#145 - "Red Dawn" (1984) with Chris Adams

For some, the memories of the 1980s feature seeing the cover multiple Time and Newsweek magazines, fearing that America might go to war with Russia. It didn’t help that the Russians were often portrayed as the default villains in movies, TV shows, and even WWF matches. Then, there was this '80s flick. A group of high school students calling themselves “Wolverines” retreat into the wilderness after Soviet paratroopers descend on their small Colorado town. The Wolverines manage to launch an armed insurgency against the communist invaders while also dealing with their own personal trauma, fears, and the end of adolescence. Featuring a talented young cast—before they became stars—it remains a nostalgic classic. So jump in the back of Jed’s pick-up truck, count your remaining RPGs, and head to the mountains as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast discuss “Red Dawn” from 1984 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• ​

Red Dawn co-casting director Jane Jenkins said Milius asked auditioning actresses, “What would happen if you were in the wilderness and starving? Could you kill a bunny?” He emphasized “bunny,” not “rabbit,” and added, “Could you kill, skin, and eat it?” The girls were horrified and didn’t proceed further. Those who said, “If it were life or death...” advanced to read for their roles.

• ​The U.S. flag in the classroom at the start of the movie, and other scenes, is a 48-star flag. This was the flag during World War II, and it's a symbolic reference for a movie portraying the start of World War III.
• ​At the end of the movie, Colonel Bella says "Vaya con Dios" to Jed, played by Patrick Swayze. Similarly, in "Point Break", Johnny Utah says the same final words to Bodhi, also played by Patrick Swayze.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, BoxOfficeMojo

https://www.slashfilm.com/1181059/patrick-swayze-had-to-shoulder-a-lot-of-responsibility-behind-the-scenes-of-red-dawn/

https://www.military.com/off-duty/movies/2017/03/29/8-things-you-probably-never-knew-about-red-dawn.html

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/554107/facts-about-red-dawn

https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/red-dawn-1984-blu-ray-review/

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