Phar Lap (1983)

The true story of a Australian racehorse that becomes a champion with the help of a local stableboy.

Director:

Simon Wincer

Writer:

David Williamson

Stars:

Tom Burlinson, Richard Morgan, Robert Grubb

4 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Burlinson	...	Tommy Woodcock
Richard Morgan	...	'Cashy' Martin
Robert Grubb	...	William Nielsen
Simon Wells	...	Newsboy
Kelvyn Worth	...	Newsboy
Justin Ridley	...	Newsboy
Martin Vaughan	...	Harry Telford
Brian Granrott	...	Reporter
Celia De Burgh	...	Vi Telford
Steven Bannister	...	Cappy Telford (Younger)
Richard Terrill	...	Cappy Telford (Older)
Ron Leibman	...	Dave Davis
Ross O'Donovan	...	Strapper
Ashley Grenville	...	Strapper
Les Foxcroft	...	Brazier Man

Storyline

Phar Lap, the legendary Australian racing horse, is as well-known today for his mysterious death as for his fabulous accomplishments in life. Beginning at the end, the film flashes back to the day that Phar Lap, despite his lack of pedigree, is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford. Phar Lap loses his first races, but Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable. Suddenly the horse becomes a winner, thanks to the love and diligence of stableboy Tommy Woodcock. American-promoter Dave Davis arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races, where his "long shot" status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. Just after winning an important race in Mexico, Phar Lap collapses and dies; though the film never comes out and says as much, it is assumed that the horse was "murdered" by the gambling interests.

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Plot Keywords:

horse | stableboy | racing | winner | animal | 

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Taglines:

He was the long shot...heard 'round the world.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | History | Sport

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 April 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Horse Called Phar Lap

Filming Locations:

Centennial Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Michael Edgley International, Phar Lap Management, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Billy Eliot, Phar Lap's jockey at Agua Caliente had been devastated by Phar Lap's mysterious death, gave his saddle to George Woolf as a gesture of friendship. Woolf went on to become one of America's greatest riders, using the saddle on his favourite mount, Seabiscuit, who, like Phar Lap, captivated a nation in the midst of the depression. The saddle was Woolf's lucky charm. From that date on until the time of his death he used it. Coincidentally, the only time he did not use it, from the time when Elliot gifted it to Woolf, was in his last race which he, unfortunately, was killed in.

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Connections

Referenced in Emerald City (1988)

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Soundtracks

"Little White Lies"
(uncredited)
Written by Walter Donaldson

User Reviews

An Amazing Story

Phar Lap is truly an amazing film, and an amazing horse. The movie tells the story of this Australian horse who defies the odds to become one of the best racehorses in the 20th century. A remarkable story of heartbreak and triumph. Any horse or sports lover should watch and enjoy this movie. If you get a chance to see it (very difficult) you will cherish this memorable movie. Phar Lap is my personal favorite, and I cannot wait till they re-release this wonderful story.