The Russians are Coming

The Russians are Coming

(yes, the title has it twice)

Dir: Norman Jewison, 1966 (8.5*)

Best Picture (GG)

Hilarious spoof of the cold war and patriotism, as a Russian submarine gets too close to New England and runs aground. Second-in-command Alan Arkin (Best actor nominee) in a starmaking role, is sent ashore to get a tugboat to pull the sub out and hopefully avoid an international incident. He first runs down the street yelling "Emergency! Emergency! everyone to get from streets!" - Yep, no one will know the Russians are here. Police chief Brian Keith tries to keep the town cool, but war vet Paul Ford creates a vigilante army immediately to repel what he convinces folks is a "real invasion" - homeland security at its finest. This also stars Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, Eve Marie Saint and a battalion of others. In an era when "big crazy casts running amock" populated many comedies, this was probably the best one. Nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Picture, won none.