Military cadets take extreme measures to ensure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.Military cadets take extreme measures to ensure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.Military cadets take extreme measures to ensure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaPrior to the production of the film, the key actors -Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, Tom Cruise and others - were required to participate in a 45-day-long period of orientation with the students of Valley Forge Military Academy. They were given uniforms, borrowed from their real life counterparts at the school and given authentic military haircuts. They slept in campus barracks and were subjected to the same rigors and hardship that all Valley Forge cadets went through. While most of the actors enjoyed and excelled at their orientation, Cruise opted to leave the training for the comforts of a nearby hotel until filming began.
- GoofsWhen the townie youth is shot, it is actually the youngster on the general's (George C. Scott's) back that is holding the gun, not the general, though everyone, including the general, indicates the general shot him. The gun is in the general's hand when the camera pans back after the shooting.
- Quotes
[Firing machine gun]
David Shawn: It's beautiful, man!
- Alternate versionsThe Amazon streaming version of the film replaces The Doors, Stevie Nicks, and The Pointer Sisters songs with generic music.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Sneak Previews: Taps, Cinderella, Taxi Zum Klo, Heartbeeps (1981)
- SoundtracksLight My Fire
Written by Robby Krieger (as The Doors), Ray Manzarek (as The Doors), John Densmore (as The Doors) and Jim Morrison (as The Doors)
Performed by The Doors
Featured review
A Generally Underrated Film.
A story often overlooked for less-than-stellar acting and direction, Taps brings into question if classical military leadership and the traditional honor of fighting men has a place in the modern age.
Providing a springboard for young actors into future careers, the film showcases a number of actors ranging in ages from pre-teen to late teens with varying results. Some perform predictably while others really shine (particularly Brendan Ward as Charlie Auden).
The film holds up well after 30 years, feeling more like a story SET in the early 80's rather than being burdened by its age. Cinematography is dramatic, though not always dynamic, and makes GREAT use of the borrowed setting of actual Valley Forge academy.
The story is paced well, though some may feel it to be kind of slow. This is NOT an action movie, and is far from a traditional military movie either. Those who are looking for something along the lines of We Were Soldiers or even the first half of Full Metal Jacket will be very disappointed. Those with a more open mind for classical story-telling will find a surprisingly detailed portrayal of life in a military academy and a deeper story than may be seen on the surface.
Atypical for the theme and maybe not for everyone, but definitely worth a shot.
Providing a springboard for young actors into future careers, the film showcases a number of actors ranging in ages from pre-teen to late teens with varying results. Some perform predictably while others really shine (particularly Brendan Ward as Charlie Auden).
The film holds up well after 30 years, feeling more like a story SET in the early 80's rather than being burdened by its age. Cinematography is dramatic, though not always dynamic, and makes GREAT use of the borrowed setting of actual Valley Forge academy.
The story is paced well, though some may feel it to be kind of slow. This is NOT an action movie, and is far from a traditional military movie either. Those who are looking for something along the lines of We Were Soldiers or even the first half of Full Metal Jacket will be very disappointed. Those with a more open mind for classical story-telling will find a surprisingly detailed portrayal of life in a military academy and a deeper story than may be seen on the surface.
Atypical for the theme and maybe not for everyone, but definitely worth a shot.
helpful•223
- fortethewriter
- Mar 17, 2011
- How long is Taps?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Die Kadetten von Bunker Hill
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $14,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $35,856,053
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $93,005
- Dec 13, 1981
- Gross worldwide
- $35,856,053
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