A Reel Look Back: TAPS

Earlier this week, the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, announced that it would close after the 2025-2026 academic year, after 97 years in operation. The campus was the primary filming location for the 1981 drama, TAPS. Although this year is not a significant anniversary for the film, the closure makes this a good time to look back, for the film’s plot ironically resembles this week’s news.   

 

TAPS was directed by Harold Becker and was based on the 1979 novel Father Sky. It followed a group of military school students who decide to take over their school to prevent it from closing. Leading the way was a 21-year-old Timothy Hutton, who would earn a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. Behind Hutton would be Sean Penn in his first role, and Tom Cruise in his second film and first major role. Hutton, Penn, and Cruise would undergo military training to prepare for filming. Giancarlo Esposito and Evan Handler also starred, along with veteran actors Ronny Cox and George C. Scott. Filming would take place at the Academy along with locations at Valley Forge National Historical Park, with actual cadets serving as extras. Maurice Jane would provide the score. TAPS would be met with good reviews and turn a profit at the box office. 

 

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TAPS was a film that was revisited often at home growing up, as this Blogger’s dad loved a good military drama (and also a big George C. Scott fan). Similar to A FEW GOOD MEN (the best military drama of all time), TAPS explores military duty and loyalty; themes that work just as well today as they did in 1981. 

 

Through history, Valley Forge Military Academy was the stepping off point for many careers; J.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye, was a graduate. TAPS also served as a stepping-off point for many film careers; launching the careers of Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, and future film maverick and mega-star Tom Cruise. When the Academy does close its gates, it will have a lot to be proud of.