Main Cast: Dennis Christopher, Susan Saint James, Lisa Lu
Release Year: 1982
Country: US
Run Time: 108 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
This heartwarming tale of courage and devotion is set during the Vietnam war and centers upon a young medic who makes extra money on the side dealing drugs. His life is forever changed when he meets an Army doctor who persuades him to help her save a group of war orphans. First she appeals to his sense of guilt; then she blackmails him into assisting. The children are cared for by a few Vietnamese nuns. The doctor and the medic bring them badly needed food and supplies. To do this, the brave duo must face enemy bombs and the resistance of the US government. This is based on a true story and though wrenching, it is not syrupy or sentimental. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Robert Englund - Tripper; James Whitmore - Major Flaherty; Roger Aaron Brown - Moses; Ken Metcalfe - Capt. Morris; Travis Swords - Allen; Thu Thuy - Sister Hoa; Paul G Hensler - Dr. Goldman; Robert Howland - Bugsy; Tom Joyner - Supply Sergeant
Credit
Paul G Hensler - Co-producer, Ann Lambert - Costume Designer, Tom Joyner - First Assistant Director, Peter Werner - Director, Barbara Pokras - Editor, Jack Woods - Editor, Shintaro Tsuji - Executive Producer, Maurice Jarre - Composer (Music Score), Robert Checchi - Production Designer, Donald M. McAlpine - Cinematographer, Lester Berman - Producer, Walt de Faria - Producer, Bill Daly - Sound/Sound Designer, Paul G Hensler - Screenwriter
Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder (also known as Vietnam: Hell or Glory (Australia)) is a 1982film directed by Peter Werner and written by Paul G. Hensler, set in the Vietnam War.
Synopsis
The story centers around Brian Anderson (played by actor Dennis Christopher), a soldier who is only out for his own neck, who ends up drawn into taking care of orphans in a nearby orphanage, keeping a promise to a friend who was killed in action. At first, he views the task with a degree of annoyance, then slowly begins to warm up to the orphans, risking his life and his career to protect them. Robert Englund (better known as Freddy Krueger) played the role of Tripper. Susan Saint James played a doctor and the love interest to Brian Anderson.
