Project Detail

Shergar

Synopsis

Loosely inspired by one of the racing world's biggest mysteries, Shergar is the story of the daring rescue of the eponymous thoroughbred, which, since its disappearance in 1983, has been the source of countless tales and myths. Newcomer Tom Walsh stars as a teenage stablehand who by chance recognises the stolen horse and, realising the danger it is in, leads it away to freedom. Chased by the ruthless splinter group of the IRA who organised the kidnapping, he enlists the help of a traveller (Ian Holm) and his young granddaughter (Laura Murphy).
Veteran cinematographer and life-long racing enthusiast Denis C Lewiston makes his directorial debut with the film. "Shergar has become a legend, he has entered into folklore as a mythical figure and in the film he inspires the young boy who saves him to look forward to the future. The horse and the greatness within him gives the boy hope and a sense of freedom." Lewiston teamed up with Jeff Geoffrey and Walter Josten of Los Angeles-based independent production company Blue Rider Pictures and the film went into production in the Isle of Man in the spring of 1998.
"This story was too good to pass over," says Geoffrey. "It's a classic, but Denis has really pulled it out of the traditional family genre. There's an edge and a depth to the film thanks to the complexity of the characters, the exhilarating pace of the narrative and the emotional pay-off of the climax."

Details

Year: 2000
Type of project: Features
Director: Denis C Lewiston
Composer: John Scott.
Dir: Denis C Lewiston.
Exec prod: Brian Agnew.
Prods: Jeff Geoffray, Walter Josten, Agnew.
Scr: Lewiston.
DoP: David Lewis.
Prod des: Brian Ackland-Snow.
Ed: Alan Strachan.
Main cast: Ian Holm, Mickey Rourke, David Warner, Andrew Connolly, Tom Walsh, Laura Murphy.
Budget: $4m.
Funding: Private sources, pre-sales, gap financing.