Dark Horse (1992 film)

Dark Horse is a 1992 American drama film directed by David Hemmings. The screenplay by Janet Maclean was adapted from an original story by Tab Hunter, who also co-produced and played a supporting role.

Plot
The plot focuses on new-girl-in-town Allison Mills, a teenager whose mother recently died. When she hangs out with the wrong crowd, she gets into trouble and is sentenced to community service at a local stable. There she comes to love spending time with the animals until an automobile accident disables her and her favorite horse Jet. The wheelchair-using girl learns to overcome her handicap through the indomitable spirit of the horse, who overcomes the odds and runs again.

Principal cast

 * Ed Begley Jr. as Jack Mills
 * Mimi Rogers as Dr. Susan Hadley
 * Ari Meyers as Allison Mills
 * Donovan Leitch as J.B. Hadley
 * Brooke Cuskey as Amy
 * Samantha Eggar as Mrs. Curtis
 * Natasha Gregson Wagner as Martha
 * Tab Hunter as Perkins
 * Tisha Sterling as Officer Ross

Production
This film was the second project brought to the screen (the first being Lust in the Dust) by Glaser/Hunter Productions, owned by Tab Hunter and his life partner Allan Glaser. Hunter, an avid horse rider and owner, was inspired for his story by an Arabian horse that was used as a double in the 1979 film The Black Stallion. After breaking his leg, the animal spent a full year recuperating in a sling. Although he never walked properly again, when set loose he could run with no problem.

Director Hemmings insisted on shooting in his home base of Sun Valley, Idaho, where he was surrounded by an entourage offering strong support. He drank heavily during filming, and often was barely functional at the end of the day. Producer Allan Glaser tolerated his erratic and boorish behavior only because the dailies were so good.

The film was shown at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival. It was released theatrically on July 17, 1992.

Critical reception
TV Guide wrote the film "does succeed in presenting a tale of overcoming adversity and growing up. The most affecting scene is between Brooke Cuskey and Meyers. Cuskey plays Amy, a young girl who's been on crutches her whole life. She gives Allison her crutches and very assertively tells her to stand up. Director David Hemmings has presented this exchange in a way that is straightforward and not sappy. The rest of the cast is equally competent. "