Archer (TV 1985)

During the 1860s, Dave Powers, apprentice to a horse trainer, volunteers to ride Archer to the Melbourne Cup race. Their start is 600 miles from Melbourne, and the journey is anything but ... See full summary »

Director:

Denny Lawrence

Writers:

Anne Brooksbank, Bob Ellis (idea),

Stars:

Brett Climo, Robert Coleby, Ned Lander

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brett Climo	...	Dave Power
Robert Coleby	...	Etienne de Mestre
Ned Lander	...	Jack Cutts
Doreen Warburton	...	Cook
Claire Corbett	...	Maid
Brian Anderson	...	Mailman
John Spicer	...	Butler
Robin Bowering	...	Mr. Power
Helen McDonald	...	Mrs. Power
Karyn Greig	...	Mrs. deMestre
Bradley Meehan	...	Boy
Shari Flood	...	Girl
Paul Bertram	...	Lord Alfred
Nicholas Lidstone	...	Landlord
Barry Lovett	...	Man at Gate

Storyline

During the 1860s, Dave Powers, apprentice to a horse trainer, volunteers to ride Archer to the Melbourne Cup race. Their start is 600 miles from Melbourne, and the journey is anything but easy. Of course, the pair have numerous adventures along the way, and in the end Archer competes in the Melbourne Cup race.

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Plot Keywords:

horse | horse racing | based on true story | independent film | character name in title

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Genres:

Adventure

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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 November 1985 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Archer's Adventure

Filming Locations:

Baulkham Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Commission, The, New South Wales Film Corp., Roadshow Coote & Carroll

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Underrated Aussie movie suitable for all ages

I was initially put off watching this movie by the listing of Nicole Kidman as one of the stars. She plays 'Catherine' which in fact is a relatively minor part. The low rating at a guess may be due to fans expecting to see more of her! Based loosely on the story of the first Melbourne Cup winner, this is suitable fare for viewers of all ages. Kids will love the horses and entertaining story, with capture by bushrangers and the meeting of many unusual characters.

For those outside Oz, the Melbourne Cup is Australia's biggest horse race, held on the first Tuesday of November, when the entire country comes to a halt. 'Bushrangers' are the equivalent of the Old West's outlaws.

So, if you're a Nichole Kidman fan, don't expect to find much of her in this movie. If you'd like an entertaining story of Australia in the mid-19th Century, with excitement and humour, played by an excellent cast of actors, you're sure to find this movie worth viewing.