Taps (1981): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Taps is a 1981 drama directed by Harold Becker, starring Timothy Hutton and George C. Scott. It runs 2 hours 6 minutes and earned $35.9 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) at the Golden Globes 1982. Critics gave it 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 6m (126 min)
- Director
- Harold Becker
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Taps About?
The premise of Taps without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Facing the prospect of their prestigious military academy being torn down to make way for condominiums, a group of cadets takes matters into their own hands. Led by Cadet Major Brian Moreland, they seize control of the school, triggering a tense standoff with the Army. As the rebellion escalates, the students must grapple with the responsibilities of leadership and the difficult choices that come with fighting for what they believe in, ultimately questioning the true meaning of sacrifice.
Taps Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- student
- military academy
- military training
- the future
- military
- school shooting
- playing taps
- tragic hero
- teacher student relationship
- battle
- death of hero
- based on novel
+38 more Show fewer
- group shower
- man in a shower
- male in a shower
- male nudity
- bare chested boy
- boy
- one word title
- teen movie
- male rear nudity
- public address system
- church service
- engine trouble
- commencement
- father son estrangement
- flag lowering ceremony
- military general
- pomp and circumstance
- death of protagonist
- reference to condo development
- watching star trek
- military parade
- armed standoff
- attempted surrender
- army tank
- adult versus child
- death of leader
- commander killed
- man carries the dead body of a man in his arms
- boys showering together
- psychological drama
- tragedy drama
- old man
- military funeral
- older man younger man relationship
- teacher
- last stand
- m 16
- explosion
Taps Cast
Timothy Hutton leads the cast, with George C. Scott. Directed by Harold Becker.
-
Director Harold Becker
More from Harold Becker
More films directed by Harold Becker, best-rated first: City Hall, Vision Quest, Malice and The Onion Field.
Taps Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Taps 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 49 Metascore
User score 7.8
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 68% User score
See on TMDB
Taps Plot Summary
What happens in Taps from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
On the eve of the graduation parade at Bunker Hill military academy, Cadet Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton) has a private meeting with the academy’s commander, retired Brigadier General Harlan Bache (George C. Scott), who is an esteemed alumnus of the school. During this pivotal discussion, Bache promotes Moreland to Cadet Major, the highest rank achievable at the academy. However, the following day brings troubling news: General Bache, returning home with a weighed-down expression, reveals that the school’s board of trustees has agreed to sell the academy to real estate developers. Although the school will remain open for an additional year to allow the Seniors to graduate, this decision instills a mix of hope and despair among the cadets who ponder the potential closure.
Full summary
The whole story of Taps, scene by scene
Taps Box Office
Taps grossed $35.9 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$35.9M
- US & Canada
- $35.9M
Taps Awards & Nominations
Taps earned 1 award nomination, including Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) at the Golden Globes 1982.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Golden Globes 1982 1 nomination- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) – Timothy Hutton
Taps Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Taps.
How Well Do You Know Taps?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What rank is bestowed upon Cadet Brian Moreland?
Cars in Taps
20 cars on screen, including the Chrysler M48 A5PI 'Patton' and the 1951 GMC M135.
-
Chrysler M48 A5PI 'Patton' Important role -
1951 GMC M135 Important role -
1980 Buick Century Minor role -
1973 Chevrolet Chevy Van Minor role
Taps Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “The Siege at Bunker Hill: T.A.P.S” and “Taps - Squilli Di Rivolta”.
- Also known as
-
- The Siege at Bunker Hill: T.A.P.S
- Taps - Squilli Di Rivolta
- Отбой
- Taps - Más allá del honor
- Más allá del honor
- Toque de Recolher
- Die Kadetten von Bunker Hill
- Taps, más allá del honor
- Takarodó
- 熄灯号
- Szkoła Kadetów
- De unge helte
+9 more Show fewer
- 생도의 분노
- Кадети
- Més enllà de l’honor
- Ταπς, η σάλπιγγα της ανταρσίας
- Večerka
- แท็ปส์ ตบเท้าปฏิวัติ
- タップス
- Le dernier clairon
- Tapto
Seen Taps?
Movies Like Taps
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Toy Soldiers, Navy Blue and Gold and Home of the Brave.
Taps FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Taps, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Taps?
Taps runs 2 hours 6 minutes (126 minutes).
When was Taps released?
Taps was released on December 25, 1981.
Who directed Taps?
Taps was directed by Harold Becker.
More films by Harold Becker Who is in the cast of Taps?
Taps stars Timothy Hutton and George C. Scott.
How much did Taps make at the box office?
Taps grossed $35.9 million worldwide.
How is Taps rated?
Taps has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 49 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.
Was Taps nominated for any awards?
Taps received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Taps have a post-credit scene?
No. Taps has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
