Running on Empty (1988)

The eldest son of a fugitive family comes of age and wants to live a life of his own.

Director:

Sidney Lumet

Writer:

Naomi Foner

Stars:

River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christine Lahti	...	Annie Pope
River Phoenix	...	Danny Pope
Judd Hirsch	...	Arthur Pope
Jonas Abry	...	Harry Pope
Martha Plimpton	...	Lorna Phillips
Ed Crowley	...	Mr. Phillips
L.M. Kit Carson	...	Gus Winant
Steven Hill	...	Donald Patterson
Augusta Dabney	...	Abigail Patterson
David Margulies	...	Dr. Jonah Reiff
Lynne Thigpen	...	Contact at Eldridge St.
Marcia Jean Kurtz	...	School Clerk
Sloane Shelton	...	Mrs. Phillips
Justine Johnston	...	Librarian
Herb Lovelle	...	Hospital Clerk

Storyline

The Popes are a family who haven't been able to use their real identity for years. In the late sixties, the parents set a weapons lab afire in an effort to hinder the government's Vietnam war campaign. Ever since then, the Popes have been on the run with the authorities never far behind. Today, their older son wants a life of his own although he is aware that would mean that his parents would either get caught or he will never see them again.

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Plot Keywords:

radicalism | teenage romance | fugitive | music teacher | piano | 

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Taglines:

In 1971, Arthur and Annie Pope blew up a napalm lab to protest the war... Ever since then they have been on the run from the FBI. They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features River Phoenix's only Oscar nominated performance.

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Goofs

During Danny's first music class at a new school, the teacher underlines two words previously written on the chalkboard. But when the class lets out, the words are on the board as originally written, but without the underlining.

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Quotes

Lorna: [to Michael] Why do you have to carry the burden of someone else's life?

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Connections

References Tampopo (1985)

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Soundtracks

Fire And Rain
Written by James Taylor
Performed by James Taylor

User Reviews

A joy to watch, every time.

I have dozens of movies on videotape, but if I could only keep one, Running on Empty would be it. I've lost count how many times I've watched it. It works on every level. Emotionally, you cannot help caring about the characters, all of them. The premise, living "underground" in ordinary American suburbia, is brilliant and instantly engaging. The story, coming of age on the lam, flows effortlessly, with hardly a slow spot, and keeps me engaged, even after umpteen viewings. The romance, of love and loss and dedication, brings a tear every time, even just thinking about the birthday party as I write this.

Plus -- I was a 'red diaper baby' who became a conservative republican 35 years ago, and this film touches every button of my past. A lot of those reds were, in person, truly decent people, just a bit deranged and extremely delusional and dogmatic, all of which Judd Hirsch conveys with perfect pitch. No special FX, pretty tame action (mostly involving music and dancing), only six main characters, but a great entertaining and inspirational film.

Rated 9.9 out of 10, in case something better ever comes along.

P.S. I just got the DVD. Even better than the tape. Elsewhere I have read complaints about its technical quality, but I can see nothing wrong with it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Running on Empty

Filming Locations:

89 Highwood Avenue, Tenafly, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$215,157, 11 September 1988

Gross USA:

$2,835,116

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,847,941

Company Credits

Production Co:

Double Play, Lorimar Film Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1