MovieChat Forums > Phar Lap (1984) Discussion > Did the original movie show his death fi...

Did the original movie show his death first?

posted 12 years ago by kathryn-rubio
2 replies | jump to latest

I saw the movie when it came out in the US in 1984, then bought the VHS tape. I lost it in a move, and have since been trying to find a DVD of the movie; my husband finally found one online (Director's Cut) and we watched it last night. This version showed Phar Lap's death first, then cut to the beginning of the story when Phar Lap was being unloaded from the ship. Also, at the end of the movie they originally did a post-script of what happened to the human characters (ie. Tommy Woodcock became a beloved trainer in Australia, Harry's farm never produced a champion racehorse and he died broke.) This version of the movie did not.

I loved the movie Phar Lap; the relationship between Phar Lap and Tommy was one of the best things about it, as well as Phar Lap's courage in racing even when worn out, injured, or sick. I also enjoyed his jockey's relationship with the horse and appreciation of his abilities. And of course the sheer beauty in the cinematography of the horse galloping! A great movie, a great horse, a wonderful friendship!

[–] jingizu_z 12 years ago

The original movie was also one I first rented on a VHS tape, and it contained both the first scene where Phar Lap is dead and the reporter is trying to talk to the trainer Harry, as well as the postscript of all the main characters.

Fantastic movie, loved it too bits! Have been struggling myself to get hold of a dvd... but found one eventually which is the same as the VHS movie.

[–] bindi_342 12 years ago

The version with his death at the start is the original one which was released here in Australia. I can only guess that they altered it for the overseas market so as not to spoil the story, something that wouldn't be a problem over here where it was already so well known.

I'd like to see the US cut one day, just out of curiosity, though I'm sure it will seem quite strange after growing up with the proper one!

~Bindi~