This documentary tells the story behind Smash Palace. The iconic 1981 drama had a shaky start; the NZ Film Commission found an early draft "too personal". Cast and crew share stories from the central North Island set and recall Donaldson's improvisational approach, while director Geoff Murphy admires Donaldson's team building skills. Donaldson's casting proved crucial to the film's success: actors Greer Robson, Keith Aberdein and Anna Maria Monticelli all come in for praise. As for the part of tormented car yard owner Al Shaw, the "fearless" Bruno Lawrence was Donaldson's only choice.