October Sky (1999)
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- PG
- 1h 48min
- Biography, Drama
- 19 Feb 1999 (USA)
- Movie
The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
- 4 wins & 11 nominations.
- See more »
Photos and Videos
Cast verified as complete
| Jake Gyllenhaal | ... |
Homer Hickam
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| Chris Cooper | ... |
John Hickam
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| Laura Dern | ... |
Miss Riley
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| Chris Owen | ... |
Quentin
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| William Lee Scott | ... |
Roy Lee
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| Chad Lindberg | ... |
O'Dell
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| Natalie Canerday | ... |
Elsie Hickam
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Scott Thomas | ... |
Jim Hickam
(as Scott Miles)
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Randy Stripling | ... |
Leon Bolden
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| Chris Ellis | ... |
Principal Turner
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| Elya Baskin | ... |
Ike Bykovsky
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| Courtney Cole-Fendley | ... |
Dorothy Platt
(as Courtney Fendley)
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| David Dwyer | ... |
Jake Mosby
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| Terry Loughlin | ... |
Mr. Dantzler
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| Kaili Hollister | ... |
Valentine Carmina
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David Copeland | ... |
Coach Gainer
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| Don Henderson Baker | ... |
Jensen
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Tom Kagy | ... |
Lenny
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Donald Thorne | ... |
Trooper One
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Justin Whitsett | ... |
Kid
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Larry Rue | ... |
Neighbor
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| Neva Howell | ... |
Neighbor
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Terry Nienhuis | ... |
Neighbor
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Brady Coleman | ... |
Anderson
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| Rick Forrester | ... |
Roper
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Terrence Gibney | ... |
Basil Thorpe
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| Douglas Swander | ... |
Corvette Guy
(as Doug Swander)
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Keeli Hale Kimbro | ... |
Corvette Girl
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| Mark Jeffrey Miller | ... |
Vernon
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| Blaque Fowler | ... |
Reverend
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Don Tilley | ... |
Rescue Worker
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Rockford Davis | ... |
Chemistry Teacher
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John Bennes | ... |
Doctor
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| Jonathan Fawbush | ... |
Barney
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Larry Black | ... |
Fred Smith
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Frank Schuler | ... |
Moonshiner
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| Tommy Smeltzer | ... |
Man at Mine
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| Charles Lawlor | ... |
Miner
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Tom Turbiville | ... |
Miner
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Ida Ginn | ... |
Quentin's Mom
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Richard Lumpkin | ... |
Judge at Welch
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Mark W. Johnson | ... |
Union Official
(as Mark Whitman Johnson)
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Don Taylor | ... |
Union Official
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Don G. Campbell | ... |
Mr. Morris
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| Liz Byler | ... |
Ivy League Girl
(as Elizabeth Byler)
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Bradford Ryan Lund | ... |
Ivy League Boy
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Frank Hoyt Taylor | ... |
Judge at Indy
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Dave Hager | ... |
Head Judge
(as David Hager)
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Ray Elder | ... |
Tom Webster
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| Andy Stahl | ... |
Jack Palmer
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Joe Digaetano | ... |
Wernher von Braun
(as Joey DiGaetano)
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Tom Taylor | ... |
Miner in Elevator
(as Thomas Taylor)
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David Ducey | ... |
Man in Crowd
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Jenny Patterson | ... |
Nurse
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O. Winston Link | ... |
Locomotive Engineer
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Wren Barnes | ... |
Science Fair Student (uncredited)
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| Ryder Davis | ... |
Man in Crowd (uncredited)
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Brian Edward Keith | ... |
Coal Miner (uncredited)
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Shawn Lindsay | ... |
Miner (uncredited)
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Directed by
| Joe Johnston | ||
Written by
| Homer H. Hickam Jr. | ... | (book "Rocket Boys") |
| Lewis Colick | ... | (screenplay) |
Produced by
| Peter Cramer | ... | executive producer |
| Larry Franco | ... | producer |
| Charles Gordon | ... | producer |
| Marc Sternberg | ... | executive producer |
Music by
| Mark Isham | ||
Cinematography by
| Fred Murphy | ... | director of photography |
Editing by
| Robert Dalva | ||
Editorial Department
| Steve Ansell | ... | second assistant editor |
| Andi Kasen Bergman | ... | assistant editor (as Andi Kasen) |
| Gary Burritt | ... | negative cutter |
| Todd Busch | ... | first assistant editor |
| Anthony J. Camaioni | ... | assistant editor (as Anthony Joseph Camaioni) |
| Eric Rigney | ... | avid technician |
| Mike Stanwick | ... | color timer |
| Jeff Stroot | ... | international editor |
| Robb Sullivan | ... | assistant editor |
| Dale Jones | ... | avid technician (uncredited) |
Casting By
| Nancy Foy | ||
Production Design by
| Barry Robison | ||
Art Direction by
| Tony Fanning | ||
Set Decoration by
| Chris L. Spellman | ... | (as Chris Spellman) |
Costume Design by
| Betsy Cox | ||
Makeup Department
| Lynn Barber | ... | makeup supervisor |
| Gloria Belz | ... | key makeup artist |
| Julie Callihan | ... | makeup artist |
| Susan Mills | ... | key hair stylist |
| Michealle Vanderpool | ... | hair stylist (as Michealle Vanderpool-Kohrs) |
| Beka Wilson | ... | hair stylist |
| Leigh Ann Yandle | ... | makeup artist |
| Holly Chapman | ... | hair stylist (uncredited) |
| Jeff Goodwin | ... | special makeup maker (uncredited) |
| Rachel Kick | ... | makeup artist (uncredited) |
Production Management
| Zane Weiner | ... | unit production manager |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Betsy Magruder | ... | first assistant director |
| Rusty Mahmood | ... | second second assistant director |
| Matt Marshall | ... | additional second assistant director |
| Jonathan McGarry | ... | second assistant director |
Art Department
| Mark Bachman | ... | graphic artist |
| Sheila Bartlett | ... | painter |
| Joseph F. Beeco | ... | construction foreman |
| Matthew Butler | ... | on-set greens |
| Craig Byrom | ... | construction foreman |
| Michael Calabrese | ... | lead man |
| Jimmy L. Carmickle | ... | construction foreman |
| William G. Davis | ... | set designer |
| Edward G. Fitzgerald | ... | swing gang (as Ed Fitzgerald) |
| Ruby Guidara | ... | buyer |
| Todd Hatfield | ... | stand-by painter |
| Alan Hook | ... | set designer |
| Whitney B. Kemp | ... | prop assistant |
| Kevin Kropp | ... | prop assistant |
| Eric Luling | ... | on-set dresser (as Eric J. Luling) |
| Alisa Lumbreras | ... | scenic foreman (as Alisa B. Lumbperas) |
| Andrew Menzies | ... | assistant art director |
| Swift Moseley | ... | greensman |
| John Patterson | ... | construction foreman |
| Michael Pisani | ... | set dresser |
| James Pyburn | ... | construction foreman (as Jim Pybrun) |
| C.J. Pyles | ... | swing gang |
| John Rabasca | ... | swing gang |
| Spencer H. Register | ... | swing gang |
| Susan Zeh Revell | ... | art department coordinator (as Susan Zeh) |
| Philip Schneider | ... | property master (as Philip G. Schneider) |
| Fred Schwendel | ... | swing gang (as Fred W. Schwendel) |
| Manny Serrano | ... | swing gang |
| Brian Stultz | ... | lead scenic (as Brian Patrick Stultz) |
| Margaret A. Thigpen | ... | swing gang |
| David Weathers | ... | swing gang |
| Douglas Womack | ... | construction coordinator (as Douglas A. Womack) |
Sound Department
| Charlie Ajar Jr. | ... | sound recordist (as Charlie Ajar) |
| Thom Brennan | ... | foley editor |
| Michael C. Casper | ... | re-recording mixer (as Michael Casper) |
| Mary H. Ellis | ... | production sound mixer (as Mary Ellis) |
| Bill Fibben | ... | boom operator |
| Stephanie Flack | ... | dialogue editor |
| Michael Geisler | ... | sound designer |
| Howell Gibbens | ... | supervising sound editor |
| Aaron Glascock | ... | sound effects editor |
| Hilda Hodges | ... | foley artist |
| Alan Holly | ... | adr mixer |
| Elizabeth Kenton | ... | supervising adr editor |
| Mary Jo Lang | ... | foley mixer |
| Daniel J. Leahy | ... | re-recording mixer (as Daniel Leahy) |
| Greg W. Lowe | ... | adr recordist (as Greg Lowe) |
| James Morioka | ... | assistant sound editor |
| John Roesch | ... | foley artist (as John B. Roesch) |
| Carolyn Tapp | ... | foley recordist |
| Mark Zimbicki | ... | cable person |
| Michael Geisler | ... | sound editor (uncredited) |
Special Effects by
| Joe Digaetano | ... | special effects supervisor (as Joey DiGaetano) |
| Bill Johnson | ... | special effects makeup |
| Richard E. Perry | ... | special effects |
| Gary Pilkinton | ... | special effects (as Gary L. Pilkinton) |
| Dave Rigsby | ... | special effects (as Dave Rigbsy) |
| Kathleen Tonkin | ... | special effects |
| Robert Vazquez | ... | special effects foreman |
| Robert L. Girard | ... | special effects technician (uncredited) |
Visual Effects by
| Joel Aron | ... | sequence supervisor: ILM |
| Okan Ataman | ... | sabre artist: ILM |
| Sean M. Casey | ... | visual effects still photographer: ILM (as Sean Casey) |
| Theresa Corrao | ... | visual effects coordinator: ILM |
| Julie D'Antoni | ... | visual effects production assistant: ILM |
| Krystyna Demkowicz | ... | visual effects producer: Matte World Digital |
| Pablo Helman | ... | sabre supervisor: ILM |
| Kela Hicks | ... | CG technical support: ILM |
| Patrick Jarvis | ... | digital painter: ILM |
| Michael McGovern | ... | visual effects editor: ILM (as Mike McGovern) |
| Fred Meyers | ... | visual effects principal engineer: ILM |
| Mark S. Miller | ... | visual effects producer: ILM |
| Kristen Millette | ... | CG technical support: ILM |
| Jim Mitchell | ... | visual effects supervisor: ILM |
| Michelle Motta | ... | CG technical support: ILM |
| Brent Segura-Bowers | ... | CG technical support: ILM (as Brent Bowers) |
| Bruce Vecchitto | ... | digital timing supervisor: ILM |
| Jonathan Wank | ... | sabre artist: ILM |
| Craig Barron | ... | visual effects supervisor: Matte World (uncredited) |
| Jim Morris | ... | senior staff: ILM (uncredited) |
| Brett Northcutt | ... | digital matte artist (uncredited) |
| Paul Rivera | ... | digital composite supervisor: Mate World Digital (uncredited) |
| Katrina Stovold | ... | digital plate restorator (uncredited) |
Stunts
| Chris Bennett | ... | stunts |
| Cliff Cudney | ... | stunt coordinator |
| John Fagan | ... | stunts |
| Jeff Galpin | ... | stunts |
| Robert Girard | ... | stunts |
| David Brian Martin | ... | stunt double: William Lee Scott |
| Peter Peterson | ... | stunts |
| Chad Rose | ... | stunts |
| Mike Smith | ... | stunts |
| Russell Towery | ... | stunts |
| Robert Vazquez | ... | stunts |
| Cliff Cudney | ... | stunt double: Jake Gyllenhaal (uncredited) |
Camera and Electrical Department
| Terry Arthur | ... | rigging key grip |
| Jeff Becker | ... | rigging gaffer |
| Khris Bennett | ... | key rigging grip |
| Lewis Bowman | ... | grip |
| Tom Clark | ... | electrician |
| Fred Cooper | ... | dolly grip |
| Dan Cornwall | ... | electrician |
| Stephen Crowley | ... | best boy electric |
| Dave Duren | ... | electrician (as David Duren) |
| Brant S. Fagan | ... | steadicam operator |
| David Galbraith | ... | first assistant camera |
| Jeffry Gordon | ... | electrician |
| Brian Gunter | ... | gaffer |
| Robert Hill Jr. | ... | grip (as Robert Hill) |
| Morgan Michael Lewis | ... | key grip (as Mike Lewis) |
| Lee McLemore | ... | grip |
| Bobby McMahan | ... | second assistant camera (as Robert A. McMahan) |
| Greg Morse | ... | 24 frame video operator |
| Deana Newcomb | ... | still photographer |
| Dee Nichols | ... | grip |
| Van Redin | ... | still photographer |
| Chris Rodriquez | ... | grip |
| John 'Bones' Rogers | ... | electrician |
| Paul Varrieur | ... | camera operator |
| Jerome Camera Williams | ... | camera loader (as Jerome Williams) |
| Darryl Wilson | ... | best boy grip |
| Dan Cornwall | ... | gaffer: second unit (uncredited) |
| Douglas C. Hart | ... | first assistant camera: "b" camera (uncredited) |
| Kyle D. Hutson | ... | Rigging Electric (uncredited) |
Casting Department
| Jo Doster | ... | location casting |
| Diana Jaher | ... | casting associate |
| Kim Petrosky | ... | extras casting |
| Owen J. Rice | ... | extras casting assistant |
| Kim McCray | ... | extras casting assistant (uncredited) |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Stephen Brown | ... | costumer |
| Fumie H. Carrera | ... | seamstress |
| Stephen K. Randolph | ... | key set costumer |
| Kelly Anne Ross | ... | set costumer (as Kelly Ross-Wilson) |
| Marciann Shapiro | ... | costume supervisor |
Location Management
| Charles Thomas Baxter | ... | location manager (as Charley Baxter) |
| Jeff Talman | ... | assistant location manager |
| Michael Tomlinson | ... | location scout |
| John Marston | ... | location projectionist: substitute (uncredited) |
Music Department
| Thomas A. Carlson | ... | music editor (as Tom Carlson) |
| Sandy De Crescent | ... | orchestra contractor (as Sandy DeCrescent) |
| Peter Doell | ... | assistant score recordist (as Pete Doell) |
| Janice Hayen | ... | music preparation |
| Stephen Krause | ... | score mixer / score recordist |
| Ken Kugler | ... | conductor / orchestrator |
| Sid Page | ... | musician: solo violin |
| Joe E. Rand | ... | music editor |
| Chris Ridenhour | ... | assistant music preparation |
| Tom Boyd | ... | musician: oboe soloist (uncredited) |
| Frank Macchia | ... | music preparation (uncredited) |
| Sebastian Toettcher | ... | musician: cello (uncredited) |
Script and Continuity Department
| Brenda K. Wachel | ... | script supervisor (as Brenda Wachel) |
Transportation Department
| Cindy Parker | ... | transportation coordinator |
| J.L. Parker | ... | transportation coordinator |
| Mike Robinson | ... | special driver |
Additional Crew
| Gerald Bean | ... | craft service |
| Michael Beaudin | ... | assistant accountant |
| Emily S. Buckberry | ... | dialogue consultant |
| Janet Campolito | ... | assistant production coordinator |
| Misty Cooper | ... | assistant: Mr. Gordon |
| C.J. Drews | ... | production assistant |
| David Fulton | ... | unit publicist (as Dave Fulton) |
| John Griffin | ... | production assistant |
| John Guss | ... | production assistant |
| Rhonda Guthrie | ... | production secretary (as Rhonda J. Guthrie) |
| Alan Jacques | ... | projectionist (as Al Jacques) |
| Diane Johnson | ... | craft service |
| Dana Kullerd | ... | set production assistant |
| Eric Lasagna | ... | first aid |
| Barrett J. Leigh | ... | production assistant |
| Arthur J. Miller Jr. | ... | railroad coordinator |
| John Ployhar | ... | production assistant |
| Molly Proctor | ... | payroll |
| Mike Revell | ... | production accountant |
| Paul Schmitz | ... | production assistant |
| Tom Taylor | ... | advisor: mining |
| Cheryl A. Tkach | ... | assistant: Mr. Franco and Mr. Johnston |
| Katie Willard Troebs | ... | production coordinator |
| Rennie Cowan | ... | assistant avid technician (uncredited) |
| Kathy Duecker | ... | post production accountant (uncredited) |
| Jack Patterson | ... | audio description narrator (uncredited) |
| Ben Schoen | ... | end title typographer: Scarlet Letters (uncredited) |
Thanks
| John J. Duncan Jr. | ... | special thanks: U.S. Representative |
| Anne B. Pope | ... | special thanks: Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, Executive Director (as Anne Pope) |
| Don Sundquist | ... | special thanks: Tennessee Governor |
Production Companies
Distributors
- Universal Pictures (1999) (United States) (theatrical)
- Universal Studios Home Video (1999) (United States) (DVD)
- Universal Studios Home Video (1999) (United States) (video) (laserdisc)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (2000) (Switzerland) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (2000) (France) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (2000) (Japan) (theatrical)
- Finnkino (2000) (Finland) (VHS)
- Universal Home Entertainment (United Kingdom) (VHS)
- Universal Pictures Video (2000) (Germany) (VHS)
- Universal Studios Home Video (2000) (United States) (VHS) (special edition)
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (2002) (United States) (tv)
- Mainostelevisio (MTV3) (2003) (Finland) (tv)
- Net5 (2003) (Netherlands) (tv)
- Universal Pictures Video (2003) (Netherlands) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Finland (2004) (Finland) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Finland (2005) (Finland) (DVD) (special edition)
- Universal Studios Home Video (2005) (United States) (DVD) (special edition)
- Capelight Pictures (2019) (Germany) (Blu-ray)
- Capelight Pictures (2019) (Germany) (DVD)
- 7Bravo (2023) (Australia) (tv)
- CIC Vídeo (Brazil) (DVD)
- CIC Vídeo (Brazil) (VHS)
- Universal Pictures Video (Netherlands) (VHS)
Special Effects
- Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) (visual effects)
- Matte World Digital (additional visual effects)
Other Companies
- Capitol Studios (music recorded at)
- Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment (camera cranes)
- DeLuxe Laboratories (color)
- Howard Anderson Digital Effects (titles and opticals)
- IMAX (special thanks)
- L.A. Mad Dogs (adr voice casting)
- Lightnin' Production Rentals (transportation equipment)
- NBC News Archives (footage)
- Panavision (cameras and lenses)
- R.C. Baral & Company (post-production accounting)
- Sabron Payroll Services (payroll: orchestra)
- Scarlet Letters (end title typography)
- Sony Classical (soundtrack)
- Technicolor Sound Services (post-production sound services: absorbed rights)
- Tomkats Catering (catering)
- Universal Studios Sound Facilities (sound re-recording)
- Warner Bros. Sound (foley services)
- Weddington Productions (post-production sound services)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
In a 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.
Written by Kenneth Chisholm |
| Plot Keywords | |
| Taglines | Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole sky. See more » |
| Genres | |
| Parents Guide | View content advisory » |
| Certification |
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Additional Details
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Box Office
| Budget | $25,000,000 (estimated) |
| Opening Weekend United States | $5,905,250, 21 Feb 1999 |
Did You Know?
| Trivia | The author wished the movie to be called "Rocket Boys," like the book it's based on, but the studio believed that title would not sell well. The compromise title "October Sky" works on two levels: it's the month when the hero is first inspired by Sputnik flying overhead, and it is an anagram of "Rocket Boys". See more » |
| Goofs | The miners' union hall has a 50-star flag, but the strike takes place in 1958, a year before Alaska and Hawaii were admitted as states. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Featured in Office Space/October Sky/The 24 Hour Woman/Jawbreaker/Tango (1999). See more » |
| Soundtracks | Nine Pound Hammer is Too Heavy See more » |
| Crazy Credits | The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the end credits. See more » |
| Quotes |
Homer:
[to John]
Dad, I may not be the best, but I come to believe that I got it in me to be somebody in this world. And it's not because I'm so different from you either, it's because I'm the same. I mean, I can be just as hard-headed, and just as tough. I only hope I can be as good a man as you. Sure, Wernher von Braun is a great scientist, but he isn't my hero. See more » |