THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER distributed by 20th CENTURY FOX (1982). It's from the country of Australia. The production budget climbed to a mere $3.5 million. It went onto gross $50 million at the world wide box office. (Movie Ticket Price $2.94 for 1982).
The story surrounds Jim (Tom Burlinson) whose father is accidentally killed. He is left alone to fight for himself and the mountain home where he grew up. A pack of horses called the "Brumby Mob" is led by a black stallion. A new prize horse breaks free from a sprawling ranch on Jim's watch. The horse joins that mob. A money reward is offered for the capture of this prize animal. Can Jim ride and redeem himself?
The producers had wanted a Hollywood movie star in the film to attract film audiences. They approached Robert Mitchum who turned it down. They finally cast Kirk Douglas as the twin brothers "Harrison" and "Spur." In his Autobiography - Douglas claimed he was not liked on the film-set because he was the only American. The movie had an all Australian cast.
The western was so popular that a sequel was made called, "Return To Snowy River" (1988). Douglas didn't return as Brian Dennehy replaced him. It was not as commercially popular making only $13 million on a $7 million budget. Both movies were popular on VHS Home Rentals.
This Western lands at number #10 on my favorite films of the 1980's.
No comments:
Post a Comment