Came A Hot Friday - 1984

Came A Hot Friday - 1984 Mirage Films - 105 min. UPC 8856021032313; 9418212012260 Cast: Peter Bland, Phillip Gordon, Billy T. James, Michael Lawrence, Marshall Napier, Marise Wipani, Erna Larson, Phillip Holden, Don Selwyn, Patricia Phillips, Michael Morrisey. Screenplay: Dean Parker, Ian Mune based upon a story by Ronald Hugh Morrieson; Cinematographer: Alun Bollinger; Editor: Ken Zemke; Production Design: Ron Highfield; Music: Stephen McCurdy; "This Time", sung by Beaver; "Work for the Money" and "Out in the Cold" sung by Prince Tui Teka; Producer: Larry Parr; Director: Ian Mune. In 1949 Wes and his sidekick Cyril are conmen eking out a meagre living by scamming small-town bookies. They arrive in Tainui and go to work with the help of gullible local, Don. They actually make some money, more by luck than judgement, but when Wes wins a very large amount of money gambling at the villainous Sel Bishop's illicit casino, Sel manages to avoid paying up. Wes and company join forces with the bizarre "Mexican" bandit, the Tainui Kid, and set out to get Wes's money back. The second, after 'Goodbye Pork Pie', New Zealand feature to reach $1 million at the box office. Recommended. Censor Rating: PG - Review Rating: B

AVAILABILITY OF VHS OR DVD COPIES

Originally available in PAL or NTSC vhs. No known source for new PAL copies. New NTSC copies sell for at least $20us.Used NTSC copies will probably be under $10us.

NOTE: Regarding dvd copies - There have been regular dvd's that originated from Thailand, but as of 26 January, 2010, when I attempted to obtain more from the Thai distributor, I was told that they were no longer available. For the record, the dvd is presented in a 1.30:1 aspect ratio and comes with optional English or Thai language tracks as well as optional English or Thai subtitles. These discs are R0 (All zones), although the box slick says it's R3. In July 2011, copies have been seen selling at ebay UK for about $12#.

Starting 06 July 2011, a PAL R0 with an aspect ratio of 1.76:1 became available from New Zealand sources, selling for about $30nz. The only "extra" is a dolby digital remastered 5.1 surround soundtrack option, as well as the original digital 2.0 soundtrack. Among others, orders may be placed with Screenline of Auckland.