Unions threatened to shut down the film but Avalon managed to keep it afloat. Avalon hired Terry Bourke, who had directed him on Inn of the Damned, to rewrite the script and direct the rest of the movie with Powell. The rest of the film was completed in nine days. Steven Walls, who inspired the story, plays a small role as one of the men at the bar, who are asked to join in the search. Johnny Ashcroft has a brief cameo as one of the searchers by the camp fire at night. Steven's grandmother and many of the original searchers acted as searchers in the movie. Release The film premiered in Armidale, NSW. Avalon says he and Bourke fell out over the editing of the film and that Bourke "refused to listen. I could have fired him but rather than go through the process I walked and took my name off the film." Avalon quit the film industry for the next five years. Terry Bourke later sued producer Alan Spires, production company John Powell Productions and distributors Filmways for $6,130 in unpaid wages. Avalon says the film "was a very unhappy experience. The film didn't do any real business. The day-to-day pressure of dealing with finance, unions, crew and talent who had not forgiven me for the reduction in their salaries, saw me lose weight and keep to myself. When it finished I decided to break from the film industry. Under pressure I also sought help from a crew member, which was a mistake. After the movie, Karmen [his wife] and I decided to separate. It was one of the worst years of my life." Legacy Terry Bourke published a book titled Little Boy Lost that was based on his screenplay. Steven Walls died on his Guyra property in April 2020. The Guyra Historical Museum’s Steven Walls / Little Boy Lost display opened on 3 October 2020. A poster and details of the movie are featured. The Johnny Ashcroft and Gay Kayler Legacy Collection was presented to the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in Tamworth (Gamilaraay Country) on 28 May 2022, with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. The segment, Little Boy Lost, the Search, Song, Movie and Beyond, with one hundred and three items in its catalogue, was part of this impressive Collection. Tamworth Regional Council news report References External links Little Boy Lost at Oz