Musings on the Aussie horror of screenwriter Everett De Roche.

I just watched this film for the first time in January 2024 and again for a second time last week.

A superb children-in-jeopardy film starring Rachel Ward as a teacher who is kidnapped alongside her class for ransom by a group of criminals in creepy masks (Father Christmas, Pussy Cat, Dabby Duck & Mac the Mouse).

Ward gives a great performance as the endearing and dutiful teacher trying to protect the children. The film has great atmosphere along with a few superb and tense set pieces.

Promotional photograph still of Ward and 'Pussy Cat'.
https://resizing.flixster.com/-XZAfHZM39UwaGJIFWKAE8fS0ak=/v3/t/assets/p8619_i_v9_aa.jpg

'Father Christmas'. Leader of the four bad guys.
https://alchetron.com/cdn/fortress-1985-film-79621095-41de-4494-881e-ce6edfcde1e-resize-750.jpg



I did something of a watch through of several Everett De Roche written films, firstly by chance and then by intent when I realized he was the writer of so many Australian thriller-horror films.

Patrick (1978)
Long Weekend (1978)
Roadgames (1981)
Razorback (1984)
Fortress (1985)
Link (1986)

Bolded are works directed by Australian director Richard Franklin, a frequent collaborator.

- Patrick is okay. A comatose man with supernatural powers.
- Long Weekend is an interesting 'when nature fights back' film.
- Roadgames is a great on-the-road thriller.
- Razborback is recommended if only for it's oustandingly stylish photography. A decent movie all together, as good as a movie about a killer boar is likely to be.
- Fortress is outstanding. I think many who saw it as children really resonate with proceedings, being able to put themselves in the shoes of the kidnapped children.
- Link is a lot of fun. One of the best killer ape movies you'll come across.

My rankings;
1. Fortress
2. Link
3. Roadgames
4. Razorback
5. Long Weekend
6. Patrick



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_De_Roche
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Franklin_(director)