good racing movie

[46zilzal]

Most racing shows are so full of sentimental crap that they don't do justice to racing. Casey's Shadow has a bit of that, but it touches on many of the difficulties in racing. Little known show.

[Ron]

This movie?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077303/

[kenwoodallpromos]

This movie?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077303/
______________
"he doesn't want his young prospect racing horse overworked and hurt in small-time races, but he seems to be willing to risk the horse's life when he gets into the big time)."

[Loosehorse]

I'm pretty sure the movie was based on Randy Romeo and his family.


Toups has a tale that mirrors Randy's rise, which inspired the 1978 movie "Casey's Shadow." Toups' father once served as Lloyd Romero's assistant trainer. Toups had been called "The Jock" around Erath since he was 7. He first climbed on a horse at 9. Three years later, he left his home, moved a quarter-mile down the road to stay at Lloyd's breeding farm and started to learn this craft.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051116/SPORTS08/511160472/1002/SPORTS]

[PaceAdvantage]

It is based on Romero and his family, and it is a darn good racing movie.

[BlueShoe]

Unlikely that any but a few oldtimers have ever heard of this film,but in the '60s a racing flick called "Wall of Noise" was made.Much of the movie was shot at Hollywood Park.Not bad for a racing film,fairly realistic and not loaded with the usual syrup we see in racing films(Dreamer anyone?)While not strickly speaking a racing film,the 1955 early Kubrick cult favorite "The Killing" revolved around the "perfect crime" of robbing a racetrack during the running of the feature race.One of my all time favorite films.

[kenwoodallpromos]

Unlikely that any but a few oldtimers have ever heard of this film,but in the '60s a racing flick called "Wall of Noise" was made.Much of the movie was shot at Hollywood Park.Not bad for a racing film,fairly realistic and not loaded with the usual syrup we see in racing films(Dreamer anyone?)While not strickly speaking a racing film,the 1955 early Kubrick cult favorite "The Killing" revolved around the "perfect crime" of robbing a racetrack during the running of the feature race.One of my all time favorite films.
_______
"The Killing"... I will have to see about renting that.

[46zilzal]

Kubrick movie was filmed at Bay Meadows and has a GREAT ending!

[WJ47]

I love the movie Casey's Shadow! I've probably watched it 20 times and I still sob like an idiot everytime! :)

[Turfday]

That movie really brings back fond memories. It was directed by the late, great Martin Ritt, a dear friend and who was sort of a mentor in horse racing for me. I was a regular in his box for many years, including almost every day at the old Del Mar back in the day.

Marty actually helped launch my partner, Jeff Siegel, and I into the horse racing business as owners in 1976.

The first horse we ever owned together was one we claimed from Sidney Martin and his name was... fittingly...was Arrival Time. He was a cheap gelding by Nashua who got us into the winner's circle three times that season at Hollywood Park with Bobby Frankel training him. And the one and only Bill Shoemaker, in the prime of his career, rode Arrival Time. What a thrill!

From that point, there were more to come with Frankel and various other trainers. But those days with Frankel were special as we later had Kasha Knish plus stakes winners Little Mo and Nigreta's Pleasure in partnership with Marty.

Frankel and Marty had a magical relationship back in those days in the claiming game. They made some sensational claims, and a number of those turned into good stakes winners... horses such as Zanthe, No Turning and others. If you are an old-time So. California racing fan they were similar to the Bob Bone-Jeff Mullins team nowadays.

Marty absolutely loved the races and you could count on him being there when he wasn't shooting a movie. And, of course, he was great friends with Walter Matthau as well.

Thanks for bringing up, "Casey's Shadow." As I recall, every one of the 27 movies that Marty directed, including his most acclaimed movies...."Hud," "Sounder," "The Front," and "Norma Rae," all contained a social message and usually it was being in the corner of the little guy, the underdog or the longshot.

[Valuist]

And here I thought the thread would be about Gary Coleman's "The Trifecta Kid" :lol:

[PIC6SIX]

If you like a good horse racing movie that highlights fanatic betting try "Let It Ride" starring Richard Dryfuss. It is an older:) move but you will have some good laughs and possibly see some of your own similarities.

[46zilzal]

If you like a good horse racing movie that highlights fanatic betting try "Let It Ride" starring Richard Dryfuss. It is an older:) move but you will have some good laughs and possibly see some of your own similarities.

this movie brings out all the NEGATIVE stereotypes of racing fans. Funny but not flattering.


a real good one is Return of October where the spirit of a dead uncle returns in the persona of a horse. Then there is Salty O'Rourke another steriotypical show. My Brother Talks to Horses where a kid can listen to the conversations of the horses before races only to "outgrow it" right at the time he needed it the most.

or here is a good list:http://www.horse-races.net/library/list-movies.htm

[46zilzal]

I love ON THE NOSE about a anatomist's assistant being able to pick Irish winners based upon the rotation of an Aboriginal's head in a jar of formaldehye.

another interesting one is Boots Malone.

[richrosa]

Did anyone ever see the Flintstones episode that focused on "Dinosaur racing"?

Sabre Tooth won at 40-1. He closed against quick fractions and won the photo at the wire.

8. At the Races (edit)
First aired: 11/18/1960 Production Code: P-7

To finance their dream of opening a pool hall, Fred and Barney visit the dinosaur racetrack where Fred bets his entire paycheck on a long shot. He tells Wilma that he has lost his check. When the long shot pays off, Fred and Barney are initially elated, but they quickly realize their problems are only beginning.

[Indulto]

Unlikely that any but a few oldtimers have ever heard of this film,but in the '60s a racing flick called "Wall of Noise" was made.Much of the movie was shot at Hollywood Park.Not bad for a racing film,fairly realistic and not loaded with the usual syrup we see in racing films(Dreamer anyone?)While not strickly speaking a racing film,the 1955 early Kubrick cult favorite "The Killing" revolved around the "perfect crime" of robbing a racetrack during the running of the feature race.One of my all time favorite films.BlueShoe,
I had the same reaction to "Wall of Noise" which I eventually watched one time too many as it turned off my offsprimg to racing. I'm reminded of the beginning footage of that film every time I go to earlybird at HOL.

[Indulto]

That movie really brings back fond memories. It was directed by the late, great Martin Ritt, a dear friend and who was sort of a mentor in horse racing for me. I was a regular in his box for many years, including almost every day at the old Del Mar back in the day.

Marty actually helped launch my partner, Jeff Siegel, and I into the horse racing business as owners in 1976.

The first horse we ever owned together was one we claimed from Sidney Martin and his name was... fittingly...was Arrival Time. He was a cheap gelding by Nashua who got us into the winner's circle three times that season at Hollywood Park with Bobby Frankel training him. And the one and only Bill Shoemaker, in the prime of his career, rode Arrival Time. What a thrill!

From that point, there were more to come with Frankel and various other trainers. But those days with Frankel were special as we later had Kasha Knish plus stakes winners Little Mo and Nigreta's Pleasure in partnership with Marty.

Frankel and Marty had a magical relationship back in those days in the claiming game. They made some sensational claims, and a number of those turned into good stakes winners... horses such as Zanthe, No Turning and others. If you are an old-time So. California racing fan they were similar to the Bob Bone-Jeff Mullins team nowadays.

Marty absolutely loved the races and you could count on him being there when he wasn't shooting a movie. And, of course, he was great friends with Walter Matthau as well.

Thanks for bringing up, "Casey's Shadow." As I recall, every one of the 27 movies that Marty directed, including his most acclaimed movies...."Hud," "Sounder," "The Front," and "Norma Rae," all contained a social message and usually it was being in the corner of the little guy, the underdog or the longshot.Mr. Selvin,
I remember an interview with Walter Matthau where I think a reference was made to Mr. Ritt's being blacklisted and consequently playing the horses for a living until he was able to return. Was there any truth to that or is my memory as bad as everyone tells me it is?

Also, I seem to remember reading that Frankel was a very successful handicapper before he became a trainer. Can you confirm that?

Congratulations to you and your partner, Mr. Siegel, on all your success. Several of my fellow players still swear by his selections -- especially after he gave out 6 of 7 and a 2nd to Arcangues in the Breeder's Cup Classic -- and I still use them as an excellent reality check on my own picks since the Herald Examiner folded.

I look forward to your reply.

[Turfday]

AN INTERESTING SIDENOTE is BELOW...


As I noted in this thread in a post above, I had the great fortune to have late thoroughbred owner / director Martin Ritt mentor me when I first got into the horse racing business in the mid-70's.

Marty was first a horseplayer and second a producer/director. He began playing the horses in his native New York and often talked about the "Speed Boys" (Jules Fink?) and being so poor in those days that he needed to win at the track in order to just eat.

Marty wasn't a big gambler...his standard bet was $200 win, and three $20 exactas from his top horse to his next three although at the time (mid-70's), his career as a producer-director was being established. He never reversed those exactas. His favorite expression was either, "who do you have on top?" or "I've go so and so on top."

In fact, Paul Newman's very first "break out" movie was "Hud"...a movie that Marty directed.

To answer Indulto's post above, YES, Marty was on the blacklist.

In fact, another movie Marty directed, "The Front" with Woody Allen was about that VERY subject. Marty lived those times and if you remember the very last line in that great movie....Woody Allen, walking out of meeting with the House Committee on Unamerican Activities, said, "Gentleman, you can all go f u _ k yourselves." That was Marty "talking"...that's what his attitude was.

Marty had fantastic success owning horses with Bobby Frankel, mostly horses they claimed, a number of which turned into good stakes winners. They trusted and respected each other implicitly.

This was exactly the time when Frankel was wheeling and dealing with claiming horses and had such remarkable success with them. If you are old enough to remember the success Frankel had with owner Marion R. Frankel (no relation), Marty's success with Bobby was similar.

I got in on a few with Marty, including the first horse I owned (see above post) and stakes winners Little Mo and Nigreta's Pleasure.

And yes, Indulto, Bobby came up through the ranks initially as a horseplayer. As I recall, he got his first job walking hots for Buddy Jacobs.

HERE'S AN INTERESTING SIDENOTE on MARTIN RITT

The Oscar-winning screenwriter and playwright Paddy Chayefsky grew up in the Bronx, NY. Marty and Paddy got to know each other well from their days in NY.

Marty was a paunchy, lonely, homely guy growing up in New York and worked as butcher in his younger days.

In 1953, (Marty Ritt was about 30 years old at the time), Chayefsky wrote the TV movie, "Marty" starring Rod Steiger with Joe Mantell as his sidekick Angie.

"Marty" the TV movie was then turned into a big screen feature in 1955 also titled, "Marty," starring Ernest Borgnine with Joe Mantell as his sidekick Angie.

Interestingly, both Steiger and Borgnine bore somewhat of a resemblance to Marty Ritt.

Chayefsky's movie, "Marty" won four Oscars that year, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Borgnine) and Best Screenplay (for Chayefsky) and five more Oscar nominations.

The story was about a lonely, homely, paunchy butcher who falls in love with a school teacher.

Chayefsky's inspiration for writing that Oscar winning motion picture was his friendship with Martin Ritt.

Marty also had a special relationship with fellow horseplayer Walter Matthau, who he directed in the 1972 comedy, "Pete and Tillie" with Carol Burnett. Later, of course, he directed Matthau in 1978 in "Casey's Shadow."

When Marty passed away in 1990, there was a big memorial service for him at the Director's Guild theater in Los Angeles. The theater was filled with many, many people from show business.

But it was Walter Matthau who delivered the main eulogy.

[stlseeeek]

2 more good horseracing movies

pharlap

who's harry crumb. whats hotter than john candy is silks.

[ezpace]

4 white socks on a chestnut kiss a death = can't run/win LOL .... good movie

[Indulto]

... To answer Indulto's post above, YES, Marty was on the blacklist.

In fact, another movie Marty directed, "The Front" with Woody Allen was about that VERY subject. Marty lived those times and if you remember the very last line in that great movie....Woody Allen, walking out of meeting with the House Committee on Unamerican Activities, said, "Gentleman, you can all go f u _ k yourselves." That was Marty "talking"...that's what his attitude was.

Marty had fantastic success owning horses with Bobby Frankel, mostly horses they claimed, a number of which turned into good stakes winners. They trusted and respected each other implicitly.

This was exactly the time when Frankel was wheeling and dealing with claiming horses and had such remarkable success with them. If you are old enough to remember the success Frankel had with owner Marion R. Frankel (no relation), Marty's success with Bobby was similar.

I got in on a few with Marty, including the first horse I owned (see above post) and stakes winners Little Mo and Nigreta's Pleasure.

And yes, Indulto, Bobby came up through the ranks initially as a horseplayer. As I recall, he got his first job walking hots for Buddy Jacobs.

Mr. Selvin,
Thanks for responding. The legends of savvy insiders like Messrs. Ritt and Frankel have always influenced my play. Your citing the successful Bone-Mullins relationship confirms my own observations.

I don't remember who owned Barometer, but I attended the Surburban the year he won, and MY mentor moved me onto him telling me that Frankel was the "best in the business," but that NY fans still didn't get it, so even though he didn't look as if he had the class, he was a contender, if not an overlay. That was my first bet on a Frankel horse, but I assure you it wasn't my last.
I don't think he ever got the publicity he deserved until Empire Maker won the Wood.

Was the Buddy Jacobs you referred to actually Buddy Jacobson? On my last visit to Saratoga in 1986, my winning streak started with a DD wheel on a Jacobson turf horse who had been running in NJ. His (Jacobson's) premature passing was tragic.

Thanks again for sharing your memories, including the "Marty" revelations.

[BlueShoe]

A funny remembrance about Walter Matthau;he once was a guest caller at Santa Anita and called a live race.As the horses arrived at the gate he announced in a flat monotone,"it is now post time".There was about a five second pause and then,in a much cheerier voice,he came over the PA and said,"that means that you only have two more minutes to bet".Got quite a laugh from the large weekend crowd.

[Dan Montilion]

BlueShoe,

I recall Matthau calling perhaps the same race. He called the first couple horses and then said "follwed by", a long pause and then he said "the other horses".

[Dan Montilion]

And here I thought the thread would be about Gary Coleman's "The Trifecta Kid" :lol:
Aka... "The CashCall Kid"

[46zilzal]

A funny remembrance about Walter Matthau;he once was a guest caller at Santa Anita and called a live race.As the horses arrived at the gate he announced in a flat monotone,"it is now post time".There was about a five second pause and then,in a much cheerier voice,he came over the PA and said,"that means that you only have two more minutes to bet".Got quite a laugh from the large weekend crowd.
I actually tried (before I recognized who he was) to talk him OFF a horse in the Hollywood park clubhouse but he wouldn't listen to me. Bet around $500 and the mare ran short at 7 frulongs just like I said she would. Found me later and said "Should have listened to you!"

[kgonzales]

with Elliot Gould and George Segal, Directed by Robert Altman.

Thought I was familiar with most of Altman's stuff, but had never heard of this. Fantastic! Not strictly a racing movie, a gambling movie, somewhat more accurately, but some great scenes shot at the track (and bars and card rooms and casinos).

This was released in 1974 and was the first time Altman used multi-track sound recording, to great effect.

[Murph]

Walter Matthau;sic)Found me later and said "Should have listened to you!"You are SO full of crap .. I can't describe it properly. Even if I believe WM acknowledged you before the race.

Murph

[banacek]

Not strictly a racing movie, a gambling movie, somewhat more accurately, but some great scenes shot at the track (and bars and card rooms and casinos).

"Let it Ride" for me!

But my favourite gambling movie is "The Gambler" with James Caan about the same time (74?). He's a bit of degenerate gambler, but there is one scene where he is in "the zone". He has 18 at Blackjack and he says "hit me". His girlfriend doesn 't get understand. The dealer doesn't understand. Then Caan says give me the three. (something like that). Of course the next card is a 3.

But as a horseplayer I have had maybe 4 or 5 days in 30+ years where it felt like that. I knew who was going to win. There was no doubt in my mind.

I wish I could have bottled that!

[betovernetcapper]

I haven't seen it for a while, but there's a brilliant scene in which Richard Drufus is standing in a washroom stall trying to make a deal with God on the outcome of a race. I thought at the time " YEAH-I've been there ". I think that movie really captured some of experiences of being a horseplayer.

[Turfday]

Vince Edwards......had the huge hit show, Dr. Casey (Ben Casey) for many years on TV. Never missed a day at the track when he wasn't on the set.

[BlueShoe]

For those getting the TCM channel,"The Killing" is airing this Thursday night;10:45 PM in my area,check your local listings.Not strictly a racing movie,much of it was filmed at Bay Meadows.The plot involves the robbery of a race track during the running of the feature race.No elaborite sets or special effects,it was shot in black and white on a limited budget.Fine acting performances by all cast members.Particularly good are Elisha Cook as the timid bullied mutual clerk and Marie Windsor as his evil unfaithful wife.A young Vince Edwards has a small part in this film,and as mentioned earlier,he was a regular at SoCal tracks in real life.Interesting look back at what a racetrack looked like half a century ago.One of my all time favorite films.

[boomman]

I think I've seen most of the horse racing movies out there including several discussed in this thread, but man if there's a better horse racing movie than Seabiscuit, I sure want to see it! Here's the 2nd Thumbs up!!:ThmbUp:

Boomer

[ranchwest]

I enjoyed Casey's Shadow a lot. I used to see Lloyd Romero at Delta Downs a lot. I got to meet him briefly one night. He was always a sharp dresser, wearing cowboy outfits most (all?) of the time. He was one of those guys who didn't seem to dress to show off, he dressed to please himself. He was very nice.

I also thought Let It Ride was a classic. Somebody on here uses a tagline from the movie, the one about the horse being the one they let kids ride. Funny line.

[beertapper]

the movie "The hustler" is a good gambling flick..delves alot into the psyche etc.. not about horse racing, although part of the movie takes place at Churchill downs i think... some great acting and dialogue..

[Hajck Hillstrom]

The Grifters wasn't a bad flick with a racing backdrop. I always find it funny when they try to pass one track off as another. Angelica Huston drives south from L.A. to lay off some cash at a track and ends up at Turf Paradise.

Another of this ilk was Factotum, a film based on the life of Neil Drysdale's buddy, Charlie Bukowski. While bouncing around L.A., he ends up at the local track, Canterbury Park, in Shakopee Minnesota. He even managed to break the time/space continuum as Canterbury "Downs" didn't even open until 1985.

[46zilzal]

Last scene in that Stanley Kubrik movie is priceless at the airport with Sterling Hayden (Johnny Clay).

FWIW I love the show about the All American Futurity Casey's Shadow..

[cj]

The Longshot, with Tim Conway and Harvey Corman is hilarious.

[BillW]

Conway is the greatest. He is going to be at the Horsepark when I'm in Lexington. :jump:

[boomman]

Conway is the greatest. He is going to be at the Horsepark when I'm in Lexington. :jump:

I met Tim Conway a few years ago at Del Mar. A GREAT guy, and has that hysterical persona that we all know of from his days on TV. He was once asked when he had a horse in a race what the jockey and trainer were discussing. He said "they're just trying to figure out how this horse can make it around the track"!:D

Boomer

[CyberBet]

Of course there is Seabiscuit and Let It Ride.

Someone else mentioned PharLap. An excellent movie.

There is also one called Champions. Too bad it is nearly impossible to find here in the US. Check out the link.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085320/usercomments

[46zilzal]

My Brother Talks to Horses
Salty O'Rourke
The Return of October
Boots Malone
Riding High
Day at the Races
Broadway Bill

many very corny but interesting

Champions is all the more a good one as it is a true story about a champion steeplechaser and rider who both come back from health problems to win the Grand National.

[njcurveball]

How bout Wise Guys with Piscopo, Devito, and Capt. Lou Albano?

Some of it was even filmed at the Meadowlands.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092226/

It is a good watch for any racing fan.


Jim

[Hosshead]

Anybody see ? :

"The Rocking Horse Winner" - British - (1949 ) B/W
Starring John Mills

[the little guy]

Anybody see ? :

"The Rocking Horse Winner" - British - (1949 ) B/W
Starring John Mills


I never saw the movie, but the short story ( DH Lawrence...right? ) is great.

[the little guy]

The Grifters wasn't a bad flick with a racing backdrop. I always find it funny when they try to pass one track off as another. Angelica Huston drives south from L.A. to lay off some cash at a track and ends up at Turf Paradise.

Another of this ilk was Factotum, a film based on the life of Neil Drysdale's buddy, Charlie Bukowski. While bouncing around L.A., he ends up at the local track, Canterbury Park, in Shakopee Minnesota. He even managed to break the time/space continuum as Canterbury "Downs" didn't even open until 1985.


I too enjoyed Factotum. You're right, it was funny that the track used was Canterbury, considering when the story supposedly takes place. I guess Bukowski was somewhat of a fixture at the LA tracks.

I love " The Grifters " as well and recommend that anybody that hasn't seen " The Killing " watch it Thursday night. It's such a great movie. I always wondered if Tarantino didn't use it at least a little for " Reservoir Dogs ".

[Hosshead]

I never saw the movie, but the short story ( DH Lawrence...right? ) is great.Yes, that's the one. An eerie, but great old movie.

[Vigors]

I had to go over these 4 pages to see that NO ONE mentioned one of

the most recent ( with a very good cast ) horse racing flicks....

Starring a former "James Bond".......

Filmed next to the Pacific Ocean.......

Starts with the letter "H"

Five letter word " The _ _ _ _ _ "


I do appreicate those who have contributed to this thread, as
I would have missed many of which I haven't seen


P. S. There is one more ( which I think was missed ) which I was an
extra in ( although we're now called "Atmospher" ) Fantastic cast and
Director, but luke-warm story, ...." A FINE MESS "

P.P.S. sorry 46zilzal, I missed your link....my nose sometimes get's in the way when I'm reading...

[Skanoochies]

If I`m not mistaken that same Sid Martin is still training today at Hastings park. He started out in B.C. and moved to Cal. for several years, returning here about 12/15 years ago.

[cash2]

I vote for Champions myself. True story and fantastic racing footage. Also, even though racing was only a minor sub plot, I'll throw in The Pope of Greenwich Village shot in part at Monmouth Park. Go way way back and there's Kentucky. I only remember this because of the wonderful line Walter Brennan delivers...(paraphasing from memory) "Easy street? There's only one house on easy street, boy, and that's the POOR HOUSE!"