Absent Without Leave
“A True Story of Love, Conscience and Duty”
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Craig McLachlan
James Edwards
Katrina Hobbs
Daisy Edwards
Tony Barry
Peter
Judie Douglass
Ella
Ken Blackburn
C.O.
Tony Burton
Constable
Francis Bell
Paddy
Robyn Malcolm
Betty
David Copeland
Claude
Desmond Kelly
Daisy's Father
Rebecca Hobbs
Daisy's Sister
Joan Foster
Daisy's Stepmother
Mark Hadlow
Prison Corporal
Jed Brophy
Joe
Stephen Gledhill
Tearoom Man
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Laing
- Screenplay & Story
- James Edwards, Graeme Tetley
- Original Score
- Don McGlashan
- Original Title
- Absent Without Leave
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Production Studios
- New Zealand Film Commission, Meridian Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Laing
James Edwards, Graeme Tetley
Don McGlashan
Allen Guilford
Paul Sutorius
Robin Laing
Department Leadership Roster
John Laing
Director
James Edwards
Screenplay
Graeme Tetley
Screenplay
Allen Guilford
Director of Photography
Don McGlashan
Original Music Composer
Rick Kofoed
Production Design
Paul Sutorius
Editor
Glenis Foster
Costume Design
Robin Laing
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Absent Without Leave.
Featured In Curated Collections
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War: World War II
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New Zealand Feature Films
Although New Zealand movies were being made from the early days of film-making, modern film-making started in 1977.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Absent Without Leave
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Absent Without Leave about?
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.
Who directed Absent Without Leave?
Absent Without Leave was directed by John Laing.
Who stars in Absent Without Leave?
The principal cast of Absent Without Leave includes Craig McLachlan, Katrina Hobbs, Tony Barry, Judie Douglass, Ken Blackburn.
When was Absent Without Leave released and how long is it?
Absent Without Leave was released in 1993 with a total runtime of 1h 44m.
Who composed the musical score for Absent Without Leave?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Absent Without Leave was composed by Don McGlashan.