Themes: Fathers and Sons, Home From the War, Starting Over
Main Cast: John Lithgow, Ralph Macchio, Kerrie Keane, Reb Brown, Janet Margolin
Release Year: 1988
Country: US/CA
Run Time: 120 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Discharged from Vietnam, John Lithgow and his army buddies have trouble fitting into a hostile home-front society. Rather than endure dirty looks and taunts of "baby killer," Lithgow and his friends wander aimlessly all through the Pacific Northwest. Several years pass, during which time Lithgow's estranged son Ralph Maccio grows to manhood. Finally emerging from his self-imposed exile, Lithgow begins searching for the son he's never known. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Denis Arndt - Larry; Jamey Sheridan - Moss; Tom Bower - Louis; John Kelly - Andy; Michael Currie - Coach Swabey; Hilary Strang - Jane; Robyn Stevan - Holly; David Longworth - Sheriff; Gordon Currie - Billy Watson; Walter Marsh - Principal; David Glyn-Jones - Waiter; Allan Lysell - Buddy; Kate Robbins - Waitress; Denalda Williams - Jeanette; Rick Rosenthal
Credit
Tish Monaghan - Costume Designer, Rick Rosenthal - Director, Dennis Virkler - Editor, Richard L. O'Connor - Executive Producer, Maurice Jarre - Composer (Music Score), Mark Freeborn - Production Designer, Ralf Bode - Cinematographer, Warren Carr - Production Manager, Robert Schaffel - Producer, Robert Stitzel - Screen Story, Deede Wehle - Screen Story, Robert Stitzel - Screenwriter, Deede Wehle - Screenwriter
The film tells the story of troubled Vietnam war veteran Mark Lambert (John Lithgow), who, upon returning home from the war, alienates his wife and child by deserting them and moving away into the remote wilderness of Washington state.
After 10 years of living off the land and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Mark Lambert decides to rejoin civilized society and find his now teenage son, who is living in Illinois. As an estranged father and recluse, Mark Lambert quickly finds himself unprepared for the changes that he must face.
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