Midnite Spares (1983)

Steve Hall (James Laurie) is a sprint car driver from Queensland who travels to Sydney and faces off with a gang of vicious car strippers (the “midnite spares” of the title) – headed by Darrell Vincent (John Clayton) and bent cop Detective Howard (Tony Barry) – who may have something to do with the mysterious disappearance of his father, Ted.

With the help of Tomas (Max Cullen), a Czech mechanic who worked with his father for years, Steve races at the speedway under the name “Team Rat”. Grease-monkeys and tow truck drivers Wimpy (Bruce Spence) and Rabbit (David Argue) provide comic relief.

Steve becomes romantically involved with 16-year-old Ruth Mintos (Gia Carides) and incurs the wrath of her extended Italian family, led by her uncle, garden centre king Harry Diaz (Terry Camilleri).

Former Simon Townsend’s Wonderworld reporter Jonathan Coleman plays hot dog impresario Wayne Grubb. Alvin Purple star Graeme Blundell appears as a dodgy businessman called Sidebottom. The theme song Love Is The Law was written and recorded by Paul Kelly.

This Ozploitation film concludes with explosive scenes of destruction and demolition on an epic scale when Steve and the gang finally enact the advice from Tomas: “Don’t get mad – get even!”.

Focus puller David Brostoff was killed in an accident during the making of the film at the Parramatta City Raceway.

Steve Hall
James Laurie
Ruth Mintos
Gia Carides
Tomas
Max Cullen
Wimpy
Bruce Spence
Rabbit
David Argue
Detective Howard
Tony Barry
Sidebottom
Graeme Blundell
Darrell Vincent
John Clayton
Harry Diaz
Terry Camilleri
Chris the Rat
John Godden
Wayne Grubb
Jonathan Coleman
Janelle Clapton
Amanda Dole
Detective Panton
Ray Marshall
Maria Mintos
Tessa Mallos
Sophie Diaz
Deborah Masters
Joe Diaz
Chris Lewis
Caravan Lady
Moya O’Sullivan
Carol
Maggie Blinco
Diaz Rat
Ray Mizzi
Harry’s “Secretary”
Janine Campbell-Cowie

Director
Quentin Masters

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