White Nights
“Two men. Not soldiers. Not heroes. Just dancers. Willing to risk their lives for freedom-and each other.”
Synopsis
After his plane crashes in Siberia, a Russian dancer, who defected to the West, is held prisoner in the Soviet Union. The KGB keeps him under watch and tries to convince him to become a dancer for the Kirov Academy of Ballet again. Determined to escape, he befriends a black American expatriate and his pregnant Russian wife, who agree to help him escape to the American Embassy.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-01-21
Top Cast
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Mikhail Baryshnikov
Nikolai 'Kolya' Rodchenko
Gregory Hines
Raymond Greenwood
Jerzy Skolimowski
Colonel Chaiko
Helen Mirren
Galina Ivanova
Geraldine Page
Anne Wyatt
Isabella Rossellini
Darya Greenwood
John Glover
Wynn Scott
Stefan Gryff
Captain Kirigin
William Hootkins
Chuck Malarek
Shane Rimmer
Ambassador Larry Smith
Florence Faure
Ballerina (Death)
David Savile
Pilot
Ian Liston
Co-pilot
Benny Young
Flight Engineer
Hilary Drake
Stewardess #1
Megumi Shimanuki
Stewardess #2
Daniel Benzali
Dr. Asher
Maria Werlander
Child Ballerina
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 22, 1985
Wide Cinema Exhibition
August 1, 1993
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$42.2M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Taylor Hackford
- Screenplay & Story
- James Goldman, Eric Hughes
- Original Score
- Michel Colombier
- Original Title
- White Nights
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French, English, Russian
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Worldwide Gross
- $42.2M
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures, New Visions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Taylor Hackford
James Goldman, Eric Hughes
Michel Colombier
David Watkin, John Harris, Frank M. Holgate, Kenneth J. Withers
Fredric Steinkamp, William Steinkamp
William S. Gilmore, Taylor Hackford
Department Leadership Roster
David Watkin
Director of Photography
Michel Colombier
Original Music Composer
Taylor Hackford
Director
William S. Gilmore
Producer
James Goldman
Screenplay
Eric Hughes
Screenplay
Philip Harrison
Production Design
Evangeline Harrison
Costume Design
Peter Brayham
Stunt Coordinator
Taylor Hackford
Producer
Fredric Steinkamp
Editor
William Steinkamp
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for White Nights.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring White Nights.
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Frequently Asked Questions About White Nights
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is White Nights about?
After his plane crashes in Siberia, a Russian dancer, who defected to the West, is held prisoner in the Soviet Union. The KGB keeps him under watch and tries to convince him to become a dancer for the Kirov Academy of Ballet again. Determined to escape, he befriends a black American expatriate and his pregnant Russian wife, who agree to help him escape to the American Embassy.
Who directed White Nights?
White Nights was directed by Taylor Hackford.
Who stars in White Nights?
The principal cast of White Nights includes Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Jerzy Skolimowski, Helen Mirren, Geraldine Page.
When was White Nights released and how long is it?
White Nights was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 2h 16m.
How much did White Nights make at the box office?
White Nights grossed $42.2M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for White Nights?
The original motion picture soundtrack for White Nights was composed by Michel Colombier.
What is the age rating and content advisory for White Nights?
White Nights holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).