The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Soviet sub runs aground in New England, causing hilarious Cold War chaos as everyone overreacts, proving that even Russians and Americans can unite over shared stupidity… or a falling kid.

🍿 The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Stranded Submarine and Initial Encounter

During the Cold War, a Soviet submarine, intending only to observe America, runs aground near Gloucester Island, Massachusetts. To avoid an international incident, the captain sends a small team led by Lieutenant Rozanov ashore to find a boat to help dislodge the sub. This team stumbles upon the vacation home of Walt Whittaker, a New York writer, and his family. Misunderstanding and fear quickly escalate as Whittaker believes the Russians are invading. The initial encounter sets off a chain of events driven by paranoia and miscommunication, transforming the peaceful island into a hotbed of Cold War anxieties.

Escalating Paranoia and Rumors

As the news of the ‘invasion’ spreads, rumors spiral out of control. The island’s residents, fueled by Cold War hysteria, begin to arm themselves and form a makeshift militia, led by the overzealous Fendall Hawkins. Police Chief Link Mattocks and his bumbling deputy Norman Jonas struggle to maintain order as the situation deteriorates. The escalating paranoia highlights the absurdity of the Cold War mentality, where fear and suspicion overshadow reason and understanding. The exaggerated reactions of the townspeople create both comedic and satirical moments, underscoring the film’s commentary on societal anxieties.

Love and Understanding Amidst the Chaos

Amidst the chaos, a young Russian sailor, Alexei Kolchin, is left to guard the Whittaker’s babysitter, Alison Palmer. An unlikely connection forms between them, representing hope for understanding and compassion. Their budding romance serves as a counterpoint to the prevailing paranoia and hostility, illustrating the potential for human connection even in times of conflict. This subplot underscores the film’s broader message of unity and empathy, suggesting that personal connections can transcend political divides.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Walt Whittaker (Carl Reiner): A New York playwright on vacation who initially fears the Russian presence but eventually aids in de-escalating the conflict.
• Elspeth Whittaker (Eva Marie Saint): Walt’s wife, who supports her husband and displays courage amidst the chaos.
• Lieutenant Rozanov (Alan Arkin): The well-meaning but often flustered second-in-command of the Russian submarine crew trying to find a boat to dislodge their stranded sub.
• Link Mattocks (Brian Keith): The level-headed police chief trying to maintain order and prevent the town’s paranoia from escalating into violence.
• Norman Jonas (Jonathan Winters): The bumbling deputy police chief who provides comic relief while attempting to assist Mattocks in keeping the peace.
• Alexei Kolchin (John Phillip Law): A young, impressionable Russian sailor who develops a connection with an American girl, highlighting the potential for understanding.
• Fendall Hawkins (Paul Ford): The blustering, gung-ho veteran who exemplifies Cold War paranoia and tries to form a civilian militia.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lieutenant Rozanov: “Emergency! Everybody to get from street!” – Rozanov, trying to secure a boat, attempts to clear the streets using broken English.
• Lieutenant Rozanov: “Whittaker Walt, what is occupation?” – Rozanov is trying to determine if Walt Whittaker is a threat or an authority figure on the island.
• Alexei Kolchin: “We come in peace.” – Kolchin tries to reassure Alison of their non-hostile intentions amidst the growing panic.
• Alison Palmer: “Maybe people aren’t enemies by nature. Maybe something has to work them up that way.” – Alison expresses her understanding of the situation and the underlying themes of the film.
• Walt Whittaker: “Listen, I’m an American, and I will not stand for you being nice to me!” – Walt says this to Lt. Rozanov after realizing that they are just trying to get help for the stranded sub, showing how the town has been worked into a frenzy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,900,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,400,000
• Worldwide Gross: $24,400,000

💥 The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this movie when I was a kid, and it always stuck with me. The idea of Russians and Americans being scared of each other but ultimately helping each other out really resonated. I think it’s hilarious, and I especially loved Jonathan Winters’ goofy performance as the deputy. Brian Keith and Alan Arkin were fantastic, but Winters was hysterical! It’s a feel-good movie with a surprisingly relevant message.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Cold War satire”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ensemble comedies”
  • “Those interested in movies with a message of peace”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Some comedic depictions of violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A delightful Cold War satire with impeccable comedic timing and a stellar ensemble cast. The film gently mocks the paranoia of the era while delivering genuine laughs and a heartwarming message of understanding.
• The New York Times: “While the film has its moments of brilliance, particularly Alan Arkin’s performance, the overall comedic effect is somewhat uneven. The exaggerated characters and slapstick humor sometimes overshadow the film’s message.
• Los Angeles Times: “Norman Jewison has crafted a sharp and witty commentary on Cold War anxieties, elevated by superb performances from Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, and the rest of the ensemble.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top performances and slapstick comedy kept me laughing from beginning to end.: The film’s ability to find humor in a tense historical period resonated with many viewers.

The heartwarming ending where everyone unites to save the child was incredibly touching and memorable.: The powerful message of unity and understanding transcended the Cold War setting.

Alan Arkin’s character, Lt. Rozanov, was hilarious and sympathetic.: Arkin’s portrayal of the stranded Soviet officer won viewers over with his broken English and exasperated reactions to American craziness.

Overall Consensus: A Cold War comedy classic that, while somewhat dated, still delivers laughs and a positive message about overcoming prejudice. Alan Arkin’s performance is a highlight.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1967

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was based on the novel ‘The Off-Islanders’ by Nathaniel Benchley.”
• “The US Navy declined to cooperate with the production, so the filmmakers used a mock submarine.”
• “The townspeople extras were actual residents of Mendocino and Bodega Bay, California, where the film was shot.”
• “The film was released during the height of the Cold War, and it was a box office success and received positive reviews.”
• “The film was screened in the Soviet Union, and it was well-received by audiences and critics.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming?

Currently, “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, you might like these similar films:

• One, Two, Three (1961): A fast-paced Cold War comedy with satire and witty dialogue.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): Dark satire of Cold War anxieties and nuclear paranoia.
• The Mouse That Roared (1959): A small nation comically declares war on the United States.
• Canadian Bacon (1995): A U.S. President starts a phony war with Canada to boost his public image.
• Welcome to Mooseport (2004): A comedy about a small town thrown into chaos by a high-profile event.

🛒 The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Related Products

• The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming! [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic comedy, offering improved picture and sound quality for a superior viewing experience. Perfect for collectors and cinephiles.
• Cold War Movie Poster Collection: A set of vintage-style posters featuring iconic imagery from Cold War-era films, including “The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!”.
• Russian Army Soldier Costume Set: A historically accurate Russian Soldier Cosplay/Costume Set, good for Halloween and historical reenactments.
• Cold War Strategy Game: ‘Red Alert’: A strategic board game set during the Cold War, where players compete as either the USA or the USSR to achieve global dominance. Features historical events and scenarios that capture the tension and uncertainty of the era.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Shining Sea” – performed by Irene Kral
• “Main Title” – performed by Johnny Mandel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Russian Submarines Beware

Check out this hilarious scene from ‘The Russians Are Coming!!!’ where the locals hilariously try to defend their town from a Soviet sub. Honestly, the chaos is pure gold!

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