Directed by:
Simon WincerScreenplay:
David WilliamsonCinematography:
Russell BoydComposer:
Bruce RowlandCast:
Tom Burlinson, Ron Leibman, Vincent Ball, Gia Carides, Judy Morris, Tommy Woodcock, Richard Terrill, Redmond Phillips, Stuart Finch, Peter Whitford (more)Plots(1)
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. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Cast
Tom Burlinson
Canada
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Flesh+Blood (1985)
The Man from Snowy River (1982)
Ron Leibman
USA
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Dummy (2002)
Garden State (2004)
Vincent Ball
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Bangkok Hilton (1989) (series)
Where Eagles Dare (1968)
Gia Carides
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Annie's Coming Out (1984)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Judy Morris
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
The Plumber (1979) (TV movie)
Razorback (1984)
Tommy Woodcock
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Redmond Phillips
New Zealand
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
A Night to Remember (1958)
The Angry Silence (1960)
Stuart Finch
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
On the Beach (1959)
Peter Whitford
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
John Stanton
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Dusty (1983)
Beneath Hill 60 (2010)
Robert Grubb
Australia
Best movies:
Phar Lap (1983)
Gallipoli (1981)
Paradise Road (1997)