The Man from Snowy River II is a 1988 Australian drama film, the sequel to the 1982 film The Man from Snowy River, which was distributed by 20th Century Fox.
It was released in the United States by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution under its Walt Disney Pictures label as Return to Snowy River, and in the United Kingdom as The Untamed.
Reprising their roles from the first film were Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig and Sigrid Thornton as Jessica Harrison, while Brian Dennehy appeared as Harrison instead of Kirk Douglas.
Contents
Plot
Some years after his dangerous ride down the steep mountain to capture the Brumby mob and regain the colt, Jim Craig, now with a large herd of mountain-bred horses of his own, returns to take up with his woman, Jessica Harrison. She is still smitten with him, but opposition from her father, Harrison, is as resolute as ever. She also has a rich suitor, Alistair Patton (son of the banker from whom Harrison is seeking a large loan), endeavouring to court her. Before he returns from Harrison's property to his home, Jim meets an army officer seeking quality horses for the remount service on a regular basis.
As he realizes that Jessica's affections remain for Jim, Patton recruits a gang to steal Jim's horses. Jim gives chase and again rides his horse down the steep mountainside. Patton shoots at him; the horse is killed, and Jim is injured but recovers and resumes the pursuit. He had earlier let the wild stallion that led the Brumbies loose into the wild again; in a twist of fate, the stallion shows itself at this crucial moment. As Jim breaks him in and learns to ride him, they become friends, and they catch up to Patton and his gang.
Harrison has also relented during this time, and he joins with Jim and his friends to hunt down Patton and his gang. Jim wins a duel with Patton, and Harrison gives his blessing for Jim to marry Jessica.
Cast
Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig
Sigrid Thornton as Jessica Harrison
Brian Dennehy as Harrison
Nicholas Eadie as Alistair Patton Jr.
Mark Hembrow as Seb
Bryan Marshall as Hawker
Rhys McConnochie as Alistair Patton Sr.
Peter Cummins as Jake
Cornelia Frances as Mrs. Darcy
Tony Barry as Jacko
Wynn Roberts as Priest
Alec Wilson as Patton's Croney
Peter Browne as Reilly
Alan Hopgood as Simmons
Mark Pennell as Collins
Production
Geoff Burrowes, who produced the first movie, decided to direct as he felt he would clash with any other director because he felt so strongly about the material.
A pregnant mare, which was part of the horse mob, injured a leg during the making of the movie and was put down. A government inquiry later found, contrary to allegations by the RSPCA, that the horse was put down in the most humane way possible under the circumstances.
Award and nominations
Won 1989 APRA Award for Best Original Music Score (soundtrack title Return to Snowy River) — (awarded to Bruce Rowland)
Nominated for 1988 AFI Award for Best Achievement in Sound
Nominated for 1989 Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing – Sound Effects
Box office
The Man from Snowy River II grossed $7,415,000 at the box office in Australia.