A Martinez is Really Cookin'

   Former Santa Barbara star A Martinez (ex-Cruz) returns to the familiar role of the romantic hero in the made-for-TV movie Where's the Money, Noreen? -- and he says the part is right on the money.

    Martinez plays the would-be love interest of Julianne Phillips (ex-Sisters), whose character, Noreen, has done prison time for a robbery in which she played a very peripheral role.   Now that she's free, however, Noreen finds herself dogged by cops and insurance men who want to know where the stolen money was dumped.

    "My character, Lou, appears to be the one person who wants nothing from her," Martinez says.   "He's the counter man at the bakery where she works, and while they work together, he tries to get her to trust him.  He's very caring."

    The actor says the nearly 10 years he spent playing compassionate cop Cruz on SB has left him choosey when it comes to accepting new roles.

   "I guess I have been somewhat spoiled by Cruz," Martinez admits.  "After you've played such as wonderful character, it's hard to say yes to roles that aren't quite up to that standard.  But I didn't have any trouble saying yes to this movie," he declares.

    "The character, and the story, were so well written it just made me want to be in it."

    Naturally, viewers can expect an exciting ending, says Martinez.  "It really comes off as very romantic and uplifting," he hints.  "There are some unusual twists.  I won't give away the ending, but I think fans will be very pleased."

    Where's the Money, Noreen?  premieres on the USA Network on December 6 at 9 pm, and can also be seen Dec. 10 and 16.  Check local listings for times.

  Return to Interviews/Articles page