Phar Lap (Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation) (1983)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
91% of users liked it
(3,285 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

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Simon Wincer
Genres: Documentary, Drama

In Theaters: Aug 11, 1983 Wide
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Moviehole
A movie you'll never forget....tears aplenty

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Featured Audience Ratings

Barry L

I watched this as a boy and it had me in tears (almost). Really heartwarming tale for young and old alike.

Cast

            Tom Burlinson as Tommy Woodcock

            Martin Vaughan as Harry Telford

            Judy Morris as Bea Davis

            Ron Leibman as Dave Davis

            Celia Deburgh as Vi Telford

            Vincent Ball as Lachlan McKinnon

            Gia Carides as Emma

            James Steele as Jim Pike

            John Stanton as Eric Connolly

            Peter Whitford as Bert Wolfe

            Randall Berger as American Reporter

            Cliff Ellen as Float Driver

            Ashley Grenville as Strapper

            Robert Grubb as William Neilsen

            Richard Morgan as "Cashy" Martin

            Warwick Moss as McCready

            Ross O'Donovan as Strapper

            Redmond Phillips as Sir Samuel Hordern

            Tim Robertson as Policeman at Stables

            Pat Thomson as Edith

            Don Reid as Committeeman

            John Russell as Race Commentator

            Arthur Sherman as American Reporter

            Simon Wells as Newsboy

            Alan Wilson as Jockey in Steam Room

            Brian Adams as Mike Vincente

            Steven R. Bannister as Cappy Telford (Younger)

            John Cobley as Sub Editor

            Jerome Anthony Hawkins as Guy Raymond

            Les Foxcroft as Brazier Man

            Brian Harrison as Committeeman

            Dave Johnson as American Racecall

            Roger Newcombe as James Crofton

            Brian Anderson as Jack

            Terry Gill as Mechanic

            James Wright as Reporter at Station

            John Stone as Reporter at Stables

            John Higgins as American Reporter
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