DVD Review: Turkey shoot
Reviewed by Ardath Bey

The Movie: We used to make some amazing exploitation films in this country and Brian Trenchard-Smith’s shocker from 1980, Turkey Shoot, is no exception. In a dystopian future, Australia is ruled by a hard-line government that maintains its rule by sending anyone deemed to be a dissident to behaviour modification camps. One of these camps is run by the merciless, and aptly named, Thatcher (MICHAEL CRAIG). It is here that young revolutionary Paul (STEVE RAILSBACK), accused prostitute Rita (LYNDA STONER), and innocent Argentinian hottie Chris (OLIVIA HUSSEY) are imprisoned and subjected to great humiliation from Thatcher’s castrated henchmen (including ROGER WARD of Mad Max fame). In the tradition of The Most Dangerous Game (and later Battle Royale), our heroes are offered the chance of freedom in exchange for a bit of sport. Meaning, in order to entertain some distinguished guests Thatcher tempts the prisoners with the chance of liberty if they can survive a day in the compound’s wild surroundings with armed and blood-thirsty hunters in pursuit.

This movie has got it all: nudity, extreme gore, a lesbian rapist, castrated molesters, and a great pace to it that makes for enormously fun viewing. There are also some deliciously ‘camp’ performances by a slobbering Gus Mercurio (Paul’s dad), Roger Ward, and Carmen Duncan. Certainly, the film also features some bad acting by American import Steve Railsback and a greatly unconvincing shot of a man’s whose hands have just been cut off, but all this does not alter one’s enjoyment of the film. I mean, c’mon this movie even has some crazy dude with a pet wolfman named “Alph”!

  The Movie gets,  

The DVD: Umbrella have done a great job on this one. Contained is a gorgeous widescreen transfer of the film, the theatrical trailer and two brilliant interview featurettes. None of those involved in the film seem to be holding back as Lynda Stoner ridicules the film relentlessly, Michael Craig lashes out on his “difficult” co-stars, and Brian Trenchard-Smith seems to spend a great deal of time apologising for the film’s weaknesses. The Price/Availability: The copy I have reviewed is from my personal collection. I bought for no more than $20 about three years ago, but a quick look on the internet reveals the retail price to be around $29. I’d be interested to see how much trouble people have in locating a copy of this to rent or purchase and what others think of the movie. So feel free to comment on the film or the review itself in the forums.

The DVD gets,