The Defection of Simas Kudirka
1978, English. Directed by David Lowell Rich.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Defection of Simas Kudirka
The Defection of Simas Kudirka isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 23 January 1978.
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Cast & crew
- David Lowell RichDirector
- Alan ArkinSimas Kudirka
- Richard JordanCmdr. Edward Devon
- Donald PleasenceCapt. Vladimir Popov
- George DzundzaGruzauskas
- John McMartinPhillip Chadway
- Shirley KnightGenna Kudirka
- Marvin SilbersherCmdr. Burkalis
- Peter EvansMott
- Ted ShackelfordBlain
- Barton HeymanDr. Paegle
- Jack BlessingKabek
- Nicholas GuestBaltrunar
Details
- Released
- 23 January 1978
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Bruce Feldman
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News & fan talk
What The Defection of Simas Kudirka is based on
The Defection of Simas Kudirka is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Defection of Simas Kudirka: quick answers
Is The Defection of Simas Kudirka worth watching?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Does The Defection of Simas Kudirka have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Defection of Simas Kudirka. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Defection of Simas Kudirka parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Defection of Simas Kudirka yet.
Which OTT platform is The Defection of Simas Kudirka on?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 23 January 1978. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
If you liked The Defection of Simas Kudirka, try Girl in the Box, I Am Elizabeth Smart, Sound of Christmas.
Who directed The Defection of Simas Kudirka?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka (1978) was directed by David Lowell Rich and stars Alan Arkin, Richard Jordan, Donald Pleasence.
What is The Defection of Simas Kudirka based on?
The Defection of Simas Kudirka is based on a true story.