Running on Empty (1988 film)

Running on Empty is a 1988 film about the eldest son of a fugitive family who comes of age and wants to live his own life. Directed by Sidney Lumet. Written by Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal. In 1971, Arthur and Annie Pope blew up a napalm lab to protest the war. Ever since then they have been on the run from the FBI. They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his. Danny Pope / Michael Aren't we supposed to question authority? You taught me that! Who do you think you are, General Patton? [to Lorna] Now, I have no right in telling this to you. It's dangerous for you and it's dangerous for them, but I'm sorry I just couldn't stop myself. You can do what you want to, you can tell your dad; anything, I don't care. I just needed you to know... I don't know what I'm doing, and I love you. Lorna Phillips You're strange. I cut. I didn't feel like having my picture taken with those sub-humans. ...So, now that we've determined that I belong here, let's talk about you. You're certifiable. You're welcome! [to Michael] Why do you have to carry the burden of someone else's life? Other Arthur Pope: Now, go out there and make a difference. Your mother and I tried. Don't let anyone tell you different. Annie Pope: What are we doing to these kids? They've been running their whole lives like criminals, and they didnt do anything! Dialogue Lorna: You are certifiable! What is this? Some sort of smart-ass joke? You're taking cooking? Michael: I want to learn how to cook. Lorna: Yeah, right. You have some burning desire to learn how to make apple brown betty... Michael: What are you doing here if you think so highly of it? Lorna: Well, they wouldn't let me take auto mechanics, and I didn't have time to take the issue to the Supreme Court. Abigail Patterson: What's this about a pizza? Michael: Well, you ordered one. Abigail Patterson: I didn't. Well, will you have to pay for it? Michael: Oh no... I'll have to eat it. Annie Pope: Will you take him, dad? He wants to study music. He's good. They want him at Juilliard. Donald Patterson: Just like they wanted you. Still have that practice board? Annie Pope: So far. Danny learned to play piano on it. Donald Patterson: So, you taught him. There's some irony in this. Don't you think, Annie? Here you are, asking me to take Danny into a life that you ran from like a shot out of hell. This what he wants? Annie Pope: I think so. Got himself an audition without telling me. He'll need money and people to care for him. Donald Patterson: Don't you think this is too much to ask? We hardly know the boy. If we take him, there'd be FBI agents following us everywhere we go. You'd never be able to see him. We're too old for this. Annie Pope: Yeah. I think it's too much to ask. [[pause] I have another son, he's ten, Harry. Donald Patterson: Yeah. Heard about it on the news. Annie Pope: I plan to turn myself in when he doesn't need me anymore, when he's old enough. Donald Patterson: And Arthur? Annie Pope: I can't speak for him. [pause] Please think about this. [pause] Well, I should go... Donald Patterson: Annie. He can come to us. Michael: So, what are you doing over the summer? Lorna: I have a job pumping gas. Michael: You finally got the Supreme Court to hear your case, huh? Lorna: Yeah. Michael: If you want to go back, that's fine with me. Lorna: You're a bully. Michael: No. I'm a liar. Michael: They need me. Lorna: I need you. Arthur Pope: Get the bike out of the back. [pause] Now, get on it. Michael: What are you talking about, dad... Arthur Pope: Get on the bike. You're on your own, kid. I want you to go to Juilliard. Michael: But, dad, I want to go with you. Arthur Pope: We'll see you again. You can be sure. [pause] Your mother has arranged things with your grandfather, alright- call him. And I think you have some friends around here. Annie Pope: I love you, baby. Arthur Pope: We all love you. Now, go out there and make a difference. Your mother and I tried. And don't let anyone tell you any different. Harry Pope: [the family car circles 'Michael' before exiting down the road] Bye, Danny! Cast River Phoenix - Danny Pope /Michael Christine Lahti - Annie Pope Judd Hirsch - Arthur Pope Jonas Abry - Harry Pope Martha Plimpton - Lorna Phillips Ed Crowley - Mr. Phillips Steven Hill - Donald Patterson Augusta Dabney - Abigail Patterson L. M. Kit Carson - Gus Winant David Margulies - Dr. Jonah Reiff Lynne Thigpen - Contact at Eldridge St. Marcia Jean Kurtz - School Clerk External links 0096018 Running on Empty running_on_empty Running on Empty runningonempty Running on Empty Category:1988 American films Category:American drama films Category:American coming-of-age films Category:Films set in New Jersey Category:Films directed by Sidney Lumet