Motorama (1991)

A ten year-old boy runs away from his abusive parents, steals a Mustang, and a pursues a promotional card game sold at gas stations.

Director:

Barry Shils

Writer:

Joseph Minion

Stars:

Jordan Christopher Michael, Martha Quinn, Michael Naegel

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jordan Christopher Michael	...	Gus
Martha Quinn	...	Bank Teller
Michael Naegel	...	Boy at Wagon Wheel
Susan Tyrrell	...	Bartender
Harper Flaherty	...	Old Man at Wagon Wheel
John Laughlin	...	Man at Wagon Wheel
Kurt Bryant	...	Another Man
John Diehl	...	Phil
Robert Picardo	...	Jerry the Policeman
Jack Nance	...	Motel Clerk
Cynthia King	...	Girl in Backseat (as Cynthia R. King)
Garrett Morris	...	Andy
Michael J. Pollard	...	Lou
Flea	...	Busboy
Sandy Baron	...	Kidnapping Husband

Storyline

A ten year old boy gets tired of life with abusive parents and cashes in his piggy bank and steals a Mustang. He rides off into a surreal America playing "Motorama," a game sponsored by Chimera Gas Company. He has various encounters with different people, and eventually reaches the Chimera Gas Company where he finds they are not playing by the rules of the game.

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Plot Keywords:

child driving car | automobile | child as adult | boy | ford mustang | 

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Taglines:

Most kids can't wait to get their driver's license. Ten-year-old Gus didn't.

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in December of 1990, and made the rounds at a few festivals, but didn't get a proper release until January 1993.

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Goofs

When Gus is in the restaurant getting the funny glasses from the vending machine, Fleas character walks out of the kitchen and while trying to pass by with the dish pan accidentally elbows Gus in the back of the head forcing his head into the vending machine.

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Quotes

Doctor: [checks Gus' eye] Yeah, it's pretty nasty. It is a pretty nasty wound. Did you hit him?
Darrell, Kidnapping Husband: Me? Yeah. I would... I would have to admit that I hit him, yes.
Doctor: Well, I can save his eye but I'm going to have to operate on your son tonight.
Kidnapping Wife: He's not our...
Darrell, Kidnapping Husband: [laughs for stop his wife] Tonight? You have to operate tonight?
Doctor: Yes. Otherwise he's lose his sight. It's plain and simple.
Darrell, Kidnapping Husband: Aga... A-a... OK. Yeah... I guess he'll have to lose his sight.
Doctor: What? I didn't heard that...
Darrell, Kidnapping Husband: I said, I guess it's our decision, right?
Doctor: [...]

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Connections

Featured in I Don't Know Jack (2002)

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Soundtracks

King Of The Twelve Ounce Bottles
Performed by Range War
Written by Lee Ving
Published by Range War Music

User Reviews

Offbeat

Offbeat film about a kid who runs away from home and steals a vintage Mustang and treks across a surrealistic version of the southwest collecting cards for an oil company promotional game called Motorama. Most of the performances in the film amount to cameos by recognizable actors and actresses, with only the kid getting any real screen time. Although ultimately the film doesn't really go anywhere it's an interesting trip to watch. Be warned that although Drew Barrymore appears on the video box she's only in the movie for about eight seconds. *** out of *****

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 January 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Motorama

Filming Locations:

Glen Canyon Dam, Colorado River, Page, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,577, 17 January 1993

Gross USA:

$10,535

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,535

Company Credits

Production Co:

Planet Productions, Proletariat Productions Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1