The Defection of Simas Kudirka

The Defection of Simas Kudirka is a made-for television movie based on the actual defection of a Lithuanian sailor to a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in 1970. Simas Kudirka, played by Alan Arkin, jumps ship only to be returned to the Soviet ship by force. After spending time in a Soviet prison, Kudirka is allowed to immigrate to the United States after it is learned that his mother was born in New York.

The movie nicely details the political and military ramifications from the fallout of one of the most shameful episodes in Coast Guard history. I was a sailor on board one of the two Coast Guard cutters involved in the filming of the movie in 1977. The movie was filmed in Portsmouth, NH, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine, and off the coast of New Hampshire and southern Maine. The final scene shows Simas Kudirka (Arkin) and his wife Genna (Shirley Knight) reviewing the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant, the ship onto which Kudirka jumped. The actual ship shown in the movie was the USCGC Decisive at its home port of New Castle, NH.

Being a 1970s TV movie, I doubt this movie will garner much interest beyond the level of niche and that is unfortunate, as it is a moving, competently directed production with some fine performances. Taking a quasi-documentary approach to this true story, the film covers its subject matter with as little melodrama as possible, making things come off as more authentic and harrowing.

Alan Arkin is most known as a comedic character actor, but I feel his dramatic work is often underrated. During the 1960s and 1970s, he gave compelling, intense performances in movies like Wait Until Dark, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Catch-22, and The Other Side of Hell. This film features another fine dramatic turn from him. His Simas Kudrika is a likable fellow whose two great values of family and freedom create much of his internal conflict over whether or not to defect. While the audience roots for him, he is shown to be a bit selfish and irresponsible in his decision-making; however, this makes him all the more interesting. Arkin nails the performance and I am especially impressed by his ability to convincingly recite dialogue in another language without coming off like he's reading a cue card out of camera range.

While Arkin leaves the biggest impression, the other actors do great work too, especially Shirley Knight, Donald Pleasance, and Richard Jordon. No one ever comes off as cartoony; even the antagonists feel chillingly authentic.

The direction by David Lowell Rich is competent, never too fancy for its own good. The camerawork, as I mentioned before, makes the film feel like a documentary. My only criticism would be the music is a bit off in some scenes, but the music is used sparingly, so that's all right.

The Russian fishing trawler portrayed in the film was Maine Maritime Academy's training vessel - the 'TV State of Maine' (formerly USNS Upshur). Several midshipmen from the Class of 1978 were used as extras, the filming being done during the spring training cruise. As a freshman, I was not eligible for a paid part, but did make it into the film by standing under the #6 lifeboat during a passing shot of the ship. I am barely distinguishable, but at least I know that it's me!

"Converting" the ship was done with some basic props, including cardboard signs inscribed in Russian glued over the standard English nameplates (e.g., for the radio room). I believe the trawler's name was done on canvas and somehow tied off to the hull.

Simas Kudirka's leap from the trawler to the cutter was of course performed by a stunt double, and resulted in a hard landing from a considerable height. The actor lay motionless for awhile, presumably to gather himself, before moving again. Of course, the final cut shows him jumping up immediately as if it was no big deal.

Fascinating experience for a kid to see. I wish I could find a copy of the movie.

My dad, who started work at the PNSY in 1978 was given the option of being an extra in the film but declined. I own a 22 year tour company in the area as a Portsmouth native and have been dying to review the film. Here are some of the sites used with specifics as I can remember them:

1. Kidurka and wife outside the car. Wild Rose Lane, New Castle, NH. 2. Opening sequence/soccer game. New Castle Common, New Castle, NH. 3. Most "prison" footage shot at the same, Portsmouth Naval Prison. 4. Likely the Decisive CG Cutter, anchored there at Fort Constitution. 5. The Periscope or Navy Yard Paper has more details.......

Paul Reardon Owner Seacoast Trolley Company