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Hero image for The Secret Life of John Rowles

The Secret Life of John Rowles

Television (Full Length) – 2008

The meteoric career of one of NZ’s greatest entertainers is examined in this documentary. John Rowles went from a Kawerau childhood to stardom in London at 21; but, after headlining in Hawaii and Las Vegas, he saw it all slip away. Those roofing ads and near bankruptcy followed, but Rowles has retained his self belief and that voice. A stellar cast of interviewees analyse his strengths and weaknesses, including Sir Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Neil Finn and late promoter Phil Warren. Amongst the star cameos, John’s sister Cheryl Moana explains the downside of his best-known local hit.

He is the penultimate showman.
– Sir Howard Morrison

Produced by

Logo for Buto Productions

Buto Productions

Source

Logo for Buto Productions

Buto Productions

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Wayne Anderson - the man who would be John Rowles

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Thumbnail image for This is Your Life - Malvina Major

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Tania

A 1978 John Rowles hit

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