The Man from Snowy River (1982 film)

The Man from Snowy River is a 1982 Australian Western film based on the 1890 poem "The Man from Snowy River" by Banjo Paterson. Directed by George T. Miller, the film stars Tom Burlinson, Terence Donovan, Kirk Douglas (in a dual role), Jack Thompson, and Sigrid Thornton.

The film tells the story of Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson), a young man who, upon the death of his father, must prove his worth and claim his inheritance. He travels to the lowlands to earn money and gain experience. While working on a cattle drive, he becomes involved in the pursuit of a wild brumby, a valuable colt descended from a prized thoroughbred.

The film is notable for its stunning cinematography of the Australian Alps and its depiction of the rugged landscape and bush culture. It features dramatic horse riding sequences and captures the spirit of the Australian high country.

The Man from Snowy River was a critical and commercial success in Australia and internationally. It helped to revive interest in Australian Westerns and contributed to the growing popularity of Australian cinema in the 1980s. The film spawned a sequel, The Man from Snowy River II (released in the US as Return to Snowy River) in 1988, and a television series of the same name which ran from 1993 to 1996. The film's soundtrack, composed by Bruce Rowland, is also highly regarded and remains popular.