In "The Long Shot," we meet Annie Garrett, a resilient young woman trying to navigate the challenges of her new life after relocating to a ranch in Northern California. Accompanied by her irresponsible husband Ross and their spirited seven-year-old daughter Taylor, Annie is hopeful for a fresh start. However, her dreams quickly crumble when Ross abandons them in search of better opportunities, leaving Annie to fend for herself and her daughter. With no money to support her family and no friends to turn to for help, she faces an uphill battle, especially with the added responsibility of caring for Taylor and their cherished racehorse, Tolo.
Determined to make the best of her situation, Annie takes a job as a ranch hand and stable worker at a local stud farm owned by the tough and enigmatic Mary Lou O’Brien, portrayed by Marsha Mason. Mary Lou has her own buried struggles, which adds complexity to her character and her relationship with Annie. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of ranch life, forging an unexpected bond through their shared determination to overcome personal obstacles. As Annie settles into her new role, she discovers a sense of community and purpose, but the shadow of her past decisions looms large.
Inspired by her love for Tolo and her desire to provide a better life for Taylor, Annie resolves to enter her horse into a high-stakes riding competition. This decision sparks a series of challenges, especially when Tolo suffers from a debilitating illness that causes him to go blind. Faced with this heartbreaking setback, Annie’s journey becomes one of courage and perseverance as she fights against the odds to bring her dreams to fruition. “The Long Shot” beautifully captures Annie's transformation from a woman plagued by abandonment to a tenacious mother willing to confront her fears and tackle her hardships in pursuit of a brighter future for herself and her daughter.
Full Cast of The Long Shot
Julie Benz
as Annie Garrett
Julie Benz delivers a compelling performance as Annie Garrett in the film "The Long Shot," adeptly portraying the complexities of a woman caught in the tumultuous wake of her brother's gambling addiction. Benz brings a nuanced depth to the character, embodying Annie's strength and vulnerability as she navigates the moral and emotional quandaries that arise from her sibling's desperate situation. Her portrayal of Annie's unwavering loyalty, even in the face of potential personal ruin, is both heartrending and inspiring. Benz's performance is a standout element of the film, as she convincingly conveys the internal struggle of a character torn between the love for her brother and the harsh realities of the world that threatens to pull them both under. With every scene, she skillfully balances the determination and fragility of Annie, ensuring that the audience remains emotionally invested in her journey throughout the film.
Marsha Mason
as Mary Lou O'Brian
Marsha Mason delivers a compelling performance as Mary Lou O'Brian in the 1986 film "The Long Shot," portraying a character whose life is a complex tapestry of resilience and vulnerability. As a former Las Vegas showgirl turned diner owner, Mason embodies Mary Lou with an understated grace and a steely resolve, adeptly conveying the character's past glamour and current struggles. Her performance is marked by a natural charm and a well of emotional depth, particularly in her interactions with her love interest, played by Tim Matheson, and her young son, played by Jeffrey Silverman. Mason's Mary Lou is the heart of the film, a woman who juggles the demands of single motherhood, the challenges of a fading career, and the rekindling of lost love with authenticity and a touch of melancholy. Her portrayal is a testament to her range as an actress, as she navigates the nuances of Mary Lou's multifaceted life with both tenderness and tenacity, ensuring that the character resonates with the audience long after the credits roll.
Paul Le Mat
as Guido Levits
Paul Le Mat delivers a compelling performance as Guido Levits in the 1986 film 'The Long Shot', imbuing the character with a magnetic blend of charm and gravitas. As a down-on-his-luck horse trainer with a checkered past, Le Mat's Guido is a study in contradictions—tough yet vulnerable, cynical yet hopeful. His nuanced portrayal captures the essence of a man who, despite facing numerous personal and professional setbacks, retains a stubborn resilience and an undying belief in the underdog. Le Mat's chemistry with the equine costar adds authenticity to his role, showcasing Guido's innate understanding of and connection with horses. His performance is marked by an understated intensity that simmers just below the surface, erupting in moments of high drama and quiet introspection alike. Le Mat's Guido is the emotional anchor of the film, driving the narrative forward with his dogged pursuit of redemption and a last shot at glory in the high-stakes world of horse racing.
Gage Golightly
as Taylor Garrett
Gage Golightly delivered a compelling performance as Taylor Garrett in the movie "The Long Shot," bringing a nuanced portrayal to the character that resonated with audiences. As the female lead, Golightly's Taylor is a spirited and determined journalism student who finds herself unexpectedly entangled in a political drama. Her chemistry with the lead actor, Dave Barnes, who plays a charming but flawed presidential candidate, is palpable and adds depth to the film's romantic subplot. Golightly's performance is characterized by her ability to balance Taylor's idealism and ambition with vulnerability, showcasing her character's internal conflict as she navigates the complexities of love, ethics, and her burgeoning career aspirations. Her portrayal is both relatable and inspiring, as she embodies the tenacity of a young woman striving to make her mark in a male-dominated field while staying true to her values. Gage Golightly's portrayal of Taylor Garrett is a testament to her versatility as an actress and contributes significantly to the film's charm and message.
Robert Pine
as Douglas McCloud
Robert Pine delivered a compelling performance as Douglas McCloud in the film "The Long Shot," bringing depth and nuance to the character of a seasoned political strategist. As McCloud, Pine expertly captured the essence of a man whose years of experience in the cutthroat world of politics have left him world-weary yet still fiercely determined. His portrayal was marked by a subtle balance of cynicism and hope, as he navigated the delicate task of transforming an unexpected and unconventional presidential candidate into a viable contender. Pine's McCloud was both a mentor and a realist, offering sharp political insights while grappling with the complexities of his own beliefs and the changing political landscape. With every glance, gesture, and dialogue, Pine conveyed the character's inner conflict and evolving motivation, making McCloud a memorable and multifaceted character in this political comedy-drama.
Christopher Cousins
as John Oaks
Christopher Cousins delivers a compelling performance as John Oaks in the movie 'The Long Shot,' portraying the character with a balance of gravitas and warmth that anchors the film's emotional core. As a seasoned journalist covering the world of horse racing, Cousins embodies the role with an air of authenticity and a keen sense of insight into the high-stakes environment his character navigates. His portrayal of John Oaks is nuanced, capturing the character's passion for his work, his intrinsic understanding of the sport's complexities, and the personal toll that the relentless pursuit of storytelling exacts. Cousins' performance resonates with a depth that allows viewers to empathize with John's struggles and root for him as he uncovers the underdog story of a lifetime. His on-screen presence is commanding yet approachable, making his interactions with other characters genuine and engaging, and ultimately, his performance is a testament to his ability to bring multifaceted characters to life with sincerity and depth.
Jill Jaress
as Lisa's Mother
Crew of The Long Shot
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