Street Hero


Street Hero is a 1984 Australian drama film directed by Michael Pattinson and starring Vince Colosimo, Sigrid Thornton, Sandy Gore, Bill Hunter and Ray Marshall. The film won an Australian [Film Institute Awards|AFI award].

Plot

Vinnie is a teenage boy who is an outcast at school, alienating teachers and students alike. He is a local courier for the local Mafia boss. He lives in welfare housing with his mother, a young brother and sister, and his Mum's lover whom he cannot stand. Vinnie takes out his aggression with the world practising boxing at the local gym. He is haunted by images of his father and his father's boxing career. His music teacher encourages him to get involved as a drummer with the school band, and his girlfriend Gloria and others influence him to stay away from the Mafia.

Cast

  • Vince Colosimo as Vinnie
  • Sigrid Thornton as Gloria
  • Sandy Gore as Bonnie Rogers
  • Bill Hunter as Detective Fitzpatrick
  • Ray Marshall as George
  • Amanda Muggleton as Miss Reagan
  • Peta Toppano as Vinnie's Mother
  • Luciano Catenacci as Ciccio
  • Peter Albert Sardi as Joey
  • Robert Noble as Mick O'Shea
  • Tibor Gyapjas as Freddo
  • Vince D'Amico as Nino
  • John Lee as Vice Principal
  • Fincina Hopgood as Trixie
  • John Murphy as Old Harry
  • Tony Volpe as Sylvester
  • Libbi Gorr as Alexia
  • Laurie Dobson as SP Bookmaker
  • Shane Connor as Yokel's Mate
  • Pip Mushin as Yokel's Mate
  • Jenny Apps as Yokel's Moll
  • George Bidlo as Large Man
  • Lois Collinder as Travel Lady
  • George Harlem as Pimp
  • Tiriel Mora as Junky
  • Chris Hargreaves as Policeman
  • Graham Brooke as 1st Boxing Opponent

    Awards

Street Hero was nominated for seven AFI awards in 1984 including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Music Score, although it only won Best Achievement in Sound.

Production

Colosimo, Sardi and Pattinson had previously made Moving Out. When making that film Sardi and Pattinson discovered music teachers would help underprivileged children by encouraging them to become involved in music, which inspired this film. Pattinson took the script to Bonnie Harris of Roadshow Entertainment, who got Paul Dainty involved.
The movie was a conscious effort on the part of Pattinson and Sardi to make something more commercial than their first film, while still having something based in reality. The director later admitted that the choice of music used in the film - including Leo Sayer, Sharon O'Neill and Dragon - was "maybe a bit too middle of the road".

Box office

Street Hero took in $729,344 at the box office, making it the 203rd most successful Australian Film.

Soundtrack

  1. "Every Beat of My Heart" - Jon English, Renee Geyer - 3:04
  2. "New Hero" - Dear Enemy - 4:19
  3. "Blood Red Roses" - Sharon O’Neill - 4:58
  4. "Haunting Me" - Leo Sayer - 4:52
  5. "Billy’s Theme" - 2:05
  6. "Wilderworld" - Dragon - 3:55
  7. "Death Before Dishonour" - Ross Wilson, James Black - 4:06
  8. "No Angels Tonight" - Daryl Braithwaite - 3:30
  9. "Something To Believe In" - Del Shannon - 3:11
  10. "Every Beat of My Heart" - The Streethero Orchestra - 3:09