The Gladiator is a made-for-TV vigilante-action film directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Ken Wahl, Nancy Allen & Brian Robbins. Robert Culp, Stan Shaw & Rick Dees have supporting roles. Although originally intended for theatrical release, the film was purchased by Showtime Networks and aired on ABC Television as an original film. Plot A homicidal maniac is on the loose in Los Angeles, killing motorists at random with his "death car". After losing his brother Jeff to the twisted assassin known as "Skull", Rick Benton takes it upon himself to hunt down the reckless drivers that fill the streets at night. Being a master mechanic, Rick spends his time converting his pick-up truck into an armed and dangerous vehicle. With speed to take on the fastest car and strength to make sure in a one-on-one situation, he will be the only survivor. The cops soon find out about the vigilante known only as the "Gladiator" and do all they can to catch him before his citizen's arrests go one step too far. Cast Ken Wahl as Rick Benton / the Gladiator Nancy Allen as Susan Neville Brian Robbins as Jeff Benton Robert Culp as Lieutenant Frank Mason Stan Shaw as Joe Barker Rosemary Forsyth as Loretta Simpson Bart Braverman as Dan Rick Dees as Garth Masters Michael Young as Reporter Garry Goodrow as Cadillac Drunk Robert Phalen as Dr. Maxwell Linda Thorson as Woman in Class Harry Beer as Franklin References External links 1986 television films 1986 films 1986 action films 1986 independent films 1980s American films 1980s English-language films 1980s vigilante films ABC network original films American action television films American independent films American vigilante films Films directed by Abel Ferrara Films scored by David Michael Frank New World Pictures films