On this day, August 10, 1984 “RED DAWN” was released.
I didn't see the movie in theaters because I was a bit too young, even though the modified ratings system had introduced the “PG-13” rating just a month earlier, in July 1984. However, I've more than compensated for that over the years with dozens of repeat viewings, thanks to the expanding universe of TV channels as cable became widespread—much like the invading Russian army in the movie. (Shout out to TBS Superstation, Channel 27, New York. Much love.)
The scene where Russian paratroopers land on the grounds of an American high school and initiate their attack was, and still is, utterly thrilling for me.
“I would say they are way off course. Very unusual.”
I had the pleasure of meeting John Milius during my time at AMC. He's a force to be reckoned with—a big man in height, girth, and personality. He regaled me with tales of surfing in Southern California and the best spots for shooting guns in Connecticut. I probably spent the first ten minutes of our meeting gushing about my love for “Red Dawn” and how I used to reenact key scenes as a child. To which he responded that he still acts them out himself.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film became a commercial success, grossing $78 million against a budget of $17 million.
Years later, when I launched my production company, I pitched the idea of turning “Red Dawn” into a TV series to MGM. By then, a movie remake had been released, which, although a decent film in its own right, didn't quite match the original's magic.
During this period, the Russians weren't the adversaries they were in the 1980s—and might be becoming once more. There wasn't much interest in the 2010s to portray Red China as an invading power. Many movie and TV execs were wary of being banned from China, viewing the Chinese theatrical market as the future of entertainment. I had hoped that Milius would direct the pilot, but this notion seemed too audacious for some execs, many of whom deemed him too red-blooded and volatile. I begged to differ.
Sadly, I never got to find out how it might have turned out. MGM didn't buy into my vision for the material. It's a pity, as I would've loved to see the story of the “Partisan Rock” signers evolve in the aftermath of World War III.
I still would.
Wolverines!
“In the early days of World War III, guerillas – mostly children – placed the names of their lost upon this rock. They fought here alone and gave up their lives so that this nation shall not perish from the earth.”
-Inscription on fictional Partisan Rock
