The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! (1966)

I remember seeing this in the theater with my parents, and sharing it with my sons as well. Aside from the fact that I recognize so many places in the film (it was filmed largely in nearby Ft. Bragg, CA at Noyo Harbor), the "cold war" truly was that hysterically paranoid back in its day, and I will always remember the thick Russian accents....."Egermency, Everyboody to git from strit"........thanks for the memories!

Fmovies: I have such fond memories of this film, but it was refreshing that when I saw it again last year on TV (with subtitles for the Russian!) I could easily remember why I loved it, and still do. It's just fun, and funny, and it has a rather obvious and simple point to make, too. Alan Arkin is brilliant, and the cast as a whole is full of good people, and it's the little things that make the movie great--which is why even with the long running time it doesn't drag. There are so many fun characters, and a crazy plot. You just have to get caught up in it, and it'll win you over. Check out the quotes page for a sampling of the style--so many highlights! Even when it reaches that tense climax, the scene works despite the silliness of the rest of the film. It may not be to everyone's tastes, most notably any snobby critics out there, but I think it's brilliant entertainment and a hilarious film.

I lived on Martha's Vineyard for three years, which is why this film still commands a place in my heart. I was particularly amused by the habit of the lawmen (Keith, Winters) to regard the summer people as idiots because they don't know them, and the year-round residents as idiots because they know them too well. Gloucester Island is televisionless and almost radioless, as Nantucket was at the time, which added to the buildup of confusion in this long (in the style of the '60s) but still enjoyable comedy.

The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! fmovies. My wife and I have watched this many times over the years and always find it hilarious. Often during an everyday event something will remind us of scenes in the movie and I'll comment, "Ethel, what are you doing up there?" or "Don't do it again." Arkin was so right for the part he played and the submarine Captain came across as a tough guy who really was a softie. They don't make movies like this anymore!

It looks like the Cold War just froze! When a Soviet submarine gets lost at sea, they dock and realize that they've landed on American soil. Not sure what to do, they go to the Whittakers, a family on vacation. Of course, as soon as the Whittakers realize that these strangers are Russians, the Russians have to take them hostage. Commanding officer Lt. Rozanov (Alan Arkin) orders his men to venture into town, looking for a way out. But, once even the tiniest unverifiable report gets out that the Russians have "invaded", the townspeople just flip.

What was especially funny about "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" was the way that every time someone spread the news that the Soviet Union was "taking over", the story got mangled, getting blown out of proportion every time! Alan Arkin does a great job as Rozanov (I can't believe that he still hasn't won an Oscar after all these years), along with great performances by Carl Reiner and Eva Marie Saint as Walt and Elspeth Whittaker (listen to what Rozanov does with Walt's name), and Jonathan Winters as a cop (uh-oh). It's a full-scale laugh riot from beginning to end.

It's fair to say Norman Jewison has never directed a bad film. Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar and Other People's Money are excellent. This film is an antidote to all other Cold War films which are either about spies or impending nuclear holocaust. The Russian submarine beaches on the New England coast by accident and the crew are very anxious about the blunder they have made. I think there's a chance this film was partly inspired by 49th Parallel. At the beginning, it's obvious that they do not wish to use their guns in anger. John Phillip Law does well as Alexei; there's a lot more to him than the angel in Barbarella. He is quite afraid of what may happen and is genuinely distraught after he pointed his gun at the wee lass because she made a noise that made him panic. The Americans are not portrayed favourably for the most part. They are shown as jingoistic and they behave in a manner reminiscent of the people who thought Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast was a news report on an actual Martian invasion. Americans, young and old, from Whittaker's 9 year old son to the elderly guys in the American Legion beanies are shown as spoiling for a fight. This might be meant to represent American cold war paranoia which had its dark side in blacklisting by the House Un-American Activities Committee and Ronald Reagan's keenness to use military action in the 1980s. The Russians are shown as well meaning and decent, genuinely afraid of what might happen to them. The scene between Alexei and Alison on the beach is very good and what they say to each other (to be found in the memorable quotes section) makes perfect sense. Alan Arkin is also very good as Lieutenant Rozanov. Whitakker is very concerned when he thinks he's killed him after impulsively firing a gun at the car he's driving. It's good the way mutual distrust turns into friendship. Leaving the serious analysis aside, there are some very funny moments like when Arkin & co tie the elderly lady up and place her on top of the cupboard and her husband doesn't notice she's there. It's a good scene at the end when the townspeople escort the submarine out the harbour in their boats and with them being there the McDonnell F-101 Voodoos flying overhead don't attack the sub. A feel good comedy indeed.