Running on Empty (1988) Lorimar

Written by Naomi Fover, Directed by Sidney Lumet Starring: River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Martha Plimpton

Christine and Judd are former radicals on the run for an unintended death during one of their acts of sabotage aimed at what they felt was an oppressive society. They`ve mellowed since, and started a family, but even now must be constantly wary of getting too close to neighbours or too involved in the community, lest they attract attention, be identified by the authorities and get arrested for their past crimes. River and his younger brother help them maintain constant vigilance and put up with the constant moves, school transfers and name changes.

When the family is able to stay in one place for a very long time (by their standards), River begins to feel at home and achieve a sense of belonging in his new school. He lets his guard down and his talent and ability more than make up for his lack of formal manners, which his "egalitarian" parents despise. The devoted music teacher is very impressed by the young man`s raw ability, which has been stifled by his parents` fear of "eltism".

River shines under his tuteledge, and also becomes attracted to the professor`s daughter, his first real romance. Meanwhile, the `rents are becoming disillusioned as the fellow radicals who help them hide seem increasingly violent and nihilistic. It`s time for them to question a few assumptions and perhaps change their outlook, just as their older son has already done.

Arrangements are made during a brief, but highly emotional reunion between Christine and her rich WASP father, for him to become guardian of River so he will be able to live a normal life in his new hometown with the mentor and lover he has managed to acquire. River will live openly, but the rest of the family must remain underground, with virtually no contact. It`s a brutal bargain, but it is best for all concerned.

Trivia: The late, lamented young River was nominated for best Supporting Actor for this film, but didn`t win-the only major nomination for an FFTTM that YMP has ever heard about. Christine (see Gross Anatomy-Teen Fun/Young Ambition) and Judd had already been nominated for the same category for previous films!

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