TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX FILM CORPORATION

SAM NEILL: NOT-SO-LOCAL-BOY MAKES GOOD BY BEING BAD

"It's the most difficult role I've ever played. He's the 
incarnation of all of man's worst, most destructive impulses, yet 
he hides all that behind a charming, ingratiating facade," says 
Sam Neill, the gifted young actor who stars as Damien Thorn in 
"The Final Conflict."

In the third and final chapter of the terrifying "Omen" trilogy, 
Damien -- introduced in the first two films as the son of Satan -- 
is now 33 and, as trusted advisor to the President of the United 
States, is one step away from the most powerful position on earth.

The power of evil is no longer in the hands of a child... "He's a 
man with a mission, sent to save the world from the Christian 
philosophy of love and kindness," explains Neill, a self-described 
"Australian from New Zealand" who recently won critical acclaim 
for his role in "My Brilliant Career."

"His is an absolutely astounding performance," says producer 
Harvey Bernhard. "I think he captured the essence of Damien's 
soulless character and at the same time made him seem human." 

"He is the human son of Satan," says Neill of his character. "He 
is fully and totally committed to his Father. That's what I tried 
to convey--that compelling, consuming dedication to the powers of 
evil."

Neill, 32, is well-known in Australia as an accomplished actor-
director. His role as the handsome lover of the wayward Sybillia 
in 1979's "My Brilliant Career" brought him international 
recognition--and the chance to play Damien Thorn.

Neill's awesome dramatic talent was fully recognized even while he 
was a student at the University of Canterbury. After a triumphant 
portrayal as "Macbeth," he spent a year touring New Zealand with a 
repertory company, then began a successful career on the stage.

In 1971, disillusioned with theatre, he moved into films, joining 
the New Zealand National Film Unit. As both actor and director, he 
distinguished himself with a number of highly praised 
documentaries and short films.

Neill also played the lead in three New Zealand pictures: 
"Landfall" (1974), "Ashes" (1975), and "Sleeping Dogs" (1978). His 
last film led him to his role in "My Brilliant Career," which in 
turn led to "The Final Conflict."

"I had to make Damien an amiable kind of man," says Neill. "At the 
same time, I had to let his true inner nature show through. It was 
a very delicate balancing act, the kind of challenge I enjoy."

Sam Neill stars in "The Final Conflict," a Harvey Bernhard 
Production in association with Mace Neufeld. The 20th Century-Fox 
release, also starring Rossano Brazzi, Don Gordon and Lisa Harrow, 
was produced by Bernhard and directed by Graham Baker from a 
screen- play by Andrew Birkin. Richard Donner was executive 
producer.