Director: Charles Lamont
Writers: Ewart Adamson (screenplay), Harry Beresford (original story)
Stars: Gordon Jones, Marsha Hunt, C. Henry Gordon
Genre: Drama
Review: Well, this film is proof that while 1939 is a legendary year in Hollywood history, not everything that debuted that year was gold. This film, while not bad, wasn't particularly good either and is, at best, an inoffensive time-passer. Well, not exactly inoffensive...many will blanch at the black character in the film. He's very stereotypical and calls his boss "Massa Jeff"...and rather painful to watch.
The film begins with rich horse owner Harry Davenport losing yet another race. His horses just keep losing again and again...until he's broke and miserable. While Davenport's character sees the logic of this next series of moves, I sure didn't. He releases his prize horse into the wild AND fakes his own death.
A bit later, Gordon Jones is down and out after an injury and feeling sorry for himself. He moves in with a jockey friend (George E. Stone--who, while small, is way too big to be a jockey at 5' 3½") and soon discovers the prize horse in a roundup of wild horses. He buys it for a pittance because he sees potential in the animal. Soon, Marsha Hunt (Davenport's granddaughter) meets up with old friend Jones (who, incidentally, was hurt saving her life) and they form a partnership--and plan to race their new horse.
Along the way, there is a baddie who is apparently quite the cheat and was responsible for Davenport's losses--paying the jockey to throw the races. So it's up to Hunt and Jones to win the "big race" and save the day.
The film is jam-packed with clichés, a bit simple but also pleasant and watchable. For someone who isn't too demanding or loves old movies (even the fair ones), this is worth a look. Just don't expect GONE WITH THE WIND or GOODBYE MR. CHIPS!
UPDATE: I just watched Frank Capra's Broadway BILL (1934). I was surprised to see that major portions of this film were the same as LONG SHOT! So much for originality.Watch Long Shot (1939) Movie Streaming Online For Free
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