Drama Cult Classic

An Australian runaway trapped in a neo-Nazi nightmare, based on a harrowing true story.

HOSTAGE

A living nightmare

1983 · 1h 33m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

Horrific true tale set in late 1970s Australia and later West Germany about an abused wife who learns in horror that her sadistic German-born husband is actually a fanatical neo-Nazi.

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Quick Answer

What is Hostage about?

Hostage is a 1983 Australian drama film directed by Frank Shields about a young runaway who becomes trapped in an abusive marriage to a psychotic neo-Nazi.

Programmer's Pick

Hostage is pure Ozploitation: a true-crime descent into neo-Nazi terror, anchored by Kerry Mack’s raw performance as Christine. The film is as much a time capsule of late-70s sleaze as it is a harrowing tale of survival. Not for the faint of heart—or the faint of fashion.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Hostage follows Christine, a spirited young runaway working at a carnival sideshow in 1970s Australia. Her carefree lifestyle changes when she meets Walter Maresch, a charming German carnival worker whose dark, sadistic side emerges only after she is coerced into marriage. Christine is persuaded to move with Walter to West Germany, where she finds herself ensnared in a circle of fanatical neo-Nazi sympathizers and subjected to relentless control and abuse. With her freedom stolen and her life devolving into a waking nightmare, Christine clings to the hope of escaping back to Australia. This unsettling drama, rooted in real events, is a cult favorite from the Ozploitation era, capturing the grit and atmosphere of its time.

Details & Specs

Director: Frank Shields
Writers: Ian Barry, Christine Maresch, John Lind, Frank Shields
Release: 1983
Runtime: 1h 33m
Country: Australia
Language: German, English
Genres: Drama
Also Known As: Savage Attraction

Why This Matters

This Australian crime film is notable for being based on a true story, reflecting real-life events that continued to have relevance decades after its release.

— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Frank Shields Writers: Ian Barry +3 more

Kerry Mack Christine Maresch

Ralph Schicha Walter Maresch GB Gabriella Barraket Mandy

Judy Nunn Mrs. Lewis VR Vic Robins Mr. Lewis DG Doris Goddard Mrs. Hoffman MH Michael Harrs John Hoffman CB Clare Binney Freda Hoffman HJ Hank Johannes Wolfgang BC Burt Cooper Helmut IM Ian Mortimer Gary MK Moshe Kedem Zaiter IS Ian Shrives Pimp in Club TH Tony Hughes Pimp's Mate

Tony Blackett Australian Surgeon LM Laurie Moran Marine Manager

Redmond Phillips Priest

David Bracks Gas Station Attendant

Richard Carter Smart Aleck LB Lou Brown Marina Worker 1 GB Geoffrey Brown Marina Worker 2 LL Leigh Luxmoore Factory Worker 1

John Sheerin Factory Worker 2 SS Sal Sharah Iranian Border Official NG Nic Gazzana Turkish Bandit RN Rangi Nikora Turkish Bandit

Benno Sterzenbach Mr. Maresch LK Lydia Kreibohm Heidi Maresch MW Maximilian Wolters Reisenberg MF Martin Falk Wernher BS Bill Summers Policeman at Caravan GS George Sais Turkish Bandit JC Jade Clayton Turkish Bandit KD Klaus Deisen German Policeman MR Murray Robertson German Policeman IH Inger Holdaway German Policeman BE Bernd Eckhardt Straub KF Klaus Fuchs Policeman at Bank

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