The Defection of Simas Kudirka

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.

Cast for The Defection of Simas Kudirka...

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
Barton Heyman
Dr. Paegle
Salem Ludwig
Assistant Supervisor
Nicholas Saunders
Soviet Chairman
Warren Manzi
Radio Operator
Thom Vegh
Cipola
Clarence Felder
Picnic Man
Joe Sabia
Durgas
Daniel Williams
Seaman Nance
Don Wescott
Prosecutor
Jack Lazare
Old KGB Man
Stephen Nuding
Young KGB Man
Kenneth Bradford
Capt. Sloan
Bok Richardson
Adm. Ritter
William Paul Steele
Cmdr. Sullivan