THE LAST TATTOO is a romantic thriller set during wartime in 1943, when 100,000 U.S. Marines were shipped to New Zealand to defend the country against Japanese invasion and to prepare for the long and bitter Pacific campaign.
Marine Captain Mike Starwood (TONY GOLDWYN) is assigned to investigate the murder of Sergeant O'Rourke. The dead marine's girlfriend, Rose Mitchell, has vanished. She is a vital witness to the murder and Strawood must find her.
He discovers a system run by public health nurse Kelly Towne (KERRY FOX). Starwood makes use of Kelly's local knowledge in his search for Rose.
When Kelly finally meets with Rose, she realises that she has been used by Starwood - who has been following her - and so helps Rose to escape. Kelly angrily refuses to assist the Captain any further.
Gradually however Kelly becomes aware that Rose is indeed a witness to murder and is in extreme danger. Reluctantly at first, Kelly joins Starwood in the search for Rose. By the time they begin to discover the truth, they are falling in love. They face a conspiracy at the highest level of the U.S. Command invovling Commander Conrad Dart (ROBERT LOGGIA) and the New Zealand Government. As part of the cover-up of the original murder and the political manipulation, other key witnesses are killed. Starwood is framed and faces deportation for murder.
Kelly's only means of saving him invovles a dangerous confrontation with the conspirators, and with Starwood's commanding officer, General Frank Zane (ROD STEIGER). Kelly must survive to prove his innocence...
