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ROLLERBALL!

Norman Jewison’s cult 1975 Sci-Fi film Rollerball caused something of a stir in its day.

With the 2002 remake currently doing the rounds, it seemed like a good opportunity to look at Fred Fowle and Roger Vinney’s stunning artwork on John Crick’s Skid. The menacing, helmeted and knuckle-dustered athletes of the future are powerful images, well suited to a machine like the skid.

The ride itself was built by Hayes Fabrication, and was rebuilt by John Crick during the period of its redecoration in the late 70’s/early 80’s.

In all its glory! John Crick’s Rollerball Skid at Hampton Court Green, 02/04/83

A section of the perimeter of the ride, showing the décor on a handrail and trellis.	Detail of one of the Rollerball Athletes pictured on the paybox.
Above: Two views of the paybox.
Above: Two of the cars. Alternate cars had figures and lettering. Right: Wonderfully captured: the starkness of a Rollerball Athlete in Roger Vinney’s superb interpretation of Normal Jewison’s film. The close up views were all taken at Hampton Court Green, 11/04/82.