Deathcheaters (1976)
A wild ride through 1970s Australian action cinema, where two Vietnam vet stuntmen become unlikely government spies.
Deathcheaters - Movie Information
- Original Title: Deathcheaters
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: Brian Trenchard-Smith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 16, 1976 (Australia)
- Alternative Titles: Los temerarios (ES), Death Cheaters - OZ (AU)
- Production Companies: D.L. Taffner Productions, Brian Trenchard-Smith Productions
- Production Countries: Australia
Deathcheaters - Plot
Two best friends, Vietnam War veterans-turned-stuntmen, are sent as spies to the Philippines on a top secret mission for the Australian government.
Deathcheaters - Trailer
See the action unfold in the official trailer for this Ozploitation classic:
Meet Steve & Rod ... Stuntmen ... Saboteurs ... Hellraisers!
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Deathcheaters - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Main Cast
- John Hargreaves
- Grant Page
- Margaret Gerard
- Ziggy
- Noel Ferrier
- Judith Woodroffe
- Ralph Cotterill
- Drew Forsythe
- John Krummel
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Writers
- Michael Cove
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Producers
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Deathcheaters - FAQs
What is Deathcheaters about?
Deathcheaters follows two best mates — Vietnam War veterans who now work as professional stuntmen — recruited by the Australian government for a covert mission in the Philippines. The film blends real stunt action with spy-thriller energy, making it a uniquely entertaining slice of 1970s Australian cinema.
Is Deathcheaters based on real stuntmen?
Grant Page, who plays Rodney Cann, was a real-life Australian stunt legend, and many of the film's jaw-dropping stunts were performed by the cast themselves. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith built the film around Page's genuine abilities, giving Deathcheaters an authenticity rare for its era.
Where can you stream Deathcheaters right now?
You can catch Deathcheaters on several free and subscription platforms, including Tubi TV, Plex, and Shout! Factory TV — all available with ads at no cost. It's also on the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel and the Plex Channel for free.
Did the cast really perform their own stunts?
Yes — and that's a big part of what makes Deathcheaters special. Grant Page was one of Australia's most daring stunt performers, and the film showcases genuinely dangerous sequences performed for real. It's as much a showcase of practical stunt craft as it is an action-adventure story.
Who are the main actors in Deathcheaters?
The film stars John Hargreaves and Grant Page as the two leads, Steve Hall and Rodney Cann. The supporting cast includes Noel Ferrier, Margaret Gerard, Judith Woodroffe, Ralph Cotterill, Drew Forsythe, and director Brian Trenchard-Smith himself in a small role.
Who directed Deathcheaters and what else did he make?
Brian Trenchard-Smith directed Deathcheaters, and he's a cult favourite known for energetic, stunt-heavy Australian genre films. He also directed The Man from Hong Kong (1975), Turkey Shoot (1982), and BMX Bandits (1983), building a reputation as one of Australia's most inventive action filmmakers.
Is Deathcheaters worth watching for action fans?
Absolutely. Deathcheaters is a beloved entry in the Australian genre cinema canon, celebrated for its practical stunts, freewheeling spirit, and the undeniable chemistry between Hargreaves and Page. Fans of 1970s action cinema and Ozploitation films consistently rate it as one of the era's most entertaining offerings.
Where was Deathcheaters filmed?
Deathcheaters was filmed primarily in Australia and the Philippines, with the spy mission sequences shot on location in the Philippines. The production made excellent use of both locations, giving the film a globe-trotting feel that punches well above its modest budget.
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