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Phar Lap (1983)

PG 107 min  -  Biography | Drama | Family  -   13 April 1984 (USA)
7.0
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Ratings: 7.0/10 from 866 users   Metascore: 55/100 
Reviews: 31 user | 3 critic | 6 from Metacritic.com

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

Director:

Simon Wincer
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Cast

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

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Horse | Stableboy | Racing | Winner | Death  | See more »

Taglines:

Hero To A Nation See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | History | Sport

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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

A Horse Called Phar Lap See more »

Box Office

Gross:

AUD 9,258,884 (Australia)
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Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

USA:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Tommy Woodcock himself actually appears in the film, portraying a horse trainer. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Emerald City (1988) See more »

Soundtracks

"Little White Lies"
(uncredited)
Written by Walter Donaldson See more »