The title of'Best martial art epic made in Perth,Western Australia in 1988'is not one taken lightly and with the awe-inspiring visionary Brian Trenchard-Smith at the helm this film was always destined for great things like finishing at the end. Featuring Australian male-icon Edward John Stazak as the perennially high-panted hero Jason Blade in his career-defining role along with a galaxy of stars of the silver screen including Jim Richards star of this film,wheezy super-villain and thief of Hulk Hogans dressing gown Michael Carman and the voice of Forty Winks(and its body)John Stanton.'Day of the Panther'also introduces the exciting new talent Paris Jefferson best known previously as a world champion jazzerciser now steaming up the movie world with her stunning sultry looks and confusing dance-routines.Sadly though the film was also the very last for the great Ow Mun Hong in a deeply moving portrayal of Triad Boss as he ceased living after he stopped breathing. Though controversially censored upon release for the scene where an innocent Hush Puppy loafer gets cruelly kicked against a wall the films critics were satisfied when it was pointed out to them that the shoe was a professional stunt slipper and was not hurt.The snare drum used for the punching noises was also content with its role though probably deserved higher billing than Denis Broad who played'Boat Salesman'. Featuring the smash-hit'Take me Back'by the vastly talented Frank Howson and his musical collaborator Allan Zavod the films soundtrack'Takes'us'Back'(?)to the Perth we all remember of the late 80's apparently a time of ugly women,bald men and woolen-net tank tops. A little known fact about the film was the presentation of a humanitarian award to cameraman Carlo Buralli who ignored personal safety and the instructions of the director in an effort to help stunt veteran Lindsay'The Holy Sock'Bijoux from falling onto barbed wire in one of the films many action sequences. A rare treat for fans of the genre is the added bonus of the trailer for the sequel'Strike of the Panther'being screened before the start of the feature which astounded those who had eyes and could remember'Sons and Daughters'. Watch it with loved ones and discover the magic of a simpler time when pink shirts and slacks could happily be made an ensemble and please enjoy'Day of the Panther'...............yes.
Review of Day of the Panther
