October Sky | Hitchens Virtual Theatre

In Coalwood, West Virginia, 1957, coal mining is king and no one can escape life underground. But when high schooler Homer Hickam, Jr. (JAKE GYLLENHAAL) sees the Soviet satellite Sputnik streak overhead, he aims for the stars and a new destiny in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph. With the help of his teacher (LAURA DERN) and three buddies, Homer sets out to build his own rocket. How Homer overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles ? poor education, a disapproving father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires that threaten to flatten his dreams and the town ? and fulfills his vision is the launching pad for one of the most timeless, inspirational stories ever brought to the screen.

Synopsis: Emotionally uplifting crowd-pleaser about teenagers in 1950s mining town intent on building a rocket. Believable performances, good period feel appeal to fans of touching coming-of-age dramas who forgive predictable script.

Production Year:

1999

Released:

Tue, 07/27/1999

Run Time Minutes:

108

Rating:

Genres:

Drama

Trailer:

Format Aspect Ratio:

2.35-Super Wide Screen

Resolution:

480x720 LowRez

More Information:

HD-1

Audio Language:

English

Audio Format:

Dolby Digital

Audio Channels:

5.1

Actors:

Jake Gyllenhaal - Homer Hickam

Actors:

Chris Cooper - John Hickam

Actors:

Laura Dern - Miss Riley

Actors:

Chris Owen - Quentin

Actors:

William Lee Scott - Roy Lee

Actors:

Chad Lindberg - O'Dell

Actors:

Natalie Canerday - Elsie Hickam

Actors:

Scott Miles - Jim Hickam

Actors:

Randy Stripling - Leon Bolden

Actors:

Chris Ellis - Principal Turner

Actors:

Elya Baskin - Ike Bykovsky

Actors:

Courtney Fendley - Dorothy Platt

Actors:

David Dwyer - Jake Mosby

Actors:

Terry Loughlin - Mr. Dantzler

Actors:

Kailie Hollister - Valentina Carmina

Actors:

David Copeland - Coach Gainer

Actors:

Don Henderson Baker - Jensen

Actors:

Tom Kagy - Lenny

Actors:

Donald Thorne - Trooper One

Actors:

Justin Whitsett - Kid

Actors:

Larry Rue - Neighbor

Actors:

Neva Howell - Neighbor

Actors:

Terry Nienhuis - Neighbor

Actors:

Brady Coleman - Anderson

Actors:

Rick Forrester - Roper

Actors:

Terrence Gibney - Basil Thorpe

Actors:

Doug Swander - Corvette Guy

Actors:

Keeli Hale Kimbro - Corvette Girl

Actors:

Mark Jeffrey Miller - Vernon

Actors:

Blaque Fowler - Reverend

Actors:

Don Tilley - Rescue Worker

Actors:

Rockford Davis - Chemistry Teacher

Actors:

John Bennes - Doctor

Actors:

Jonathan Fawbush - Barney

Actors:

Larry Black - Fred Smith

Actors:

Frank Schuler - Moonshiner

Actors:

Tommy Smeltzer - Man at Mine

Actors:

Charles Lawlor - Miner

Actors:

Tom Turbiville - Miner

Actors:

Ida Ginn - Quentin's Mom

Actors:

Richard Lumpkin - Judge at Welch

Actors:

Mark W. Johnson - Union Official

Actors:

Don Taylor - Union Official

Actors:

Don G. Campbell - Mr. Morris

Actors:

Elizabeth Byler - Ivy League Girl

Actors:

Bradford Ryan Lund - Ivy League Boy

Actors:

Frank Hoyt Taylor - Judge at Indy

Actors:

David Hager - Head Judge

Actors:

Ray Elder - Tom Webster

Actors:

Andy Stahl - Jack Palmer

Actors:

Joey DiGaetano - Wernher von Braun

Actors:

Thomas Taylor - Miner in Elevator

Actors:

David Ducey - Man in Crowd

Actors:

Jenny Patterson - Nurse

Actors:

O. Winston Link - Locomotive Engineer