The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
36% of users liked it
(1,976 ratings)

This first effort from acclaimed writer/director Peter Weir is set in the secluded rural town of Paris, Australia, where the chief source of income is provided by the orchestration of automobile accidents -- which frequently claim the lives of passing tourists, though those who survive are usually… More This first effort from acclaimed writer/director Peter Weir is set in the secluded rural town of Paris, Australia, where the chief source of income is provided by the orchestration of automobile accidents -- which frequently claim the lives of passing tourists, though those who survive are usually subjected to bizarre brain experiments by a loony local surgeon. One such unfortunate survivor is young Arthur, who remains in Paris after his recovery to work in the hospital, unaware (at first) of the circumstances which brought him there. Although there are many amusingly weird moments, this black comedy is a bit too deadpan for its own good and may be too talky and meandering for horror fans. A condensed version was released in the U.S. under the title The Cars That Eat People. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Peter Weir
Written By: Peter Weir, Keith Gow
Genres: Action & Adventure, Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1974 Wide
On DVD: May 4, 2004

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Establishes many of the themes that he would revisit later in his career; it especially resembles The Truman Show in many ways.
Derek Smith, Apollo Guide
An informative, and relatively long, interview with Peter Weir is included on the DVD.
Derek Smith, Apollo Guide
As a low-budget first film, director Peter Weir could've done worse, but I'm thankful that his career continued in a very different direction than this film would suggest.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I found this movie confusing, slow, boring, and very strange. I wasn't sure if anything was actually going on. I wouldn't recommend seeing this movie.
Anthony L

I love Peter Weir's early work. The Cars That Ate Paris is a great example of forgotten Ozploitation, an Australian cult classic!
Marcus W

First off, this is Paris: Australia, not Paris: France. It's a charming little horror debut from Peter Weir that sits somewhere between Clockwork Orange and The Wicker Man. It is dated and would now be worth remaking, but for fans of Weir it's wonderful to see his early… More
First off, this is Paris: Australia, not Paris: France. It's a charming little horror debut from Peter Weir that sits somewhere between Clockwork Orange and The Wicker Man. It is dated and would now be worth remaking, but for fans of Weir it's wonderful to see his early work.
Jojo S

Horror movie genre that involves killing machines specially cars are mostly bad ideas to start with. This is an early film of director Peter Weir (Gallipoli). The plot is very laughable and the special effect is not even up to the standard of the 70's. What made this movie really… More
Horror movie genre that involves killing machines specially cars are mostly bad ideas to start with. This is an early film of director Peter Weir (Gallipoli). The plot is very laughable and the special effect is not even up to the standard of the 70's. What made this movie really shine though is the film quality and the music scores. The music in this film really stood out and definitely is worth listening while laughing your way through this cheesy, evil car film.