At The Movies….At The Track By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
May is a big month in horse racing with the legendary Kentucky Derby replete with Mint Juleps, followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. June in the UK also significant with traditional Royal Ascot (I’ve been there in the “Royal Enclosure – very elegant) and the Derby and other famous races not long after. Considered by many the “sport of Kings” historically horseracing is exciting, glamorous with men in finest haberdashery and ladies in fabulous hats; yet down to earth in the stands and at the totes. Come summer in California Del Mar season begins July 18, and later in the year the horses are “running” at Santa Anita from December 26. Legendary horses, race tracks, jockeys, bookies and other nefarious characters offer intense drama and emotion, and huge monetary prizes, providing fodder for film.
Consider the following films for your viewing pleasure, in chronological order. It’s “Post Time” and all bets are on!
Charlie Chan At The Race Track (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1936, 70 min. dir. H. Bruce Humberstone)
When race horse owner Major Kent (George Irving) is allegedly murdered by his horse on board ship from Australia bound for Hawaii his friend ace detective of Honolulu Police Force Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) and number one son Lee (Keye Luke) take on the investigation and board the ship to Main Land and destination Santa Anita Race Track.
Posing as attendant Lee locates the typewriter in cabin of Jonathan Hale (Warren Fenton) on which threatening notes to certain passengers were created. Charlie cleverly discovers fraud and a nefarious gambling ring and meanwhile, is shot in the leg and laid up relying on Lee’s help in sleuthing, precarious at best.
Elegant atmosphere on the ship with gents in black tie and lovely ladies in glamorous evening gowns (designed by Hershel). Some handsome horses and outstanding racing footage at Santa Anita.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027441/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_charlie%2520chan%2520at%2520the%2520race%2520track
A Day At The Races (USA, MGM, 1937, 111 min., dir. Sam Wood)
In this hilarious follow up to the zany Marx Brothers A Night At The Opera, the double talking Dr. Hugo Hackenbush (Groucho), hospital orderly Tony (Chico), and jockey Stuffy (Harpo) try and save the Standish Sanitarium in upstate NY owned by Judy Standish (Maureen O’Sullivan) that’s heavily mortgaged to banker J.D. Morgan (Douglas Dumbrille) threatening to foreclose because he wants the property to add to his holdings including a local racetrack. There’s potential to win a big race and wipe out the debt by entering her beau singer Gil Stewart’s (Allan Jones) horse “Hi-Hat” if wealthy patient-resident hypochondriac Emily Upjohn (Margaret Dumont) will subsidize expenses, which she’ll do Dr. Hackenbush, who unknown to anyone is really a horse doctor, is called to consult on her case. Charming song and dance numbers, comic mayhem, laugh out loud entertaining. Santa Anita Race Track was set for filming some of the race sequences. Academy Award® nomination for “Best Dance Direction” (short lived category).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028772/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Saratoga (USA, MGM, 1937, 92 min., dir. Jack Conway)
Daughter of a horse breeder adjacent to Saratoga Carol Clayton (Jean Harlow) is engaged to wealthy Hartley Madison (Walter Pidgeon) and repelled by bookie Duke Bradley (Clark Gable). Her father Frank Clayton (Jonathan Hale) owes Bradley a lot of money and Bradley takes the farm rather than funds to pay the debt, S though Frank collapses and dies at the big race. Grandpa Clayton (Lionel Barrymore) still owns the farm since Duke won’t foreclose because he’s (secretly) smitten with Carol. Some great racing scenes including famous Sadly Harlow passed away before the film was completed, though through clever technique her scenes were edited and the film was a big hit. It was sixth pairing of Gable and Harlow who had exceptional chemistry (who wouldn’t with either of the dynamic thespians?). Terrific supporting cast includes: Una Merkel, Frank Morgan, Hattie McDaniel, Margaret Hamilton, and (Sherlock Holmes nemesis) George Zucco.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029516/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_2
Shadow Of The Thin Man (USA, MGM, 1941, 97 min., dir. W.S. Van Dyke)
Fourth film in the escapades of sleuth Nick (William Powell) and witty wife Nora (Myrna Loy) Charles who return to their home in San Francisco for mayhem and murder. A pleasant afternoon at local racetrack is foiled when a jockey is found shot dead. Nick's buddy police buddy Lt. Abrams (Sam Levene) seeks his help solving the crime, though Nick demurs to his up market life style until Major Scully (Henry O’Neill) inveigles him to look into corruption and the role of organized crime at the track. Others are killed but in the end, Nick gathers all of the suspects into a room and identifies the killer. Early role for Donna Read as Molly, secretary to suspicious businessman enamored with news reporter Paul Clark (Barry Nelson)/ Hilarious scene in local restaurant with adorable Asta their K9 sidekick causing a ruckus. Damon Runyonesque characters like “Rainbow Benny” (Lou Lubin) and sultry ambiguous Claire Porter (Stella Adler) along with droll housemaid Stella (Louise Beavers)and precocious Nicky, Jr. (Dickie Hall) add to the entertaining cast. The ultimate gathering of suspects reveals the killer is someone beyond suspicion. Who done it? Watch the movie and find out!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034172/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
National Velvet (USA, MGM, 1944, 123 min., dir. Clarence Brown)
Wholesome and endearing this movie is more than “family” viewing. As Velvet Brown twelve year old Elizabeth Taylor exudes a quiet charisma and huge range of emotion as she vies for her beloved horse “Pie” to train for the Grand National Steeplechase race. Her parents Herbert (Donald Crisp) and Araminty (Ann Revere) are strong, humble and loving for all their children including Edwina (Angela Lansbury) and Donald (Jackie Jenkins). Into their rather placid environment enters Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney) a down on his luck, and broke, jockey. The Browns take him into their home, sleeping on a cot in the barn, because of a tacit family connection. As result of a fatal racing collision Mi is apprehensive to ride or be around horses, however he reluctantly helps Velvet train the Pie who manifests great ability as a runner. Mrs. Brown has funds from swimming the English Channel that subsidizes Pie’s fee for the big race. Velvet and Mi are determined and hire a jockey who Velvet believes will lose so she dismisses her. Mi regains his courage and will race, though Velvet dons the silks and competes almost winning when she falls from the saddle, though afterward disqualified because she’s a girl. That leads to great acclaim including Hollywood calling which Velvet declines. Mi departs the Brown home with new found courage to carry on with his life.
Based on book by Enid Bagnold with many changes to the story and participants, though the underlying theme preserved.
Five Academy Award® nominations, two wins for Best Supporting Actress (Revere) and Best Editing.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037120/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Story of Seabiscuit (USA, Warner Bros., 1949, 98 min., dir. David Butler)
Horse trainer Shawn O'Hara (Barry Fitrzgerald) and his pretty niece Margaret (Shirley Temple) emigrate to America to escape the memory of an accident involving Margaret's brother Danny. Working with thoroughbred horses in Kentucky, Shawn takes a liking to yearling colt named Seabiscuit, and convinces the horse's owner that the tiny horse with big knees will become a top-notch racehorse. Meanwhile, Margaret begins a romance with jockey Ted Knowles (Lon McAllister), though she’s haunted by her brother's death in a steeplechase spill. There’s much dramatic license, not the real story, particularly in contrast with the 2003 film, though actors and script engaging.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041923/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Francis Goes To The Races (USA, Universal International Pictures, 1951, 88 min., dir. Arthur Lubin)
GI Peter Stirling (Donald O’Connor) has been buddies with Army (talking) mule Francis (un-credited voice of actor Chill Wills) since serving in Burma. Bask in USA Francis is sent to the race track with Travers family race horses. Peter gets a ride there from Miss FrancesTravers (Piper Laurie . having the inside track (pun intended!) Francis tells Peter who will win the upcoming race and he bets $10. FBI agents are suspicious about how he how he knew and Miss Travers steps in and helps him. Peter gets a job with the Travers looking after the horses. With next big race coming up, Peter's problems with the FBI and a mob boss are intensified.
Origin of the seven film series were short stories in Esquire magazine. Dynamic of Peter and Francis is quaint and amusing. Have personal memories of seeing some of the Francis films at local Stand Theatre and the scent of popcorn lingers more than hay!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043562/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
April Love (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1957, 97 min., dir. Henry Levin)
Teen idol Boone is cast as Chicago miscreant handsome Nick Conover sent to live with his Aunt Henrietta (Jeanette Nolan) and Uncle Jed (Arthur O’Connell) on Kentucky horse farm. Nick doesn’t quite get the horses, though “horsepower” as in sleek cars attracts his interest. He meets local “rich girl” Fran Templeton (Dolores Michaels) and her sister Liz (Shirley Jones). The former is alluring and has her eyes on him, the latter is darling and more sweet with a covert crush. Nick takes the reins of the farm’s best filly for “harness race” and discovers his hidden talent and true love. Who wins the boy, or the girl? You’ll have to watch and see and hear Boone’s classic rendition of the Oscarâ nominated (Best Song) lilting April Love – timeless tune not just for the very young!
This movie, featured in PVP “At The Movies…” Vol. II, is a personal favorite and also special because it was the LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) “Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute” in 2011 with the charming star Pat Boone honored guest at the LAHIFF Red Carpet Gala, and whistling down the aisle of the Warner Grand Theatre as he was escorted to his seat.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050135/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
International Velvet (USA, MGM, 1978, 127 min., PG, dir. Bryan Forbes)
This (sort of) sequel to National Velvet (included in this article) is fond family fare. Sarah Brown (Tatum O’Neal) is daughter of Velvet Brown’s brother Donald who moved to Arizona, USA. He and wife are killed and orphaned Sarah moves to England to live with her Aunt Velvet (Nanette Newman) and her paramour John Seaton (Christopher Plummer). Sarah has the same equestrian instinct and passion of her Aunt who recognizes and nurtures those qualities. She purchases the last foal sired by her beloved “The Pie” for Sarah who dubs her horse “Arizona Pie.” Under strict tutelage of Captain Johnson (Anthony Hopkins) Sarah excels to Olympian status. She matures, finds love, and the meaning of family. Film locations in England and USA worthy of award nods.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077743/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Secretariat (USA, Walt Disney Pictures, 2010, 123 min., dir. Randal Wallace)
When Denver mother and housewife Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her father's Virginia based Meadow Stables due to his poor health she goes against the odds knowing nothing about horses or racing and faces financial challenges and health concerns for her best horse Secretariat. Her determination is undaunted and with the help of astute trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) she maneuvers through the male chauvinist business, ultimately with Secretariat winner of first Triple Crown in quarter of a century.
Based partly on Williams Knack’s book Secretariat: The Making of a Champion (1975)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028576/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Seabiscuit (USA, Universal, Dreamworks, SpyGlass Entertainment; 140 min., PG-13, dir. Gary Ross)
Adaptation of Lauren Hildenbrand’s book Seabiscuit: An American Legend, capitalizes on the wonder and myth of the iconic horse who gave focus and hope to masses in the Great Depression. As auto entrepreneur cum race horse impresario Charles Howard Jeff Bridges has bravura and verve though apparently that was not characteristic of the mogul. Jockey Red Pollard (Toby McGuire) and trainer Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) more authentically portrayed. Seven Oscarâ nods.
Author’s note: Seabiscuit has a lot to commend it, however as fne as this movie is, it is not true story of the great horse or owner automobile distributor and horse stable owner Charles Howard. The premise is false narrative and to set the record straight in just one are of misrepresentation Mr. Howard fathered four sons by his first wife. His son Frank was killed at age 15 ironically in a driving accident and that marriage ended rather bitterly. Howard eventually married Marcela Zabata, descendent of historic California/Spanish family, and sister of his son Lindsay’s wife who was 27 years his junior. That’s who is mostly depicted in the movie. When the facts of the real story are so interesting and cinematic one ponders why such “dramatic license” is taken, and for this critic it’s objectionable.
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020