Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Bruno Lawrence | ... | Al Shaw | |
Anna Maria Monticelli | ... | Jacqui Shaw (as Anna Jemison) | |
Greer Robson-Kirk | ... | Georgie Shaw (as Greer Robson) | |
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Keith Aberdein | ... | Ray Foley |
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Desmond Kelly | ... | Tiny |
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Lynne Robson | ... | Linda |
Margaret Umbers | ... | Rose | |
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Sean Duffy | ... | Frank |
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Bryan Johnson | ... | 2nd Police Officer |
Terence Donovan | ... | Traffic Officer | |
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Dick Rollo | ... | Uncle Arthur |
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Ian Barber | ... | Fight Leader |
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Mike Beytagh | ... | Armed Offenders' Squad |
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Brian Chase | ... | Armed Offenders' Squad |
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Ross Davies | ... | Armed Offenders' Squad |
Al Shaw's life revolves around motor racing and his back country junkyard, the "Smash Palace". His French wife, Jacqui, doesn't appreciate the lack of attention due to Al's obsession with cars. When Al finds her in the arms of another man, he takes his daughter, Georgie and heads for the bush, desperately hoping to hold on to the only family he has left. Written by Evan Yates
Rather an unpleasant and tedious watch with mundane storyline and only workmanlike direction. Bruno Lawrence carries the film as the distinctly uncharismatic scrapyard owner although his scenes with the excellent young girl Greer Robson are some of the best elements. Indeed what I did like here is the scrapyard itself, a quite amazing graveyard of old busted and rusting vehicles and the amazing snowy mountain backdrop. I also liked the performance of young Robson and if more could have been like the birthday cake scene all might have been well. I also thought the last 5 minutes or so were very well done and at least I ended the film with a smile on my face. Goodness only knows why fledgling director Roger Donaldson took on Australian newbie Anna Jemison who really seemed to struggle and has some of the most embarrassing scenes I recall seeing, the drunken and bed ones in particular. Overall this is a dull and dreary affair with only the aforementioned junk yard and young girl likely to remain in the memory - oh and the ultra embarrassing full frontal in the street from Bruno Lawrence.