Blue Fire Lady (1977) - full transcript

(birds singing)

- Come here.

Go on.

Come here.

Come.

(gentle guitar music)

(hooves clopping)

Hi, Steve, what's up?

- Come and look,
the mare's foaled.

- Fantastic,

but I can't.



What if Dad sees?

- Come on, we'll
go the back way.

Come on, jump up.

(joyous instrumental music)

♪ Morning on another sunny day

♪ Feeling good in a
most exciting way ♪

♪ Doing things and being
with the ones you love ♪

♪ Just being there is
all you're thinking of ♪

♪ Daylight and you're
flying with the wind ♪

♪ Just feel it

♪ Ain't it flowin'
in your face ♪

♪ Mm

♪ It's all yours

♪ But you share it with
the ones you love ♪



♪ 'Cause a little bit of
love goes a long way ♪

♪ A little bit of love
goes a long, long way ♪

♪ Blue Fire Lady

♪ All she needs is love

♪ Blue Fire Lady

♪ Love is just enough

♪ When you're young

♪ When you're free

♪ When you've still
got room to breathe ♪

Diamond had a foal,
after all this time?

- [Bartlett] Look at her, Jen.

- Look at that head.

She's a born champion.

- [Bartlett] Very few
are as good as Diamond.

There aren't many
horses good enough

to win a gold medal
for Australia.

- And few riders, Mr. Bartlett.

- Yeah, but with
Diamond, I had the best,

the best in the world.

- Come on, let's go.

She wants her breakfast and
it's about time we had ours.

- You look after her, old
girl, you hear? (chuckling)

♪ 'Cause a little bit of
love goes a long way ♪

♪ A little bit of love
goes a long, long way ♪

I'd just about given up hope.

Everybody told me the old
girl would never foal.

Funny thing, I had a feeling
she'd be ripe this year.

- Give old mother nature time
and she can fix everything.

(Bartlett chuckling)
- Nature, yeah,

and the new vet.

- Vet.
- More tea, Jenny?

- No thanks, Dad'll be
wondering where I am.

- Is he still upset about
you coming here, Jen?

- Yes.

Oh, it's nothing to do with you.

It's just that he hates horses.

- If only he could see you
ride, he'd change his mind.

- No chance.

He won't even let
me near a horse.

- Surely he must realize
you've got talent,

and if you trained hard, you
could take on the world's best.

- I only wish I had it in me.

- You know how much I love
working with show horses,

but Dad won't even have
a horse on the place.

When he found out I was
coming here to ride for you,

he was furious.

I've tried to speak to him,
but he just won't listen.

- You must understand your
father's point of view.

- I know how Dad feels,

but he won't talk
to me about it.

Anyway, if we hadn't
come to Australia,

I never would have met
the famous Bartletts.

(all chuckling)

I must go.

Dad'll come looking for me.

See ya.
- Bye.

- Bye.

- Oh, morning, Dad.

You're up early.

- Where have you been?

- I went to see the Bartletts.

- I thought I told you
to keep away from there.

- I'm sorry, but
Diamond gave birth

to her foal.

We've all waited so long, I--

- I don't care why you went.

The fact is you
deliberately disobeyed me.

- But they're my friends.

They're nice people.

- What's that supposed to mean?

- Nothing, Dad.

You won't let me
visit the Bartletts

because they let me
ride their horses,

but can't you see I love
working with horses,

and I'm good at it.

- I don't care how good you are.

You will keep away from the
Bartletts and their horses.

Is that clear?

- I know why you
hate horses, Dad,

but what happened to
Mum was an accident.

It could just as easily--

- I told you never
to mention that.

- Mum was killed on her
horse by a fool in a car,

so why blame horses?

(sentimental instrumental music)

- I've warned you
before about defying me.

If you go near the
Bartletts again,

I'll send you to boarding
school in Melbourne.

Now get on with your work.

- Yes, Dad.

(music accelerating)

(hooves clomping)

- The mare's down and
Mum needs your help.

Dad and I are
looking for the vet.

(dog barking)

- [Alan] What was that
Bartlett kid doing here?

- Diamond's sick; I've got to
go give Mrs. Bartlett a hand.

- You're not going.

- I haven't got
time to argue, Dad.

I promised Steve I'd help
with the mare and foal.

- Jenny!

(Diamond whickering)

- If anything happens
to the old girl...

- Don't worry, they'll find him.

(dog barking)

- [Jack] Easy, girl, easy.

- How is she, Jack?

- She should be alright, now.

I've given her a shot.

Temperatures dropping already.

(relieved sighs)
- Well.

- Inside and pack your
things, young lady.

I phoned the boarding school.

They can take you today.

I gave you fair warning.

(military marching drum music)

(rhythmic piano music)

(music softens)

(military marching drum music)

(upbeat piano music)

(girls shouting happily)

- Hello.
- I got your letter.

You sounded unhappy.

- I am, terribly.

- Is it your studies?

- No.

I have a few
problems with maths.

- (chuckles) Doesn't everybody?

- I have to talk to
you about next year.

I don't want to go
straight to university.

I want to get a job
and work for a while.

- Degrees take a long
time to get, Jenny.

The sooner you
start, the better.

- I know, but my exams
will be over next week,

and I'll be 18, old enough to
legally make my own decisions.

Try and understand.

- I gather this job will
give you time for horses.

- I hope so.

It's what I want.

(jazzy instrumental music)

Thank you.
- Enjoy the stay.

- Can I have a room, please?

- Certainly.

How long?

- Only one night, I think.

- Fine, fill in the form.

(traffic rumbling)

(office personnel chatting)
(phones ringing)

(kitchen personnel chattering
in foreign language)

- Excuse me, are you Mr. Curtis?

- [Curtis] Yes, that's me.

- I'm the new groom, Jenny Grey.

- You're what?

I mean, you're a girl.

I couldn't possibly.

I mean, there's no way.

- But your letter
said I had the job.

- Yet your letter didn't
say you were a girl.

(train rumbling)

- The advertisement said
stud groom required,

experienced with
horses and cattle.

There was no mention
of not being female.

- But I thought...

Look, there's no way my missus,

another woman in the place.

I'm sorry, girly.

I need a man.

After all, it's a man's job.

Look, here's $20 for your fare

and another 20 for your trouble.

I'm sorry.

(tender guitar music)

(hooves clopping)

(tender guitar music)

(hooves clopping)

(upbeat instrumental music)

- Excuse me, can you tell
me where Mr. McIntyre,

the trainer is?

- Yes, he's over at the rail.

- Thank you.

Mr. McIntyre?

- That's me.

- I've come about the
job as a stable hand.

The ad did say male or female.

- That's right.

Can you ride?

- Well, yes, since
I was a child,

and I have helped
school show horses.

- What about racehorses,
ever work them?

- No, but I'd like to.

They all look so well cared for.

- Takes are darn lot of hard
work to keep them like that.

Come on, we'll see if
you can sit on a horse.

Charlie!

- Yes, Boss?

- [McIntyre] Bring
out Black Star.

- [Charlie] Okay, Mr. McIntyre.

- Now, see that sand track?

I want you to trot the
horse around there once,

and cant him around
at half pace, once.

Betty, give this
girl your skullcap.

- Here, put this
on, regulations.

- [Groom] Charlie,
can't you see?

- There he is.

Walk him around first to
make sure you can handle him.

Okay, jump on.

(tense instrumental music)

- She'll be lucky if she
gets that thing on a track.

- You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Way she's handling him, I'd
say this kid really knows

how to handle horses.

- Nah, I've seen these
riding school chicks before.

They're alright
on a quiet horse,

but give them a cranky
one, they go to pieces.

- We'll see.

- We'll see, alright.

(bucket clangs)
(horse whinnying)

(Charlie laughing)

- Charlie, you idiot.

(mellow instrumental music)

What the hell's going on?

Get up and get those
stalls finished.

- Right, Boss.

- And come on, the
rest of you get moving.

You're not at a rodeo.

- Watch him when you first
go onto the track, Miss.

He's a bit toey, then.

After that, just kid to
him and he'll be alright.

(tender instrumental music)

I'm Gus.

- I'm Jenny, Jenny Grey.

- The boss wants a word.

Oh, and well done.

- Thanks.

- You'll do.

A month's trial, okay?

Award rates, find your
own accommodation.

Start Monday, my stables.

Address is in the ad.

4:30 a.m.

(horse racing playing on radio)

(baby crying)

- Yeah?

- [Jenny] I was just
looking for a room.

- We've always got rooms.

Come in.

(doorbell grinding)

(muted male yelling)

- Hi.

- You have a room to let?

- [Friend] Who is it, Ralphie?

- Chick.

Yeah, come on in, lend a hand,

the rent's on us.

- I think I have
the wrong address.

Thank you.

(Italian string music)

- [Mrs. G.] Yes?

- Mrs, uh--

- So, you want a room.

Okay.

Why you no live with
your mama and papa,

a young girl like you?

- I am 18.

- You look a nice girl.

Okay.

Come in, we talk.

What's your name?

- Jenny, Jenny Grey.

- What's your job?

- I'm a stable hand with
a racehorse trainer.

- Oh?

The stable?

Oh, that's no good
job for a girl.

Horses.

When he was here, my
husband, Francesco,

he loved horses, too.

He'd drive a taxi,
all day, all night.

He make a lot of money.

We save for trip home.

What happened?

You want to know what happened?

I tell you what happened.

One day, a customer
give him a good tip

for a horse.

He take the money, he
put it on the horse.

I tell you what happened.

Goodbye, horse, goodbye,
money, goodbye, Francesco.

Horses, no good.

- But it's not the horses' fault

when people lose their money.

Some people enjoy betting.

- That's true.

Francesco, he bet on anything.

He's stupid, though.

Okay.

You can stay.

- Thanks.
- You want breakfast

in the morning?

- Well, I have to start
at half-past four.

- Half-past four?

In the morning?

That's nearly midnight.

You cook for yourself, alright?

- Fine.

Thank you, Mrs...

- Hey, everybody,
they call me Mrs. G.

When you come home from
work, I cook you a good,

big Italian pasta.

Hey, Barry, you're
home early for once.

- G'day.

- [Mrs. G] I want you
meet Miss Jenny Grey.

She gonna stay with us.

- Are you? Great.

- [Jenny] Hello.

- One day, Barry
gonna be bigshot.

- Ah, I'm studying engineering.

How 'bout you?

- Oh, I just left
school and I decided

to take a job for a while.

- [Barry] You're
English, aren't you?

- Yes.

- [Barry] Your folks here?

- My father has a
farm near Lysterfield.

- Ah, beautiful
country up there.

Beautiful people, too.

- Hey, you get out,
you cheeky boy.

You leave Miss Jenny alone.

What she think of my house,

you making goo-goo
eyes so quick?

Now, you go and get
clean and then we eat.

- Okay, okay, I'm sorry.

Let me know if you need
any help moving in.

- I was gonna hire a taxi truck.

- Ah, cost you a fortune.

I got an old Morris.

I'll lend you a hand.

Tomorrow afternoon?

- Are you sure?

- About four.

- Barry work very hard in
the garage, pay for school.

He really nice boy.

You very pretty girl.

Plenty nice boys make
goo-goo eyes at you.

Come on, I show you your room.

Goo-goo eyes.

- 'Kay, give her a pump.

(engine revs)

(engine stalls)

'Kay, go again.

(engine revving)

What's your new job?

- Working at a racing
stables at Caulfield.

- Really?

I thought all stable hands
were skinny little blokes

who talked through their noses.

- No, not nowadays.

Plenty of skinny little
girls work in stables, too.

- Why that job?

- I want to take up
show jumping seriously,

and this way I can get some
practice and be paid for it.

- Any good at this horse thing?

- Oh, I think so, but I
have to find out for sure.

- And your father
won't change his mind?

- No chance.

- Whew, that's the lot.

And now, young lady, my account.

It's gonna cost you
(mimics mumbling addition),

one cup of coffee.

- It's a deal.

- So you wanna be a vet?

- No, I just wanted to be
able to help on the farm.

- And now?

- I don't know.

- If I can help.

- Hey, okay you cheeky boy.

That's enough.

No more, not in my house.

(clock ticking)

(alarm ringing)

(rapid instrumental music)
(McIntyre sighs)

- Alright, these two
horses are yours:

Red Sun

and Big Sky.

Now I want you to look
after these horses properly.

They owner of these
horses pay a lot of money

to have them trained and
they expect them to look

as though they're getting
their money's worth.

You take orders from me,

and when I'm not here,
Charlie's foreman.

Hey, Charlie?

- [Charlie] Yes, Boss?

- Show this girl
where everything is,

what gear she can use,

then get the first
line into the float

and out the track.

Hey, Gus, for crying out loud,

get that gear on
the two-year-old and
let's get moving.

Be lunch time if
we don't hurry up.

- Come on, Charlie
Martin, the foreman.

Get away, useless old beggar.

- I'm Jenny Grey.

- You're another one of
these riding school champs

who think they know
everything about horses.

- No, I--

- Well, we'll soon find out
how much you don't know.

You can use that skullcap.

Belonged to the last riding
school chick we had here.

Only lasted a week.

One of the colts
gave her a fright

so she ran home to mummy.

- Which is my gear?

- Use that saddle.

The bridles got
their names on 'em.

Those two horses
you've been given

to look after are
real scrubbers.

Big Sky's got some
chance of running last.

The other one's gonna
break down for sure.

You know, owners are very
generous with their money

if their horses win.

If you've got good
horses to look after,

you make a lot of extra dough.

Now, if you and me were friends,

I could make sure you got
good horses to look after.

- No, thank you.

- Listen, stuck up--

- [McIntyre] Charlie, get
those darn horses in the float.

- Coming, Boss.

You'll learn.

(rapid instrumental music)

- [Groom] Take him out easy.

- Take him easy.

(music increasing)

- I suppose that creep
Charlie's been giving you

the look after me and I'll
look after you routine.

None of us like him much,

especially the way
he crawls to Mr. Mac.

He took the foreman's
job from Gus, you know.

- I like Gus.

He seems nice.

- Mr. Mac says he's
too soft on horses.

- Okay, okay, cut the cackle.

This isn't a royal show.

Now get those horses finished.

- Steady, I know it's sore.

I'll see what I can do.

Hello.

- Good day, Bobby.

He used to guard the stables
for Mr. Mac's father.

He's a bit deaf now.

Charlie wants to get rid of him.

Says he upsets the
horses. (chuckles)

This old dog's forgotten
more about horses

than Charlie will ever know.

- [Jenny] Red Sun's got
a lot of heat in his leg.

- Tell the boss, not me.

I'll tell him that
horse'll break down

unless he's rested
and treated properly.

- Well, why hasn't he
done anything about it?

- Ask him.

(Mac sighs)

- Yes?

- Mr. McIntyre?

- [McIntyre] Yes?

- Red Sun's got a lot
of heat in his leg.

- Yeah, I know.

- [Jenny] Shall I
put a poultice on it?

- No, just keep working him.

- When I exercised
him this morning,

he felt very lame.

Maybe we should phone the vet.

- I said just keep working him.

- [Jenny] What if
he breaks down?

- Listen, girl, if that
three-legged crop breaks down,

then too bad.

I haven't got time to
nurse unsound horses.

Lame horses can't win races.

If a horse can't stand training,

then it's no good
to me or its owner.

Now do as I say and
keep working him.

- Yes, sir.

- Get out of the way,
you useless old mutt.

- How'd you go?

- He said--

- Don't tell me, I know:

keep working him.

If he breaks down, too bad.

That's the way it is
in the game these days.

Horses like Red Sun
who can't pay their way

are no good to anyone.

- But horses are just
as sensitive as people.

- You and I know that,

but try telling the
likes of Charlie.

A stable's gotta be
run like a factory,

and that's that.

You can't beat the system.

I better get on with it.

I'll see you.

- [Mrs. G] Here we go.

- System.

I better get on with it.

I'll see you.

- [Mrs. G.] Here we go.

- [Barry] You sound really fed
up with this racing business.

- It's different to
the showing, Barry.

There, the horse and
rider form a team.

At McIntyre's, it's
just big business,

and they all accept that.

- Hey, what you
need is a night out.

When's your day off?

- Sunday, so I can go
out Saturday night.

- Great.

You and I are gonna have
a night on the town.

- Hey, what's with
this big night out?

You tell me.

- Oh, I was thinking of
something wildly extravagant,

something fantastically
exotic like...

Tram ride to the movies?

- Okay, but you be home by 12.

Otherwise, plenty
trouble, alright?

- Okay.
- Okay.

- Oh, Jenny, I forget.

Letter come for you today.

- Might be from Dad.

It's from our neighbors,
the Bartletts.

Diamond's foal will be
a two-year-old soon.

They're hoping to sell
her as a racehorse.

- Hey, come on, it's
not all that bad.

- I'm just a bit
homesick, that's all.

- Okay, look.

There's a good movie
on telly tonight.

Let's eat.

- Ah, telly.

All the bad girls
with the big bubloons.

(chortling)

- Okay, put him in his stall.

- Don't worry about him.

He'll never race again.

- What'll they do with him?

- Oh, the owner'll sell
him at the auctions.

Got too many horses to
worry about this one.

No one wants a
broken down gelding.

End up in a can as dogs' meat.

- I got your message.

Not at all happy about taking
this new filly on, Bill.

- Now listen, Mac.

Diamond Queen is a great mare.

She might be a bit cranky,

but she won the Melbourne Cup,

and I reckon she can produce
one just as good as herself.

Now, either you
train her daughter,

or you don't train
any of my horses.

Simple as that.

I mean it, Mac.

- Now, you know the chances
of Diamond Queen producing one

as good as herself
is a million to one.

I tell you, Bill, that Diamond
breed's just no good at all.

- Now, listen, Mac.

It's my horses and my money
keeping you in business.

You give that filly a try.

If she's no good, I'll
put her in the sales ring,

but give her a try first.

(brakes hissing)

- G'day.

(angry whickering)

She's cranky, as
mad as a hatter.

- I'm paying you to transport,

not give her a
character reference.

- Charlie, calm
those colts down.

(tense instrumental music)

Get up.

Jenny, help get this
thing off the float.

- Coming, sir.

(music gentles)

Now put it in the stable.

(sighs) Look, Bill,
this darn lunatic'll

have every horse in the
stable going berserk.

- Well, it's your
job to calm her down

and get her ready for racing.

That's what I'm paying you for.

- (sighs) But why this nuisance?

Buy yourself a decent horse.

Give yourself a chance.

I mean, it costs as
much to feed a champion

as it does to feed
a rat bag like this.

- Well, I know Diamond
can produce a good 'un,

and this might just be it.

- [McIntyre] Didn't even
get it in the stall.

- [Bill] Don't you
worry, you'll see.

- Excuse me?

- Yes, girly?

- [Jenny] What's her name?

- I've called her
Blue Fire Lady.

(tender instrumental music)

- I tell you, she's mad, Boss.

She just hates people.

Well, you know, you saw
her throw me at the track.

- Yeah, just like mother and
the rest of the darn breed.

- You've only got one
chance with that filly.

She's a one-man horse,

just like her mother.

- Aw, this is 1977, Gus.

If the horse can't
be part of a team,

it's no good to me.

Training's a business.

I'm a horse trainer, not a
head doctor for scatty horses.

- Look, Peters is
expecting results.

Now, Charlie's scared of
her and the filly knows it.

Why don't you leave her to
that new girl to look after.

It's your only chance
of getting her to race.

Look, the yearling sales
are coming up soon.

You're expecting Peters
to dig into his pocket

and buy you a couple
of good colts,

but he won't, unless you make
some attempt with the filly.

- Charlie?

Give that darn filly
to the new girl.

- Yes, Boss, with pleasure.

(dog whimpers)

- Haven't you got rid of
this darn nuisance dog yet?

- Oh, I didn't know.

- Well, you know now.

Get rid of it.

This is a racing stable,
not a dogs' refuge home.

- Yes, Boss.

Come on, you dirty
old fleabag, come on.

Move!

(Betty laughing)
Get up, now move!

- I'll just be a minute.

Can I speak to you for a
moment, please, Mr. McIntyre?

- What is it this time?

- Can I have Bobby?

- [McIntyre] What do you
mean can you have him?

- I'd like to keep him.

(McIntyre scoffs)

I'll take him home so
he won't be any trouble

to you anymore.

- That old dog's nearly 15.

He's deaf as a post.

No, Charlie's taking
him to the vet.

It's time he was put down.

Anyway, you'll have
enough to worry about

with that new filly.

I'm giving her to
you to look after.

Now, forget about the dog.

Go back to work and let
me get on with mine.

- Please, sir.

- (heavy sighing)
Good Lord, girl,

if it means that much to
you, take the darn dog,

but I don't want to see
him hanging around here.

Now, will you get
on with your work?

- Yes, thank you,
thank you very much.

- Animal lovers will
be the end of me.

- Please, Mrs. G.

He won't be any trouble
and I'll pay for his keep.

- No, no dogs.

- But he's got nowhere to go.

No one wants him.

- Ha, if no one wants him,

that must mean he's
no good for nothing.

- But Mrs. G, he's such--

- No, I said no dogs.

- Now wait a minute, Mrs. G.

This is becoming a very
rough neighborhood.

You could use a good watchdog.

- You mind your business,
mister cheeky smarty-pants.

- But, Mrs. G, think
how safe you'd feel

with a trained guard
dog to look after you.

- What do you mean,
trained guard dog?

- That's right, Mrs. G.

This dog is famous
all over town.

In fact, they hire him out
to guard all the favorites

before the big races.

This is a really important dog.

- Where is this
big-time guard dog?

- He's out the
front, I'll get him.

- How come you know so much,
mister cheeky smarty-pants?

- Everyone's heard of this dog.

- If he's such a good guard dog,

how I know he
don't bite me, 'eh?

- Because he never bites
kind, lovable people, Mrs. G.

- Ah, get away with
your goo-goo eyes.

You first-class conman.

Okay, mister, come here.

What's the matter, you?

I said come here.

If you're gonna stay here,

I want you to know who to guard.

- I'm afraid he's a bit deaf.

You have to pat your
knee, like this,

so he can see you
want him to come.

(dog panting)

- Okay, mister, you stop
with the goo-goo eyes.

You can stay.

- [Jenny] Oh, thank you!

- Hey, stop the fuss.

Hey, hey.

If this guard dog deaf, how
come he can hear burglars?

You tell me, 'eh?

- He, he smells them.

He sniffs them out.

Don't you, fella?

- No.

I think you old-timer
nobody wants no more.

We all get that way.

Hey, Mr. Dog, you stop
with the goo-goo eyes.

Hey, you like ravioli?

Hey, he like my cooking.

You know, I think this
a pretty smart dog.

(all chuckling)

(tender piano music)

- You'll never
quieten that lunatic.

The sooner she gets
aboard, the better,

before she hurts somebody.

- Steady.

Don't make it hard
for both of us.

Come on.

(music increasing)

(gunfire on TV)

- [Barry] Goodnight, Mrs. G.

- [Jenny] Goodnight.

- Goodnight you two.

Hey, you be home by 12
o'clock, you remember,

or else there'll be trouble.

Hey, hey, Mr. Dog, you hungry?

You like a salami sandwich?

Hey.

Be good.

Hey, hey you know something?

You got good taste. (chuckles)

- Our trusty steed,
the tram, awaits.

- Well, thank you,
Prince Charming.

- For an ugly old stable
hand, you sure turned

into a beautiful princess.

- Well, if you're the prince,

you must have started
life as a frog.

Come on, we'll miss the tram.

Mrs. G's right, you are
a first-class conman.

(soft chattering)

- Fancy an ice cream?

- [Jenny] Mm, thanks.

- Well, if it isn't our
collector of useless animals,

all dressed up.

Wanna come for a ride
with the boss, sweetie?

- I'm waiting for a friend.

- A friend?

I didn't think you
were the friendly type.

- Go away.

- Listen, stuck-up,

who do you think you are?

You keep treating
my like a fool,

and I'll make your
life miserable for you.

- I treat you like a fool
because you behave like one.

You're a little bully who's
not much good at his job.

- I'll fix you right
up from now on.

Every cranky bare-legged
horse that comes in the stable

I'll line up for
you to look after.

I fix smarties like you.

- Smarties like who?

- Huh, who's this, one of your
fresh riding school mates?

- Hey, come on, I think
you better tell the lady

you're sorry.

- What lady?

- Come on, Barry, let's go.

- Come on, Shorty, I
said you better say

the lady you're sorry.

- Drop dead, creep!

- Now, listen, I'm
bigger than you,

and I got a black belt.

So, come on, tell the
lady you're sorry.

Go on, say, I'm sorry, lady.

- I'm sorry.

- I said, I'm sorry, lady.

- I'm sorry, lady!

- That's it, you could
be a nice boy if you try.

Goodnight, everyone.

- You dirty pig!

- I didn't know you did karate.

- I don't.

All I said was I
have a black belt,

and I do.

- Here's the tram.

(tender guitar music)

- That girl's got Blue Fire
Lady going along nicely, mate.

- Ah, it's a long
way to the racetrack.

- I think the filly's ready
for education at the barriers.

- Yeah, could be right.

We'll try her out at the
starting gate tomorrow.

We'll see just how good
a job that girl has done.

(rapid tempo music)

- [Jenny] Steady, it's alright.

Come here.

- Alright, lead her in.

- Why don't you take one
of the others in first.

When she sees it's safe,
then she'll go, too.

- Get ahold of her, take her up.

- Right, Mr. Mac.

- It's already, Betty, I'll
get off and lead her in.

Come on.

Come on.

Just hold it a second
'til she has a look.

There you are.

It's alright.

No one's gonna hurt you.

Come on.

(music increasing)

- Okay, let 'em go.

- Okay.

(frenetic instrumental music)

(terrified whinny)

- Blasted, crazy animal!

- Are you alright?

- She okay?

What the hell happened?

- Well, she was
going beautifully.

Then she just swerved
off the track.

- [McIntyre] I've just about
had enough of this horse.

- I know I can get her to race.

She just needs to trust me.

- Yeah.

- You alright?

Here we go.

(pleasant instrumental music)

Right?

Well, you've done it.

I'd say she's ready to race.

- She'll be alright,

as long as they take her easy.

(tender instrumental music)

- [Barry] I thought riding
was supposed to be fun.

I've had it.

- [Jenny] Come on,
you've earned a break.

- [Barry] We just leave 'em?

- [Jenny] They'll be okay.

They'll not wander off.

- [Barry] I don't
think I've quite got

the hang of it yet, though.

The horse wants to go one way

and I'm trying to go the other.

- [Jenny] Got to let the
know what you want to do.

- So you finally won your
battle with the horse.

- Not a battle, more
a test of patience.

Because of her breeding,

everyone treated
Lady like an outlaw.

So, she behaved like one.

- When's her first race?

- Saturday.

That'll be her real test.

Strange rider in
a strange place.

- You're not happy, are you?

- I don't know.

I'm not sure if I've
done Lady a favor

by getting her quiet
enough to race.

- Why?

- People like McIntyre
and Peters treat horses

as racing machines.

Lady worked for me because I
treated her as an individual.

- Ah, you shouldn't worry.

You've done your best.

Hey, have you heard
from your father lately?

- No, he never
answers my letters.

- You miss him a lot, don't you?

Any time I can help, Jen.

- Thanks, I know.

(birds singing)

(rapid instrumental music)

(low chattering)

- [Announcer] Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the Victoria
Amateur Turf Club,

welcome to racing at Caulfield.

The weather, fine, the
track is officially good,

and if you have your
race books handy now,

we'll check alterations
throughout the break.

- Well, it's a big
day for you, Mac.

Three in and two favorites.

What do you reckon
about Black Knight?

- Oh, it should go close.

Track work's been spot on.

- [Bill] What about
my filly in the sixth?

- I still say that Blue Fire
Lady's nothing but trouble.

She nearly killed the
girl looks after her.

- But does she have a chance?

- Well, with Clegg on her, Bill,

one of the best
whip riders around,

he won't take any nonsense.

If she's got any ability at all,

Clegg'll get it out of her.

- Well, I gotta give
you full marks, Mac.

At least you tried.

If she doesn't pay her way now,

you can kick her out,

but I still reckon that old mare

can produce at
least one good one.

- She might, but not this one.

- Come on, I want to get
something on Black Knight.

- Prince Amure, 100 to
10, Prince Amure, at 277.

- [Announcer] For
number four, Act Again.

The first race on the program,

one scratching, number seven,

Ellen's Hope leaving the board.

- Sky Limit $12 to one,
fill out your three.

Seven, eight, nine, the
Park Silent gives 492.

Black Knight, 900 to
400, fill out your polls.

Thank you, price on the boards.

Here they are, four
to one, Silent Kid.

- [Announcer] Yes, the winnows
have have placed the line.

(crowd chattering)

- Now, the last of the runners
has gone into the stalls.

They're all set for the
first event on the program.

Stand.

(bell dings)
Racing, this time,

and Count John away
well from Jim's Hope.

Black Knight got away nicely,

and then Day End
followed by Jolly Let.

Into the straight now
and Count John the leader

with Jim's Hope and
Black Knight fighting on

on the outside, followed
by Miss Park and Day End,

but Count John's gonna
be much too good.

He's striding right
away from the mound.

Count John's gonna win it
easily from Jim's Hope.

(aggravated growl)
- Better luck, mate.

- That's not good enough.

- I know, I saw the race, too.

- [Announcer] And
last of all is Dingo.

- [Announcer] Yes, the
winnows have place the line.

(crowd chattering)

- He just wasn't
himself, Mr. Mac.

Something seems to
have upset him today.

- Yeah.

- [Announcer] Get bet outs!

- [Announcer] And the fill
on the race, $94, even.

There's the totes
pending correct weight

on the maiden two-year-olds.

(somber instrumental music)

- You know what
this breed's like,

so I don't want you
to take any nonsense.

Give her a darn good hiding.

Peters will see she's
not worth the trouble.

- Okay, Mr. Mac,
you're the boss.

- I've got 100 on this
horse at 50 to one,

so it looks like the
bookie she had max pinning.

I'll tell you this, Kelvin.

And if this horse wins,

then there's a little something
extra for you, alright?

- Thank you, Mr. Peters,
I appreciate that.

Thank you.

- Remember, show her who's boss.

You've got to hit
her, she needs it.

- Right.

(military drumming)

- [Announcer] Now
the runners are about

to leave the mounting
enclosure on their way

to the 1200 meter
barrier for the running

of the TAA Stakes.

Times will start in
about four minutes.

- Treat her kindly
and she'll be alright.

She's just frightened.

(sentimental instrumental music)

- The filly of yours
look sloppy, Mac?

- Yeah, lively and useless.

- Yeah, Clegg'll earn
his money for this ride.

(crowd chattering)

- Now the runners are moving

into the stalls
for the TAA Stakes.

Starting to come
along quite well.

Millson's Pride has gone
to the inside position.

Paul Bray is ready
with Green Sword

and Fair Enough.

Sticky's Head just goes in now.

Waiting on about
four or five of them.

Blue Fire Lady's on her tares,

getting left behind
the other runners.

Now coming up towards
the line is Pine Duke.

Pine Duke almost in as they
close the stall behind him.

And it's Blue Fire Lady
and The Turk to go in.

Oh, Blue Fire Lady pulls
away suddenly there,

nearly unseated Clegg.

Now, the attendants are
going to cross to The Turk,

taking him forward,

and we wait only now
on Blue Fire Lady.

Jockey Kelvin Clegg
having a lot of trouble

with Blue Fire Lady.

She's not interested at all
in going into the stalls.

Blue Fire Lady swings away.

Clegg giving her a couple of
cracks with the whip there--

- Stop hitting her.
- To try and make her go in.

Clegg gives it a hit
across the neck to try--

- Stop hitting her.
- And settle her down.

Now another at the femur head.

- Please stop hitting her.

- Clegg trying to
master the filly.

I think has now.

The attendants bring her up.

Oh, she swings sideways, there.

Nearly collected
one of the them.

She's obviously
still very green,

doesn't know a lot
about this business.

Now they're bringing
her forward.

Blue Fire Lady's gone in and
they're all set to start.

Sticky's Hope sitting
back a little.

The Turk moving in the stalls,

and Blue Fire Lady's still
pretty toey on the outside.

Mr. Morrow giving them
time to settle down.

(bell dings)
They're off now!

(tense instrumental music)

Zipping down the strip, verily.

(announcer drown out by music)

Coming down the wall
to the turn now,

Mister's Call leader,

just in front of Sticky's Hope.

They're all followed
then by The Turk

and out from outside
is Blue Fire Lady,

making the turn very
overly, however,

taking The Turk out
wide, and Future Eight

just trim in front of The
Turk, coming up on two.

He's back in the lead now,

and Blue Fire Lady to
try and keep it straight.

It's Blue Fire Lady under
vigorous punishment,

with The Turk going
stride for stride,

quite an unusual stride.

About halfway down
the straight now.

Nothing between the
two on the outside

and Blue Fire Lady with Clegg

throwing everything
at Blue Fire Lady.

They're going to get
over Millson's Pride.

They have run
strong, fair enough.

With 100 meters to go now,
they'll have vigorous riding.

It's Blue Fire Lady just
in front of The Turk.

On the inside, Millson's
Pride struggling on,

but it's The Turk
and Blue Fire Lady.

Clegg trying everything
at this route.

Blue Fire Lady,
she's just in time.

Stride for stride,
they go to the line.

Blue Fire Lady under desperate
punishment now from Clegg,

just in front of The Turk.

The Turk coming at her
again on the outside.

Blue Fire Lady and The Turk,
absolutely run together.

And the long shot, Blue
Fire Lady's won about a head

to The Turk,
Millson's Pride third.

- You shifty devil,
a 50 to one shot.

- Good on ya, mate.

Come on, let's get down there.

- Ah, due for a change of luck.

- [Announcer] The
winner, number nine,

Blue Fire Lady, is raced by
Mr. And Mrs. Bill Peters,

trained by C H McIntyre,
a chestnut filly

by Prince Charming
out of Diamond Queen,

and was ridden by Kelvin Clegg.

Second, number five,
The Turk, Jay Betts,

and third, number one, Millson's
Pride, ridden by A Tulley.

- Well done.

- Well, I threw
everything at her,

and she, she acted
like a champion.

- Good.

Send her to the weigh truck,

hose her down,
and take her home.

(audience applauding)

- Congratulations, Bill.

The Graduation Cup
has been well-won.

- Thank you, very much,

and it certainly
has been a thrill

for one of my horses to win
the TAA Graduation Stakes.

- [Reporter] Pretty
good win, eh, Mac?

- Well, certainly
did it the hard way.

- Clegg gave that
filly a real thrash

with the horse having
its first start.

Are you happy with that?

- Couldn't be happier.

Clegg ran precisely
my instructions.

Off the record, gentlemen,

the horse is real crank
and needed a good hiding.

- You wouldn't have had
much on that at 50 to one,

would you, Mr. Peters?

- Oh, it was only a
small cent of the pent,

and at 50 to one, you
don't have to lay out much.

(chuckles) You better
not print that,

but you can quote me as
saying I give full marks

to Mac for having the
patience and know-how

in handling a horse that's
been very, very difficult.

- Thanks.

You might let us know if
it's gonna happen again.

- My pleasure, thank
you, gentlemen.

- Thanks, all, very much.

- Bill Peters, you
cunning diddle,

a 50 to one shot and
you never told me.

- Well, I didn't think the
filly had it in her, Kate.

- You're so lucky.

We spend a fortune on our horses

and never had a sitting win.

- Well, thanks to Mac, here,

this could be a good one.

- Yeah, well, I'm jealous,

and the only thing
that'll cure me

is a glass of champagne.

- Oh, that's easily
fixed, isn't it?

Hey, Harry, two
bottles of bubbly.

Now, come on, Mac,
the champagne's on me.

(hearty laughter)

(tender instrumental music)

- Oh, you and your
filly sure made them

eat their words today.

- I'm sorry, Gus, I just
can't feel happy about it.

In fact, I'm ashamed to be part

of this whole
miserable business.

Look at her.

I helped him do that.

- Yeah, he gave her
a hiding, alright.

But you can't blame him.

That's what they pay for.

That's his job.

- He didn't have to beat her.

She would've given
everything she had.

- I'll get some liniment.

I'll take the sting out of it.

She won't feel much
like her dinner tonight,

that's for sure.

(car motor rumbling)

(drunken laughter)

- How could I
miss, at 50 to one.

- Yeah, that boy certainly
knows how to handle it.

Come on, mate.

About time you knock off, girl.

What are you waiting around for?

- I've been caring for Lady.

- [Mac] And how is our
scatty little filly?

- Scatty winning little filly.

(both laughing)

- She's sick, sick and sore.

She's off her food and
suffering from shock.

- Shock?

- Yes, shock, due
to being beaten

by that whip-happy
jockey, under your orders.

- Now you just listen to me-

- Hey, wait, wait a minute, Mac.

Now, listen, girly, you know
we had to get a strong rider

to handle that filly,

and what's more,
you did a great job

getting her on the track.

So, here.

Here's a (paper money snapping)

little Christmas present.

- I wouldn't touch
your filthy money

if I was starving.

You treated Lady
abominably today.

That's nothing new.

Charlie's allowed
to run this place

while you sit in your
office playing Mr. Big.

- You, you get out.

- Don't worry, I'm going.

But first, I'd like to say
something to you, Mr. McIntyre.

Your horses'll never
go well for you,

because you're
not a horse lover.

You just love the fame,
and glory, and trimmings

that go with racing,

and worse than
that, you're cruel,

cruel and stupid, and
those horses know it.

- Get out.

Get out and don't come back.

- Well, you certainly
told him where to get off.

- Oh, I'm as much
to blame as anyone.

I could see what
was gonna happen.

I just wanted to show them
that Lady could be a racehorse,

to prove McIntyre
and Charlie wrong.

- You did that, alright.

But what happens now?

- I don't know.

After what happened today,

she'll hate the race course

and everything
connected with it.

- And you won't be
there to help her.

- Okay, okay, enough sad faces.

Come on, we eat.

Tonight, I got
plenty of lasagna.

- No, thanks, Mrs. G.

- Hey, I'm boss, here.

When I say we eat, we eat.

- Now Linda's Electa's gone in.

The only one we're waiting
on is Blue Fire Lady.

Got a leading strap on her, now.

Three attendants behind,

trying to link arms,
getting her up.

Oh, she's lashed out, there.

The attendants have scattered.

And I think the
starter, Mr. Morrow,

might've lost his patience.

He's gone across
to the phone, now,

and ringing the chief steward.

Now just stand by.

Broadcast.

Yes.

Right. Thank you.

Just stand by for
public announcement.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Blue Fire Lady

has been withdrawn
by the stewards,

acting on advice
from the starter,

and book makers are advised
to line their books,

and an announcement
regarding betting

will be made after the race.

Now they're all in the stalls.

Blue Fire Lady has been
withdrawn by the steward.

- She won't go
through that again.

The more they bully her,
the worse she'll get.

- Your mount, Blue Fire Lady
put on a disgraceful exhibition

at the barrier, Clegg.

In due of her past record,

we have to seriously
look at banning her.

Do you have any comment to make?

- No, sir.

This filly's a real crank.

She's been a handful
from the first time

she set foot on a course.

She showed ability
at her first up,

but she's been a big
disappointment since.

- Alright, thank you, Clegg.

- Thank you, sir.

- Mr. Morrow?

- I consider this filly
one of the worst cases

I've seen in my
experience as starter.

In this race, we found it
impossible to get her in.

I had no choice other
than to withdraw her.

- Mr. McIntyre, have
you any questions

you wish to ask the starter?

- No, I agree.

In my opinion, gentlemen,

I don't think there's
anything to be done

to make this horse
more tractable.

I've done everything
humanly possible,

given every chance.

Thankfully, I was able to
get one race out of her,

for Mr. Peters.

I now believe it would be a
waste of time to persevere.

- Alright, thank you, gentlemen.

- Blue Fire Lady, who again
put on a shocking performance

before the start, was
withdrawn by the stewards

and has been banned
from future racing.

The stewards reported that
despite several warnings,

the trainer had been
unable to cure the horse

of her waywardness.

Your Mr. Peters isn't
gonna be too pleased.

- I'm glad.

At least she won't be
beaten be Clegg anymore.

- [Gus] You got a minute?

- Hi, Gus, great to see you.

- How are you?
- Fine.

- You know that
the filly's had it?

- Yes, I read it in the papers.

- It was Charlie.

After you left, he couldn't
do a thing with her.

Peters is putting her up
in the sales next week.

- What do you think'll
happen to her?

- Could end up anywhere.

She'll certainly
never race again.

- The sale's next week?

- Uh huh.

- I've gotta go, thanks, Gus.

- Oh, by the way,

I heard Peters mention
a reserve of $1,000.

- Hi, Jen, what's up?

- Lady's being sold next week.

- Oh, what's the problem?

- I want to buy her.
- Buy her?

Yeah, terrific idea.

What are you gonna do for money?

Horses cost a fortune.

- Eh, not horses
that won't race.

- Well, count us in
as a shareholder.

How much do you need?

- [Jenny] Gus says they'll
be a reserve of $1,000.

She shouldn't make much more.

- A grand?

- (sighs) If I can find a
way to rake up the money,

the Bartletts'll look after her

until I get a new job.

- Great, but what
about the 1,000?

- I've saved nearly 300.
(strident honking)

I thought...

Well, I was hoping, if you
have any money to spare,

I'd pay you back.
- Look, Jen,

you know I'd give you
anything I've got,

but the most I could rake
up is the 50 or 60 bucks

I'll get here, and Mrs.
G's just as hard up.

- [Jenny] But we can't let
her be sold to just anyone.

- Yeah, what about your father?

- (scoffs) Dad?

You know how he
feels about horses.

He wouldn't buy me a
horse in a million years,

especially not this one.

- Well, why don't you
write to him again,

and explain the whole thing?

It's worth a try, isn't it?

- I guess so.

- Hi.

Sorry, nothing today.

Perhaps Monday.

- Monday'll be too late.

It had to be today or never.

- Nevermind.

- Thanks.

- [Barry] Any word?

But the sale's today.

What are you gonna do?

- I'll have to go
and have a look.

I must find out
what happens to her.

- I'll give you a lift.

- No thanks, I'll take the tram.

I've got to think
things out a bit.

- Sure.
(tender instrumental music)

- See ya.

- That poor girl's
heart is broke.

Ah, not just the horse.

She think her papa
don't love her no more.

He don't even answer her letter.

What kind of man her papa?

- I don't know, Mrs. G,
but I'm gonna find out.

- What you gonna do, Barry?

- I think I'll have a
word with our Mr. Grey.

- Jenny's papa?

- Yeah.

Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do.

- [Announcer] The auctioneer
reserves the right

to refuse to accept any
particular bid or bids.

The auctioneer may
fix an upset price,

and from time to time,
may fix the amount

of rises in bid.

Except where lots are
announced as being sold

to dissolve a partnership,
sellers may make one bid only.

(horse whickering)

- Looks as mad as a hat snake.

- Stick a flank rope on her,

she'd buck her brand off.

- If she's wild enough, we
could get her on the circuit.

- Could get her for a grand.

No one else would want
a psycho case like that.

(announcer speaking through PA)

- Hello, Lady.

It's alright.

I won't hurt you.

- Oy!

(crowd chattering)

- Not much of a crowd, Frank.

- Catalog's not much
good, there, John,

dog meat buyer over there'll
pick out the broken down ones.

Rodeo fellows are looking
for a lively type.

- Alright, well, let's
get on with it, then.

The following are the
conditions of sale.

The highest bidder at
or over seller's reserve

shall be the buyer.

Errors of description,
whether as to soundness,

condition, quality, fitness,
pedigree, engagements--

(car rumbling)

- [Alan] What the
hell are you doing?

- Mr. Grey? Alan Grey?

- Yes?
- It's about your daughter.

There isn't much time.

- Jenny, what's happened?

- Nothing's happened,

but unless you wake up
yourself, Jenny's gonna suffer.

- How dare you threaten me.

Who are you anyway?

I know, it's about this horse.

She sent you to--

- She didn't send anyone.

I came because I care about her.

I came because
she blames herself

for what happened
to Blue Fire Lady.

Look, why don't you
just buy her the horse?

- I'm not interested.

Now you can turn
round and can drive--

- When I've finished!

Look, Mr. Grey,

no one can bring back your wife,

and no one can promise
that the same thing

isn't gonna happen to Jenny.

She's trying to save
something she loves.

I guess you understand
that, don't you, Mr. Grey?

- Reference to a positive
test does not constitute--

(tender instrumental music)
(auctioneer drown out)

The auctioneer will not in
any circumstances be liable

or responsible to the buyer
for the death of any animal,

or loss of, or injury,
or damage to any animal,

or property left with animal

while in auctioneer's
possession, custody, or control,

whether caused by
auctioneer's negligence,

or otherwise, how so ever.

(crowd murmuring)

This is lot 36, Blue Fire
Lady, a winner of two years.

As you can see,
she's the daughter

of a Melbourne Cup winner.

Now, ladies and gentlemen,
I wish to announce

that we consider she's
only a breeding prospect.

This filly is subject
to a stewards' ban

for barrier behavior.

There she is, where do we
start, ladies and gentlemen?

500, four or five,
400, get her started.

Start her where you like,
then, I'm in your hands.

Start her anywhere,
five, four, three--

- $10.

(crowd laughing)

- Now, come on, let's be
a little bit more serious.

Come on, can I see a
sensible start somewhere?

Is there 300, 200, four?

We'll get her started.

Start her where you like.

In your hands now, come on,

can I see a sensible start--
- $100.

- [Auctioneer] Somewhere?

Is that a bid?
- $100.

- $100 I'm bid here, now.

At 100 to start.

100, a bid, 100,
starting with a $100.

Now at one, a bid of
one, I'm bid here, now,

at 100 to start.

(auctioneer chanting)
- There's a few cans

in that lunatic.
- $100, now at one, I'm only

at bid of $100, bid here now.
- 150.

- This!
- 150.

At 150 again for a starter,
now at 150, I'm bid.

150, at 150 again for a
starter, now, at 150, a bid.

- 300.

- 300, a bid, 300, now,
300, here, on the left,

at 300, bid, at 300, bid,
300 now, on Blue Fire Lady,

300, a bid, I got
300, now, no more?

- 400
- At 300!

At 400, over here.

At 400, a bid, now, and this
is where we should've started.

400, a bid here, now, at
400, now, at 400, no further.

At $400.

(close mumbling)

I'm told he's reduced
the reserve to $600, sir.

Will you take her for that?

- We'll take her.

(audience laughing)

- $600, done, all
done. (gavel bangs)

600, you bought her, sir.

And we're back in
the sequence, here,

ladies and gentlemen, and
this is a yearling filly

by the great Better
Boy performer, Century.

Century, this is
amongst his first crop.

They're yearlings.
(sentimental music)

- Hi.

- She's been sold to a rodeo.

- Take it easy.

Why don't we just go and
have a word with them?

- No, I can't.

- Come on.

(music increasing)

- Dad!

- Looks like we've just
bought ourselves a horse.

♪ Morning, on
another sunny day ♪

♪ Feeling good, in a
most exciting way ♪

♪ Doing things and being
with the ones you love ♪

♪ Just being there is
all you're thinking of ♪

♪ Daylight, and you're
flying with the wind ♪

♪ Just feel it

♪ Ain't it blowing
in your face ♪

♪ It's all yours, but you share
it with the ones you love ♪

♪ 'Cause a little bit of
love goes a long way ♪

♪ A little bit of love
goes a long, long, way ♪

(audience applauding)

♪ Morning on another sunny day

♪ Feeling good in a
most exciting way ♪

♪ Doing things and being
with the ones you love ♪

♪ Just being there is
all you're thinking of ♪

♪ Daylight and you're
flying with the wind ♪

♪ Just feel it

♪ Ain't it blowin'
in your face ♪

♪ It's all yours

♪ But you share it with
the ones you love ♪

♪ 'Cause a little bit of
love goes a long way ♪

♪ A little bit of love
goes a long, long way ♪

♪ Blue Fire Lady

♪ All she needs is love

♪ Blue Fire Lady

♪ Love is just enough

♪ When you're young

♪ When you're free

♪ When you've still
got room to breathe ♪

(instrumental bridge)