Saturday, November 03, 2007

Poem vs Movie: The Man From Snowy River...

One of our favorite equine movies is "The Man From Snowy River". The movie is based on a poem written by Banjo Paterson. In a previous post title "Definition of Brumby" we learned a little bit about Banjo Paterson. After reading the poem, I will have to say that I would have to study both poem and movie with a fine toothed comb to find the differences. Of course a story line was added to the movie, notwithstanding, the details from the poem are interwoven in the movie.

In the movie, Kirk Douglas plays a double role as the Harrison twins in the movie who parted ways because of loving the same woman. Tom Burlinson starred as "Jim Craig, the Man from Snowy River", who fell in love with Jessica (played by Sigrid Thornton) the daughter of "Harrison", the owner of a large cattle station. Clancy is played by Jack Thompson.


Below is an excerpt of the poem that depicts the highlight of the movie as far as we are concerned:

"When they reached the mountain's summit, even Clancy took a pull -
It well might make the boldest hold their breath;
The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full
Of wombat holes, and any slip was death.
But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head,
And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer,
And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed,
While the others stood and watched in very fear.

He sent the flint-stones flying, but the pony kept his feet,
He cleared the fallen timber in his stride,
And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat -
It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride.
Through the stringybarks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground,
Down the hillside at a racing pace he went;
And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound
At the bottom of that terrible descent."

Excerpt from "The Man From Snowy River" poem as found on kmike.com

While Travis and Tony were on vacation in Australia, I watched "The Man From Snowy River" again!





MnC's Disclaimer: At no time is excessive force, cruelty or brutality used when training the horses pictured in this blog. Reinforcing pats and firm gentleness, along with calmness from the trainers, encourage the horses to do as they are asked.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is one of my favorite movies. Thanks for reminding me that I'd like to watch it again.

Unknown said...

Hi Jan! Because of two of my posts in the AgGC, I will be watching TMFSR again, too. This time with the poem in hand!

Sharon Lynne said...

I'm going to have to check out this movie! Maybe I can watch it with my mom. She loves movies about horses. And love stories too!

I'm visiting by way of the Carnival. Great job on putting it all together!

Unknown said...

Hi Cousin! Our favorite part is the scenes with the horses of course!! Someday we will have a herd of horses like that!!!

Sheila said...

I haven't seen this movie in forever. I do love it too. How appropriate to watch when your sons were down under.

Unknown said...

Hi Sheila! Yes, the horse scenes are magnificent!!

Summitt For Circuit City's new "FireDog"!

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