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 | firework | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Rick Rosenthal previously directed Leo Rossi and Nancy Stephens in HALLOWEEN II (1981). Nancy is his wife in real life since 1981.

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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

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

Featured in At the Movies: Made in Heaven/Less Than Zero/Hello Again/Russkies/Hiding Out (1987)

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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

Surprisingly sweet

Going into this movie you may be skeptical, but fear not. This movie is very entertaining, the characters are all pretty well played, and the whole message is worth seeing the movie. Leaf Phoenix and his brother River, where among the best juvenile actors of the 80's. Unfortunately, the movie is no longer available for purchase and is pretty hard to find.

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