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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

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Simon Mark-Brown

Simon Mark-Brown

Director, Writer, Producer

Profile image for Howard Morrison

Howard Morrison

Subject

Generic Profile image for Glenn Elliott

Glenn Elliott

Producer, Writer, Director

Profile image for Jason Pengelly

Jason Pengelly

Editor

Generic Profile image for Willie Jackson

Willie Jackson

Subject

Profile image for Ray Columbus

Ray Columbus

Subject

See all 30 credits

Produced by

Logo for Buto Productions

Buto Productions

Source

Logo for Buto Productions

Buto Productions

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Ready to Roll - NZ Record Awards 1978

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John Rowles, Ladies and Gentlemen

A John Rowles documentary from 1969

Thumbnail image for 2009 Westfield Style Pasifika New Zealand Fashion Awards

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Includes another performance by John Rowles

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A hit John Rowles single from 1969

Thumbnail image for The Sir Howard Morrison Story

The Sir Howard Morrison Story

Documentary about Sir Howard Morrison

Thumbnail image for 1981 Royal Variety Performance

1981 Royal Variety Performance

John Rowles performs for the Queen

Thumbnail image for Don't Let it Get You

Don't Let it Get You

1960s film featuring NZ musicians

Thumbnail image for Wayne Anderson - Singer of Songs (First Episode)

Wayne Anderson - Singer of Songs (First Episode)

Wayne Anderson - the man who would be John Rowles

Thumbnail image for Wayne Anderson - Glory Days (Series Two, Episode One)

Wayne Anderson - Glory Days (Series Two, Episode One)

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Thumbnail image for This is Your Life - Malvina Major

This is Your Life - Malvina Major

Includes a guest appearance from John Rowles

Thumbnail image for The Price of Fame

The Price of Fame

More on fame

Thumbnail image for John Rowles

John Rowles

A 1976 concert at the Aotea Centre

Thumbnail image for Tania

Tania

A 1978 John Rowles hit

Thumbnail image for The Catch

The Catch

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Thumbnail image for Coming Home - Richard O'Brien & Patrick Power

Coming Home - Richard O'Brien & Patrick Power

Features another NZ musician who won success in London

Thumbnail image for Inside Tattooing

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Thumbnail image for The Man on the Island

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Thumbnail image for When the Haka Became Boogie - The Singers (Episode Five)

When the Haka Became Boogie - The Singers (Episode Five)

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Thumbnail image for A Seat at the Table

A Seat at the Table

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Thumbnail image for Op' Stars -  Mobil Song Quest 2000

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