Phar Lap (1983)
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Phar Lap, the legendary New Zealand-bred 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 (Martin Vaughan). 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 (Tom Burlinson). American-promoter Dave Davis (Ron Leibman) 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 collapse and dies; though the film never comes out and says as much, it is assumed that the horse was "murdered" by the gambling interests. The film is based on a book by Michael Wilkinson. The real-life Tommy Woodcock appears in the film as an elderly trainer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Tom Burlinson - Tommy Woodcock
- Judy Morris - Bea Davis
- Celia Deburgh - Vi Telford
- Gia Carides - Emma
- John Stanton - Eric Connolly
- Randall Berger - American Reporter
- Ashley Grenville - Strapper
- John Russell - Race Commentator
- Les Foxcroft - Brazier Man
- John Cobley - Sub Editor
- Brian Adams - Mike Vincente
- Simon Wells - Newsboy
- John Stone - Reporter at Stables
- Terry Gill - Mechanic
- Roger Newcombe - James Crofton
- Don Reid - Committeeman
- Richard Morgan - "Cashy" Martin
- Ross O'Donovan - Strapper
- Tim Robertson - Policeman at Stables
- Martin Vaughan - Harry Telford
- Ron Leibman - Dave Davis
- Vincent Ball - Lachlan McKinnon
- James Steele - Jim Pike
- Peter Whitford - Bert Wolfe
- Cliff Ellen - Float Driver
- Robert Grubb - William Neilsen
- Brian Harrison - Committeeman
- Anthony Hawkins - Guy Raymond
- Steven R. Bannister - Cappy Telford (Younger)
- Alan Wilson - Jockey in Steam Room
- Arthur Sherman - American Reporter
- James Wright - Reporter at Station
- Brian Anderson - Jack
- Dave Johnson - American Racecall
- Pat Thomson - Edith
- Warwick Moss - McCready
- Redmond Phillips - Sir Samuel Hordern
- Director(s):
- Simon Wincer
- Writer(s):
- David Williamson
- Producer(s):
- John Sexton, Richard Davis
- Closed Captioning:
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- Subtitles:
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