The Defection of Simas Kudirka
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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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
Jack Blessing
Kabek
Nicholas Guest
Baltrunar
Matthew Arkin
Petras
Salem Ludwig
Assistant Supervisor
Donald Warnock
Stender
Nicholas Saunders
Soviet Chairman
Warren Manzi
Radio Operator
David Gibson
Garvey
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- David Lowell Rich
- Screenplay & Story
- Bruce Feldman
- Original Score
- David Shire
- Original Title
- The Defection of Simas Kudirka
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Lithuanian, Russian
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- Paramount Television, The Jozak Company
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
David Lowell Rich
Bruce Feldman
David Shire
Jacques R. Marquette
John A. Martinelli
Gerald W. Abrams, Gerald I. Isenberg, Richard Briggs
Department Leadership Roster
Bruce Feldman
Writer
David Lowell Rich
Director
Jacques R. Marquette
Director of Photography
David Shire
Original Music Composer
John A. Martinelli
Editor
Richard Briggs
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Defection of Simas Kudirka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Defection of Simas Kudirka
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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 principal cast of The Defection of Simas Kudirka includes Alan Arkin, Richard Jordan, Donald Pleasence, George Dzundza, John McMartin.
When was The Defection of Simas Kudirka released and how long is it?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Defection of Simas Kudirka was composed by David Shire.