Taps (1981)
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80% of critics liked it
(15 reviews) -
63% of users liked it
(9,148 ratings)
When an exclusive military school is threatened with demolition by a rapacious real-estate company, the students, headed by Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton), take drastic action. Utilizing every bit of military know-how at their disposal, the boys take over the school, arm themselves to the teeth,… More When an exclusive military school is threatened with demolition by a rapacious real-estate company, the students, headed by Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton), take drastic action. Utilizing every bit of military know-how at their disposal, the boys take over the school, arm themselves to the teeth, and prepare to do battle against the "invading" developers. General Bache George C. Scott, the head of the academy, tries to quell the rebellion, but soon he too is swept up by the students' to-the-death determination when the Army is called in to rout the boys. Based on Devery Freeman's novel Father Sky, Taps features early appearances by Sean Penn (in his movie debut) and Tom Cruise as two of the cadets. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Harold Becker
- Written By
- Devery Freeman, Robert Mark Kamen
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure
- In Theaters
- Dec 9, 1981 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
A complex, violent movie for older teens only.
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Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
This proudly apolitical drama can probably be embraced by people on either side of the ideological fence.
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Ryan Cracknell, Calgary Movies
Twenty-five years later, Taps still has a way of resonating. A lot has changed in the world since it was released in 1981 but the ideals of honour and loyalty are two timeless themes.
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Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
It examines the danger of power without leadership, and it also reveals what can happen when your home is threatened.
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
An absorbing, tension-filled and intelligently-written drama...Taps has aged like fine wine.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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George C. Scott
as Gen. Harlan Bache
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Timothy Hutton
as Brian Moreland
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Ronny Cox
as Col. Kerby
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Sean Penn
as Alex Dwyer
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Tom Cruise
as David Shawn
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Brendan Ward
as Charlie Auden
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Evan Handler
as Edward West
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John P. Navin Jr.
as Derek Mellott
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Billy Van Zandt
as Bug
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Jane Cecil
as Secretary
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Brenda Currin
as Parent
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Giancarlo Esposito
as J.C. Pierce
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James Handy
as Sheriff
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Earl Hindman
as Lieutenant Hanson
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Donald Kimmell
as Billy Harris
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Gary McCleery
as Townie
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Jess Osuna
as Dean Ferris
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Elizabeth Perry
as Parent
- Shirley Rich
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Tim Riley
as Hulk
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Jeff Rochlin
as Shovel
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Tim Wahrer
as John Cooper
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M. James Arnett
as Father
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John McBrearty
as Cadet
- Arnold Mazer
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Rusty Jacobs
as Rusty
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Tom Klunis
as Parent
- Lou Milione
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Amelia Romano
as Mrs. Malloy
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Wayne Tippet
as Sgt. Kevin Moreland
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John Taylor
as Cadet