Parades (1972)
A raw, independent Vietnam War drama about a soldier who goes AWOL, is betrayed by his family, and cast into the depths of military justice.
Parades - Movie Information
- Original Title: Parades
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Robert J. Siegel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 23, 1972 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Break Loose (US), The Line - Tausend Meilen bis zur Hölle (DE), The Line (NL)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Parades - Plot
An American soldier sent to Vietnam goes AWOL and returns to his hometown. His parents turn him over to military authorities. He is court-martialled and sent to the toughest military prison…
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Parades - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert J. Siegel
Main Cast
- Russ Thacker
- Brad Sullivan
- Lewis J. Stadlen
- David Doyle
- Anthony Holland
- Joseph R. Sicari
- Russell Horton
- Andrew Duncan
- James Catusi
- Erik Estrada
Writers
- Robert J. Siegel
Producers
- Robert J. Siegel
Parades - FAQs
What is Parades (1972) about?
Parades follows an American soldier who deserts his post in Vietnam and returns home, only to be turned over to military authorities by his own parents. He is court-martialled and confined to a notoriously harsh military prison, where he must endure brutal conditions and confront the human cost of the war.
Where can you watch Parades (1972)?
Parades (1972) is a rare and obscure Vietnam War drama with limited streaming availability. You can check current viewing options, including any rental or purchase platforms, by visiting JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date streaming and on-demand availability across major services in your region.
Who directed Parades (1972)?
Parades was written, directed, produced, and edited by Robert J. Siegel, making it a deeply personal, single-vision project. Siegel’s multi-hyphenate role on the film reflects the independent, low-budget spirit of early 1970s American cinema tackling the Vietnam War and its domestic aftermath.
Who stars in Parades (1972)?
The film stars Russ Thacker as the AWOL soldier ‘Baby’ Novick, with Brad Sullivan as the menacing Sergeant Hook, Lewis J. Stadlen, David Doyle, Anthony Holland, Joseph R. Sicari, Russell Horton, Andrew Duncan, James Catusi, and a notable early appearance by Erik Estrada.
Is Parades based on a true story?
Parades is not based on a single documented true story, but it draws on the very real experiences of American soldiers who went AWOL during the Vietnam War era and the harsh realities of military detention. The film reflects the broader social and political climate of anti-war sentiment in early 1970s America.
When was Parades released?
Parades was released in the United States on July 23, 1972, arriving during a period of intense public debate over the Vietnam War and military service. The film was also distributed internationally under alternative titles including Break Loose in the US, The Line in the Netherlands, and The Line - Tausend Meilen bis zur Hölle in Germany.
How long is Parades (1972)?
Parades has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. The film’s compact length keeps the drama focused and tightly wound, allowing the story of military imprisonment and personal disillusionment to unfold without unnecessary padding.
What genre is Parades (1972)?
Parades is classified as a War film. It sits within the tradition of early 1970s anti-war American cinema, focusing less on battlefield action and more on the institutional machinery of the military — specifically the court-martial system and the brutal conditions inside a military prison during the Vietnam War era.
More About Parades
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