The Defection of Simas Kudirka

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.

1978

TV Movie·Drama

1h 40min

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Top Billed Cast

Alan Arkin
Simas Kudirka
Richard Jordan
Cmdr. Edward Devon
Donald Pleasence
Capt. Vladimir Popov
George Dzundza
Gruzauskas
John McMartin
Phillip Chadway
Shirley Knight
Genna Kudirka
Marvin Silbersher
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

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