Big Bopper's History
The following gives a brief account of the short life of Big Bopper.
Big Bopper is the first of the Main Force Patrol (M.F.P.) cars that appears in the film Mad Max. It is a standard Pursuit car, number MFP 08. Roop (played by Steve Millichamp) and Charlie (John Ley) drive Big Bopper.
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Roop |
Charlie |
While on patrol they are called to assist another Main Force car (March Hare) already in hot pursuit of a stolen M.F.P. Pursuit Special driven by The Nightrider (Vince Gill).
The Nightrider
Charlie and Roop argue about who's driving but Charlie took the call, so he drives.
"I've been assigned!"
They take off into the dusty, barren landscape at top speed. When they finally hit the road they're half a mile off target, but seconds later the stolen Pursuit Special, trailed by March Hare, appear's opposite them. Roop gets his shot gun ready, while Charlie wants to ram him.
Wasteland pursuit
Up until the last second Big Bopper and the Pursuit Special are both heading toward the same road junction, but The Nightrider slams on the brakes while Roop blasts his gun and hits a Give Way sign. Big Bopper hits another sign by the side of the road and ends up with a large dent in the rear passenger door, as well as a broken bonnet and roof light.
"I'm gonna blow him away!"
Roop blows his top. He tears the bonnet off the car and then makes Charlie move over, so he can do the driving. They take off in the car again. It doesn't take long for them to catch up with the chase again on the outskirts of town.
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"For Christ's sake, shove over!" |
Going again |
Big Bopper is almost at breaking point behind The Nightrider.
Chasing The Nightrider
From nowhere, a Mazda van pulls out in front of Roop and Charlie. A spectacular crash happens at 90mph sending the van flying and debris sprawling all across the road. Big Bopper stops dead, Roop and Charlie are both unscathed, although the car's front is smashed in and steam is pouring out of the engine.
"You're not going on!"
Roop miraculously gets Big Bopper going again. Charlie thinks that they shouldn't keep the chase going but Roop's so angry he doesn't listen. With tyres smoking the battered car heads off in pursuit of The Nightrider again.
Forwards once more
Up ahead The Nightrider is playing cat and mouse with March Hare. Having to avoid a small child in the middle of the road causes them to veer off and hit a telephone box, they flip over and stop short of a stalled van towing a caravan.
Disaster looms
With the road blocked Roop has no choice but go straight through the caravan.
That's gotta hurt!
It's almost the end for Charlie, he gets a saucepan in the throat, and it'll take more than a tub of body filler to sort out
Big Bopper too!
