Phar Lap (Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation) (1983)
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100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
91% of users liked it
(3,328 ratings)
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… More 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, Rovi
- Directed By
- Simon Wincer
- Genres
- Documentary, Drama
PG,
- In Theaters
- Aug 11, 1983 Wide
- Studio
- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Clint Morris, Moviehole
A movie you'll never forget....tears aplenty
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Tom Burlinson
as Tommy Woodcock
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Martin Vaughan
as Harry Telford
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Judy Morris
as Bea Davis
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Ron Leibman
as Dave Davis
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Celia Deburgh
as Vi Telford
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Vincent Ball
as Lachlan McKinnon
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Gia Carides
as Emma
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James Steele
as Jim Pike
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John Stanton
as Eric Connolly
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Peter Whitford
as Bert Wolfe
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Randall Berger
as American Reporter
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Cliff Ellen
as Float Driver
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Ashley Grenville
as Strapper
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Robert Grubb
as William Neilsen
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Richard Morgan
as "Cashy" Martin
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Warwick Moss
as McCready
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Ross O'Donovan
as Strapper
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Redmond Phillips
as Sir Samuel Hordern
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Tim Robertson
as Policeman at Stables
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Pat Thomson
as Edith
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Don Reid
as Committeeman
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John Russell
as Race Commentator
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Arthur Sherman
as American Reporter
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Simon Wells
as Newsboy
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Alan Wilson
as Jockey in Steam Room
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Brian Adams
as Mike Vincente
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Steven R. Bannister
as Cappy Telford (Younger)
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John Cobley
as Sub Editor
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Jerome Anthony Hawkins
as Guy Raymond
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Les Foxcroft
as Brazier Man
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Brian Harrison
as Committeeman
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Dave Johnson
as American Racecall
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Roger Newcombe
as James Crofton
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Brian Anderson
as Jack
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Terry Gill
as Mechanic
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James Wright
as Reporter at Station
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John Stone
as Reporter at Stables
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John Higgins
as American Reporter
