Midnight Madness (film) A genius grad student organizes an all-night treasure hunt in which five rival teams composed of colorful oddballs furiously match wits with one another while trying to locate and decipher various cryptic clues planted ingeniously around Los Angeles. Released on February 8, 1980. Directed by David Wechter and Michael Nankin. 112 min. Stars David Naughton (Adam), Debra Clinger (Laura), Eddie Deezen (Wesley), Brad Wilkin (Lavitas), Maggie Roswell (Donna), Stephen Furst (Harold), Irene Tedrow (Mrs. Grimhaus), Michael J. Fox (in his Disney and film debut as Scott), Dirk Blocker (Blaylak). The film underwent four title changes during production: The All-Night Treasure Hunt, The Ultimate Game, The Great All-Nighter, and finally the final title, which proved most popular in audience research tests. The movie was shot on 25 locations around Los Angeles, from Griffith Park Observatory to the Hollywood Wax Museum, Osko’s Disco, Occidental College, Sherman Clay Piano Museum, and the Bonaventure Hotel. Three songs: “Midnight Madness, ” “Don’t Know Why I Came, ” and “Someone New, ” were written for the movie by David and Julius Wechter. The film was released without the Disney name on it, with the hope that it would reach teenagers and young adults who often shied away from “Disney” films. To build a cast of fresh, new faces, more than 2,000 actors and actresses were interviewed by the directors. Of 25 feature roles, seven were cast from the open call, four others were cast for supporting parts. Released on video in 1985.
