Battletruck 1982

Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age.

The Cast

Michael Beck-Hunter
Annie McEnroe-Corlie
James Wainwright-Straker
Bruno Lawrence-Willie
John Bach-Bone
Randy Powell-Judd
John Ratzenberger-Rusty
Diana Rowan-Charlene

The Director: Harley Cokeliss
The Writers: Michael Abrams, Irving Austin, John Beech, Harley Cokeliss
Music by: Kevin Peek
Certificate : 15

Film Trivia

The uncredited opening narration was done by actor Randy Powell, who also plays Judd in the movie. Said narration was done by having Powell transmit a ham radio broadcast in Los Angeles, California to the filmmakers back in New Zealand.
Director/co-writer Harley Cokeliss came up with the story when he was living in Los Angeles in 1975. He was inspired by the mid-'70s oil shortage and the size of the huge oil trucks transporting gasoline to various stations in the Los Angeles area.
The top speed of the battletruck was 65 km per hour; it was the largest motorized film prop ever built in New Zealand.
Ed Harris was interviewed for the lead role of Hunter.
During a screening, Roger Corman had highlighted in the script things that he felt had gotten an inappropriate response. Director 'Harley Cokliss' decided he was right and removed them.
Due to budgetary considerations, a key battle scene was scrapped in favor of a scene where a rocket launcher that had been hidden is revealed.
The film went ahead in January of 1981 after director 'Harley Cokliss' had hooked up with producer Lloyd Phillips, who would recommend the New Zealand location.
Director Harley Cokeliss' son Barney Cokeliss is one of the children listening to the reading of "Cinderella".
John Vernon was also considered for the role of Straker.
This film was shot in seven weeks.
Michael Beck didn't have to audition for his role as Hunter.
The off-road vehicle (similar to a Burning Man mutant art car) used during the attack on the oil field is a Volkswagen Beetle bolted to the frame of a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Harley Cokeliss: One of the "dirt eating" scavengers killed by Straker's men in a field.
The destruction of the battletruck was filmed with six cameras.