Click to See Covers and Photos!
Combat Shock  (1986)
American Nightmare
Nomination Year: 1996
SYNOPSIS: Frankie, a Vietnam vet, is having a really hard time readjusting to civilian life. He has no job, no money, no help from the government. He lives in a disgusting vermin-trap with his nagging wife. Thanks to his exposure to Agent Orange or somesuch, his child is a mutated puppet-baby with colic. He exists in a world of crushing poverty, drugs, and loan sharks. When he can no longer pay his exorbitant debt, he is driven to murder the loan shark, eventually killing his wife, his baby, then himself. I can't wait for the Disney version.
Kevin Hogan
Smithee Award Nominations
Smithee Award Winner! "Wanna Run That By Me Again?"
Life Is Hot -- This Movie's Not
In the midst of a relatively normal conversation with his unemployment caseworker, the caseworker says, out of the blue: "Life is hot, Frankie. And because it is hot, I am compelled to remove my jacket." Then he hangs up his jacket.
Sorry, this clip has not yet been made available!
Worst Picture
Everyone Loves a Happy Ending
If the Smithees included a "Highest Grossing Picture Award," this film would certainly take the prize, but it wouldn't be for box-office revenues. There is honestly less gore in many of the Friday the 13th pictures. In the nominated scene (mercifully the end), Frankie has just murdered the loan shark. Covered with blood and in a stupor, he takes the gun home to his wife. He tells her he loves her (for what looks like the first time in a long time), then gut-shoots her. We know she's dead because blood squirts out of her mouth. The constantly-crying rubber infant doll-puppet is next. We know it's dead because blood squirts from its mouth. Then, near-catatonic and in full-flashback mode, Frankie heads to the kitchen to pour himself a nice, chunky glass of year-old milk, which he sits down and drinks -- yum! Then he puts the gun to his head, and pulls the trigger, much like most of the audience is longing to do at this point. Unlike most other directors, this one does not have the camera pull away here and we're treated to some nice brain-splatter against the wall. In case there's any doubt, we know he's dead because...well, you get the idea. When this was in theaters, I'll bet they gave out wrist-razors as a promotional item. All in all, a light-hearted fun-fest for the entire family.
Sorry, this clip has not yet been made available!
Directors
Director Claim to Fame
Buddy Giovinazzo unbelievably, this film did not end his career 
Cast
Actor Character Claim to Fame
Ricky Giovinazzo <Not Yet in Database> this movie (produced, directed, written, etc by his brother Buddy) is his only acting credit ... but he has orchestrated over 75 films 
Veronica Stork <Not Yet in Database>  
Ray Pinero <Not Yet in Database>  
To the Film Gallery   Return to Lobby
[Smithee Film Gallery]   [Return to Lobby]
© 1992-2024 Bryan D. Cassidy and Greg Pearson. All Rights Reserved.