Russia if you screw up, they don't give you a second chance to explain yourself. They just kill you.
Jason: Sounds like my dad.

---

Connections

Features Rush'n Attack (1985)

---

Soundtracks

Perfect World
By Steve Krikorian & Glen Burtnick
Performed by What If
Courtesy of RCA Records, a label of BMG Music

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.