Dark Horse (1992)

Interesting facts

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.

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.

Tab Hunter was taken aback when he met Natasha Gregson Wagner on this film, as she was the daughter of Natalie Wood—his co-star in two 1950s films (The Burning Hills and The Girl He Left Behind)—and the woman who Warner Bros. was trying to romantically link to him in the 50s:

Ross Brown, our casting director, excitedly called us from Hollywood about an actress he’d just auditioned for the role of Allison’s best friend, Martha. She was wonderful, he said, but completely inexperienced. We trusted Ross’s instincts and told him to send her photo along for our approval.

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