An injury to star rider Marie (Kathleen York) paves her way, and she finds herself on the diving platform. With the help of Al Carver (Michael Schoeffling), whose father runs the show, she works toward her goal. In a smart move by director Steve Miner and editor Jon Poll, the film moves quickly through Sonora's period of pathos, recovery and redemption.Thrilled by a performance she sees at a fair, Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) tries to land a spot as a daredevil who rides horses off of high dives. loses a key dose of humor when Carver leaves the story. Long-haired and short-tempered, Robertson steers clear of old-codger cliches and earns audience affection with the best lines in the script. Robertson portrays Carver as a gruff, sardonic showman who takes a shine to Sonora and trains her in horse jumping. Robertson, an Oscar-winner for Charly in 1968, hasn't had a good role since 1976 (Brian DePalma's Obsession).

Without histrionics, Anwar earns surprising laughs and sympathy in what could have been just another tragic damsel role.

Much of the credit for this goes to Anwar, a fresh talent who shades Sonora with equal amounts of tomboyish charm and awakening womanhood. When a diving accident leaves Sonora sightless, it seems more a natural story progression than a jarring attempt at sympathy. 'No, just the riders,' is his ominous reply. 'Do the horses get hurt?' Sonora asks Al. Sonora covers for Al to keep him out of a brawl, and he introduces her to horse diving, show business and, eventually, love.

Sonora wanders into a North Carolina county fair, where she meets Al Carver (Michael Schoeffling) _ son of the horse dive showman W.F.

Cast of wild hearts can't be broken