Sylvester (1985)

66% of users liked it
(1,181 ratings)

Melissa Gilbert acquits herself well in this old-fashioned family drama about a gritty Texas orphan named Charlie (Gilbert), a substitute parent for her brothers, determined to succeed in life by converting an unmanageable rodeo horse into an equestrian champion. The transformation from equine dross… More Melissa Gilbert acquits herself well in this old-fashioned family drama about a gritty Texas orphan named Charlie (Gilbert), a substitute parent for her brothers, determined to succeed in life by converting an unmanageable rodeo horse into an equestrian champion. The transformation from equine dross to championship dressage is not an easy road, and helping Charlie is the often tipsy but tough Foster (Richard Farnsworth), as well as Matt, the man who captures her heart (Michael Schoeffling). After they succeed in training the actually talented horse, they head for the blue grass and bluer blood of Kentucky, where the equestrian and racing elite hold court over all, including newcomers from Texas. Now they have to coax the horse to make it through the formal dressage, cross-country, and jumping competitions -- and to do that in top form. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Tim Hunter
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Mar 15, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
Sweet-natured horse-racing drama
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A lackadaisical drama that lacks the kinetic energy needed to maintain our interest.

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Cast

            Richard Farnsworth as Foster

            Melissa Gilbert as Charlie

            Yankton Hatten as Grant

            Michael Schoeffling as Matt

            Constance Towers as Muffy

            Pete Kowanko as Harris

            Chris Pederson as Red

            Shane Serwin as Seth

            Norman Bennett as Lenny

            James Gammon as Steve

            Shizuko Hoshi as Mrs. Daniels

            Arliss Howard as Peter

            Richard Jamison as Capt. Marsh

            Sam Laws as Sammy

            Brian O'Connor as Broadcaster

            Maggie Wise Riley as Steward

            Angel Salazar as Tommy John

            Barbara Brumley as Secretary

            Nigel Caserley as Announcer

            Victoria Gallegos as Sandy

            Helmut Graetz as Dressage Official

            Dan Lufkin as Starter

            Earl John McElroy as Auctioneer

            Dabney Garrett Munson as Judge

            Michael Osborne as Irish trainer

            J.P. Robertson as trucker

            Stuart Silbar as Broadcaster

            Linda Snead as Steward

            Ariane de Vogue as Ariane

            Chris Pedersen
            
            Peter Kowanko
            
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