The Hanoi Hilton (film)
The Hanoi Hilton is a 1987 war film which focuses on the experiences of American prisoners of war who were held in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi during the 1960s and 1970s and the story is told from their perspectives. It was directed by Lionel Chetwynd, and stars Michael Moriarty, Ken Wright and Paul Le Mat. Music was done by Jimmy Webb.[1]
| The Hanoi Hilton | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lionel Chetwynd |
| Written by | Lionel Chetwynd |
| Produced by | Yoram Globus Menahem Golan |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Mark Irwin |
| Edited by | Penelope Shaw |
| Music by | Jimmy Webb |
| Distributed by | Cannon Film Distributors |
Release date |
|
Running time | 125 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages | English, Vietnamese, French, Spanish |
| Budget | $5 million |
| Box office | $760,000 |
The film portrays fictional characters, not specific American POWs. It earned less than $1 million in its initial theatrical release,[2] but a Warner Home Video VHS release gained a cult following, especially among veterans.[2]
A DVD release of the film had been anticipated for some time in 2008, with the package to include a new interview with former POW and 2008 presidential candidate John McCain.[2] However, the film's release was suspended by Warner Bros. when he became the Republican Party nominee.[3] The week following the 2008 United States presidential election, Warner Bros. went ahead with the DVD release.[4]
Plot edit
This article needs an improved plot summary. (November 2022) |
A group of American POWs held inside Hanoi's Hoa Lo Prison during the Vietnam War endure some brutal lessons in the art of survival and find dignity in the bargain.
Cast edit
- Michael Moriarty as LCDR Williamson
- John Edwin Shaw as Mason
- Ken Wright as Kennedy
- Paul Le Mat as Earl Hubman
- David Soul as Major Oldham
- Stephen Davies as Captain Robert Miles
- Lawrence Pressman as Colonel Cathcart
- Doug Savant as Ashby
- David Anthony Smith as Gregory
- Jeffrey Jones as Major Fischer
- John Vargas as Oliviera
- Rick Fitts as Captain Turner
- John Diehl as Murphy
- Jesse Dabson as Rasmussen
- Bruce Fairbairn as Shavik
- James Acheson as Cummins
- Aki Aleong as Major Ngo Doc
- Gary Guidinger as Raymond
- Mark Kemble as Jesse
- Marii Mak as Voice of Hanoi Hilton (voice)
- Natalie Alexander as Mrs. Fischer (uncredited)
Reception edit
On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 32 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[5]
References edit
- ^ Canby, Vincent (March 27, 1987). "FILM: 'THE HANOI HILTON'". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ a b c Michael Cieply (2008-05-29). "McCain's Quiet Cinematic Turn". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-30.
- ^ . Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2008-10-15.
{{cite news}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "Out Tuesday on DVD". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. 2008-11-06. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
- ^ "The Hanoi Hilton (1987) reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
External links edit
- The Hanoi Hilton at IMDb
- The Hanoi Hilton at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Hanoi Hilton at Box Office Mojo