The Gladiator (1986 film)
| The Gladiator | |
|---|---|
 VHS cover | |
| Directed by | Abel Ferrara |
| Produced by | Tom Schulman |
| Written by | William Bleich |
| Screenplay by | |
| Story by | William Bleich |
| Starring | |
| Music by | David Frank |
| Cinematography | James Lemmo |
| Edited by | Herbert H. Dow |
Production company |
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| Distributed by | American Broadcasting Company |
Release date |
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Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Gladiator is a made-for-TV vigilante-action film directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Ken Wahl, Nancy Allen & Brian Robbins. Robert Culp, Stan Shaw & Rick Dees have supporting roles. Although originally intended for theatrical release, the film was purchased by Showtime Networks and aired on ABC Television as an original film.[1][2]
Plot
A homicidal maniac is on the loose in Los Angeles, killing motorists at random with his "death car". After losing his brother Jeff to the twisted assassin known as "Skull", Rick Benton takes it upon himself to hunt down the reckless drivers that fill the streets at night. Being a master mechanic, Rick spends his time converting his pick-up truck into an armed and dangerous vehicle. With speed to take on the fastest car and strength to make sure in a one-on-one situation, he will be the only survivor. The cops soon find out about the vigilante known only as the "Gladiator" and do all they can to catch him before his citizen's arrests go one step too far.
Cast
- Ken Wahl as Rick Benton / the Gladiator
- Nancy Allen as Susan Neville
- Brian Robbins as Jeff Benton
- Robert Culp as Lieutenant Frank Mason
- Stan Shaw as Joe Barker
- Rosemary Forsyth as Loretta Simpson
- Bart Braverman as Dan
- Rick Dees as Garth Masters
- Michael Young as Reporter
- Garry Goodrow as Cadillac Drunk
- Robert Phalen as Dr. Maxwell
- Linda Thorson as Woman in Class
- Harry Beer as Franklin
References
- ↑ Terry, Clifford (February 3, 1986). "Bronson on the Freeways: 'Gladiator' is hazardous to the health of bad drivers". The Evening Independent. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- ↑ Brenez, Nicole (2007). Contemporary film directors: Abel Ferrara. University of Illinois Press. pp. 125–128, 178. ISBN 0252074114.