Prisoners is a 1982 drama film directed by Peter Werner and starring Tatum O'Neal, Colin Friels and David Hemmings.
For unclear reasons, the film – a U.S.-New Zealand co-production – has never been released. The New Zealand Archive of Film, Television and Sound states that a financial dispute was allegedly the reason for the shelving of the completed film. According to New Zealand film historians Helen Martin and Sam Edwards, "One rumour has it that a relative of one of the actors bought the film to prevent its release."
Contents
Plot
An American moves his family to New Zealand where he takes charge of a prison in Wellington. His young daughter begins to have a love affair with one of the prisoners in his charge.
Cast
Tatum O'Neal as Christie
Colin Friels as Nick
Shirley Knight as Virginia
David Hemmings as Wilkens
Bruno Lawrence as Peeky
Ralph Cotterill as Holmby
John Bach as Bodell
Michael Hurst as Sciano
Reg Ruka as Monkey
Rob Jayne as Maslow
Norman Fairley as Lewitt
Peter Rowley as Hapstood
Karl Bradley as Steel
Richard Moss as Dunham
Timothy Lee as Watts
Production
The movie was announced in March 1982. It was to be the first of four films made in New Zealand by 20th Century Fox. The deal for Prisoners was reportedly arranged by Fox executives Michael Nolin and John Davis, son of the new Fox owner, Marvin Davis.
The film was shot in Auckland from 29 June to 14 August 1982. Its budget was approximately $4.2 million.