Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Tom Burlinson, Martin Vaughan, Judy Morris, Ron Leibman, Celia Deburgh ... see more see more... , Vincent Ball , Gia Carides , James Steele , John Stanton , Peter Whitford , Randall Berger , Cliff Ellen , Ashley Grenville , Robert Grubb , Richard Morgan , Warwick Moss , Ross O'Donovan , Redmond Phillips , Tim Robertson , Pat Thomson , Don Reid , John Russell , Arthur Sherman , Simon Wells , Alan Wilson , Brian Adams , Steven R. Bannister , John Cobley , Jerome Anthony Hawkins , Les Foxcroft , Brian Harrison , Dave Johnson , Roger Newcombe , Brian Anderson , Terry Gill , James Wright , John Stone , John Higgins

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 d... read more read more...ay 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

Flixster Users

91% liked it

3,285 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

5 critics

PG, 1 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: Simon Wincer

Release Date: August 11, 1983

Invite friends to see

Stats: 169 reviews

Your Rating



clear rating

Flixster Reviews (169)


  • March 14, 2008
    I watched this as a boy and it had me in tears (almost). Really heartwarming tale for young and old alike.
  • April 5, 2007
    The greatest Horse that ever lived. Never lost a race. If you can find this movie then watch it. A real heart breaker
  • February 27, 2007
    Excellent biographical tale of the Austrailan racing champion who lost his life after his first American race....a tear jerker, so have the hankies ready!
  • February 19, 2007
    Another great horse story, a true story based in Ireland, England , and later the United States. Many people never had a chance to see this one. You ever get a chance get it! I will warn you, it is a heart warmer.....

Critic Reviews


Clint Morris
June 11, 2005
Clint Morris, Moviehole

A movie you'll never forget....tears aplenty

July 23, 2008
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

January 10, 2004
Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Lori Hoffman
June 12, 2007
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
September 13, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Sarah Chauncey
June 4, 2004
Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com

No review available.

Rebecca Murray
November 22, 2003
Rebecca Murray, About.com

No review available.

Derek Adams
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

More Like This


This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Phar Lap (Phar La... : Watch Free on TV


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

Movie Quizzes


Video Clips


No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists


Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?