A saxophone player with the Moscow Circus defects in Bloomingdale's while on tour in New York. What follows are a series of serio-comic misadventures of a man's attempt to adjust to his new life in America.

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IMHO, this film is severely under-rated. Most people have never heard of it; yet as far as I'm concerned, it's one of Williams' best roles. This is one of those movies that's about the characters, and they're developed beautifully. Mazursky and his casting people wisely selected veteran character performers to complement Williams and Venezualan soap-opera pro Alonzo. No one, not even Williams, steals their scenes, and that's as it should be in a movie like this.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:

Freedom isn't free and other things to think about ..........Sep 06, 2005
By Kim A Miller
For many years, I counted Moscow on the Hudson as my favorite film and if you like to be mildy entertained while considering what it means to be free in the USA, you may also love this thoughtful comedy. This was the first film that broke whatever box folks might have been trying to put Robin Williams in (after Mork and Mindy) and added Actor with a capital A to the public perception of him (at least for those who had the chance to see Moscow).

Among my favorite lines in the film is the disenchanted emigree played by Robin in a blue moment saying "When I was in Russia, I loved my misery, because it was mine." I think of this when I meet people whose eyes are closed to how precious our freedom is and the cost we must pay to learn to respect and treasure it.

There are many great scenes worth the wait, such as the final statement scene in the diner where other Russians who have learned how to deal with freedom, set the little Russian straight.

This is not an action filled or laugh filled romp. It is a film that requires a little patience and reflection, but an illumination to those with an open mind. Bravo Mazursky and Williams!

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

It expresses the bewilderment that early Russian immigrants feltDec 04, 2007
By Brooklyn_Perl
As someone whose family left Russia for America in the early to mid 70's this movie strikes a cord with me. I was too young to understand when this movie came out what my family felt when they came here. The sense of fear that Robins character feels when he is so close to being able to stay in America but the KGB will not allow him. Their watchful eye at every turn, even in America made Russians in that age feel justifiably paranoid. Robins overreaction in the super market to the choices in different brands of coffee. I found that hilarious as did members of my family but it is a humorous and accurate depiction of what we felt back then. The choices available was incredibly overwheeling. Seeing in that movie the drab lifestyle in communist Russia and the only thing that kept a person sane was idle chatter with ones neighbors. Of course I shouldnt forget the kindness expressed by the average American New Yorker. Also, the justifiable pride in being an American and standing up or someone seeking the safety of our borders. The only thing I would add to this film is maybe fast forwarding 20+ years when the Berlin Wall fell and the Communist Russia imploded. There a collective sigh of relief could be portrayed and Robins character would be reunited with this friends and family.

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

A Forgotten Gem of Robin WilliamsFeb 22, 2006
By Jeff B "JB"
One of Robin Williams Early works and Sadly a Forgotten Gem of him. Sometimes Sad, Sometimes Funny as can be it showed his range and abilities even then. He Plays a Russian Circus Musician Tasked to keep an Eye on his friend who has made "Noises" about defecting when the Circus Travels to NYC. Don't want to ruin the Story or Surprises (If you are surprised) but this is a wonderful Story that will take you from Sad to Happy to Laughing and back again.

If you liked Dead Poets Society you will LOVE this.

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