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Smash Palace

Film, 1981

 Smash Palace

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 Synopsis

Smash Palace is a Kiwi cinema classic and launched Roger Donaldson's American career. Al Shaw (a brilliant, brooding Bruno Lawrence) is a racing car driver who now runs a wrecker's yard in the shadow of Mount Ruapehu. His French wife Jacqui is unhappy there and leaves him, taking up with Al's best mate. When she restricts Al's access to his young daughter, his frustration explodes and he goes bush with the girl, desperate not to lose her too. "There's no road back" runs the tagline. Critic Pauline Kael called the film "amazingly accomplished".

 Background

A perspective Richard King 30.08.2008

Smash Palace was Roger Donaldson's second feature film, following on from the successful Sleeping Dogs in ...

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 Credits  (13)

 Roger Donaldson
 Graeme Cowley
 Paul Leach
 Anna Maria Monticelli

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Included in:

 Speed
 Top 5 NZ Feature Films

 Where to buy

Available on DVD from Aro Video.