The Defection of Simas Kudirka poster
Where to stream

The Defection of Simas Kudirka

6.019781h 40mMovieTV MovieDrama

Based on the true story of the attempted defection in 1970 by a Lithuanian seaman seeking political asylum in the United States. Kudirka was denied asylum and returned to the Soviets, charged with treason, and sentenced to ten years of…

DirectorDavid Lowell Rich
WriterBruce Feldman
ProducersRichard Briggs·Gerald I. Isenberg

Where to watch

Not streaming yet
Check back soon

The Defection of Simas Kudirka was released on January 23, 1978 but we couldn't find it on any streaming service yet. Rights can change — try again later.

Get the app to be notified

Cast · Directed by David Lowell Rich

AAAlan Arkin
Alan Arkin
Simas Kudirka
RJRichard Jordan
Richard Jordan
Cmdr. Edward Devon
DPDonald Pleasence
Donald Pleasence
Capt. Vladimir Popov
GDGeorge Dzundza
George Dzundza
Gruzauskas
JMJohn McMartin
John McMartin
Phillip Chadway
SKShirley Knight
Shirley Knight
Genna Kudirka
MS
Marvin Silbersher
Cmdr. Burkalis
PE
Peter Evans
Mott
TSTed Shackelford
Ted Shackelford
Blain
BHBarton Heyman
Barton Heyman
Dr. Paegle
JBJack Blessing
Jack Blessing
Kabek
NGNicholas Guest
Nicholas Guest
Baltrunar

More from Alan Arkin · Lead actor

BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman
2014 · 8.5
Chicago Hope
Chicago Hope
1994 · 7.2
Will & Grace
Will & Grace
1998 · 6.9
American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
St. Elsewhere
St. Elsewhere
1982 · 5.7
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Minions: The Rise of Gru
2022 · 7.3
Faerie Tale Theatre
Faerie Tale Theatre
1982 · 8.1
Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands
1990 · 7.7
Get Smart
Get Smart
2008 · 6.2
Gattaca
Gattaca
1997 · 7.6
See all fromAlan Arkin

More from Richard Jordan · Co-star actor

American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
Tales from the Crypt
Tales from the Crypt
1989 · 8.0
Dune
Dune
1984 · 6.2
The Equalizer
The Equalizer
1985 · 7.1
Naked City
Naked City
1958 · 5.7
The Defenders
The Defenders
1961 · 6.3
Ben Casey
Ben Casey
1961 · 5.9
The F.B.I.
The F.B.I.
1965 · 5.6
Kojak
Kojak
1973 · 7.3
The Hunt for Red October
The Hunt for Red October
1990 · 7.4
See all fromRichard Jordan

More from David Lowell Rich · Director

Mannix
Mannix
1967 · 6.8
Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible
1966 · 7.6
Highway Patrol
Highway Patrol
1955 · 6.2
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
1962 · 7.9
Maverick
Maverick
1957 · 7.0
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone
1959 · 8.5
Studio One
Studio One
1948 · 5.4
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
1956 · 6.2
Cannon
Cannon
1971 · 6.7
Route 66
Route 66
1960 · 6.7
See all fromDavid Lowell Rich

More like this

Girl in the Box
Girl in the Box
2016 · 6.7
Ted K
Ted K
2021 · 6.0
Emancipation
Emancipation
2022 · 7.7
I Am David
I Am David
2003 · 6.8
The Count of Monte-Cristo
The Count of Monte-Cristo
1975 · 6.9
Richard Jewell
Richard Jewell
2019 · 7.4
The Kill Team
The Kill Team
2019 · 6.5
Won't Back Down
Won't Back Down
2012 · 6.1
Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding
Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding
2003 · 6.0
Georgetown
Georgetown
2019 · 5.9
Gigi & Nate
Gigi & Nate
2022 · 7.6
Cheaters
Cheaters
2000 · 6.3

The Defection of Simas Kudirka — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Defection of Simas Kudirka?

The Defection of Simas Kudirka isn't streaming anywhere in Canada yet.

Is The Defection of Simas Kudirka on Netflix?

No, The Defection of Simas Kudirka is not on Netflix in Canada as of September 2026.

Is The Defection of Simas Kudirka on Amazon Prime Video?

No, The Defection of Simas Kudirka isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Canada right now.

Where can I watch The Defection of Simas Kudirka for free?

The Defection of Simas Kudirka isn't streaming in Canada yet, so there's no way to watch it free at the moment.

What is the OTT release date for The Defection of Simas Kudirka?

The Defection of Simas Kudirka hasn't started streaming in Canada yet. Based on the typical 6–8 week theatrical-to-streaming window, we estimate it will arrive around March 13, 1978. This is a prediction, not a confirmed date.

Is The Defection of Simas Kudirka based on a true story?

Yes — The Defection of Simas Kudirka is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).