Midnite Spares
(1983)
Midnite Spares is a 1983 action comedy about a
wannabe race car driver Steve (James Laurie, upholding the tradition of
no-names in the lead of 80s Australian films) who has come back to his
father's workshop after he is killed in mysterious circumstances. The
place is run by a ragtag bunch, but for the most part they are squeaky
clean. It is suspected that a rogue group of car thieves is behind his
father's death and Steve wants his revenge, but this group has friends in
high places and they aren't going down without a fight. Also, Steve falls
for Ruth (Gia Carides), but she has a rather strict family and it's going
to take a lot to convince them he's the bloke for her.
As I said above, the lead is a virtual no name,
but the cast is full of a merry band of journeymen actors who are more
well known. The mood is jovial through and for the most part the film is
played for broad laughs. It's a fun film without been all that memorable
and came from a period where Australians were flooded with similar car
films (Mad Max, Running on Empty etc.). I'm surprised that these type of
car films aren't still getting made as Australians are still pretty
obsessed with cars.
And man, Gia Carides is so young and cute in this
film that the role seems like a relic. She pretty much only plays blowsy
women now. and has for over 20 years (see Strictly Ballroom, Bad Company,
Primary Colors, Brilliant Lies, East of Everywhere and the now showing
Small Time Gangster plus many others). Amanda Dole is one of those curious
fixtures in 80s Australian cinema, more notable for her nude spread(s)
than her acting, but she's the star of a curious film called Pandemonium
thanks to her boyfriend of the time. I've haven't actually seen the film,
but everyone that's seen it seems to have no idea what to think about it.
And Amanda starts naked in the film... Might have to find a copy
somewhere.
Amanda Dole film clips (collages
below)
Gia Carides collages:
|
