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The Defection of Simas Kudirka is a 1978 American made-for-television drama film based on actual events, featuring Alan Arkin as Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian merchant seaman in Soviet-era 1970 who attempts to defect to the United States by jumping onto a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. Among the movie's awards are two Emmys and another three Emmy nominations. The movie was directed by David Lowell Rich.
Original Release
01/23/1978
US Release
01/23/1978
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Alan Arkin | Simas Kudirka |
| Richard Jordan | Commander Edward Devon / Cmdr. Edward Devon |
| Donald Pleasence | Captain Vladimir Popov / Capt. Vladimir Popov |
| George Dzundza | Gruzauskas |
| John McMartin | Phillip Chadway |
| Shirley Knight | Genna Kudirka |
| Marvin Silbersher | Commander Burkalis / Cmdr. Burkalis |
| Peter Evans | Mott |
| Ted Shackelford | Blain |
| Barton Heyman | Dr. Paegle |
Directors
Writers
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Alan Arkin | Simas Kudirka |
| Richard Jordan | Commander Edward Devon / Cmdr. Edward Devon |
| Donald Pleasence | Captain Vladimir Popov / Capt. Vladimir Popov |
| George Dzundza | Gruzauskas |
| John McMartin | Phillip Chadway |
| Shirley Knight | Genna Kudirka |
| Marvin Silbersher | Commander Burkalis / 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 |
Producers
| Name | Role |
|---|
| Gerald W. Abrams | Executive Producer |
| Gerald I. Isenberg | Executive Producer |
| Richard Briggs | Producer |
| Bruce J. Sallan | Producer |
Editors
| Year | Type | Category | Won |
|---|
| 1978 | Emmy | Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special (Dramatic Underscore) | Nominated |
| 1978 | Emmy | Outstanding Directing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy | Won |
| 1978 | Emmy | Outstanding Film Editing for a Special | Won |
| 1978 | Emmy | Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Special | Nominated |
| 1978 | Emmy | Outstanding Writing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy - Original Teleplay | Nominated |
