Volunteers 1985
"Ready or not, here they come."
Set against the backdrop of 1962, *Volunteers (1985)* follows Lawrence, a charismatic Yale graduate who finds himself in hot water after racking up a sizable gambling debt—one his wealthy father refuses to cover.
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Cast
Tom Hanks
Lawrence Whatley Bourne III
John Candy
Tom Tuttle
Rita Wilson
Beth Wexler
Tim Thomerson
John Reynolds
Gedde Watanabe
At Toon
George Plimpton
Lawrence Bourne Jr.
Ernest Harada
Chung Mee
Allan Arbus
Albert Bardenaro
Xander Berkeley
Kent Sutcliffe
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
Cicero
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Volunteers (1985) about?
*Volunteers (1985)* follows Lawrence, a Yale graduate who flees a gambling debt by joining the Peace Corps in 1960s Thailand. Alongside quirky fellow volunteers, he faces cultural clashes, bureaucratic hurdles, and his own reckless tendencies as he tries to survive two years in the jungle.
Who directed Volunteers?
Nicholas Meyer directed *Volunteers*. Known for his work on *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan*, Meyer brings a sharp, comedic touch to this 1980s classic.
Who stars in Volunteers?
The film stars Tom Hanks as Lawrence, with John Candy, Rita Wilson, Tim Thomerson, and Gedde Watanabe rounding out the main cast.
Is Volunteers (1985) worth watching?
As a lighthearted comedy with heart, *Volunteers (1985)* delivers plenty of laughs thanks to Tom Hanks' charisma and John Candy's dynamic presence. While not a critical darling, its nostalgic charm and breezy runtime make it a fun pick for fans of 80s comedies.
How long is Volunteers?
The film runs for 107 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Volunteers (1985) — Comedy where a Yale grad's debt leads to Peace Corps chaos in Thailand
Set against the backdrop of 1962, *Volunteers (1985)* follows Lawrence, a charismatic Yale graduate who finds himself in hot water after racking up a sizable gambling debt—one his wealthy father refuses to cover. Desperate to escape the fallout, he impulsively signs up for the Peace Corps, trading his Ivy League privileges for a two-year stint in the lush, unpredictable jungles of Thailand's Golden Triangle. Alongside an eclectic group of fellow volunteers, including a loudmouthed best friend and an idealistic love interest, Lawrence navigates culture shock, bureaucratic absurdities, and his own unchecked charm. Directed with sharp wit by Nicholas Meyer, this comedy blends fish-out-of-water humor with the spirit of adventure, offering a nostalgic yet timely look at idealism and self-discovery.
The film's heart lies in its clash of personalities and cultures, where Lawrence's fast-talking, self-serving ways collide with the serious mission of international aid. Rita Wilson shines as his love interest, while John Candy delivers scene-stealing comic relief as his boisterous roommate. With themes of redemption, second chances, and the chaos of youthful rebellion, *Volunteers (1985)* remains a standout comedy that balances laugh-out-loud moments with surprising depth.
