Thriller set in Auckland

Press, 1 March 1984, Page 17

Thriller set in Auckland

Shooting has begun in Auckland on a new feature film, “Restless.” Filming is expected to take six weeks, with release planned for late 1984.

In the leading roles are Simone Griffeth and Steve Marachuck, from the United States, and New Zealand actors, Peter Macauley, Elizabeth Hawthorne and Ray Henwood.

The director and screenwriter is an Englishman, Denis Lewiston. The producer, John Barnett, described the film as “an upmarket, contemporary thriller, set in Auckland.” “‘Restless’ is aimed at a sophisticated audience and is in the genre of such films as ‘Body Heat’ and “The Postman Always Rings Twice’,” Mr Barnett said.

“The focus of the film is the development of a frank and passionate relationship. A very strong storyline, lush photography, great costumes by an Aucklander, Patrick Steel, and lavish sets by Jo Ford, should give the film every chance of commercial success,” Mr Barnett said.

The leading actor, Steves Marachuck, was last seen on New Zealand screens in the film, “the Eyes of Laura Mars,” and episodes of “Lou Grant,” “Trapper John M.D.,” and “Dynasty.” Simone Griffeth featured in “Death Race 2000” and episodes of “The Greatest American Hero” and “Hart To Hart.”

John Barnett has produced such films as “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” “Middle-aged Spread,”

“Wild Horses,” “Race for the Yankee Zephyr” and “Prisoners.”

His most recent production is a movie for television, “Iris,” starring Helen Morse as the New Zealand writer and poet, Iris Wilkinson. “Iris” is a co-production with Television New Zealand and will be screened in New Zealand later this year.