The Defection of Simas Kudirka

Overview

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.

Details

Cast

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

Thom Vegh

Cipola

M.F. Bernier

Colley