Taps Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
This school is our home, we think it's worth defending.
An announcement that the venerable Bunker Hill Military Academy, a 141 year old institute, is to be torn down and replaced with condos sets off the young cadets led by their stodgy commander (George C. Scott). Under the command of a student cadet major (Timothy Hutton), the cadets seize the campus, refuse entry of the construction crews and ultimately confront the real military.
| George C. Scott | General Harlan Bache |
| Timothy Hutton | Cadet Major Brian Moreland |
| Ronny Cox | Colonel Kerby |
| Sean Penn | Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer |
| Tom Cruise | Cadet Captain David Shawn |
| Brendan Ward | Charlie |
| Evan Handler | Edward West |
| John P. Navin Jr. | Derek Mellott |
| Billy Van Zandt | Bug |
| Giancarlo Esposito | Cadet Captain J.C. Pierce |
| Donald Kimmel | Billy Harris |
| Tim Wahrer | Cadet Major John Cooper |
| Tim Riley | Hulk |
| Jeff Rochlin | Shovel |
| Rusty Jacobs | Rusty |
| Harold Becker |
6.50 out of 10 (4271 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Military school "Lord of the Flies"...
posted on 21 Aug 2008Over-the-top yarn concerning young military cadets fighting back at officials who are threatening to shut down their academy. Earnest, but unconvincing and somewhat stodgy film takes far too long getting passed the introductory preliminaries (first it has to introduce George C. Scott as the dying founder of the school--and apparently a hero to the students--and then it has to bump him off). Once the basic plot is established, the script offers nothing more than another retread of "Lord of the Flies", with Timothy Hutton giving a dour, tight-lipped performance as the group's ringleader. Sean Penn has some solid moments as Hutton's second, but the dialogue in general is sometimes so ridiculous that nobody here comes off looking good. Ronny Cox, trying to be sympathetic as a mediator between the boys and the police, has the worst of it, though wasted George C. Scott certainly comes close. *1/2 from ****
The Second Siege of Bunker Hill
posted on 01 Jul 2008Taps is about the cadets of Bunker Hill Military Academy and their commanding officer, George C. Scott, and their reaction to the news of the closing of the Academy.Scott announces at the graduation that the next year will be the final year of Bunker Hill. The Board of Trustees is selling off the place for its prime real estate value to be used for condominium development. Certainly an occurrence we've seen all over the country in many places and not something really desirable in many.Cadet Major Timothy Hutton knows he will head the last graduating class at Bunker Hill. He and fellow cadets like Sean Penn and Tom Cruise aren't taking it lying down. They may be military cadets, but they've seen and grown up with student protests. Only these students have weapons and are trained in their use. Can you really blame the cadets like Hutton who've actually in fact forgotten that soldiers carry out and don't make policy? I think it was significant that during the course of Taps it's mentioned that George C. Scott served with General Douglas MacArthur who gave him a sword for his service. It's also mentioned that Scott was passed over for promotion an advancement beyond being a brigadier general and was retired comfortably out to pasture at the Academy.Scott's not the same kind of military man you see in Patton. Rather he's a lot like the Patton you see in that television film, Patton, the Last Days. A man so totally out of his element that when the accident and broken neck occurred he'd lost his will to live.Anyway after a scuffle with some of the town louts who are less than enamored of Bunker Hill's military tradition. A town kid is accidentally killed when he tries to get Scott's military issue pistol and it discharges. In a court of law, the man would have been acquitted, but Scott answers to a higher law he lives by. That scuffle threatens to close the school even for the last year and the kids seize it. It's a confrontation then between idealistic and wrongheaded youth and the real forces of law enforcement.Ronny Cox contributes a very nice performance as the commanding general of the National Guard trying to keep a lid on the situation. His scenes with the idealistic and obstinate Hutton are the highlight of the film for me.Tom Cruise and Sean Penn got their first real notice in this film right at the start of their respective mega-careers. Hutton has a nice followup to his Oscar winning performance from Ordinary People. And George C. Scott is, George C. Scott.
Changing perspectives
posted on 26 May 2008The biggest kick I got was seeing Hutton, Cruise, and Penn as teenagers turning out amazing performances at such a younger age. I guess some actors are just destined to rise to the top.George C. Scott also turned in a great, believable performance as an old wartime General. However I find it interesting, after seeing this movie over 20 years later, how it's context has changed for me personally. While in '81, the story was perhaps designed to generate sympathy for the General and his plight, I look at his situation today and feel nothing but pity for him, as I would for any Shakespearean tragic hero, who because of their narrow-sightedness, could not see the bigger picture. And in this case, their consequences caused a chain of events that took on an uncontrollable life of their own. Funny how the years can sometimes dictate understanding and perspective.The previous review mentioned for this flick is 100% bang on.
entertaining and powerful
posted on 29 May 2007It is very hard to find films that have strong performances and a rich plot, but I have found one. The name of this excellent film is "Taps." This film launched very successful movie careers to three of its stars. There is nothing more one can ask for when all of the elements are there."Taps" spawned the careers of Tom Cruise, Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. I saw the potential these three actors had five years before they became fame famous because I forgot they were rookie actors. If only more films can have the top notch performances, I would be one happy guy.Another aspect of the film I enjoyed was the plot because it is relevant in present times. I was very impressed with the writer's ability to come up with a unique storyline. I saw "Taps" 20 years after it came out so I can't say people who saw it then remember this film but if they did I'm sure they would say it was one of the best films they have seen."Taps" is a film to be treasured because the messages it sends are so rich. From the dialogue between George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton to the courageous stand the cadets front to prevent their academy to close, it is clear to me "Taps" will remain lodged in memories for years to come.I knew "Taps" would be a special film from the very beginning; however, it turned out to be much more than that. It gave three young actors a springboard to three top-notch careers.I knew it would be special
A Very Important Movie
posted on 03 Jul 2006I often read comments here on IMDb.com and feel that many a movie watcher totally missed the major point about a particular film. That isn't so in regard to TAPS, the great majority of the comments that I've read about it here - and, I admit, I haven't read them all - are totally on target, whether the poster liked or didn't like the message that TAPS had about what goes into the correct training of a military officer, and what happens if that training becomes short-sighted.TAPS is an important movie, because it is an excellent study into what a soldier IS and what he ISN'T. It shows, for example, that one preserves one's honor when one goes to war, but that the preservation of honor isn't by itself enough to start such a battle. It explores the difference between a true soldier and a "death lover," as Ronny Cox's character so amply puts it.These are just some of the important issues that TAPS explores about what goes into the making of a soldier and the purpose for starting a war. The movie delves into other important military issues too but the importance of this film lies in its ability to explore them all. An attentive audience member will certainly leave this movie realizing that its messages must be remembered and pondered over.
Hutton, Penn, and Cruise before they became big stars.
posted on 14 Mar 2006The story begins at Bunker Hill Military Academy during commencement. The head of the school is played by George C. Scott as General Harlan Bache, veteran of many battles and the inspiration to many cadets. During the ceremonies a list of names is read, former cadets who died in battle, stating their date of 'taps'. Thus the title of the movie.Not all the news is good. It turns out the property is worth much more as a housing development, and the owners will give the Sacha exactly one more year, then it will be closed and all buildings torn down. General Bache won't take that without a fight, and neither will his new cadet commander Major Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton). An incident outside the school with 'town boys' results in an accidental shooting, and the General is taken away. He is reported to have had a heart attack, and the boys are left alone. Being a well-trained cadet, Moreland decides to step up and resist. He sees that all cadets are armed, the school gates are locked, and there is a stand-off with local police and the national guard.Other cadets with key roles are Sean Penn as Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer and Tom Cruise as the over zealous Cadet Captain David Shawn. Hutton, Penn, and Cruise all were in the 17 to 20 year old range when the movie was filmed, and it was nice seeing them in good early roles.SPOILERS. Cadets die in two unfortunate incidents. In one, a bright, younger cadet finally snaps and runs for the gate, seeking protection. But he drops his gun, it fires, and the guardsman outside shoot him. Nearer the end of the movie, when Moreland finally realizes it is over, the General has died, there is no longer a cause worth standing up for, while all cadets are being called out Cadet Shawn goes 'postal' and begins shooting from a corner upstairs window. When Dwyer and Moreland get to him, to stop him, both Shawn and Moreland are killed.
Who and what were they training to honor?
posted on 15 Sep 2005This movie was unique and interesting until the point where the National Guard shows up and the cadets are ready to engage in combat with them. Isn't this the same United States Army that most of these boys are yearning to eventually join and serve as officers with? The Timothy Hutton character touches on it briefly while talking to the Colonel. "They'll decide what war we'll fight in" he tells the National Guard leader played by Ronny Cox. I got the feeling that this all may have been explained in the book "Father Sky" from which the movie was based. Watching it on the screen however left me with a question of "What did these kids really honor"?
Honor.
posted on 29 Jun 2005Don't let the fact that this takes place at a junior military academy fool you. When the corps of Bunker Hill Academy is threatened, the cadets band together to attempt to save their home. As is seen in certain scenes in the film, the reasons behind the actions of c/MAJ Morland and his corps are mystifying to people on the outside. Where the State requisition officers see "tax payer dollars," the cadets see foundation and institution dissolving before them. Parents can not understand why their thirteen year old boy is holding a loaded M-16 rifle. The police and National Guardsmen, however, do understand. This movie really does portray exactly what being a soldier is all about. When push comes to shove, the most important thing to a soldier is the man or woman next to him. While c/MAJ Morland himself may have been disillusioned with General Baige, the rest of the cadets at Bunker Hill Academy fought for each other. This truly is an epic portrayal of the soldier. Through powerful performances by Penn, Cruise and Hutton, the film is able to show that one's young age is not a prohibiter of understanding of one very important word: Honor.
A film to think about the Youth and ideals.
posted on 26 Jun 2005The film has a not politically correct focus. The military cadets fight against burocracy, greed and old prejudices. They do the correct but they have in front: the society,the law,and public opinion. Could the goal justify the means? His attitude is not very different from other strikes or youth revolts. But the problem was that they are not politically correct. Not today. THEY PREFER FIGHT THEIR WAR LOOKING FOR JUSTICE AND HONOR, THAN BE DISCIPLINED THEN, AND FIGHT THE WAR THAT POLITICS WILL CREATE FOR THEM Tom Cruise, as David Shawn, is really a brilliant performance. His character is probably the best. You can enjoy the film if you can feel these values and understand the controversy: military values vs. money & politics. They choose.
Young Guns Make It Worthwhile
posted on 30 Apr 2005Although George C. Scott only has a small part in this film, it's the cast of actors that make 'Taps' something of a special movie. The movie was one of the first in both the careers of Tom Cruise as well as Sean Penn, and Timothy Hutton once more (after Ordinary People) proves he's a fine actor.But otherwise, there's a lot lacking in the movie. Although it has an interesting premise (Group of students take over military school after it is scheduled to close down), is spun into a way too long story. It's really hard to keep focused on this one for over 2 hours, I'm afraid to say...But if you're a fan of one of the young guns in this film, you should definitely go rent it some day or catch it on TV. 5/10.
Kids shouldn't play with real guns.
posted on 21 Apr 2005We are at Bunker Hill Military Academy, a prep school with students ranging in age from, say, high-school seniors to boys so small that they can't possibly have experienced any of the delights of puberty. The cadet corps is run by proud Timothy Hutton. His immediate subordinates include the sensible Sean Penn -- yes, sensible -- and the semi-psychotic Tom Cruise. In overall command is the avuncular General George C. Scott.The problem is that, as Scott announces to the cadets, the school will be closed and sold for its real estate value next Fall. They are going to mow the place down and build condominiums. Scott dies promptly of a heart attack and, led by Cadet Major Hutton, most of the kids confiscate the stores of weapons and lay down a list of demands before they will allow the school to be dissolved. I was all on the side of the cadets. Not that I love military academies but that I hate condominiums. It's rather like why I'm a vegetarian. I hate the taste and texture of vegetables but I love to kill them by eating them raw or boiling them.This film sounds like it has a lot of social relevance -- the military and patriots and men of honor on one side, and the peace-mongering wussies who never had a fist fight on the other. Now we're all going to refight the Vietnam War.But it's not like that at all. Timothy Hutton is a bright kid with leadership qualities only, as it's explained somewhat clumsily, he has reason to hate his father, who is a Sergeant Major, and has found a substitute in General George C. Scott. And therein lies the problem. Hutton has absorbed only part of Scott's message about self discipline, and death before dishonor, and all that elementary stuff. After all, he's only seventeen. It's only with a little seasoning that we can begin to look behind the buzz words.Hutton is supported by Penn because Penn has "never walked out on a friend," and it's Penn who finally talks Hutton into ordering the adoption of another common tactic -- "declare victory and depart the field." But Tom Cruise is the genuine nut job aboard for this adventure into terra incognito. Throughout, he's always been something of a martinet. He is the leader of a group of red berets. I don't know exactly what they're function is but it appears to be something like the Gestapo's. And while the rest of the cadet corps is marching sullenly and weaponless towards the gate where the National Guard is waiting, Cruise cuts loose from an upper window with an M-60 screaming, "It's beautiful! It's BEAUTIFUL!" The performances are all pretty good without any being exceptional. The chief weakness is in the script. It's opened up a whole can of worms and doesn't want to get its fingers dirty by digging into it. The problem with pride, honor, and a feeling of knowing more than others, is that that whole assemblage of attitudes can't exist without an enemy. If you're superior, then you must by definition be superior to someone else. In this case, there are only off-hand references to the pencil-pushers and bean counters. Not that the film presents external forces -- the local cops and the National Guard -- as anything other than reasonable or even perfect. But solidarity is self reinforcing. It feels so good to be part of a group that's even only temporarily powerful that often the original goal is lost sight of. That's what happened during the prison riots at Attica. The governor granted some of the inmates demands and the inmates ripped up the concession to great cheers from the throng. Finally the governor granted ALL their wishes -- and an inmate in the center of the yard ripped them up to great cheers from the throng. The point was no longer to have their wishes granted but to relish the momentary sense of power.And the distinction between civilian power over the military is hardly mentioned. It's one of the lessons that Scott apparently never passed on, but it's a fundamental one. It's why our Commander-in-Chief is called a "president" and not a "generalissimo." Here's something the governor and the National Guard might have tried. They might have simply waited the kids out. What the heck. They couldn't have had that much food. The electricity and water could have been shut down. Enthusiasm for the cause was hardly universal -- about half of them quit. Morale would have crumbled eventually. Fads fade quickly among teens.And Tom Cruise's final insane outburst was completely unjustified by what we'd learned of his character earlier, but then it had to happen or we'd all have been denied the pleasure of the final shoot out. We're built for speed and action, not waiting patiently, not thinking things through logically. In a sense, Tom Cruise stands in for part of all of us. And so do the proud Timothy Hutton and the sensible Sean Penn. I hope when we face our next crisis, whether national or personal, we can find some middle ground.
I Love this film!
posted on 22 Nov 2004In my opinion, "TAPS" is probably the best military academy-based film I have ever seen so far. There are a few I haven't seen, but I just love this film way too much. Preety violent for a PG-rated film. Well anyways, i thought this movie was great in many ways. I loved all the shooting and fighting scenes. This movie was touching in one way. It shows people how to be leaders and how to protect something when it is in jeopardy.I also think that Tom Cruise & Sean Penn were awesome. Their roles basically made the movie better (and this was only their first film) I thought that Timothy Hutton, Ronny Cox, & George C. Scott were also fabulous. In my opinion, this movie should have won at least 1 or 2 Oscars. But unfortunately, it was only NOMINATED for a Golden Globe.I LOVE THIS FILM!!!
Intriguing dramatic character study (with some action)
posted on 23 Oct 2004This was a great little dramatic character study with a few action set pieces. It was fun watching Tom Cruise in an early role as a young army cadet who gets trigger happy, and Sean Penn as the relatively normal one(!).(Spoiler warning)This is one of the few films in the 70s where a young kid is allowed to get mortally wounded, and it works for the dramatic impact. Perhaps the film is a bit heavy-handed in it's themes and moralizing, and probably isn't as significant as it would hope to be; but this is still quite an effective military drama.
where were the adults?
posted on 25 Jul 2004I know there was a bus with a few bureaucrats and such on the bus being escorted out during the siege but don't you think there would have been loads of teachers and cooks and janitors etc.They Cadets would have had a hard time rounding everyone up, and cant you imagine telling your favorite teacher that your sorry but your taking over the school and then putting the muzzle of your AR-15 to his head LOL. Lots of cool weapons from the 80's The tanks were m48's love the huge walkie talkies.If this happened today the Cadets would be using cell phones and Motorola's's probably.Lots of cool weapons from the 80's The tanks were m48's love the huge walkie talkies.If this happened today the Cadets would be using cell phones and Motorola's's probably.
Taps : Put Into Perspective
posted on 24 Mar 2004I saw dumb movies when I was young but every now & thenI'd actually find something that was worth the money I spent.Taps was the first film I saw in Jan. of 1982,weeks after it's release and at that time was without a doubt,at age 13 & 1/2 the most grown-up movie I had ever seen. I'm sure in the TV advertisements the appeal was obvious. Actors near my age and my older brothers' ages,the (then) cool look of their uniforms and without a doubt,that scene in the the ad where the students are overhead with their guns pointed at the adults,I.E. :rebellion. Hard to find a pre-teen or teen-age boy who wouldn't find this kind of thing appealing. In the new Reagan,conservative '80s era it was fitting. One's point of view can only describe to that person what this film is all about. Some have felt this film is pro-war,while others (like me) feel it's th opposite. I find it to be even more than that though. It seemed to me that it's just as I stated above. The naive' appeal of war and weapons to young minds,as well as the parents who send their kids to these kinds of places to shape them up. No offense to those who did attend an academy,there are those who actually do get something out of it,but for my own life experience and views,I'll more than likely never understand what that would be. Self discipline can be taught to one's self just as easily.Anyhow,getting back to the film. As a movie it was quite the intense experience. George C. Scott was great in it but I really wish his character had not been removed from the story. I felt he brought these kids a level measure of control and a wiser voice of reason. Timothy Hutton,Sean Penn and (aside from the younger kids)the 17/18 year old Tom Cruise are all fantastic in their roles. In the case of Penn & Cruise a pre-view of good things to come for them as actors.Penn is a great friend to Hutton's character and this may seem like a simple role at first but as the story goes on his performance builds on itself with his still very fresh abilities as an actor.Cruise is unsettling but electric as the cadet who likes the power & control he's been trained with just a little too much. Resulting in the climactic scene where he goes "trigger-happy" with a machine gun near the end of the film. "It's beautiful man!" is the most remembered line from the whole film.Hutton,the veteran actor of the 3,plays a young man who has a more idealistic view of his education at the academy and of the overall meaning. It's more like an elegant party for him and his hanging out with "old soldiers". The taking of the academy by the students was handled convincingly enough but the idea that they'd bring in tanks and the "real army" seemed a bit much. The pressure of that later resulting in a bit of a dissension between Penn & Hutton.The thing that has not set to well with those that have seen this movie is the senseless killing of a boy who's only about 10 or 11 by the military. Even over 27 years later,it still feels like it was not a necessary thing to put in this movie to make the point of what happens to these boys when they end up in "a real war". The point was made long before that. It was equally unnerving for me to realize that even kids that age can "stop living'.That nearly fatal story choice aside,the film really is great. The best thing one can do before watching is just put aside your left or right views and just watch it as you would any other movie. What I learned years later is not to let myself get so deep into the politics and just keep in mind,that's Hollywood and the film-makers ideas and/or ideals. (END)
Filmed in 1981; still applies today
posted on 23 Feb 2004"Taps" is a story of twisted priorities and conflicting ideals of what honor, valor, and a fighting man really means. This was (and still is) an unmatched screenplay that is ever so true today. It should be mandatory viewing for anyone planning a military career so that they can really evaluate their reasoning for joining the armed services. It should be especially mandatory for any ROTC cadet in college (I'm in such a program, so I speak from experience).Everyone involved played excellent roles and made the viewer make it as if they were really caught up in such a situation in real life. It didn't seem to be an "acted" movie; it was just that good. I think that Ronny Cox also put some feeling into his role, but if it had to be made in the '90s, I'd pick Dale Dye (who played brief but great roles as a captain in both Platoon and Casualties of War).Again, this movie should get more credit than it has because the movie's themes and issues still haunt us, even in this "new world order" we're supposedly in. Great work to all involved!
a story of a wonderful potential, direction uninspired
posted on 28 Jun 2003In a matter of fact, the story of this movie makes biblical vibrations.But, it's a matter of the viewers how much compassion would they have about some guys armed to the teeth, that do something that even they do not realise completely. Everyone with a similar, in some view, life-experience, would find the movie worth seeing, or, maybe, worth NOT seeing, because of its dreadfulness.
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Honor Without Purpose
posted on 24 Apr 2009Bunker Hill Military School-An institution males ("Taps" was made in 1981, adapted from an original novel written prior) ages 12 through 18 attend to teach them academics, character and leadership in anticipation of the graduates attending West Point.Retired U.S. Army General Harlan Bache (George C. Scott) is the commandant of the school. His curiculum teaches his young charges teamwork, personal honor, courage and sacrifice. But something is lost in the translation.General Bache answers to the schools board of trustees. They have decided to close the 141 year old institution for the purpose of realizing the full potential of the real estate. The news is devastating to Bache and his student body. Operating on the lessons he has been taught by his mentor, General Bache, Cadet Major Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton), Student Body Corps Commander, decides there is courage and honor in defending the institution with their very lives if necessary. Together with Calvary Corps Commander Alex Dwyer (Sean Penn) and elite company commander David Shawn (Tom Cruise), they set about doing just that."Taps", directed with style and class by Harold Becker, is a study of misdirected honor and courage. The students involved are not much younger than those who would be sent to distant battlefields by the active duty military. They are impressionable and taken by uniforms and strict discipline. They are intelligent but inexperienced. They are the future leaders being molded by General Bache. General Bache is a good, fatherly man who has forgotten one thing-personal honor and courage mean nothing unless these values are supported by the one ideal worth lives-freedom. This ideal is the reason our military exists and this is the one, most important lesson General Bache fails to teach his young future leaders of the United States military. His students overreact to a situation that does not warrant sacrificing lives for.Timothy Hutton is outstanding as the misguided Cadet Commander. Even his father, a top sergeant in the U.S. Army, can't talk him out of the path he has chosen for himself and his fellow students. There is also a subtle hint that his relationship with his father was never the best. Sean Penn turns in a great performance as the Corps Cavalry Commander and Moreland's right hand man who doesn't believe things could spin out of control so badly and comes to realize there is something wrong with the path Moreland has chosen.
And Tom Cruise is powerful as the ultra-disciplined elite company commander who seems to relish a fight more than anything he's been taught about honor and courage.The principles receive wonderful support from Ronny Cox as the commanding colonel of an Army National Guard unit who desperately attempts to talk reason to Moreland."Taps" is not perfect. I couldn't understand why General Bache would take a loaded ceremonial pistol to a school military ball. But then again, I have witnessed one or two acts in my own real life active duty service which took less common sense than that.Overall, "Taps" is a well directed story with strong characters and depth.
The film warns us of the dangers of honor without purpose.