Absent Without Leave - 1993
Meridian Film Productions - 95/101 minutes
Cast: Craig McLachlan, Katrina Hobbs, Tony Barry
Sceenplay: James Edwards with Graaeme Tetley; Photography: Allen Guilford;
Composers: Don McGlashan, David Long, Mark Austin;
Designer: Rick Kofoed; Editor: Paul Sutorius; Producer: Robin Laing;
Director: John Laing
In 1942 Wellington, Daisy Edwards, 16 and pregnant, relies totally on her just-wed husband, Ed, who is little older than she. Ed is suddenly drafted into the army and is to be sent overseas to battle while Daisy is sent to her father in Auckland. When Ed's leave is cancelled at the last minute he takes the dangerous decision to go absent without leave to be with Daisy on her journey home. As a deserter, Ed is hunted, captured and imprisoned. Life inside is bad enought without the worry of what is going on outside. The film is based upon a true story. Locations: Wellington and Wairarapa.
Censor Rating: PG - Review rating:B-
