Episode 491: The Horse Whisperer (1998)

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The second film in our tribute to Robert Redford gave us the first time he was both director and star in the same story! In 1998's "The Horse Whisperer," based on the book by Nicholas Evans, we're introduced to the MacLean family - father Robert (Sam Neill), mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas), and daughter Grace (Scarlett Johansson). While out riding horses with her friend Judith (Kate Bosworth in her first film role), there is an accident involving a semi-truck, during which Judith is killed, Grace is critically injured, and her horse, Pilgrim, is stuck by the truck and also critically injured. Grace's right leg is partially amputated, and Pilgrim is so traumatized that no one can get near her. In the hope of healing Pilgrim, and by doing so help Grace to heal as well, Annie researches horse experts and comes across a "horse whisperer" in Montana named Tom Booker (Redford). After Booker turns down her request for help on the phone, Annie decides to force the issue and embarks on a cross-country trip with Grace and Pilgrim, headed for Booker's ranch. Upon arrival, Booker sees Grace and Pilgrim, puts two and two together, and agrees to try to help Pilgrim, provided Grace will assist him. Ultimately Grace agrees to help, although somewhat surly at the idea. Tom's brother, Frank (Chris Cooper) and his wife Diane (Dianne Wiest) convince Annie and Grace to come and stay on the ranch while Tom is working with Pilgrim. As Grace is befriended by Frank's young son Joe (Ty Hillman), Tom and Annie become closer as well. The sudden arrival of Robert on the farm, however, brings the feelings between Tom and Annie to a head, and forces all involved to confront the reality of the situation, including whether or not Pilgrim can, in fact, be cured. Plus, the gents unveil which two Humphrey Bogart films will make up the next pairing!

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