This Children’s Film Foundation (CFF) production told the story of a children’s gang in London called The Battersea Bats, who decide to build a pedal-driven go-kart and enter it in a soapbox derby.
A 15-year-old Michael Crawford stars in his first screen appearance as the leader of the gang Peter Toms. The other members are Legs Johnson (Keith Davis) and Foureyes Fulton (Roy Townsend).
A rival gang, The Victoria Victors – led by Lew Lender (Alan Coleshill) accompanied by John (Malcolm Kirby), and Fred (Raymond Dudley) – contrive to steal their soapbox plans,.
But the Bats think Foureyes has given the plans to the Victors and shun him. Lew Lender then recruits him into the Victors, which compounds the suspicions of Peter and Legs.
Lew and his father, Mr Lender, eventually steal the Battersea Bats’ soapbox, No. 7 and attempt to dispose of it at the local quarry but are thwarted by Legs, Peter and his Grandpa (Mark Daly).
They return to the race at Crystal Palace just in time, and Peter races in the Battersea Bats’ No. 7 against Foureyes, driving the Victoria Victors’ No. 6.
The Battersea Bats are victorious, and Foureyes is welcomed back into the Bats after his sister, Betty (Carla Challoner), explains that it was Lew Lender who stole the plans.
Peter Toms
Michael Crawford Legs Johnson
Keith Davis Foureyes Fulton
Roy Townsend Lew Lender
Alan Coleshill John
Malcolm Kirby Fred
Raymond Dudley Betty
Carla Challoner Grandpa
Mark Daly Mr Lender
Denis Shaw Mrs Fulton
Jean Ireland Bill Hubbard
David Williams Barrow Boy
Harry Fowler
Director
Darcy Conyers
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A rival gang, The Victoria Victors – led by Lew Lender (Alan Coleshill) accompanied by John (Malcolm Kirby), and Fred (Raymond Dudley) – contrive to steal their soapbox plans,.
