Barnes & Noble

At first blush, the notion of converting an epic Australian poem into an old-style western, setting it Down Under, and convincing a legendary American actor to take the lead role -- make that two lead roles -- would seem dubious, at best. Yet somehow 1982's The Man From Snowy River, starring Kirk Douglas, managed to transcend its unconventional ingredients to become one of the more beloved family films of its time. The story concerns a willful Aussie mountain man (Tom Burlinson) who takes a job working for a cattle baron and falls in love with the boss's daughter (Sigrid Thornton). Along the way, he becomes entangled in a sour feud over land, as well as a desperate mission to rescue a runaway stallion. Douglas plays both the powerful cattleman and his estranged twin brother -- a crusty prospector named Spur -- with the resonating perfection that has become the hallmark of his career. Chock full of pulse-quickening action scenes and eye-popping scenery, especially the rich mountain vistas of the Australian frontier, the movie found its largest audience on video, and even went on to inspire a sequel (Return to Snowy River, 1988). Alas, like most movie follow-ups, the sequel only makes us long for the original. Bruce Kluger

All Movie Guide

Inspired by an epic poem by A.B. "Banjo" Patterson, The Man From Snowy River was a major step forward for the regenerated Australian film industry of the early '80s. This "down-under Western" spotlights Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig, a headstrong young man who goes to work for a powerful cattle baron. Burlinson falls in love with Jessica (Sigrid Thornton), his boss' daughter, and becomes enmeshed in a bitter land feud. Kirk Douglas has a high old time in the dual role of hard-hearted landowner Harrison and grizzled, one-legged old prospector Spur. Previously filmed in 1920, The Man From Snowy River was directed by the other George Miller, not the director of the same name who helmed Mad Max (1979). A monumental moneymaker, the film inspired a 1988 sequel, confusingly titled Return to Snowy River, Part II. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 024543029137
• Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
• Sales Rank: 13,419

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Family Fun Pack
• Family Time Features Box Set