Film Career For N.Z. Star

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32012, 12 June 1969, Page 3

Film Career For N.Z. Star

(By CAROLE LYDERS) LONDON. The New Zealand-born pop star, John Rowles, who went to number two on the charts in 1967 with his first British record, “If I Only Had Time,” has his sights set on a movie career.

With his dark good looks (due partly to some Maori blood on his father’s side), green eyes /and tall, slim figure, the 22-year-old looks type-caste for the heart-throb hero parts in musicals. However, the Kiwi male by tradition does not exactly feel at home in a romanic role. His idea of romance is reputed to be taking his girl to a Saturday night bash at the local Rugby club, dumping her with a Pimms on the “hen’s side” of the room while he joins his mates at the bar to kn :k back jugfuls of draught beer and relive; the afternoon’s game. So it came as no surprise! when John Rowles said he! saw himself in a “mean” role. “I’d like to do meaty dra-| matic parts. I would need the; right part and the right direc-l tion though,” he said. j

In the meantime, John, a relaxed easy-going person with a quiet sense of humour has made a new single recording, “One day.” Written for him by the song-writing team of Les Reed and Barry Mason, it is a melodic ballad about lost love. It might do well, and is admirably suited to John’s voice and style. On his recent tour of New Zealand he was surprised and touched by the reception he received throughout the country. he said.

Although he went to Australia when he was 17, he has always been popular back home and his record sales there have won him four gold discs.

He will represent New Zealand at a song festival in Brazil and is writing the song he will sing.

“I’ve collected a lot of traditional Maori songs and melodies,” he said.

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