Running on Empty

Drama | English | 116 minutes

Info

Arthur and Annie Pope are active Anti-Vietnam War protesters. When they bombed a napalm laboratory, the incident blinded and paralyzed the janitor, who, unfortunately, wasn’t supposed to be there. This placed the Popes on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Together with their two boys, Harry and the older Danny, they start a life as fugitives. For years, they move from town to town a step ahead of the pursuing FBI, change their names repeatedly, and the schools the boys attend. This lifestyle affects 17-year-old Danny the most. He is a gifted pianist and has fallen in love with Lorna, his high school teacher’s daughter. Danny has a chance of attending Juilliard if he can submit a high school transcript. Danny knows this will be impossible. Arthur and Annie realizing letting Danny attend Juilliard might mean trouble for the family, are terribly conflicted. When Arthur hears the news one of their underground colleagues was killed by the authorities, he and Annie must decide – should they allow Danny to pursue his dreams?

Cast

Judd Hirsch (Arthur Pope) / Christine Lahti (Annie Pope) / River Phoenix (Danny Pope) / Jonas Abry (Harry Pope) / Martha Plimpton (Lorna Phillips)

Why Stream This Film?

Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film a perfect score, 4 out of 4 stars.

Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 81%
Metacritic Score: 67

Accolades

Academy Awards: Nominated, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (River Phoenix); Best Screenplay (Naomi Foner)
Golden Globe Awards: Winner, Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Screenplay, Motion Picture (Naomi Foner); Best Director, Motion Picture (Sidney Lumet)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards: Winner, Best Actress (Christine Lahti)
National Board of Review: Winner, Best Supporting Actor (River Phoenix); Listed, Top Ten Films of the Year

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