The Gladiator (1986 film)

The Gladiator
VHS cover
GenreAction
Drama
Thriller
Written byWilliam Bleich
Screenplay byTom Schulman
Jeffrey Walker
Story byWilliam Bleich
Directed byAbel Ferrara
StarringKen Wahl
Nancy Allen
Brian Robbins
Robert Culp
Stan Shaw
Rick Dees
Music byDavid Frank
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersMichael Chase Walker
Jeffrey Walker
Tom Schulman
ProducerRobert Lovenheim
CinematographyJames Lemmo
EditorHerbert H. Dow
Running time104 minutes
Production companiesWalker Brothers Productions
New World Television
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseFebruary 3, 1986 (1986-02-03)

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

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Brenez, Nicole (2007). Contemporary film directors: Abel Ferrara. University of Illinois Press. pp. 125–128, 178. ISBN 978-0252074110.