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Films A-Z
1974-79
1980-84
1985-89
1990-94
1995-99
2000-04
Sam Neill Filmography

1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979

1979

Rex

The Journalist (New South Wales Film Corporation)

with Jack Thompson, Jane Harders 
Directed by Michael Thornhill 
Not available on video in North America 

A journalist separates from his wife and begins spending time with a variety of women, including his mistress who works with him at the paper. After a stay in Hong Kong, he returns to find his job at the paper has been changed -- he is now writing a pet column -- and his mistress is pregnant. 

"Sam Neill emerges with some credit with a pleasantly relaxed performance as the hero's friend." -- David Stratton 

Images from The Journalist
Images


Just Out of Reach (Portrait Films)

with Lorna Lesley, Judi Farr, Martin Vaughan 
Directed by Linda Blagg 

Mike
Not available on video in North America

The story of a young woman who attempts suicide, and looks back on the ups and downs of her life -- personality conflicts with family members and her ill-advised marriage to an aspiring poet. 



Harry Beecham

My Brilliant Career (New South Wales Film Corp.)

with Judy Davis, Wendy Hughes, Robert Grubb, Max Cullen, Patricia Kennedy 
Directed by Gillian Armstrong 
 Based on My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin 
Screenplay: My Brilliant Career by Eleanor Whitcombe (University of Queensland Press, 1992) 
No longer available on video in North America; on video in Russia; on DVD in Australia and the UK.

A young idealistic and rebellious woman in 1890s Australia is invited to stay with her prosperous grandmother. There she is courted by an Englishman, spending time as a jackaroo on the property, but Sybylla is attracted to Beecham, the owner of the neighboring property. Both men pursue her; however, Sybylla is wary of relationships, after seeing those of the women who matter in her life. 

"An important film for me and it has many admirers." -- Sam Neill

Images from My Brilliant Career Sounds from My Brilliant Career
Images Sounds


Young Ramsay -- TV Series (7 Network)

with John Hargreaves, Louise Howitt, Serge Lazareff

Crossland
(Cameo)
Not available on video in North America

The series follows the adventures of a veterinarian. Sam Neill appeared in the episode "Do or Die" which aired in August 1980.


 
1978

Surf Sail 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill

Director/Writer
Not available on video

Three students tackle one of the trickiest challenges in the world, battling the severe currents and changing winds of Cook Strait on fragile wind surfers.



Director/Writer

New Country - New People 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill
Not available on video

The 19th century was an era of great expansion for Europe and the emigrant drive from the old world provided settlers for the new.



On the Road with Red Mole 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill

Director/Writer
Not available on video

Profile of New Zealand's best known the theater troupe Red Mole. 

 "This is a pretty good doco." -- Sam Neill


 
1977

Smith

Sleeping Dogs

with Nevan Rowe, Ian Mune, Warren Oates, Donna Akersten 
Directed by Roger Donaldson 
Based on Smith's Dream by C.K. Snead 
On video and DVD (contains a commentary featuring Sam Neill) in North America

After Smith's marriage breaks up, he leaves his family to get away from it all. Events, the creation of a repressive dictatorship and the location of a guerilla dump on his island, catch up with him. He is arrested, then escapes, and must flee for his life. 

"When we did Sleeping Dogs nobody knew what to do because we hadn't made a feature film before. We were just muddling around." -- Sam Neill

Images from Sleeping Dogs
Images


Flare: A Ski Trip 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill

Director/Writer
Not available on video

Hot Dogging at Queenstown, the dancing, leaping, somersaulting (freestyle skiing) sport of the daring who later ski a live volcano. 

"Some good parts and some awful" -- Sam Neill



Director/Writer

Architect Athfield 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill
Not available on video

A look at the frustrations and achievements of one of New Zealand's most lively and innovative architects, Ian Athfield.


 
1976

Festival 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)


Associate Director
Not available on video

A programme in which Wellington's festival celebrations are viewed through the eyes of a young boy with his red balloon. 



 
1975

Four Shorts on Architecture 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill

Director/Writer
Not available on video

Commissioned film for Institute of Architects to raise awareness about architecture.



Eric

Landfall (New Zealand National Film Unit)

with Gael Anderson, John Anderson, Rowena Zinsli, Denise Maunder 
Directed by Paul Maunder
Not available on video

Four young New Zealanders move back to the land trying to return to an uncomplicated lifestyle, but tensions build among the group until violence erupts. 

"Dreadful" -- Sam Neill


Ashes (New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Barry Barclay 
Based on Ash Wednesday by T.S. Eliot

Priest
Not available on video

 A priest is concerned about losing his faith. 

"Sam, always a good 'worrier', gave one of his best performances. Many people believed he actually was a priest." -- John O'Shea


 
1974

 Director

Telephone Etiquette 
(New Zealand National Film Unit)

Directed by Sam Neill
Not available on video 
 

Films A-Z | 1974-79 | 1980-84 | 1985-89 | 1990-94 | 1995-99 | 2000-04 | Top of Page

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Final Update: January 15, 2005

Copyright © Erika Grams 1995-2005 / Thanks to the Ibiblio.org for hosting this site and for technical assistance. Additional thanks to Kevin Nicastro for years of help and assistance and to all the wonderful members over the past 10 years of the Sam Neill Mailing Lists!


Last Updated: 15-Jan-2005 11:07

Animation from Venus Animated Gifs Archive Additional Images from Ender's Design: Realm Graphics
Thanks to Robin and Justin for work in tracking down soundtrack information!
Thanks to Sally Williamson at TVNZ for information about New Zealand National Film Unit work.