Ross O'Donovan Movies
- 1983
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
- Starring:
- Tom Burlinson, Martin Vaughan, (more)
Star Struck is a light, frothy pop-culture musical comedy from Australia, where Jackie (Jo Kennedy) dreams of becoming a singing star and her cousin Angus (Ross O'Donovan) thinks he has what it takes to be a successful manager. After a spot at the hip club in town (wearing a kangaroo suit) fails to win Jackie any paying gigs, Angus enters her in a major talent competition to be held on New Year's Eve. If Jackie wins, her career is assured, and the $25,000 grand prize will help keep her parents' cafe open. But can Jackie stand the pressure? Will the band get it together in time? And will Angus ever get a girl? Star Struck plays like a mid-1980s "New Wave" variation on an old "Let's Put On A Show!" teenage musical, with tunes by Phil Judd and Tim Finn of the popular New Zealand band Split Enz. Keep your eyes peeled for a bit part played by Geoffrey Rush, 14 years before he would win an Oscar for his work in Shine. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jo Kennedy, Ross O'Donovan, (more)
- 1981
- NR
A young Trini Alvarado stars in this Emmy-winning ABC Afterschool Special as Alicia Mann, an aspiring folksinger. To realize her dream, teenaged Alicia takes a summer job at a coffee shop where she is allowed to perform without pay. Alicia's mother, Inez (Joanna Merlin), is appalled by this, insisting that Alice accept a "safe" job at the factory where Inez works. A crisis develops when Alicia is forced to choose between a singing career and a generous scholarship offered her by Inez' boss. Lynn Ahrens of Schoolhouse Rock fame wrote the original songs for this film, including "Great American Hit," "My City Song," and "Gonna Make My Dreams Come True." ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Trini Alvarado, Lee Curreri, (more)
