<P> According to Geoff Burrowes, the idea to make the film came at a dinner party when someone suggested the poem would make a good movie . Burrowes developed a treatment with George Miller then hired John Dixon to write a screenplay . All three men had worked together in television; another former TV colleague, Simon Wincer, became involved as executive producer with Michael Edgley and succeeded in raising the budget . </P> <P> The screenplay contains numerous references to Banjo Paterson, aside from using his poem "The Man from Snowy River" as the source material and his inclusion as a character in the film . For example, the numerous references to the late Matilda are likely a reference to the song "Waltzing Matilda", which was written by Paterson . In addition, the melody for "Waltzing Matilda" can be heard near the end of the film . A Bible Passage from Genesis 30: 27, which talks about cattle, goats, and sheep is read aloud in a scene in the middle of the film . </P> <P> The movie was not shot in the actual Snowy Mountains but in the Victorian High Country near Mansfield, Victoria, where Burrowes' wife's family had lived for several generations, which was logistically easier. Burt Lancaster and Robert Mitchum were considered for the dual role of Harrison and Spur before Kirk Douglas was cast in the roles . </P> <P> Tom Burlinson has confirmed that it was definitely him who rode the horse over the side of the mountain for the "terrible descent" during the dangerous ride--commenting that he had been asked about this numerous times, and that he became known as "The Man from Snowy River" because of his ride . Remarkably, Burlinson had never ridden a horse before being cast in the film and the "terrible descent" was a one - take shot at full gallop down the cliff face . Burlinson performed all of his own stunts in the film . </P>

The man from snowy river cast and crew