The Defection of Simas Kudirka (1978)
Based on the true story of the attempted defection in 1970 by a Lithuanian seaman seeking political asylum in the United States. Kudirka was denied asylum and returned to the Soviets, charged with treason, and sentenced to ten years of hard labor. It was later discovered and verified that his mother had been born in Brooklyn and gone to Lithuania at a young age, which meant she was a U. S. citizen. As a result, Kudirka was declared a U. S. citizen and in 1974 released by the Soviets.
Director: David Lowell Rich
Genre: TV Movie, Drama
Runtime: 100 min
Release Date: January 23, 1978
Cast
- Alan Arkin - Simas Kudirka
- Richard Jordan - Cmdr. Edward Devon
- Donald Pleasence - Capt. Vladimir Popov
- George Dzundza - Gruzauskas
- John McMartin - Phillip Chadway
- Shirley Knight - Genna Kudirka
- Marvin Silbersher - Cmdr. Burkalis
- Peter Evans - Mott
- Ted Shackelford - Blain
- Barton Heyman - Dr. Paegle
Screenplay
Music: David Shire
Cinematography: Jacques R. Marquette
Editing: John A. Martinelli
Production: Paramount Television, The Jozak Company
Country: United States of America
Language: English, Lietuvių, Pусский
Original Language: en
Keywords
based on true story, defection
More Films by Director: David Lowell Rich
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Defection of Simas Kudirka about?
- Based on the true story of the attempted defection in 1970 by a Lithuanian seaman seeking political asylum in the United States. Kudirka was denied asylum and returned to the Soviets, charged with treason, and sentenced to ten years of hard labor. It was later discovered and verified that his mother had been born in Brooklyn and gone to Lithuania at a young age, which meant she was a U. S. citizen. As a result, Kudirka was declared a U. S. citizen and in 1974 released by the Soviets.
- Who directed The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka was directed by David Lowell Rich.
- Who stars in The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka stars Alan Arkin, Richard Jordan, Donald Pleasence, George Dzundza, John McMartin, Shirley Knight.
- How long is The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka has a runtime of 1h 40m (100 minutes).
- What genre is The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka is a TV Movie, Drama film.
- Where was The Defection of Simas Kudirka produced?
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka was produced in United States of America.