Actor John Hargreaves as the small time criminal, Frank. Frank meets Malcolm when he answers an advertisement in the corner shop window saying that Malcolm has a room to rent.

Frustrated by the types of films Australia was making in the 1980s, David Parker says he was encouraged by actor Colin Friels to write his own script – something he had never previously attempted.

Malcolm was a critical and box office success, winning eight AFI awards and being released in 22 countries.

The cast of Malcolm, Colin Friels (Malcolm), Lindy Davies (Judith) and John Hargreaves (Frank).

Lobby card for the film, Malcolm.

Malcolm sits on the curb sending his remote controlled car to the corner shop for milk.

Lobby card for the film, Malcolm.

After the heist the three criminals escape in a more completed version of the min tram that Malcolm built and use for joyride at the start of the film.

Raising the budget to make Malcolm involved some sacrifices as well as an inventive approach worthy of Malcolm himself.

First time director, Nadia Tass, had to convince the crew she knew what she was doing while learning on the job.

Nadia Tass and David Parker talk about the involvement of actor Colin Friels in the film and casting Friels as the central character, Malcolm.

Malcolm (Colin Friels) and Frank (John Hargreaves) demonstrate the getaway car's unique features to an unsuspecting Judith (Lindy Davies).

Lobby card for the film, Malcolm.