When an off-course submarine runs aground just off the coast of New England, Soviet commander Lt. Rozanov (Arkin) and two English-speaking crewmen try to finagle a boat with enough juice to free them. Unfortunately, their attempt to impersonate Norwegians doesn't fly in town, and Sheriff Link Mattocks (Keith) spreads word that the communists are finally invading.

One of the nuttiest Cold War comedies of the 1960s, Norman Jewison's box-office hit "The Russians Are Coming" has a broad, frantic quality that will resonate with kids, past and present. Oscar nominee Arkin stands out as the desperate Russian commander trying to avoid an international incident, and Jonathan Winters is a howl as an unhinged deputy sheriff mobilizing the nearby village. Note: a short advance briefing on the dynamics of the Cold War will likely increase your kids' enjoyment of this movie.