Morton illness delays filming of River Queen

2.00pm

Filming of the New Zealand wars movie River Queen is being delayed because of illness to British lead actress Samantha Morton.

In a statement today, Silverscreen Films said Morton had been treated in hospital for severe influenza and secondary bacterial complications. She was now out of hospital, but her doctor recommended a minimum two to four week recuperation period.

Until now filming had been assessed daily, with scenes not involving Morton shot, in preparation for her imminent recovery.

She was now required for all remaining scenes, and the producers had delayed filming until able to proceed, the statement said.

The delay was covered by insurance and the production company would retain its Wanganui office.

"Ms Morton remains committed to the film," the statement said.

The film's US star, Kiefer Sutherland, had left New Zealand last week to return to filming his hit television series 24.

Some River Queen scenes involving Mr Sutherland were still to be completed and he had agreed to return at a later date.

Directed by New Zealander Vincent Ward, River Queen is set during the 1860s.

The film's international distributors were extremely positive about the footage shot so far, the statement said.

The producers were encouraged by the extraordinary quality of the performances and the power of the material and were fortunate in having the support of an extremely talented cast and crew.

- NZPA