N.Z. film about teacher

Press, 1 May 1984, Page 15

N.Z. film about teacher

PA Auckland An English actress, Eleanor David, has won the lead role in a New Zealand film about the life of the educationist, Sylvia AshtonWarner. “Sylvia,” co-produced by Michael Firth and Don Reynolds of Southern Light Pictures, will begin shooting in Puhoi, a small settlement near Warkworth, in July. It was inspired by Ms Ashton-Warner’s books, “Teacher” and “I Passed This Way,” autobiographies about her life as a pioneering educationist in isolated New Zealand schools. Though Ms AshtonWarner’s teaching methods were hailed overseas, it was not until 1982 that her services were officially recognised in New Zealand by the award of an M.B.E. Eleanor David was the female lead in Pink Floyd’s film, “The Wall,” has appeared in West End productions, and made a guest appearance in an episode of the television series, “Reilly — Ace of Spies.” Another English actor, Nigel Terry (King Arthur in the movie “Excalibur”), will play the supporting role of a school inspector, Mr Morris. Mr. Reynolds said that most of the remaining actors in “Sylvia” would be New Zealanders. Shooting should be completed in September and “Sylvia” should be ready for release next year. Ms Ashton-Warner died at her home in Tauranga on Saturday.