Ruffian (film)
Ruffian | |
---|---|
Directed by | Yves Simoneau |
Produced by |
Orly Adelson Kimberly C. Anderson |
Written by |
Jim Burnstein Garrett K. Schiff |
Starring |
Sam Shepard Laura Bailey Frank Whaley Nicholas Pryor Christine Belford |
Music by | Lawrence Shragge |
Cinematography | David Franco |
Edited by | Michael D. Ornstein |
Production company | |
Distributed by | ABC |
Release dates |
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Running time | 89 minutes |
Language | English |
Ruffian is an American made-for-television movie that tells the story of the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame Champion Thoroughbred filly Ruffian who went undefeated until her death after breaking down in a nationally televised match race at Belmont Park on July 6, 1975 against the Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure.
Made by ESPN Original Entertainment, the film is directed by Yves Simoneau and stars Sam Shepard as Ruffian's trainer, Frank Whiteley. The producers used four different geldings in the role of Ruffian. Locations for the 2007 film included Louisiana Downs in Shreveport, Louisiana and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
Ruffian was first broadcast on June 9, 2007 on the ABC television network. The DVD was released on June 12, 2007.
Previously, ESPN Classic had broadcast a special on July 6, 2000 to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Ruffian.[1]
This movie is also one of Laura Bailey's only major live action roles.
Cast
- Sam Shepard - Frank Whiteley
- Frank Whaley - Bill Nack
- Laura Bailey - Cassie
- Nicholas Pryor - Stuart Janney
- Christine Belford - Barbara Janney
- Mathew Greer - Dan Williams
- Louis Herthum - Dr. Harthill
- John McConnell - Tony Pappas
- Michael Harding - Leroy Jolley
- Stuart Greer - Dan Lasater
- Jon Stafford - Dr. Pendergrast
- David Dwyer - Dick Sandler
- Bill Flynn - Elder Reporter
- Keith Flippen - Dinny Phipps
- Jerry Leggio - Lucien Laurin
- Vladimir Diaz - Jacinto Vasquez
- Joel Santiago - Vincent Bracciale
- Francisco Torres - Braulio Baeza
- Dave Johnson - himself (track announcer)
- Gary McKillips - Jack
References
External links
- Ruffian at the Internet Movie Database
- ESPN film trailer at the NTRA
- Background on Ruffian and the film at ESPN